It takes a lot of time and attention to be a pet parent, especially when your pet is going to welcome a bunch of little ones. Welcoming cute puppies can be exciting, but it brings a lot of responsibilities too. A pregnant dog goes through a lot, physically and emotionally. They need special care, nutrition, and supplements to deliver healthy and cute fluffy balls of joy.

The wellness of the mom dog and puppies depends majorly on the nutrition and diet. So feeding her right is crucial. Here’s how and what you can feed your dog during pregnancy.

Why Is a Healthy Dog Food Necessary for Your Pregnant Dog?

Your pregnant dog’s body requires a well-balanced meal that consists of an adequate amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Vets prescribe to adopt a quality rich and easily digestible diet throughout the pregnancy. Dog food made from wholesome ingredients provides the appropriate level of nutrition your dog requires while carrying puppies.

How Much Should Your Pregnant Dog Eat?

Just like humans, our furry friends also show a change in appetite during pregnancy. The food intake varies depending on the breed, size, and age of the pregnant dog. As they require more energy during this time, experts recommend high-calorie foods to maintain their weight. The food intake should be increased gradually at around six weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy in dogs, also called gestation, happens around 60 days after the date of mating, and after week six, the puppies start to develop in size. Your dog gains around 25% to 50% of its weight until the puppies are born. So the food she eats by then doubles or triples compared to her days before pregnancy in quantity. Many vets suggest feeding them smaller meals instead of two large meals; after all, there will be little space left for the food she eats because the puppies are growing inside her stomach. Weight gain should be gradual, as obesity can also be a concern for their health.

Can We Feed Puppy Food to Pregnant Dogs?

Yes. High-quality nourishing puppy food is ideal for a soon-to-be mother dog as it contains the essentials for a healthy delivery. This vitamin and mineral-rich formula helps in the early growth of puppies in the womb.

What Are the Essential Contents of Pregnant Dog Food?

Feeding your pregnant dog with meals that contain high-quality protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and minerals such as folic acid, iodine, and essential vitamins with fruits and vegetables ensures a healthy delivery for both the mom and puppies.

Feeding right can prevent high risks of eclampsia, stillbirth, low milk production, fading puppy syndrome, etc.

Bottom Line

Your dog may show changes in appetite during the whole pregnancy. As a paw parent, making sure that she eats well and delivers a healthy bunch of puppies is important. Feeding your dog nutrient-rich food can significantly improve the overall health of your dog as well as the puppies. Your furry companion needs the most of your care during this time. Keep in mind these above-mentioned essential nutrients and nurture her in an environment that is healthy to prepare her to welcome the puppies.