PetAg Esbilac is a puppy milk replacer for newborn to 6-week-old puppies and a supplement for weaned puppies, nursing mothers and adult dogs. Choose 12 oz or 28 oz powder, mixed 1 part powder to 2 parts warm water, or the 16 oz ready-to-feed liquid in a resealable carton. Feed 2 tablespoons per 4 oz of body weight daily, every 3–4 hours.
| Product | PetAg Esbilac® Puppy Milk Replacer |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PetAg, Inc. |
| Sizes on this page | Powder: 12 oz and 28 oz cans. Liquid: 16 oz (473 mL) ready-to-feed, resealable carton. |
| Larger size | Esbilac powder, 5 lb |
| For | Puppies newborn to 6 weeks; also a supplement for weaned puppies, pregnant and nursing mothers and adult dogs |
| Puppy feeding rate | 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of formula per 4 oz of body weight daily, divided into feedings every 3 to 4 hours |
| Powder mixing | 1 part powder to 2 parts warm water. Whisk or shake; do not use a blender. |
| Powder nutrition | Meets the AAFCO dog nutrient profiles for complete and balanced nutrition. Contains prebiotics and probiotics. |
| Liquid nutrition | Formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large breed dogs. Contains fructooligosaccharides and marine microalgae oil (EPA + DHA). |
| Opened powder | Room temperature up to 2 months, then refrigerated up to 1 more month, or frozen up to 6 months |
| Opened liquid | Refrigerate and discard after 72 hours. Do not freeze in the original carton. |
| Colostrum | Not included. Puppies should nurse from their mother for at least the first 2 days if possible. |
Esbilac is PetAg's milk replacer for puppies. PetAg describes it as scientifically the next best thing to mother's milk, formulated to provide a caloric pattern similar to a mother dog's milk in protein, fat and carbohydrates, with added vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients. It is made for puppies that are orphaned, rejected, weak or not getting enough milk from the dam, and for adult dogs that need a highly digestible source of nutrients.
This page offers Esbilac two ways: powder in 12 oz and 28 oz cans, and ready-to-feed liquid in a 16 oz (473 mL) resealable carton. Both are fed at the same rate once the powder is mixed.
| Esbilac powder (12 oz, 28 oz) | Esbilac liquid (16 oz carton) | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Mix 1 part powder with 2 parts warm water | Ready to feed. Shake well, then warm to room or body temperature. Do not microwave directly. |
| After opening | Room temperature up to 2 months, then refrigerated up to 1 more month; or frozen up to 6 months | Refrigerate. Discard after 72 hours. |
| Mixed or poured formula | Refrigerate and use within 24 hours | Single servings can be frozen for up to 6 weeks (not in the original carton) |
| Best for | Feeding for days or weeks, larger litters, lowest waste | Emergencies, travel, the first night, or one or two puppies |
One approach is to keep a carton of liquid on hand for emergencies and use powder for ongoing feeding. For several litters, see the 5 lb Esbilac powder.
Esbilac is formulated for dogs. PetAg says its formulas are species-specific, so Esbilac is not a substitute for a kitten formula, and it is not for human consumption. If a puppy is weak, not gaining weight or has diarrhea, talk with your veterinarian.
For newborn to 6-week-old puppies, feed 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of formula per 4 oz of body weight each day. That applies to mixed powder and to the liquid. Divide the daily amount into equal portions and feed every 3 to 4 hours. Weigh puppies daily to make sure they are growing, and adjust as needed; individual puppies' needs vary.
| Puppy weight | Total formula per day |
|---|---|
| 4 oz | 2 tbsp (30 mL) |
| 8 oz | 4 tbsp (60 mL) |
| 12 oz | 6 tbsp (90 mL) |
| 16 oz (1 lb) | 8 tbsp (120 mL) |
| 24 oz (1.5 lb) | 12 tbsp (180 mL) |
| 32 oz (2 lb) | 16 tbsp (240 mL) |
Figures are calculated from the label rate. For example, an 8 oz puppy fed every 4 hours (6 feedings) gets about 2 teaspoons (10 mL) per feeding. PetAg recommends a nurser bottle for liquid feeding. We carry PetAg 2 oz nursing bottles.
| Dog | Powder (daily, top-dressed on food) | Liquid (daily, in addition to food) |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant and nursing mothers | 2 teaspoons (4 g) per 5 lb of body weight | 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per 5 lb of body weight |
| Weaned puppies and adult dogs | 1 teaspoon (2 g) per 5 lb of body weight | 1 tablespoon (15 mL) per 5 lb of body weight |
PetAg states that Esbilac powder meets the AAFCO dog nutrient profiles for complete and balanced nutrition and contains prebiotics (fructooligosaccharide) and probiotics: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Pediococcus acidilactici.
| Guaranteed analysis (powder) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude protein, min | 33.0% |
| Crude fat, min | 40.0% |
| Crude fiber, max | 0.5% |
| Moisture, max | 5.0% |
| Probiotics | 130,000 CFU per gram of powder |
| Calories (ME, calculated) | 5,098 kcal/kg; 31.6 kcal per tablespoon of powder; 13.2 kcal per tablespoon reconstituted 1:2 |
PetAg states that the ready-to-feed liquid is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large breed dogs (70 lb or more as an adult). It contains fructooligosaccharides and marine microalgae oil as a source of EPA and DHA.
| Guaranteed analysis (liquid) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude protein, min | 5.00% |
| Crude fat, min | 3.50% |
| Crude fiber, max | 0.80% |
| Moisture, max | 86.00% |
| Vitamin E, min | 10 IU/kg |
| EPA + DHA, min | 0.01% |
| Calories (ME, calculated) | 710 kcal/kg; 10.96 kcal per tablespoon |
The liquid's guaranteed analysis looks much lower in protein and fat than the powder's because the liquid is mostly water. PetAg explains that once the powder is mixed with water, the fat and protein levels should be similar to those on the ready-to-feed liquid label.
| Option | Form | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 12 oz | Powder, can | One litter for a short time, or supplementing |
| 28 oz | Powder, can | Hand-raising a litter for several weeks |
| 16 oz (473 mL) | Ready-to-feed liquid, resealable carton | Emergencies, travel, the first feedings |
Current prices for each size are shown above.
Both. Choose 12 oz or 28 oz powder, or the 16 oz ready-to-feed liquid in a resealable carton, from the size menu. A 5 lb powder size is sold on its own page.
Whisk or shake 1 part powder into 2 parts warm water until there are no clumps. Do not use a blender, and do not mix more than the puppies will drink in 24 hours.
2 tablespoons (30 mL) of formula per 4 oz of body weight per day. PetAg's example: an 8 oz puppy needs 4 tablespoons over 24 hours. Divide that into equal feedings and weigh the puppy daily.
PetAg's directions say every 3 to 4 hours, with the daily amount divided equally between feedings.
If possible, yes. PetAg recommends that puppies receive colostrum by nursing from their mother for at least the first 2 days. Esbilac does not contain colostrum.
No. PetAg notes that colostrum is species-specific and that puppies should get it by nursing from their mother when possible.
Up to 2 months at room temperature, then up to 1 more month in the refrigerator. Opened powder can also be frozen for up to 6 months. Never use it past the best-by date.
Refrigerate it and discard it after 72 hours. Do not freeze it in the original carton; PetAg says single servings can be frozen, such as in an ice cube tray, for up to 6 weeks if they are frozen within 72 hours of opening.
Keep reconstituted powder in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Warm it to room or body temperature before feeding.
Yes, as a supplement. With powder, top-dress 1 teaspoon per 5 lb of body weight daily for weaned puppies and adult dogs, or 2 teaspoons per 5 lb for pregnant and nursing mothers. With the liquid, give 1 tablespoon (15 mL) per 5 lb daily for weaned puppies and adult dogs, or 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per 5 lb for pregnant and nursing mothers, in addition to their normal diet.
No. PetAg says its formulas are made for the nutritional needs of each species and are not interchangeable. Use a kitten milk replacer for kittens.
PetAg states that Esbilac powder meets the AAFCO dog nutrient profiles for complete and balanced nutrition, and that it can be the complete diet for puppies up to 6 weeks old. The 16 oz liquid is formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large breed dogs.
PetAg lists Esbilac powder at 5,098 kcal/kg, which is 31.6 kcal per tablespoon of powder or 13.2 kcal per tablespoon after mixing 1:2 with water. The ready-to-feed liquid is 710 kcal/kg, or 10.96 kcal per tablespoon.
No. PetAg says both liquid and powder milk replacers are perishable and should not be fed after the expiration date.
For one or two puppies or an emergency, the 16 oz liquid. For hand-raising a litter, the 28 oz powder. For breeders and rescues feeding several litters, the 5 lb powder.
Esbilac powder directions, storage and ingredients, as published by PetAg:
Mixing directions: Whisk or shake 1 part powdered Esbilac into 2 parts warm water. Do not mix more Esbilac than can be consumed in 24 hours. Do not use a blender.
Directions for feeding: Esbilac can be fed as a complete diet for puppies up to 6 weeks old or as a nutritional supplement for weaned puppies, pregnant and nursing mothers, and adult dogs. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice. Not for human consumption.
Newborn to 6-week-old puppies: Feed puppies 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of reconstituted Esbilac per 4 ounces (115 g) of body weight daily. Puppies should be fed every 3-4 hours. The daily feeding amount should be divided into equal portions for each feeding. Individual puppies' needs may vary. Warm reconstituted Esbilac to room or body temperature before serving.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Supplement 2 teaspoons (4 g) Esbilac powder per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily as a top dress onto a normal diet.
Weaned puppies and adult dogs: Supplement 1 teaspoon (2 g) Esbilac powder per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily as a top dress onto a normal diet.
Storage: Unopened container should be stored in a cool, dry place. Opened container can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 months and then must be refrigerated for up to 1 additional month. Opened container can be frozen for up to 6 months to preserve freshness. Use product before best by date stamped on container. Reconstituted liquid must be kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Ingredients: Vegetable oil (with tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate (preservatives), rosemary extract), casein, dried whey protein concentrate, dried corn syrup, cream, dried skimmed milk, maltodextrins, dicalcium phosphate, mono and diglycerides of edible fats or oils, guar gum, potassium chloride, fructooligosaccharide, powdered cellulose, dextrose, DL-methionine, L-arginine, magnesium sulfate, sodium aluminosilicate, lecithin, calcium silicate, choline chloride, potassium citrate, silicon dioxide, dipotassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, salt, iron amino acid chelate, tricalcium phosphate, taurine, niacin supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement (vitamin A palmitate, modified food starch, maltodextrins, medium chain triglycerides, BHT (a preservative), sucrose, sodium ascorbate (a preservative), silicon dioxide, disodium EDTA and mixed tocopherols (a preservative)), copper proteinate, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, manganese sulfate, vitamin E supplement (vitamin E, silicon dioxide), vitamin D3 supplement (vitamin D3, modified food starch, sucrose, maltodextrins, silicon dioxide), folic acid, calcium iodate, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried L. fermentum fermentation product, dried L. acidophilus fermentation product, dried L. plantarum fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product, sodium selenite, vitamin B12 supplement.
Esbilac 16 oz ready-to-feed liquid directions, storage and ingredients, as published by PetAg:
Directions for feeding: Product may settle over time. Shake well before use. Esbilac can be fed as a complete diet for puppies unable to consume solid food, or as a nutritional supplement for weaned puppies, pregnant and nursing mothers, and adult dogs. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice. Not for human consumption.
Puppies: Feed 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per 4 ounces (115 g) of body weight daily. Puppies should be fed every 3-4 hours. It is recommended to use a nurser bottle when feeding. If possible, all puppies should receive colostrum by nursing on the mother for the first several days. Follow the recommended feeding amount to avoid digestive upset. Puppies should be weighed daily to ensure adequate growth. The daily feeding amount should be divided into equal portions for each feeding. Individual puppies' needs may vary. Warm Esbilac to room or body temperature before serving. Do not microwave directly.
Weaned puppies and adult dogs: Supplement 1 tablespoon (15 mL) Esbilac per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily, in addition to normal diet.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Supplement 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Esbilac per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily, in addition to normal diet.
Storage: Store unopened container in a cool, dry place. Opened container must be refrigerated and discarded after 72 hours. Do not freeze in original container. Use product before best-by date stamped on container.
Ingredients: Water, dried whole milk, casein, soybean oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate), dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, L-arginine, DL-methionine, soy lecithin, dipotassium phosphate, potassium chloride, vitamin A supplement, sodium chloride, tricalcium phosphate, vitamin E supplement, magnesium sulfate, fructooligosaccharides, marine microalgae oil, choline chloride, vitamin D3 supplement, ascorbic acid, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, taurine, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, dried milk protein, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, potassium citrate, potassium iodide, folic acid, sodium selenite, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, rosemary extract.
This page summarizes the manufacturer's label and published product information. Formulas can change; always read and follow the label on the product you receive, and consult your veterinarian about feeding orphaned or sick puppies.
| Directions | Esbilac Powder (12 oz and 28 oz) Mixing directions: Whisk or shake 1 part powdered Esbilac into 2 parts warm water. Do not mix more Esbilac than can be consumed in 24 hours. Do not use a blender. Newborn to 6-week-old puppies: Feed puppies 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of reconstituted Esbilac per 4 ounces (115 g) of body weight daily. Puppies should be fed every 3-4 hours. The daily feeding amount should be divided into equal portions for each feeding. Individual puppies' needs may vary. Warm reconstituted Esbilac to room or body temperature before serving. Pregnant and nursing mothers: Supplement 2 teaspoons (4 g) Esbilac powder per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily as a top dress onto a normal diet. Weaned puppies and adult dogs: Supplement 1 teaspoon (2 g) Esbilac powder per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily as a top dress onto a normal diet. Storage: Unopened container should be stored in a cool, dry place. Opened container can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 months and then must be refrigerated for up to 1 additional month. Opened container can be frozen for up to 6 months to preserve freshness. Use product before best by date stamped on container. Reconstituted liquid must be kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice. Not for human consumption. Esbilac Liquid (16 oz ready-to-feed carton) Directions for feeding: Product may settle over time. Shake well before use. Esbilac can be fed as a complete diet for puppies unable to consume solid food, or as a nutritional supplement for weaned puppies, pregnant and nursing mothers, and adult dogs. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice. Not for human consumption. Puppies: Feed 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per 4 ounces (115 g) of body weight daily. Puppies should be fed every 3-4 hours. It is recommended to use a nurser bottle when feeding. If possible, all puppies should receive colostrum by nursing on the mother for the first several days. Follow the recommended feeding amount to avoid digestive upset. Puppies should be weighed daily to ensure adequate growth. The daily feeding amount should be divided into equal portions for each feeding. Individual puppies' needs may vary. Warm Esbilac to room or body temperature before serving. Do not microwave directly. Weaned puppies and adult dogs: Supplement 1 tablespoon (15 mL) Esbilac per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily, in addition to normal diet. Pregnant and nursing mothers: Supplement 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Esbilac per 5 lb (2.2 kg) body weight daily, in addition to normal diet. Storage: Store unopened container in a cool, dry place. Opened container must be refrigerated and discarded after 72 hours. Do not freeze in original container. Use product before best-by date stamped on container. Freezing: After opening, liquid Esbilac may be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Do not freeze it in the original container; an ice cube tray is preferred. Freeze within 72 hours of opening. Frozen formula darkens in color and returns to a lighter color after thawing. |
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