What To Feed a Pregnant Dog

Ensuring proper nutrition for your pregnant dog is crucial for the health of both the mother and her developing puppies. This guide will explore the best feeding practices for pregnant dogs, with a focus on high-quality raw food options and specific dietary needs throughout pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy Feeding (Weeks 1-5)

During the first five weeks of pregnancy, your dog’s nutritional requirements remain relatively stable. Continue with her regular diet of high-quality raw food, ensuring it includes:

• Lean muscle meat (60-70% of diet)
• Raw meaty bones (15-20%)
• Organ meats (10-15%)
• Small amounts of pureed vegetables suitable for dogs

According to The Kennel Club, maintaining normal portion sizes during this period helps prevent excessive weight gain. However, it’s essential to ensure the diet is rich in essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Consider incorporating a variety of protein sources such as turkey, duck, rabbit, and beef to provide a wide range of nutrients.

During this stage, you can also introduce small amounts of fruits that are safe for dogs to boost vitamin intake. Berries, for example, are an excellent source of antioxidants and can be a healthy addition to your pregnant dog’s diet.

Middle to Late Pregnancy (Weeks 6-9)

From week 6 onwards, your dog’s nutritional needs increase significantly as the puppies grow rapidly. Here’s how to adjust her raw diet:

Week 6-7:

• Increase total food amount by 10%
• Add extra organ meat for folate and other essential nutrients
• Include raw eggs for additional protein
• Introduce more frequent, smaller meals to accommodate reduced stomach space

Week 8-9:

• Increase portions by another 10-15%
• Reduce bone content slightly to avoid excessive calcium intake
• Feed smaller meals more frequently, up to 3-4 times a day
• Add more muscle and organ meat, particularly liver, which has a mild laxative effect beneficial in late pregnancy

During this stage, it’s crucial to monitor your dog’s body condition carefully. Use our body condition score guide to ensure she’s maintaining a healthy weight. If you notice any significant changes or if your dog shows signs of decreased appetite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Essential Nutrients to Include

Your pregnant dog needs specific nutrients for healthy puppy development:

1. Protein: Include varied protein sources like:

   • Turkey
   • Duck
   • Rabbit
   • Beef
   • Oily fish (such as salmon or mackerel)

2. Healthy Fats: Add small amounts of:

   • Salmon oil
   • Sardines
   • Mackerel

These provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for fetal brain development and the mother’s overall health.

3. Vitamins and Minerals: Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation. Leafy greens, carrots, and blueberries are excellent choices, rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.

4. Folic Acid: This B-vitamin is crucial for preventing birth defects. Organ meats, particularly liver, are excellent sources of folic acid.

Feeding Schedule Tips

Create a feeding routine that works for your pregnant dog:

Early Pregnancy:

• 2-3 meals daily
• Regular portion sizes
• Consistent timing

Late Pregnancy:

• 3-4 smaller meals
• Last meal close to bedtime
• Always fresh water available

Remember to adjust the feeding schedule gradually to avoid digestive upset. As your dog’s pregnancy progresses, she may prefer smaller, more frequent meals due to the reduced space in her abdomen.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfeeding in early pregnancy: This can lead to obesity, making delivery more difficult.
2. Insufficient protein intake: Protein is crucial for fetal development and milk production.
3. Over-supplementing with calcium: Excessive calcium can lead to eclampsia, a dangerous condition in nursing mothers.
4. Sudden diet changes: Abrupt changes can cause digestive issues. Always transition gradually.
5. Ignoring individual needs: Every dog is different, so adjust the diet based on your dog’s specific requirements and your vet’s advice.

Transitioning to Post-Pregnancy Diet

After whelping, gradually increase portions to support lactation. The energy requirements during lactation can be up to 3 times higher than normal. Consider our raw dog food recipes for nutritious post-pregnancy meals. These recipes can be easily adjusted to meet the increased caloric needs of a nursing mother.

As the puppies start to wean around four weeks of age, you can begin to gradually reduce the food quantity. However, maintain the high-quality, nutrient-dense diet until the puppies are fully weaned.

Remember, every dog is different, and these guidelines should be adjusted based on your dog’s specific needs. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pregnant dog’s dietary requirements, especially if you’re new to raw feeding or if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions.

For those concerned about the cost of feeding a high-quality raw diet during pregnancy and lactation, check out our guide on how to feed a raw diet affordably. With some planning and smart shopping, you can provide excellent nutrition for your pregnant dog without breaking the bank.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure your pregnant dog receives the best possible nutrition throughout her pregnancy and beyond, setting the stage for healthy puppies and a smooth recovery for the mother.