Puppies being hand-reared
Advice Hub

Puppy milk replacer — when mum needs help.

Milligans Multi Milk Replacer (MMR) is suitable for orphaned or supplementary-fed puppies. The 2kg size is ideal for small-scale use. For very young or unwell puppies, we also recommend working with a vet who may advise a dedicated canine milk replacer product alongside or instead of MMR.

Colostrum

Where possible, ensure puppies receive colostrum from their mother within the first 24 hours of life. Canine colostrum provides breed-specific immunity that no bovine-based product can fully replicate.

Feeding

Feed small volumes frequently — newborn puppies feed every 2–3 hours. Mix at 38–40°C. As they develop, feeding frequency can gradually be reduced.

Always stimulate elimination after every feed by gently massaging the abdomen with a warm damp cloth — young puppies cannot eliminate on their own until around 3 weeks of age.

Top Tips

  1. Warmth before everything else. Newborn puppies cannot regulate body temperature. Keep them warm with a heat pad or warm bedding at all times — a cold puppy will not feed and will deteriorate rapidly.
  2. Weigh daily. Healthy puppies gain weight steadily from day two. If a puppy is not gaining weight, something is wrong — act early rather than waiting.
  3. Small and slow — every feed. Feed slowly and keep volumes small. Overfeeding or feeding too quickly causes bloating.
  4. Watch for the whole litter. In multi-puppy litters, check that smaller pups are getting adequate access to the dam and supplement where needed.
  5. Contact your vet if in doubt. Young puppies can decline quickly. If a puppy is not feeding, not gaining weight or appears lethargic — contact your vet promptly.