What Should I Feed My Pregnant Dog?

During the first half of her pregnancy, her diet won’t need to change. For the last half, you should increase food intake by 15-25%.

Preparing for puppies is an exciting yet hectic time! The last thing you want to worry about is what you’re feeding your dog. Here at PetCadet, we’ve got you covered. 

First Trimester

Much like with humans, the first trimester is very important for dogs and the development of her puppies. Nutrition plays a major role in healthy development. If your dog already has a high-quality, well-balanced diet, you do not need to change anything for the first half of her pregnancy. 

Second and Third Trimester

For the first half of the second trimester, her diet does not need to change. However, as the puppies grow, their nutritional needs will increase. The pet food company, Purina, suggests feeding your dog puppy food from six weeks through the end of lactation. The American Kennel Club suggests that their diets should be: 29% protein, 17% fat, and large amounts of soluble carbohydrates (barley, oats, brown rice, etc) with a low fiber content. You should also make sure your dog is getting proper amounts of calcium and phosphorus. By the end of the third trimester, you should have increased your dog’s diet by 15-25%. 

Complications of Malnutrition

Dogs should be a healthy weight prior to becoming pregnant and should maintain a healthy weight through the end of her pregnancy. Being too thin or obese before pregnancy can lead to prenatal and postnatal complications. Malnutrition in pregnant dogs can lead to birth defects in the puppies, premature births, dystocia, weakened immune systems in the mother and her puppies, or even death.