Can I Give a Puppy Liquid Meal Replacements?

There are a variety of circumstances under which puppies might need to eat liquid foods. Orphans and newborns who are not developing properly will need to be bottle fed. Sick puppies are especially susceptible to dehydration and other illnesses. Puppies should never be given liquid food without a consultation with a vet, so if you're concerned that your puppy is not getting adequate nutrition, contact your vet immediately.

  1. Puppy Milk

    • The most common circumstance under which puppies will need a liquid meal replacement is when they are not getting adequate nutrition from their mother. Orphans and puppies who are unable to nurse should never be given human or goat milk. Instead, purchase a puppy milk replacer. These are available at many pet stores as well as vet's offices. In most cases, you'll need to feed your puppy through a bottle, and very young puppies may need to be fed through an eye dropper. Consult with your vet to determine how much food your puppy should get and how frequently it should be fed.

    Enhancement and Supplementation

    • Some puppies nurse from their mothers, but receive inadequate nutrition. This is often because the puppies are bullied by their siblings and not permitted to nurse for sufficient periods of time -- or because there is some nutrient deficiency in the mother's milk. If your puppy is losing weight or seems weak and lethargic, contact your vet immediately. He may direct you to give your puppy a milk enhancer, which will help your puppy to grow and develop appropriately. Just like puppies being given milk replacement, you will likely need to feed your puppy through a bottle or eye dropper.

    Human Liquid Diets

    • Puppies should never be given liquid meal replacements intended for people, even on a short-term basis. In some circumstances, a vet may direct you to give your puppy an electrolyte replacer designed for children, but you should never do this without consulting with your vet. If your puppy has accidentally ingested a small amount of liquid meal replacement intended for humans, it will not kill your puppy but may cause diarrhea or constipation. Consult your vet if the bowel difficulties do not go away after 12 hours -- or if your puppy seems lethargic or sick.

    Other Liquid Diets

    • Older puppies who are vomiting or have diarrhea are susceptible to dehydration and malnutrition. If your puppy is vomiting, avoid giving it food or treats and contact your veterinarian immediately. Continue to give your puppy access to water. Puppies who have recently been weaned may have difficulty transitioning to dog food. Your vet may direct you to soak dry food in warm water to give it an easily ingested liquid consistency. In extreme cases, you may need to give your puppy this liquid diet through an eye dropper or syringe, but never do so without guidance from your veterinarian.