Pregnant and nursing dogs have very specific nutritional needs. That’s why special care and consideration should be taken when feeding and caring for these dogs.
Feeding Basics
Feeding an all life stage puppy food like Purina® Puppy Chow® brand puppy food is best
The food should have 1600 kcal digestible energy per pound of food and a minimum of 22 percent protein.
Unless the pregnant or nursing dog incorporates a tendency to place on an excessive amount of weight, give her all the food she wants.
If she seems to be losing weight, try moistening the food or switching to a more nutritionally dense food.
Always prevent lots of water during a clean bowl.
Adjustments During Pregnancy
Dogs are typically pregnant for about nine weeks. For the primary six or seven weeks, food intake should not be that much beyond normal.
Between weeks six and 7, the pregnant dog’s weight will increase. At now, put out 25 percent more food.
In week nine, her appetite may slip or disappear. this can be often an indication that the babies are born within the next day or two. take care to consult a book or expert on what behaviors or events to expect and what signs signal trouble.
Lactation
After the puppies are born, expect your dog’s diet to steadily increase over the subsequent 20 to 30 days because the puppies grow and nurse more.
After the primary month, the mother could also be eating two to fourfold the quantity of food she ate before pregnancy.
Give her all she wants and encourage her to eat by moistening the food.
In the third or fourth week, the puppies will probably start nibbling at her dish, which may be a great way to introduce them to solid food.
Weaning the Puppies
Between six and eight weeks, the puppies are typically weaned. Here are some steps to assist stop milk production and make the transition as easy for the mother as possible.
On weaning day, don't give the mother any food, only water.
The next day, give her 1/4 of her pre-pregnancy intake; the subsequent day, 1/2; and therefore the next, 3/4.
By the fifth day she should be back to her normal diet, although you'll increase it for females that have lost weight during pregnancy until she gains her weight back.
Switching Foods
At the start of the pregnancy and after lactation stops, you'll have to switch the food you're giving the mother. after you change foods, gradually make the transition over 7-10 days.
Feeding Basics
Feeding an all life stage puppy food like Purina® Puppy Chow® brand puppy food is best
The food should have 1600 kcal digestible energy per pound of food and a minimum of 22 percent protein.
Unless the pregnant or nursing dog incorporates a tendency to place on an excessive amount of weight, give her all the food she wants.
If she seems to be losing weight, try moistening the food or switching to a more nutritionally dense food.
Always prevent lots of water during a clean bowl.
Adjustments During Pregnancy
Dogs are typically pregnant for about nine weeks. For the primary six or seven weeks, food intake should not be that much beyond normal.
Between weeks six and 7, the pregnant dog’s weight will increase. At now, put out 25 percent more food.
In week nine, her appetite may slip or disappear. this can be often an indication that the babies are born within the next day or two. take care to consult a book or expert on what behaviors or events to expect and what signs signal trouble.
Lactation
After the puppies are born, expect your dog’s diet to steadily increase over the subsequent 20 to 30 days because the puppies grow and nurse more.
After the primary month, the mother could also be eating two to fourfold the quantity of food she ate before pregnancy.
Give her all she wants and encourage her to eat by moistening the food.
In the third or fourth week, the puppies will probably start nibbling at her dish, which may be a great way to introduce them to solid food.
Weaning the Puppies
Between six and eight weeks, the puppies are typically weaned. Here are some steps to assist stop milk production and make the transition as easy for the mother as possible.
On weaning day, don't give the mother any food, only water.
The next day, give her 1/4 of her pre-pregnancy intake; the subsequent day, 1/2; and therefore the next, 3/4.
By the fifth day she should be back to her normal diet, although you'll increase it for females that have lost weight during pregnancy until she gains her weight back.
Switching Foods
At the start of the pregnancy and after lactation stops, you'll have to switch the food you're giving the mother. after you change foods, gradually make the transition over 7-10 days.
0 Comments