What age can puppies be taken off of mothers milk and fed puppy chow?

Melissa: What age can puppies be taken off of mothers milk and fed puppy chow?
These pups are 4 weeks old. They already have teeth. How soon can I give them puppy food? And should I moisten it first?

Answers and Views:

Answer by ~*purple princess*~
You should probably be able to give them puppy food right away!

Answer by Amiah
4 weeks is about the right age. You could wait until 5 weeks, but that is pushing it. Use a high quality puppy food, not Puppy Chow.

Answer by Skye
4 Weeks at earliest…

Answer by patriciajean43
You can start giving them puppy food now.MOisten with water until they get the hang of eating then can be fed hard.Of course it depends upon breed,be sure to have the right size kibble.

Answer by Kendra
The dam will start to wean them at about 4 weeks. You can start feeding them a good quality dry puppy food moistened with some warm water. Offer it to them 4 times a day, and give them about 20 minutes to eat, then let the mom finish it off. Offer fresh water.

Answer by Missy
You can start wetting down puppy chow now and giving them that “mush”

Answer by Bobbie L
Why not direct all of your questions to your breed mentor, you know, the person you got to know while showing your bitch to her breed championship? That person would be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

DO NOT feed puppy chow, it’s crap. Get the pups on a high quality dog food. I feed Canidae ALS (All Life Stages). BTW, I don’t do backyard breeding, nor any breeding for that matter.

Answer by samcer
4 weeks seems a little young. I mean it’s fine to have it available for them as long as they can still drink from their mother. When my cat had kittens, she would have her bowl, then I would put food on a paper plate for the kitties if they got curious. As long as it’s accessible, it should come naturally. But, check just to make sure they are getting enough milk, too. They should drink mama’s milk for at least 8 weeks. It’s not crucial, but better for them.

Answer by ragapple
it not 100% mom one day 1005 pup chow the next! right now a supplemental feeding of well moisened puppy chow several time a day is approprate BUT mom shouls still be allowed to nurse. Gradually up the amount they diet from you and mom herself will reduce the amount of nursing she allows