Weaning Puppies: When Can They Eat Solid Food?

What to Feed Weaning Puppies

For puppies, learning to eat solid foods isn't something that happens overnight — it's a gradual process that can come with a steep learning curve. When they initially begin the weaning process, puppies are more likely to explore and mouth the food than consume it effectively for nutrition. During this time, the mother should be eating a complete and balanced food formulated for puppies since her nutritional needs remain high. You can soften dry puppy food by adding warm water, or offer wet puppy food further diluted with water to make it easier for the puppies to explore and begin tasting.

How Often to Feed Weaning Puppies

Puppies require several weeks to fully transition their digestive systems to rely on solid food for nutrition. They will continue to nurse throughout this period, but as the weeks pass, the amount of nourishment they receive from their mother will gradually decrease as their intake of solid food increases. During this period, feed puppies small, frequent meals — four times a day is the general recommendation, but check with your veterinarian to ensure your pups are getting what they need.

Most puppies will be fully weaned by around 7 to 8 weeks of age, though some breeds, especially toy breeds, might take closer to 10 weeks.

When to Start Weaning Puppies: Signs to Look For

Knowing when to start weaning puppies doesn't have to be a mystery. Be on the lookout for the following signs of readiness:

• Eruption of sharp teeth from the puppies' gums

• Visible discomfort or reluctance from the mother during nursing, often due to emerging puppy teeth

• Puppies eliminating independently without needing stimulation from the mother

• Growing curiosity about solid food, such as sniffing, licking or attempting to eat the mother's food

Tips for Supporting Weaning Puppies

Learning to eat solid foods is no easy feat for young puppies — and they have significantly higher energy requirements to meet than adult dogs do. Here are some tips to help support the weaning process and help ensure puppies get the nutrition they need to thrive:

• Make sure the mother has regular, brief breaks from her puppies. This time not only allows her to rest and rejuvenate but also encourages the puppies to explore solid foods.

• Moisten both wet and dry puppy food with warm water. This helps puppies' developing digestive tracts process the food more easily and encourages interest in eating.

• Provide multiple feeding and watering stations. All puppies should have easy access to food and water.

• Use wide, shallow and heavy dishes. This type of dish is ideal to help puppies navigate self-feeding while minimizing spills.

• Expect messes at mealtime. As puppies learn to eat solid food, overturned dishes and wasted food are common.

Finally, monitor growth closely. While some puppies will be born larger or smaller, if a puppy is falling behind or not gaining weight consistently, seek veterinary care promptly. Early intervention is key if a puppy struggles to nurse or fails to match their littermates' energy levels or behaviors. Likewise, if the mother seems to be having a difficult time nursing, consult your vet for advice.

Beyond meeting their nutritional needs, nursing helps puppies develop a close connection with both their mother and littermates. In addition to providing comfort and bonding, nursing stimulates the release of oxytocin for the mother. This hormone helps promote relaxation and reduce stress — an important factor in supporting the mother's well-being and, in turn, the puppies' health and development.

As experts at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine explain, the time puppies spend with their mother and littermates before moving to their respective homes is essential for their overall well-being and social development. It is during this time that puppies start learning essential behaviors, such as eliminating away from their living area — an early foundation for house training at a later point. Puppies also develop important social skills through interacting with their mother and littermates, including biting etiquette (from pressure to inhibition), body language communication and appropriate vocalizations.

Supporting a Smooth Transition

Weaning is a gradual and often messy process. During this time, offer puppies softened puppy food mixed with warm water several times a day along with plenty of fresh water in multiple shallow, heavy-bottomed dishes.

Monitoring growth rates is essential, as puppies that grow too quickly or too slowly may face long-term health issues. If you notice any problems with nursing, unusual behavior or developmental concerns, consult your vet right away. Together, you can pave the way for a happy, healthy life full of tail wags and adventures.