Raising Tiny Dogs

I was talking to a friend last week who has a litter of three Chihuahuas - they were 11 weeks old, and the biggest one was only 1.5 pounds! Raising a puppy that is less than two pounds takes a special skill and desire. Most do not want to have "teacup" dogs, but occasionally we get one in a litter. A recent conversation with a breeder who specializes in tiny dogs made me realize how little information is available.

The less-than-two-pound puppy needs to get on food and stay on food. They wean later in life, often near eight weeks. Eating is not different from other puppies, but with tiny puppies, they have little body mass for backup. They need multiple meals a day, and missing a meal makes them prone to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is best prevented with high calorie supplements, two or three times a day, with soft food and granular vitamins several times a day. They should also have small kibble dry food in front of them at all times. There are several supplements that are helpful with weaning, and I would not hesitate to put them into your regimen:

• Doc Roy's^® Forti Cal nutritional supplement – Give it to them twice a day minimum, and be sure to feed them afterwards. The vitamins are what are important here; the calories are just a plus. It can also be used for fast energy and strength if you do see hypoglycemia. Forti-Cal is not just helpful at weaning; it should be used for several months after sale, as well.


• Rice baby cereal keeps bulk in the diet and needs to be used after the puppy is hypoglycemic. A three-day course is best, twice a day. The cereal moves easily through a syringe and you can add Forti-Cal and granular vitamins to it if you want. This helps keep the intestine moving and the appetite up. If they are on a lot of high calorie supplements, vitamins are important.


• Puppies are born with a sterile gut – no bacteria. During the first few days, the mother will seed the puppy with good bacteria (probiotics) while cleaning and mothering them, giving them the ammo to fight against invading bacteria. That's why it's important to give probiotics to orphans or problem puppies the first few days and whenever they have GI upset. It's also helpful during weaning to prevent diarrhea. All products are helpful so choose your favorite. I like Doc Roy's^® GI Synbiotics and give it daily when needed.


• Stay away from prophylactic antibiotics! Antibiotics interrupt the GI flora and good bacteria they need. If absolutely needed, you can use them - but not without a reason.

Extra Calories for Tiny Dogs and Kittens

Adding extra calories into the diet of a puppy isn't always easy, especially when it is a small or "micro" breed. I have found success with this formula recipe I received from a friend.

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup Doc Roy's^® Forti Cal
• 3 tbs coconut oil
• Enough water to make it flow through a syringe or pump bottle. About 1 cup usually works well.

This formula with coconut oil is generally good for one week. I refrigerate half of it to extend its use but be sure to warm it up when it comes time for serving. If you used canned milk instead of water to dilute, keep in mind it will have a shorter shelf life and it won't store well.

Feed 1 ml of this formula to tiny breeds and kittens, even on day one, to give them a boost and get them nursing aggressively. Many people who raise tiny dog breeds, give this formula twice a day, first thing in morning to get their energy up and again last thing in the evening so they do not have to worry about low calories while sleeping. This formula helps prevent hypoglycemia from occurring through the night.

This formula is also helpful for weaned puppies or puppies recovering that are a little thin. For these puppies, I like to add 5 ml of Doc Roy's^® B Strong to give these puppies extra B vitamins and iron. B Strong helps to increase their appetite and red blood count production. Serve this mix to these puppies several times a day and you will notice an improved appetite and weight gain.

The tiny dog demands special care and attention to thrive. By providing enough nutrients, you can consistently raise healthy dogs and make sure they'll provide someone with a new best friend!

If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.

-Dr. B
Donald Bramlage, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Former Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health

Donald Bramlage, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, practiced veterinary medicine for 30+ years and is known for his work in managing parvovirus. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1985. He served as Revival's Director of Veterinary Services from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of your personal veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.