: Feeding your puppy

Weaning

Prior to weaning, puppies obtain most of their nutrients from their mother's milk. Puppies grow at a rapid rate and will double their birth weight in a matter of days. Therefore they require large quantities of mother's milk or food. In the early stages of weaning (4 to 6 weeks after birth), the mother's milk is the most important source of nutrients and the puppies' digestive system is learning to adapt to new nutrients. At this age, puppies should be encouraged to try food. Highly palatable and concentrated foods, specially designed for puppies are most suitable for weaning, and also an ideal source of nutrition for the bitch. Puppies become fully weaned at the age of 6 to 8 weeks of age, when they will be ready to leave their mother's side.