No, it is not recommended to give cow’s milk to puppies that are 4 weeks old or younger. Cow’s milk can cause digestive upset in puppies and can even lead to dehydration or diarrhea. If your puppy is younger than 6 weeks old, it should still be nursing from its mother and should not be given any other form of milk. If you need to supplement the puppy’s diet, it is best to use a specially formulated puppy milk replacer.
What kind of milk can I give my 4 week old puppy?
You can give your 4-week-old puppy a milk replacer specifically designed for puppies. Cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and other dairy products should not be given to puppies as they can cause digestive issues. Some of the more popular puppy milk replacers include PetAg PetLac Puppy Milk Replacement Powder, Thomas Labs Goatalac Goat Milk Replacer Powder, and PetAg Goat’s Milk Esbilac Powdered Milk Supplement.
What can I feed my 4 week old puppy without mom?
At 4 weeks old, puppies can begin to start eating solid food. They still need canine milk at this age, but you can start introducing puppy kibble or wet food mixed with a puppy milk replacer. You can buy a commercial puppy milk replacer (such as Esbilac) at most pet stores or online. To make a gruel-type food, mix the puppy food with the milk replacer and offer it to your puppy. You should also continue to offer the puppy water from a bowl.
What happens if puppies drink cow milk?
Puppies should not drink cow’s milk. Cow’s milk can contain too much lactose, proteins, and minerals for a young puppy’s delicate digestive system. This can lead to digestive upset, diarrhea, and dehydration. It can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as puppies need a different balance of calcium and phosphorus than adult dogs. It is best to feed puppies a specially-formulated milk replacer made for puppies.
What is a substitute for puppy milk?
A suitable substitute for puppy milk is a puppy formula or puppy milk replacer. Puppy formulas are designed to mimic the nutrients found in a mother’s milk, and are available in both powder and liquid form. Popular brands include Pet-Ag Esbilac, PetLac, Breeder’s Edge, Nuturall, and Goat’s Milk. When making a homemade substitute, you can mix evaporated milk, water, light corn syrup, and full-fat yogurt. Additionally, some pet stores also carry soy-based formulas if you are looking for a vegan alternative.