What To Feed A Pregnant Dog

Knowing what to feed a pregnant dog is crucial for successful pregnancy, whelping, and long-term health of puppies.

Pregnant dogs have specific nutritional requirements.

During the first four weeks of pregnancy, you generally do not need to change your dog’s diet if she is already on a complete and balanced one.

However, from week five, a pregnant dog requires additional calories and nutrients.

Here’s an overview of the key nutrients that should be prioritised and how to balance them in a pregnancy diet.

1. Increase The Calorie Intake

The caloric needs of a pregnant dog depend on her body weight, stage of pregnancy, and overall health.

During pregnancy, a dog’s energy requirements increase by 30-60%, especially in the final third of gestation when foetal growth is most rapid.

While it’s important to increase calories, it’s equally essential to ensure that weight gain is not excessive.

Here’s a guideline based on the National Research Council (NRC) recommendations for pregnant dogs.

General Caloric Requirement:

Early Pregnancy (First 2/3 of Pregnancy):

If your dog’s body condition score is normal (4/9 or 5/9) or if she is overweight 6/9 upwards) then her caloric intake can remain the same. If she is underweight, then feed for late pregnancy.

Late Pregnancy (Final 1/3 of Pregnancy):

Feed about 1.5 times the dog’s maintenance caloric needs.

Maintenance Caloric Needs:
The maintenance energy requirement (MER) for adult dogs is generally calculated as:
MER=110 kcal × body weight in kg

For a pregnant dog, adjust the MER by the following multipliers based on the stage of pregnancy:

Example Calculation:
Early Pregnancy (First 4-6 weeks of gestation):
Calories/day=110 kcal/kg × body weight in kg

Late Pregnancy (Final 4 weeks of gestation):
Calories/day=1.5 × (110 kcal/kg × body weight in kg)

Caloric Needs Based on Weight:
For a bitch weighing 10 kg, here’s how to calculate the caloric needs for pregnancy:

Early Pregnancy (First 4-6 weeks of Pregnancy):
Calories/day = (110 x 10) = 1100kcal/day

Late Pregnancy (Final 1/3 (4weeks) of Pregnancy):
Calories/day=1.5×(110×10)=1.5×1100=1650 kcal/day

Key Points:
Early Pregnancy: normal caloric intake.
Late Pregnancy: 1.5 times the normal caloric intake.
Example for a 10 kg dog:
1100 kcal/day during early pregnancy.
1650 kcal/day during late pregnancy.

Adjustments:
If your dog is underweight or overweight, or carrying a larger litter, these caloric needs may need to be adjusted.

Always monitor her body condition and consider consulting our vets to ensure she’s receiving adequate nutrition.

It is important not to let a bitch become overweight and unfit as this can make giving birth more difficult.

Our body condition score video can help you decide if she is under or overweight.

Daily Calories For A Pregnant Dog

2. High-Quality Protein

Protein is the most important nutrient during pregnancy because it supports the growth of the puppies, milk production and helps maintain the mother’s muscle mass.

Pregnant dogs need higher levels of protein than usual, with at least 22-32% of their diet coming from high-quality animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.

3. Balanced Fat Content

Fats provide concentrated energy, essential for pregnant dogs and their nursing puppies.

Research by the American Society for Nutrition highlights that healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)) and omega-6 are particularly important for the development of puppies’ brains and vision improving cognitive function.

You can find DHA in fish oils or specific high-quality commercial dog foods formulated for reproduction and lactation.

Studies published in Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports confirm that pregnant dogs require fats for energy, particularly in the third trimester when caloric needs rise.

Fat also supports lactation, which places additional energy demands on the dog’s metabolism.

High-quality commercial foods formulated for pregnancy/puppies provide the necessary fats without the risks associated with dietary imbalances .

Look for diets that provide a good balance of fats, around 8-12% of caloric intake.

Video: How To Assess Your Dog’s Body Condition

4.Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide a readily available source of energy for your pregnant or nursing bitch.

During pregnancy, the caloric requirement will increase significantly so incorporating highly digestible, nutrient-dense carbohydrates is essential.

A quality puppy food that consists of around 40-50% carbohydrates will help meet her increased energy needs without overwhelming her system.

5. Calcium and Phosphorus for Bone Development

During pregnancy and lactation, calcium and phosphorus become critical for foetal skeletal development and milk production.

However, excessive calcium or an imbalance can lead to conditions such as eclampsia, a severe deficiency of calcium in lactating dogs that can cause tremors, seizures, or even death.

The recommended calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1.2:1) is derived from AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines, which recommend feeding a properly formulated diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies or excesses .

This ratio is critical for foetal skeletal development, as supported by studies published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Calcium metabolism is complex, it is therefore best to avoid calcium supplementation unless recommended by a vet.

A high quality commercial puppy food contains all the necessary nutrients for your pregnant bitch

6. Vitamins A, D, E and Minerals

Vitamins A, D, and E, along with trace minerals like zinc, are vital during pregnancy.

Vitamin A supports the immune system and vision development, while Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that aids immune function.

NRC guidelines provide comprehensive requirements for these vitamins during pregnancy .

Look for nutritionally balanced, high-quality dog food designed for growth and reproduction, or consult a vet for specific supplementation.

7. Frequent, Small Meals

As the pregnancy progresses, the mother’s appetite may change.

Early on, she may not eat much more than her usual amount, but as the pregnancy advances, her caloric intake will need to increase significantly.

Because her growing uterus can put pressure on her stomach, it’s often beneficial to feed smaller, more frequent meals to avoid discomfort and aid digestion.

Monitoring her weight and adjusting meal portions accordingly is essential to prevent both underfeeding and obesity.

For some dogs, this may mean that you feed ad lib to ensure adequate intake during pregnancy.

8. Water Hydration

Hydration is often overlooked, but is essential during pregnancy, especially during lactation.

A study by Peterson et al. (2015) published in the Journal of Veterinary Science highlights the increased water requirements during pregnancy and lactation.

Adequate milk production requires substantial fluid intake, so ensuring constant access to fresh water is crucial.

Many commercial dog foods, especially wet or canned varieties, contain a significant amount of moisture, which can help meet the hydration requirements of pregnant and nursing dogs.

If you don’t wish to feed a canned food, water can be added to dry food.

It’s wise to actively monitor your dog’s fluid intake to help you  to detect any potential health issues early on.

9. Adjusting Diet Throughout Pregnancy

It’s essential to adapt your pregnant bitch’s diet throughout her gestation period.

Her nutritional requirements and food intake will change as she progresses through different stages.

For the first four weeks of pregnancy, a high quality adult food will suffice.

However, as she enters the later stages of pregnancy, to ensure that she’s receiving balanced nutrition, feeding recommendations change to provide increased calories, protein, fat and calcium/phosphorus ratio.

A commercial puppy formula diet can meet these needs.

The Best Diet For Your Pregnant Bitch

A balanced and complete diet for a pregnant dog needs to include high levels of protein, moderate fats, essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids to support the development of healthy puppies.

Consulting with a vet throughout pregnancy is key to ensuring your dog receives the right nutrition for her and her puppies’ health.

High-quality, nutrient-dense foods tailored to reproductive needs provide the best foundation for healthy mothers and thriving litters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Home-Cooked Diet a Good Option to Feed a Pregnant Dog?

Pregnant dogs have increased energy and nutrient requirements.

A balanced diet rich in protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential.

While home-cooked meals can be customised, it’s easy to miss out on key nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids.

If you opt for a home-cooked diet, always consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.

They can help you formulate a diet plan that meets the specific needs of your pregnant dog, ensuring proper nutrient ratios.

A poorly balanced home-cooked diet can lead to deficiencies that might cause complications during pregnancy and lactation such as pregnancy toxaemia and milk fever (eclampsia).

Is a Raw Diet a Healthy Option for a Pregnant Dog?

Feeding a raw diet to a pregnant dog is a topic of debate among pet owners and veterinarians.

While raw diets can provide natural, unprocessed nutrients, there are important considerations to keep in mind before deciding if it’s a healthy option for your pregnant dog.

A raw diet, if not properly formulated, can lead to nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, particularly in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for foetal bone development.

Additionally, one of the biggest concerns with feeding a raw diet to a pregnant dog and/or her puppies is the risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella or E. coli.

Pregnant dogs have a higher susceptibility to infections, and any exposure to harmful bacteria could put both the mother and her puppies at risk.

Cooking food helps eliminate these risks, which is why many veterinarians advise against raw diets during pregnancy.

If you’re considering feeding your pregnant dog a raw diet, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian or a degree certified pet nutritionist.

They can help ensure the diet is well-formulated and balanced, with appropriate nutrient ratios.

Additionally, your vet can assess whether your dog is in good health to handle a raw diet during pregnancy.

Can I Combine a Home-Cooked Diet with Commercial Food for My Pregnant Dog?

Yes, combining home-cooked food with commercial food can work well if you ensure the combined diet meets these nutritional requirements.

However, be mindful that high-quality commercial dog foods formulated for pregnant dogs are designed to provide a complete and balanced diet, and adding home-cooked food without proper guidance could create imbalances.

A vet or degree qualified pet nutritionist can help you calculate the correct proportions of commercial food and home-cooked food to meet your pregnant dog’s specific needs.

Sources:

1. National Research Council – Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006)
2. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Nutritional Support for Pregnancy and Lactation in Canines
3. American Society for Nutrition – Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognitive Development in Neonates
4. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports – Energy Requirements in Pregnant and Lactating Dogs
5. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (NRC 2006) – Vitamin and Mineral Guidelines for Pregnant Dogs
6. Journal of Veterinary Science – Hydration and Water Requirements in Pregnant and Lactating Dogs