Nutrition for Pregnant Dogs: The Guide

A dog’s gestation period is usually around nine weeks depending on the breed. Smaller breeds of dog will give birth a little sooner and larger dogs may take a little longer but, generally, between eight and nine weeks is the norm. During this period, their dietary needs will change to support the growth and development of their puppies.

The first three weeks will usually go by unnoticed with no change in diet or behaviour but once your vet is able to confirm their pregnancy, their diet will need to gradually change over the final six weeks or so of their pregnancy.        

While pregnant, your pooch will need extra nutrients, but you don’t need to worry about changing anything for the first five weeks. It’s only in her final trimester that she will need the extra support of a more nutrient-rich food. Her puppies will be bigger at this stage and require more nourishment so it’s important that you make sure your dog has plenty to offer them.

When they enter the final few weeks of pregnancy, around the fifth week should be when you consider transitioning them onto a different diet. Doing it around this time means you can take your time and wean them slowly as the last thing you want to do is upset their stomach. Mum can safely be transitioned onto a puppy food – ideally the same puppy food you intend on weaning her litter onto. It will contain more calories and everything she needs to make sure her pups are robust and healthy.

While choosing a different diet you should still be mindful of any dietary requirements your pup needs. If they’re sensitive to any protein sources, pick a puppy diet that still abides by her preferences. Puppy food comes in different sizes too. If you have a large breed like a Golden Retriever, you may need a diet for larger puppies like Orijen Puppy Large so it’s suitable for both her and the puppies, or food like Royal Canin Mini Puppy for smaller breeds like a Chihuahua mum to be. 

Over the last couple of weeks of her pregnancy, you will need to increase the amount of food she is consuming too. Our K9 Variety Packs are hugely popular, while the Jollyes Macs Complete Dog Food is amazing value for money – perfect for pet owners who are looking to buy in bulk.

As they continue with their pregnancy, you might notice your beloved pooch loses interest in food. A lot of her energy is going to be spent on getting ready to give birth so you might see her displaying more nesting behaviours and creating comfy spots to have her pups in.

During this period, it’s important to continuously give her fresh water and offer her meals. Large meals may look off-putting to her, so split her meals into smaller portions and give them throughout the day. Splitting meals into three to five portions may tempt her to try the smaller bowls.

You can even buy her a smaller puppy size bowls to feed from to coax her.

Your beloved pet is growing multiple puppies at once so it’s only natural that you notice her gain weight. A healthy weight gain will be between 15 and 20% of her weight prior to breeding. This means if your four-legged friend started at just 10kg, a healthy weight gain during her pregnancy would be around an extra 2kg, making her 12kg.

If you let your pregnant pooch overindulge on extra treats throughout pregnancy, she can still become overweight despite looking after her young. An overweight dog is at a higher risk of having issues giving birth properly or feeding her young, so try to avoid her gaining much more than the healthy amount of expected weight.

During a pregnancy you should avoid certain things that may strain or even harm your four-legged companion. You can still walk her throughout her pregnancy, but walks should be shorter and gentler. Most of her energy will be placed into nurturing her litter, so expect there to be a lot more naps throughout the day.

There are certain supplements and medications to avoid while pregnant too. Pregnant dogs should not have an excess of vitamin A or vitamin D. An excess of vitamins her body can’t use can result in difficult birthing or even produce birth defects as her young absorb these too. Similarly, make sure to tell your vet if your dog is pregnant and they’re planning on prescribing medication for anything. Many common medications like Metacam and steroids can harm her puppies.

Making sure your expectant mum has everything she needs to keep her comfortable throughout pregnancy and then provide for her pups afterwards is important. Find everything you need from nutrition to bowls and puppy toys in store and online.