A milk replacer is a powder or liquid fed to puppies and dogs who have lost their mother’s milk, are being hand-reared, or are unable to suckle from a teat. Milk replacer is available from most pet stores and online retailers.
A puppy or dog’s nutritional needs depend on a number of factors, including its breed, age, and level of activity. Some milk replacers are high-energy, designed for puppies who grow quickly and need more nutrients. Others are designed for puppies who are ill or recovering from surgery.
To help you determine which milk replacer is right for your puppy or dog, we researched the most popular products on the market, evaluating each on quality, palatability, and ease of use. Our top pick, PetAg Esbilac Powder Milk Replacer, is specially formulated to meet a puppy’s nutritional needs and is easy to mix with water.
Here are the best milk replacers for puppies and dogs.
Best Dog Milk Replacers: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Dog Milk Replacers Reviews
- Puppy Milk Replacement Formula Rich with essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Perfect for puppies who are not receiving the necessary nutrition that they need at their early stage of development.
- Delicious and easy to digest. Contains critical digestive enzymes and immunoglobulin to help maintain a healthy digestive and immune system for your dog or puppy.
- For Strong Bones and Healthy Teeth. Made with natural milk proteins and calcium to support a healthy development.
- For all Breeds of Dogs and all Ages. his pet supplement is recommended for vulnerable dogs like puppies, birthing or lactating mothers, and senior dogs.
- Premium Veterinarian Grade. Produced in a GMP-certified facility, to ensure optimum quality and safety.
- Multi-purpose all milk protein nursing formula
- For use in calves, foals, goat kids, lambs, baby pigs, fawns, elk calves, llama crias, puppies and kittens
- Universal milk replacer, exclusive magic crystal technology produces the best mixing product on the market today
- Multi-purpose all milk protein nursing formula
- GREAT FOR - Giving puppies complete and balanced nutrition for the first 35 days of their life
- GREAT FOR - Giving puppies complete and balanced nutrition for the first 35 days of their life
- ALTERNATE USES - Also helpful for pregnant, lactating, or convalescing adult dogs as a nutritional supplement
- BIO-MOS - promotes a healthy GI tract to support the animal's natural defenses
- IgY boosts the immune system and minimizes potential for diarrhea
- PUPPY MILK REPLACEMENT - When mom can’t nourish them, Esbilac can. Scientifically the next best to mother’s milk, Esbilac provides all the nutritional elements necessary for puppies, newborn to six weeks old.
- COMPLETE, BALANCED NUTRITION - Our formula is closest to mother's milk in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. We’ve also added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients.
- EASY TO DIGEST - Esbilac is highly palatable and formulated with a special fiber blend for easy digestion and improved gut health.
- EASY-TO-USE FORMULA - Shake gently before use. Warm Esbilac to room or body temperature before serving. Opened container must be refrigerated and discarded after 72 hours.
- ABOUT US - Pet-Ag offers solutions to enrich the lives of animals & their caregivers. From nutritional supplements to grooming products, all our products are science-backed, formulated with high-quality ingredients, and supported by quality control.
- Powdered goats milk formula for puppies
- Esbilac is also an excellent liquid calorie supplement for dogs recovering from illness or injury
- Made from natural whole goats milk with no preservatives
- Formulated to provide a caloric pattern similar to mother's milk in protein, fat, and carbohydrates
- Formulated specifically for lambs and provides complete nutrition
- Contains 30-percent fat for increased weight gains and early weaning
- Decreased lactose levels for improved performance and less scours
- Contains organic acids, which allows free choice feeding
- Non-medicated to eliminate antibiotic resistance concerns
- PUPPY MILK REPLACEMENT - When mom can’t nourish them, Esbilac can. Scientifically the next best to mother’s milk, Esbilac provides all the nutritional elements necessary for puppies, newborn to six weeks old.
- COMPLETE, BALANCED NUTRITION - Our formula is closest to mother's milk in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. We’ve also added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients.
- EASY TO DIGEST - Esbilac is highly palatable and formulated with a special fiber blend for easy digestion and improved gut health.
- EASY-TO-USE FORMULA - Shake gently before use. Warm Esbilac to room or body temperature before serving. Opened container must be refrigerated and discarded after 72 hours.
- ABOUT US - Pet-Ag offers solutions to enrich the lives of animals & their caregivers. From nutritional supplements to grooming products, all our products are science-backed, formulated with high-quality ingredients, and supported by quality control.
- PUPPY MILK REPLACEMENT - PetLac puppy milk replacement powder provides complete nutrition for proper growth and development for puppies, newborn to six weeks old.
- COMPLETE, BALANCED NUTRITION - As a food source for orphaned, rejected, nursing, or weaning puppies, this formula provides vitamins, minerals & amino acids. It also supplies extra nutrition for thin or older dogs.
- EASY TO DIGEST - PetLac is highly palatable and contains prebiotics and probiotics for easy digestion and improved gut health.
- DIRECTIONS - Mix one tablespoon powder with two tablespoons warm water to make approximately 2-1/3 tablespoons (7 teaspoons/35mL) of liquid. Opened powder can be refrigerated for up to 3 months, or can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- ABOUT US - Pet-Ag offers solutions to enrich the lives of animals & their caregivers. From nutritional supplements to grooming products, all our products are science-backed, formulated with high-quality ingredients, and supported by quality control.
- Milk Replacer With Probiotics for 5 Species of Young Animals
- Feed Day 2 through Weaning
- ALL-MILK PROTEIN Supports Growth + Development
- Powered by Opti-Gut to Support Gut Health + Digestion
- Easy-to-Mix for Fast Prep + Optimal Consumption
- POWERFUL GOAT MILK FOR DOGS: Wonder Paws powdered goat milk for dogs uses the highest quality goat milk with naturally occurring probiotics and added enzymes to help support healthy digestion, immunity and allergies. Whether your pet is a puppy or an adult, our whole powdered goat milk for dogs helps provide the same benefits as raw goat milk but in an easy to use food topper. Just add water to our goat milk supplement for dogs to create a nourishing drink or pour over your pet’s food as a delicious topper!
- DIGESTION, IMMUNITY & ALLERGIES: Our goat’s milk for dogs powder is the simplest solution to give your pet the benefits of goat milk. Our goat milk with probiotics and digestive enzymes helps support healthy digestion, gut health for sensitive stomachs, immune health and allergies. Goats milk for dogs is important for puppies and pets of all ages as it includes important probiotics and enzymes to support overall health.
- WITH PROBIOTICS & ENZYMES: Are you looking to give your pet the benefits of raw goat milk? Then our goat milk topper is the best goat milk supplement available because we have added a powerful blend of digestive enzymes and our goat milk naturally includes probiotics to support digestive health for sensitive tummies. Our wholesome goat’s milk is human grade and includes Digeseb enzymes, a blend of well known enzymes to support healthy digestion and gut health.
- FOR ALL AGES, SIZES & BREEDS: Our human grade goat milk powder for dogs is perfect for pets of all ages, sizes and breeds. Wonder Paws instant goat's milk with probiotics for dogs can be used on dry or wet food or you can even add hot water to make a nourishing drink for your pet. Pour our goat’s milk for dogs on your pet’s kibble or food to give them a delicious health boost to help keep your puppy, adult or cat healthy year round.
- NASC CERTIFIED: Wonder Paws is a member of the prestigious National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), which ensures strict quality control standards. Wonder Paws goat milk powder for dogs is NASC Certified so you know you are getting a trusted product that adheres to stringent quality controls. Our dry goats milk for dogs with probiotics and enzymes is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients in an FDA registered and GMP Certified facility.
Best Dog Milk Replacers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best dog milk replacer you should consider following options:
1. Protein Source: Look for a product that contains more protein than carbohydrates. Puppies grow quickly and need a good supply of protein to aid with muscle building and energy.
Cows’ milk contains a higher proportion of protein than carbohydrates, but some formulas contain almost equal amounts of both.
If the protein source is not clearly stated on the packaging, you can usually tell by looking at the ingredients list. Look for casein or whey protein powder at the top of the list.
2. Calorie Source: The type of calories a puppy needs will depend on what he will be doing. For example, a racing sled dog puppy would need more calories than a companion dog.
If your puppy will be hunting, pulling a sled, or working in the field, look for a formula that has a higher fat content.
If your puppy will be a family pet, then a medium-calorie formula will probably be sufficient.
3. Digestibility: Puppies grow quickly, and their tiny bellies can’t tolerate a lot of indigestible ingredients. Look for products that are easy to digest, such as a liquid form.
4. Palatability: A puppy’s sense of taste is very different from ours. What we think tastes awful, they find delicious.
If your puppy refuses to drink his formula, try warming it slightly, adding a pinch of salt, or adding some sweet flavoring.
What else you should know about the best dog milk replacers
1. What is the best dog milk replacer?
Some milk replacers that are commonly recommended include Esbilac, Just Born, and Puppy milk replacers. You should consult with your veterinarian to see which milk replacer would be best for your dog.
2. What are the benefits of using a dog milk replacer?
Some benefits of using a dog milk replacer include:
- Providing essential nutrients that puppies need for growth and development
- Easy to digest
- Can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different puppies
3. How do I choose the right dog milk replacer for my pup?
When choosing a dog milk replacer, look for one that is made with high-quality ingredients and that is designed to closely match the nutrient profile of mother’s milk. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian to see if they have any recommendations.
4. How do I prepare a dog milk replacer?
There are many recipes for dog milk replacers, but they all generally follow the same basic proportions. For every cup of whole milk, you will need 1 tablespoon of evaporated milk, 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 egg yolk, and 1 cup of water. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
5. What are the potential risks associated with using a dog milk replacer?
The potential risks associated with using a dog milk replacer include diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best dog milk replacers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best dog milk replacers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.