Can we feed baby mammals, like squirrels and raccoons, milk and bread? How about baby birds?
NO. Cow’s milk is only suitable for calves and humans (and sometimes we are allergic to it!). Baby mammals do get their mother’s milk until they are weaned but it is very special milk and has just the right ratios of vitamins and minerals so the babies can grow strong bones and teeth. Many milk substitutes have been tested by wildlife nutritionists over the years and it has been determined that Multimilk, Esbilac (puppy milk), or KMR (kitten milk) are the closest mother’s replacements. Any other off-the-shelf puppy and kitten milks are not suitable and can cause nutritional deficiencies which may not be evident until they are let go. Each baby mammal has a different requirement so it is necessary to get guidance from your nearest wildlife facility. Also if the baby is cold, dehydrated, and has been without food for a while, it can be fatal to introduce formula at this time (a little warmed Gatorade or Pedialyte may be more beneficial). As for the bread, this has absolutely no nutrition
