Log in

View Full Version : Question regarding milk replacer



nikkicreatesart
05-31-2023, 02:46 PM
Hey everyone! I know there are lots of threads about this but with all the formula changes I just want to make sure I make the best possible decision for Picasso's health. SO here is the question (at the end if you don't have time to read the whole thing)-

When I first got Picasso I was very fortunate that the ONE can my local petstore had was the correct white puppy with blue probiotic band Esbilac. Fed it and after being on here ordered Henry's older baby kit and got blocks and the FV 20/50. Started to slowly work my way to a 50:50 mix. Meanwhile, ordered more Esbiliac from Hollywood Feed, it had the correct picture and everything. Got it and didn't even look at the can. Mixed the first batch and noticed it didn't dissolve quite the same, but I run the milks through a strainer to completely dissolve the powder several times, mushing the still solid powder over the strainer until it is like pudding and running the milk over it until dissolved. I noticed the end result was also much thicker, but didn't question it. Fed as normal, Picasso was fine all three feedings, even had arugula (very little) for the first time which he liked after he wasn't running away from it, lol.

This morning making the fresh batch, I notice how thick the Esbiliac is again. Then I actually look at the can, and its the tri-colored dog one, with the casein as the third ingredient. I immediately dump the batch out and email the company to let them know that they are not delivering the same product and of course to get a refund because I got $60 worth of the stuff (they refunded without delay and said they were going to contact marketing about the discrepancy). I of course anxiously checked Picasso this morning and he is his normal zany high energy self, squishy flat tummy, and a voracious appetite. I am of course now feeding him only the FV 20/50 and will contact a shelter to see if they could use the Esbilac.

TLDR- Should I just go ahead and stay with only FV, or should I continue to look for the correct Esbilac. I think Picasso is 8-9 weeks old and is starting to eat a bit of his blocks and ate a few bites of arugula.

Thanks in advance

CritterMom
05-31-2023, 03:05 PM
The casein isn't dangerous in any way, but one of it's qualities is what you are seeing - a thicker, more "robust" formula that actually is digested more slowly than the whey protein isolate. The 20/50 has it, too. It means that the babies can go longer between feedings because they feel fuller, which is popular in places that deal in large numbers. And a healthy, robust baby will likely be fine with it...but a weaker one, and those are usually what WE get our hands on is going to have difficulty digesting that formula.

If Picasso (what a great name!) is doing well on the straight 20/50, I would just keep him on that until he weans. Just watch carefully for good poops and no bloating and going a little longer between feedings.

I think that it will be difficult from now on to find the "white puppy" cans as this tri color puppy is Esbilac's "new" formula. Regardless of the pic you see online, expect the new stuff. It will take a while for the art work to catch up and the pics to be replaced.

I realize that Pet Ag is making this stuff for PUPPIES but the fact is, it is used in zoos all over the world for baby animals and you can bet that some of them are seeing problems now and wondering why... This company has done this to us so many times.

nikkicreatesart
05-31-2023, 03:14 PM
Thank you so much for the reply!! I guess I am just very grateful we got lucky to get a can of the correct stuff. He's been doing fine with the FV being half so hopefully he will be ok until he weans. He's a very sturdy little fellow, at least to make it through all my mistakes, so I will just monitor him closely.

Thank you for the reply!!