What to feed a pregnant or lactating dog

A dog’s pregnancy lasts an average of 63 days, and the puppies are fed for several more weeks. In the life of your pet, this is the most important period when she herself needs carefully selected nutrition. Malnutrition of a pregnant or lactating dog can lead to serious health problems and compromise the well-being of her puppies. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s special needs and keep in mind the following important aspects of his diet:

• Food for pregnant or lactating dogs should be high in calories to meet the increased energy needs for puppies development and milk production.
• Increasing the amount of fat in the diet will help make up for the increased need for calories.
• High digestibility is important to help your dog maximize their calorie intake from food.
• For lactation in a lactating dog and normal bone growth in puppies, more calcium and phosphorus are needed.
• Puppies need a lot of protein for healthy development
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is essential for the development of the nervous system of puppies

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pregnancy, Puppy Feeding and Dog Nutrition

What is digestibility and why is it so important?

High digestibility promotes more efficient absorption of nutrients by the body of a pregnant or lactating dog. Digestibility is important as it helps your dog get the maximum nutrition from every bite he eats. This can be crucial as there is less room in a pregnant dog’s belly.

Why is more calories and fat needed?

Pregnant and lactating dogs have very high energy requirements. During the period of feeding puppies in an adult healthy dog, the need for energy increases by 4-8 times. Increasing the fat content in a well-balanced diet helps to supply more energy to the body.

What to feed a dog during pregnancy and lactation?

We recommend starting with Hill’s Science Plan Puppy Food. It contains sufficient amounts of essential nutrients that help puppies grow strong and healthy. Ask your veterinarian to select one of the Science Plan puppy foods for you. At the same time, do not forget to check with him.

Can I feed Science Plan Large Breed Puppy to my pregnant or lactating dog? What if she is a large breed dog?

We do not recommend Science Plan Large Breed Puppy Food for pregnant or lactating dogs. It does not provide enough calcium and energy to meet the needs of the dog at this special time. The best choice for all pregnant and lactating dogs, regardless of breed, is Science Plan Puppy Food for Medium Breeds.

Are there special instructions for feeding a pregnant or lactating dog?

Feed your pregnant dog as directed on the package and continue to give her puppy food until she is on her own. Ask your veterinarian if you need to make sure your dog has free access to food after the puppies are born. This can help get the puppies on regular food so you can have peace of mind knowing that their mother’s energy needs are being met.

When should puppies be weaned from their mother?

Most puppies start eating solid food at 3-4 weeks of age. Weaning from the mother can be fully completed at 6-7 weeks of age. Then you need to decide which food is right for the puppies, given their breed and expected adult body size.

When should I contact my veterinarian?

If possible, visit your veterinarian weekly during pregnancy and lactation to check on your dog’s condition and make sure her nutritional needs are met. It is very important to schedule check-ups for your dog during pregnancy and after puppies are born with your veterinarian.

Start puppy care the right way

Keeping records of puppies’ weight, development, and activity every one or two days can be very helpful for regular routine checkups with the veterinarian in their first year of life.

1 Clinically tested food for small animals. 4th edition. Normal dogs; Pregnancy in dogs. Page 238.

2 Clinically Tested Small Animal Nutrition, 4th edition. Growing dogs: weaning period. Page 247