How to feed a newborn puppy
Feeding newborn puppies is one of the things pet owners need to pay special attention to. Proper feeding not only ensures healthy puppy growth but also prevents many potential health problems. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the feeding methods of newborn puppies and provide structured data for reference.
1. Feeding frequency for newborn puppies
Newborn puppies have smaller stomach capacities and require frequent feedings. The following are recommended feeding frequencies for puppies at different stages:
| puppy age | Feeding frequency | Feeding amount per time |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | Every 2-3 hours | 5-10ml |
| 2-4 weeks | Every 3-4 hours | 10-20ml |
| 4-6 weeks | Every 4-6 hours | 20-30ml |
2. Feeding methods
There are two main ways to feed newborn puppies: breastfeeding and artificial feeding.
1. Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the best food source for puppies, especially colostrum (milk secreted by female dogs within 24-48 hours after giving birth), which is rich in antibodies and nutrients and can help puppies strengthen their immunity. If the female dog is healthy and willing to nurse, breastfeeding should be given priority.
2. Artificial feeding
If the female dog is unable to breastfeed or her milk supply is insufficient, artificial feeding is required. The following are precautions for artificial feeding:
| feeding tools | Feeding method | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Special baby bottle | Choose a pacifier suitable for your puppy and feed slowly | Avoid feeding too fast which may lead to choking |
| syringe | Suitable for puppies who are weak or unable to suck | Control flow rate to avoid suffocation |
3. Feeding food selection
When artificially feeding, you should choose milk powder specially designed for puppies and avoid using cow's milk or human milk powder, because these foods may cause diarrhea or malnutrition in puppies. The following are common puppy milk powder brand recommendations:
| brand | Features | Applicable age |
|---|---|---|
| PetAg | High protein, easy to digest | 0-6 weeks |
| Royal Canin | Rich in probiotics | 0-4 weeks |
| Nutri-Vet | Add DHA | 0-8 weeks |
4. Post-feeding care
Post-fed puppies require proper care to ensure healthy growth:
1.keep warm: Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature and need to keep the ambient temperature at 30-32°C.
2.stimulate defecation: Mother dogs usually lick the anus of puppies to stimulate defecation, and they need to be wiped gently with a wet cotton ball during artificial feeding.
3.Observe health status: Regularly check the puppy's weight gain, mental status and defecation status. If there are any abnormalities, seek medical attention in time.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my puppy doesn’t eat milk?
A: It may be that the milk temperature is not appropriate or the nipple is not suitable for your mouth. Try adjusting the milk temperature (closer to the bitch’s body temperature) or changing the pacifier.
Q: What should I do if my puppy has diarrhea?
A: It may be that the concentration of milk powder is too high or overfeeding. It is recommended to dilute the milk powder or reduce the feeding amount. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Q: When can we start weaning?
A: Usually when the puppy is 4-6 weeks old, puppy food can be gradually introduced, but it needs to be soaked before feeding.
Through the above structured data and detailed instructions, I hope it will help you take better care of your newborn puppies. If you have other questions, please leave a message in the comment area to discuss!
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