Few things are more rewarding than saying hello to a litter of small puppies that your bitch has carried and given birth to. But for the puppies to have the best start in life and your bitch to have the best possible pregnancy, it is important to feed her correctly. It can be a big task to find the best dog food for your pregnant bitch, but here at PetLux.eu we have made it easy for you.

Important nutrition

A proper diet is an incredibly important part of a dog's pregnancy. A bitch with the right diet has the opportunity to build up the nutrient stores in the body that are needed for a healthy pregnancy. These nutrient deposits contain vital vitamins, minerals and proteins for both the bitches and puppies. A malnourished bitch won't have the necessary nutrients and this has an impact on the quality of the colostrum.

Therefore, it is important to choose the right meals for the pregnant bitch. Do you know how long a bitch is pregnant and how long you need to provide this special diet? Generally, the bitch is pregnant for 60 to 67 days. Then follows a period when the puppies nurse. During this time, proper feeding is important.

Wide selection of dog food from leading brands

As a dog owner, you are keen to give your dog the best living conditions and good quality products in the form of dog food and treats. At PetLux.eu, we have strict requirements for the quality and ingredients of the dog food we sell. In this way, we ensure that you and your dog get the best products - and this is especially important when it comes to feeding a pregnant bitch.

We can fully vouch for all the dog food brands that are part of our collection, including Acana, Essential Foods, Now Fresh, Orijen, Sportsman's Pride and MUSH BARF. We also carry the Danish brand HIKE, which produces grain-free dog food. No matter which brand of dog food you choose for your pregnant bitch, you are guaranteed the best. Always keep an eye on your pregnant dog's intake and weight so that you can adjust the portions according to her dog's needs. 

Why choose puppy food for pregnant bitches?

There is a lot of good advice when it comes to pregnant bitches including using puppy food. Bitches are pregnant for around nine weeks, and during this time large nutrient deposits of proteins, minerals and vitamins must be built up in the body. The dog requires a lot of energy, and that is why it is a good idea to choose puppy food.

During the first weeks of the bitch's pregnancy, there is no need to offer a different food from the usual, because she does not yet have an increased energy requirement. It is important not to overfeed her in the first weeks of pregnancy because this can lead to excess weight gain and complications for both bitch and puppies during birth.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, however, the bitch begins to have an increased need for food, and you have to be ready for that. An energy-rich diet with more protein than usual is required, which is also in puppy food. Typically, you start by substituting 10% of the dog's normal food with puppy food, and by the end of the pregnancy, you can provide exclusive puppy food to the bitch and the puppies. Puppy food is also a very good option for a lactating dog because she has to use a lot of energy and calories to produce milk for the puppies.

Be careful when buying food for pregnant bitches

There can be challenges when feeding a pregnant bitch. Sometimes she has no appetite and does not eat, especially at the end of the pregnancy. It may be because the fetuses have become so large in the last part of the pregnancy that they press so much on the belly that the bitch loses her appetite. If your pregnant bitch does not want to eat, it may be a good idea to give her smaller portions at a time, but several times a day to maintain a high energy intake.

The bitch goes through hormonal changes during pregnancy, and food supplements can be a good idea to boost the intake of minerals and vitamins. However, always consult a food advisor from PetLux.eu before you start on supplements for the pregnant bitch. When choosing food for the pregnant bitch, always check the calorie and fiber content because she needs a high-calorie content and a low fiber content. The food must also contain a high level of calcium and phosphorus.

Get help from the food advisors at PetLux.eu

It can be a difficult task to feed a pregnant bitch, especially if it is your first time. From the fifth week onwards, you generally start to substitute the normal food with puppy food, and it can be a stressful transition if you do not know exactly what and how much food is needed. You can always get help from PetLux.eu, where our competent food advisors are ready with good advice and guidance.

The advice from our dietary advisors is generally based on an assessment of your dog's age, breed, size, level of activity, and how far along the bitch is in the gestation period.

We help you find the right food for your dog for the best possible pregnancy period.