Newborn puppies depend on their mother for warmth, immunity, and nutrition. When they are orphaned, every one of those needs must be met by human caregivers. Nutrition is one of the most critical—and most challenging—parts of that care.
Standard commercial formulas are designed to match the caloric content of mother’s milk. But without the ability to nurse 18–20 hours a day, bottle-fed puppies often fall behind in weight gain. That’s why we use a high-calorie neonatal formula specifically designed for rescue situations, where time and intake volume are limited.
This formula provides 10–12 calories per cc, allowing puppies to maintain healthy growth patterns on a realistic human feeding schedule.
Why Higher Calories Are Critical in Bottle Feeding
Mother’s milk contains approximately 3–4 calories per cc, but puppies nurse frequently—sometimes continuously—for short intervals across the entire day. Human caregivers, however, feed every 3 to 4 hours, which results in fewer total calories over a 24-hour period.
To overcome this, we increase the caloric density of each feeding, which helps:
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Prevent hypoglycemia
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Support weight gain
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Provide energy for growth and immune function
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Improve survival outcomes in the critical first weeks of life
This formula is suitable for puppies from birth through weaning, and is also appropriate for sponge feeding, syringe feeding, and tube feeding with appropriate veterinary guidance.
Ingredient Breakdown: Purpose and Nutritional Value
Each ingredient is chosen for a specific purpose to support the digestive, metabolic, and immune systems of neonates.
Evaporated Goat’s Milk (1 can, undiluted)
Provides a rich source of fat and protein. Goat milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk, and undiluted evaporated milk delivers essential calories needed for growth.
Full-Fat Goat Milk Yogurt (1 cup)
Adds probiotics to support gut development, along with more fat and protein. Full-fat yogurt helps reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Raw Egg Yolks (2)
Egg yolks provide choline, essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrients support brain development, cellular health, and early immune function.
Liver Broth (1/3 cup)
Boil liver in one cup of water and reduce to 1/3 cup. Liver is rich in vitamin A, iron, B vitamins, and amino acids—key for red blood cell formation, vision development, and immune strength.
No substitutions!
Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 tablespoon)
Contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Helps meet daily caloric needs while supporting skin, coat, and cell development.
MCT Oil (1/2 tablespoon)
Medium-chain triglycerides provide an immediate source of energy, especially valuable for weak or fading puppies.
Karo or Corn Syrup (1 teaspoon)
Stabilizes blood sugar between feedings and helps prevent energy crashes. This is especially important in small, underweight, or sick puppies prone to hypoglycemia.
Iron-Free Baby Vitamin Drops (1 dropper)
Provides essential micronutrients. Iron-free formulations are used because neonatal livers cannot tolerate excess iron.
Goat Milk Colostrum (1 scoop)
Contains immunoglobulins and growth factors that support immune defense, gut lining integrity, and overall early development. Essential for puppies who missed maternal colostrum.
How to Make the Formula: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients:
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1 can evaporated goat’s milk (undiluted)
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1 cup full-fat goat milk yogurt
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2 raw egg yolks
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1/3 cup strong liver broth (boiled and reduced)
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½ tablespoon virgin olive oil
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½ tablespoon MCT oil
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1 teaspoon karo or corn syrup
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1 dropper baby vitamins (iron-free)
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1 scoop goat milk colostrum
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender.
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Blend until smooth and evenly mixed.
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Pour mixture into ice cube trays.
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Freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a labeled freezer bag.
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Thaw only the amount needed per feeding.
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Warm thawed formula to approximately 100°F before feeding.
Frozen formula is good for up to 12 months. Never refreeze once thawed.
If using for syringe or sponge feeding, thin slightly with unflavored Pedialyte.
Feeding Schedule and Daily Guidelines
Feed 1 cc (ml) per ounce of body weight every 3–4 hours around the clock.
Examples:
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A 6 oz puppy should receive 6 cc per feeding.
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A 10 oz puppy should receive 10 cc per feeding.
If the puppy is self-regulating with a bottle and taking in more per session, it may eat less frequently. As long as weight gain is consistent, this adjustment is acceptable.
Daily weight tracking is essential. Puppies should start gaining weight within 48 hours of starting this formula.
➡️ For more information on how to balance feeding amounts and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding, refer to our detailed guide: The Goldilocks Rule of Puppy Feeding
What to Watch For: Weight Gain, Stools, and Energy
Within the first 1–2 days of use, you should observe:
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Steady weight gain
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Soft, formed stools
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More energy and alertness
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Reduced bloating or diarrhea
Safety Note: Never Feed a Cold Puppy
A puppy’s body temperature must be above 95°F before feeding. Feeding a cold puppy can cause ileus, a condition where digestion shuts down completely. This leads to formula sitting undigested in the stomach and can be fatal.
Always check the puppy’s temperature and body warmth. Warm them with a heating pad, incubator, or skin-to-skin contact before offering any formula.
Long-Term Use and Weaning Transition
This formula is safe for use from day one through the weaning process, when puppies begin transitioning to gruel. For puppies over 4 weeks who still require bottle support, continue using this recipe until a full switch to soft food is possible.
Help Us Feed the Most Fragile Lives
Every batch of this formula contributes directly to saving lives in our nursery. Ingredients like goat milk, colostrum, and MCT oil are expensive but necessary to give orphaned puppies the best possible chance.
You can support our efforts by donating at:
https://blazintrailsbottlebabies.org/donate/
Your gift provides the nutrition that makes recovery, growth, and adoption possible.