I always chuckle when I read an article on weaning puppies that "explains" how to teach a puppy to lap from a pan. Teach? Dalmatians seem to be born knowing what a food pan is for and I've never had a pup who did not immediately begin to eat whatever tasty treat was in the pan. Some of them do a bit of sneezing when they stick their little noses in too deep but they all chow down from the first meal.
Some breeders wean on cow's milk and baby cereal, but we prefer goat's milk (which is more like the milk they get from mom) and no carbs at first. We do goat milk the first day, goat milk with egg yolk the second and third days, and then start adding ground turkey. The meal is mostly milk and very liquid at first, until I know that the pups have started drinking water too.
We make weaning a gradual process, adding different raw foods as we go along, but always including lots of eggs. Pups get a variety of meats, and raw meaty bones as well, plus cooked or pureed veggies, and yogurt. Because not all of my puppy buyers will be feeding a raw diet, the pups also get some meals of well soaked kibble with goat milk. Although there are many good foods on the market, out preference continues to be Pro Plan Select Turkey & Barley. We start off with just one meal a day, gradually working up to four meals. Although Fern will spend less and less time with the puppies, she'll still be with them at night until they are at least 6 weeks old. There is no better food for pups than their mother's milk.
The cute little buy pictured below is Baxter. For all the Dals with too many spots, there are some with too few - like Baxter. He's a very handsome pup with a gorgeous face, nice structure, a charming personality, and very distinct markings.
