what to feed my dog while pregnant

Full Answer

What dog food brand is best for pregnant dogs?

Best Wet Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs: Hydration is important for all dogs but is particularly important for pregnant dogs to support milk production. Many pregnant dogs lose their appetite during the first few weeks and some experience nausea, both of these things can lead to poor hydration.

What is good homemade dog food for pregnant dog?

• 1-pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
• 12 eggs
• 1 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 cup uncooked oatmeal
• 1 – 8 oz. package of cream cheese
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tbsp. molasses

Which are the Best Foods for pregnant dogs?

• Nutrient-packed kibble at a very affordable
• Quality is on-par with higher-priced foods
• High in Omega fatty acids and DHA
• Good calorie count for pregnant dogs

Should you change your dog food is she is pregnant?

Weeks 1-2: during the first weeks pregnancy is difficult to detect, and your dog will probably continue to eat food as usual. In fact, you should not change her diet during the first two weeks, even if you know she's pregnant. She will also continue to enjoy walks and games every day.

What should you feed a pregnant dog?

Diet and Nutrition: It is recommended to feed your pregnant dog a high-quality diet that has adequate levels of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Premium adult dog food made by Hills or Royal Canin, as an example are ideal. There is no need to supplement these diets.

What should you not feed a pregnant dog?

Are there any foods which should be avoided during pregnancy? Raw diets are not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs. A high quality maintenance dog food is usually sufficient for most dogs and you should avoid feeding your dog additional vitamins or supplements unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Are eggs good for pregnant dogs?

Eggs are good for dogs as they provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Essentially the entire egg, including the eggshell, can be nutritious for dogs.

Is chicken good for pregnant dogs?

Try to feed your dog high-quality protein during pregnancy and nursing. Best source of protein for dogs is meat, so focus on chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish (as long as she's not allergic to any of these ingredients). Eggs and dairy products are also good secondary sources of quality protein.

Is milk good for a pregnant dog?

Dietary supplements, such as meats, milk, vitamins and minerals are generally not recommended if a high-quality growth/lactation diet is fed. Feeding excessive amounts of calcium or vitamin D can cause calcification of the soft tissues of the fetus, as well as other birth defects.

How often should I feed a pregnant dog?

Because many females suffer from decreased appetite late in pregnancy due to abdominal distention, more frequent meals help maintain nutrient intake during this critical time. She should be fed at least twice daily.

Is cheese good for pregnant dog?

Feeding Pregnant Dog Cottage Cheese If your pet is pregnant, do not give them any calcium-rich foods, especially in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy. Do not give a pregnant dog any cottage cheese.

Do pregnant dogs drink more water?

Are Pregnant Dogs More Thirsty? Yes, part of the change in appetite level may also include a dog's level of thirst. They may start to consume more water than usual, especially during the phase when they act lethargic.

Is banana good for pregnant dog?

Absolutely! Bananas are a brilliant choice for a healthy, fat-free, low-calorie treat. They're low in cholesterol and packed with nutrients to support your dog's overall health.

How many times a day should you feed a pregnant dog?

For the first 1-3 weeks of nursing, increase mum's daily meals from two to three. By week four (when her 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.

What is a nursing dog's diet?

Her food, after all, feeds her growing newborns. Most medium-sized dogs produce up to 6-8 puppies in a litter, which is a lot of mouths to feed. A lactation diet is a high-calorie feed that provides extra vitamins, minerals, and other forms of nutrition that the mother and babies require.

Why is my puppy weak during pregnancy?

Underfeeding of dogs during pregnancy, from poor quality food, imbalanced nutrition, or just too few calories can lead to weak puppies and even fading puppy syndrome. Whatever food you choose, try to get your expectant mama to eat small portions throughout the day rather than a large meal. This will go a long way in easing her prenatal discomfort. ...

How long does it take for a dog to develop an embryo?

The First Few Weeks of Pregnancy. The early stages of a dog’s pregnancy are critical to the developing embryo. During the first two and ½ weeks of pregnancy, the embryo remains in the Fallopian tubes. They remain until about 17 days when they descend and produce the placenta.

When should puppies be ready for food?

After the puppies are weaned, the mother can return to her normal portion per meal. Puppies should be ready for actual food at about 4 weeks of age.

Do puppies need to change their diet?

That said, a normal, well-balanced adult diet is fine for both your mama dog and the puppies in the first half of gestation. In most cases, your adult dog doesn’t need to change their regular diet at this point if they are eating a high-quality diet.

Key points when feeding a pregnant dog

Feeding your pregnant dog the best, healthiest food is important during all stages of pregnancy, it begins before she is mated all the way through to when she is nursing her little pups.

What to feed a pregnant dog

We strongly believe the best food for a pregnant dog is a healthy, raw dog food diet, our veterinarian-approved food, with 8 different flavours (variety is key to a healthy life), contains all of the essential, natural nutrients and vitamins required to fully support your pregnant dog throughout pregnancy and beyond, helping to support their immune system, digestion and keep their bones and joints healthy..

How much to feed your pregnant dog

For the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, a female on a raw diet doesn’t have to change her normal feeding routine, unless there are underlying health issues. During weeks 3 and 4, your bitch may suffer from little nausea and may lose her appetite, like morning sickness in humans.

How much to feed a nursing dog

What to feed a pregnant dog? – Puppies need their mother to be well fed and watered to ensure they get all required nutrients

Additional resources to help

It’s all very exciting when we’ve some puppy buns in the oven, but it can also be rather overwhelming for newbies. Get informed and enjoy the journey. For extra help with your pregnant dog, there is Ian Billinghurst’s “Give your dog a bone” and many books to find on pregnancy, whelping to weaning, and bringing up your happy healthy mum and babies.

Why is it important to feed pregnant dogs?

Food for pregnant or nursing dogs must include sufficient calories to meet increased energy needs for milk production and the growth of puppies. High digestibility is important to help maximize calorie intake from smaller amounts of food.

How long does a dog need to be nursing?

What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog. A dog’s pregnancy averages 63 days in length and nursing continues for a few more weeks. This may be the most important time in your dog’s life when it comes to precise nutrition.

Why is digestibility important for dogs?

It’s important because it helps a dog maximize the nutrition in every bite she eats. This can be crucial because there’s less space in a pregnant dog’s abdomen,.

Can a pregnant dog be malnourished?

For a pregnant or nursing dog, malnutrition can lead to serious health issues and jeopardize the health of her puppies.1 Talk to your veterinarian about your specific dog’s unique needs and keep these critical nutritional considerations in mind:

Reviewed best dog foods for pregnant dogs

Formulated with fresh ingredients that are safe enough for human consumption. Nom Nom only incorporates real ingredients into their recipes and they omit any artificial flavors.

Diet & Nutrition for a Lactating Dog

Lactating dogs need more energy than pregnant and whelping dogs, with their highest energy requirement reaching up to 2-4 times more calories than that of a normal adult dog. And they usually reach this peak at around 3 to 5 weeks after giving birth.

Best Food For Pregnant Dog – The Takeaway

Pregnancy is a special, yet stressful and delicate moment for mother dogs and their unborn puppies.

What should I feed my pregnant dog?

Just like the third trimester of pregnancy, feeding during lactation is best accomplished using a highly digestible, high quality puppy food. Free-choice feeding during the first 3-4 weeks of lactation, unless she only has one or two puppies, provides many advantages.

What should a pregnant dog not eat?

Raw diets are not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs. A high quality maintenance dog food is usually sufficient for most dogs and you should avoid feeding your dog additional vitamins or supplements unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Can I give my pregnant dog milk?

Feeding your dog a puppy formula from week 6 of her pregnancy will help her to stay strong, and also passes nutrients to their puppies through the milk. Your dog should be introduced to the new food in stages, to allow their tummy time to adjust.

Is it normal for pregnant dogs to not eat?

Pregnant dogs lose their appetite for three to 10 days during their third week of pregnancy. It is normal for pregnant dogs to stop eating or eat significantly less, in the 24 to 48 hours before their puppies are born.

How to Take Care of Pregnant Dog

In all stages of your female dog’s life, pregnancy can be a wonderful time to care for her. She experiences a lot of changes in weight, behavior, appetite, and hormones. This is the time when she needs attention and affection from you.

1. Signs of Dog Pregnancy

Look for the signs of a dog’s conception for proper preparation. Be cautious so that you will not be forcing her to do strenuous activities. Consult her veterinarian for proper guidance. Consider the following signs of being pregnant in your pooch:

2. Dog Food Nutrition

Caring for your mama dog is significant for the nutritional and health needs of her puppies. You should know what to feed your pet. Her eating needs increase one and a half more than a normal rate.

3. Health Issues for Pregnant Dogs

Concern on certain issues like blood sugar problems and obesity are part of pregnant dogs’ caring. However, you should not place her in extreme or invasive dietary changes. Adding dietary supplements is also not a good idea. Too many pregnancy vitamins and minerals may pose risks to her health and that of her puppies.

5. Nutritional Requirements for Pregnant Dogs

Special consideration and care are critical when caring for and feeding your pregnant dog. This is because she needs specific nutritional needs. Her nutritional requirements differ and change in every stage before, during, and after pregnancy.

6. Switching of Food, the Right Way

Switch food you typically feed the mother at the start of her pregnancy and after the stop of her lactation. Make a gradual transition when changing food over 7-10 days. This helps her cope with the best dog food for pregnant dogs modification.

7. What Food is Good for Pregnant Dogs

Feed pregnant dogs the same as the other adult dogs with a few tweaks. Both veterinarians and fur parents believe in the 5:1:1:1 as the best diet for nursing dogs. This ratio represents 5 parts of raw meat, 1 part of a fresh organ (kidney, heart, liver), 1 part of raw bone, and 1 part of the vegetable.

What is the best food for a pregnant dog?

They are also good for the eyesight. The best sources of omega-3 acids are fish like salmon, but you can also include fish oil supplements in your dog's diet.

What vitamins should I give my dog while pregnant?

Vitamins. Important vitamins for a pregnant dog include vitamin C, vitamin D and folate, which is also known as the B9 vitamin. Vitamin C can help aid the uptake of iron into your dog’s system, but it also helps with tissue building and can support the immune system. Most fruits, vegetables and organ meats are high in vitamin C.

How to get pregnant with a dog?

Ensure your pregnant dog gets plenty of high quality meat. You can give your dog raw meat on the bone during pregnancy, or minced meat with bone in it. This will get her necessary protein, fats and calcium. Beef is probably the best choice. Also, add more organ meats to her diet since they are the most nutrient dense foods. Remember to include even more bones and organ meats after your dog's pregnancy.

How to prepare a dog for pregnancy?

Preparing for your dog's pregnancy involves more than simply knowing what to feed a pregnant dog. Here's a full dog pregnancy guide I would recommend you read. In the end, if you want to breed your female dog, assessing her body condition in advance is important. Physical demands that come with pregnancy and nursing can be hard for dogs who are not ...

What minerals are needed for a dog to be pregnant?

Minerals. Even though all minerals are important, calcium, iron and phosphorous are the most required minerals for dogs during pregnancy and nursing. Iron can help a lot in the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia, which is common during dog's pregnancy.

How long does it take for a dog to be pregnant?

The gestation period for dogs is 9 weeks and during that time, you will have to modify your dog’s diet depending on the week she’s in. For the first 4 weeks, you can feed your dog the way you normally would with regular meals, without increasing the amount of food. After that, by week 5, you should increase the amount of food in your pregnant dog's ...

When should I feed my dog after labor?

Premium quality dog foods are particularly good for dogs in the last three weeks of pregnancy and after labor. Know what to feed a nursing dog to produce more milk, since your pooch will lose weight after birth, but her nutritional needs will increase.

What is the best diet for a puppy?

A high-quality diet should consist of 29% protein, 17% fat, a high amount of soluble carbohydrates, and low fiber content. You should also be sure that your dog is receiving calcium and phosphorus for the formation of the puppies’ bones and also for milk production.

How many puppies can a dog have in the first trimester?

The first trimester starts when a dog ovulates and releases her eggs. Once her eggs are fertilized, she could have anywhere from two to ten puppies growing in her! Fetal growth is speedy at the early ages of pregnancy. This is why it is important to have your dog on a healthy balanced diet from the very beginning.

Why is my mom's dog not eating?

Mammary development may also be impaired which can lead to decreased milk production or even no production at all. Due to the discomfort of having almost full-term pups in her belly, momma dog may not have much of an appetite.

How much should a baby eat at the end of the first month?

By the end of the first month, she should be eating 2-4 times the amount of food she was eating before pregnancy. Encourage mom to eat as much as she wants. It requires a lot of energy to produce milk for the pups and the pups are also rapidly growing at this stage.

Why is my puppy weak during pregnancy?

Final Thoughts. Weak puppies and even fading puppy syndrome can result from inadequate nutrition during a dog’s pregnancy. It is vital that your dog is fed a consistent high-quality diet throughout their pregnancy and given access to fresh and clean water.

Why is it important to give your dog a balanced diet?

A healthy and balanced diet is essential to help momma dog not only through her pregnancy but to also have a healthy delivery and lactation.

When does a dog's weight increase?

In weeks six and seven, your pregnant dog’s weight will increase. This is the time to increase their food consumption by about 25%. This is the most important developmental time in a dog’s pregnancy. The puppies’ organs are fully developed and they will develop to full term at this time.

How long should a dog not eat before birth?

During the birth period, your dog may not eat for 24 hours before the birth. I feel it’s important to offer something small and nutritious during birth … in between pups, to give your mother-to-be some energy. Even if it’s a rub of some Manuka honey on her gums … this will help.

Why is fiber important for dogs?

Fiber helps deliver good levels of hydration through the food. If you’ve ever switched your dog from kibble to raw, you’ll have noticed the dramatic drop in the amount of water she drinks. If You Feed Kibble: Dogs need a good 70% moisture in their diets. That’s impossible to calculate when feeding kibble alone.

What to do after a baby is born?

After the birth, I’d suggest offering a lightly cooked nutritious stew. I find something light but fairly bland works well. I recommend adding to a pan some chopped turkey rich in tryptophan to keep your new mum relaxed and calm.

How to break a dog's fast?

Breaking the fast is about feeding a very small amount of food to wake up the gut bacteria. Feed it at room temperature as soon as your dog wakes up. Then wait at least 45 mins before the main meal of the day (if you feed in the mornings). Breaking the fast this way soothes the stomach.

What is the stage of a female dog's reproductive cycle?

Estrus or heat is the stage in a female dog’s reproductive cycle when she’s receptive to mating with males. Estrogen levels increase and then sharply drop once heat is over.

Is it important to feed a dog when it's in heat?

From Heat To Birth: A Dog Pregnancy Feeding Guide. Making sure that your dog is well nourished is always the job of a dog owner. But when your dog is going into heat, pregnant, or just had puppies, it’s even more important!

Can a pregnant dog have all day sickness?

Newly pregnant females often feel nauseous in the first trimester. Your dog may have what appears to be hunger pukes or all-day sickness. I always recommend breaking the fast first thing in the morning with lighter food … instead of a heavy meal as her first food of the day.