The pandemic has given millions of people the opportunity to foster everything from rabbits and kittens to dogs and horses. Unfortunately, the pandemic also created far too many homeless animals after owners either became sick, experienced a job loss or home loss, or sadly, passed away.
For those who have suffered through over a year of isolation, taking in infant animals and nursing them back to care has saved more than the animals lives. It’s helped humans with mental health, feeling less isolated, and learning how to care for others as well as themselves.
Most of all, it has given them hope.
As a longtime “foster failure” (meaning, we usually end up adopting the animals we foster which is why we can’t do it as often), we’ve made our share of mistakes but we haven’t lost a neonatal animal. The closest we’ve come was twelve years ago, when we took on a litter of huskies (which later turned out to be pitbulls, but who can tell their breed when they’re only a few days old?). We took in Brock, Bree and their sister, who was later adopted out, Emma ?.
We initially had them on a high-quality formula that was our “go to” for neonatal pets. However, they developed bloody diarrhea after only a few days. Their poor little bodies just couldn’t handle the formula.
We immediately took them in to the rescue association’s “old-school” veterinarian who had forgotten more than I’ll ever know about animals.
He took one look at the sick pups, performed snap tests for parvo (all negative), and suggested we try organic goat’s milk. The rest is history…
After a few trips to Sprouts for organic goat’s milk, their stomach distress and diarrhea cleared up quickly and they have since grown into the healthy, happy puppies you see today! Here they are at 12 years old:
While goat’s milk saved our puppies’ lives, it’s not always ideal. Organic goat milk can be hard, it’s not nutritionally complete, and it can be way too expensive for some.
That’s why we were so excited to hear that Meyenberg has created a brand new, nutritionally-complete milk replacement system for puppies and kittens called Tailspring. It’s made from human-grade ingredients.
Who is Tailspring?
Tailspring milk replacers come from Meyenberg, America’s favorite and beloved goat milk dairy brand that has been around since 1934. You may know Meyenberg from their human goat-milk fame. They are the leading supplier of goat milk in the US and have been since 1934. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t trust this group.
They have whole goat milk, canned goat milk, powdered goat milk, goat milk butter and cheese, evaporated goat milk. If you don’t have a goat and you love goat’s milk, you know about Meyenberg. That’s why we’re so thrilled that they have entered into the pet industry through a partnership with Tailspring.
Why We Know You’ll Love Tailspring Goat Milk Replacer
Here are just a few reasons you’ll love Tailspring and the new goat milk replacer for kittens and puppies.
Why is goat milk a better milk replacer foundation for kittens/puppies? There are lots of reasons, but let’s start with the big ones:
- Smaller fat globules that are easier to digest: Smaller fat globules = Easier to break down. Little bodies with sensitive digestive systems need extra help.
- Lower in casein than regular cow milk: Casein is a naturally-occuring, slow-digesting dairy protein that releases amino acids. It’s found in all mammal milk. While casein is very helpful for most, casein allergies are also quite common. Adult cats and dogs can have difficulty with the Alpha S1 casein found in cow milk and develop an allergy, just like people. Studies have shown that goat milk is very low in Alpha S1 casein and primarily contains Alpha S2 casein, giving it a hypoallergenic value.
- Scientifically Formulated: This formula was developed by an expert in neonatal pet nutrition.
- VERY close match to “Mother’s Milk”: Goat milk is naturally a close match to any mammal mother. But, Tailspring includes all the essential nutrients, amino acids, fats and vitamins that puppies and kittens need to thrive.
- No preservatives, artificial colors or flavors: We especially love that there are no dangerous chemicals or “fillers”.
Commonly Asked Questions about Tailspring Goat’s Milk
● How is Tailspring different from other milk replacers for kittens/puppies?
Tailspring is 100% human grade, easy to digest and goat’s milk is the #1 ingredient in their products. Goat milk is easier for pets to digest because its fat and protein structure form smaller curds in the stomach and enable rapid energy absorption. Goat milk is also highly nutritious, hypo-allergenic (due to its lower content of Alpha S2 casein) and all species tend to find it delicious!
● What makes goat milk more gentle on stomachs, leading to less digestion issues with newborns?
The balanced nutritional profile of Tailspring milk replacers closely matches mother’s milk and has been scientifically developed by a professional neonatal pet nutritionist with over 30 years of experience. The formula includes all the essential nutrients, amino acids, fats and vitamins that puppies and kittens need to thrive.
● Can my adult dog or cat eat Tailspring? Sure, but only as a reward, occasional meal topper, or to encourage them to eat. It should not be used regularly as it contains lactose.
How to Purchase:
Tailspring comes in two formats (powdered or liquid) for both puppies and kittens.
Pricing:
- 16 oz pouches of powder for puppies: $29.99
- 12 oz pouches of powder for kittens: $29.99
- 12 fl oz cans of puppy liquid, ready-to-feed milk: $8.99
- 12 fl oz cans of kitten liquid, ready-to-feed milk: $9.99