How old are puppies before they are wined and what should I feed them??

Answer 1

puppies should be weaned at about 8 weeks. Some people force this at 6 weeks. But I think that's too early.

Here are suggestions from akc.org:

Responsible Breeding Steps
19 - Wean Puppies from their Mother

Most puppies begin the weaning process at about three weeks of age. You can start them off by offering a pan of formula in place of their mother's milk. Next, replace the formula with a combination of thin cereal and formula. Hand-fed puppies may be removed from the bottle, and meat or high quality canned dog food may be offered in addition to the cereal/formula mixture.

At five weeks, delete the cereal and replace the formula with a solution of equal parts evaporated milk and water. A high-quality dry puppy food can be mixed into the meat and canned food.

To avoid digestive upsets, be sure to introduce all changes in food or feeding schedules gradually.

Answer 2

I breed Rough Coat Collies,
I always introduce puppy food that is in warm water when the puppies reach 4 wks. I let the puppies chose what they want to do, but I do take my female away once I see all the puppies are eating puppy food at 6 wks this is so I know the puppies will be ready for their new family and that new family doesn't have to worry about the pup not eating.
That is why a lot of breeders let the puppies go at 8 wks I personally like to have the pups leave when they are 10wks, but that is my choice.
I chose to feed my adult dogs Beef/Lamb and rice Diamond dog food, the puppies get only Diamond puppy food along with Doc's can meat.

Answer 3

First, the term is "weaning." At three weeks I start feeding a mixture of ground up (blender or food processor) dry puppy food mixed with water to make a thin gruel, three times a day. Feed in a shallow dish like a pie pan so the puppies can get to it easily. At first, the puppies will have no idea what to do with it. The first feedings can be quite amusing as puppies try to figure it out! I will usually push each puppy's nose into the mix so that they will lick it off. Most times, they figure out that this new food is pretty good and then go back for more. Over the next 3-4 weeks, they will begin to eat more and more of the puppy food, and mom will feed them less and less. Usually between 6 and 8 weeks mom will stop feeding them altogether, and during this time I also grind the food less and less. As their teeth come in they become more able to eat regular kibble, but I still soak it to soften it somewhat.

Answer 4

Puppies will be weaned from their mothers between 6 and 9 weeks of age, depending on breed. They should be feb the appropriate Purina Puppy Chow for their breed size/type... puppies up to 6 months should be fed 2-5 cups of food a day, depending on breed sixe and type, and the food should be spread over 4-5 feedings a day. At six months, this can be cut to twice a day and at a year once a day, and the amount will decrease or increase depending on breed size and type.

Answer 5

We got our puppy at 5 weeks old because the mother stopped weining them. We would feed her dry dog food soaked in milk and then we kept decreasing the milk until there was none. It took approximately 1 month to where she was eating only dry food. I don't see any problems with her now and she is about 16 months old. I think the usual is between 6-8 weeks, unless the mother stops.

Answer 6

The mother will begin weaning the pups between 6-8 weeks. At approximately 6 weeks you should make kibble and water available for them. You can start by offering bits of kibble to them by hand but make sure mommy isn't there or she may want to eat it herself. Also it's a good idea to allow her to eat some of the puppy level food. It allows the milk to take on the flavor of the food and it allows the mother to keep her weight up. Remember puppy food is fattier than adult food so as soon as the pups are eating on their own start reducing mom's access to the puppy food.

Answer 7

Most females begin weaning the pups themselves. She will start wanting to be absent from them a little longer. On average 4-5 wks.

Soak some puppy kibble thoroughly with either just water or a 50/50 mixture of water & goats milk (found with the evaporated milk in the grocery store). Once kibble is completely soaked, mash it up a little and keep it loose for the first 5-7 days. Then start reducing the goats milk a little at a time (or if you use just water, reduce it a little at a time). 6 wks soaked but not mashed. 7 wks soak only 1/2 the time so there is a little crunch in the center.

By the time they are 8 wks, they should be able to handle kibble floated in water (not soaked).

I've only seen smaller breeds (poodles) nurse their pups to 6-7 wks. Larger breeds (dobermans and shepherds) typically 4-5 wks.

Answer 8

you should start them on a good puppy food about 5 to 6 weeks old but they them still feed on mom till about 7 weeks and at 8 weeks they can go to good homes i have been doing a alto of reading on this cause my female dog a with young and I want to know as much as i can before they get here good luck

Answer 9

They can start eating puppy food at 4 weeks with a little water to soften the hard food up. I work at an animal emergency clinic, you should feed them purina puppy chow with nutriants. Also feed the mom the same thing it will keep her healthy until puppies are down nursing.

Answer 10

My brindle boxer puppy was 6 weeks old. She was eating puppy chow with moisture added .Also drank water like a trooper. She did really well. She is now 5 months old doing great. She was easily potty trained at a early age. Obey commands quite well also.She is a real joy to have. She didn't seem to mind leaving her mom and siblings. Ask your vet if you have any questions re guarding eating etc. Good luck.