Puppy Feeding Guidelines

Dawn Walker
Nov 24
3 min read

Updated: Nov 28

How we introduce solid food, support healthy development and guide new owners through early nutrition.

At Swish Sheps, we believe that healthy nutrition begins long before a puppy goes home. Below is an overview of how we feed and wean our litters, why we do it this way and how you can continue supporting your puppy’s development after they leave us.

When We Begin Weaning

Our puppies are offered soft food from around 2–3 weeks of age, once their eyes are open and they begin exploring.

We do not force the weaning process. Instead, pups stay with Mum for as long as she is comfortable feeding them. When she is ready, she decides to stop.

This gentle, natural transition:

prevents problems such as mastitis
allows Mum’s milk supply to reduce gradually
keeps both Mum and puppies comfortable

Our Weaning Formula

We start with a blend designed to be gentle on young stomachs and to mimic what Mum would naturally provide.

2–4 weeks:

75% adult food, 25% puppy food

Mixed into a soft, appetising mush.

Why this ratio?

Adult food is easier on early digestion
Helps prevent diarrhoea (which can be dangerous in young puppies)
Supports controlled, healthy growth
Reduces risk of developmental abnormalities

Changing the Ratios as Puppies Grow

We gradually adjust the mix as digestion matures:

4 weeks: 50% adult food / 50% puppy food
- This is also when puppies begin eating individually from their own bowls.
6 weeks: 25% adult food / 75% puppy food
8 weeks: 100% puppy food

Puppies are fed three times daily until 12 weeks old, then reduced to twice daily.

Important: Avoid free-feeding.

Offer food at mealtimes only. If the puppy doesn’t eat, remove the bowl and offer it again at the next meal. Structure supports good manners, prevents food guarding and regulates growth.

After Mealtimes: Exercise Safety

Always wait at least one hour after feeding before exercising your puppy or adult dog.

Running or playing on a full stomach can cause bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and requires emergency surgery.

Recommended Puppy Food

We advise keeping your puppy on CSJ puppy food until at least 6 months of age before switching to another diet, if that’s your long-term plan. This gives the digestive system time to mature and helps prevent tummy upset.

At around 12 months, your dog can transition to adult food or a lower-protein puppy food.

Some pups mature faster and can switch sooner, while slower-developing youngsters may stay on puppy food a little longer.

Growth & Weight Chart

We provide a general weight chart for Shepherd puppies to help you monitor steady, healthy growth. Remember—every dog grows at their own pace and slight variations are normal.

Managing Loose Stools

Loose stools can happen at any age—especially when puppies move to new homes.

If this occurs:

Try:

Slightly reducing food quantity
Adding tripe
Supplementing with:
- tree bark powder (supports gut lining and nutrient absorption)
- pumpkin powder
Offering Oralade throughout the day (replaces lost electrolytes and glucose)

Never:

❌ Withhold food

A puppy with diarrhoea should continue eating.

Check Hydration & Gum Colour

Healthy gums should be pink.

Grey, pale or white gums = vet immediately.

To check hydration, use the skin tent test:

Gently lift the skin on the back of the neck.
It should snap back instantly.
Slow return or skin that “hangs” indicates dehydration → pup needs fluids urgently.

Common Causes of Temporary Diarrhoea