The weaning of the puppy is the most delicate moment of growth. It goes from maternal milk to solid food in just a few weeks. Getting it wrong can lead to digestive problems, intolerances, and stunted growth. Let's see how to do it right.
The natural timings
Natural weaning (with the mother):
- 0-3 weeks: only maternal milk
- 3-4 weeks: first introduction of solid food (gruel)
- 4-6 weeks: gradual transition
- 6-8 weeks: fully weaned (solid food)
- 8 weeks: can leave the mother
Puppies separated before 8 weeks often have lifelong behavioral problems.
Weaning step by step
Week 3 (days 21-28)
First exposure to solid food.
- Soft gruel (puppy kibble softened with puppy milk replacer)
- Frequency: 2 times a day, in addition to maternal milk
- Amount: a few grams (1 teaspoon per puppy)
Technique:
1. Ground or softened puppy kibble
2. Add puppy milk replacer
3. Consistency: thick gruel (like yogurt)
4. Offer in a wide and shallow dish (for puppies)
Week 4
Gradual increase.
- 3-4 meals of gruel per day
- Increased amount (1-2 tablespoons per puppy)
- Maternal milk still predominant
Week 5
More solid consistency.
- Less liquid gruel
- Less ground softened kibble (recognizable pieces)
- Reduced maternal milk
Week 6
Nearly solid food.
- Whole but softened kibble
- 4 meals a day
- Maternal milk only for "comfort"
Week 7
Complete solid food.
- Puppy kibble without softening
- Fresh water always available
- Minimal maternal milk
Week 8
Complete weaning.
- Only solid food + water
- 4 meals a day
- Ready to leave the mother
Which food to use
Puppy kibble
Specific for puppies. Look for:
- Animal protein ≥ 28%
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus
- Added DHA (brain development)
- Premium brand (avoid supermarket puppy food)
Milk replacer
Never cow's milk. Use:
- Royal Canin Babydog Milk
- Hartz Puppy Milk Replacer
- Beaphar Puppy Milk
Cost: €15-30 per jar.
Wet puppy food
A good complement. More palatable than gruel. To be introduced from 5-6 weeks.
The amount
Small breed puppy (adult 5-10 kg)
- 3 weeks: 5-10 g total per day (gruel)
- 5 weeks: 30-50 g
- 7 weeks: 100-150 g
- 8 weeks: 150-200 g
Medium breed puppy (10-25 kg)
- 3 weeks: 10-15 g
- 5 weeks: 60-100 g
- 7 weeks: 150-250 g
- 8 weeks: 250-350 g
Large breed puppy (25+ kg)
- 3 weeks: 15-25 g
- 5 weeks: 100-150 g
- 7 weeks: 250-400 g
- 8 weeks: 400-500 g
The exact amounts are per single puppy. Multiply by the number of puppies.
Orphan puppy (without mother)
Difficult home but feasible:
0-3 weeks
- Only specific milk replacer
- Small bottle or syringe
- Frequency: every 2-3 hours (even at night)
- Stimulate needs (warm cloth)
3-4 weeks
- Start gruel with milk replacer
- 4-5 meals per day
5-8 weeks
- Transition as above
Important: orphaned puppies miss out on the socialization from the mother. Compensate with frequent handling, exposure to stimuli, human contact.
Common mistakes
1. Too early weaning
Before 3 weeks = stomach not ready yet. Diarrhea, intolerances.
2. Cow's milk
Never. Causes severe diarrhea.
3. Adult dog food
Calories and minerals unbalanced for puppies.
4. Only meat
Without calcium and other nutrients.
5. Abrupt transition
From gruel to whole kibble in 2 days → digestive problems.
6. Wrong amounts
Underfed or overfed. Weigh the puppies every 2-3 days.
The signs of correct weaning
Growth
Weight consistently increasing:
- 50-100 g a week for small dogs
- 200-400 g for large dogs
Energy
Well-weaned puppies:
- Actively exploring
- Playing with each other
- Sleeping interspersed with activity
Stools
- Formed and dark: a good sign
- Diarrhea: too much food or unsuitable food
- Constipation: not enough water
Coat
Shiny, soft. Never dull.
When to consult a veterinarian
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Repeated vomiting
- Puppy not growing
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
Puppies are fragile. Never wait too long.
“All-natural” weaning
Some breeders suggest BARF from weaning:
- Raw minced meat mixed with milk replacer
- Possible but requires nutritional expertise
Not recommended for beginners. Requires a veterinarian nutritionist's plan.
Things to keep in mind
Weaning is the fundamental transition for healthy puppies. 5-6 weeks of gradual transition: from maternal milk to gruel, to softened kibble, to solid food. Specific milk, never cow. Precise amounts for size. Veterinarian for doubts. Done right, weaning prepares the puppy for 12-15 years of health. Done wrong, it leaves lasting marks.
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