ID tags and microchips for puppies
Feeding a newborn puppy is different from feeding an adult dog. Puppies are delicate and require special care and attention. Puppies rely solely on their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of their lives, but in some cases, the mother may not be able to produce enough milk or may not be present. In such cases, the pup needs to be fed formula milk. In this article, we will discuss the puppy formula feeding chart and how to feed a newborn puppy.
Why Do Puppies Need Formula?
Newborn puppies need a lot of nutrition to grow and develop. They need to get all the necessary nutrients from their mother’s milk. The mother’s milk is rich in antibodies that help protect the newborn puppy from illnesses. However, in some cases, the mother may not produce enough milk or may not be available to feed the puppy. This is where puppy formula comes in.
Puppy formula is specially designed to provide all the necessary nutrients that a newborn puppy needs to grow and develop. Puppy formula is available in powder or liquid form and can be purchased from pet stores or online. Puppy formula contains a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are essential for the puppy’s growth.
When to Start Feeding Puppies Formula
Newborn puppies should be fed formula milk if they are orphaned, if the mother is not producing enough milk, or if the mother is not present. Puppies should be fed formula milk from birth until they are six weeks old. After six weeks, the puppies can start to eat solid food, and the formula can be gradually phased out.
How Often Should Puppies Be Fed Formula?
Newborn puppies should be fed formula milk every two hours for the first few weeks of their lives. As the puppies grow, the frequency of feeding can be reduced. By the time the puppies reach four weeks old, they can be fed formula milk every four hours.
How Much Formula Should Puppies Be Fed?
The amount of formula that a puppy needs depends on its weight and age. The general rule of thumb is to feed the puppy 1/4 to 1/2 an ounce of formula per pound of body weight every two hours. For example, a 1-pound puppy should be fed 1/4 to 1/2 an ounce of formula every two hours.
Puppy Formula Feeding Chart
The following is a puppy formula feeding chart that shows how much formula a puppy should be fed based on its weight and age.
Age (weeks) Weight in pounds Amount of formula per day
1 1 12-15 ounces
2 2 16-20 ounces
3 3 20-24 ounces
4 4 24-30 ounces
5 5 30-36 ounces
6 6 36-42 ounces
The above chart provides a general guideline for how much formula a puppy should be fed. It is essential to monitor the puppy’s weight and adjust the amount of formula accordingly.
How to Prepare Puppy Formula
Puppy formula can be purchased in powder or liquid form. In either case, it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing and storing the formula. The following are the general steps for preparing puppy formula:
- Wash your hands and the feeding equipment thoroughly.
- Mix the powder formula with warm water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using liquid formula, shake well before use.
- Test the temperature of the formula by placing a few drops on your wrist. The formula should be warm, but not hot.
- Place the puppy in a comfortable position and hold the feeding bottle at a slight angle.
- Allow the puppy to suckle the formula until it is full. The puppy will stop suckling when it is full.
- Burp the puppy by gently patting its back to release any trapped air.
- Clean the feeding equipment thoroughly after each use.
Feeding a newborn puppy can be challenging, but it is essential for the puppy’s growth and development. Puppy formula is specially designed to provide all the necessary nutrients that a newborn puppy needs. The puppy formula feeding chart provides a general guideline for how much formula a puppy should be fed based on its weight and age. It is essential to monitor the puppy’s weight and adjust the amount of formula accordingly. With proper care and attention, a newborn puppy can grow into a healthy and happy adult dog.
