What to feed a pregnant dog & how often

Key points when feeding a pregnant dog

Feeding your pregnant dog the best, healthiest food is important during all stages of pregnancy, it begins before she is mated all the way through to when she is nursing her little pups.

If you are already feeding your pregnant dog Bella+Duke then you can continue to feed her favourite food, simply increase portions and frequencies as the pregnancy progresses and the demands on her body increase further during the time she is nursing. We go into more detail about this below.

Before pregnancy, ensure all health checks for your dog’s breed or breeds (and her intended mate) are carried out. That you have a dog who is both physically and mentally healthy with no reactive behaviours, whether very nervous and withdrawn or forceful in nature.

Traits both physical and behavioural are passed through the genes.

What to feed a pregnant dog

We strongly believe the best food for a pregnant dog is a healthy, raw dog food diet.

Our veterinarian-approved food, with 6 different flavours (variety is key to a healthy life), contains all of the essential, natural nutrients and vitamins required to fully support your pregnant dog throughout pregnancy and beyond, helping to support their immune system, digestion and keep their bones and joints healthy.

A key point when looking at what to feed a pregnant dog is to ensure you feed a wide variety of proteins so she and her pups get everything they need nutritionally.

Dr Conor Brady notes studies that also conclude that even in the womb pups develop a sense of taste and therefore giving a wider variety the pups will be confident eating almost any proteins throughout life.

You may like to boost your pregnant dog’s diet with a few extras such as; raw egg or tinned sardines in spring water.

How much to feed your pregnant dog

Mating to week 4

For the first 4  weeks of pregnancy, a female on a raw diet doesn’t have to change her normal feeding routine, unless there are underlying health issues.

During weeks 3 and 4, your bitch may suffer from little nausea and may lose her appetite, like morning sickness in humans. If an upset stomach or loss of appetite lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by listlessness, you should contact your vet.

How often at this stage?

Between 0 – 4 weeks there is no need to increase your pregnant dog’s meal intake.

Weeks 5 to 8

Increase the volume of your pregnant dog’s food by about 10% each week. At a minimum, she will need a 5% increase.

The gut system will possibly become a little sluggish with the growing pups’ pressure on the intestines and other organs which can result in constipation.

So to her complete Bella+Duke meal, you could add boneless minces, extra fatty mince for extra energy, offal, heart, which will naturally reduce bone %. Ideally, on top of the extra meaty products add in little extra steamed green leaves.

Your pregnant dog will have extra energy requirements by week 6 so feeding meals with a higher fat content may help.

How often at this stage?

As your dog gets larger and fuller with growing puppies, split her meals into 3 times a day and by week 7 to 8 it will be more beneficial and easier for her to have 4 meals a day if not more.

It all depends on your girl and how many pups she carries. 

Weeks 8 to 9

By now your girl will be eating 40%- 50% more food than before she became pregnant. In the last week of pregnancy, she will start eating less. Follow her lead and simply feed her as much as she wants.

How often at this stage?

5 meals a day may suit your pregnant dog better at this stage, due to lack of internal space! As she nears the time she gives birth (Whelps) she will go off her food completely. This is usually 48 to 24 hours beforehand. Ensure she has water available.

She will also not be eating much after birth for a few days. Ensure she has water available but also a mix of goat’s milk and raw eggs is beneficial. Find more details on this in Dr Ian Billinghursts book “Give Your Dog A Bone” a must-have book for all raw feeders.