If you are in the dog-raising business, you know that taking care of mama is of the utmost importance. Not only are you caring for a beautiful bitch, but you are also taking care of her tiny puppies that she is growing inside of her. Maybe you just love dogs and have a female who got pregnant. You are probably just as excited and wondering what to feed a pregnant dog.
Feeding a pregnant dog requires special attention to ensure she receives the nutrients necessary for her health and the proper development of her puppies. Dog gestation (length of pregnancy) typically lasts about 63 days; during this time, her nutritional needs evolve.
At Vitalize®, our team of dog lovers yearns for knowledge on all stages of dogs—from our own playful pups to reproducing mamas. That’s why we compiled the information on what to feed a pregnant dog. We hope you find the information as useful as we did – after all, this is part of our care that comes full circle. Below is a comprehensive guide on what to feed a pregnant dog, including specific dietary considerations, common pitfalls to avoid and practical tips.
The Importance of Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy
Pregnant dogs undergo significant physiological changes that demand higher levels of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Like any pregnant being, your dog mom needs proper nutrition to support her health and the health of the developing pups. Feeding a high-quality diet ensures the following:
Optimal Fetal Development
Puppies rely on their mother for all their nutritional needs in the womb. During pregnancy, especially in the final weeks, the puppies experience rapid growth. Nutrients like protein, essential fatty acids (especially DHA), vitamins and minerals are vital for the development of the puppies’ organs, bones and nervous systems. Furthermore, adequate nutrition reduces the risk of birth defects or developmental issues in the puppies.
Maternal Health
Pregnancy significantly increases a dog’s energy requirements, especially during the last trimester. Proper nutrition ensures the mother has enough energy to maintain her health and support fetal growth. A well-balanced diet helps maintain an optimal body condition, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. A proper diet ensures the mother has sufficient reserves of essential nutrients, such as calcium, to prevent issues like eclampsia (a life-threatening calcium deficiency).
Successful Lactation
High-quality nutrition ensures the mother produces enough milk to nourish her puppies. Nutrient-rich diets enhance the quality of the milk, providing adequate protein, fat and other essential nutrients for the puppies’ growth and immune system development. Finally, a well-fed mother can recover more quickly from the stress of labor and lactation, ensuring she can care for her puppies effectively.
Phases of Pregnancy & Dietary Adjustments
As mentioned earlier, dog gestation or the length of pregnancy, lasts roughly 63 days or 9 weeks. What to feed a pregnant dog will have a lasting effect on her and her puppies. In addition to providing timely information on keeping your mama dog nutritionally healthy, we’ve also created this helpful resource about dog reproduction.
For now, we’ve broken the phases of pregnancy into two halves to discuss dietary needs and what to feed a pregnant dog.
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1–4):
During early pregnancy, the expectant mother’s nutritional needs remain even. For the first month, a pregnant dog’s energy and food intake do not need significant increases. Feeding her regular, high-quality adult dog food that meets maintenance nutritional requirements is sufficient. You should, however, avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding at this stage can lead to unnecessary weight gain, making delivery and recovery more challenging.
Mid to Late Pregnancy (Weeks 5–9):
Starting in week 5, the pregnant dog’s energy requirements begin increasing. From week 5 forward, the puppies rapidly grow in utero, and the mother’s caloric needs can increase by 30–50%. Many people convert their pregnant dogs to high-quality puppy food. You will want puppy food with higher levels of protein, fat and essential nutrients needed for fetal development.
If you typically only feed your dog twice daily, you will want to start offering smaller, more frequent meals or leave food out all day. As the puppies grow, they occupy more space in the mother’s abdomen, reducing the stomach’s capacity. Smaller meals more frequently ensure she consumes enough calories.
Essential Nutrients for a Pregnant Dog
Protein
- Protein supports the growth and development of puppies and helps maintain the mother’s muscle mass.
- Look for high-quality animal-based proteins, such as chicken, turkey, beef or fish in your dog’s food.
- Aim for a protein content of at least 22% in her food.
Fats
- Healthy fats provide energy and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Include sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil or flaxseed oil to support brain and eye development in puppies.
Calcium & Phosphorus
- These minerals are essential for the development of puppies’ bones and teeth.
- Avoid supplementing calcium separately, as excessive calcium can cause eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Folic Acid
- Helps prevent congenital disabilities and supports fetal brain and spinal cord development.
- Most commercial dog foods contain adequate amounts of folic acid, but consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Vitamins & Minerals
- Ensure the food is fortified with necessary vitamins (A, D, E, K, and B-complex) and trace minerals like zinc and iron.
Choosing the Right Food
When choosing what to feed a pregnant dog, select a food that contains complete and balanced nutrition. Check for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement indicating the food meets the nutritional levels required for growth and reproduction.
Just like humans, your pregnant dog will want tasty and filling food. Opt for calorie-dense food, which ensures the dog gets enough energy in smaller portions. Choose food with flavors and textures that appeal to your dog, as some pregnant dogs may develop food aversions or decreased appetite.
Home-Cooked Diets
While commercial dog food for its convenience and balanced formulation, some owners prefer to prepare home-cooked meals. If choosing this route, consult with a veterinarian for nutritional information. Homemade diets can lack essential nutrients if not properly formulated. Include a variety of ingredients that contain proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Use lean meats, rice, potatoes or pasta, and healthy oils like fish oil. Can dogs eat carrots? Why yes, they can!
Be sure you add supplements. Include a veterinary-approved multivitamin and mineral supplement to fill any gaps.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods and ingredients can harm pregnant dogs or their developing puppies. Our team suggests avoiding the following foods:
- Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Increases the risk of bacterial infections like salmonella or E. coli.
- Raw fish: Can lead to thiamine deficiency.
- Excessive liver: High amounts of vitamin A can cause birth defects.
- Onions, garlic and other alliums: Toxic to dogs, potentially causing anemia.
- Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol): All are toxic and can lead to serious health issues.
Hydration
Water is the most essential nutrient you and your pregnant dog require. Pregnant dogs need plenty of fresh water, especially as their food intake increases. Hydration supports digestion and helps maintain amniotic fluid levels for the puppies.
Feeding Schedule & Portion Control
When to feed your pregnant dog might be just as important as what to feed a pregnant dog. Divide her daily food allowance into 3 to 4 smaller meals during mid to late pregnancy. A slight increase in weight is normal, but excessive gain can lead to complications. Tailor her food portions based on her activity level, breed, and specific pregnancy needs.
Supplements: Vitalize Can Help!
While high-quality dog food typically provides all the necessary nutrients, some supplements may benefit pregnant dogs. Only add supplements under veterinary guidance to avoid overdosing.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote fetal brain and eye development.
- Probiotics: Aid digestion and improve gut health.
- Calcium & vitamin D: Only under veterinary advice, especially in cases of eclampsia risk.
- Vitalize® Dog: A granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance.
You can top-dress Vitalize Dog. It contains necessary omegas for healthy skin and hair, vitamins, minerals and our proprietary research-proven prebiotic AO-Biotic® Amaferm®, designed to enhance digestibility.
Transitioning to Postpartum Nutrition
After giving birth, the new mother’s energy needs will continue increasing as she lactates. Continue feeding her high-quality puppy food during lactation to meet these demands. During the first 4 weeks postpartum, her caloric needs may increase by 2–4 times her normal maintenance diet. Remember, lactating dogs require ample water to support milk production. Learn more about taking care of your new puppy.
Always Consult Your Veterinarian
Every dog is unique, and factors like breed, size and health status can affect her nutritional needs. Even before your dog becomes pregnant, the Vitalize team recommends building a strong relationship with a trusted veterinarian. Annual check-ups are good practice, and they help your dog build trust and rapport with the veterinarian.
Regular veterinary checkups during pregnancy are necessary to:
- Monitor weight gain and overall health.
- Adjust the pregnant dog’s diet based on her specific requirements.
- Identify any underlying health concerns.
Why Vitalize?
We know your mama dog isn’t going to be pregnant forever. We also know that 70% of the immune response occurs in the gut, so if you keep your dog’s gut healthy, its overall health should be in stellar condition, too. That is why providing products with Amaferm is so important to us. Research shows that Amaferm increases digestibility. Further canine studies show that dogs fed Amaferm experience fewer stillbirths, produce larger litters and wean more puppies.
In addition to Vitalize Dog, the Vitalize line carries other products powered by Amaferm to give your dog a #goodgutfeeling. Vitalize also produces joint products for your dog’s health and performance.
Get your Vitalize Today!
We hope you feel more comfortable now knowing what to feed a pregnant dog. And we hope that diet will include Vitalize! We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.
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