How to Raise a Puppy on a Bottle

Bottle-feeding a puppy allows you to raise it without access to a mother. Some people prefer this method because it instantly forms a bond with the new dog, and some trainers believe it is a good starting place for the pets. Providing enough nutrition for the puppy to thrive and grow is essential. Due to the differing sizes of dogs and the varying growth rates, you need to consider the time commitment and amount of formula required to properly raise the animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle
  • Water
  • Formula
  • Heating source
  • Measuring tool for formula
  • Scale
  • Size log
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a bottle with an appropriate nipple size for the mouth of your puppy. Using a baby bottle works well for larger puppies; you just need to poke additional holes in the nipple, as the sucking process for the puppy is not as strong as that of a human.

    • 2

      Buy formula or make it at home. You can purchase puppy formula at most pet stores, or you can make your own version by following recipes available at places such as leerburg.com.

    • 3

      Boil the water before mixing the formula. This sterilizes the water so as not to make the puppies ill. Be sure to let the water cool before mixing it with the formula or feeding it to the puppy.

    • 4

      Mix the formula in the water, and heat the formula to slightly warmer than room temperature. This aids in the digestion process, just as it does for babies, and makes the ingestion comfortable.

    • 5

      Feed the puppy 1 cc of fluid per ounce of body weight every three hours. Just like a baby, a puppy cannot hold enough food to keep it satisfied for more than a few hours.

    • 6

      Burp the puppy after the feeding to help prevent discomfort or vomiting of the food.

    • 7

      Log your feeding times and the weight of the puppy on paper or a computer. This helps you verify that the puppy is growing and also keeps track of your feeding times.

    • 8

      Adjust feeding times as the puppy grows and can take in more food at each serving. You should be able to adjust feeding times by one hour per week of life.