How to Wean & Feed Puppies

As with humans, puppies need to wean off their mother's milk. If the mother is still present, she will start the weaning process herself. As the caretaker of the dog, you need to provide an alternative source of food that both the mother and the puppies recognize. When the puppies are two weeks old, pay attention to when they nurse so you know when to provide the puppy kibble. Puppies are old enough to start eating kibble when they are between 3 1/2 and 4 weeks old.

Things You'll Need

  • Food bowl
  • Puppy kibble
  • Spoon
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a food bowl with puppy kibble. Pour 1 tablespoon of water per 1/4 cup of kibble into the bowl. Mix the water and kibble with a spoon. The kibble absorbs the water, making it softer.

    • 2

      Place the bowl near the puppies and the mother. Show the bowl to the puppies so they can smell it. As the puppies' teeth grow stronger, decrease the amount of water you mix in the food. By the time the puppies reach six weeks old, they can eat the food without you wetting it.

    • 3

      Decrease the times you bottle feed the puppy, if the mother is not present. Offer the puppy the bowl of food when it's time to eat. Decrease the amount of times you bottle feed each day.