Getting the nutritional balance right is vital for ensuring the health your pet and her litter.
A switch in time
Pregnancy has a significant affect on the nutritional requirements of a mum-to-be. The production of milk is one of most nutritionally demanding activities in a dog's life. Like puppies, pregnant or nursing bitches need an extra boost of protein and energy to help them through this period of physical stress.
Whereas feeding larger quantities of their usual food may suit some animals, it is usually better to move to a high-energy food such as an 'active' or puppy formula for this period. The additional calories and higher levels of other key nutrients are just what a pregnant or lactating bitch needs. This is particularly advisable if your bitch is quite lean, or you suspect she may have a large litter of puppies.
As with the transition to any new food, moving to a high-energy formula should be done gradually, from approximately the sixth week of pregnancy. Progressively substitute a little more of the new food for the old over a period of about a week, until your pet is only eating the new food. As long as mum is on a complete diet, any further supplements will be unnecessary.
Changes in appetite
Over time, an expectant mother will require increasing amounts of high-quality food to nourish both herself and the developing litter. However, for the first four to five weeks of pregnancy, a normal serving should suffice.
Between weeks three and four, your bitch may suffer from a little nausea and lose her appetite, similar to morning sickness in women. This is perfectly normal, but if an upset stomach or loss of appetite lasts longer than a week, or is accompanied by listlessness, you should contact your vet.
By week five, your dog's mammary glands will become deep pink in colour and she may appear thicker around the waist and rib cage. At this point, gradually increase the amount of food you give her so she is receiving around 20 per cent more food by the time she gives birth.
It is normal for a bitch to refuse food for 24 hours when delivery is imminent. By contrast, her food intake may be two to four times above her usual amount at peak lactation.
Obesity, however, can be a problem during pregnancy, and if your dog has a past history of weight issues, seek your vet's advice about how to increase her intake of key nutrients without risk.
Top tip
In the later stages of pregnancy, the space left in your dog's abdomen may be very small, so feeding a little and often will make her more comfortable.