Easy Way to Wean Puppies

Puppies are weaned from their mother to get ready for their new families.

Puppies of any dog breed need to be weaned from their mother. The weaning process allows the puppies to acquire digestive health as they move to dry dog food. The process starts when the puppies are about four weeks old, when a mixture of milk replacement liquid and dry puppy food are introduced to the puppies. Removing the mother during feeding times will encourage the puppies to accept their new diet. These new meals are provided three to four times daily during the weaning process.

Things You'll Need

• Dry puppy food
• Milk replacement
• Water
• Blender

Instructions

1. Pour two cups of dry puppy food and 12.5 ounces of the milk replacement into a blender.

2. Fill the blender with hot water to the top line. Cover and blend. The consistency will look like watery oatmeal. Repeat for each meal for one week.

3. Reduce the amount of water and milk replacement by one third each week. Continue this for three weeks. The puppies will be seven weeks old when the first meal of dry food only is served.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove the mother during feeding times. The puppies will learn their food comes from you and not their mother.

• Offer bowls of water next to the food.

References

• Weaning Puppies; Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc; Race Foster, DVM