Raising puppies can be a rewarding experience, though problems can occur along the way. The following information should help increase your chances of success when caring for young puppies.
Having a litter of 3-week-old puppies is both exciting and overwhelming! Trust me I’ve been there and the most common question that kept me up at night was figuring out the right feeding schedule. These tiny furballs are at a crucial developmental stage, and knowing exactly how often they should eat can make all the difference in their growth.
Understanding Your 3-Week-Old Puppy’s Nutritional Needs
At 3 weeks old, puppies are in what experts call the “transitional stage” of development. This is when big changes start happening! Their eyes are fully open, they’re beginning to hear properly, and they’re starting to explore their surroundings with wobbly little steps.
During this time, puppies are still heavily dependent on their mother’s milk, but they’re also ready to begin the weaning process. This is when we start introducing them to solid foods while they continue nursing.
How Often Should 3-Week-Old Puppies Feed?
Let’s get straight to the point – 3-week-old puppies should be fed approximately 4-6 times per day when being introduced to mush or gruel (their first solid food) This frequency allows their tiny digestive systems to gradually adjust to the new food without overwhelming them
If the mother is present and nursing, puppies will continue to nurse between these scheduled feedings. If you’re hand-raising puppies without a mother, you’ll need to provide puppy milk replacer every 4 hours in addition to beginning the introduction to solid foods.
Here’s a basic feeding schedule I’ve used successfully with 3-week-old puppies:
| Time | Feeding Type |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Mush/gruel |
| 11:00 AM | Mush/gruel |
| 3:00 PM | Mush/gruel |
| 7:00 PM | Mush/gruel |
| (Optional) 11:00 PM | Additional feeding if puppies seem hungry |
Remember, this schedule isn’t set in stone! You’ll need to observe your puppies and adjust based on their individual needs. Some litters might need that extra late-night feeding, while others might be satisfied with four daily feedings.
What to Feed a 3-Week-Old Puppy
With Mother Present
When mama dog is around, she’ll still be providing most of the nutrition through her milk. However, this is the perfect time to start introducing “puppy mush” – a soft, easily digestible mixture that helps them transition to solid food.
To make puppy mush:
- Use high-quality puppy food (wet or dry kibble ground into powder)
- Mix with warm water or puppy milk replacer
- Create a very thin, soupy consistency (think porridge)
- Gradually thicken the mixture as puppies grow accustomed to it
Without Mother Present (Orphaned Puppies)
If you’re raising puppies without a mama dog, your job is a bit more challenging. You’ll need to:
- Use a commercial puppy milk replacer (never cow’s milk!) given every 4 hours
- Begin introducing puppy mush 4-6 times daily
- Ensure the consistency is very thin and soupy at first
- Monitor weight gain closely to ensure adequate nutrition
How Much Should 3-Week-Old Puppies Eat?
Determining the right amount to feed is tricky and depends on several factors including breed size, individual puppy needs, and whether they’re still nursing from mom.
As a starting point, offer about 1-2 tablespoons of mush per puppy per feeding. Observe how they respond and adjust accordingly. They should seem satisfied after eating but not bloated or uncomfortable.
Weight gain is your best indicator of proper nutrition. Healthy puppies should gain weight steadily each day. If you notice any puppy not gaining weight or seeming weak, consult your vet immediately.
The Weaning Process at 3 Weeks
The weaning process that begins at 3 weeks is gradual and typically takes until about 7-8 weeks to complete. This isn’t a sudden switch from milk to solid food but rather a slow transition.
At 3 weeks, you’re just getting started with the process. The puppies will be clumsy eaters at first! They might walk through the food, get it all over themselves, and generally make a mess. This is totally normal and part of the learning process.
What Happens to Mom During Weaning?
If the mother dog is present, her body will begin adjusting as puppies nurse less frequently. Her milk production will gradually decrease through a process called involution, where unused milk is reabsorbed back into her body.
It’s important to monitor mama dog during this time, as sudden changes in nursing can sometimes lead to mastitis (an infection of the mammary glands). Make sure she’s comfortable and check her regularly for any signs of discomfort or hardness in her mammary glands.
Common Challenges When Feeding 3-Week-Old Puppies
Puppies Refusing to Eat Mush
Don’t worry if your puppies aren’t interested in the mush right away. This is super common! Here are some tricks I’ve used:
- Dip your finger in the mush and let them lick it off
- Add extra puppy milk replacer to make it more appealing
- Warm the mush slightly to enhance the aroma
- Be patient! Some puppies take longer than others
Digestive Upset
When introducing new foods, puppies might experience some digestive upset. Watch for:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms, reduce the amount of mush and consider diluting it further. If problems persist, definitely consult your veterinarian.
Signs Your 3-Week-Old Puppy is Healthy and Well-Fed
A properly nourished 3-week-old puppy should:
- Be gaining weight daily
- Have a round, slightly plump belly (but not bloated)
- Be active when awake
- Sleep contentedly after feeding
- Have firm, formed stools (once adjusted to mush)
- Show interest in surroundings
Important Health Considerations
At 3 weeks, puppies are still very vulnerable. Their immune systems are developing, and they’re at risk for various health issues. While feeding them properly is crucial, there are other health aspects to consider:
- Deworming: Many veterinarians recommend starting deworming at 2 weeks of age and continuing every 2 weeks until the puppies are on regular prevention
- Temperature regulation: Puppies still need help maintaining body temperature, so keep their environment warm and draft-free
- Hydration: While they get most moisture from milk and mush, begin offering small amounts of fresh water
- Vaccinations: No vaccines are needed yet, but prepare for their first shots at around 6 weeks
My Personal Experience With 3-Week-Old Puppies
When I had my first litter of Golden Retriever puppies, I was so nervous about getting their feeding schedule right! I remember staying up late researching and double-checking everything. The biggest lesson I learned was that every litter is different.
Some of my puppies took to the mush immediately, while others needed more encouragement. I found that patience and consistency were key. Within a few days, even my most reluctant eater was happily lapping up the mush with his siblings.
The mess was incredible though! I wasn’t prepared for how much cleanup would be involved. Pro tip: put down puppy pads around the feeding area to make cleanup easier.
Final Thoughts
Feeding 3-week-old puppies is definitely a labor of love. The 4-6 feedings per day schedule can be demanding, but this stage doesn’t last long. Soon your puppies will be transitioning to more solid food and eating less frequently.
Remember that the care and attention you provide during these early weeks lays the foundation for their future health and well-being. The time and effort you invest now will pay off with healthy, happy puppies.
If you’re ever unsure about your puppies’ nutrition or development, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific litter’s needs.
Have you raised 3-week-old puppies before? What feeding challenges did you face? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Quick Reference: 3-Week-Old Puppy Feeding Guide
- Feeding frequency: 4-6 times daily
- Type of food: Thin puppy mush/gruel (gradually thickening)
- Amount per feeding: Start with 1-2 tablespoons per puppy
- Mother’s milk: Still primary nutrition source if available
- Puppy milk replacer: Every 4 hours if mother is unavailable
- Weaning process: Just beginning, will continue until 7-8 weeks
- Water: Begin offering fresh water in shallow dish
With patience and proper nutrition, your 3-week-old puppies will soon grow into healthy, energetic dogs. The demanding feeding schedule is temporary, but the bond you’re creating with these little ones will last a lifetime!
What should I expect from the puppies during the first few weeks of life?
Puppies are born with their eyes closed. Most puppies open their eyes within seven to fourteen days of birth. If you notice swelling, bulging, or discharge under the eyelids, the eyes should be opened gently. A cotton ball dampened with warm water may be used to help open the lids. If the swelling is due to infection, you will see pus; in this case, a veterinarian should examine the puppy immediately. If the eyes have not opened within 14 days, the puppy should be examined by a veterinarian.
Puppies should be observed for their rate of growth. They should double their birth weight in about one week. Weigh them routinely, daily to weekly, to ensure they are growing normally. Failure to gain weight may indicate a problem and the need for veterinary care. At about two weeks of age, puppies should be alert and trying to stand on their own. At three weeks, they generally try to climb out of their box. At four weeks, all the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play.
Puppies should begin eating solid food about 3.5 to 4.5 weeks of age. Initially, make gruel by mixing a milk replacer with a small amount of puppy food soaked in water; place this mixture in a flat saucer. The puppies noses should be carefully dipped into the mixture two or three times per day until they begin to lap; this usually takes one to three days. Next, place canned or dry puppy food in the milk replacer or water until it is soggy. As the puppies lap, they will also ingest the food. The amount of moisture should be decreased daily until they are eating the canned or dry food with little to no moisture added (usually by four to six weeks of age).
How do I care for the newborn puppies?
The mother should spend most of her time with her puppies during the first few days after birth. For the first month of life, puppies require very little care from their owner because their mother will feed and care for them. In fact, in most cases, the pet owner should not interfere with the mothers care.
The puppies need to be kept warm and should nurse frequently. Check them every few hours to ensure they are warm and well-fed. You should also check the mother to ensure that she is producing adequate and normal-appearing milk.
If the mother does not stay in the whelping box most of the time, the puppies body temperatures must be closely monitored. If the puppies are cold, you must provide supplemental heat, but be careful not to burn the puppies, as they do not have the same reactions to heat as adult dogs.
During the first four days of life, the newborn puppies box and external environment should be maintained at 85°F to 90°F (29.4°C to 32.2°C). The temperature may gradually be decreased to 80°F (26.7°C) by the seventh to tenth day and to 72°F (22.2°C) by the end of the fourth week. If the litter is large, the external temperature does not have to be kept as warm. As puppies huddle together, their body heat provides additional warmth.
If the mother feels the puppies are in danger or that there is too much light or noise, she may become anxious and not produce adequate milk. Placing a sheet or cloth over the top of the box to obscure much of the light may resolve the problem. An enclosed box is also a solution. Some dogs, especially first-time mothers, are more anxious than others, and may attempt to hide their young. She may continually move the puppies from place to place, which may endanger them if they are placed in a cold or drafty location. If your dog shows this behavior, you should cage or confine her in a secure, secluded area. This type of mother has also been known to kill her puppies, intentionally or inadvertently, presumably as a means of “protecting” them from danger.
How often should I feed my 3-week-old puppy?
FAQ
Can 3 week old puppies go all night without nursing?
No puppy should have to go all night without food if it is under 6 weeks of age. It should still be with its momma & have the ability to nurse as needed. Between 6 & 8 weeks, puppies start taking longer breaks between meals & they have developed teeth that irritate the momma when nursing.
What is the 10 10 10 rule for puppies?
How do I know if my 3 week old puppies are getting enough milk?
A newborn puppy who is feeding well will have a plump tummy, if the tummy looks empty or drawn in below the ribs cage then they may not be getting enough milk.Dec 6, 2022
Can you overfeed a three week old puppy?
You generally don’t need to worry about overfeeding puppies until they are about six months old, but it’s important to monitor their weight gain.