Puppy foods are most recommended in this period and we have created a list that will help you to narrow down your choice and pick the right one.
Best food to feed nursing dog.
It s crucial that pet owners understand and know what to feed a pregnant dog or what to feed a nursing dog to produce more milk for puppies.
In order to avoid stomach upset mix the puppy food with the dog s normal food for the first 3 4 days.
New nursing mothers need a large quantity of food to keep their puppies fed.
The food of choice for all pregnant or nursing dogs regardless of breed is science diet puppy food in varieties listed above.
Are there special instructions for feeding my pregnant or nursing dog.
Even if you normally feed a homemade or raw diet when your dog is nursing it s best to go with a commercially prepared food.
They can all be together that night and the pups will suckle a bit.
On day two of weaning separate the pups from the mother and feed her about 25 of her pre breeding portion of her regular food instead of the puppy.
According to the aspca a nursing mother has special nutritional needs including vitamins and minerals that a homemade diet might not meet.
Sometimes even 2 5 or 3 times more food than usual.
Raw diets contain bacteria that might not bother a dog with a healthy immune.
Each dog pregnancy is unique and hence the nutritional needs are also different.
Feed your pregnant dog the amount suggested on the food package and keep feeding her puppy food until her puppies are finished weaning.
The best diet for a lactating dog is high quality dog food fed free choice and supplemented with nutritious treats.
Some trainers and vets even suggest that a nursing dog should have a bowl full of kibble accessible at all times.
Feed the mother dog the food amount suggested on the puppy food packaging but make sure to give multiple meals throughout the day or just let the dog graze on the food constantly.
If your dog is pregnant or has just given birth talk to a vet about her nutritional needs.
The best diet for nursing and pregnant pets is a nutrient dense high quality dog food that is made for growth and all life stages.
While lactating dogs have a high energy demand and require a much larger amount of calories and fat than they would normally.
Be diligent with the weekly checkups and work with your vet closely to feed the best food to your dog after she gives birth.
What to feed a nursing dog.
On day one of weaning withhold her food allowing the puppies to eat their food while they are away from their mother.
How much to feed a nursing dog.
Check out all our dog food reviews here your mama dog needs plenty of protein and calcium while she s nursing to help prevent eclampsia or milk fever a potentially fatal condition in which the mother s body pulls too much.
Here s a brief guide on the diet for pregnant dogs.
Feeding a nursing dog the right food in the right amount is vital to the health of the adult dog and her pups.