If you’re raising a litter of orphaned puppies or caring for a rejected runt, you know how critical nutrition is in those first few weeks. Leerburg’s puppy formula recipe has become a go-to solution for breeders, rescues, and foster caregivers who need to hand-feed puppies and ensure they thrive.
In this guide, you’ll find the exact Leerburg puppy formula recipe, feeding tips, and everything you need to know about safely bottle-feeding newborns. Plus, we’ll cover common challenges, feeding schedules, and how to support puppy behavior and development during this critical phase.
What Is the Leerburg Puppy Formula?
The Leerburg puppy formula is a homemade milk replacement designed to mimic the nutrition in a mother dog’s milk. It’s widely used by breeders and puppy fosters who care for litters when the mother is absent or unable to nurse.
While store-bought puppy formula (like Esbilac) is available, many caregivers prefer Leerburg’s homemade option because it’s affordable, easy to prepare, and well-tolerated by most puppies.
Why Use a Homemade Puppy Formula?
- Better control over ingredients and freshness
- Fewer additives and fillers
- Ideal for emergency feeding when stores are closed
- Trusted by breeders and working-dog trainers for decades
Leerburg Puppy Formula Recipe (Original Version)
Here is the classic Leerburg puppy formula recipe:
Ingredients:
- 10 ounces of canned evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed milk)
- 3 ounces of sterilized water (boiled and cooled)
- 1 raw egg yolk (not the white)
- 1 cup of full-fat plain yogurt (for probiotics and digestion)
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (for healthy fat and calories)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a clean blender or mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully combined.
- Warm to room temperature before feeding (test on your wrist).
- Refrigerate any unused formula for up to 24 hours.
Note: Always prepare fresh batches daily. Warm small amounts just before feeding—do not reheat the entire batch multiple times.
When to Use the Leerburg Puppy Formula
This formula is ideal for puppies under 4 weeks old who:
- Are orphaned or rejected by their mother
- Are not gaining weight or thriving
- Have large litters where mom can’t produce enough milk
- Are recovering from illness or surgery and need extra nutrition
Always consult a vet for puppies that are weak, not feeding, or have signs of dehydration. Hand-feeding requires consistency, hygiene, and close monitoring.
Feeding Schedule for Newborn Puppies
Newborns need to be fed every 2–3 hours around the clock for the first few weeks. Gradually, the time between feedings will increase as the puppies grow stronger and gain weight.
General Guidelines:
| Age | Feeding Frequency | Amount Per Puppy (per feeding) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 week | Every 2 hours | 2–4 ml |
| 1–2 weeks | Every 3 hours | 5–8 ml |
| 2–3 weeks | Every 4 hours | 10–15 ml |
| 3–4 weeks | Every 5 hours | 20 ml+ |
Important: Use a proper puppy nursing bottle or syringe. Never force-feed or squeeze formula into the puppy’s mouth—it can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Signs a Puppy Is Feeding Well
Feeding orphan puppies can be nerve-wracking, but these signs show that things are going well:
- Warm body temperature (puppies cannot regulate body heat for the first 2–3 weeks)
- Steady weight gain (weigh daily and track progress)
- Quiet, content behavior after feeding
- Firm stools and no bloating or diarrhea
If your puppy cries constantly, fails to latch, or seems weak, consult a vet immediately. Early intervention can be lifesaving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hand-raising puppies is a delicate job. Avoid these common errors:
- Using cold or spoiled formula
- Feeding too quickly or forcefully
- Overfeeding (causes bloating and diarrhea)
- Skipping night feedings in the early weeks
- Not stimulating urination/defecation (use a warm, damp cloth on their belly/genitals)
Newborn puppies rely on you for everything. With consistency, patience, and careful hygiene, you can raise healthy pups—even without their mom.
How to Wean Puppies Off Formula
Most puppies are ready to begin weaning around 3.5 to 4 weeks old. You’ll notice them licking at your fingers, nipping bottles, or trying to mouth their littermates more often.
Weaning Tips:
- Mix formula with softened puppy kibble or mushy canned food
- Use a shallow dish to introduce “gruel” slowly
- Let them explore it with their mouth, paws, and nose
- Keep feeding bottles handy in case they aren’t ready
By 6 weeks, most puppies are fully transitioned to soft or moistened puppy food. At this stage, you can gradually reduce and phase out formula entirely.
Building Healthy Habits Early On
Feeding is just one part of early puppy development. Even before they open their eyes, puppies benefit from gentle handling, warmth, and social contact. By 3 weeks, they begin forming their first impressions of the world—including sounds, smells, and physical touch.
This early period is also where behavioral patterns begin—including fearfulness, anxiety, or social instability if not managed carefully.
If your puppy begins to show signs of nervousness, reactivity, or difficulty calming down as they grow, don’t wait. The Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar is a free resource that teaches you how to gently calm and shape your puppy’s emotions from the start—without harsh corrections or overwhelming environments.
FAQs About the Leerburg Formula
Can I substitute evaporated milk with goat’s milk?
Yes, many caregivers use full-fat goat’s milk instead of evaporated milk. It’s gentler on sensitive stomachs. Just be sure it’s fresh, pasteurized, and not sweetened.
What if my puppy has diarrhea?
Stop feeding formula for a few hours, offer unflavored Pedialyte, and consult your vet. Diarrhea in newborns can quickly become dangerous due to dehydration.
Can I freeze the formula?
It’s best to make small, daily batches. Freezing may alter consistency. If needed, freeze in ice cube trays for short-term use and thaw gently.
Conclusion
The Leerburg puppy formula is a proven, reliable method for hand-feeding puppies when mom can’t. With the right ingredients, consistency, and a little patience, you can raise healthy, thriving pups from day one—even in challenging circumstances.
And remember—feeding is just the beginning. As your puppy grows, behavioral shaping is just as critical. Whether you’re dealing with barking, jumping, or fear of new people, the free Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar is a must-watch for every dog parent. Get expert guidance on building calm, focused behavior—starting at any age.