When should I start feeding my pregnant dog more food? Simple and Effective Tips

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Are there nutritional issues that cause problems leading up to pregnancy?

Good nutrition sets the stage for successful breeding and pregnancy. A malnourished mother – both over- and under-weight – will suffer reproductive consequences, as will her puppies.

Obesity is the most common nutrition-related problem in reproducing dogs. Obesity can cause increased intervals between estrus cycles, decreasing lifetime reproductive capacity. Obesity can also decrease the number of eggs released at ovulation, resulting in smaller litter sizes. Obesity increases the risk of dystocia (difficulty delivering puppies). Finally, obesity can decrease milk production during lactation, negatively impacting puppy health and growth. An overweight or obese dog should lose weight before breeding. There are no specific nutritional requirements for a female dog during her heat cycle.

The First Few Weeks of Pregnancy

The early stages of a dog’s pregnancy are critical to the developing embryo. During the first two and ½ weeks of pregnancy, the embryo remains in the Fallopian tubes. They remain until about 17 days when they descend and produce the placenta. There they gain their nutrition and continue to grow.

The mother’s digestive tract breaks down complex nutrients to be carried through the bloodstream to her gestating puppies. During gestation, it is crucial to keep the mother from away from chemicals and other toxins that can hurt the puppies. (Discuss with your veterinarian whether certain medications and parasite control products are safe for your pregnant fur friend before giving them anything.)

What you feed the mother vitally affects the health of the growing puppies. That said, a normal, well-balanced adult diet is fine for both your mama dog and the puppies in the first half of gestation. In most cases, your adult dog doesn’t need to change their regular diet at this point if they are eating a high-quality diet.

Health Issues for Pregnant Dogs

Concern on certain issues like blood sugar problems and obesity are part of pregnant dogs’ caring. However, you should not place her in extreme or invasive dietary changes. Adding dietary supplements is also not a good idea. Too many pregnancy vitamins and minerals may pose risks to her health and that of her puppies.

Your dog starts to act more thirsty, irritable, and tired as her abdomen grows. Here are some tips every owner should consider:

  • Give your dog a spot to rest free from a hectic lifestyle you may have. Provide her with a whelping box for her puppies days or weeks beforehand.
  • Keep her secluded spot from visitors and family members and keep its light low. Do not do things that may upset or startle her. Unfamiliar sounds, sights, and scents may only upset her as she prepares to whelp.
  • The household should be kept as calm and smooth as possible during the critical time of her.
  • Give her water all the time.
  • Keep yourself calm and focused during her labor and let nature take the course.
  • Make sure to post the number of the pet in a visible or prominent area during the pregnancy’s last few weeks.

    • What I Feed My Pregnant Dog

    Exciting news! Your dog is expecting puppies! This is an exciting time in any pet parent’s life. But it can also be overwhelming if this is your dog’s first litter. You want to make sure you are giving your dog the food she needs to help her grow healthy puppies. A healthy and balanced diet is essential to help momma dog not only through her pregnancy but to also have a healthy delivery and lactation.