Beaphar Lactol Puppy Milk, 250 g is a powdered milk formula for complete feeding of puppies without a mother, and for pregnant and nursing dogs and dogs during or after illness. According to the manufacturer, Lactol Puppy Milk has been in use for more than 100 years. It contains easily digested high-quality proteins, provides energy and is enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), important for brain and eye development during rapid growth. It's GMO-free.
When a puppy needs a milk replacer
The manufacturer recommends Lactol for orphaned puppies, puppies from large litters, as complete artificial nutrition during weaning and as a supplement for pregnant, nursing and unwell dogs. In a large litter, the formula helps top up the weakest puppies that can't get to a teat. Cow's or goat's milk isn't suitable: its composition is very different from a bitch's milk. How to feed a puppy afterwards is covered in what to feed a puppy by age.
Ingredients
Milk and milk products, fats, minerals. Analysis: protein 24%, fat 24%, ash 7%, calcium 0.8%, phosphorus 0.7%, sodium 0.5%, magnesium 0.16%, potassium 1.5%, DHA 0.1%, moisture 3.5%. Per kilogram it adds vitamins A (25,000 IU), D3 (2,000 IU), E, C, K3 and B group, biotin, nicotinamide, DL-methionine 3,000 mg, iron, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc and antioxidants. A litre of made-up milk contains about 1,250 kcal.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | orphaned puppies, puppies from large litters, pregnant and nursing bitches |
| Protein / fat | 24% / 24% |
| DHA | 0.1% |
| Mixing | 2 scoops (30 g) per 100 ml of water |
| Energy | about 1,250 kcal/l of made-up milk |
| Storage after opening | up to 3 months |
| Pack | 250 g |
Pros
- Time-tested. The formula has been used for more than 100 years.
- Complete nutrition. Can fully replace the mother's milk.
- DHA. For brain and eye development.
- Versatile. Suits puppies and pregnant, nursing and recovering dogs.
- Easy to mix. 2 scoops per 100 ml of water.
- GMO-free.
Cons
- Runs out fast. 250 g makes roughly 830 ml — not much for a large-breed litter.
- Sterility is a must. Bottles and syringes need sterilising before every feed.
- Made-up formula keeps one day. No more than 24 hours in the fridge.
- No exact amount. The manufacturer advises feeding on demand and weighing the puppies.
How to mix and feed
For every 100 ml of warm water use 2 level scoops (about 30 g; one scoop is roughly 15 g). Mix the powder with hot but not boiling water, stir until fully dissolved and cool to 38 °C. Older puppies and adult dogs may prefer it cold. Feed from a special bottle or feeding syringe; all equipment must be sterile, especially for newborns. Keep made-up formula in the fridge for no more than 24 hours.
Monitoring growth and moving to food
Weigh each puppy regularly to track gains and spot problems early: if the weight isn't increasing, take the puppy to a vet. When puppies start showing interest in a bowl, you can serve the formula in a saucer and gradually introduce soaked puppy food — see the dry puppy food section. For growing bones a vet may prescribe calcium, such as Canina Welpenkalk. What to buy before a puppy arrives is covered in a puppy at home: shopping list.
Who it suits
Orphaned puppies, weak puppies from large litters, puppies being weaned, and pregnant, nursing and recovering dogs as a dietary supplement. For kittens Beaphar makes a separate formula, Lactol Kitty Milk. Other formulas are in the puppy milk section.
Verdict
Beaphar Lactol Puppy Milk is a classic bitch's milk replacer with DHA, vitamins and minerals. It's a lifesaver when a puppy is orphaned or loses out to its littermates at the teats, and it helps support a nursing dog. Bear consumption in mind: for a large litter, one 250 g tin won't last long.
FAQ
How do I mix the formula?
2 level scoops (about 30 g) per 100 ml of warm water, then cool to 38 °C.
Can a puppy have cow's milk?
It's best not to: its composition is very different from a bitch's milk.
How long does made-up formula keep?
No more than 24 hours in the fridge.
How long does an opened tin keep?
The powder should be used within 3 months of opening.
Can a nursing dog have it?
Yes, as a supplement for pregnant, nursing and unwell dogs.
Can it be served cold?
Puppies need it warm, at 38 °C; older animals may drink it cold.
How many calories does it have?
About 1,250 kcal per litre of made-up milk.
