PetsCareLab
Weaning—the crucial transition from nursing exclusively on milk to enjoying solid food and drinking water—is often an anxious milestone for both puppies and their devoted pet parents. Since most people don’t often care for puppies who aren’t fully weaned, facing this stage for the first time can feel intimidating and overwhelming.
Keep reading to uncover everything you need to confidently navigate the weaning journey with your puppy.
When Can Puppies Start Eating Dry and Wet Food?
From birth until about 3 to 4 weeks old, a puppy’s nourishment comes solely from their mother’s milk—or a specially formulated puppy milk replacer if necessary. Around the 3- to 4-week mark, the gradual process of weaning begins.
Weaning unfolds slowly and gently. While puppies can start the transition at 3 to 4 weeks, full weaning usually takes place between 6 and 8 weeks of age. During this period, puppies will steadily rely less on milk and more on solid puppy food and fresh water.
In the earliest stages, puppies can only lap up soft, wet foods—like canned puppy food mixed with a bit of puppy milk replacer to create a nutritious “puppy gruel.” By the end of the weaning phase, they’ll be happily crunching on dry puppy kibble and drinking water from a bowl.
Selecting the Right Food for Weaning Puppies
No single puppy food suits every dog or every unique situation. Consulting your veterinarian is essential for personalized guidance, but here are some excellent options to consider during weaning:
- Royal Canin Mother & Babydog Mousse in Sauce Canned Dog Food offers a luxuriously soft texture that immediately appeals to very young puppies just starting solids.
- Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Entrée Canned Dog Food is a smooth pâté that’s perfect for mixing with puppy milk replacer.
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew Recipe Wet Dog Food provides a bit more texture, ideal for puppies beginning to chew soft food.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy High Protein Natural Chicken & Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food: This nutritionally complete and balanced kibble can be moistened with water to ease the transition to dry food.
- Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food: For puppies destined to grow over 50 pounds, this large-breed formula supports healthy joint development.
How to Wean a Puppy
Weaning looks a little different depending on your puppy’s individual situation. In nature, a mother dog typically begins limiting her puppies’ milk access around 4 to 5 weeks old, naturally encouraging them to eat solid food.
If you’re bottle-raising puppies, you’ll likely want to start weaning as early as three weeks of age.
Follow these step-by-step guidelines for a smooth weaning experience:
3 to 4 Weeks Old
Create a smooth, easy-to-lap puppy gruel by blending puppy milk replacer with wet puppy food. Present this mixture in a shallow dish within easy reach. Gently dip your finger into the food and let your puppy lick it off to encourage interest.
Place your puppy before the bowl and allow them to lap the food independently. Most take to it quickly, but if your pup hesitates, don’t force it—simply try again at the next feeding.
After eating, puppies may need to be gently wiped clean. Feedings should happen at least four times daily, although milk remains their primary nutrition source at this age.
5 to 6 Weeks Old
At this stage, puppies usually eagerly consume soft food without needing a milk replacer mixed in. Many are ready for foods with small chunks and more texture.
If you plan to introduce dry kibble, soak it in warm water to soften, then mash lightly with a fork for easier eating.
Continue offering food four times daily. Milk intake from mom or bottle is likely minimal by now.
6 to 8 Weeks Old
By 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies are fully weaned—eating only wet food or softened dry kibble. Gradually reduce the amount of water added to dry food until your pup is enjoying crunchy kibble.
Though most pups are nutritionally independent by this time, they should ideally stay with their mother and littermates until about 10 weeks old. This time together is crucial for social development and learning how to be a well-adjusted dog.
When Should Puppies Start Drinking Water?
Introducing water to puppies synchronizes with their milestones for eating solid food.
3 to 4 Weeks Old
At this young age, puppies receive sufficient hydration through their mother’s milk, bottle feedings, and the water content in puppy gruel. It’s fine to offer a small bowl of water during mealtime, though many pups may not show interest just yet.
5 to 6 Weeks Old
Puppies begin learning to drink water from bowls, and their urge to hydrate grows as their diet shifts away from milk. Make fresh water available whenever they are awake to encourage this new habit.
6 to 8 Weeks Old
By this stage, puppies drink water independently from bowls, meeting all their hydration needs. If you have any questions about your puppy’s water intake or overall nutrition, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
How Long Should Puppies Eat Puppy Food?
Once your puppy is happily enjoying puppy food, you might wonder when to transition to adult dog food. The right time usually aligns with their growth in height—smaller dogs mature faster, while larger breeds take longer.
General timelines:
- Small breeds: Around 10 months old
- Medium breeds: About 12 months old
- Large and giant breeds: Between 18 and 24 months old
Remember, every puppy’s journey is unique. Your veterinarian remains the best resource to determine the appropriate timing for your growing pup’s life stage change.
