Esbilac 2nd Step Puppy Weaning Food Powder
Verified Jun 5, 2026
This is a powdered weaning food designed specifically for puppies around 4–8 weeks old as they transition from milk to solid food. It uses rice flour plus dairy proteins (skim milk, whey, and milk protein) along with added fats, DHA from marine microalgae, and a full vitamin–mineral premix to support early growth. It’s mixed with warm water into a soft gruel that bridges the gap between milk replacer or mom’s milk and regular puppy food.
Nutritionally, this is a well-thought-out transitional diet for very young puppies who are just learning to eat from a bowl. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for this age when fed alongside or following milk, and the inclusion of DHA and multiple milk-based proteins supports brain development and digestibility. It’s best suited as a short-term weaning tool, not as a long-term sole diet, and is ideal for litters coming off Esbilac or mom’s milk.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated specifically for the 4–8 week weaning window, making it easier and gentler to move puppies from milk to solid food.
- Multiple high-quality dairy proteins (skim milk, whey, milk protein) that are typically easy to digest for young puppies and provide a good amino acid profile.
- Includes DHA from marine microalgae oil, which can support developing brain and vision in growing puppies.
- Clear, calorie-dense powdered format that can be adjusted with water to make an appropriate gruel consistency for small or weak puppies.
Considerations
- Contains dairy and beef-derived ingredients, which can be an issue for puppies with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Uses synthetic antioxidants (BHA and BHT) to preserve animal fat; these are considered safe but some owners prefer to avoid them.
- Designed as a temporary weaning product rather than a complete long-term puppy diet, so puppies should transition to a balanced puppy food by about 7–8 weeks of age.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a finely milled carbohydrate ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a digestible energy source and as a binder or thickener in kibble, treats, and wet food formulations. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats and low in fat, but offers limited protein and essential amino acids (so it should complement animal protein sources), can increase dietary glycemic load which may be relevant for diabetic or weight‑management pets, and may carry low levels of inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing and processing.
02
Skim Milk
Skim milk is a low‑fat dairy ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a source of high‑quality animal protein, calcium and water‑soluble vitamins, and to improve palatability, texture and binding in formulations. While it can provide useful nutrients, many adult dogs and especially cats are partially lactose intolerant and may experience gastrointestinal upset, and it should be used cautiously in pets with lactose sensitivity, milk protein allergies or those needing strict carbohydrate or calorie control.
03
Meat Soluble
Meat soluble is a rendered, water‑soluble extract from cooked meat and animal tissues that is commonly used in pet foods as a palatability enhancer rather than a primary protein source. It can contribute soluble proteins, peptides and savory flavor compounds that appeal to dogs and cats, but its nutritional content is variable and it may be high in sodium and minerals, so owners of pets with sodium‑ or kidney‑restricted diets should be cautious.
04
Animal Fat
Animal fat is used in pet foods as a concentrated energy source and palatability enhancer, and can provide fat-soluble vitamin absorption and essential fatty acids (including arachidonic and linoleic acids, depending on the source) that support skin, coat and overall cellular function—particularly important for obligate carnivores like cats. Because it is calorie-dense and prone to oxidation, fats are typically rendered and stabilized; owners should be aware that high-fat diets can contribute to obesity and may trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs, so quality, source, and total dietary fat should be considered.
05
BHA
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant commonly used in pet foods to prevent fat oxidation and rancidity, helping preserve flavor, fats and fat‑soluble vitamins; it is not a nutritional ingredient for dogs or cats. Although approved for use at regulated low levels, some laboratory studies have linked high doses to cancer risk, so some manufacturers and pet owners prefer natural alternatives (e.g., mixed tocopherols) and those with concerns should discuss options with their veterinarian.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Esbilac is PetAg’s flagship milk replacer brand for puppies, providing complete and balanced nutrition for orphaned or rejected puppies or those nursing but needing supplemental feeding. It is one of the most widely used puppy milk replacers by breeders and veterinarians.
Visit EsbilacManufacturer
PetAg maintains extensive quality control programs for its pet nutrition products, adhering to regulatory standards for pet food and supplements in the United States. Their facilities operate under FDA and AAFCO guidelines for animal feed safety and quality.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Esbilac Esbilac 2nd Step Puppy Weaning Food Powder has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Esbilac ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Esbilac. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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