Leerburg Puppy Formula: Recipe, Benefits and Feeding Guide

Leerburg Puppy Formula Recipe & Guide

Learn how to make Leerburg puppy formula, when to use it and how to safely feed newborn puppies. 

Leerburg Puppy Formula

Leerburg puppy formula is a popular homemade milk replacer used when puppies need supplement feeding or full hand-rearing. You can also compare this with other options in our guide to the best puppy milk replacers in Australia.

It’s especially useful when mum isn’t producing enough milk or puppies need extra nutritional support. 

What Is the Leerburg Formula?

Developed by Leerburg Kennels, this formula is designed to provide essential nutrients for young puppies, particularly those that are weak or underweight.

Leerburg Formula Recipe

This recipe includes Karo Syrup for puppies, which provides a quick, easily absorbed source of energy for young or weak pups.

Ingredients:

10 oz (295 mL) evaporated milk or goat’s milk
3 oz (90 mL) sterilised water (not needed with goat’s milk)
1 egg yolk
1 cup (250 g) plain yoghurt (unsweetened, full fat)
1/2 tsp (2.5 mL)  Karo syrup

          

Directions:

• Mix gently, avoid bubbles
  
• Store in fridge
  
• Warm before feeding
  

Warming the puppy safely by offering heating & critical care support is essential prior to feeding. 

When to Use It

• Low milk supply
  
• Orphaned puppies
  
• Supplement feeding

This formula can be fed using appropriate syringe, bottle & tube feeding methods, depending on the puppy’s strength and ability to suck.  If a puppy is strong, bottle feeding is usually preferred as it supports the natural sucking reflex. However, if the puppy is weak, tube feeding may be necessary to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. It’s always helpful to have your feeding supplies prepared in advance, see our guide on what should be in a whelping kit.

      

Feeding Guidelines

When feeding, it’s important to follow a milk feeding calculation guide to ensure puppies are getting the correct amount at each feed. A puppy that is getting enough milk at each feed will have healthy growth, steady weight gain, and overall good development.

• Follow a milk feeding calculation guide
  
• Feed every 2–3 hours initially
  
• Monitor weight daily
  

Pros and Considerations

Benefits:

• Readily available ingredients
  
• Easy to digest

Considerations:

• Must be prepared fresh
• Nutritional imbalances if not prepared correctly

Final Thoughts

Leerburg formula is a practical option for feeding puppies when needed. With careful preparation and correct feeding amounts, it can support healthy growth during early development. As with any feeding method, it’s always best to check in with your veterinarian to ensure it’s suitable for your puppies. If you’d like a broader guide to caring for newborn puppies, including feeding and warming, see our How to Care for Newborn Puppies guide.