Having puppies is a thrilling experience! Ensuring your pregnant dog receives the proper nutrition is crucial for a smooth pregnancy and the healthy development of her pups. This guide details when and how to switch to puppy food, optimizing her diet for the best possible outcome.
Pregnant dog sitting inside
Weeks 1-6: Maintaining Ideal Weight
After confirming your dog’s pregnancy and determining the approximate conception date, the focus for the first six weeks is maintaining her ideal weight. Avoid excessive weight gain early on, as it can increase the risk of dystocia (birthing difficulties). Aim for a body condition score of 4–5, with weight gain not exceeding 10% during this period.
During these early weeks, the embryos grow slowly, and the pregnant dog’s energy requirements remain similar to her pre-pregnancy needs. Therefore, continue feeding her a high-quality, complete, and balanced commercial adult maintenance diet, following the normal feeding guidelines. Alternatively, a pregnancy-specific diet formulated with appropriate levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to support growth and cognitive development, folic acid, and enhanced palatability is also appropriate.
Hormonal changes may cause fluctuations in appetite. This is usually normal. However, if her appetite diminishes significantly or if she begins to lose weight, consult your veterinarian.
Weeks 6-9: Transitioning to Puppy Food
Around day 42 (week 6), two key changes occur: the energy and nutrient demands of your pregnant dog increase as the fetuses grow more rapidly, and the space available in her stomach decreases as the puppies take up more room in her abdomen. These factors necessitate a change in her feeding regimen.
Knowing the approximate number of puppies, determined by an ultrasound, can aid in adjusting her diet. A large litter necessitates a higher energy and nutrient boost, while a small litter may require more cautious feeding to prevent the fetus from becoming too large.
From week 6, gradually transition your dog to puppy food over approximately five days to avoid digestive upset.
Why Puppy Food?
Feeding a puppy food from this stage forward is essential because it’s higher in energy, protein, and specific vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, compared to adult food. These nutrients are vital for supporting the dog during the later stages of pregnancy and providing the puppies with the elements they need for optimal development.
Puppy food is more nutritionally dense, which helps manage decreased stomach space and potential appetite reduction. Choose a high-quality, highly digestible puppy food to minimize the workload on the dog’s digestive system and ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Select a puppy food appropriate for her size; for example, a small breed dog should receive a small breed puppy formula.
Alt text: Adorable small-breed puppies are shown eating, highlighting the nutritional needs of growing dogs and the importance of appropriate puppy food.
After transitioning to puppy food, gradually increase the amount you feed. A general rule is to increase energy intake by 10% per week until birth.
| Time | Energy requirements of a pregnant dog |
|---|---|
| Week one to five | Same as adult maintenance |
| Week 6 | Maintenance levels + 10% |
| Week 7 | Week 6 + 10% |
| Week 8 | Week 7 + 10% |
| Week 9 | Week 8 + 10% |
To facilitate digestion and accommodate limited stomach space, offer food in small, frequent meals rather than two large meals. Consider the type of food: feeding a wet food necessitates a significantly larger daily volume, which can be substantial for larger breeds by week 9.
Monitor the dog’s body condition score throughout this period. While weight gain is expected during the final third of pregnancy, prevent excessive weight gain to avoid potential birthing complications.
Always provide easy access to fresh, clean drinking water, especially if feeding a dry food formula. This is even more critical after birth during lactation.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Are They Necessary?
If the dog is fed a complete and balanced commercial diet, vitamin and mineral supplements are typically unnecessary during pregnancy, unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. In fact, supplementation can be harmful. Excessive calcium supplementation, for example, can suppress the parathyroid gland, potentially leading to eclampsia (uterine contraction failure during birth).
Conclusion
Knowing when to start feeding your pregnant dog puppy food is paramount to the health of both the mother and her puppies. By understanding the stages of pregnancy and the changing nutritional needs, you can provide the optimal diet for a successful pregnancy and healthy litter. Always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns regarding your dog’s health and nutrition.
