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What’s the best dog food for pregnant dogs?
During pregnancy, it is crucial to provide a pregnant dog with a balanced and nutritious diet to support her own health and the development of her puppies.
A pregnant dog’s energy requirements increase as the pregnancy progresses. Select a dog food that is specially designed to meet these increased calorie needs without sacrificing nutritional balance.
Protein is essential for the growth and development of the puppies and for the overall health of the pregnant dog. Ensure that the dog food you choose has an adequate amount of high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
Look for a dog food that contains essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil or flaxseed) to support brain development in the puppies, as well as vitamins and minerals for overall health and immunity.
Pregnant dogs may experience digestive sensitivity, so choose a dog food that is easily digestible. Opt for formulas that contain high-quality ingredients and avoid excessive fillers or artificial additives that could cause digestive upset.
In fact, swapping to a recipe formulated specifically for puppies can be beneficial for pregnant dogs, as these tend to be higher in protein and contain more omega-3 fatty acids then regular dog food.
Each pregnant dog is unique, and their nutritional needs can vary. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific dietary requirements for your dog’s stage of pregnancy and any underlying health considerations.
Below you can find a list of our recommendations of the best foods for pregnant dogs. You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about pregnant dogs.
Best Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for pregnant dogs for December 2024.
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Best Dog Food For Pregnant Dogs
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken recipe boasts an exceptionally high protein content, making it perfect for supporting the growth and development of puppies and promoting the overall health of the mother.
It is one of three recipes included in our review of the pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw range and derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken, which is a popular, palatable source of protein that helps with growth and immune function.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 45% protein, 34% fat and 13% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 76%.
Crafted without fillers or by-products, pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken is made from non-GMO ingredients, providing a highly nutritious meal for your pregnant dog.Read our review of the full pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Non-GMO ingredients
- No fillers or by-products
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, chicken hearts, garbanzo beans, chicken gizzards Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 42% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at pawtree.com"The best freeze dried food on the market! "
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Best Dry Dog Food For Pregnant Dogs
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
We highly recommend the 5-star Whole Grain Chicken Recipe for pregnant dogs. This formula is rich in calories and protein, essential for lactating mothers and the growth of their puppies.
It’s one of eight formulas included in our review of this food range. The bulk of its meat protein comes from chicken, which offers essential proteins for muscle development and growth, which is especially important for pregnant dogs.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26.6% protein, 15.2% fat and 50.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
This formula is crafted with human-grade ingredients such as free-range chicken and organic oats, it contains no by-products, preservatives, fillers, GMOs, corn, wheat, or soy.Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Grain Inclusive Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- No fillers or preservatives
- Easily digestible
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen.com"I have mothering dogs and I feed them this everyday. It is healthy for them and provides enough nutrition after birth."
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Best Wet Food For Pregnant Dogs:
Ollie Fresh Beef with Sweet Potato
This fresh, human-grade food by Ollie is an excellent choice for pregnant dogs, offering high-quality nutrients and amino acids to support puppy development.
Featuring fresh beef as its main ingredient, this recipe is one of five highlighted in our review of the Ollie Fresh product line. Beef offers a tasty option for pregnant dogs struggling with a loss of appetite and provides vital nutrients like potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Complemented by sweet potato for easy digestion, along with wholesome carrots and peas, this formula delivers a well-rounded, nutritious meal ideal for pregnant dogs.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32.1% protein, 25% fat and 34.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Rich in amino acids
- Easily digestible
Main Ingredients Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32.1% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies and dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Absolutely love and adore this food we added to all of our pregnant and nursing mama's food!"
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Best Puppy Food For Pregnant Dogs
Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free Recipe With Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces
Puppy food is often recommended for pregnant dogs due to its higher nutrient content, increased energy levels, and ease of digestion — all crucial for keeping the mother strong and passing essential nutrients to her puppies.
We recommend Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free Recipe, which combines a rich blend of proteins and nutrients ideal for pregnant dogs.
This chicken-based formula is one of 11 dry recipes reviewed and derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken, complemented by turkey and salmon meal. According to our dry matter label analysis, the food contains 39.6% protein, 23.6% fat, and 28.8% estimated carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
With a balanced mix of poultry, fish, and meat, Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free Recipe ensures healthy exposure to diverse proteins. Additionally, natural DHA from chicken eggs supports brain and eye development, making this nutrient-packed food an excellent choice for both pregnant dogs and their growing puppies.
Read our review of the full Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Natural DHA
- Blend of meats
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey meal, peas, menhaden fish meal, egg product Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39.6% AAFCO Standards Growth and Reproduction Best For Puppies and pregnant or lactating females Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Great for my pre-natal mom dog - vet recommended to me and she loves it!."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my pregnant dog?
A pregnant dog requires a balanced and nutritious diet to support her health and the growth of her puppies. She will need more calories as her body uses more energy during pregnancy, but the food should still be nutritional.
The best dog food for a pregnant dog will contain essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids to help the puppies’ brain development, plus vitamins and minerals. It should also have high-quality ingredients and protein sources like beef, fish, or chicken.
Some pregnant dogs might experience sensitive stomachs, so an easily-digestible dog food with limited fillers and artificial additives can help with this.
You should seek advice from your vet if you are unsure what to feed your pregnant dog, particularly if your dog has existing medical conditions, as each dog has different requirements.
Should I feed my pregnant dog puppy food?
Yes, from week six of pregnancy your pregnant dog should be given high-quality puppy food or a puppy formula. You will need to slowly transition them onto this food, over the course of five days to a week, to avoid an upset stomach.
Puppy food is higher in protein, energy, and vitamins and minerals which are essential for puppy development, compared to adult food. Giving your pregnant dog puppy food at this stage is crucial for providing them with extra nutrients as their stomach size reduces and their appetite shrinks. The food should also be easy to digest.
Consult your vet if you need help with choosing a puppy food, and consider your dog’s breed and size — make sure you are giving small breed puppy food to a small breed, for example.
How many times a day should a pregnant dog eat?
Pregnant dogs will need more food than normal but they will also have less space in their stomach. Once you have moved your pregnant dog onto puppy food, you should also start to increase their meal times.
To accommodate for a smaller stomach, feed your pregnant dog little and often, rather than two large meals a day.
Should I increase my pregnant dog’s food?
Yes, but not straight away. For the first five weeks of pregnancy, dogs won’t need to increase their food intake. They may even experience nausea or a reduced appetite, similar to our morning sickness symptoms. However, between six and seven weeks of their pregnancy, dogs should be given 25% more food to account for their weight gain and milk production.
In week nine of pregnancy, your dog might lose their appetite, which often means the puppies are close to arrival.
Do pregnant dogs need lots of water?
Yes, fluid intake is important for pregnant dogs who are sharing food and nutrients with their growing puppies. Your dog may experience increased thirst so you should always ensure fresh water is available for them at all times.
Can I give milk to my pregnant dog?
Yes, milk is a great source of nutrients for a pregnant dog.
What are the signs that my dog is pregnant?
The signs to look out for if you think your dog might be pregnant are:
- Swollen stomach
- Increased appetite
- Reduced appetite or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Increased nipple size
- Nesting behavior
- Irritable
- Showing more affection
Final word
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