Has anyone weaned a litter using Orijin, and if so, how did they do?

Thanks!

Yes, I feed on Orijen and weaned the pups on it.  I just ground the kibble up using a food processor/coffee grinder, prior to soaking it.  This is the best way to make a nice 'porridge'.  Unlike the 'cheap' cereal-based feeds it is hard to soak without grinding, and does not expand loads in water.

Gradually as the pups got older I just put less water with it, and then fully weaned them onto the dry kibble.  So they were eating the dried kibble fine before they went to their new homes.

Thanks!

However, I don't quite fancy the idea of grinding it all up in a food processor...  In terms of us not actually owning a food processor, and then I don't think my OH would want me grinding up dog food in it!!

I wonder if I should instead first wean using Nature Diet or even Arden Grange Weaning food, then switch to Orijin before pups go to new homes?

Also, which Orijin food did you feed to mum whilst she was pregnant/lactating?  Did you keep her on the Adult or switch to the Puppy?  Thanks.

Not a food processor probably, but just a little grinder  I can't remember if I used an old coffee grinder, or one of those stick blenders with a container attachment.  You're really not talking much effort, and you could probably buy one specifically for the dogs for around £20?  Otherwise, you could just soak early to give it plenty of time to soften?  I just did a whole batch and then you could mix it with water/puppy milk and feed almost instantly, rather than waiting for it to soak.

As for feeding her, it really doesn't matter if you use the Adult or Puppy formulas for feeding her as there is not a lot of difference between them, and it is such a good quality food.  That is why I switched to Orijen when I put my other bitch into whelp, as I wanted to make sure she was getting the absolute best.  I think I fed her the Adult.

This time, I've got both, so may give her some of the pup stuff at some point.

Great, thanks!

not used orijen, but just to say you don't need to grind anything, as long as you soak the biscuit enough (in water as milk doesn't soak aswell) then it can be mixed to slop adding milk at this stage if necessary.

I love Nature Diet as a weaning food, pups take to it very well. Have no runny bums and as they get older start introducing some soaked kibble before they leave home.
K 

i too love weaning with this food! and will be useing again then add soaked kibble at about 4weeks once ther eating well xx

> not used orijen, but just to say you don't need to grind anything, as long as you soak the biscuit enough (in water as milk doesn't soak aswell) then it can be mixed to slop adding milk at this stage if necessary.

That's the point though.  Orijen isn't "biscuit".  It is 80% meat and doesn't have any biscuit or grain content, so doesn't soak quite the same.  I just found grinding it up sped things up a bit and meant that you didn't have to wait ages when soaking.

when i say biscuit I am using the term loosely, it will soak if left long enough! I usually soak overnight enough for a couple of feeds and then do the same in the morning so has soaked for a few hours, warm water works better than cold aswell.

> when i say biscuit I am using the term loosely, it will soak if left long enough! I usually soak overnight enough for a couple of feeds and then do the same in the morning so has soaked for a few hours, warm water works better than cold aswell. >

As you say, you've not used Orijen before....  the advice from their nutritionist is to blitz it first.  Personally I don't want to have pots of soaking food around the house LOL, so I find their suggested method quicker and more convenient.