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
- Multi-purpose all milk protein nursing formula
- Grade A Ultra 24-Percent
- 4lb reseal able bag
- NUTRITION FOR PUPPIES & MOTHERS – Vets Preferred Dog Milk Replacer provides essential nutrients to support healthy growth in newborn puppies and recovery nutrition for pregnant and nursing dogs.
- ENRICHED WITH COLOSTRUM – Formulated with colostrum to help strengthen immune function and digestive health, giving puppies and nursing dogs a strong start in life.
- BALANCED PROTEIN, FAT & FIBER – Contains the ideal blend of protein, fat, and fiber to promote steady growth, energy, and development in puppies of all breeds and sizes.
- EASY-MIX MILK POWDER – Convenient 12 oz powder mixes smoothly with water to create a palatable milk replacer that is easy to feed during weaning, nursing, or supplemental nutrition.
- MADE IN THE USA, GMP QUALITY – Produced under strict GMP standards, lab tested, and proudly made in the USA to ensure safety, consistency, and premium nutrition for your dog.
- MILK REPLACEMENT POWDER FOR PUPPIES: Nutri-Vet puppy milk replacement powder provides essential protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins to support newborn puppies’ growth; It’s also perfect for pregnant, nursing, and senior dogs!
- FOR HEALTHY GROWTH: This puppy milk replacer powder provides nutrition for newborn puppies, supporting strong growth and weight gain. Ideal for whelping supplies, it’s a must-have in your puppy starter kit
- MADE WITH PROBIOTICS: This puppy milk replacer powder contains Opti-Gut, a natural formula with probiotics for dogs to promote healthy digestion, gut health, and optimal growth and development; A must-have in your puppy supplies and puppy essentials
- VETERINARIAN FORMULATED: Crafted with care by professionals, our probiotic milk replacement is formulated by experienced veterinarians; Made with your pet in mind, our puppy milk replacement ensure quality and safety for your puppy
- MADE IN USA: Our newborn puppy supplies are proudly made in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards; we stand behind our product and are confident your furry friend will have the best puppy essentials kit
- 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; plus prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy immunity and digestion.
- EASY TO DIGEST - Esbilac is highly palatable and formulated with a special Fiber blend for easy digestion and improved gut health.
- EASY-TO-MIX FORMULA - Whisk or shake 1 part powdered Esbilac into 2 parts warm water. Do not mix more Esbilac than can be consumed in 24 hours. Do not use a Blender. Must be kept refrigerated after reconstituting.
- ABOUT US - PetAg is a Trusted leader in pet wellness, with science-backed formulas in our milk replacers, health supplements, and grooming products helping pet owners to proactively enhance the lives of their pets, for more healthy years together.
- 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
- 🐾 GREAT FOR – Giving puppies complete and balanced nutrition for the crucial first 35 days of their life
- 🤰ALTERNATE USES – Also helpful for pregnant, lactating, or convalescing adult dogs as a reliable nutritional supplement
- 🌿 BIO-MOS – Promotes a healthy GI tract to support the animal’s natural defenses and overall wellness
- 🛡️ IgY – Boosts the immune system and minimizes potential for diarrhea, keeping pups and adults strong
- ✨BENEFITS – Great for conditioning skin and hair coat; can also be used as a tasty milk treat or flavor enhancer
- RICH IN MCTs & ESSENTIAL MINERALS FOR ENERGY: This organic goat milk powder delivers MCTs and minerals for quick, efficient energy. Protein converts easily to fuel, making it ideal for active pups and fast recovery.
- PROTEIN-PACKED FOR MUSCLE RECOVERY & VITALITY: Our powdered goats milk for dogs is a protein powerhouse that helps your dog maintain muscle tone and supports faster recovery after exercise or activity.
- EASY-TO-USE FOOD TOPPER TO BOOST HYDRATION: This versatile goat milk powder is a simple and delicious way to keep your dog hydrated. Just mix with water to create a creamy drink or sprinkle it over their dry or wet food for an instant flavor and nutrition boost.
- VETERINARIAN-APPROVED FOR HEALTH & IMMUNITY SUPPORT: This goat milk powder for cats and dogs is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. A goat milk formula superfood that supports immune health, reduces inflammation, and boosts overall vitality.
- IDEAL FOR ALL DOG BREEDS & LIFE STAGES: This nutrient-packed goat milk for puppies nourishes both young and adult dogs, serving as a milk replacer for puppies and as dog food toppers for dry food to support healthy body composition and boost energy levels.
- Milk Replacer with ProBiotics for Lambs
- 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
- Milk Replacer with Probiotics for 9 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
- as close to real mother's milk as possible
- to supplement Mom's milk when needed or as a total milk replacer for orphans
- Can be fed to bitches who need a boost for milk production
- Puppy Bac is formulated with the proper ratios of protein, fat and nutrients for growing puppies, just like Mom
- to supplement Mom's milk when needed, or as a total milk replacer for orphans
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.