RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
NEVER give a pup cows milk.
I'm a breeder and when I get pups that need to be bottle fed I use goats milk. You can buy it in a can in the grocer store down most baking isles. Or sometimes in the milk case. Fresh goats milk by the quart. You will need to dilute it half and half so its not too strong. At 3 to 4 weeks old you can start the pup on dry food moistened with warm goats milk to make it soft and add a little bit of baby jarred meat from gerber- prefer turkey or chicken its easier on tummy.
At first put a little on your finger to get them to lick it. Make sure if pups don't have teeth yet to smoosh it up and add more liquid like thinned out oatmeal. As they get use to it over the next couple weeks thicken it up. and by 8 weeks old you should be able to just moisten the dry puppy food with warm water. I have raised many of pups like this and they all turned out healthy! Good luck!
Oh yes. In a previous post someone mentioned nutrical. You can get this from petco or petsmart as well. If a puppy was small or a small breed I would use this once a day as well too. Its great source of vitamins and minerals also provides protein, and calories for the pup as well as glucose(sugar) for small pups so they don't go into hypoglycemic shock. Good luck.
Posted on 01/17/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
Dear Kesley from Oklahoma,
After reading all of the feedback, some of which sounded like excellent advice from people who've successfully and responsibly cared for puppies, all I can say is take your puppy to a highly recommended local vet immediately. It sounds like you(and your family?) have not been given much guidance about the proper care of your dog. This is a huge responsibility and if proper food, vaccinations, loving socialization with humans and other animals, toys, exercise, etc.,etc. are not going to be provided for the puppy (who is completly dependant on you/your family's care), it could end in disaster. You need to know about preventing Parvo (which always ends in death), flea, tick and heartworm infestations, rabies vaccinations, mange, etc.
Please take your puppy to a vet and give it the best care possible. The are also tests to determine "what your puppy is." This puppy is a family member who you've all chosen to and welcomed into your home. It needs medical care, just like a baby, to have a healthy start and a long life.
There are training books or information in the pet store, at the library, and on line. But one thing is for sure, it costs money to be a pet owner (some dogs more, some less) Even with pet insurance, things are going to need to be provided for your pet--spay or neutering, vet bills for well and illness care, toys, bed, grooming, (don't forget doggie toothbrush and doggie toothpaste--never the human kind!!), so really make sure that your family is in it for the "long haul."
Forgive me for sounding so stern. I don't mean to, but the very nature of your question--about what to feed a very young puppy, raised a red flag for me about the family's readiness for such a serious responsibility.
I wish you and the puppy very well and a long, healthy life together. (My beloved cocker spaniel lived until she was 15 years old (1952-1967) and had to be put to sleep after being diagnosed with cancer. She was my dearest childhood friend.I hope the same will be true for you!)
Posted on 07/24/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
I had this problem this week. We adopted an 8 week old puppy on Monday and it's Thursday. She hadn't been eating well....and constantly whining. So I thought and thought. I didn't have time to go to the store, not until later tonight.
I opened a can of Veg-All and warmed it up in the microwave. I put some of her kibble (Blue Buffalo puppy) in her bowl and put 2 spoonfulls of the veg-all on top. Then I drizzled some extra virgin olive oil on top...stirred it up and let it sit to soak in.
She gobbled it up. Thankfully she now had a full tummy and is taking a nap. =)
Posted on 05/29/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
I fed a litter of great Pyrenees pups from the time. They were 5 days old. A breeder gave me a recipe for formula that worked great. It was a can of pet milk, 1 cup of plain whole fat yogurt, 1 can of baby food beef, and a can of water. Just mix up in the blender. They grew fine and seemed very satisfied.
Posted on 05/28/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
how old does my puppy have to be when I start giving her puppy food ?
Posted on 02/02/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
Hi. We have just become the owners of a 10 week old puppy in Mexico. she is used to eating people food and won't eat he puppy food that we got from the vet. Any ideas how to get her to eat puppy food. Thanx.
Posted on 02/01/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
we have 7 almost 3 week old boxer pups when can they start eating food other than there mothers milk?
yes like i said we have 7 almost 3 week old boxer puppies and they are showing there teeth, (this is are first litter). so when can we start feeding them something othere than there mothers milk?
Posted on 01/27/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
I'm guessing since this was posted 8 months ago the dog is old enough to eat food now!!
Posted on 01/22/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
contact a vet and get professional advise and don't give your pup cow's milk!!! Contrary to popular belief, cats aren't suppose to drink cow's milk and neither are dogs. Your pup is too young to eat dog food also so please call your local vet.
Posted on 01/22/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
Our Shieba Inu mother dog was let out to go pee one day, and never returned. Long story short, we were left raising 4 sweet one week old puppies. So I also went to Walmart and bought the puppy formula they sell, and began bottle feeding them. Right now the are almost 3 half weeks old. So cute, but this is getting very expensive, since we go through a can every week or earlier. So reading all these entrys have made me feel so much better knowing I can soon start feeding them dry food, and just moisten it. Yea! Thank you!
Posted on 11/14/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
how old do the puppies (boxer) need to be to start the soft food then the dry food?
Posted on 11/03/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
I have a rescue basset hound that I later found out was pregnant. Her pups are now 3.5 weeks and love the soggy dry food (play in it more than eat it!). Now at this age, how much should I be feeding them? There are 3 basset hound pups and I've just started feeding them this soggy food yesterday (just gave a bit). What are normal "portions" and how fast and by how much do you increase this?
Thank you!
Edwyna
edwynalaughton@yahoo.ca
Posted on 06/30/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
try mixing her dog food with water and letting it set until it gets soft then you can mush it up with a spoon and you might have to force her to eat at first but she should get the hang of it. if not there is the baby bottle just make sure you get pet sized you can usally get them from a farm and ranch store and if needed their is milk substitue for animals
Posted on 05/23/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
I've raised plenty of litters and the best thing is to get a formula from the vet and mix it with Weetabix until it's a sloppy mixture - make it about body temp, never cold (remember Mum's milk was body temp, so thats what they need!) and give it to the pup. They love it!
Good luck
Ladyshot
Posted on 05/21/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
It seems that bit about not feeding dairy products or any people food to dogs is simply a myth.
Several veterinarians have advised us to feed a mix of evaporated milk and corn syrup. Veterinarians have also told us to add scrambled egg to the mix as the puppies get a little older.
We adopted a new family member from the shelter and he had more bacteria in his stool than what the vet said he should have. He advised feeding a spoon of yogurt ever day.
Raw meat may be one of the best things to feed a dog.
Posted on 05/20/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
In reply to Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
And for anyone wondering as many do about what to do with an abandoned or neglected puppy:
As with any dog be sure they see a vet for shots and check ups and never feed them anything that isn't designed for canine.
Feeding the puppy can be quite simple and easy, if the teeth are showing then they have some ability to chew. Simply take puppy food and saturate it with water, whisk or blend with a mixer or blender after water is absorbed and serve to puppy, start with a really soupy mix and gradually thicken as the days go on. Placing the pups front paws in the food will entice them to eat.
By 4-5 weeks they will be able to eat unblended moist kibble. By 5-6 weeks they should be able to eat dry kibble. Be sure to serve plenty of water and never feed a puppy people food or milk products unless specially designed for puppies. Good luck and have fun.
By Barbie
Posted on 05/20/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
I would try slightly warmed baby food such as the liver or chicken flavors. Later, I would start mixing in dry food, letting it stand long enough so that the dry food softens (or soften with water as stated above or with chicken or vegetable broth.) Then I'd gradually lessen the amount of baby food, until the dog is on dry only. This gradual approach will assure that the pup's stomach doesn't get upset with the abrupt change in diet.
Posted on 05/09/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
The Mother dog slows down on breast feeding puppies when they are 2 weeks old anyway. I take can dog food and put some on my finger and let the puppies start sucking it off. I do this several times a day. It takes about a week doing this before they learn to eat. The 3rd week of their lives the puppies are eating and the mother is nursing them even less. By the end of 3 1/2 week they are eating soggy dry dog food.
Posted on 05/08/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
Our local Walmart carries Bitch's milk and bottles. It mixes up just like powder baby formula. You will find it in the pet supply area. You will probabley need to puncture the nipple with a hot straight pin. Most do not have holes in them. Start off with that for a few days then introduce some wet can food a little bit at a time. Don't except the pup to drink from a bottle just like a baby. They usually suck a bottle from the corner of their mouth. I feed our puppy around every 4 hours while bottle feeding. You will know when the pup is hungry because she will whine and cry. Now is a great time to start paper training the pup if she's going to be a house dog. Buy the puppy training pads and place the pup on it everytime you take her out of her basket, carrier or ect. We have had our pup for 2 weeks and she will whine when she has to potty too. Good luck
Posted on 05/07/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
My family raised 21 puppies totally by hand from the time they were two weeks old. The vet's office gave me a recipe consisting of evaporated milk, boiled water, white corn syrup and infant vitamins instead of suggesting I buy the prepared formula (he knew we couldn't afford that for 21 pups). When the pups reached about 6 weeks of age we started feeding them puppy chow that we had sogged with warm water. All of the pups survived, and we kept one who is still quite healthy. I can't remember the ratios, but I'm sure most, if not all, vets know this recipe or something similar.
Posted on 05/07/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
Talk to your vet or local pet supply store about Nuti-Cal. It comes in a tube and is a feeding supplement for puppies too young to feed. Also, you might try getting Gerber Baby Food, meats. There's beef, chicken, turkey, veal, ham. Give a little of this mixed in with some kibble mush. No milk!!!!!!!! Our teacup chihuahua weighed only 11 oz. when we brought her home 2 years ago and these things seemed to work great for her. Also, watch the pup's water intake as very young puppies can get dehydrated quickly. Our vet gave me a syringe with the needle removed so I could shoot some Nutra-cal and then some water (not too much at a time!) into Mitzi's mouth. She's now a robust 2 year old and weighs in at a whopping 4 lbs.!!!!!!! Also, she still likes her baby food and won't eat her meals unless I put just a little on top and smear it around. What a spoiled brat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on 05/07/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
Feeding the puppy can be quite simple and easy...if the teeth are showing then they have some ability to chew....simply take puppy food and saturate it with water, whisk or blend with a mixer or blender after water is absorbed and serve to puppy start with a really soupy mix and gradually thicken as the days go on..placing the pups front paws in the food will entice them to eat......by 4-5 weeks they will beable to eat unblended moist kibble and 5-6 they should beable to eat dry kibble...be sure to serve plenty of water and never feed a puppy people food or milk products unless specially designed for puppies.....good luck and have fun......
Posted on 05/07/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Feeding a Puppy That Can't Eat Dry Food Yet
You're not supposed to give puppies "people" milk. If you will check at your local Wal-Mart or contact your vet, there is a milk replacement for puppies. I raise Yorkies and what I do when they first start on food is to put a small amount of dry food in a bowl with hot water, make sure the food is covered. Let this sit until it cools off to lukewarm and it should have absorbed the water by now and it makes a soft dog food they can eat. Don't give them canned dog food, this will often times give the little guys diaharrea. Good Luck with your puppy!!
Posted on 05/06/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse
|
