Formula

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Tia

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Can anyone tell me the difference between puppy formula and baby formula please? Is there a difference?
 
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Many thanks. Would baby formula not be a good idea to give to whelping bitches/puppies then?
 
I read somewhere that baby formula isn't good for animals due to the different makeup. This sort of rings true as when I was little my mum hand-reared an orphaned kitten who died at 1 month old. He was fed baby formula (it was the 70s, we didnt know any better!) and just died one day - the vet didn't know why. We often wonder now if it was the baby milk. Have hand-reared a few waifs and strays myself since then and stick to goat milk or an animal brand.

Mind you, I suppose adult dogs could have it so long as they're not lactose intolerant - I just wouldn't give it to little ones.
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Tia, I'm not sure what you're feeding the bitch, but you shouldn't need to use formula if you are feeding her well.

Generally, the bitch should be fed a breeder/puppy food starting a few weeks before whelping (I know this is too late for you now!) and then continue on the same food until her pups are weaned. The puppies will then wean onto the same food, and as they will be used to it through the milk, you shouldn't get scouring and sickness etc. Don't bother with all the old fashioned stuff of giving weetabix and milk, dogs are generally lactose intolerent and the more wheat you give them, the more poo they will produce!

If you have a weak bitch, or not much milk, then you may need formula, but I think yours is young and healthy with an average size litter? Any problems PM me, hope the puppy rearing is going well
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No, Lily's been on puppy food since I found out she was pregnant; that was what the vet recommended; and she is still being fed the puppy food now.

The pups are all big and fat and shiny, so I don't have any concerns about them. I was just planning ahead really and wondering whether I should mix their puppy food with formula when I first set out to wean them. I was surprised at the difference in cost between the human version and the canine version, which is why I wondered if the human one could be used instead.

I am absolutely LOVING having them!
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Honestly, I can't believe how much enjoyment I am getting from them - I adore them all.
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Lily has been doing a fantastic job with them though - she keeps them so clean and only misses about 1 teensy poo every 2 or 3 days; so I am thrilled at how clever she is.

Thank you both for your help and advice - very much appreciated.
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To help them onto the puppy food, we used to either pour boiling water on it and leave it for 10 minutes to cool down, or if we couldn't wait, bung it in the blender with some water.

It does sound like you're trying to blend gravel though
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Yes I'll soften it with boiling water then; are you sure there is definitely no need for a milk replacer?
 
When I was first breeding we used to use weetabix and goats milk for puppies. However the complete feeds nowadays are excellent. I used to start them on it by soaking with boiling water and making it really sloppy, almost porridge like. As long as it is a good quality food you should not need to feed anything else. In fact don't be tempted to encourage them with tasty bits like minced beef cos the little monkeys soon get very fussy! Glad they are doing well and you are enjoying them. Just wait till Lily decides she has had enough of cleaning up after them ...!
 
Wasn't trying to copy you Lucyb. Replied in a hurry before reading through posts. Tend to come on here in the morning before work and always in a dash! What breed do you have?
 
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