A dog’s pregnancy averages 63 days in length, with nursing continuing for a few more weeks after birth. This may be the most important time in your dog’s life when it comes to precise nutrition. For a pregnant or nursing dog, malnutrition can lead to serious health issues and jeopardise the health of their puppies. (1) Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s specific needs and keep these critical nutritional considerations in mind:
- High-fat food helps to meet the higher caloric requirement for milk production and growth of the puppies.
- High digestibility is important to help maximise calorie intake from smaller amounts of food.
- The mother’s milk production and the bone growth of the puppies require more calcium and phosphorus.
- High-protein food supports the healthy development of puppies.
- DHA from fish oil supports development of the puppies’ nervous systems.
Frequently asked questions regarding pregnancy, nursing, and nutritional essentials
What is digestibility and why does it matter?
Pregnant and nursing dogs need a lot of nutrients to support the development of their puppies, so a highly digestible food is essential. And because there is less room in the pregnant dog’s abdomen, it’s important that there is maximum nutrition in every single bite.
Why more energy and fat?
Pregnant and nursing dogs have very high energy needs. In fact, nursing dogs have 4-8 times the energy requirements of healthy adult dogs who are not nursing. Increased fat as part of precisely balanced nutrition helps to meet these energy needs.
What should I feed my dog while she’s pregnant and nursing?
We recommend feeding her a food specially designed to meet the nutrition needs of pregnant and nursing dogs. These foods feature essential nutrients in sufficient amounts to support both the needs of your dog and her growing puppies. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable food for your dog’s needs.
Tasty Tips
Are there special instructions for feeding my pregnant or nursing dog?
Feed your pregnant dog the amount suggested on the food package, and keep feeding her puppy food until her puppies have finished weaning. Ask your veterinarian if you should make food available to her at all times after the puppies are born. This can help wean the puppies to a regular food and you’ll have peace of mind knowing their mother’s energy needs are being met.
When do I wean my puppies?
Most puppies begin eating solid food at 3-4 weeks of age. Their mum should already be eating an appropriate puppy food because she needs it in the later stages of pregnancy and for milk production. Check with your vet that this is the case and that the food is suitable for weaning. Softening the biscuits with a little warm water, offering tinned or sachet puppy food, or making a gruel can all help the puppies to start the transition from milk to solids. Weaning should be effectively complete at 6-7 weeks of age. (2)
When should I see my vet?
Visit your veterinarian regularly during pregnancy and nursing to check the mother’s condition and make sure her nutritional needs are being met. It’s important that you set up a specific schedule with your veterinarian to determine how often your dog should be examined during pregnancy and after the puppies are born.
Start puppy care right.
Keeping a record of your puppies’ weights, development and activity every 1-2 days can be very helpful for your veterinarian’s routine assessments in the first year of life. (2)
1. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Normal Dogs; Pregnancy in Dogs; p. 238
2. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Growing Dogs: Weaning Period; p. 247
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
Related products
Hypoallergenic Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Small&Mini Adult dog food with Salmon is complete pet food for adult small dogs 1–6 years old. It's formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously smooth mousse is precisely balanced to deliver the appropriate amount of energy and to support digestive health in adult, small breed dogs.
Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Small & Mini Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult small dogs from 1 year old that are prone to weight gain or slightly overweight. This deliciously smooth mousse is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
Related articles
Develop Your Gut Instinct for Pets’ Digestive Disorders
Gurgling tummies in turmoil are not good news for pets. Owners who have to clean up the unfortunate consequences, digestive problems are one of the rare downsides to owning a pet.
Little dog, big waistline?
Because of their little and darling – or small and scrappy – stature, they are experts at inspiring the most coddling. They can especially excel at eliciting more treats out of their owners.
Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth and Dental Care Tips
Discover effective tips for cleaning your dog's teeth as well as overall advice for maintaining canine dental health. Visit Hill's Pet UK for more expert help.
Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!
Learn to see the signs of an upset stomach in your dog, understand the triggers and explore some possible solutions.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.