Weaning Schedule (Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits)
Weaning is a gradual process, not a switch. Puppies and kittens should be introduced to solid food around week 3-4, transitioned over 3-5 weeks, and fully weaned by week 7-8 — but they should stay with mom and littermates for social development until at least 8-10 weeks (puppies) or 10-12 weeks (kittens). Rabbit kits follow a different rhythm: alfalfa-based diet only, greens delayed until well after weaning. This tool builds a species-specific week-by-week plan from the litter's birth date.
Introduce puppy gruel: soaked kibble + puppy milk replacer, 4x daily. Nursing still primary.
Thicker gruel, less milk replacer. Puppies eating solids ~30% of intake.
Soaked kibble only (no milk replacer). Nursing 2-3x daily.
Dry kibble + water on side. Nursing reduced to 1-2x daily.
Fully on solid puppy food. Separate mom for longer periods.
Weaning complete. Ready to leave litter (US minimum; 10 weeks better).
Examples
- Puppies born June 1Gruel week of June 22 · fully weaned July 27
- Kittens born March 15Wet food week of April 12 · rehome after May 24
- Rabbit kits born May 1Pellets & hay week of May 22 · greens after July 24