The Ultimate Pregnant Dog Diet Chart: Be Prepared!
Is your female dog expecting? Whether it is planned or unplanned, you will need to know how to take care of your dog and her expected pups! There is a lot that goes into taking care of your momma dog during this exciting yet stressful time. When it comes to feeding your expecting mother, there are a lot of do’s and don’ts that we’ll go over in this ultimate guide, which includes an easy-to-read pregnant dog diet chart to reference.
This article will be the ultimate beginner’s guide to optimal nutrition for a pregnant dog, from the beginning all the way to whelping!
Main Goal During Pregnancy
A female dog pregnancy will last 62 days, which is equivalent to 9 weeks. These 9 weeks are split up into 3 trimesters, with each trimester lasting about 3 weeks at a time.
The main goals during the pregnancy are to find the optimal amount of food (and nutrition) to not make them overweight, but also not let them lose weight.
Obesity is the leading cause of pregnancy complications among pregnant females. Obesity can lead to an array of issues including prolonged labor, difficulties during labor, and increased stress on the puppies during the developmental stages. On the contrary, underfeeding can lead to embryo loss, abnormal fetal development, problems carrying a litter to term, and difficulties during labor as well.
Needless to say, making sure your pregnant female has the right amount of nutrition is a must. To ensure the best opportunity for your female dog, you must visit your veterinarian right away. They will go over what the optimal weight will be, and test for any malnutrition issues. If your dog has any malnutrition issues, this should be addressed right away. If possible, even before they get pregnant.
Once you and your vet have discussed the game plan, it is time to go over what to expect and do during each trimester, in terms of their diet!
First Trimester (First 3 Weeks)
During the first trimester, no drastic changes should be made. Your main goal is to maintain their weight and make sure they are eating. If you notice any weight loss, increase their food by no more than 10% of what they are eating now. For example, if they eat 3 cups of food a day, increase their food to 3.3 cups a day, to maintain their current weight.
Make sure they are getting optimal exercise, as will be discussed below!
Second Trimester (Second 3 Weeks)
The puppies are definitely growing now, but not at a fast rate. The second trimester will be very similar to the first, in the sense that your sole goal is for them not to lose weight. Adjust their food accordingly and maintain a good exercise and food routine.
Remember, they need energy but feeding them too much can lead to an increase in fat deposition. This will in no way help their pregnancy, and will negatively affect their ability to bear a healthy litter.
Third Trimester (Last 3 Weeks Leading Up to Whelping)
This is the last 3 weeks before they will give birth. This stage is where the fetuses will have rapid growth. You will need to focus on 3 things during this time:
- Switching to puppy food
- Increase food intake by 15-25% based on their litter size.
- Increase body weight by 15-25% based on their litter size by the time of whelping
You will want to switch to a puppy-specific food, as puppy food has more nutrients catered towards growing puppies and fetuses. During this time, the puppies need ample energy for development, and your pregnant mamma needs to consume enough nutrients to sustain this stressful time.
This can be tough because as the puppies are growing, they will also push against your pregnant female’s belly. They might lose their appetite or not be able to eat as much. If you notice them slowing down, consider free feeding and allowing them the option to eat whenever they can. Though, do make sure they are eating.
Your goal is to increase their food intake, to ensure they increase their body weight by 15-25% based on the size of their litter by whelping. This is to ensure they are able to handle the rapid growth of their babies and prepare their bodies for the intense few weeks right after birth.
You will want to increase their food every week, up to 15-25% based on their litter size, while also transitioning them to puppy food.
Though this all seems quite complicated, I’ve added an amazing, easy-to-read worksheet/guide to print and fill out, to keep you prepared throughout the process.
What Type of Food to Choose?
Now, you might be wondering if the food you give your dog now is the right food for your pregnant female. It might be good, but chances are, you might need to change it to meet the minimum nutrient requirements your pregnant mamma needs.
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), their food should include 28% high-quality protein, 17% fat, a normal carbohydrate, and low fiber content. There needs to be a minimum calcium level of 1-1.8% and phosphorus level of 0.8-1.6% for growing bones and optimal milk production. The food should be easily digestible and avoid any artificial ingredients.
If you are able to find the right food, ideally, you will not need any additional supplements or food. Giving your pregnant mamma too many treats and other supplements can actually be harmful to their health.
Some good options are Victor Hi-Pro Plus or Instinct Puppy Grain-Free Recipe. When in doubt, always confirm with your veterinarian before making any drastic nutrition changes.
Make Sure to Incorporate Exercise
Exercise should be an important part of your dog’s pregnancy. If you do not have an exercise routine with them before they are pregnant, begin to incorporate a little at a time without overwhelming them. If you already have an exercise routine in place, make sure to keep up with it throughout their pregnancy.
By the third trimester, they will begin to slow down. Reduce the time of exercise gradually by the time of whelping.
Conclusion
Though there is a lot of information to sift through in terms of your pregnant dog’s nutrition, it is extremely important to be prepared for this quick and fast period before whelping. Always consult with your veterinarian for any questions and concerns, and enjoy the process! Once they give birth to beautiful healthy puppies, you will forget any hassle that lead up to this beautiful moment. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we wish you the best of luck to both you and your pregnant mama! <3
