Nutritional Needs Of Pregnant and Nursing Dogs

 

Changing Nutritional Needs

Before the Pregnancy: Planning is Important

Pregnancy

Nursing

Weaning

Iams® Food for the Pregnant Dog

Pregnancy and nursing are not only responsible for many changes in a dog’s body, but for changes in her lifestyle as well. Therefore special attention should be paid to her changing nutritional needs throughout the entire process.

If you are planning to breed your female dog, it is important to assess her body condition well in advance of breeding. Because of the physical demands of pregnancy and nursing, starting off with less-than-ideal health can cause problems.

An underweight dog often has difficulty consuming enough food to support her and her fetus’ nutritional needs. Overweight dogs may experience abnormal or difficult labour because of large fetuses.

Feeding a complete and balanced diet at amounts that support a healthy weight and body condition before breeding helps the female dog maintain her health and that of her offspring throughout pregnancy and lactation.

The gestation period for dogs is 9 weeks. Pregnant dogs gain weight only slightly until about the sixth week and then gain weight rapidly.

The energy requirements of pregnant dogs are reflected in the pattern of weight gain. Pregnant dogs will need to consume 25-50% more than normal maintenance energy amounts by the end of pregnancy, but energy requirements do not increase until about the sixth week.

Pregnant dogs lose weight after giving birth. However, their nutritional needs increase dramatically—energy needs can be 2 to 3 times their normal adult maintenance requirement, depending on litter size—in order to produce the milk supply that will support the growth and nourishment of the offspring. Adequate water intake is also important for sufficient milk volume.

To ensure the nursing dog is receiving enough nutrition, feed a nutrient-dense diet such as puppy food (but not one designed for large breeds). Without increasing the amount of food offered at a meal, increase the number of meals throughout the day. Alternatively, free-choice feed her, offering unlimited access to dry food throughout the day.

By five weeks after birth, most puppies are showing an interest in their mother’s food. Gradually, the puppies will begin eating more solid food and nursing less. At the same time, the nursing dog will usually reduce the amount of food she is eating. Most puppies are completely weaned around 8 weeks after birth. By this time, the mother’s energy requirement is back at the maintenance level, and she should be eating her normal pre-pregnancy diet.

The best diet for pregnant and nursing dogs is a high-quality, nutrient dense, commercial pet food that is formulated for all life stages or for growth. Although puppy diets are generally recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs, Iams® puppy & junior large breed formulas is not appropriate for this use due to their energy and mineral content.