[Molly K.]

My dog Bella had some puppies which are now 1 month and 1 week old. When should I put them on puppy food and how do I ween them?

Another question, how old do they have to be in order to sell them?

[Kyllobernese]

What breed is the mother and puppies?

[skelaki]

Originally Posted by Molly K.

My dog Bella had some puppies which are now 1 month and 1 week old. When should I put them on puppy food and how do I ween them?

Another question, how old do they have to be in order to sell them?

At this age you can have puppy gruel (basically puppy food mixed with water or puppy esbilac so that it's the consistency cooked cereal) to offer to the puppies. But, if mama dog is nursing the pups ok, let her be your guide in gradually weaning them. As in most things, mama dog usually knows best and your job is to support her in the weaning.

The puppies should be at least 8 weeks old before they're sold. And if they happen to be a toy breed or mix, it's best to wait until they're a bit older at 10-12 weeks due to their small size and relative fragility.

[Spicy1_VV]

By feeding the pups you are helping in the weaning process because they will eat less from mom.

At 5 weeks you can start giving them some watered down canned food. Though I don't know if you dog is a small/toy breed it might be different, not sure what breed/size your dog is. For medium - large breeds this works fine. As they get more of their teeth in they'll be able to switch to softened dry food, then you can give them strictly dry food. Their mom may help in the weaning by pulling the puppies off her, trying to move away from them, ect. More likely when they are older than 5 weeks. Once they really get their teeth in it can be painful for her to let them nurse but some moms won't wean their pups.

[Molly K.]

Thank you everyone for all of your advice. It seems to be working! I was shocked that once I started feeding them wet dog food they basically completely stopped feeding from mom! They are chunks! The Mom is 1/2 Rott and 1/2 Blue Heeler and the Dad is 1/2 Rott and 1/2 Alaskan Malamute. They are adorable. If I could afford it I would keep them all. Again, Thank you everyone! I'm glad I joined this forum!