Most dog owners know that a pregnant dog needs to ‘eat better’. But very few know exactly when to start changing her diet, by how much to increase her food intake, and which nutrients are truly essential at each stage. And there is one very specific mistake that is often made during lactation which can jeopardise the health of the entire litter. You’ll find out more about this later. Read on.
Why Do Nutritional Needs Change During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and lactation are the stages in a female’s life when her nutritional requirements are at their highest. During pregnancy, the mother’s body must support the development of the foetuses and the formation of mammary tissue. During lactation, she must produce enough milk to feed the entire litter whilst maintaining her own body condition.
Furthermore, inadequate nutrition at these stages does not only affect the mother: it directly compromises the puppies’ development, immune system and birth weight.
To meet these increased needs, it is just as important to choose a high-quality feed as it is to provide a sufficient amount tailored to each stage.
Nutrition During Pregnancy: What She Really Needs
First half of pregnancy (weeks 1 to 4–5)
During the first few weeks, the female’s energy requirements hardly increase at all. For most bitches, there is no need to significantly increase the amount of food, provided they are fed a complete and balanced diet containing high-quality animal proteins.
One of the most common mistakes is to overfeed from the start of pregnancy. Excess weight can make labour more difficult and increase the risk of obstetric complications.
Second half of pregnancy (weeks 5 to 9)
From the fifth week onwards, foetuses grow rapidly and their nutritional requirements increase considerably. At this stage:
| Week | Approximate increase in energy |
| Weeks 5–6 | +10–15% on top of the usual portion |
| Weeks 7-8 | +25–30% on top of the usual portion |
| Weeks (pre-labour) | Intake may be slightly reduced due to abdominal pressure |
It is best to offer several small feeds a day rather than two large ones, especially in the final weeks, when there is very little room in the womb.
For large or giant breeds, or for bitches with large litters, it may be advisable to provide food ad libitum due to the physical limitations on consuming large quantities.
Which Nutrients Are Essential During Pregnancy?
High-quality protein: Protein requirements increase significantly during pregnancy. Protein is essential both for the formation of foetal tissues and for the development of the mammary gland, which will produce milk after the birth. For this reason, the first ingredient in the feed should always be a source of animal protein of high biological quality.
Energy and carbohydrates: As well as increasing energy intake through healthy fats, carbohydrates take on particular importance during this stage. Glucose provides more than half of the energy required for foetal development and is essential for the synthesis of lactose, the main sugar found in breast milk. Therefore, the diets of pregnant and lactating females must contain an adequate amount of digestible carbohydrates.
Studies in female dogs have shown that diets very low in carbohydrates may be associated with:
- Reduction in the number of live-born pups
- Embryonic resorption
- Abnormalities in foetal development
- Lethargy in the mother
- Decreased maternal behaviour
- Reduced milk production during lactation
Calcium and phosphorus: These minerals are essential for the proper development of the foetal skeleton. However, an insufficient intake is just as harmful as an excess of calcium during pregnancy. And the balance between the two is just as important as the amount consumed.
Inadequate supplementation can increase the risk of postpartum eclampsia or milk fever, a veterinary emergency characterised by a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, which can cause tremors, convulsions and may even be life-threatening for the mother. The risk is particularly high in small bitches or those with large litters.
For this reason, calcium and phosphorus should be obtained from a complete and balanced diet, and supplements should be avoided unless advised by a vet.
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA): DHA, found mainly in marine sources, supports the development of the foetal brain and retina. Various studies suggest that puppies whose mothers receive an adequate intake of DHA exhibit better learning abilities, memory and visual development.
Folic acid: Folic acid plays a vital role in the early stages of embryonic development and helps to reduce the risk of congenital malformations, such as neural tube defects or cleft palate.
Iron, iodine, zinc and copper: As well as iron, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells, minerals such as iodine, zinc and copper play a role in numerous physiological processes relating to fertility, embryonic development and the vitality of newborns.
The Most Suitable Food During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
One of the most widely accepted recommendations in veterinary nutrition is to use a food formulated for puppies during the final stage of pregnancy and throughout the lactation period. These foods have a higher energy density, a high content of high-quality protein and an appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals to meet the requirements of these stages.
At Summit 10, we recommend Life Stages Puppy Chicken & Rice as the main diet for pregnant and lactating bitches. Its formulation, with chicken and rice as the main ingredients, ensures high digestibility and a nutritional profile tailored to both the puppies’ growth and the mother’s needs.
Nutrition During Breastfeeding: The Most Demanding Stage
If pregnancy is demanding, lactation is even more so. Producing milk for a whole litter can double or even triple the mother’s energy requirements, depending on the number of pups.
How much should a lactating female eat?
There is no universal figure, as it depends on the size of the litter and the mother’s weight. As a general guide:
| Litter size | Approximate increase in energy |
| 1–2 young | +50% on top of the usual portion |
| 3-4 young | +75–100% on top of the usual portion |
| 5 or more young | Up to +200% at the peak of lactation |
During lactation, it is best to leave food freely available, particularly in the first few weeks, so that the mother can regulate her intake naturally, especially when nursing large litters. The only exception is usually when there is only one puppy and there is a tendency towards being overweight.
Which Nutrients Are Essential During Breastfeeding?
Protein: Protein forms the basis of milk production. An insufficient intake can reduce both the quantity and quality of milk and increase the risk of hypoglycaemia in the mother.
Fat: It provides highly concentrated energy and aids the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins found in milk.
Carbohydrates: These remain essential during breastfeeding, as they provide the glucose needed to maintain adequate lactose production and, consequently, milk production.
Calcium: The risk of hypocalcaemia (milk fever) is a real concern in malnourished lactating females. Calcium should always be provided through a complete and balanced diet, and never via supplements without veterinary supervision.
Water: Hydration is absolutely critical during lactation. A dehydrated lactating bitch produces less milk of poorer quality. Water must always be available in unlimited quantities. For example, a female dog weighing approximately 35 kg with a large litter may need to drink between 5 and 6 litres of water a day during the peak of lactation.
Nutritional supplement during breastfeeding: LACTA+
As well as a high-quality main diet, it may be useful to incorporate a specific supplement such as LACTA+, developed by Summit 10 to meet the nutritional needs of puppies, but also as a supplement for pregnant and lactating bitches.
It is recommended from the tenth day before birth until weaning, and can also be used when the mother’s milk supply is insufficient or some puppies require supplementary feeding from birth.
The Most Common Mistake Made Whilst Breastfeeding
And here is what we mentioned at the start: the most common mistake is not increasing the amount of food sufficiently during the peak lactation period, which occurs between the second and fourth weeks after giving birth.
Many owners increase the feed ration by 20 or 30 per cent and think that is enough. However, with large litters, energy requirements can be three times higher than usual. An undernourished mother will lose weight noticeably and produce less milk, which will have a direct impact on the development of her young.
When to Return to A Normal Diet
As puppies begin to eat solid food – usually between the fourth and fifth week of life – their demand for milk decreases, as do the mother’s nutritional needs.
During the weaning process, it is advisable to temporarily reduce the amount of feed given to the mother to encourage a natural decrease in milk production and minimise udder engorgement.
Afterwards, over a period of approximately 7 to 10 days, you can then gradually transition your pet back to its usual maintenance diet to avoid digestive problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I give my dog calcium supplements during pregnancy without a prescription?
It is not recommended without veterinary supervision. Excess calcium during pregnancy can inhibit the natural production of parathyroid hormone, paradoxically increasing the risk of hypocalcaemia during lactation. Calcium should be provided through a complete and balanced diet, not through supplements without veterinary supervision.
Is it normal for a mother to lose weight whilst breastfeeding?
IIt is perfectly normal for a mother to be slightly thinner after weaning. Pregnancy and lactation are very energy-demanding stages. However, excessive or very rapid weight loss is a sign that her food intake is not meeting her needs. In that case, therefore, increase the amount of food she is given and consult your vet.
When should puppies start eating solid food?
Puppies usually start to show an interest in solid food between the third and fourth weeks of life. As a first complementary food, you can offer the same dry food as their mother’s, moistened with warm water to form a porridge. From the eighth week onwards, dry food can then be introduced gradually.
Conclusion
Pregnancy and lactation present a real nutritional challenge for any bitch. Proper nutrition during these stages is not a luxury: it is the foundation for the healthy development of the entire litter and the mother’s recovery.
The three fundamental pillars are: a food with high nutritional density, containing high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient; a sufficient amount tailored to each life stage; and fresh water always available in abundance.
At Summit 10, you’ll find products formulated with natural ingredients of the highest quality, designed to meet the real needs of females during the most demanding stages of their lives. Because what the mother eats ultimately determines how her young get off to a good start.
