Feeding a Pregnant Dog

Feeding a Pregnant Dog

Adjusting the diet appropriately for a pregnant dog is crucial. What you feed will make a real difference and sets Mum and pups up for the best health possible. Here are some guidelines for feeding a pregnant dog:

1. High Quality Diet:
As the pregnancy progresses, it becomes more important that the dog receives high quality nutrients as part of their diet. If you are dry feeding, you should look for a grain free ‘80/20’ food, meaning it contains a minimum of 80% animal ingredient. These foods should not contain any cheap filler/bulking ingredients, instead providing high nutritional value from the high meat or fish content. A premium quality food such as this can be continued throughout all life stages.

2. First 6 Weeks:
For the first six weeks of pregnancy, maintaining your dog’s ideal weight is very important, as early weight gain can increase the risk of difficult or obstructed labour. During this period, there is no increase in a pregnant bitch’s energy requirements. Continue feeding a good quality adult complete diet, sticking with your regular feeding amounts. If you feel she is starting to lose weight you should take her to your vet for a check.

3. 6-9 Weeks:
The energy and nutrient needs of your pregnant bitch start to increase as the growth of the pups puck up speed. It is important at this stage to adjust her feeding. Knowing how many puppies to expect can help with feeding too. A larger litter will require increased energy and nutrient boost. However, if she is only expecting one, you may need to be more cautious with the amount you feed. At this stage of pregnancy, adding additional protein sources such as raw egg (including shell), raw lamb, pork or turkey mince, can significantly aid the pup’s start to life.

A useful rule of thumb is to feed an extra 10% energy per week until birth.

4. Consider Multiple Meals:
Instead of feeding one or two large meals, consider dividing the daily food portion into multiple smaller meals throughout the day. This can help prevent discomfort from an overly full stomach and provide a steady supply of nutrients.

5. Monitor Weight:
Regularly monitor your dogs’ weight to ensure she’s gaining at an appropriate rate. Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy, but excessive weight gain or loss may indicate a problem.

6. Supplements:
You may be recommended vitamin and mineral supplements, but this is often not necessary if you are feeding a premium quality food which meets your dogs’ increased nutritional needs. Consider feeding a prebiotic & probiotic supplement during pregnancy, to maintain a balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.

7. Hydration:
Ensure your pregnant dog has constant access to clean and fresh water. Dehydration can be a concern, especially during nursing.

8. Post-Whelping Diet:
After giving birth, the mother’s nutritional requirements remain high, especially if she is nursing. Continue feeding her a high-quality diet especially as the puppies are weaning. If you are feeding a premium quality food then there should be no reason to change from this even after weaning.

Remember, every dog is different, and individual needs may vary. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended during pregnancy to monitor the mother’s health and ensure the well-being of the developing puppies. You are always welcome to contact us at Bentley’s for unbiased nutritional advice, we will be honest if we feel our food would not be suitable for you and your dog. Our philosophy is simply to see more dogs on a healthier diet.