When caring for a pregnant dog, providing the best nutrition is essential for her and her newborn puppies’ health.
You want to Choose the best dog food for pregnant dog. In that case, it’s essential to consult with your veterinary to confirm you meet the specific dietary needs of your dog. A balanced and healthy diet during pregnancy is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery of puppies.
Pregnancy is a crucial period in a dog’s life. It is essential to provide proper nutrition for the health of both the mother and her newborn puppies. Selecting the right food for your pregnant dog can be daunting, regarding the many options available.
This guide will discuss important factors to consider when selecting food for a pregnant dog. We will also go over their nutritional needs and recommend the best dog food for pregnant dog. This will ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy for your beloved pet.
During pregnancy, a dog’s nutritional requirements undergo significant changes to support the growth and development of the puppies. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are vital in meeting these increased demands.
Adequate protein content is essential for healthy muscle and tissue development in the mother and the puppies.
Healthy fats provide energy and support the development of the puppies’ brains and nervous systems. Carbohydrates supply power for the mother’s increased metabolic needs.
When selecting suitable dog food for your pregnant companion, it is crucial to consider a few key factors.
Firstly, opt for a high-quality, balanced diet specifically formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs.
Look for food that contains excellent animal protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish, listed as the main ingredients. Avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, and fillers that may compromise the overall quality of the food.
Additionally, consider your dog’s breed size, as this can impact her dietary needs.
Proper nutrition is of utmost importance during a dog’s pregnancy to ensure the mother’s and her puppies’ health and well-being.
Understand the nutritional needs of your pregnant dog. Consider key factors when choosing dog food. Look for specific ingredients. This way, you can provide your pregnant dog with the best food.
dog with the best possible nutrition. Remember to confer with your veterinary for personalized advice, as they can provide valuable guidance based on your
dog’s needs. With the right food, your pregnant dog can enjoy a healthful pregnancy and give birth to strong puppies.
These are five of the best dog food options for pregnant dogs. They have been reviewed for their true quality and received good reviews. They are all available on the market. They are listed based on popularity, quality, price, and durability user opinion.
Purina beyond adult wet dog food:
Wet food is one of the easiest for your puppy to digest. Purina Beyond’s grain-free formula is one of the best pregnancy dog foods. With this variety pack, you can keep her interested even if her appetite is a little hit-and-miss. Natural beef, chicken, or salmon, a fish meal, is your pregnant dog’s most nutritious food.
She will get the necessary protein and topped with a rich gravy to fuel her energy. Her taste buds will be satisfied. As well as protein, she will also get the essential omega vitamins and minerals to keep her healthy and strong. It will be supporting her fast-growing unborn puppies.
Ingredients of Purina adult wet dog food:
| The first item of this dog food is chicken. Cooking raw chicken reduces its water content by up to 72%. This reduces its weight to just a fraction of its original size. |
| The second item is rice. This item is too essential for a pregnant dog to keep her energy. |
| The third item is the burley. Burley is a carbohydrate that supplies fiber and other nutrients to a puppy’s body. |
| The fourth element is the canola meal. Canola meal is an oil used for animal feed and biodiesel. |
| The next item is a chicken meal. |
| The sixth ingredient is oatmeal. |
| After all, it is made of beef fat and sunflower oil. |
The Honest Kitchen Organic Whole Grain Dog Food:
This dog food has simple, wholesome ingredients, including whole grains. This organic dehydrated dog food offers overall nutrition that benefits all stages of your dog’s pregnancy. The honest kitchen organic whole grain dog food difference
| agree their pets’ overall skin |
| Digestion improved |
| overall well-being and coat health improved and energy improved |
This natural formula has the lowest percentage of protein compared to others in this review. However, it is still able to supply energy and satisfy a hungry dog.
The moderate calories are suitable for their appetite, and no byproducts or preservatives exist. It is also free of red flags ingredients.
When feeding your pet, you may need to consider sensitivities such as corn, wheat, or soy. To get the most out of these foods, add warm water. This will bring out their soothing goodness. Making this a good meal for tired dogs needing some high-quality comfort food.
Specifications of honest kitchen organic whole grain dog food:
100% human grade:
This food is made full of human food ingredients. It contains no animal feed-grade ingredients
and is made in a human food production facility. It is not intended for your dog to eat. Not you!
Switching to a natural diet:
Add a little honest kitchen to your pet’s food for 5-7 days while decreasing the amount of current food. Empty bowl guaranteed.
Complete and balanced:
This recipe has been formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO dog food. Pregnant dogs have specific nutrient profiles, regardless of their life stage. These also apply to large-size dogs, defined as those that weigh 70 lbs or more as adults.
Ingredients of honest kitchen dog food:
Dehydrated turkey, organic oats, dehydrated organic kelp, and dehydrated potatoes are included in the ingredients. Organic flaxseed, dehydrated cabbage, dried apples, dehydrated honey, dehydrated carrots, and dried garlic are also included. Minerals, taurine, vitamin E/B12/B1 thiamine nitrate, calcium vitamin B5, riboflavin, and vitamin D3 supplement complete the list.
Guaranteed analysis:
| Crude protein min 22.0% |
| Crude fat min 15.0% |
| Crude fiber max 5.0% |
| Moisture max 8.6% |
| Taurine min 0.15% |
| 484(kcal) per cup |
Orijen freeze-dried dog treats:
As a proud pet parent, you will want to treat your pregnant dog with original freeze-dried dog food. You have a tasty titbit that is grain free.
These treats contain only the best protein. The sources are chicken, turkey, and wild-caught monkfish. Monkfish also adds omegas.
Freeze-drying preserves all the natural flavor, aroma, and goodness. It will get your pet’s attention and make their taste buds happy. Each large kibble has only five calories, but it is full of energy-boosting nutrients.
You can be sure you are giving your clever dog mom a well-earned dog treat. As a proud pet parent, you will want to treat your pregnant dog with Orijen freeze-dried dog food.
Specifications of Orijen freeze-dried dog treats:
| Feed your dog a protein-powered diet. |
| 85% quality poultry and fish elements, providing a solid source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. |
| The first 5 elements are always fresh or raw protein, including poultry and fish. |
| Made in the USA with the world’s most acceptable ingredients. |
Ingredients of Orijen freeze-dried dog food treats:
Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), chicken liver, flounder, chicken heart, mixed vitamin E, citric acid, rosemary extract.
Guaranteed analysis:
| Crude protein min 45% |
| Crude fat min 35% |
| Crude fiber max 1% |
| Moisture max 2% |
Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw dinner patties.
Stella & Chewy is made from sustainably sourced ingredients and with 95% of the protein from cage-free chicken. Freeze-dried into raw patties. This is an energy-boosting for your pregnant dog. The raw protein supports its absorption, making it an easy-to-eat option for your dog.
Each patty provides 50 calories, so it is a good way of feeding your dog in the later stages of pregnancy. If they are struggling to eat or have lost their appetite. They also contain 100% fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition. They are fortified with probiotics and can be rehydrated with water for easier eating.
Specifications of Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw dinner patties.
Only the good stuff:
Their recipes are formulated to mirror the best nutrition for your pet. Your pets deserve the thrive on pure, simple, and minimally-processed raw food-delivered in the most natural state.
That’s why they start with raw, grass, feed beef, with no counted hormones or medicine, and add wholesome food and vegetables. Their products are made with no grains, enclose probiotics to aid digestion, and are gluten-free.
Trustable food and safety:
At Stella & Chewy’s, all products are safe and trustable for your pregnant dog. All products are tested before packaging, with the outside lab result posted on their website for complete peace of mind.
Recommended feeding guidelines:
Operate as is or rehydrate by adding cool or warm water. If your dog doesn’t regularly drink water at mealtime, it is recommended to rehydrate. To rehydrate, crumble and add ¼ cup of water for every patty. If feeding dry, always make sure your dog has ample fresh water available at mealtime.
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Crude protein min 44.0% |
| Crude fat min 35.0% |
| Crude fiber max 5.0% |
| Moisture max 5.0% |
Ingredients of Stella and Chewy’s raw freeze-dried raw patties:
Beef, beef kidney, beef liver, beef heart, beef tripe, beef bone, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrot, organic squash, organic blueberries, fenugreek seed, potassium chloride, dried kelp, sodium phosphate, tocopherols, choline chloride, dried bacterium probiotic, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, taurine calcium carbonate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine nitrate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B2 supplement, pyridoxine HCl, folic acid.
Instinct Raw is the Best Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs:
This is a premium and expensive dog food. This combo provides an energy-boosting hit of protein. It is grain-free kibble and freeze-dried raw cage-free chicken. Additionally, probiotics are added to support your pet’s digestion.
You also get omegas and free radical scavengers for your pet’s health. The result is a dry dog food that is on the calorie-high side. Choosing this option is a great idea for the later stages of your pet’s pregnancy.
It is also beneficial when the mother dog feeds her new litter. Our dog food is made with minimal processing and is free from corn, potato, wheat, or soy, resulting in a highly digestible meal that offers a delightful real meat flavor.
Specifications of Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food:
| Grain-Free Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw USA Raised Beef: Instinct Raw Boost natural dry dog food combines high protein, grain-free kibble with all-natural bites of freeze-dried raw beef. USA-raised beef is the #1 ingredient. |
| Natural Dog Food Plus Freeze Dried Raw Pieces: Raw Boost is high-protein dog food with probiotics to help fit digestion and omegas for skin & coat. Made without grain, potato, cereal, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives. |
| The First Raw Boost Kibble: Raw Boost mixes high protein, grain-free dog food with our freeze-dried raw dog food toppers in one bag. Complete & balanced nutrition for all dogs, including small breeds, toy breeds, puppies, and senior & healthy weight. |
| The power of raw ingredients: Our dog food is made with essential nutrition. Raw is natural, made from real meat & whole food ingredients, protein-packed & minimally processed. Made in the USA with the finest elements from around the world. |
Best Dog Food Boosted with Raw: It prepares dry & wet dog food from natural ingredients. Compare Instinct to Blue Buffalo, Rachel Ray, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina One, Taste of the Wild, Merrick, Natural Balance, Wellness, Orijen, Royal Canin, Iams & Nutro.
Ingredients of Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food:
Beef, white fish feed, herring feed, chicken fat (preserved with varied tocopherols and citric acid), peas, chicken meal, tapioca, menhaden fish meal, natural flavor, freeze-dried beef, freeze-dried beef liver, pumpkin seeds, dried tomato pomace, freeze-dried beef heart, freeze-dried beef kidney, freeze-dried beef spleen, bentonite clay, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, niacin supplement, thiamine nitrate, d calcium panthenol, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine HCl salt, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin), chickpeas, carrots, apples, cranberries, minerals,(zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, Ethane-1,2-diamine
dihydrate, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, taurine, dried kelp, salmon oil, blueberries, dried bacillus, and rosemary extract.
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Crude protein min 35.0% |
| Crude fat min 21.0% |
| Crude fiber max 3.5% |
| Moisture max 9.0% |
| Zinc min 120 kg/mg |
| Selenium min 0.6kg/mg |
| Vitamin A min 18000 IU/kg |
| Vitamin E min 120UI/kg |
| Ascorbic acid min 100 kg/mg |
| Omega 3 fatty acid min 0.06% |
| Omega 6 fatty acid min 3.1% |
| Bacillus coagulans min 80000000 cfu/lb |
| Taurine min 0.1% |
5 Most Dangerous Food for Pregnant Dogs:
Xylitol:
Xylitol is a sugar substitute in various food products, including candies, gum, and baked goods. While xylitol is secure for humans, it can be hazardous for pregnant dogs. Ingesting xylitol while pregnant can cause a dog’s insulin levels to spike.
This sudden release of insulin can lead to low blood sugar. This condition can have detrimental effects on the health of the mother and her unborn puppies.
This can be life-threatening for both the mother and her developing puppies. Indications of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures. In complex cases, it can even result in liver failure.
It is essential to protect the health of pregnant dogs and their unborn puppies. To do this, we must keep all xylitol-containing products out of their reach. This precaution prevents accidental ingestion and potential harm to their well-being.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is highly toxic and dangerous for pregnant dogs, just as it is for pregnant humans. When a pregnant dog ingests alcohol, it can quickly be absorbed into its bloodstream, affecting the developing puppies. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to serious health issues for the mother and the puppies. It can impair fetal development, causing developmental anomalies, congenital disabilities, and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcohol can have severe consequences for the health of pregnant dogs and their unborn puppies. It can disrupt the normal functioning of vital organs, like the liver, and lead to complications and organ failure. It is crucial to prevent any exposure of pregnant dogs to alcohol, as even small amounts can negatively impact their well-being and the fitness of their unborn puppies.
Responsible pet owners should keep all alcoholic beverages securely stored and prevent any accidental ingestion by their pregnant dogs.
Onion and garlic:
Onions and garlic belong to the Allium clan and contain toxic compounds for dogs, including pregnant dogs. Compounds N-propyl disulfide and Sodium hyposulfite can harm a dog’s red blood cells. This can result in hemolytic anemia.
A pregnant dog should not consume onions or garlic. Even small amounts can have negative consequences on the health of the pregnant dog and her puppies.
Symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning in dogs include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, and dark-colored urine. In extreme cases, it can lead to organ damage and even death. To ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant dogs and their unborn puppies, it is crucial to keep all foods containing onions and garlic, including sauces, seasonings, and certain cooked dishes, away from them.
Caffeine:
Caffeine, commonly found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain foods, is known to be hazardous for pregnant dogs. When a pregnant dog ingests caffeine, it can adversely affect her and her developing puppies. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and can significantly increase a dog’s heart rate and blood pressure, leading to cardiac problems.
Moreover, caffeine is a diuretic, causing increased urine production and potential dehydration. The substance is also known to cross the placenta, affecting the developing puppies directly. Symptoms of caffeine toxicity in pregnant dogs include restlessness, increased thirst, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and even seizures. It is important to keep all caffeinated products away from pregnant dogs to prevent potential harm and ensure the health and well-being of the mother and her unborn puppies.
Raw eggs:
Raw eggs pose potential health risks for pregnant dogs and should be avoided. Raw eggs can include bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause foodborne infections in both dogs and humans.
When a pregnant dog consumes raw eggs, she puts herself and her developing puppies at risk. Bacterial infections can cause digestive problems, like vomiting and diarrhea. These issues can be especially dangerous for pregnant dogs, as their health is already fragile.
The protein avidin present in raw egg whites can prevent the absorption of biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin that is necessary for healthy skin, coat, and overall growth. Cook eggs thoroughly before feeding them to a pregnant dog. This eliminates the risk of bacterial pollution and ensures the safety and well-being of the mother and her unborn puppies.
