Tube feeding is the safest and fastest way to feed newborn puppies. If you are unfamiliar with how to tube feed, have your Vet or experienced breeder show you how to tube feed.  Once you learn how to tube feed, you will see how easy and convenient it can be.  The main danger involved with tube feeding healthy newborn puppies lies in the possibility of emptying the tube too quickly when the distal end is located in the esophagus, instead of the stomach.  If this happens, the esophagus may fill and overflow at the larynx, spilling over in the trachea.  Two safeguards which prevent this from happening are; inserting the tube completely, so that it empties into the stomach and NOT depressing the plunger so forcefully that the tube dispenses the formula at maximum speed.  You must ALWAYS dispense the fluid SLOWLY.

You need to measure each puppy before tube feeding. This is so you'll know how far to insert the tube.  To measure the puppy, stretch out the puppy and measure from the tip of the nose to the end of the ribcage (or navel).  Then mark the tube with a magic marker.  Keep in mind that the puppy’s measurements will change as they grow, and you will insert the tube down further. Without using any force, always insert the tube as far as it will go. 

Be sure everything is clean and sterile.  You may find it easiest to feed your puppies on your kitchen table. You may want to use a towel under the puppy to catch any spilled formula.  Gather the needed items; feeding tube, syringe, and formula which is lukewarm and placed in a small cup.  Fill the syringe with the amount of formula you will need to feed that particular puppy.  DO NOT over feed a newborn puppy!!! Feed puppies every two hours for the first day or two, then feed every 3-4 hours depending on how they are thriving.  Start with 2 cc’s for a 4-5 ounce puppy, then gradually increase to 3-4cc’s as you think is needed.  YOU DO NOT want to see any milk coming out the nose or mouth when you pull the tube out.  If this happens, it means the puppy has been overfed.  It doesn’t mean it’s dangerous, but you don't want this to happen.

Draw the formula into the syringe.  Draw an extra cc for the tube.  So if you are feeding 2cc’s, draw 3cc’s.  Attach the tube to the syringe and then depress the plunger SLOWLY until a few drops of fluid come out the end of the tube.  You are now ready to insert the tube into the Puppy’s mouth. 

Lay the Puppy down on the towel.  Dip the tube into the formula to help the tube insert easier.  It does help to leave a drop on the end of the tube and the Puppy will eagerly suck the tube down as you insert it.   Use your index finger and thumb to go around his head to the corners of his mouth.  Squeeze gently to get the pup to open his mouth.  While you tip the head slightly upward, insert the tube and drop the drop of milk on his tongue and repeat.  The puppy will usually suck the tube right down.  Guide the tube over the tongue towards the back of the throat, and it should slide right down to the mark that you previously made.  NEVER force the tube down.  It should slide down easily, and if it does not, then pull it back a little and try again.  If the puppy chokes or coughs, withdraw the tube and start over again.  You don’t want to insert the tube too slowly or the puppy may gag.  The tube should be inserted efficiently using short quick strokes, but no force. You will notice how easy it is to get the feel of tube feeding. 

When you feel the tube is inserted correctly, hold the syringe perpendicular as you depress the plunger.  This makes sure air is only in the upper portion of the syringe, away from the tube.  Depress the plunger smoothly and slowly.  Always hold the tube with your fingers around the puppy’s mouth, so the tube does not slip out.  Make sure the feeding tube does not slip out while you are depressing the fluid.  If the tube does slip out, stop and insert it back down into the stomach.  Puppies are always moving around, so this happens quite often. Hold the puppies head up with your hand and with your index finger and thumb; hold the tube at the mouth once it’s in the stomach.  This way the tube can't slip out.  You must work swiftly and surely so the puppy doesn’t have time to back away from the tube, thus pulling it out. 

After depressing the formula into the puppy’s stomach, pinch off the tube with your right index finger and thumb.  Swiftly remove the tube.  Keep in mind the tube still has 1 cc of formula in it.  Pinching the tube reduces any chance of getting any air into the stomach.  Always make sure the puppies have relieved themselves before feeding them again. 

Important things to remember

• Be sure to clean the tubes after each feeding.  If you have to use the same tube on another puppy, rinse with VERY hot water first.  Fill the syringe with hot water and run it thru the tube. 
• Never force the feeding tube
• Remember to SLOWLY dispense the formula into the puppy.
• Always consult your vet if you have more questions or concerns with tube feeding. 
• Never feed a chilled puppy

  Puppy Feeding Chart

  Weight of Puppy	# of cc’s	How often
  3-7 ounce	1 cc per ounce of weight	Every 3 hours