The weight of the orphan is needed to determine a correct feeding level. Subsequent weigh-ins every second or third day will be a guide to progress in achieving growth. The puppy may lose a little weight during the first couple of days, until it adjusts to the formula being fed. If there are no diseases or intestinal upsets, the puppy should subsequently grow at an increasing rate as milk consumption increases.
Amounts to feed
A feeding rate of 2 tablespoons of liquid or reconstituted powder for each 4 ounces (1/4 lb. or 113 grams) of body weight during each 24-hour period will work with most breeds. This quantity should be divided equally among 3 or 4 feedings per day. Very small puppies weighing only 1 or 2 ounces which need only ½ or 1 tablespoon of milk per day, or orphans which are very weak, may do better if the total quantity of milk to be fed is divided in very small feedings, as many as 6 times per day.
It is recommended that orphans be slightly underfed for the first 2 to 3 feedings, to allow them to adapt to the formula.
After full feeding has been established for 3 to 4 days and there are no apparent digestive problems, the feeding leve4l can be slowly increased. Bottle-fed orphans will often reject the bottle when they are full.
DO NOT OVER FEED
As you slowly increase the amount of milk replacer being offered, the orphan should consume all or nearly all of the milk at each feeding.
Using a bottle
If the orphans are extremely small or weak and cannot nurse from even a 2 oz. bottle, the milk may have to be delivered orally with an eyedropper, feeding syringe or a catheter (tube) fed.
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