There seems to be a lot of different opinions on when to start giving puppies food, and how to start, rather than their mother's milk. I was just trying to find more info because our pups are only 17 days but mum is starting to wander away more when they are trying to feed, so I wondered if I needed to consider supplementing with food.

Can anyone tell me - how often should they be drinking from mum now - 3-4 hourly?

What age do you start offering food - I am not doing raw food diet, if that makes a difference?

Thanks

The rate they gain weight should steadily increase, if it is flattening out then even if their eyes are just open I start them.

Otherwise I start at 18 days, offering some mush (puppy food soaked and mashed with puppy milk) once then twice the next day and so on until at three weeks they are being offered increasing amounts 4 - 5 times a day and I go with appetite.

Have you checked their nails, sometimes they can need a quick trim so the little talons aren't scratching mum when she tries to feed them.

Yes, trimmed nails twice to be sure they are not too sharp already. I have noticed their teeth are coming through - so I guess I would also be less keen on feeding all the time now :)

Still all gaining weight still so i will start on the mush in another few days I think.