Signs You May Be Overfeeding a Newborn Puppy

Newborn puppies require frequent feeding, but it is possible to overfeed them, which can lead to health issues.

Here are some signs that you may be overfeeding a young puppy

• Puppy is frequently vomiting or has diarrhea - Overfeeding can overload the puppy's digestive system and cause gastrointestinal upset. If the puppy is vomiting or has diarrhea after most feedings, you may be feeding too much volume.

• Puppy seems constantly hungry and cries frequently - While newborn puppies do require frequent feeding, if a puppy seems constantly famished and is crying for food more than 2-3 hours after eating, it may indicate overfeeding. Their caloric needs are tiny, so even a little too much food can lead to excess hunger.

• Puppy gains weight too rapidly - Newborn puppies should gain around 5-10% of their body weight each week. If a puppy is gaining significantly more than that, it may be a sign of overfeeding. Rapid weight gain at a young age can lead to obesity and joint problems later on.

• Puppy has a distended abdomen - If a puppy's belly seems very round and tight, it may indicate overfeeding or swallowing too much air during feeding. A newborn puppy's stomach is tiny, so does not take much excess food or air to distend the abdomen.

• Puppy is overly tired or lethargic - While newborn puppies do sleep a lot, if a puppy seems excessively drowsy or is difficult to rouse for feeding, it could indicate overfeeding. The puppy's system is overloaded, causing blood sugar levels to drop and the puppy to become lethargic.

Some useful tips for feeding newborn puppies

• Use puppy milk replacement formula and a bottle or syringe for feeding puppies 0-3 weeks old. Slowly and carefully introduce puppy food mash around 3-4 weeks.

• Keep feedings short, about 10-15 minutes at a time. This prevents overfeeding and gives the puppy time to rest in between.

• Gently burp the puppy during and after feedings. This releases any swallowed air to prevent discomfort.

• Always have fresh, warm formula or puppy food ready before feeding the puppy. Young puppies can get cold and hypoglycemic quickly if they have to wait for food.

• Never leave food out all the time. Have a feeding schedule and properly measure out each meal to avoid overfeeding.

• Take the puppy to a vet as soon as you get them for a checkup. The vet can ensure the puppy is healthy, growing well, and guide you on proper feeding amounts and schedules. Close monitoring is important for newborn puppies care without mother.

Newborn puppies require frequent feeding, about every 2-4 hours. As a general guideline:

• For puppies 0-2 weeks old - feed about every 2-3 hours. Very young puppies have tiny stomachs but high needs for nutrition and hydration. Frequent feeding, about 8-12 times a day, is typical for newborn puppies.

• For puppies 3-6 weeks old - feed about every 3-4 hours. At this age, puppies can start going longer between feedings, about 6-8 times a day. Their stomach size is increasing and they are getting better at nursing/lapping.

• For puppies 7-12 weeks old - feed about 3-4 times a day. By this age, most puppies can transition to eating 3-4 normal-sized puppy meals per day. Their nutritional needs are still high for their growth, but their stomachs are bigger and they are becoming more active.

With the right feeding schedule and amounts, newborn puppies can get the nutrition they need to grow up happy and healthy. Be sure to consult your vet if you have any concerns about your puppy's feeding or growth.