Feeding During Pregnancy

 

From the date of conception until weaning, a puppy’s nutrition is entirely dependant on the mother. Naturally, her feeding requirements will change dramatically during this period and her diet will have to be altered accordingly. Pregnancy lasts 9 weeks. For the first 6 weeks, the puppy grows relatively slowly and does not put large nutritional demands on the mother meaning that her normal diet will usually suffice. After 6 weeks however, the developing puppy begins to grow at a much more dramatic rate, increasing its weight by roughly 300% in the subsequent 3 weeks.

For this reason we recommend either making a gradual switch to the higher energy All in One Puppy food or replacing some All in One Adult with certain high protein, high fat foods. Raw or cooked meats are ideal (except for pork) especially whole chicken wings as they contain plenty of protein, fat and calcium. Meals should be small but frequent as the mother’s stomach capacity will be considerably reduced.