A nursing dog needs significantly more food, potentially 2 to 4 times their normal amount, peaking around weeks 3-5 when milk production is highest, so offer a nutrient-dense puppy food (high protein/fat) with free access or small, frequent meals, and ensure constant fresh water to support milk production and her health. Gradually reduce food as puppies wean, and always consult your vet for personalized advice.
Generally, the mother should be fed 1.5-2 times her normal maintenance needs during the first week of lactation, 2 times maintenance during the second week, and up to 2.5-3 times maintenance during the third to fifth week; the most energy-consuming period of lactation.
A nursing dog should be fed as much as she wants, ie food should always be available. It is advised to feed a high quality puppy food as it is higher in calories and calcium. You can ask your vet if calcium supplementation is needed. Dehydration can cause also lead to low milk production - milk is mostly water.
Nutrition after birth
Provide a highly nutritious diet while she is nursing her puppies. Vets usually recommend high-quality puppy food. Feed your dog 3-4 meals throughout the day towards the end of the pregnancy and for the first 6-8 weeks after giving birth.
Depending on litter size, nursing dogs might need two to three times their normal food requirement to nourish their pups. Be sure your nursing mom has plenty of water so they can generate the milk volume they need to feed the litter.
The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training is a specific routine: 10 minutes outside in the designated potty spot, staying 10 feet away from the house/play area, followed by 10 minutes of focused supervision indoors to prevent accidents before the next potty break, creating a consistent cycle for success. This method ensures the puppy has ample time to eliminate and minimizes mistakes by closely monitoring them afterward, reinforcing good habits consistently.
To boost milk production, it's essential to provide your nursing dog with a balanced and nourishing diet. High-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids are the building blocks of milk production, and they can be found in meat, fish and eggs.
A balanced diet packed with high-quality protein, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals is vital. A nursing dog also needs more calories and higher protein levels to support her energy requirements and ensure proper puppy growth and development.
While panting immediately after birth is a completely normal occurrence, prolonged panting is not. If this issue continues for several days after delivering puppies, your dog may be experiencing problems such as: an incomplete birth, milk fever, a high temperature, heart problems, or pain of some sort.
Puppies should be fed approximately 8 times a day, or every two hours, the first week. The second week, decrease to 5 feedings a day. The third and fourth week they should get 4 feedings. Puppies can be weaned beginning in the fourth week.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
How to tell if the mother's milk supply is adequate? A contented litter of plump puppies is the best indication that the mother is producing adequate milk. Any puppies that appear restless and do not have fat tummies will benefit from supplemental feeding one to three times a day.
Some breeds may experience overfeeding-related digestive upset or obesity in puppies. Overfeeding by a nursing mother dog can lead to excessive weight gain and digestive issues in puppies.
Yes, cooked eggs are generally safe for dogs and can be a great source of nutrients. Eggs contain high-quality protein and essential amino acids that help support muscle development and repair. They also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including: Vitamin A, which supports healthy skin and vision.
80/10/10 dog food refers to the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet, a popular raw feeding method with a ratio of 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, and 10% secreting organs (like liver and kidney), aiming to mimic a whole prey animal's diet. While considered a natural approach, many experts stress that this model alone often lacks essential nutrients, requiring additions like fatty fish, kelp, or supplements to provide complete nutrition and prevent deficiencies, especially for long-term feeding or growing puppies, notes Houndsy and The Canine Dietitian.
Newborn puppies need close monitoring
This doesn't mean you need to watch newborn puppies 24/7. But you should check on them every few hours to ensure they're nursing and not being pushed away by littermates. Additionally, breeder Niki Gordon notes that different breeds may require different levels of supervision.
Initial signs of milk fever include:
It is sometimes difficult to tell if all the placentas have been delivered, since many dogs eat them as soon as they pass. If the mother develops bloody or odorous vaginal discharge 24 to 48 hours after birth, it may indicate a retained placenta.
New moms may also lose a lot of hair or 'blow coat' — The stress of pregnancy, labor and delivery along with the following stress of nursing puppies can disrupt the cycle of hair loss and regrowth and cause remarkable hair loss and even some baldness. Not to worry, however.
Milk thistle is one natural supplement known to help nursing mothers with their milk-making. Other dogs benefit from taking zinc while providing for their pups. In small doses, apricot can also increase milk production. Whatever you decide, it's always best to run it by your vet before you begin supplementing.
Raised Right Puppy Growth Recipe
A food specifically designed for growth is an excellent choice for a nursing dog. Raised Right Beef Puppy Growth is a prime example, packed with protein and calories to support both her health and her puppies' development.
Opt for protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, and seafood low in mercury. Choose a variety of whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables. Eating a variety of foods while breastfeeding will change the flavor of your breast milk.
How will I know if the mother's milk supply is adequate? A contented litter of plump puppies is the best indication that the mother is producing adequate milk. Any puppies that appear restless and do not have fat tummies will benefit from supplemental feeding one to three times a day.
Post-Birth: Increase calcium intake to support milk production with meal replacement bones and calcium-rich meals like Chicken, Turkey, and Duck. Reduce extra organ meat to prevent loose stools. Your dog will need more calories to produce milk.
Offer both breasts at each feeding. Feed every 2 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night (at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours). If your baby will not latch, use a good quality double electric breast pump to increase milk production. Pumping after breastfeeding signals your body to produce more milk.