Can You Use Baby Formula for Puppies? What Vets Want You to Know

Finding yourself with a newborn puppy that needs feeding but no puppy formula on hand can be stressful. I’ve been there – frantically searching the cabinets at 2 AM wondering if that container of baby formula could save the day! It’s a common question that many new puppy owners or rescuers face in emergency situations

Today, I’m diving deep into whether human baby formula is a safe option for puppies, what vets recommend, and the best alternatives to keep those little furballs healthy and thriving.

The Quick Answer: Is Baby Formula Safe for Puppies?

Yes, human baby formula can be given to puppies in emergency situations, but it’s not ideal for long-term use. Baby formula doesn’t contain all the specific nutrients puppies need for proper growth and development

As a pet parent who’s fostered several litters, I’ve learned that while human baby formula might work in a pinch, getting a proper puppy milk replacer should be your top priority.

Why Puppies Might Need Milk Replacers

There are several scenarios where puppies might need formula:

• Mom isn’t around: Perhaps you’ve rescued an orphaned puppy or the mother passed away
• Mom won’t feed them: Sometimes mothers reject their puppies or the entire litter
• Smaller puppies getting left out: In larger litters, smaller puppies might struggle to compete for milk
• Mom not producing enough milk: Some mother dogs don’t produce sufficient milk for their entire litter

According to veterinarians, identifying when a puppy needs supplemental feeding is crucial for their survival. The sooner you recognize the need, the better their chances of thriving.

Signs Your Puppy Needs Milk Supplementation

Watch for these warning signs of malnutrition in puppies:

• Physical appearance issues: Flaky skin, thin fur, visible weight loss
• Inconsistent bowel movements: Lack of regular bathroom habits
• Stunted growth: Noticeably smaller than littermates
• Constant crying: Hungry puppies will cry more frequently
• Lethargy: Lack of normal puppy energy and movement

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to consider supplemental feeding – but ideally with proper puppy formula.

Puppy Formula vs. Human Baby Formula: What’s the Difference?

While they might seem similar, puppy formula and human baby formula have important differences:

As one canine nutritionist explained, “Feeding puppies with baby formula can provide essential nutrients for their growth and development, but it is crucial to follow the recommended feeding guidelines to prevent overfeeding or nutritional imbalances.”

Emergency Homemade Puppy Formula Options

If you’re truly in a bind and can’t get commercial puppy formula immediately, here are two emergency recipes from Maddie’s Fund that veterinarians recommend:

Emergency Recipe #1:

• 1 cup whole goat’s milk (not cow’s milk)
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup

Emergency Recipe #2:

• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 drop liquid pediatric vitamin (optional)

IMPORTANT: These should only be used for 24-48 hours until you can get proper puppy formula! I made the mistake of using homemade formula too long with my first rescue litter, and we ended up with some digestive issues.

How to Properly Bottle-Feed a Puppy

If you find yourself needing to bottle-feed a puppy, whether with commercial puppy formula or an emergency substitute, follow these steps:

1. Position correctly: Always feed puppies on their stomachs with heads upright, never on their backs like human babies
2. Use proper equipment: Use a bottle with a small hole in the nipple where milk drips slowly
3. Allow natural sucking: Puppy should suck milk out rather than having it drip into mouth
4. Avoid overfeeding: Don’t force-feed or overfill mouth (can cause pneumonia!)
5. Maintain temperature: Formula should be warm (around 100°F) but not hot
6. Burp after feeding: Gently pat puppy’s back after feeding
7. Monitor weight: Weigh puppies regularly to ensure proper growth

We lost a puppy in our rescue network last year because someone fed the pup on its back like a human baby. The formula went into the lungs causing aspiration pneumonia. Please be extra careful with positioning!

Commercial Puppy Milk Replacers: The Safest Option

When possible, commercial puppy milk replacers are always the best choice. These products are specifically formulated to mimic the nutritional profile of mother’s milk.

Popular brands include:

• Esbilac
• PetAg
• Goat’s Milk Esbilac
• Just Born
• GNC Milk Replacer

These products come in both powder and liquid forms. I personally prefer the powder version because it’s easier to store and you can mix only what you need.

How Much and How Often to Feed Puppies

Feeding frequency depends on the puppy’s age:

• 1-2 weeks old: Feed every 2-3 hours, even overnight
• 2-3 weeks old: Feed every 3-4 hours
• 3-4 weeks old: Feed every 4-5 hours
• 4+ weeks old: Begin transitioning to solid foods

As a general rule, puppies need about 1 ml of formula per ounce of body weight per feeding. But always follow the specific instructions on your chosen formula.

I remember the sleepless nights of setting alarms every 2 hours to feed my foster litter – it’s basically like having a newborn baby!

The Dangers of Using Human Baby Formula Long-Term

While human baby formula might work for a day or two in an emergency, veterinarians warn against using it long-term due to potential risks:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Missing key nutrients for puppy development
• Digestive upset: Diarrhea or constipation due to improper formulation
• Growth issues: Poor bone and muscle development
• Immune system weakness: Increased susceptibility to illness
• Long-term health problems: Can impact overall health into adulthood

One puppy breeder noted, “Supplementing mother’s milk with baby formula can be a practical solution for puppies with large litter sizes or mothers with insufficient milk production, but it is essential to monitor the puppies’ health and weight gain closely.”

Transitioning From Bottle to Bowl

Around 4-6 weeks of age, puppies can begin transitioning from bottle feeding to eating from a bowl. Here’s how:

1. Start by putting the milk replacer directly into a shallow bowl
2. Introduce softened puppy food mixed with formula
3. Gradually decrease the amount of formula and increase solid food
4. By 6-8 weeks, puppies should be mostly on solid puppy food

In my experience, this is the messiest part of raising puppies – they’ll walk through the bowl, tip it over, and generally create chaos! But it’s also adorable watching them figure out how to lap up food.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Always consult a veterinarian when:

• You’re unsure about the puppy’s nutritional needs
• The puppy is losing weight despite feeding
• You notice vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
• The puppy refuses to eat
• You suspect any health issues

As the PetSmart guide states, “If you are wondering whether or not a puppy in your life needs a puppy milk replacer, then you should contact a veterinarian immediately. They are the best and most trusted source of information regarding your pet’s diet.”

Never Use These as Puppy Milk Replacers

Some common household items should never be used as puppy milk replacers:

• Regular cow’s milk: Causes diarrhea and digestive upset
• Skim or low-fat milk: Lacks necessary fat content
• Plant-based milks: Missing essential nutrients
• Human infant formula alone: Not properly balanced for puppies
• Condensed sweetened milk: Too much sugar and wrong nutrient profile

We had a well-meaning neighbor who gave orphaned puppies regular cow’s milk, and they ended up with severe diarrhea that required veterinary treatment. Stick to proper replacements!

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared for Emergencies

If you’re breeding dogs or work with rescues, I strongly recommend keeping commercial puppy formula on hand at all times. Having proper supplies ready can make all the difference in an emergency.

Remember that while human baby formula might work as a short-term emergency solution, it’s not ideal for long-term puppy nutrition. Your ultimate goal should always be to provide proper nutrition through either mother’s milk or a specifically formulated commercial puppy milk replacer.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding the health and nutrition of your pets.

A puppy replacement formula is a specially designed food for orphaned puppies or those with insufficient mother’s milk, available commercially as powder or liquid, or as an emergency homemade recipe from ingredients like evaporated milk, egg yolks, and corn syrup. It’s crucial to use a formula with proper nutrition, as cow’s milk is unsuitable for puppies. If your puppy needs a replacement formula, contact a veterinarian immediately, as they can go downhill quickly.

No, puppies should not drink human baby formula as it lacks the necessary nutrients for canine growth and can cause digestive upset due to lactose. Instead, use a milk replacer specifically formulated for puppies, available at pet stores or veterinary clinics. In an emergency, you can contact a veterinarian to get an appropriate milk replacer or a surrogate mother, as human formula poses risks like diarrhea and nutritional deficiencies.

No, dogs should not have baby formula as it lacks essential nutrients and contains ingredients, such as lactose, that can cause digestive upset like diarrhea and vomiting. For puppies, use a veterinarian-recommended milk replacer specifically formulated for canines or consult your vet for appropriate, species-specific nutrition.

Puppies can only drink their mother’s milk or a specially formulated puppy milk replacer. Other types of milk, such as cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or plant-based alternatives, are not appropriate because they are difficult to digest, lack essential nutrients, or can cause gastrointestinal upset. If a puppy needs a milk substitute, purchase a commercial puppy formula from a pet store or consult your veterinarian for emergency homemade recipes, which should only be used as a last resort.