Congratulations! You just found out your dog is about to be a mom and have puppies. While this can be an exciting time, nutrition is vital so she and the puppies can thrive. Malnutrition can lead to serious health issues and can jeopardize the health of the puppies. Dogs should be fed a nutrient-dense formula at 35 days gestation. This is when puppies form into embryos and start to require more nutrition. In this month’s blog, we’ll be going over how to maintain nutritional adequacy in your pregnant dog.
What Should I Feed My Pregnant Dog?
Pregnant dogs need to be fed high-calorie dog food to meet the increased energy needs for milk production. They’ll also need minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin B, calcium, and
phosphorus for their health and to assist in the whelping process. Check out our Super Meal 30/20 formula that has 510 kcal/cup and added Vitamin B with pumpkin, a natural source of calcium and phosphorus! It’s highly digestible, and the high protein and fat content ensure your dog doesn’t lose weight, keeping the puppies nourished while growing inside her!
What Portion Sizes Should I Feed?
For the first few weeks, you’ll want to keep the portion sizes the same as usual. After the fifth week, gradually increase the amount of food by ten percent. This amount will go up as your dog’s weight increases with the gestating puppies. Check the back of your Joy Bag to see how much you should feed your dog based on their weight.
After the Puppies Arrive
While she is nursing, remember to keep your dog on the same dog food. Our Super Meal 30/20 encourages milk production with calcium and phosphorus and also has the extra calories to keep weight on your dog while she’s feeding multiple puppies.
Find Joy Super Meal Near You!
Joy Dog Food is proud to be family-owned and operated, with premium ingredients made right here in the USA. To find a dealer near you that carries our Super Meal 30/20, visit our website or give us a call at 800-245-4125!
For more information about keeping your dog healthy, check out our nutrition tips and other helpful resources.
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