Frequently Asked Questions
about PetAg milk nutritional supplements Esbilac® and KMR® Ready-To-Serve Liquid or Powder
What is a volume/measure/part?A volume/measure/part is any measuring device you use. It can be a teaspoon, a tablespoon, or even a cup. Inside every can of Esbilac or KMR powder we enclose a two-sided scoop. The large end is a tablespoon and the small end is a teaspoon. You may use either one of these ends for your volume/measure/part or any household measuring cup will serve the same purpose. The idea simply put is that for every one volume/measure/part (teaspoon, tablespoon, cup) of powder you use, you need to mix in two volumes/measures/parts using the same measuring device of water. For example, if you want to make 2 tablespoons of liquid milk replacer, you would mix 1 tablespoon of powder with 2 tablespoons of water.
How much do I feed my puppy/kitten?Our directions for feeding are based on the weight of the animal. It is important that you have an idea of how much your puppy or kitten weighs. It is best if you can obtain a kitchen or postage scale so that you can weigh the animal every three to four days. If a puppy or kitten is overfed it can lead to intestinal upset and/or bone development problems. Do not let a puppy or kitten nurse until it stops. Watch its belly fill up, but don't let it become stiff to the touch. A taut belly means they have eaten too much.
We recommend that a puppy or kitten is fed 2 tablespoons of ready to serve liquid or 2 tablespoons of reconstituted powder milk replacer for every 4 ounces (1/4 lb.) of body weight in a 24-hour period. So, for example, if your puppy weighs 8 ounces that would mean he needs to eat 4 tablespoons of formula throughout the course of one day. It is always better to underfeed than to overfeed.
Can I feed Esbilac to a kitten? Can I feed KMR to a puppy?In cases when KMR cannot be found Esbilac is an alternative for kittens. However, it is not recommended to feed KMR to your puppy. It may cause diarrhea. KMR contains too much protein and not enough fat for puppies.
Why are the fat and protein levels in Esbilac/KMR liquid different than in the powders?When you read the Guaranteed Analysis on a can of liquid milk replacer and a can of powder milk replacer you are reading values for the product in that particular can. The guarantees for powdered milk replacer are much higher because the numbers listed are without water added. If you look at the values for moisture, you'll notice that the moisture level on the can of ready-to-serve liquid is much higher than on the can of powder. Once you have added your 2 parts water to the powder the fat and protein levels will match those in the liquid.
Why can't I just feed cow's milk or goat's milk as a sole source of nutrients to the puppy or kitten?Milk from a cow is designed by nature to raise a calf. Milk from a goat is designed by nature to raise a kid. Milk that is produced by a bitch or queen is designed by nature to feed a puppy or kitten. Our puppy and kitten milk replacers have been formulated to closely match bitch's or queen's milk. The protein and fat levels in mother's milk are much higher than those of cow's or goat's milk and the lactose levels are considerably lower. Other essential vitamins and amino acids, which are required for proper development of puppies and kittens, have been added to our formulas as well. Likewise, canned evaporated milks or human infant formula are not a good choice for raising a healthy puppy or kitten.
Why shouldn't I use a blender when mixing the powder?The processing procedures for Esbilac and KMR to make an "instantized" powder easily separate the fat when over mixed. One of the fat sources for Esbilac and KMR is butterfat, which with strenuous mixing can cause greasy lumps to form in the formula. A blender may be used when mixing larger quantities (more than one cup of liquid at a time) you set the blender on the "pulse" or "burst" setting and only blend for a few seconds at a time until the powder is completely disbursed.
Why doesn't the reconstituted powder look like the ready-to-serve liquid?The processing procedures for manufacturing each product are slightly different. By virtue of being a powdered product it is never going to mix up to look like the ready -to-serve liquid. For example, powdered milk never mixes up to quite the same consistency and appearance as the milk you buy at the grocery store. To see a bit of grainy consistence after you have mixed the powder is perfectly normal.
I'm using the powder and sometimes the nipple gets clogged, what can I do?First you should check the opening in the nipple. If you made the opening with a hot needle, check to make sure the hole did not close up after pulling the needle out. Be sure when you pierce the nipple with a hot needle you leave the needle in the nipple until both have cooled off, otherwise the latex will just melt back together. You can also cut an "X" in the end of the nipple using a scissors, razor blade or sharp knife. Once again, make sure the opening goes through the end of the nipple. The ideal opening is one that will gently drip, without squeezing, when the bottle is turned upside down.
Must the powder be refrigerated?Esbilac and KMR powders are milk-based and contain fat and therefore have the potential to spoil under certain conditions. It can also experience bacterial growth when stored improperly. The can of powder should be kept in the refrigerator or freezer after it has been opened. The powders will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Why should the liquid be discarded after 72 hours?We don't recommend you keep opened liquid milk replacer in the refrigerator for more than 72 hours in order to avoid bacterial growth in the milk. This growth occurs simply by way of being exposed to the open air. The immune system and gastro-intestinal tract of a young animal is extremely sensitive and you wouldn't want to jeopardize it by feeding a formula that has been sitting in your refrigerator for weeks. Be safe and feed the animal fresh product.
Must I throw the liquid away if it is not used within 72 hours?Liquid product can be frozen. Before you open a can, shake well, take out what you will need for the first 24 hours and pour the remaining liquid into an ice cube tray, or any single serving size container. If using an ice cube tray wrap the tray in plastic wrap and place in the freezer. When the cubes are formed pop them out of the tray and store them in an airtight container (like sealable plastic containers or zipper seal bags). You can store the product for up to 6 weeks in the freezer. Thaw the cubes in the refrigerator, at room temperature for about 20 minutes, in a warm water bath, or in the microwave set on defrost or low. Be careful not to boil the milk replacer when heating. Don't worry if your frozen product turns a dark color. The color change does not affect the nutritional makeup of the product. The original color will return when they have thawed.
Does Esbilac cause cataracts?Esbilac does not cause juvenile nutritional cataracts. This is not to say that puppies fed Esbilac will not develop cataracts. There are many types of cataracts, and even the most nutritionally correct diet cannot prevent hereditary cataracts from forming. If the puppies are overly stressed, ill, or on antibiotic therapy they may still develop cataracts because these things can make it difficult for their bodies to benefit from the nutrients in their diet. Nutritional cataracts tend to resolve or reduce in severity by eight weeks of age. In many instances they may almost completely disappear by the time a dog is six to twelve months old.
From 1988 to 1989 PetAg sponsored a study at Colorado State University to find what was causing cataracts in puppies fed a commercial milk replacer. Through these studies it was determined that by adding the essential amino acids L-arginine and DL-methionine the instance of cataract development was eliminated. All Esbilac (powder and liquid) produced after June, 1989 contains these two amino acids. A detailed review of these studies is available on this website.
I was feeding my puppy/kitten the liquid then switched to the powder and now it has diarrhea. What happened?Any change in an animal's diet can cause intestinal upset, even when switching from our liquids to our powders. Each product has the same nutritional value, the ingredients used and the processing procedures for each are slightly different. Any diet change needs to be made gradually over the course of 4 or 5 days for best results. Start by mixing ¼ of the new diet with ¾ of the old diet, then move to ½ mixed with ½, then ¼ of the old diet with ¾ of the new diet. At this point it should be safe to feed the new diet without upset.
I have been feeding my puppy/kitten Esbilac/KMR for a few days and it hasn't had a bowel movement. Is it constipated?Due to the fact that Esbilac and KMR are highly digestible products your puppy or kitten may not have a bowel movement every day. The animal is able to utilize much of the nutrients and there is going to be very little waste. You first need to determine if the animal is in fact constipated. Is the stool too firm? Is it struggling and crying as it tries to go? Have you been stimulating the bowels after every feeding by gently massaging the anal and genital area with a cotton ball that has been dipped in warm water. If yes, the animal may be constipated. If you are feeding the powder, be sure you are mixing it at a rate of 1 part powder for every 2 parts water. A few drops of Karo® syrup added to a feeding usually will alleviate the problem. If the animal is not exhibiting any of these signs chances are it is not constipated.
How much liquid does a can of powder make?When the powder is mixed one part powder to two parts water
- 6 oz can of KMR makes 30 ounces of formula
- 12 oz can of KMR or Esbilac makes 60 ounces of formula
- 28 oz can of KMR or Esbilac makes 140 ounces of formula
- 5 lb pail of Esbilac makes 3-1/3 gallons of formula
Frequently Asked Questions About Esbilac® 2nd TM Step Puppy Weaning Food and KMR® 2nd TM Step Kitten Weaning Food
What is the difference between KMR milk replacer and KMR 2nd Step Kitten Weaning Food? What is the difference between Esbilac milk replacer and Esbilac 2nd Step Puppy Weaning Food?Both 2nd Step Weaning Foods are exactly that, weaning cereals. Their intended use is as a transitional cereal, which will help take the puppy/kitten from drinking milk to eating solid foods at a gradual pace. 2nd Step is not a milk replacer and should not be fed through a bottle. A puppy or kitten is usually ready to start the weaning food at about 3-5 weeks of age, depending on the individual animal. The most important factor in deciding when to start feeding the weaning food is whether the animal is steady enough on its feet to lap out of a dish.
How do I mix the 2nd Step Weaning Food products?You may mix the weaning foods either with water, Esbilac (for pups) or KMR (for kittens). Follow our recommendations found on the label for the amount of powder to feed the animal based on their body weight. Begin by mixing the powder with 3 parts of water or milk replacer to one part powder. Example: 1/3 cup powder would be mixed with 1 cup water/formula. Mixing this amount of liquid should give you a thin gruel-like consistency. Every day gradually decrease the amount of liquid mixed with the powder until eventually the cereal is an oatmeal consistency. Remember to continue to monitor the animal's weight so you can be certain it is getting the proper amount of nutrition for its size. Divide the feedings into 3-4 session per day, never leaving the mixture sitting out for more than -3 hours.
Once the animal has been eating the oatmeal consistency food for a few days you may introduce a commercial puppy or kitten food that has been soaked with water. Follow the recommendations found on the puppy/kitten food package to ensure proper nutrition. Remember, any time you change a small animal's diet there is a risk of intestinal upset. Always introduce new diets gradually over the course of several days.
My puppy/kitten won't eat the weaning food. What can I do?Both formulas are highly palatable, but if you are mixing the weaning foods with water you may want to consider mixing them with Esbilac or KMR instead. The milk replacers will be a taste they are accustomed to and they will probably like that mixture better. If you are already mixing the weaning foods with a milk replacer, first be sure the animal knows how to lap from the dish. He or she may still not understand that they must eat from the dish and not the bottle or mom. Also, animals like humans have discriminating taste buds and may not be welcoming the diet change right away. Be patient. A few drops of vanilla extract added to the mix sometimes makes it more interesting as well.
How do I get my puppy/kitten to eat from a dish?The age at which to begin teaching a kitten or puppy to lap from a dish is dependent upon its ability to stand up over the dish without toppling over. A few tips for teaching to lap:
- Start each feeding with a session where you dip your fingers into the shallow dish and let the animal lick your finger. Repeat this several times, each time making the animal lean closer to the dish. Every animal is different, but it shouldn't take long for the animal to get the idea. Finish the feeding session with a bottle depending on the amount lapped from the bowl.
- Don't push the animal's nose into the dish. It might inhale the liquid into its lungs, which can lead to pneumonia and only stresses the animal, making your task all the more difficult.
- Be patient.
The expiration date on our products is very important. It is printed clearly on the packaging as a date you can read. We have determined with extensive testing that our products have a certain shelf life (the amount of time is dependant on the various products) from the date of manufacture. After the expiration date we can no longer guarantee the product will hold its nutritional value. In addition, our milk replacers are milk-based and contain fat, which stored incorrectly or after the expiration date can go rancid. Our skin and haircoat supplements are oil based. We do not recommend you ever use any of our products past the expiration date. Be sure to check the date in the store before purchasing any nutritional supplement or pet food.
Can I purchase your products directly from you?PetAg, Inc. currently sells exclusively through distributors. If you would like the name and phone number of your nearest mail order Company or distributor, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-323-6878.
Frequently asked questions about adult animal use of PetAg milk replacers.
Are KMR and Esbilac a calcium supplement?No, they are not. The formulas may be fed to lactating mothers as a dietary supplement for added energy, but it is not a calcium supplement. The calcium:phosphorus ratio of both milk replacers is approximately 1.3:1.0 which is the proper ratio for puppies and kittens as well as cats and dogs.
Is it okay to feed my adult pet KMR or Esbilac?From the time after an animal is weaned and is no longer drinking milk its body starts to lessen the production of lactase. Lactase is the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the simple sugar found in all dairy products. Due to possible lactose intolerance Esbilac and KMR should be fed in small amounts as a treat, not a complete meal. Suggested amounts are listed on the labels.
Frequently asked questions about Bene-BacTM products.
What happens if I give my pet too much Bene-Bac™ Pet Gel?You cannot hurt your pet by giving it too much Bene-Bac Pet Gel. The product is most effective if used according to our directions, but if you were to give a little too much at one time, it will not harm your pet. The body can only utilize a certain amount of bacteria so those it doesn’t need get passed on through its digestive system. Therefore, do not think you are doing your pet a favor by increasing the recommended amount to feed. The extra bacteria will only go to waste. If you exceed the recommended amount considerably it might cause loose stool from too much vegetable oil (the base for the gel).
What happens if I give my bird too much Bird Bene-Bac Gel?It is important to adhere to our directions when administering Bird Bene-Bac to your bird. It will not benefit the bird to increase our suggested dosage and furthermore the excess may build up in the bird's crop, possibly developing into sour crop or crop stasis.
Do any of the Bene-Bac products need to be refrigerated?It is not necessary to store Bene-Bac in the refrigerator. It is especially not recommended for either Bird or Pet Bene-Bac Powder as the moisture in your refrigerator may get into the jar, causing the powder to clump and harden. Bene-Bac needs to be kept in a cool, dry place where it will not be exposed to temperatures higher than 120° F. Temperatures higher than that may kill the beneficial bacteria in the product, promote growth of unwanted bacteria, and cause rancidity of the oil. When using Bird Bene-Bac in a hand-rearing formula, heat the formula first before adding the Bird Bene-Bac.
Frequently asked questions about the care of wildlife
I found a baby squirrel, raccoon, bunny, etc. Why can't I keep it for a pet?It is illegal to house any wild animal in your residence. These laws are in effect to protect both you and the wildlife. Wild animals can carry disease, which can be transmitted to you and members of your household. If you find an orphaned or injured wild animal, please get in touch with a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator who has been trained and is experienced in the care of such animals. We do not recommend that you take any wildlife from its home. If you see an animal whose mother does not seem to be in the area, leave it there and observe the nest from a distance. Oftentimes a mother will not keep a constant vigil at her nest so that attention is not drawn to it. Also, the idea that baby birds or animals that have been touched by humans will be abandoned by their mothers is untrue. When in doubt, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
How can I locate a wildlife rehabilitator?PetAg, Inc. has a listing of licensed wildlife rehabilitators from across the country and in Canada. Please click here to find a wildlife rehabilitator near you. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-323-0877 extension 2241 and we will be happy to give you a phone number of someone in your telephone area code. You can also locate a rehabilitator by calling your state wildlife agency that will have a listing of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your state.
Frequently asked questions about Mirra-Coat® Skin and Haircoat Supplement
Can Mirra-Coat be fed to cats?Mirra-Coat Skin and Haircoat Supplement can be fed to cats. Use the directions for dosing on the label for "other pets". We also have a Mirra-Coat formula designed especially for cats. Our cat formula differs from our dog formula by containing the fatty acid arachidonic acid which cats cannot convert from other fatty acids like dogs can. Therefore arachidonic acid must be obtained in their diet.
Frequently asked questions about PetAg equine products
What is foal feed?On our directions for feeding Foal-Lac® Powder we suggest that at 2-3 weeks of age you provide ½ lb. of foal feed per day in addition to the milk replacer. A foal feed is any 16% protein creed feed or sweet feed such as Purina's Omolene 300 or Tiz Wiz. PetAg does not currently manufacture a foal feed.
My foal is currently on Foal-Lac Powder and Pellets and a foal feed, does it need anything else?Yes, beginning about two weeks of age the foal should receive good quality, tender hay (alfalfa), water and daily exercise too.
