Soon after the Dalmatian puppies are born, and within the first 24 hours, they should begin nursing from their mother. This provides them with colostrum which is an antibody-rich milk that helps protect them from infection for the first few months of their life. Pups should be allowed to nurse for at least 6 weeks before they are completely weaned from their mother. Supplemental feeding may be started by as early as three weeks of age. By two months of age, pups should start eating puppy food. They are now in an important growth phase.

For your Dalmatian puppy, select a puppy diet with the preferred low-purine ingredients. This is not the time to overfeed pups or provide them with "performance" rations. The calorie overload can contribute serious skeletal defects such as hip dysplasia. Dalmatian pups should be fed "growth" diets until they are 12 months of age. Keep in mind that Dalmatian puppies need "balance" in their diets. In addition, avoid the temptation to supplement with protein, vitamins, or minerals. Calcium supplements have been implicated as a cause of bone and cartilage deformity.

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