Raw Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs

Feeding a pregnant dog on raw requires extra care and veterinary guidance. Here is what to know about nutritional needs and food safety during pregnancy.

Feeding a pregnant dog requires careful attention to her nutritional needs, which change significantly over the course of pregnancy and during lactation. This is an area where working closely with your veterinarian is particularly important.

Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy

A pregnant dog's caloric and nutrient requirements increase progressively as the pregnancy advances, particularly in the final weeks. By the last trimester, she may need significantly more food than her normal maintenance amount.

Getting the balance of nutrients right during pregnancy matters. Calcium and phosphorus ratios, overall protein intake, and caloric density are all factors that need to be managed carefully for the health of both the mother and the developing puppies.

Is Raw Feeding Appropriate for Pregnant Dogs?

Some experienced breeders feed their dogs raw throughout pregnancy and lactation with positive outcomes. However, pregnant and nursing dogs represent a case where the stakes of nutritional imbalance are higher than with healthy adult dogs, and where veterinary oversight is strongly recommended.

Before continuing or starting raw feeding with a pregnant dog, consult your veterinarian. They can evaluate whether the specific raw diet you are feeding is appropriate for her stage of pregnancy and help you adjust as needed.

Food Safety Considerations

Pregnant dogs may be more vulnerable to foodborne illness than healthy adults. The food safety practices that apply to all raw feeding, including thawing in the refrigerator, washing hands and surfaces thoroughly, and not leaving food at room temperature, become even more important during pregnancy.

After Whelping

Lactating dogs have extremely high caloric demands. Many raw feeders increase food quantities significantly during the nursing period, sometimes feeding ad libitum (as much as the dog will eat) rather than fixed portions. Again, working with your vet throughout this period is the recommended approach.

This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.