Pregnancy and nursing are not only responsible for many changes in a dog’s and cat’s body, but for changes in their lifestyle as well. Pay special attention to their changing nutritional needs throughout the entire reproduction process.

DOGS

Pregnancy

The gestation period for dogs is nine weeks. Pregnant dogs gain weight only slightly until about the sixth week, and then gain weight rapidly.

The energy requirements of pregnant dogs are reflected in the pattern of weight gain. Pregnant dogs will need to consume 25% to 50% more than their normal food intake by the end of pregnancy, but energy requirements do not increase until about the sixth week.

Nursing

Pregnant dogs lose weight after giving birth, but their nutritional needs increase dramatically. Depending on litter size, nursing dogs might need two to three times their normal food requirement to nourish their pups. Be sure your nursing mom has plenty of water so she can generate the milk volume she needs to feed the litter.

To help your nursing dog get enough nutrition, feed a nutrient-dense diet such as puppy food. Without increasing the amount of food offered at a meal, increase the number of meals throughout the day. Free-choice feed her, offering unlimited access to dry food throughout the day.

Weaning

By five weeks after birth, most puppies are showing an interest in their mother’s food. Gradually, the puppies will begin eating more solid food and nursing less. At the same time, the nursing mother will usually begin eating less. Most puppies are completely weaned around 8 weeks. By this time, the mother’s energy requirement is back to normal, and she should be eating her normal pre-pregnancy diet.

Summit 10  Food for the pregnant Dog

The best diet for pregnant and nursing dogs is a high-quality, nutrient-dense pet food that is formulated for all life stages or for grow : SUMMIT 10 PUPPY CHICKEN AND RICE.

CATS

Pregnancy

The gestation period for cats is nine weeks. Pregnant cats, like humans, gain weight gradually throughout pregnancy. The energy requirements of pregnant cats are reflected by their weight gain. The energy needs of a pregnant cat should gradually increase so that, by the end of pregnancy, the cat is consuming 25% to 50% more than her normal amount of calories.

Nursing

Pregnant cats lose weight after giving birth. However, their nutritional needs increase dramatically. Energy needs can be two to three times normal, depending on litter size, in order to produce the milk supply that will support the offspring. Water intake is also important for milk volume.

To ensure a nursing cat is getting enough nutrition, give her a nutrient-dense diet, such as kitten food. Without increasing the amount of food at each meal, increase the number of meals in the day. Free-choice feed her, offering unlimited access to dry food.

Weaning

By 5 weeks, most kittens show an interest in their mother’s food. Gradually, the kittens will begin eating solid food and nursing less.   At the same time, the nursing cat will usually start eating less.  Most kittens are completely weaned by eight weeks after birth. By this time, the mother’s energy requirement is back to normal and she should be eating her usual pre-pregnancy diet.

Summit 10  Food for the pregnant & nursing cats

The best diet for pregnant and nursing cats is a high-quality, nutrient-dense pet food that is formulated for all life stages or for grow : SUMMIT 10 KITTEN CHICKEN, FISH AND RICE.

Happy mothers day!