Jeffrey Salazar
A dog's diet should be changed when it is pregnant, as its nutritional needs will change. In the first 2.5 weeks, the embryos are still in the Fallopian tubes and do not enter the uterus to form a placenta until 17 days after ovulation. For the first 30 to 40 days of gestation, a healthy diet and prevention of exposure to infection and toxins are important. In the last two weeks, organ development is almost finished and the puppies are growing quickly, so there is a higher demand for nutrients. A growth/lactation diet can be introduced in the last two weeks of pregnancy and should be used during lactation to avoid digestive problems from sudden diet changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | A high-quality, well-balanced performance diet with a fat content of at least 17% and a protein content of at least 29% is recommended. Dry food is preferable as it contains more calories than wet food. |
| Calories | A pregnant dog's calorie intake should be increased, but not dramatically. Bumping up calories too much can lead to obesity, which can cause reproductive issues. |
| Treats | Treats should be kept to a minimum and be high-quality. |
| Supplements | Supplements are not recommended unless there is a demonstrated nutrient deficiency. Over-supplementation can be harmful. |
| Feeding schedule | Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended to overcome decreased stomach volume. Free-choice feeding can be beneficial during the first 3-4 weeks of lactation, allowing the mother to eat on her own schedule. |
| Toxins | The mother should be kept away from chemicals and other toxins that can harm the puppies. |
| Weight | The dog should be at a healthy, lean weight. Obesity can cause reproductive issues and increase the risk of dystocia (difficulty delivering puppies). |
| Vaccinations | The dog should be given all appropriate vaccinations as determined by a veterinarian. |
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What You'll Learn
Diet in the early stages of pregnancy
The dietary requirements of a pregnant dog will change throughout the pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, a dog's nutritional requirements increase only minimally. As long as your dog is eating a high-quality, well-balanced adult diet, you do not need to change their diet.
However, it is important to ensure your dog is at a healthy weight before breeding. Obesity is the most common nutrition-related problem in pregnant dogs and can cause a range of issues, from decreased litter size to difficulty delivering puppies. A dog that is either overweight or underweight will have less reproductive success, and malnutrition before breeding and during pregnancy is a major factor in neonatal puppy mortality.
If your dog is at a healthy weight, you should still monitor their weight and body condition score (BCS) throughout the early stages of pregnancy. Your veterinarian can advise on this and help you create a nutritionally sound plan for your dog's pregnancy and lactation. You should expect your dog to gain about 15-25% of her weight at the time of delivery.
If your dog is eating a well-balanced adult diet, you should not need to add any additional supplements, food additives, or toppers, as these can be harmful to the overall nutritional picture. Treats should be kept to a minimum and of high quality, and you should avoid feeding your dog human food.
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Diet in the final stages of pregnancy
Diet is key to the puppies' gestation and development, and a mother's nutritional needs will change if she becomes pregnant and again as she's nursing her puppies. A mother dog's diet should be adjusted to meet the specific needs of each stage of her pregnancy.
In the final stages of pregnancy, the puppies are growing quickly and there is a higher demand for nutrients. However, there is decreased room in the mother's abdomen and stomach. In the last week to 10 days of pregnancy, veterinarians recommend free feeding your dog to allow her to have small meals whenever she is hungry. This is because many females will start to eat less in the later stages of pregnancy due to abdominal distention.
A growth/lactation diet can be introduced in the last two weeks of pregnancy and should be continued during lactation to avoid a finicky appetite and digestive problems from sudden diet changes. This diet provides extra vitamins, minerals, and other forms of nutrition that the mother and babies require. The mother's food intake should increase by 15 to 25 percent by the time of parturition. Smaller, more frequent meals can help overcome decreased stomach volume.
It is important to note that over-supplementation can be harmful by unbalancing an already properly balanced diet. Obesity can also cause complications during pregnancy and delivery, so it is important to ensure the dog is at a healthy weight before breeding.
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Diet after giving birth
After giving birth, your dog's diet should be calorie-rich and contain extra vitamins, minerals, and other forms of nutrition to support both the mother and her puppies. The mother's energy requirements will increase by two to four times during the first three to five weeks after giving birth, peaking at around three to five weeks. This is because the mother's body will be producing milk for her puppies, which is a high-calorie food.
The number of puppies will affect the amount of food the mother needs. For example, a dog nursing 14 puppies may need to be fed around the clock to meet her calorie needs, whereas a dog nursing one or two puppies will not need as much of an increase in calories. It is important to monitor the mother's body condition and adjust her portions accordingly. Free-choice feeding can be a good option during the first three to four weeks of lactation, as it allows the mother to eat on her own schedule and consume smaller amounts. However, this is not advised for mothers nursing only one or two puppies, as it can lead to overproduction of milk, potentially causing mastitis (inflammation of the milk glands).
You should continue to feed your dog a high-quality, well-balanced growth or lactation diet after she has given birth. Commercial puppy food from a reputable company is a good option, as it is designed to meet the nutritional needs of both the mother and her puppies. Look for food that contains at least 29% protein and 17% fat. Adequate calcium (between 1% and 1.8%) and phosphorus (between 0.8% and 1.6%) are also important for milk production and the proper formation of the puppies' bones.
You can gradually transition your dog back to her pre-breeding diet after the puppies are weaned, typically around eight weeks after giving birth. During the weaning process, you can gradually decrease the amount of food given to your dog over a two-week period. On the first day of weaning, withhold food but provide clean, fresh water. On the second day, feed her about 25% of her pre-breeding portion of adult food, and gradually increase this over the next four to five days until she is back to her regular diet.
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How to transition to a new diet
If your dog is pregnant, it is important to ensure that she is well-nourished and at a healthy weight. Breeding should only be permitted in healthy weight dogs as both underweight and overweight conditions can impact the mother's health during pregnancy and delivery. Obesity can also decrease the number of eggs released at ovulation, resulting in smaller litter sizes and an increased risk of difficulty delivering puppies.
A pregnant dog's nutritional needs will change, and it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to create a nutritionally sound plan for your dog's pregnancy and lactation. This plan may need to be amended by your vet throughout your dog's pregnancy. You should expect your dog to gain about 25% of her weight at the time of delivery.
To transition to a new diet, it is recommended to do so gradually over a 7- to 10-day period. Here is a sample plan for switching dog food:
- Days 1 to 2: Feed 3/4 of the normal amount of the current food and add 1/4 of the new food.
- Days 3 to 4: Serve half of the current food and half of the new food.
- Days 5 to 7: Feed 3/4 of the new food and 1/4 of the previous food.
- Days 8 to 10: Serve only the new food.
If your dog doesn’t seem to like the new food or experiences digestive upset, extend the transition over a few more days. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice. During the transition, monitor your dog’s appetite, behaviour, and stool quality to help determine whether the new diet is suitable for your dog.
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or other gastrointestinal issues may need a longer transition period. If your dog displays concerning signs such as changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhoea, proceed more slowly. If you have transitioned gradually and your dog still experiences stomach upset, consult your veterinarian.
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Common issues and how to avoid them
Malnutrition is a common issue during pregnancy in dogs, and it can lead to serious complications and even puppy deaths. Malnutrition includes overfeeding, underfeeding, and feeding your dog human food. To avoid this, it is important to provide your dog with a well-balanced, high-quality diet that meets her nutritional needs. Consult with your veterinarian to create a meal plan that ensures your dog is getting the proper amount of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Obesity is another common issue, which can increase the risk of dystocia (difficulty giving birth) and decrease milk production during lactation. To prevent obesity, ensure your dog is at a healthy weight before breeding and maintain her ideal weight during the first six weeks of pregnancy. Avoid bumping up the calories dramatically, as this can lead to malnourishment. Instead, focus on providing a well-balanced diet and regular exercise to support both the mother and the puppies' development.
Inadequate water intake can also cause issues during pregnancy and lactation. It is important to ensure your dog has easy access to plenty of fresh, clean drinking water, especially if she is on a dry food formula. Dehydration can impact the mother's health and milk production, so always provide clean water and monitor her water intake.
Supplementation with vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients should generally be avoided unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian. Over-supplementation can unbalance an already healthy diet and lead to harmful or even fatal consequences for the mother and puppies. Consult your veterinarian before providing any supplements to ensure they are necessary and provided in the correct amounts.
Inappropriate diet during the late stages of pregnancy and lactation can also cause issues. In the last two weeks of pregnancy, most organ development is finished, and the puppies are growing quickly, increasing the demand for nutrients. Transitioning to a growth/lactation diet during this time can provide the extra nutrients needed while maintaining the correct vitamin/micronutrient balance. During lactation, it is best to feed a commercially prepared puppy food, as it is more energy-dense and can support milk production and the mother's weight maintenance.
Remember, the key to avoiding common issues is to provide a well-balanced, high-quality diet that meets your dog's changing nutritional needs throughout pregnancy and lactation. Consult with your veterinarian regularly to ensure your dog's diet is optimized for her specific needs and to address any concerns promptly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your dog's nutritional needs will change when she is pregnant, and again as she is nursing. For the first 30 to 40 days of gestation, a healthy diet and prevention of exposure to infection and toxins are important. In the last two weeks of pregnancy, organ development is almost finished and the puppies are growing quickly, so there is a higher demand for nutrients. You should transition to a growth/lactation diet to provide extra nutrients, all while maintaining the correct vitamin/micronutrient balance.
A high-quality, well-balanced growth or lactation diet is recommended for pregnant dogs. This can be a commercially prepared puppy food from a reputable company. A puppy formula will help support your dog during and after pregnancy.
The amount you feed your pregnant dog will depend on the number of puppies, the size of the breed, and the temperament of the dam. Smaller breeds tend to have a greater energy requirement per pound of body weight. You should feed your dog enough to maintain optimal body weight while the puppies nurse.
Treats should be kept to a minimum and be high-quality. Protein-based treats can help round out your dog's diet but should be given in small amounts.
