Importance of Proper Nutrition
Nursing puppies takes a major toll on a mother dog’s body. She needs increased levels of protein, fat, and calories in order to keep up with milk production and properly nourish her puppies (Purinainstitute.com). Proper nutrition helps stimulate milk production and keeps both mom and puppies in optimal health.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Nutrition is extremely important for the lactating bitch as she has greatly increased nutritional demands during lactation.” Meeting these increased nutritional needs helps replace the nutrients lost in milk production and prevents exhaustion or excessive weight loss in the mother dog.
Additionally, the right nutrition provides the protein, calcium, and other nutrients puppies need for proper growth and development while nursing. Well-nourished puppies are more likely to thrive and have strong immune systems (Iams.com).
Nutritional Needs
Nursing mother dogs require special nutritional care to support milk production and puppy growth. According to the Purina Institute, lactating dogs need a highly digestible, energy- and nutrient-rich diet to meet the demands of nursing [1]. Their calorie needs increase significantly, with nursing dogs requiring 30-50% more calories than normal [2]. High quality proteins are essential for milk production, and omega fatty acids support healthy brain development in the puppies.
The best dog food for nursing mothers has higher calorie density and increased fat and protein levels compared to normal adult dog food. Veterinarians often recommend switching to a puppy formula or growth formula dog food during this time. These foods are designed to meet the unique nutritional demands of lactation and promote milk quality and quantity.
Best Dog Food Ingredients
When choosing the best dog food for a nursing mother dog, it’s important to look for certain key ingredients that will provide optimal nutrition. Some of the most important ingredients to look for include:
Animal-based proteins – Nursing dogs need high-quality sources of protein to support milk production and help maintain lean muscle mass. The highest quality proteins come from animal sources like chicken, fish, eggs, beef and lamb. Look for dog foods that list a specific animal protein source as the first ingredient.
Hearty whole grains – Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal and barley provide nursing dogs with lasting energy and important carbohydrates. They also supply fiber to support healthy digestion. Avoid corn, wheat and soy which are more difficult for dogs to digest.
Veggies and fruits – Dog foods with veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach give nursing moms important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Small amounts of nutrient-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries can also be beneficial. But don’t overdo it on fruits since dogs don’t digest sugars as well.
When comparing dog food labels, prioritize formulas with quality animal proteins followed by whole grains and veggies. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, soy and by-product meals which provide less nutritional value. A diet rich in premium proteins, carbohydrates and micronutrients will give a nursing dog the balanced nutrition she needs.
Wet vs. Dry Food
Wet or canned food generally has a moisture content of around 75%, while dry food contains about 10% moisture. This difference in moisture content is important to consider when feeding a nursing dog.
Wet food provides more moisture and water content than dry food. This helps keep the nursing mother hydrated as she produces milk for the puppies. Proper hydration is crucial while nursing since milk production requires substantial fluid intake. The high moisture content of wet food can help meet this increased need for fluids.
However, dry kibble has some advantages as well. The crunchy texture and hardness of the kibbles provide chewing satisfaction that dogs naturally crave. This helps satisfy the mother dog’s urge to chew. Dry food may also help clean the dog’s teeth. Additionally, some nursing dogs prefer the taste and texture of dry kibble.
For optimal nutrition and hydration, most experts recommend feeding the nursing dog a combination of wet and dry food. This balanced approach provides the hydration benefits of canned food along with the chewing satisfaction and tooth-cleaning effects of dry kibble. Aim for a ratio around 50% wet food and 50% dry food.
Monitor the mother dog closely and adjust the wet/dry ratio according to her preferences and needs. Providing a mix of canned and kibble supports the increased demands during this important nursing period.
How Much to Feed
When determining how much to feed a nursing mother dog, it’s best to start with puppy feeding guidelines and adjust based on the mother’s weight and body condition. Nursing dogs generally require 1.5-3 times their normal intake to meet the demands of milk production.
The general rule is to feed about 1 lb of high quality puppy food per day for each puppy the mother is nursing. For example, if the mother is nursing 5 puppies, she would start with being fed about 5 lbs of food per day. This amount should be split into 3-4 small meals throughout the day to prevent gorging and vomiting.
It’s also important to monitor the mother’s body condition and adjust food amounts accordingly. If she seems to be losing weight or body condition is declining, gradually increase food until condition stabilizes. If she seems to be gaining too much weight, reduce food slightly. Feeding a high calorie puppy formula will help the mother maintain condition.
Some sources recommend these daily amounts based on puppy count:
- 1-4 Puppies: feed up to double normal amount
- 5-8 Puppies: feed 2-2.5 times normal amount
- 9+ Puppies: feed at least 3 times normal amount
It’s ideal to feed a premium puppy kibble for added calories and nutrients. Canned food can also be added for extra calories and moisture. Always provide fresh, clean water at all times.
Monitor the mother’s body condition closely and make diet adjustments as needed. With adequate nutrition, she should be able to comfortably nurse her litter while maintaining a healthy weight.
Signs of Over or Underfeeding
It’s important to watch for signs that your nursing dog is being overfed or underfed. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health problems like diabetes or joint issues. Underfeeding affects milk supply and the health of puppies. Here are some key signs to watch for:
If your dog is being overfed, she may start to gain weight rapidly or become overweight. According to PetMD, obesity is one of the most common health issues for dogs today. An overfed dog may also have less energy, gas, skin problems, or bowel issues like diarrhea or constipation [1]. The Burns Pet Nutrition blog notes that an overfed dog may have a distended or pendulous abdomen and difficulty exercising or breathing [2].
Underfeeding can lead to poor coat condition, low energy, and reduced milk supply for puppies. The dog may also have small, hard stools if she is not getting adequate nutrition. It’s important to watch your dog’s body condition and adjust food as needed to maintain an ideal weight.
Transitioning Foods
When transitioning a nursing dog from one food to another, it’s important to do so gradually over the course of 5-7 days to avoid digestive upset. According to the VCA Hospitals, abruptly changing a nursing dog’s diet can lead to gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Gradually transitioning gives the dog’s digestive system time to adjust to the new food.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the current food, with the ratio being about 75% old food and 25% new food. Slowly adjust the ratios over a week until the dog is eating 100% new food. Monitor the nursing dog closely during this transition period for any signs of digestive upset like loose stool or lack of appetite.
It’s also recommended to keep the nursing puppies on the same food until they are fully weaned, which is typically at 3-4 weeks old. Avoid transitioning both the mother and puppies at the same time, as this can further disrupt digestion. Stick with the original puppy food until weaning is complete.
Supplements
In addition to a high-quality diet, nursing dogs often benefit from certain supplements to support milk production and provide vital nutrients to puppies. Two of the most important supplements are calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Calcium is crucial for milk production, as milk contains high levels of this mineral. Some high-quality commercial diets contain enough calcium for the average nursing dog. However, larger breed dogs producing more milk may need supplementation. Calcium supplements formulated specifically for lactation are recommended. Too much calcium can be harmful, so follow label dosing instructions carefully and consult your veterinarian if unsure.
Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA support brain and vision development in puppies. These fats are often deficient in commercial dog foods. Look for a fish oil supplement designed for dogs that provides omega-3s from marine sources. You can also give small amounts of canned sardines packed in water. But too much fish oil can suppress immune function, so follow dosing guidelines.
If the mother dog struggles to produce enough milk, adding a puppy milk replacer formula can provide supplemental nutrition. Select a high quality milk replacer designed for puppies and follow preparation instructions carefully. Check with your veterinarian before routinely supplementing with formula, as this may further suppress the mother’s milk production if overused.
Water Intake
Nursing dogs need significantly more water than normal to stay hydrated and produce milk for puppies. It’s recommended to increase fresh water availability and monitor intake.
Some tips for ensuring proper hydration include:
- Make sure the mother dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. Refresh water bowls frequently.
- Add broth, canned food, or warm water to dry kibble to increase moisture intake.
- Offer ice cubes for the nursing dog to lick as a treat.
- Monitor urine color – it should be light yellow. Dark yellow urine can signify dehydration.
Dehydration can affect milk supply and overall health. Make sure the mother dog is drinking adequate water by providing multiple bowls around the house and rewarding with treats when drinking.
Sources: How much water should a nursing dog drink?, How to Feed and Hydrate a Mother Dog
When to Seek Veterinary Care
It’s important for nursing mother dogs and their puppies to receive veterinary care within the first 48 hours after birth and regularly thereafter. Some concerning signs to watch out for that warrant a veterinary visit include:
Refusal to eat – Nursing requires extra calories so a lack of appetite can quickly lead to nutritional deficiencies and inadequate milk supply. Significant inappetence lasting over 24 hours requires veterinary attention.
Severe weight loss/gain – Nursing mothers should gain weight gradually as puppies grow, while puppies should gain steadily each day. Sudden losses or gains in body weight need to be addressed.
Mastitis or low milk supply – Mastitis is a painful inflammation of the mammary glands that requires prompt veterinary treatment. It can cause milk supply issues as well. Changes in milk supply whether due to mastitis, malnutrition, or other causes also warrant a veterinary visit.
Puppy failure to thrive – Normal, healthy puppies will gain weight daily and hit developmental milestones on time. Any stunted growth or abnormalities in puppies need to be evaluated right away to determine if supplementation or medical intervention is needed.
In addition to these issues, any abnormal vaginal discharge in the mother dog, signs of infection, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, fever, or behavioral changes are reasons to seek veterinary care for nursing mothers and puppies. Proper post-partum and newborn care is essential.
