best dog food for 4 week old puppies
Weaning Puppies: How and When to Do It
The gradual transition of a puppys diet from their mothers milk to solid food is known as weaning.
This natural process allows puppies to become independent feeders and reduces the physical demands on the mother as the puppies grow.
Heres everything you need to know about weaning puppies.
When Should You Start Weaning Puppies?
The weaning process should begin at 3-4 weeks of age, when the puppies teeth begin to erupt. The discomfort of nursing teething puppies may cause the mother to pull away before her puppies are completely satisfied. Hungry puppies will naturally seek an alternate source of food.
Steps for Weaning Puppies
To start weaning, you will remove the mother from the puppies for an hour, two to three times a day, to try eating solid food.
Step 1: Make a Gruel
Make a gruel of canned or dry puppy food mixed with puppy milk replacer or water. Look for a well-known, name-brand puppy food that is not grain-free. Ideally use the same brand of food that the mother dog eats.
If the puppies do not take to the gruel, try blending this ratio:
Step 2: Offer the Gruel to the Puppies
During the hourlong periods where you separate the puppies from their mother, offer them the gruel in a shallow dish or baking pan. Place the puppies in front of it.
If the puppies do not seem interested, try dipping your finger in it and then touching their mouths so they can taste it. They may get messy in the process of exploring this new food.
Step 3: Reunite the Puppies With Their Mother
When the mother dog is reunited with her puppies, allow her to lick the remainder of the food from the dish and to lick the puppies clean.
Step 4: Gradually Increase the Amount of Solid Food
When youre beginning the weaning process, the puppies diet should consist of only 10% solid food. The gruel should be transitioned to less liquid and more solid until the puppies are able to eat the canned or dry food without diluting it. Then, you should gradually increase the amount each week until their diet is 100% solid food by the time they reach 7 or 8 weeks of age.
What to Do if a Puppy Isnt Weaning
Each puppy will wean on an individual schedule. If a puppy is not ready, continue to offer meals in the presence of another puppy, if possible. The example of exploration with solid food will encourage this behavior.
How to Feed Puppies After Weaning
After the puppies are completely weaned, offer them three to four solid food meals a day until they are 6 months old, then two to three meals a day depending on their breed requirements and growth.
Be sure that each puppy is gaining weight and not vomiting or having diarrhea. Seek veterinary care if problems arise.
What to Feed the Mother Dog
The mother dog should begin to eat puppy food during pregnancy, especially during the final two or three weeks. Consider a puppy food from the same brand that she is already accustomed to eating.
She should continue eating the puppy food as she begins to nurse her puppies. Dry puppy food should be available at regular meal times. This will keep the mother dog from excessively eating it and allow the puppies to develop an appetite between meals.
The demand for producing milk will decline as the puppies begin to eat solid food. With less time spent nursing, her milk production will decrease.
At week four, gradually transition the mother dog back to eating regular dog food, which will also help to reduce her milk supply. By week seven or eight, her milk production will cease without the stimulation of nursing puppies once they are completely weaned.
Featured Image: iStock.com/SolStock
Best Puppy Foods
Ollie Chicken is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Dog Food product line.
This particular Ollie formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 30%.
All Ollie recipes are human-grade and designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). A real plus. Each meal is suitable for all puppies, 12 weeks of age or older including those of larger breeds.
An exceptional, grain-free option perfect for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet. A diet thats as close to homemade as you can get. without all the time-consuming hard work.
Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Trustpilot"I absolutely love the fact they my puppy enjoys her food. She runs to the kitchen when she sees I'm grabbing her bowl to feed her. Once the bowl is down, she runs to it as a TV advertisement animals! Its a joy to see her eat"
Pork Recipe is one of 4 fresh formulas included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
Farmers Pork derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
The entire product line is designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Plus each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients.
All Farmers Dog recipes are 100% complete and balanced and formulated for puppies of all breed sizes (including those of larger breeds).
A healthy feeding option for those able to afford the premium price. Highly recommended.
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breed Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Brunno has never looked or felt so good. He no longer sheds and his breath is fresh and clean. His coat absolutely gleams with health. His eyes are bright and his energy level is through the roof! Thank you for making quality food at a good price point. If anyone is on the fence about trying this or making the switch, dont be!"
Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.
Nom Nom Beef Mash gets most of its animal protein from fresh ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
An exceptional, grain-free option ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet thats as close to homemade as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"I am soo happy I chose Nom Nom.. My dogs love it! The ingredients are all natural.. Heck, we could eat it! I have tried food for dogs and my dogs turned their noses with it. Comes packaged to keep food fresh, so if you're not home for delivery, no problem, food will be fine until you arrive. Thanks Nom Nom for supplying the best ingredients."
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky is one of 3 dry recipes studied in our review of the Redbarn dry product line.
Redbarn Sky derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 31% protein, 17% fat and 7% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 10%.
A wholesome grain-free product. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Redbarn.com"I got this for my two dogs because I wanted a healthier option of food for them. I liked that the ingredients list is short and without unnecessary additives. My dogs LOVE the food. I'm so happy with my choice to get this food!"
Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All puppies including large breed Salmon is one of4 dry recipesfeatured inour reviewof the Jinx product line.
This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein fromfresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Open Farm Grain-Free Puppy is one of21 dry recipesanalyzed inour reviewof the Open Farm product line.
This Open Farm recipe derives the majority of its animal protein fromchicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A high in protein option made with fresh ingredients. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Humanely Raised Chicken, wild pacific salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, field peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"I originally found this brand of dog food off of TikTok, silly right? I looked into it and saw that the food is above and beyond for my puppies nutrition. After purchasing the food, my pup was very happy it! I would definitely recommend this brand, as it is fully worth the price."
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of9 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Taste of the Wildproduct line.
This Taste of the Wild puppy formula takes the majority of its animal protein fromfresh salmonandocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Pacific Stream Puppy Food is not only rich in omega fatty acids, its also nutrient-balanced to support optimal health during a puppys period of maximum growth.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I feed my puppies Taste of the Wild. I love that it has pro-biotics in it and the kibble is small enough for them to eat easily after being weaned. This is the only puppy food that I highly recommend and I will continue using this product. The puppies enjoy the taste and the oils in the salmon puppy food help with their coats and make them shine."
Orijen Puppy is one of9 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Orijenproduct line.
This Orijen formula takes the dominant part of its animal protein fromfresh poultry(chicken and turkey) andfish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Orijen is a 5-star, all life stages recipe brimming with animal protein. A superior option for your growing puppy. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is one of the best brands I have bought, I have been feeding my puppy high quality food ever since I bought it but this one made a big improvement on my puppy he is more active and his coat looks better also he has very sensitive stomach but with this one he has been good now. He loves it so much that my GSD was stealing his food so I had to buy some for my GSD as well"
Puppy Plate is one of10 wet recipesincluded in ourreview of the Merrick Classic cannedproduct line.
This Merrick formula derives the bulk of its meat protein fromfresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 28% fat and 14% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This Merrick puppy recipe makes a great wet alternative to a dry diet and it makes a flavorful topper to help enhance the taste of almost any kibble. Highly recommended.
More Choices:Visit Our Best Wet Puppy Foods Page
Read our review of the full Merrick Classic Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken broth, deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This puppy food is a hit in our home! Its got good texture and is easily mixed in as a topper. It has a pleasant smell (for canned dog food) and you can see chunks of veggies throughout. The puppies are eager for meal times and clean their bowls. 5 stars!"
Complete Health Puppy is one of13 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Wellness Complete Healthproduct line.
Wellness Puppy gets the bulk of its animal protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
An exceptional formula. Contains just the right amount of calcium to make it safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
Wellness Complete Health
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas Type Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, ground barley) Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I was looking for a new puppy food for my newest french bulldog litter and after much consideration, decided to give this food a try. The pups love it and they have nice shiny coats, tons of energy and stools are solid and minimal. Very pleased with the results and will continue to use and recommend this food to my customers."
Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy is one of21 dry recipes including4 puppy formulas detailed in ourreview of the Blue Buffalo Life Protectionproduct line.
This Blue Buffalo puppy product derives the majority of its meat protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Blue Life Protection offers4 puppy recipes. All are nutrient-balanced, affordable and easy to recommend.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley) AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"When we adopted our puppy from the shelter, she was a stray and we didnt even know where to begin when it came to dog food. There were so many options that it was a flurry to make a decision. After reading reviews and getting recommendations from friends, we landed on Blue Buffalo. Our pup has loved it since day 1 and never had any problems. 100% recommend for new dog owners!"
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of13 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Merrick Classicproduct line.
This Merrick Classic Puppy formula derives the largest share of its animal protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Unlike Merricks grain-free product line, Classic is not only free of peas and lentils its also contains zero potatoes.
A top-quality, moderately priced puppy food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have used Merrick for years. It is healthy and delicious. When we brought out new pup home from the breeder she was on another brand. When I started to add Merrick she would pick through and only eat the Merrick . We finally did a taste test , putting Merrick puppy in one corner and the other in another spot. It was hands down Merrick. She would not even eat the other. She is growing very well and has a healthy coat and skin. Thank you Merrick"
Puppy Chicken and Rice is one of10 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Purina Pro Plan Puppyproduct line.
This Purina Pro Plan puppy product derives the bulk of its animal protein from frompoultry by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Pro Plan is one of the brands most often mentioned when we interview veterinary professionals.
Whats more every Pro Plan product meets thestrict guidelinesrecommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
A top choice. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat Type Grain-inclusive (rice, wheat) Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppies love this food and they are healthier because of it. Their fur is so beautiful and soft and it also came recommended by their veterinarian. At first I was going to get a grain-free brand, but my vet stated that puppies need grain to develop their bones, organs and brain. My pups are growing healthy and strong."
Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley is one of6 dry puppy recipesdetailed in ourreview of the Hills Science Diet Puppyproduct line.
This Science Diet Puppy formula sources nearly all its animal protein fromchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Hills Puppy is a classic growth formula recommended by both breeders and veterinary professionals alike and its calcium content is safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Science Diet Puppy Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn Type Grain-inclusive (wheat, barley, sorghum, corn, corn meal) Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small and medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We recently had an 8 week old Australian Shepherd join our family and she loves this food! Our 6 year old lab has been on science diet since a pup and we get so many compliments on how shiny his coat is and how healthy he looks! Would recommend this food to anyone!"
Chicken Soup Puppy is one of11 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Chicken Soup for the Soulproduct line.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy gets the majority of its meat protein fromfresh poultryandpoultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
This product makes an exceptional choice for both small and medium puppies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley Type Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet) AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppy was constantly having soft and loose stools no matter what food we tried. Switched her to chicken soup for the soul puppy food and it fixed her digestive issues within a few days. Shes now very regular with perfect consistency. She also loves the food and gobbles it down! I will continue with this brand for the long haul!"
Natural Choice Puppy is one of19 dry recipesthat can be found in ourreview of the Nutro Natural Choiceproduct line.
This Nutro puppy kibble gets nearly all its animal protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Nutro Natural Choice offers5 different puppy foods, each optimized for a specific breed size. A budget-friendly product from one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, brewers rice, whole grain brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (barley, rice) Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small and medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our new puppy, a Boston Terrier, loves this food. She has no digestive problems and her coat is shiny and eyes are bright. I love the fact that it is all natural and it saves me the time from making her food from scratch!"
