Puppy formula question

[Roser72]

I have a 7-8 wk old that I have been caring for for about 3 wks now. I was feeding pre made puppy milk but last weekend switched to powdered. Angel was doing well on it but since yesterday has only wanted to drink approx. 7-8cc's. Plus her poo poo has been harder but more of it. Is it the formula? Is she trying to ween herself off? And should the formula be chalky and gritty?
TIA ,
Roser72

[TubeDriver]

You really want to use this stuff:

https://www.petsmart.com/dog/food/milk-replacers/pet-ag-esbilac-puppy-milk-replacer-2011240.html?utm_id=500%7Cpg111181%7C385792043944&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsrXF7Prq3QIVh4nICh3yRAlSEAkYAyAB EgJ9-fD_BwE&lsft=utm_source%3Agoogle%2Cutm_term%3A2011240%2Cut m_medium%3Acpc%2Cutm_content%3AGSC%20-%20Medium%20-%20Consumables%20-%20Dog%20-%20Weak%20SS%20%7C%20Food%20-%20Milk%20Replacers%2Cutm_campaign%3AGSC%20-%20Medium%20-%20Consumables%20-%20Dog%20-%20Weak%20SS&utm_medium=cpc


1 part formula powder to 2 parts water. It should NOT be chalky or gritty at all. Mix the new fomula (I actually stir with a fork and shake vigorously) then I let it sit in the fridge for several hours to make sure no air bubbles are in the formula. It should be smooth and nice smelling. Heat so it is warm before feeding. Only heat up what you will be feeding, you don't want to reheat formula, only heat it up once and use.

Hard poops often mean dehydration (does she look spikey?). A baby will have a hard time digesting formula if dehydrated. I would skip a feeding and give water instead to try and hydrate and flush out her system. Than restart with the formula shown above.


I have a 7-8 wk old that I have been caring for for about 3 wks now. I was feeding pre made puppy milk but last weekend switched to powdered. Angel was doing well on it but since yesterday has only wanted to drink approx. 7-8cc's. Plus her poo poo has been harder but more of it. Is it the formula? Is she trying to ween herself off? And should the formula be chalky and gritty?
TIA ,
Roser72

[Roser72]

I have a 7-8 wk old that I have been caring for for about 3 wks now. I was feeding pre made puppy milk but last weekend switched to powdered. Angel was doing well on it but since yesterday has only wanted to drink approx. 7-8cc's. Plus her poo poo has been harder but more of it. Is it the formula? Is she trying to ween herself off? And should the formula be chalky and gritty?
TIA ,
Roser72
I use esbilac. I appologize for not being clear. I usually make it at time of feeding using 1:2 ratio and I added a little extra water today. I will try your suggestion about for and shaking and making ahead storing in refrigerator. Hope it fixes issue I'm having with it.

[TubeDriver]

It should be smooth without any clumps! I use warm water to make it into tomorrows feedings, refrigerate it all. I then take out a single serving, warm it up and use that serving up.

I got some little glass jars with water tight screw tops that allow me to make individual servings and store them. I make them up each evening for the next day feedings.



I use esbilac. I appologize for not being clear. I usually make it at time of feeding using 1:2 ratio and I added a little extra water today. I will try your suggestion about for and shaking and making ahead storing in refrigerator. Hope it fixes issue I'm having with it.

[TamiKakes]

I use these containers, found at dollar tree, 10 for $1.00
These are great to portion out single servings and storing.
I switch out the round and rectangle every other day so when I put the new batch in, I know round is todays and rectangle is tomorrow (and vise versa)

[TubeDriver]

That sounds like a good system! :great Double check the expiration date on the formula powder, it should really not be clumpy or gritty. I have heard rumors of counterfeit formula being sold by shady sellers online, just a remote possibility?


I use these containers, found at dollar tree, 10 for $1.00
These are great to portion out single servings and storing.
I switch out the round and rectangle every other day so when I put the new batch in, I know round is todays and rectangle is tomorrow (and vise versa)

[Sottinger]

I use a funnel and measuring spoons and mix right into a plastic water bottle so I can shake it like crazy. And I use the hottest water my faucet will give. I also make mine in advance. I stay at least one full feeding ahead of myself so two bottles in the fridge at times. Very convenient for me.

[TamiKakes]

I use a blender bottle (I have like 20 of them. Lol) so one is dedicated just for the formula now. I make enough for the next days feeding (so 4 little containers) but usually have 2 left for today's feedings when I make them since they are good 24 hours after mixing (some people go as far out as 72 hours)
This way I dont accidentally grab one I just made 3 hours ago insted of one I made yesterday.

Also, i believe you are supposed to mix it will 100° water. I have a kitchen thermometer I use to make sure temp is good. Hottest my faucet gets is about 118°
I'm not sure if that extra 18° mixing does anything to the integrity of the formula, tho.
100° when feeling with your hand is warm, not hot (remeber our body temp is 98.6-ish. So the water will feel warm.....not hot

[Roser72]

Thanks for all of the great ideas! I went and bought a can of premade...i know it's really not recommended but Angel loves it and is on track with growth and development. I called PetAg, it was after hrs So I'm waiting for a call back. I've replaced one feeding with Pedialyte and fed some water between Her last 2 feedings. I'm positive all is due to powder formula ,she ate normal at her feeding this morning.

[redwuff]

I replied on the other thread that you posted this on. Canned liquid and powdered Esbilac are totally different. I do not know what is in the liquid canned but it makes for VERY sick babies. If you do not like the powdered esbilac because of the grit go to Fox Valley 20/50 and use that formula. I do not know what the grit is in Esbliac formula but it does not seem to bother the babies. But the grit bothers me, also. I do use FV 20/50.