Our method
Welcome to our big puppy milk test 2021. Here we present all the puppy milks we have tested. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best puppy milk for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should be aware of when buying puppy milk.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 Summary
- 3 The Best Puppy Milk: Our Choices
- 4 Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying puppy milk
- 5 Decision: What types of puppy milk are there and which one is right for you?
- 6 Buying criteria: You can compare and evaluate puppy milk based on these factors
Summary
- Dog and cat puppies whose mothers cannot produce milk and cannot yet eat solid food need puppy milk.
- The milk should only be used for the species for which it was produced. It is important to ensure adequate hygiene during preparation.
- Both dogs and cats need puppy milk during the first four weeks. From the fourth week, the animals can already eat solid food in pulp form.
The Best Puppy Milk: Our Choices
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying puppy milk
How long do puppies need milk?
They can eat solid food exclusively from the 6th week if this provides them with enough nutrients. Kittens should still receive puppy milk until 8 weeks.
How is puppy milk prepared?
It is important to prepare the milk at about 50°C, as it cools down during preparation. When it is fed, it should always be at body temperature. If the milk is too cold, the puppy has to expend energy to warm it up in its body, if it is too hot, it can injure mucous membranes.
The packaging indicates to mix one part powder with two parts water. If your puppy has problems with digestion, you should increase the liquid concentration.
How are the puppies fed?
The puppies cannot digest on their own, so the mother licks their bellies to help digestion. If the mother cannot or will not do this, you will have to do the chores. Massage your puppy's tummy with a damp cloth and observe digestion.
How often should puppies be fed?
Very young puppies should be fed every 2 hours. As they get older, the frequency can be gradually reduced. As supplementary feeding begins, milk meals are gradually replaced by solid food.
Decision: What types of puppy milk are there and which one is right for you?
Basically, you can distinguish between two different types of puppy milk:
- Puppy milk for dogs
- Puppy milk for cats
Due to the different areas of application and depending on which pet you own, a certain puppy milk is best suited for you and your pet. Because of this and the fact that not every puppy milk is suitable for every breed, there are different advantages and disadvantages for each milk.
We would therefore like to introduce you to the different types in the following section and help you find out which puppy milk is right for your pet. To do this, we will introduce you to the above-mentioned types in more detail and clearly explain exactly what their advantages and disadvantages are.
Here we should briefly mention when and in which cases puppy milk should be given. If the mother can produce enough milk, it is not necessary to feed the puppies independently. This process strengthens the bond between mother and puppy and should not be disturbed under any circumstances.
You can bottle feed a puppy if the dam cannot produce enough milk for all the puppies, if a puppy is weaker than its siblings, if it is a runaway cub, or if the litter is too large. In these cases, it is essential to help out so that all animals can be adequately cared for.
How do I use puppy milk for dogs? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
A puppy milk for dogs is freshly stirred, similar to baby milk. The powder is mixed with boiling water and then poured into a bottle for breastfeeding. In an emergency, condensed milk can also be mixed with water in a 4:1 ratio. However, this mixture only serves as a substitute and should not be used regularly.
A special puppy milk for dogs usually has a high fat content. The reason for this is that puppies need to be supplied with fresh energy every two hours. Puppy milk for cats and normal cow's or goat's milk should be avoided as these could cause diarrhoea in the little puppies.
Depending on the breed, supplementary feeding of puppies should begin after about three to four weeks. Puppy wet food helps with the transition from liquid to solid food and supports your dog's growth. After that, you will have to decide between a dry food and a wet food.
How do I use a puppy milk for cats what are its advantages and disadvantages?
A puppy milk for cats is freshly stirred, similar to baby milk and puppy milk for dogs. The powder is simply mixed with boiling water and then poured into a bottle for nursing. In an emergency, you can also mix condensed milk with water in a 4:1 ratio. However, this milk is only a substitute and should not be fed regularly.
A special puppy milk for cats usually has a balanced protein and fat content. This is because the kittens need to be fed fresh energy every two hours. Puppy milk for dogs and normal cow's or goat's milk should be avoided as these could cause diarrhoea in the little puppies.
Depending on the breed, supplementary feeding of kittens should begin after about three to four weeks. Puppy wet food helps with the transition from liquid to solid food and supports your cat in its growth. A high-fat diet is recommended for very active cats.
Buying criteria: You can compare and evaluate puppy milk based on these factors
Type of milk
The most important thing when choosing is that you buy a milk that has been specially developed for cat or dog puppies. Cow's milk is not tolerated by either type of animal; it causes diarrhoea. Here is a brief overview:
| Puppy milk for dogs | Puppy milk for cats |
|---|---|
| High fat content | Balanced protein and fat content |
| Feeding every 2 hours | Feeding every 2 hours |
| Start feeding after 3 - 4 weeks | Start feeding after 3 - 4 weeks |
| 7 - 20€ / kg | 10 - 40€ / kg |
You can find different varieties in pet shops. Vets also often offer puppy milk. Make sure that it contains little vegetable fats.
For kittens, you must also not use cat milk, this is only suitable for adult cats.
A high fat content is important for puppies as it provides them with the most energy. For cats, the protein and fat levels should be balanced. Please only feed milk that is specifically formulated for the species, especially if your puppies are very young.
Note that different types of milk are suitable for different types of animals.
How much does puppy milk cost?
Puppy milk tends to be cheaper for dogs than for cats. There is also more choice for them. Prices vary from five euros per kilo to 50 euros per kilo.
When buying, you should pay attention to the ingredients and the uses of milk, especially if you have puppy. It is important for the puppy to have a proper ration.
Picture source: pixabay.com / szcstms
