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 - 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 - 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
- Multi-purpose all milk protein nursing formula
- Grade A Ultra 24-Percent
- 4lb reseal able bag
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- HEALTHY DIGESTION FOR HAPPY PETS: Our Goat Milk Powder is rich in probiotics, supporting your dogs and cats digestion, immune system, and overall wellness. Use it as a nutritional boost in dog food or cat food for maximum benefits
- DELICIOUS DOG TREATS AND CAT TREATS: Easy to make by adding water, this goat milk formula lets you create yummy homemade treats. Soften dry food, rehydrate dehydrated meals, or feezed into a cooling treat
- HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, our powdered goats milk meets the highest standards for safety and quality. Feel confident giving your pets goat milk for dogs and cats
- ADD TASTE AND SUPPORT DIGESTION: This instant goat milk is great for both cats and dogs of all ages. Serve it alone or mix with The Honest Kitchen food, delivering the benefits of 1.25 billion active probiotics and digestive enzymes for cats and dogs.
- MAKES 3.5 QUARTS OF GOATS MILK: Rehydrates to over 112 oz of goat's milk for dogs and cats, just add water. This shelf-stable powder makes it easy to add the delicious taste and digestive benefits of goat milk to your pet's bowl.
- MILK REPLACER WITH PROBIOTICS - Great for up to 9 species of young animals including puppies, kittens, calf, lamb, goats, foals, baby pigs, llamas and crias
- MADE WITH PROTEIN AND FAT - Contains 24% protein and 24% fat to ensure fast and healthy growth
- ALL MILK FORMULA - All-milk protein supports growth, development and performance
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION - Powered by Opti-Gut to support gut health and digestion
- EASY TO MIX FORMULA - Easy-to-mix for fast prep and optimal consumption
- 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 - 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.
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.