Foster Feeding Guide – Puppy Edition

Caring for puppies in foster is incredibly rewarding—and feeding them correctly is one of the most important ways you help them thrive. Puppies’ nutritional needs change quickly, so this guide walks you through what to feed, how often, and what to watch for as puppies grow from newborns to solid-food eaters.

Primary Nutrition: Puppy milk replacer (formula)

How Often: Every 2–3 hours, including overnight

Feeding Notes:

• Use commercial puppy milk replacer only (never cow’s milk)

• Feed puppies on their bellies—never on their backs

• Allow puppies to nurse at their own pace; do not squeeze the bottle

• After every feeding, gently stimulate to help them urinate and defecate

• Never microwave bottles containing formula. Instead, heat a container of water separately and place the bottle inside it to warm gradually.

What to Watch For:

• Daily weight gain (this is critical)

• Warm bodies and strong suckling

Primary Nutrition: Bottle feeding + introduction to gruel

How Often:

• Bottle feeding every 3–4 hours

• Offer gruel 1–2 times daily

What Is Gruel?

• Puppy kibble soaked in warm water or puppy formula

• Blended to a soupy, smooth consistency

Feeding Notes:

• Puppies may step in or play with food—this is normal

• Bottle feeding should continue to ensure proper nutrition

• This stage is about exposure, not full weaning

Primary Nutrition: Gruel

How Often: 4 meals per day

Feeding Notes:

• Gradually thicken gruel by reducing liquid

• Puppies should be lapping and starting to chew

• Bottle feeding is reduced and usually discontinued by the end of this stage

• Provide shallow bowls of fresh water

What to Watch For:

• Consistent eating on their own

• Normal stools during food transitions

Primary Nutrition: Solid puppy food

How Often: 3–4 meals per day

Feeding Notes:

• Use age-appropriate puppy kibble

• Kibble can be moistened with water if needed

• Avoid sudden food changes to prevent diarrhea

Ready for Adoption:

• Fully weaned

• Eating independently

• Maintaining healthy weight and energy

• Always use puppy-specific food and formula

• Clean bottles, bowls, and feeding areas after every use

• Monitor weight, appetite, hydration, and stool daily

• Contact the foster team immediately if a puppy:

  • Refuses food

  • Has persistent diarrhea or vomiting

  • Is losing weight or failing to gain

Feeding puppies through these early stages takes time, patience, and dedication. Your care directly impacts their survival, growth, and future success in a forever home. We are so grateful for everything you do to give these puppies the best possible start.

If you have any questions about feeding schedules or transitions, please reach out to the foster team—we’re here to help every step of the way.