If you are tackling the job of mama for baby puppies or cats, don't let them aspirate (breath in) their milk, as it can cause respiratory problems and death. Feed only small amounts, and more often without allowing pup to overeat then vomit, and can inhale it into their lungs.
Don't use cow milk, but goat milk for babies is as good as the stuff from vet, easy to digest. Use l/2 goat milk (canned) for babies and 1/2 water. Remember to burp as with a baby on a bottle. Good growing.
Source: My experience with a tiny Boston bull terrier pup started at 2 days.
By gbk from south GA
I have adopted a very young puppy (4-5 wks old) that was either abandoned or lost her mama. She's actually a wonderful puppy, extremely smart and very laid back...except when it comes to eating. OMG, it is unreal!
My sister found her and fed her canned food for the first 5 days. My sis warned me that she was crazy when she ate. I switched to giving her dry food soaked in water. But the first day, I just got it wet and let it sit for about 5 minutes. She ate it so fast!
I didn't realize there was a problem until her next few stools; they were loose with a pinkish/clear liquid. I was immediately concerned that the food was too hard on her little tummy, not to mention the fact that she couldn't possibly be chewing the food. I then let her food completely soak up the water so it was soft. That seemed to help as far as her stools go, they have been normal.
I just cannot get her to slow down! I've tried hand feeding a few kibbles at a time and letting her eat from the bowl while I hold it, then taking it away to make her take a breath. But, as soon as she can she's inhaling again. I've read to keep food down where she always has access to it (this is what I've always done with my other pets), but I'm afraid she might hurt or kill herself if food was available all the time.
I have two main concerns with this: she's not chewing the food at all, (there are a few pieces of kibble that don't get completely soft and I worry she's going to choke). I'm afraid I'll never be able to give her dry food if this continues. The other is, I'm afraid that when she's older, she'll be food aggressive. I'm hoping to have her certified as a therapy dog or at least an emotional support companion. And she "cannot" be aggressive at all to be certified.
The common theory would be that she had to fight for food from her litter mates, but she wasn't underweight when we found her nor was she old enough to fight for "regular" food. She'll try to take my food from me, right after she's eaten, so it can't be from hunger; can it?
She still wants to suckle. Would bottle feeding her help? I was thinking once a day? I'll do whatever it takes to break her from doing this. If not bottle feeding, what else can I do?
I've already fallen completely in love with my DaisyMae, and I want the best for her. I just need her to slow down enough to at the very least, chew her food.
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so very much!
By MaryAnn M.
My 8 week old Pit Bull pup doesn't want to eat or drink anything today. I'm taking him to the vet when they open, but until then idk what to do. He's still active and what not, but his tummy is making a bubbly noise like it does when you're hungry.
By Crystal
I have 3 six month old Pit Bull puppies. How many times a day should I feed them?
By Karlis from Louisville, KY
How do I get a 5 week old puppy with a splint, to eat?
By ashley from Upland, CA
My puppy is 4 months old and doesn't seem to be satisfied with puppy food. Is he too young to have adult food?
By Gretchen from Cleburne, TX
A four month old puppy still needs the extra protein in the puppy foods in my opinion. What kind of food are you feeding the puppy?
I would get him examined by a vet and then go on and feed him a higher quality food that doesn't have a lot of corn and by products in it like Diamond foods at Tractor Supply or other feed stores.
Blessings, Robyn
My son got a 8 week old Pit Bull puppy. He was feeding her a cup of dry food in the morning and a cup at night. She would gobble her food in minutes. She is now 11 weeks old and does not seem nearly as interested in food. She went from 8 pounds to 14 pounds and seems healthy.
She probably eats about a cup and a half a day now. Should we be concerned? She drinks lots of water, but seems not as active. She is up to date with her shots. Her next set is July 8th which will be her 3rd set of shots. Thank you!Puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Spread out the food and see what happens.
I just got my baby Shih Tzu puppy and I'm scared she will get sick if she doesn't eat. She'll take in a lil then doesn't want any more.
I bought milk replacement, I'm just not sure what to do next or if I should put in anything else with the replacement milk to please my lil diva.How old is she? How long has she been weaned? If she is tiny, you may be trying to overfeed her.
The puppy is a week old, but doesn't latch on to her mother like she should. What to feed the puppy if not ' milk? Pet milk diluted with water? Baby formula? What is safe for the puppy?
You could get a better answer from your Vet but if it were me i would get milk replacer at the pet store. I would not dilute it, but follow the directions on the package.
I have a 7 week old Chiweenie puppy. Mom has dried up and she was eating watered down soft puppy food for this last week. She will not take a bottle, but will drink water.
As of today she will not eat and seems weak. What can I do to help this little one?If it's not too late take her to a Vet.
I have a month old Cocker. What should I feed him? He is my first pet.
By Mahima
You have a puppy that has been taken from its' mother too early. I would try to feed it canned dog food or softened dry food. It may take your puppy awhile to learn to eat so be patient. You can buy dog food especially for puppies. Just make sure it is soft and moist. Keep a dish of water close by. The puppy needs to be fed 4 or 5 times a day.
My pug puppy is 12 weeks old, and she won't eat the required measured amount of food that she needs. She turns her nose up at it.
By Jacqui G.
I would change flavors or brands. They are like people. They all don't like the same thing, and not the same thing every single meal.
Is my Pug puppy not eating enough? I feed him about a handful a meal. He is about 11 weeks old.
By Katie
Just look at the back of the package and it should tell you. Or, just call your local Vet!
