Mother's milk is always best for kittens and puppies, but when it's not available or you need to supplement your infant dogs' or cats' nutritional intake, a healthy, balanced milk replacement must be used. Available in liquid and powder, these pet milk replacements are formulated to emulate the nutritional makeup of mother's milk. Milk replacement solutions may also be used to provide nutritional support to nursing queens and bitches, since their bodies are working overtime to make milk for their young. These products may be given to your pets through the use of a syringe, bottle or eye dropper, and care should be taken to always follow our veterinarian's instructions. Your vet or local animal shelter is a great source for infant pet care tips, and can help get your new babies off to the healthiest start possible.
Kittens and Nursing Cats
Milk replacement products for kittens are designed to match as closely as possible the vitamin, fat, mineral, protein and carbohydrate profile of a healthy mom cat's milk. Some products also contain colostrum (a protein-rich mammary gland secretion crucial to immune system development), and you should look for products that list taurine amongst its ingredients, as cats need this essential amino acid in their diets for proper heart and eye development. Kitten milk replacements are available in both powder and liquid form. Liquid is convenient, but has a limited shelf life once opened and must be refrigerated (don't forget to warm and test the formula before feeding, especially if heating in the microwave). Powdered formula is light to carry and can be mixed as needed, but also must be refrigerated once reconstituted. There are products designed to replace mother's milk entirely, and products intended for supplemental feeding only, so be sure to read labels carefully to make sure you're feeding your kitten the right thing.
Puppies and Nursing Dogs
Like the products for cats, puppy milk replacements are made to closely match the nutritional content of a healthy mom dog's milk, and can also contain colostrum to boost immune system development. Also like feline milk replacements, puppy replacement formulas are available in both powder and liquid form, each with the same pros and cons as kitty mixtures.
