How big should the hole in a puppy nipple be ?

The hole in the nipple should be large enough to allow a drop of milk to slowly form. The milk should drip out at a rate of 1-2 drops per second with a gentle squeeze or pressure.


Why isn't there a pre cut hole ?

Generally speaking manufacturers design nipples so they can be used for multiple animals species. In our case we're focused on dog breeders.


Methods for Making A Hole

Cut the appropriate sized holes for your breed.
  • Method 1: Cut a small “X” shape into the tip of the nipple. Avoid cutting too far down on the tip of the nipple, this can make the hole too big. Use small or fine tip scissors. See the video below!
  • Method 2: Pierce a hole in the tip of the nipple with a hot needle. Although this seems the simplest method, the hole may close over, and its harder to get an appropriate the hole size for your puppies. 

After making a hole in the nipple, check that it is not too big or small. it should allow a drop of milk to slowly form. The milk should drip out at a rate of 1-2 drops per second with a gentle squeeze or pressure. 

If the hole is too big, the milk will flow out too fast, potentially causing your kitten or puppy to aspirate the milk.

If the hole is too small, it will be very difficult for your kitten or puppy to suckle milk out of the bottle. Milk will not come out of the bottle unless it is firmly squeezed, which should be avoided. The milk can accidentally come out too fast and cause your kitten or puppy to aspirate the milk.

Sometimes the material, usually a rubber latex or silicone, will stick together, so every nipple should be checked before use, weather the hole was pre cut or made by you, especially after cleaning,



StudMaster now stocks Miracle, Replica & Dongdong brands along with other feeding methods. To ensure breeders can rely on StudMaster having stock in New Zealand and available when needed.