Royal Canin's Starter formulas are a unique nutritional solution that meets the needs of the mother and her puppies during the first 5 stages of life: gestation, birth, lactation, weaning and growth up to 2 months. "Royal Canin's BIRTH PROGRAM is a unique nutritional solution which meets the needs of the bitch and her puppies during gestation, lactation and growth. Nutritional profile specifically adapted for the bitch's high energy needs at the end of gestation and during lactation. Nutritional response helps to facilitate the transition from mother's milk to solid food. Kibbles easily rehydrate to a porridge-like consistency that is very palatable for both the bitch and her weaning puppies. Developed from scientific research, Royal Canin's START COMPLEX is a combination of nutritional elements present in mother's milk that actively promote digestive health and help maintain the puppy's natural defenses."