Bringing a new puppy home is always an exciting time for pet parents. However, it's easy to become overwhelmed and a little anxious about all the things a puppy needs!
Fortunately, Zesty Paws is making things a bit easier for pet parents by launching two new products specifically for puppies: Puppy Milk Replacer and a new line of functional Puppy Bites.
In this article, we’ll look at when, how, and why to use each product so that you and your puppy can be prepared for the road ahead.
Puppy Milk Replacer
Q: What is milk supplementation?
A: Milk supplementation is the act of providing milk to infants, both human and animal alike, when the mother is unavailable or unable to supply milk in adequate amounts. This is done by bottle-feeding using an FDA-approved, breed-specific, commercially available milk replacer that closely mimics the mother’s milk product.
Q: Why do puppies need it?
A: Fortunately, most puppies do not require milk supplementation, as their mother will nurse them appropriately until they are weaned. However, in cases where the puppy is orphaned, abandoned, or rejected by its mother, it is necessary to supply milk. In other cases, the mother may be nursing, but not in adequate amounts, and additional milk is needed.
Q: When would puppies need it?
A: Puppies need milk, from their mother or supplements, until they are weaned between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Weaning usually begins around week four but should be done over several weeks while puppies transition to regular puppy food.
Q: What can you use for puppies?
A: A good milk replacer must provide appropriate nutrition such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA. Zesty Paws Puppy Milk Replacer is an excellent option for puppies. It’s best used for puppies up to six weeks and for pregnant or lactating dogs.
Q: What is the best method of milk supplementation?
A: Prepare the milk replacer product as directed on the package. Zesty Paws Puppy Milk Replacer comes in a convenient shelf-stable powder formula that must be mixed with the appropriate amount of water before feeding. Any milk replacer should be warmed to room or body temperature (95°to 100°F or 35° to 37.8°C) before feeding.
Q: When to ask for help?
A: Puppies should be gaining 5-10% of their body weight every day. It's critical to weigh puppies every day to ensure they are meeting their growth requirements. If they aren’t, it's important to evaluate your milk supplementation techniques, and call a veterinarian and/or experienced breeder for assistance.
What About a "Bite" to Eat?
As you can see, Zesty Paws’ Puppy Milk Replacer is a great way to keep your puppy feeling Zesty as they prepare for their next phase – which involves growing their chompers and wanting something delicious to chew.
Speaking of which, that brings us to another new collection from Zesty Paws that you won’t want to miss.
Puppy Bites: Aller-Immune, Calming & 8-in-1 Bites
Q: When to start giving Zesty Paws Puppy Bites?
A: Puppy Bites are perfect for puppies from 8 weeks to 1 year old. At that time, puppies have now reached adulthood and can start taking other Zesty Paws supplements labeled for adult dogs.
Q: What types of Puppy Bites are being offered?
A: Zesty Paws has re-formulated three of their best-selling products for use in puppies: the Aller-Immune Bites, 8-in-1 Multifunctional Bites, and Calming Bites. Aller-Immune Bites support immune system function, gut health, and dogs with seasonal allergies. Calming Bites help to maintain calmness, composure, and relaxation – the perfect product for crate training or calming a rowdy pup. Lastly, for a pet parent looking for an all-around beneficial supplement for their puppy, the 8-in-1 Multifunctional Bites are an excellent choice. These bites support joint, immune, gut, skin, liver, heart health, and more.
Keep Your Pup On the Up and Up
As a puppy parent, knowing what to expect and being well prepared for your puppy is the best way to set you and your little one up for success. So, I hope that this article was helpful to start your puppy off on the right paw.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to pair your pup with a veterinarian so that a professional is keeping an eye on their development, along with any health, dietary, or behavioral factors that you should be aware of as they grow.
In the meantime, that's all for now! Check-in with Zesty Paws or share photos of your furry friend on Facebook (@zestypaws), Instagram (@zestypaws), TikTok, or Pinterest using #ZestyPaws.
Zesty Paws is also happy to answer any questions you have about their puppy products. Just reach out to their Customer Care Specialists at (800) 738-0661 or email them at bark@zestypaws.com.