Pregnant dogs should receive high-quality adult dog food from brands like Hills or Royal Canin. These diets contain high amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fat that provide her with essential nutrition during gestation and lactation.
She should also receive nutritious treats, such as chicken, beef or eggs that contain plenty of energy for her energy boost.
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High-quality adult dog food
If your pregnant dog requires special nutrition, she will require food made with high-quality animal proteins like beef, lamb, chicken and fish to meet her nutritional requirements. The best foods available to pregnant dogs may include meat-based protein sources like beef, lamb, chicken and fish.
Proteins form the building blocks for all body tissue, making them essential in pregnancy for both mother and pup alike. Furthermore, her food must provide her with all essential vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.
High-quality adult dog food should also be free from artificial additives and fillers such as meat by-products, preservatives, and any other substances which could harm their health.
Your dog needs energy in order to support her pregnancy and her puppies’ healthy development, maintain weight stability and facilitate milk production for her pups. A diet tailored specifically to this purpose will also ensure healthy milk production from mother dog.
Puppy food
Pregnant dogs require a diet with sufficient calories without too much fat. Their food should contain high levels of protein while providing minimal fiber intake; furthermore, calcium and phosphorus supplements should also be present to support bone formation and milk production.
Pregnant female dogs typically need to consume two-four times as much food than they would typically, in order to support their energy, weight and the development of their puppies.
Pregnant dogs should switch to puppy formula in week six for additional calories and nutrients that will strengthen her, giving birth through her milk. Gradually introduce this food into her diet so her stomach has enough time to adjust.
Lactation, the last stage of pregnancy for pregnant dogs, requires them to produce enough milk for their young puppies’ growth and nutrition. Mother dogs should increase their food intake by approximately 25% during lactation period and divide meals up throughout the day into smaller portions for maximum efficiency.
High-energy food
Pregnant dogs need to consume high-energy diets in order to produce milk and develop her pups, as well as supplements containing calcium and phosphorus for both themselves and their puppies.
There is an abundance of high-energy foods for dogs who are expecting puppies, including meat, fish and vegetables containing vitamins and minerals.
DHA, an essential nutrient for newborn puppy brain and eye development, also supports eye and tooth growth.
Royal Canin’s Starter Mother & Babydog Food is our top choice at this stage, as it provides pregnant mothers and nursing moms with essential support during gestation, lactation and the growth of their pups. The high protein content gives mom the energy she needs to sustain pregnancy as she bears and gives birth.
Water
Water is one of the essential nutrients for pregnant female dogs and is especially essential during this phase. Staying hydrated ensures she will produce milk for her puppies after birth.
Water can take many different forms, but at its core is composed of molecules with two hydrogen and one oxygen atom bonded together through hydrogen bonding forces.
Many dogs suffer from dehydration, making it hard to know whether they need more water. A simple test to check this would be to gently press your dog’s gums.
If your dog’s gums turn white before rapidly returning to pink in an instantaneous response, he or she is likely dehydrated.
If you want to ensure she is drinking enough, set out a bowl of fresh, clean drinking water for her. Place it somewhere where she can access it easily, and refill regularly to ensure she always has access to fresh drinking water.