what to feed female dogs when nursing

• Food for pregnant or nursing dogs must include sufficient calories to meet increased energy needs for milk production and the growth of puppies
• Increased fat helps satisfy the higher demand for calories
• High digestibility is important to help maximize calorie intake from smaller amounts of food
• The mother’s milk production and the bone growth of her puppies require more calcium and phosphorus
• More protein is needed to nourish the healthy development of puppies
• DHA for developing puppies’ nervous systems

What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?

What Is The Healthiest Dog Food Out There?

• Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food. …
• Ollie Fresh Dog Food. …
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy. …
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food. …
• Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy. …
• The Farmer’s Dog Fresh. …
• Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food. …
• Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy. …
• Orijen Puppy. …
• Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Food. …

What should feed for nursing mom dog?

You will need:

• 2 ½ lb or 6 legs of chicken.
• 1 cup brown rice
• 4-5 potatoes/sweet potatoes/yams peeled and chopped
• 5-6 baby carrots peeled and chopped
• One 24 oz package of frozen peas
• 1 cup whole grain pasta
• One can of diced tomatoes with juice
• 2-3 quarts of chicken or vegetable broth. You can also use water.
• 2-4 tbsp good fats (ghee, coconut oil, olive oil etc)

How much dog food should I be feeding my dog?

• Should have useful Vitamins and Minerals
• Should have Digestive Enzymes
• Must provide Skin, Coat, and Joint Support

How to feed a female dog that is nursing?

Ways to Care for a Female Dog That Is Nursing Pups

• Keep Her Comfy. It's vital for your nursing dog to be in a calm, comfortable environment. ...
• Feed Her Well. Feeding a litter of growing puppies takes a lot out of a mother. ...
• Watch for Problems. Keep an eye on mother and pups to make sure nursing is going well. ...
• Exercise is Important. ...

What can a nursing dog eat to increase milk?

Milk thistle is one natural supplement known to help nursing mothers with their milk-making. Other dogs benefit from taking zinc while providing for their pups. In small doses, apricot can also increase milk production. Whatever you decide, it's always best to run it by your vet before you begin supplementing.

Are eggs good for nursing dogs?

Generally, the answer is yes. Eggs are a non-toxic food for dogs (wolves, too).

Do nursing dogs need special food?

A high-quality puppy formulation designed for high digestibility is generally recommended during the third trimester, and multiple small meals may be the best way to make sure the mother can eat enough calories and nutrients. The mother's energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation.

Is yogurt good for nursing dogs?

The best foods for nursing dogs should have lots of calories, fat, and proteins. Foods with high calcium content are essential to prevent milk fever and pre-eclampsia. Yogurt is one of the human foods approved for nursing dogs.

How often should you feed a nursing mother dog?

For the first 1-3 weeks of nursing, increase mum's daily meals from two to three. By week four (when the milk production is at its peak), go up to four meals a day. The portion size of each of these meals should increase as follows during nursing.

How do you take care of a dog that just had puppies?

After the birthing process, clean up the mother as much as possible without upsetting her using a warm water and washcloth. Do not use any soaps or disinfectants unless instructed to by your veterinarian. Remove any soiled newspaper or bedding from her whelping box.

What is the best food for dogs?

Chickpeas. This dog food is chock full of vitamins and minerals and will provide your furry friend with energy all-day-long. That’s because it contains chickpeas , lamb, and sweet potatoes. What’s more, its high protein content is perfect for the development of lean muscles.

Why is dog food good for pregnant dogs?

Another reason is that it meets the calorie count requirement for pregnant dogs. All the protein your dog will receive from the meal goes toward building lean, stronger muscles. Other than that, the dog food also adds probiotics to the mix. That means your canine companion’s body will easily absorb the nutrient-rich recipe.

How to change a dog's diet?

Here are the general guidelines that will make the switch smoother. They will work regardless of the breed of your expectant dog: 1 Seek out your vet’s opinion on what you plan to do. They will know how you can arrange to increase the key nutrient uptake without risking the dam’s health. This goes doubly if your pooch has been facing weight-related problems. 2 Begin the transition gradually as opposed to in a single go. In short, keep substituting her dog with the new meal over a period of one week. Continue until the dam’s only consuming the new brand. 3 Switch to a new dog food approximately during the sixth week of pregnancy. 4 An expectant mother would need to nourish both herself and her developing litter. Ensure that you keep increasing the dog food dosage gradually after the switch. Thus, give them the same-sized portion for the first 4-5 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the ingredients in dog food?

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken (Source of Glucosamine), 2. Rice Flour, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Whole Grain Corn, 5. Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine) Real chicken is one of the principal ingredients in this dog food. That and a few others, like grains, are all essential for expecting and nursing mothers.

Why is it important that you switch to a dam-specific dog food when yours expects a litter?

Why is it important that you switch to a dam-specific dog food when yours expects a litter? It is vital because these dog meals will ensure she receives – and passes on – sufficient nutrition during all stages of gestation. After all, it isn’t just her health that you must worry about. The mother is also the nutrient source for the puppies. What’s more, her nutritional requirements usually increase further when she is in the last trimester of pregnancy.

What to do after a dog has given birth?

After she has given birth, tempt her with some highly palatable, good-quality dog food. It is best if she consumes some of it as soon as possible. You might have to move the bowls to where her litter is. That’s because inexperienced mothers are often reluctant to leave the pups.

Why does my dog's appetite change?

That’s when the abdominal space becomes quite constricted. So, feed her smaller doses of dog food and just up the frequency to keep her comfortable and healthy.

What Should I Feed a Nursing Dog?

The best and most healthy source of fat and calories for nursing dogs is homemade puppy food. However, commercial dry food for pregnant dogs contains a decent calorific amount of healthy fats and proteins to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. Make sure to add a bunch of greens to her food to aid digestion.

How to Change a Nursing Dog’s Diet After She Gives Birth?

It is upon you to make this transition easy for her. After the weaning, lower the quantity of her regular meal by 1/4 th. A few days later, reduce it to half of what she used to eat when she was lactating. Slowly, bring her to her regular portions over a period of 15 days.

What is bioavailable dog food?

Bioavailable Food. Most importantly, the food you feed a nursing dog bioavailable dog food. This means that the nutrients in the food should be easily absorbed by the dog’s system; otherwise, there is no point!

How long does it take for a dog to eat dry food?

At the end of 2-3 weeks, you will have switched her over to her regular diet.

How much food should a pregnant dog eat?

Ideally, a pregnant dog will eat 1/5 th of her body weight every week.

When does a dog lose weight when pregnant?

A pregnant dog will start putting on weight after the sixth week and start losing it fast within days of the birth. If your dog has lost a lot of weight, adjust her diet accordingly.

Can you limit how much food a nursing dog eats?

This is one time that you simply cannot put a limit to how much she eats – and don’t worry about overfeeding her. However, what you must worry about is that while nursing dogs require large quantities of food, they have very little appetite. So getting them to eat more is a problem.

Why is it important to feed a puppy during pregnancy?

Overfeeding can result in obesity at the end of pregnancy, increasing the risk for difficult or prolonged labor and extra stresses on the puppies. Meal feeding is the best way to control body condition and weight gain during pregnancy. A high-quality puppy formulation designed for high digestibility is generally recommended during the third trimester, and multiple small meals may be the best way to make sure the mother can eat enough calories and nutrients.

How to wean a puppy from its mother?

On day one of weaning, withhold her food, allowing the puppies to eat their food while they are away from their mother. They can all be together that night, and the pups will suckle a bit. On day two of weaning, separate the pups from the mother and feed her about 25% of her pre-breeding portion of her regular food, instead of the puppy formulation. Over four or five days, increase to the full pre-breeding portion. The puppies should not be allowed access to nurse during this time as that will delay drying up milk production. With a bit of planning and input from your veterinarian, you can create a nutritionally sound plan for pregnancy and lactation, setting the stage for both a healthy dog and healthy puppies.

How long does it take for a puppy to wean from its mother?

Over 4 or 5 days, increase to the full pre-breeding portion.

What is the best way to control body condition and weight gain during pregnancy?

Meal feeding is the best way to control body condition and weight gain during pregnancy. A high quality puppy formulation designed for high-digestibility is generally recommended during the 3 rd trimester, and multiple small meals may be the best way to make sure the mother can eat enough calories and nutrients.

How long is a dog pregnant?

Dogs are pregnant for 62 days, plus or minus 2 days. The pregnancy is divided into trimesters, and a healthy, well-fed dog will gain about 15 to 20% beyond her weight at breeding. Overfeeding can result in obesity at the end of pregnancy, increasing the risk for difficult or prolonged labor and extra stresses on the puppies.

How much energy does a mother need after giving birth?

At her highest energy need, 3-5 weeks after whelping (giving birth), she may require 2-4 times the energy calories of a normal healthy adult.

What to do with a picky nursing dog?

What to do with picky nursing dogs. Avoid any drastic dietary changes in picky nursing dogs. These could cause vomiting or diarrhea. Do not force a pregnant or nursing dog to eat. Switch her gradually to a growth or performance variety food as per your vet’s advice.

What is the primary factor in taking care of a pregnant or lactating dog?

The young litter is also counting on you for many things. Primary factor in taking care of a pregnant or lactating bitch is feeding her a healthy diet. Each dog pregnancy is unique and hence the nutritional needs are also different.

How much calcium do you give a nursing bitch?

In the last 35 days of pregnancy, a bitch’s requirement of calcium and phosphorus increases by 60%. However, it is very important to give right form of calcium and also balance it with other nutrients. Vets recommend keeping calcium intake of bitches between 0.75% and 1.0% on a dry matter basis. This calcium and phosphorus is used by pups to form their skeleton and bones.

How to help a dog who just gave birth?

Energy needs increase drastically during gestation and nursing. Your dog needs plenty of calcium and phosphorus to increase milk production. Give her a supplement after consulting your vet. Canine dietary supplements with calcium and Vitamin D are readily available . These are especially necessary for small breed dogs nursing large litters and for dogs with history of eclampsia.

How much milk does a German Shepherd puppy need?

A German shepherd with 6 puppies can easily produce up to 2 liters of milk each day . At peak lactation, a bitch can produce as much milk as a cow! This is why vets recommended keeping plenty of fresh water available for nursing bitches. A 35 kilo nursing dog may need up to 6 liters of fresh water per day.

How much energy do pregnant bitches need?

Depending on the litter size, the energy needs can go up to 30% – 60% above maintenance. Bitches should have at least 20% of their energy needs met by carbohydrates. Avoid raw food diet at this time since it has very low carbohydrates.

Is it okay to feed a dog protein all day?

While this is true to some extent, you should not go overboard with it. It is especially important that the food not contain too much protein that takes all day to digest. Your dog will be nursing all day and she won’t get too much exercise. So her diet should contain moderate, easy to digest protein.

How to keep a nursing dog calm?

Your dog will be stressed by too much activity and too many strangers pawing at her pups. It can be upsetting for Lola with too many visitors. You don't have to close off the nursery, but do keep it quiet and free from traffic. Also, keep a supply of clean towels so you can change the bedding in the nest daily to keep it sanitary .

What to do when your dog is a mommy?

Giving your dog some TLC when she becomes a mommy will ensure her needs are met while she's busy taking care of the needs of her litter. You're already used to pampering your pooch, so a little extra care won't be much of a stretch. If Lola has long hair, you can start the post-natal care with a grooming session before she has her puppies.

What to do if my dog is not thriving?

If one or more doesn't appear to be thriving, contact your vet immediately. Also watch Lola's belly for signs of infection. It's possible for nursing dogs to develop mastitis, which can in turn infect her puppies, so nursing has to stop immediately. Inspect your dog's nipples frequently and if she shows signs that they're painful ...

Does Lola need vitamins?

With a quality, vet-recommended food Lola shouldn't need vitamin supplements. You also should keep your dog's water dish filled with clean water at all times to keep her hydrated and provide her with fluid to help produce plenty of milk.

Can you give a nursing dog antibiotics?

You always should consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your nursing dog and her pups. He will prescribe antibiotics for your dog and advise you on alternative feeding options for the puppies until Lola can resume nursing.

Why do dogs need to be fed while nursing?

Your mama dog needs plenty of protein and calcium while she’s nursing to help prevent eclampsia or milk fever — a potentially fatal condition in which the mother’s body pulls too much calcium away from the nervous system in order to supply it to her pups. She also needs a constant supply of clean water.

What are some good foods for a mama dog?

Approved nutrient-dense human foods include cottage cheese and yogurt, cooked chicken, oatmeal, green beans, pumpkin and carrots, peanut butter, salmon and eggs — all of which tend to be canine favorites. References:

How much protein should a nursing dog eat?

According to the National Academies of Science, a 33-pound mother with 6 pups has a daily nutrient requirement of 158 grams of crude protein and 67 grams of fat. Specific amounts will vary by size, breed and number of puppies in the litter. The basis of your nursing dog’s diet should be high quality dry dog food.

How long does it take for a dog to eat after giving birth?

Mama should be eagerly eating dog food again within 24 hours after giving birth. Lactating dogs need 2 to 3 times the calories of non-lactating dogs. Most mother dogs will increase their food intake on their own until it peaks around the puppies’ third week of life.

Why does my dog stop eating after giving birth?

Her first meal after giving birth will be the placentas and membranes from around her pups. This may cause mama to have some loose stools, but she isn’t sick. She needs the nutritional boost provided by this recycling project, and it helps get milk production off to a good start.

Can a lactating dog eat homemade food?

Homemade diets are not recommended for lactating dogs by the ASPCA or most veterinarians because nursing mamas have very specific, high nutrient requirements, which AAFCO-tested growth-and-reproduction commercial foods are guaranteed to meet.

Can canned dog food cause diarrhea?

Canned food may be fed in addition to high quality dry dog food. Too much, however, is implicated in diarrhea and dental problems. Most canned dog foods state the amount to feed per pound of body weight on the label.

What to feed a nursing dog to produce more milk?

What to feed nursing dogs to produce more milk? It’s simple, more food and more water . Dehydration will slow down your dog’s milk production quickly but this is a simple problem to solve. You will also want to feed a high-calorie food like wet puppy food, along with extra nutrients.

Why do nursing dogs need water?

Nursing Dogs Need Water for Milk Production and Lots of It! Water is needed by all mammalian bodies to produce milk, and without it, they can quickly become dehydrated. This is why making sure your nursing dog has enough water should be your first step and priority to help them produce more milk.

What to do if my dog is not producing enough milk?

If you notice that your nursing dog is not producing enough milk, if the puppies seem constantly hungry, crying a lot and nursing but not seeming to get full, don’t wait for it to resolve itself. You may need to have your mom checked out by your vet.

How close should a dog's food be to her puppies?

Her food should be close, within sight of her puppies and at all times (at least until they start moving around, eyes are open and are exploring).

Why do dogs lactate?

The most common reason a dog would be lactating would be pregnancy. However, there are some other common reasons to be aware of.

Why do dogs get picky when they start nursing?

Some dogs may get picky when they start nursing, but this happens with some humans as well as the hormones for humans and canines can affect them similarly after pregnancy. So they may decide that they need a special temperature for their water. They may prefer cooler water or a bit above room temperature.

Can a nursing dog stop milk production?

Dehydration in dogs can very quickly slow down or even stop milk production. Always make sure a nursing dog has a close-by water source [authority link]. If your nursing dog has her litter in a cage, then make sure she has a source of water in the cage with her at all times. Never let it get more than half empty as she may take in a lot ...