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What’s the best dog food for nursing dogs?
When a dog is nursing, it’s crucial to provide her with a nutritious diet that supports not just her own health but also the health of her puppies.
Choose a premium dog food that is specifically formulated for lactating or nursing dogs or one that provides complete and balanced nutrition, including high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Nursing dogs have higher energy requirements due to the demands of milk production, so you should select a food that is specially designed to meet these increased calorie needs. Alternatively, you can feed your dog regular adult dog food and add calorie-dense supplements recommended by your veterinarian.
Protein is essential for the growth and development of the puppies and for the overall health of the nursing dog. Ensure that the dog food you choose has a sufficient amount of high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
Fats are a concentrated source of energy and provide essential fatty acids for a nursing dog. Look for dog food that contains a moderate amount of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can support brain development in the puppies and promote the mother dog’s overall well-being.
On the list below you’ll find The Dog Food Advisor’s best foods for nursing dogs.
You’ll also learn the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about nursing dogs.
Best Dog Food for Nursing Dogs December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for nursing dogs for December 2024.
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Best Dog Food For Nursing Dogs
Ollie Fresh Lamb & Cranberries
Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, Ollie is a highly nutritious and palatable food for nursing dogs.
This Lamb with Cranberries formula is one of four recipes in our review of the fresh product line. Lamb helps build and maintain muscle, skin, and hair coat and cranberries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
Our dry matter label analysis shows it contains 38.5% protein, 26.9% fat, and 26.6% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
In addition this recipe includes butternut squash which provides dietary fiber to aid digestion, while chickpeas contribute to the high protein content required for growing puppies and a nursing dog. Kale, a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals, supports a dog’s immune system and gives them that extra nutrient boost.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- High in dietary fiber
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For 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 Wet Dog Food For Nursing Dogs
Wellness Complete Health Turkey Stew
Wellness Complete Health Turkey Stew is a hydrating food option for nursing dogs. This recipe features tender turkey bits and nutrient-rich vegetables, slow-cooked in a savory gravy.
The combination of turkey broth, liver, and added water ensures optimal hydration and provides a high-protein boost, crucial for nursing mothers.
Dry matter label analysis reveals that this recipe contains 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat and 30.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
It’s free from wheat, poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it a wholesome and natural choice for your nursing dog. This recipe is one of six wet food options included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
Read our review of the full Wellness Stews Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Highly palatable
- High protein
- Hydrating
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, water sufficient for processing, turkey liver, carrots Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Wellness is a high quality wet dog food that is filled with "real" ingredients not by products. You can see the chucks of turkey and vegetables. Our dogs love Wellness!"
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Best Dry Dog Food For Nursing Dogs
Orijen Six Fish
Orijen Six Fish is a high-quality dry dog food that offers a nutrient-dense diet for nursing dogs.
The first five ingredients in this recipe are raw fish, which are then freeze-dried to create a kibble that’s packed with protein and essential nutrients. This process helps preserve the natural goodness of the ingredients and ensures optimal nutrition for your nursing dog.
A dry matter label analysis reveals that the Orijen Six Fish recipe contains 45.5% protein, 18.2% fat, and 28.4% estimated carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 40%. This balanced nutritional profile provides the energy and nutrients needed to support both the mother and her puppies.
In addition to fish, this recipe includes lentils, pinto beans, peas, and pumpkin, which aid in digestion and provide additional nutrients. Orijen Six Fish is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen Grain-Free product line.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- High meat content
- Fresh ingredients
Main Ingredients Whole herring, salmon, monkfish, acadian redfish Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our pup love this!! He puts his face in the bowl and does not move until every last crumb is gone. I like that it is grain free and is high in protein and it tells you where the fish were sourced from. I noticed a difference in his coat. It was shiny and smooth. We give it 4 paws up!!"
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Nursing Dogs
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.
This human-grade recipe sources the majority of its protein from beef, a high-quality protein source essential for milk production and tissue repair. The addition of beef heart and liver further boosts the protein content.
For balanced nutrition, this recipe also includes carrots and cranberries. These ingredients provide dietary fiber to aid digestion and overall health.
A dry matter label analysis reveals that Raised Right Beef Puppy Growth contains 59% protein, 23.1% fat, and 9.9% estimated carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 39%.
Beef Puppy Growth Recipe is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right Fresh product line.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- High protein
- Formulated for growth
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 59% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Puppies and pregnant or lactating females Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at raisedrightpets.com"Love the food. Love the company. My German shorthairs thrive on this food."
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Best Grain-Free Dog Food For Nursing Dogs
Acana Free-Run Poultry
Acana Free-Run Poultry is a high-quality dry dog food that offers a balanced and nutritious diet for nursing dogs. This recipe features free-run chicken as the primary protein source, providing a lean and easily digestible protein that many dogs enjoy.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 19.3% fat and 39.7% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%. This food is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the Acana Dry product line.
To enhance the nutritional value of this formula, Acana Free-Run Poultry includes fiber-rich vegetables and fruits like whole pumpkin, apples, and pears. These ingredients promote healthy digestion and provide essential vitamins and minerals. This kibble recipe is grain-free and does not contain any low-quality fillers like soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca.
Read our review of the full Acana Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Free from fillers
- Easily digestible
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, chicken meal, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I recently purchased a bag of ACANA FREE-RUN POULTRY FORMULA DOG FOOD. This dog food contains a formula consisting of free-run chicken, turkey and cage free eggs. Our dog really loves the taste of this food and the dog seems to have more energy. I am very impressed with the effort that has been made to produce a healthy product."
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Best Dog Food With Grain For Nursing Dogs
Dr Tim's Kinesis All Life Stages
If you’re seeking a grain-inclusive option for your nursing dog, Kinesis All Life Stages Formula is an excellent choice. This high-quality dry dog food is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of Dr Tim’s Dry product line and is specifically formulated to support the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages, including nursing dogs.
Primarily sourced from chicken, this recipe provides a high-quality protein source to support milk production and tissue repair. It’s also free from corn, wheat, and soy, making it a suitable option for dogs with sensitivities.
To further enhance your dog’s well-being, Kinesis All Life Stages Formula includes probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants to promote gut health. Additionally, functional ingredients like fish oil, salmon meal, and taurine may support overall health and energy levels. The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA may help improve cognitive function and promote healthy aging.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 17.8% fat and 45.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy
- Includes probiotics and prebiotics
- Grain-inclusive
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"With the one female that had this food before she got pregnant to after they weaned off of her. She is in prime shape and the pups are gorges! With her feeding all the milk the pups wanted... This food has every thing in it that a pet or show dog needs!"
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 nursing dog?
A nursing 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 and milk production.
Choose a premium dog food which is specifically formulated for nursing or lactating dogs with high-quality protein such as chicken, beef, and fish. The recipe should also include healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The food needs to be higher in calories to support milk production or you could try a regular adult food alongside calorie-dense supplements.
Feeding your nursing dog a premium puppy food will also ensure that the milk she produces for the puppies is high-quality and full of nutrition for their growing bodies.
Consult your veterinarian for advice on what to feed your pregnant food to ensure that any underlying medical conditions are also considered.
What should I avoid giving my nursing dog?
You should avoid feeding a nursing dog dietary supplements like milk, meats, vitamins, and minerals, if you are already providing a high-quality diet formulated for lactation and/or growth.
Feeding your dog one of these options is ideal but using both at the same time could lead to excessive amounts of calcium or vitamin D. This can cause health complications.
How many times a day should a nursing dog eat?
Nursing a litter of puppies is tiring work so your dog will need extra energy and nutrients to support their milk production. You should give your nursing dog three meals a day during the first one to three weeks, and this can be increased to four meals by week four, when milk production is at its highest.
How much and how often you feed your dog can also depend on the dog’s breed and size of the litter. A dog nursing more than four puppies might need constant access to food, but you should ask your veterinarian for feeding advice to avoid excessive weight gain.
When should I decrease my nursing dog’s food?
Dogs will nurse their pups for roughly six to eight weeks, but you can slowly decrease your dog’s food at around three to four weeks, when the puppies will be gradually weaned off mom’s milk and onto solid food.
Feeding is crucial at this time for both puppies and mom, so seek advice from your veterinarian if you are unsure how much to feed your nursing dog and when to reduce meals.
How much milk does a nursing dog produce?
Dogs produce more milk for their puppies than humans do for their babies — around 964g at 19 days and 1054g at 26 days.
This is why a balanced and nutritious diet is essential.
Final word
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