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When should 4-week-old puppies start solid food, considering teeth?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 12 lbs

We have 6, 4 week old Jackapoo, puppies. We will be away so we want them to nurse until 6 weeks then introduce food slowly. I’m in no rush to give them away. What should the dog sitter watch for as indications to start them on food? Could we harm the puppies health and growth? Could puppies teeth coming in stop the bitch from feed them?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 21st, 2019

It is better to nurse pups until around 4-5 weeks, then start the weaning process. Once they have teeth they are more than ready to be weaned off mom. At 6 weeks, they should have their teeth, so the sitter can start the process now.
There is no harm in starting the weaning process between 4-5 weeks b/c that is the ideal time to do so and does not harm their growth in any way. Some momma dogs will still allow the pups to feed even after they get their teeth, but there is certainly discomfort for the mom and high risk of abrasions and infection of the teets if allowed to happen for long, so its best to get them weaned for mom's sake. : )

Best of luck with these pups and I hope that the weaning process goes well. Take care!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on June 25th, 2017
Puppy teeth should all be erupted by six weeks of age. They could be 4-6 weeks old. At this age, they should begin weaning. This can be done by introducing a slurry or gruel made by mixing puppy food with an appropriate puppy milk replacer such as Esbilac or PetLac. Over the next few weeks, gradually decrease the amount of liquid until the puppies are eating dry or canned food by around 8 weeks of age.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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