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Recently, VET Solutions reformulated its puppy and kitten milk replacers. The new formulas are called Pro-Biolac for Puppies and Pro-Biolac for Kittens. The following is a quick summary of the important updates and changes from our original Puppy and Kitten Formulas.
Increased levels of protein and fat
The amounts of protein and fat have been increased in both Pro-Biolac formulas to more
closely match the protein and fat levels found in queen’s and bitch’s milk. They contain optimum
levels of protein and fat designed specifically for the different metabolic needs and growth rates of
puppies and kittens. The major protein source is still milk protein which is easily digestible, providing
adequate levels of essential amino acids required for growth. The increased levels of protein and
fat exceed AAFCO minimums for these nutrients.
Added arginine, taurine, and arachidonic acid
Pro-Biolac for Kittens and Pro-Biolac for Puppies are fortified with added arginine to ensure that the
amount of arginine provided by the formula exceeds AAFCO standards. In addition to the arginine supplied
by milk protein, arginine is supplemented at a level of 1.25%. Unlike dogs, cats have a dietary requirement
for taurine. Taurine has been added to Pro-Biolac for Kittens to ensure proper heart and retinal development.
Cats are also unable to convert linoleic acid to arachidonic acid in high enough levels to supply their daily
requirement. For this reason, arachidonic acid is added to Pro-Biolac for Kittens in the form of both dried
whole egg and cod liver oil.
Colostrum
Colostrum, the milk produced by a bitch or queen just after giving birth, contains important, disease
fighting antibodies which are very large proteins. In the normal, mature digestive tract, intact large proteins
cannot be absorbed. They are broken down by enzymes into smaller proteins and amino acids and
absorbed that way. Neonates have the unique ability to absorb antibodies for a short period following birth.
In dogs and cats that "open" period is about 24-48 hours. This ability to absorb intact antibodies helps protect
neonates from disease. Pro-Biolac formulas contain bovine colostrum at levels much higher than our
previous Puppy and Kitten Formulas. While bovine colostrum is not ideal for puppies and kittens, it may
provide some protection for neonates that do not receive species specific colostrum.
DHA
Both Pro-Biolac formulas contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in increased levels compared to our previous
Formulas because DHA has been shown in human infants to be integral to brain and ocular development.
The DHA in Pro-Biolac is derived from cod liver oil.
Direct-Fed Microbials
Neonatal animals are born without normal intestinal bacterial flora which would protect the intestinal tract
from colonization by pathogenic or bad bacteria. Within 48-72 hours of birth the intestinal tract is colonized by
bacteria usually found in the environment (from birth canal, from mother’s skin, etc.). This initial population of
bacteria is small and easily upset by stress. It will grow rapidly, both in numbers and species, until the
entire gastrointestinal system is well populated with stable bacterial colonies. Since neonates do not have
these mature, stable bacterial colonies, they are very susceptible to all kinds of intestinal upsets which
might lead to more serious, life-threatening problems. Orphaned and abandoned neonatal animals are
particularly at risk for intestinal and other diseases as their lives are extremely stressful and their immune
systems are not well developed. The new Pro-Biolac formulas contain bacteria known commonly as
probiotics. These are lactic acid producing bacteria known to be components of the normal intestinal flora
of animals. The goal of adding bacteria to puppy and kitten formulas is to help establish a normal bacterial
population in the gastrointestinal tract and to help prevent gastrointestinal upset by providing a constant
source of bacteria to help maintain established colonies. AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control
Officials) prefers that these bacteria be called Direct-Fed Microbials instead of probiotics. This is why
the bacteria in Pro-Biolac are listed in the guaranteed analysis as Direct-Fed Microbials.
Successfully raising puppies or kittens that have been orphaned or abandoned can be very rewarding but is also very time consuming and may be frustrating. Despite all the best efforts and intentions, many orphaned or abandoned puppies and kittens may die. Successfully raising orphaned puppies and kittens requires strict attention to nutrition, environment, routine, and sanitation.
At birth, puppies and kittens are extremely vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and infectious diseases. They cannot see, hear, control their body temperature, or eliminate on their own. Their gastrointestinal tracts contain no normal bacterial populations and they have poorly developed immune systems. Beneficial bacteria begin to colonize the intestines within 72 hours of birth. The ingestion of colostrum, or mother's first milk, during the initial 24 to 36 hours after birth helps to provide some protection from infectious disease as colostrum contains many important antibodies. The eyes and ears of neonates usually open 10 to 14 days after birth. Full control of urination and defecation occurs by 3 weeks and complete control over body temperature is achieved around 4 weeks of age. Controlling environmental conditions is imperative for newborn animals. For the first week of life, puppies and kittens should be in an environment that is maintained at a steady 86°F to 90°F with 55%-60% humidity. Any sudden changes in environment should be avoided as this can lead to illness. Disturbances except for routine care and socialization should be minimized. Strict care should be paid to sanitation as this can help control exposure to infectious diseases.
Orphaned, neonatal puppies and kittens need to be fed every 2-4 hours depending on age. A commercially available milk replacer is the best feeding option. VET Solutions Pro-Biolac Milk Replacers are nutritionally complete and also contain colostrum, the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is critical to brain and eye development, and direct-fed microbials which help to establish and maintain normal intestinal flora. Formula should be mixed according to package directions. For Pro-Biolac formulas, mix 2 parts powder to 3 parts warm water. Feed at least 2 tablespoons of formula per 4 ounces of body weight daily. Only enough formula to last for 24 hours should be mixed at one time. Formula should be at body temperature when it is fed. Neonates can be fed from appropriate nipple bottles or syringes. Any formula that is unused after one feeding should be refrigerated. Caretaker hands should be washed thoroughly both before and after feeding. Bottles and other utensils used to mix and hold formula should be cleaned and sterilized after each use.
After each feeding, neonatal animals need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate. Using a warm moistened cotton ball or tissue, rub the anogenital area gently to stimulate elimination. Most puppies and kittens need gentle handling before feeding to help with muscle and circulatory development. Twice a week, neonatal puppies and kittens should be gently wiped with a slightly moist cloth for general cleaning, making sure that they are not chilled in the process.
The weaning process may begin at about 3 weeks of age. Start by offering formula in a shallow dish at feeding time. Once that is accepted, make gruel from formula and puppy or kitten food and place it in the dish. Gradually increase the amount of solid food and decrease the amount of formula until the animals are eating only solid food. Always have fresh water available.
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