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When Can Puppy Eat Solid Food?

When can you start introducing solid food to your puppy? During this important developmental stage, it’s important to transition from moist food to dry food. The following guide will provide information on transitioning from moist to dry food and assess your puppy’s ribs. Read on to find out more! Then, you’ll be able to introduce treats to your puppy! After all, what’s more, rewarding than having a satisfied puppy?

Weaning is an important part of a puppy’s development.

Puppies need to start eating solids at this age, which is a very delicate period in their development. While they still need to be fed by their mother, weaning signals independence. Puppies are still susceptible to infection and musculoskeletal problems without proper growth. Puppy food must be well suited to a puppy’s digestive needs. The puppy will learn to play and interact with other puppies and adults during the weaning process.

Weaning takes place over weeks, and it’s usually done by separating the puppy from the mother for a few hours at a time. This gradual separation allows the puppy to explore new foods and develop self-confidence. The process may begin as early as three weeks, but the most common time to wean is when a puppy is seven to eight weeks old.

Ensure a puppy’s food contains all essential nutrients

when can puppy eat solid food

Puppies need a high-quality protein source such as real organic meat. The protein portion of the food should comprise a minimum of 8% fats. Puppies need fats, but too much can lead to obesity and rapid growth. The best fats are those from animal tissue that has been minimally processed

For a high-quality protein source, opt for eggs. They are an excellent source of calcium and Lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B, D, and E. Milk contains calcium, potassium, and probiotics. Cottage cheese is also high in calcium and potassium.

Transitioning from moist to dry food

When introducing a new type of food for your puppy, you may want to start with dry kibble. Adding water to the food can make the food more appealing to your puppy. Besides making the food smell better, adding water to dry kibble will also help it stay hydrated. The amount of water your puppy consumes will depend on their age and breed.

To transition from moist to dry food for your puppy:

  1. Follow the same guidelines for other diet changes.
  2. Start by giving your puppy at least 25% of the new food for two days.
  3. After this time, feed the new food 100% of the time. 

Some wet food brands contain special ingredients for puppies and older dogs, and others are specially designed to be digestible by dogs with digestive or urinary problems.

When Do Puppy Open Their Eyes?

Assessing a puppy’s ribs

Puppies grow quickly, and their ribs can be visible early on. A veterinarian can assess a puppy’s weight and ribs with a body condition score ranging from one to five. A puppy’s ribs should be visible without fat at eight to ten weeks of age, especially when looking down or sideways. However, a puppy may be too thin.

If a puppy’s ribs are hidden underneath an overly-thick layer of fat, they may not be visible. However, if you stand away from the puppy, you may be able to feel the ribs. Ribs should be wider than the waist. An abdominal tuck is visible and slopes upward at the base of the hind legs.

Getting a puppy to eat solid food

You can start weaning your puppy from milk at four to five weeks. This process gives your pup the chance to get used to eating solids and begins a gradual transition to solid foods. Puppies typically start nibbling on dry food at three to four weeks. However, if you bring home your puppy too early, they may still be too young for a solid food diet.

When first introducing solid foods to your puppy, choose a food that contains a good balance of essential nutrients. Look for a puppy food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote eye and brain development. Make sure to choose a brand with AAFCO certification. AAFCO does not endorse a particular brand but does certify that the food meets minimum nutrition requirements. If it doesn’t, go to your vet for advice.

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