How Old Should Shitzu Puppies Be Before Feeding Hard Food?

Puppies should be weaned between 3 and 4 weeks of age.

Puppies Still Depend on Mother's Milk

Shitzu puppies will drink their mother's milk until they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. This means that they still depend on their mother's milk until the milk supply runs short. It may not make sense starting the weaning process as of yet because the mother may wean the puppies off the milk on her own.

Puppies Start to Explore

Puppies around 3 to 4 weeks of age will become more aware of their environment and will start to explore. This may be a good time to gradually introduce Shitzu puppies to some solid food. Use this exploration time to start the weaning process.

Bottom Line

It is best to start weaning Shitzu puppies around 3 to 4 weeks of age. The easiest way is to purchase a high-quality puppy kibble and soften it with hot water. As the puppies start eating on their own, the amount of water added should be decreased until they are eating dry food.

References

• All Shih Tzu: Shih Tzu Puppy Weaning
• Shih Tzu: Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition and Behavior