Essential Nutrition for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs
Providing the right nutrition for pregnant and nursing dogs is crucial to support both the mother and her puppies during this demanding time. The added nutritional needs of pregnancy and later nursing puppies puts substantial strain on the mother dog. Supporting her changing needs helps ensure she stays healthy, produces ample milk, and delivers strong healthy puppies.
This guide will provide dog owners a detailed overview of a dog's nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation, how to adjust feedings, what to feed, potential issues to look out for, and guidance on weaning puppies. Following proper nutritional guidelines sets up both the mother and puppies for success.
Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
Pregnancy places extra nutritional demands on a female dog. Her calorie needs gradually increase to support the growing puppies, with the most significant increase occurring in the final 3rd of pregnancy. Here is an overview of a dog's changing nutritional needs during pregnancy:
First Trimester
- Calories - No increase needed the first 3-4 weeks.
- Nutrients - Needs are similar to normal adult maintenance. Ensure she is getting complete and balanced nutrition.
Second Trimester
- Calories - Increase calories by 10-15% over normal levels as the puppies grow rapidly.
- Nutrients - Increase protein intake. Add fatty acids DHA and EPA which support brain and eye development.
Third Trimester
- Calories - Increase calories by 25-50% over normal.
- Nutrients - Increase calcium for fetal bone development. Add folic acid, taurine, arginine, choline, and iron which are important for pregnant and nursing dogs.
Weight Gain
- Weight gain should be gradual and controlled. Aim for a 15-25% increase over pre-pregnancy weight.
- Consult your veterinarian if weight gain exceeds or falls short of this guideline.
Feeding Recommendations
Adjusting a pregnant dog's diet should be done gradually and controlled to avoid obesity. Here are feeding recommendations:
- Transition gradually to a higher calorie puppy or performance formula dog food during the last two-thirds of pregnancy.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals as her appetite increases. This also aids digestion.
- Stick to a scheduled feeding routine versus free choice feeding.
- Keep portions controlled and measured.
- Make sure she has constant access to fresh, clean water.
- Avoid oversupplementing with calcium, vitamins, or minerals without veterinarian guidance. Too much can be toxic.
- Contact your veterinarian with any concerns about inappropriate weight gain or nutrition questions.
What to Feed a Pregnant Dog
Feeding a high quality complete and balanced puppy formula dog food is recommended during pregnancy and lactation as it provides key nutrients for the puppies' growth and development. Look for these specifications on the label:
- Formulated for growth and reproduction.
- Provides higher calorie density versus adult dog foods.
- Contains optimal protein sources.
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, choline, taurine, omega fatty acids.
- Easy to digest.
If feeding a regular adult dog formula, discuss supplementing key nutrients with your veterinarian. Avoid supplements on your own unless directed by your vet as oversupplementing some vitamins and minerals can cause toxicity.
Top Nutrients for Pregnant/Nursing Dogs
Here are some of the most vital nutrients needed to support pregnancy and lactation:
- Protein - For growth and milk production. Quality sources like meat, eggs, dairy.
- Fat - Concentrated energy for puppies. Sources like fish oil provide DHA/EPA for brain and eye development.
- Calcium - For developing puppy bones and teeth.
- Iron - For healthy blood cell development.
- Folic acid - For DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Choline - For cell membrane health and brain development.
- Taurine - Supports cardiac health and vision.
- Antioxidants - For immune system development.
Monitoring Mother and Puppies
It is important to monitor the mother dog closely throughout pregnancy and whelping. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Significant decrease or increase in appetite
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight loss instead of steady gain
- Lack of energy, lethargy
- Signs of pregnancy toxemia
Signs of trouble during whelping warrant an emergency vet visit. These include:
- Prolonged gestation past 63 days
- Labour stops with puppies undelivered
- Weak contractions, lack of progress
- Green discharge before puppies
- Puppies overdue, nonresponsive in the womb
- Mother dog shows signs of extreme pain or distress
Weaning Puppies
Weaning should begin around 3-4 weeks of age, with puppies completely weaned by 6-8 weeks. Follow these tips:
- At 3 weeks, offer puppy formula/gruel several times a day in a shallow dish. Leave with mom to continue nursing.
- At 4 weeks, provide formula and a high quality puppy food soaked into gruel 4-5 times a day. Leave down 15-20 minutes then remove.
- At 5 weeks, switch to dry kibble soaked in warm water or formula 3-4 times daily. Gradually reduce to 3 times a day by 6-7 weeks.
- By 8 weeks, feed completely dry kibble 2-3 times a day. Provide fresh water always available. Monitor puppies to ensure they are all eating solid food well.
- As puppy food intake increases, gradually reduce milk production by limiting, then eliminating nursing sessions.
Returning to Normal Diet Post-Weaning
Once puppies are fully weaned and nursing ends, slowly transition the mother dog back to a normal diet over 5-7 days. Tips for transitioning:
- Gradually shift from a puppy to adult dog formula
- Slowly reduce calories to prevent too rapid weight loss
- Split meals into smaller portions for better digestion
- Provide healthy snacks like yogurt, eggs, carrots
- Give digestive support supplements if needed
Be alert for mastitis, hardened/infected mammary glands from abrupt weaning. Contact your veterinarian if this occurs.
With a proper diet and attentive monitoring, you can ensure your pregnant and nursing dog stays fit and healthy while supplying optimum nutrition to support her puppies. Provide plenty of love and care for the new mom throughout this demanding but rewarding time! Consult your veterinarian for any concerns that arise or nutrition questions.