Witnessing your dog become pregnant is a wonderful experience, but it comes with responsibilities. Pregnancy is not an easy task for dogs since they have a very brief pregnancy cycle, and owners need to provide them with best nutrition in order to maintain the mother and puppies growing inside her. A high-quality diet with rich nutrients is required in order to enable a healthy pregnancy and successful lactation period.
Importance of Suitable Diet During Pregnancy
The best diet assists a pregnant dog's body to adapt to the rapid changes. High-quality, well-nourished foods may cause more damage than good. Pregnant dogs require calorie-dense foods filled with essential nutrients in order to remain healthy and sustain their expanding pack. Standard supermarket shelf kibble isn't enough, so it's important to select the right food.
Top Dog Foods for Expectant Canines
Below are five best-recommended dog foods that provide the required nutrients that a pregnant dog requires:
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food
This AAFCO-compliant freeze-dried dog and puppy food for pregnant dogs and pregnant puppies contains 24.5% protein and 14% fat. Chicken is the primary protein source, complemented by nutrient-dense ingredients such as potatoes, flaxseed, peas, and oats. It is dried and must be rehydrated using warm water before serving.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The protein-rich diet during pregnancy is essential, and buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, bison, venison, and beef find application here with 32% protein. Antioxidants are also incorporated for coat and skin health as well as prebiotics for digestion.
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
With 37% protein via chicken and fish meal, this diet is especially suitable for pregnant dogs. There are dehydrated pieces of chicken to provide density and over 500 calories per cup. Other ingredients consist of antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
Perfect for allergy-prone dogs, this food features only one source of meat—venison—is grain-free. Although the percentage of protein is lower at 20%, it does offer healthy essential omega fatty acids for general well-being.
Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food
Formulated for sports and working dogs, this dog food contains 30% protein and 20% fat and can be used by pregnant dogs who need additional nutrition. It contains a high number of calories at 535 per cup and no fillers or added artificial ingredients.
Best Canned Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs
Wellness Chicken Stew with Peas & Carrots Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
This tasty, high-nutrient diet is particularly suited for pregnant dogs with compromised appetites. It features chicken, chicken liver, peas, carrots, peppers, and celery in a healing chicken broth gravy.
Crave Chicken Pate Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
This diet offers 12% protein and 5% fat from exceptional sources, such as chicken liver and heart. It also has antioxidants and fish oil, which provide vital fatty acids to the mother and puppies.
Homemade Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs
Homemade food allows complete control of ingredients, with extremely high-quality nutrition. The following is an easy, high-protein recipe that's packed full of essential nutrients.
Homemade Recipe for Pregnant Dogs
Ingredients:
1 pound ground lean beef
12 eggs
1 cup raw oatmeal
1 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup all-natural peanut butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions:
Mix ground beef, eggs, and oatmeal in a bowl until well blended.
Heat the mixture in a large pan, breaking it into pieces.
Chill cooked meat and drain excess oil.
Mix peanut butter, cream cheese, molasses, and flaxseed in another bowl until dough-like consistency is formed.
Mix everything well when the meat reaches room temperature.
Make small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and chill until hardened.
Booster Recipe for Lactating Mothers
Once the dog has given birth, there is additional nutritional support involved. This booster mix will provide energy during lactation.
Ingredients:
1 cup goat's milk
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
1 egg
Instructions:
Mix together all the ingredients.
Add to the dog's regular diet for an extra dose of nutrients.
Optional: Add Fenugreek, milk thistle, or kelp as added lactation support.
Knowing the Canine Gestation Cycle
Dogs' pregnancies take approximately nine weeks (63 days) and can be divided into three trimesters of approximately 21 days.
First Trimester:
Minimal weight gain; puppies develop vital organs.
No actual dietary adjustments yet.
Prenatal care and confirmation check-ups by a veterinarian are recommended.
Second Trimester:
Morning sickness may occur, as well as increased urinating and drowsiness.
Body changes become evident, with potential weight gain of up to 50%.
Caloric consumption must be increased by 30–50%.
Third Trimester:
Increased watchfulness is required when the dog is about to give birth.
The dog may present behavioral changes as they become defensive.
Vet examinations verify puppies are in their correct birthing position.
Adjusting the Diet During Pregnancy
The largest diet adjustments occur in the second half of pregnancy. Pregnant dogs require more calories, particularly if they are having a large litter. Veterinary consultation is required for an efficient feeding plan.
More Frequent Meals. Free feeding allows the dog to self-regulate food intake
Balanced Macronutrients: High-protein, moderate-fat, and digestible carbohydrates help support overall health.
Key Nutrients in Dog Food
High-quality proteins should make up at least 29 percent of the diet; look for chicken, beef or fish sources
Healthy fats are crucial for fetal development; salmon oil is particularly rich in DHA and EPA.
Slow-releasing Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, beans, lentils sustain energy levels.
Calcium & Phosphorus: Skeletal development; seek 1–1.8% calcium and 0.8–1.6% phosphorus in food.
Natural Ingredients: Refrain from artificial additives and preservatives.
Conclusion
Canine pregnancy is an incredible experience that demands strict nutrition planning. A high-protein diet of optimal quality helps the mother stay healthy while nourishing her developing puppies. Under the proper food intake and nourishment, a pregnant dog can do well, providing a smooth pregnancy and robust foundation for her new litter of puppies
