Diet for Canine Reproduction
Achieve the right nutritional balance.
Healthy canines produce healthy pups. If you're looking to breed your canine, have a pregnant dog, or a new mother now is more crucial than ever to make sure she's meeting all of her dietary needs. Our South Mountain Canine Reproduction and Pet Care experts in Draper want to make sure all dog owners are doing what they can to keep their pets safe and healthy.
Check with Our Veterinarians First Before Starting a New Diet
Your dog should already be taken in for regular visits with our veterinarians if they are at any reproduction stage. Before starting your canine on any new dog food or diet, it's essential to consult with our veterinarians about your dog's dietary needs and any conditions they may have that restrict their diet.
Canine Reproduction Diet Guidelines
There is usually no need to increase food quantity in the initial stages of pregnancy (the first 5 to 6 weeks). Instead, focus on maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Wet food is usually a better choice than dry food in this situation, as it often contains higher levels of healthy fat and protein. Human food is okay if that's what your canine is used to eating and consists of a balanced diet. That said, take extreme caution around uncooked meat to avoid your dog getting a bacterial or parasitic infection.
No Low-Fat Dog Food
Generally speaking, only overweight canines on restrictive diets should be given low-fat dog food regularly. Pregnant and lactating dogs need extra calories because they burn a large amount each day.
Vitamins Are Important but Avoid Supplements
An excellent canine diet for reproduction will include all of the necessary vitamins and other nutrients in its meals. While the occasional treat here and there is okay, they should be kept at a minimum at this time to keep your dog's diet as stable as possible. Unless otherwise directed by our veterinarians, supplements should be avoided because they can serve as empty calories as well as disrupt the canine diet.
Stay Alert for Signs of Dietary Issues
Not all dogs can follow the same canine diet, and pregnant or lactating dogs can sometimes experience bad food reactions. Look out for any signs indicating your dog is not responding to their diet as well as they should, including:
- Being underweight or overweight
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat/leaving food untouched
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination/bowel issues
- Thinning out fur
Let Us Help You with Your Dog's Reproduction Diet in Draper, UT
Dogs come in many different shapes and sizes, and so do their pregnancies and dietary needs. Following these generalized diet rules can help, but it is essential to consult with an experienced canine reproduction veterinarian to know exactly what your dog needs. If you live in the Draper area, contact our team at South Mountain Canine Reproduction and Pet Care to learn more about how we can help.
If you’d like to schedule a pet nutrition consultation, call us at (801) 987-3639 or schedule an appointment online.
