How to Feed 5 Week-Old Puppies

You can start weaning a puppy when it is 5 weeks of age. Puppies now can receive all the nutrition they need from commercial puppy food and no longer need to nurse. Knowing how and when to feed a puppy at this stage ensures proper growth and development. The amounts of food will depend on the size of the puppy. Without proper nutrition, puppies at this age can become immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to illnesses and parasites.

Things You'll Need

  • Canned puppy food
  • Dry kibble
  • Small bowl
  • Scale
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Mix two parts wet puppy food with one part warm water until it is semi-thick and smooth. Scoop up a small amount of the mixture with your index finger and gently rub it on the puppy's lips. The taste and smell should peak the puppy's interest.

    • 2

      Place a small amount of the food into the palm of your hand and offer it to the puppy. Offer the puppy a bowl full of food if it eats readily from your hand. Continue hand-feeding if it does not eat from the bowl.

    • 3

      Feed the puppy this mixture four times a day. If the puppy displays abdominal issues, such as vomiting, decrease the amount of food per serving and increase the frequency of feeding to five or six times a day.

    • 4

      On the third day, replace the canned puppy food with dry kibble. Mix one part dry kibble with two parts warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes before offering it to the puppy.

    • 5

      Reduce the amount of water you use slightly each day after the third day. The puppy should be eating dry kibble without water by the beginning of the sixth week.

    • 6

      Weigh the puppy daily. Increase the amount of food you are giving the puppy if it loses weight for two days in a row.