Puppies and kittens cannot eat food yet, so they rely on their mother’s milk to receive nutrients. However, there are certain situations that milk is unavailable or insufficient. Luckily, many experts have developed and created milk replacers with safe and nutritionally balanced recipes that nourish your little pets.
In this article, we explore the benefits of homemade milk replacers for puppies and kittens and discover how they can help them receive the necessary nutrients to grow into a proper adult. Learn how to prepare and store them and when is the appropriate time to feed your little pets.
Benefits of Giving Milk Replacers for Puppies and Kittens
Milk replacers are a suitable alternative for puppies and kittens who cannot receive nourishment from their mother. They provide essential nutrients for growth and development, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
All the nutrients puppies and kittens receive from milk replacements help support their immune system, encourage bone development, and promote their overall well-being.
Safe and Nutritionally Balanced Homemade Recipes
Plenty of excellent milk replacer formulas can be bought in pet stores and vet clinics. But, they can be a bit pricey. Luckily, there are safe and nutritionally balanced recipes we can make at home with simple ingredients.
However, it’s important to note that homemade milk replacer recipes do not provide the overall nourishment milk or milk replacer formulas have. These recipes are available to us in case of emergency or when you don’t have the time to go to the pet store.
Furthermore, you must consult your pet’s veterinarian in case of any allergic or sensitive reaction to the homemade milk replacer recipe.
Here’s a quick look at recommended recipes:
Ingredients for puppies milk replacer recipe:
- ½ cup (120ml) cow’s or goat’s milk
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- 2 to 4 egg yolks
- 1,000 mg calcium carbonate, if available
Ingredients for kittens milk replacer recipe:
- 1 quart whole goat’s milk
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup or honet
- 1 tablespoon nonfat plain yogurt (goat’s milk preferred)
- 1 to 2 egg yolk
Preparation and Storage
When you have all the ingredients, all you need to do is blend them until thoroughly mixed. Warm the mixture to a body temperature of around 37°C. Once warm enough, feed the milk replacer to your puppy or kitten using a bottle or syringe.
You may store the milk replacer between use and warm it up again if needed. It’s essential to note that you must not use a microwave when heating the milk replacer, instead, warm it by placing it in a warm water bath.
Moreover, unused milk replacers must be discarded after 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Feeding Schedule
Feeding your puppy or kitten needs to be frequent and consistent if you want to see solid growth and development. In their first few weeks, they must be fed every two to three hours. As they grow older, the feeding intervals can gradually increase.
You will also need to monitor their weight gain and consult a veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding amounts and schedule based on their needs.
Takeaway
Homemade milk replacers for puppies and kittens are valuable for pets who don’t have access to their mother’s milk. However, it should be noted that milk replacers are temporary solutions, and you should always consult with a veterinarian to ensure the specific needs of your young pet are met.
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