Feeding your pregnant dog | A guide for dog breeders 

Feeding your pregnant dog the right diet not only supports the mother’s well-being but also gives her puppies the best start in life. 

Welcoming a new litter into the world is one of the most exciting milestones in a breeder’s journey, but ensuring a healthy start for both the mother and her puppies begins with proper nutrition.  

In fact, studies show that malnutrition in pregnant dogs can lead to serious issues, such as neonatal mortality, which affects up to 20-30% of puppies.  

Meanwhile, overfeeding increases the risk of obesity, causing complications like prolonged oestrus cycles, smaller litter sizes and a higher chance of difficult births.  

In short, a healthy, balanced diet for pregnant dogs is essential to keep both mom and puppies thriving.  

Keep reading for our guide on feeding your pregnant dog:

What is the best diet for a pregnant dog?

There is no one correct way to feed a pregnant dog. However, providing a high-quality, digestible and balanced diet is key.  

Throughout her pregnancy, her nutritional needs may shift, so speaking with your veterinarian can help you find the right formula to keep her healthy and happy.  

Is there special dog food for pregnant dogs?

Some dog food brands offer formulas specifically designed for pregnant dogs. If your dog already has a preferred brand, it’s worth checking to see if they provide a pregnancy-specific option.

However, always consult your vet to ensure any dietary shift meets her unique nutritional needs.

How do I feed a pregnant dog?

A pregnant dog’s dietary needs change throughout the different stages of her pregnancy.

Week 1-6: Maintain your pregnant dog’s ideal weight

When you first have confirmation that your bitch is pregnant and estimated her conception date, your aim for the next six weeks is to maintain her ideal weight.

Week 6-9: Transitioning to puppy formular

Around day 42 of her pregnancy, you’ll notice two important shifts in your dog’s needs:

Her energy and nutrient demands will start to rise – this is because her puppies are growing more rapidly.

As the puppies take up more space in her abdomen, she’ll have less room for food.

Around week six, it’s beneficial to transition her diet to a high-quality puppy formula, which is packed with extra nutrients to support both her and the growing puppies.

Gradually introduce the new food to her diet, mixing it with her current formula over a week to allow her digestive system to adjust.

Week 6-9: Increasing your dam’s food intake

When you’ve successfully transitioned her to puppy formular, it’s time to gradually increase portion sizes. A good guideline is to boost it by 10% each week as she approaches her due date.

Here’s a breakdown from The Kennel Club:

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Tips for feeding a pregnant dog

Check your pregnant dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS)

Every pregnant dog is unique, and her body condition plays a big role in determining her nutritional needs during this special time. Regularly checking her Body Condition Score (BCS) helps you ensure she’s getting the right amount of food to stay strong and healthy as her pregnancy progresses.

If you’re not sure how to assess her BCS, don’t worry. Purina’s Body Condition System makes it easy to understand her condition and adjust her feeding plan accordingly. Periodic assessments provide valuable opportunities to fine-tune her diet, keeping her and her growing pups in optimal health.

By staying on top of her BCS, you’re giving her the best possible support for a healthy pregnancy and smooth delivery.

Track your pregnant dog’s food and diet

With Breedera, you can keep on track of your pregnant dog’s food, diet and weight with ease.

Prepare for whelping with our gestation countdown.

• Track your dog’s food intake.
• Create and share recurring diet routines.
• Log supplementary feeds and treatments.
• Record weight changes and generate weight charts.

Keep your pregnant dog well hydrated

Of course, always make sure your dog has easy access to plenty of fresh, clean drinking water. This is especially important if they’re on a dry-food formula during pregnancy.

Stay in touch with your vet

As always, we always recommend staying in touch with your vet and consulting them about any concerns such as weight loss or a persistent change in appetite.

FAQs about nutrition for pregnant dogs

Below we cover some of the most frequently asked questions about feeding your pregnant dam.

Source:

• American Kennel Club
• The Kennel Club
• Purina
• The VCA

Disclaimer:

*The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content shared here is based on thorough research, personal experiences and the collective knowledge of the dog breeding community.

While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, the field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and individual cases may vary. Always seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your dog’s health or well-being.