Jack Russell Not Nursing Enough

Question
Hi, my Jack Russell gave birth to 5 pups 21 days ago. At first she was very attentive, now she will only feed them at my instance, even though I have locked her away with the pups she avoids them. Should I supplement the pups with a high quality puppy grewl or should I supplement them with another milk formula. The pups are only 21 days old (3 weeks), they seem to be growing and have started to stand and walk on their legs, but I'm concerned because of her lack of feeding them.

Answer
Hi Lois

That happens.  The pups are getting teeth and have sharp little claws, I don't really blame her for not wanting to hang with them. And most dog mothers will agree.

At 3 weeks old they are old enough to start on solids.  We start all our pups at this age on raw.  Organ meats, (beef, chicken, bison) including the heart, kidney and liver.   All available frozen at Superstore or your favorite butcher.  Feed the pups a couple of times a day and let the dam in once in the morning and once at night.  That makes a well rounded meal.

Milk supplements are not ideal as most dogs can't process the milk and diarrhea results. Supplement the raw with vitamins and fish oils.  You can start mixing kibble in around week 5.  

Good luck