Akita female dogs will and indeed demand to feed their puppies until they are approximately eight weeks old. They continue to produce large amounts of milk and the fullness of their nipples encourages them to feed their babies. The more they feed, the more milk is produced, so eventually you’ll have to help out.

Obviously, the cubs will not be as willing to feed on their mother once you start feeding them. It is difficult to judge the right time to wean the puppies. It should be when they look good but get the feeling that a solid meal would give them that extra strength to stand up and move around. It does not depend on the precise age of the litter: the puppies can be three and a half weeks or four and a half weeks. But when you see the cubs feed fiercely, empty the nipple, and quickly move on to the next, you’ll see that feeding time is turning into a frantic search for food, and it’s time to start weaning.

I always prefer solid food. We have found that Akita puppies do not like milk other than their mother’s. We recommend that you use very finely chopped beef and put a small amount on your fingertips and let the puppy smell it. In a matter of seconds, the bite is in your mouth. Your puppy will soon realize that not only does it taste good, but it also makes him feel good to have a nice full belly. One teaspoon is enough for the first two or three times, usually at breakfast and tea. Again, keep a close eye on the toilet and use the sweeteners to regulate. Remember what they always tell us humans: “Healthy on the inside means healthy on the outside!”

It is a good idea to keep the mother away for longer periods of time during weaning. Even if you provide them with food, Akita puppies will still need their mother’s milk, which contains natural antibodies against disease. By staying away, the cubs will be more willing to accept their food and the mother will have a chance to replenish her milk supply. You can object initially, but your absences should gradually increase. If you feed the cubs before her, they won’t attract her as strongly when she returns.

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