Newborn puppy not eating? Causes, what to do and when to see a vet
A newborn puppy not eating needs attention quickly. The most common causes are trouble nursing, being too cold, a physical problem such as a cleft palate, infection or the wrong bottle-feeding technique. Keep the puppy warm, help it reach the teat or use a puppy milk formula, and if it still won't feed, take it to the vet without delay.
Proper feeding is crucial for growth and development, so any sign that a puppy isn't feeding well should be taken seriously. Here is what may be happening and what you can do.
Why is my newborn puppy not eating?
There are several reasons a newborn puppy may refuse food. Identifying the right one helps you take the right steps.
Problems with nursing
The most common cause is a lack of proper access to the mother's milk. If the mother isn't producing enough milk, or the puppy struggles to latch on, it may stop feeding. In some cases the mother rejects a puppy, so it doesn't get the nutrients it needs.
Physical abnormalities
Some puppies are born with abnormalities that make suckling difficult. Problems such as a cleft palate or breathing difficulties can stop a puppy from feeding.
Illness or infection
A newborn puppy may also refuse to eat if it is unwell. Bacterial or viral infections can leave it weak and cause loss of appetite.
Stress or trauma
The environment or a trauma during birth can affect a puppy's behaviour. If it is stressed or has suffered a physical trauma, it may not feel well enough to eat.
Wrong feeding method or handling
If you are bottle-feeding and not using the right puppy milk formula, or not giving the bottle correctly, the puppy may refuse it.
How can I tell if my newborn puppies are feeding well?
- Weight gain: a newborn puppy should gain weight every day. If it isn't putting on weight, it isn't eating enough.
- Energy level: well-fed puppies are active when awake, even though they sleep most of the time.
- Behaviour: a puppy that isn't eating and seems lethargic or cries a lot may be struggling to feed.
What can I do if my newborn puppy won't feed?
Help it nurse properly
If the mother is available, make sure the puppy can nurse properly. Help it find the teat or, if needed, supplement with a bottle and the right formula. If the mother isn't available, use a specific puppy milk replacer.
Use a puppy milk formula
If the puppy can't get its mother's milk, feed it a formula made specifically for puppies. Avoid cow's milk, as it isn't suitable for them. Puppy formula is designed to cover all their nutritional needs.
Keep it warm
Newborn puppies can't regulate their body temperature well, and a cold puppy may refuse to feed. Keep it warm and comfortable with a heat pad or a hot-water bottle wrapped in a cloth.
Get a vet check
If your puppy still won't eat after trying these steps, take it to the vet. A professional can identify problems such as infections or abnormalities that prevent feeding.
Can supplements help puppies?
Newborn puppies should feed mainly on their mother's milk or a special puppy formula. Later, when the puppy starts on solid food or needs extra nutritional support, Maikai's natural supplements for dogs can be a useful complement. To understand when they make sense, read our guide to choosing natural supplements for dogs.
A supplement such as Immune Digestive can help maintain balanced digestion and support natural defences as the puppy adapts to new foods. We explain how they work in what probiotics for dogs do and when to use them. Always check with your vet before giving any supplement to a very young puppy.
Our recommendation: when the puppy moves from milk to solid food, Maikai Immune Digestive, a natural probiotic powder formulated with natural ingredients, can help keep digestion balanced during the change. Ask your vet first if the puppy is very young.
Extra tips for feeding your puppy correctly
- Feeding frequency: newborn puppies need to feed often (every 2–3 hours in the first weeks). As they grow, feeds can be spaced out.
- Watch their behaviour: if the puppy keeps refusing food, something may not be working, such as the formula or the type of bottle.
- Avoid sudden changes: if you need to change the formula or type of food, do it gradually to avoid digestive upsets. If loose stools appear, our guide to dog diarrhoea and when to see a vet explains why you should act sooner with puppies.
FAQ
How often should a newborn puppy feed?
Every 2–3 hours during the first weeks. As the puppy grows, feeds can be spaced out.
Can I give a newborn puppy cow's milk?
No. Cow's milk isn't suitable for puppies. If it can't get its mother's milk, use a formula made specifically for puppies.
When should I take a newborn puppy that isn't eating to the vet?
If it still won't feed after you've helped it nurse, kept it warm and checked the formula and bottle, or if it isn't gaining weight, seems lethargic or cries a lot.
Feeding is one of the foundations of your puppy's health in its first days and weeks. Identify the cause quickly, act on it and don't hesitate to see your vet if home measures don't work. When the time comes to support its digestion, explore our natural supplements for dogs.
