Pregnant women often joke that they are "eating for two," but a nursing dog is eating for more than that. She has to get enough nutrition to make milk for her puppies, whether she has three, eight or more of them. Thus, feeding a nursing dog the right food is vital to the health of the adult dog and her pups.
Pregnancy
By the last three weeks of a dog's nine-week pregnancy, she can be taking in up to one and a half times as much food every day as she did before. The last few days before giving birth, she may lose her appetite, but once the puppies come, her nutritional needs skyrocket.
How Much to Feed
A nursing dog requires at least twice as much food as she ate before she was pregnant, and if she has a large litter she could be eating five times as much as normal. Keep dry food out for her to eat at will, but also give her several meals throughout the day. They should be the same size as her normal meals, just give them more often.
What to Feed
The food for a nursing dog should be rich in nutrients because it's keeping several animals going. Experts recommend a high-quality puppy food for the new mom. Puppy food is formulated to be nutrient-dense for growing dogs with lots of energy, so it's perfect for a nursing dog who needs a little extra. Once the puppies are weaned, the dog can go back to her regular diet.
The American Kennel Club advises owners against giving vitamin supplements to their dogs. It says that ideally the food should be the only source of nutrients. Any supplements should be given only with a veterinarian's approval. In addition, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, along with other experts in the field, discourages owners from making a homemade diet for their nursing dogs. There is too great a risk that the meals won't be as balanced and nutrient-dense as she and her puppies need them to be. If you insist on making homemade food for you dog, do so only in consultation with a veterinary nutritionist.
Access to Food and Water
Just like humans, new mother dogs are often too tired to do much more than feed and watch over their newborns. Keep food and water close by your dog's living area so she won't be dissuaded from eating and drinking.
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