Best Dog Food for Nursing Moms: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Nursing dogs need a healthy and balanced diet to ensure they produce enough milk to feed their puppies. As a pet owner, it is essential to provide your nursing dog with the best possible nutrition to support their health and wellbeing. This is where choosing the right dog food comes in.

The best dog food for nursing mom should be high in protein and calories to provide the necessary nutrients for milk production. The food should also be easily digestible to prevent any digestive problems that could affect the nursing dog’s health. Additionally, the food should be free from any harmful chemicals or additives that could harm the puppies’ health.

When choosing the best dog food for nursing mom, it is essential to consider the dog’s breed, size, and age. You should also consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional needs of your nursing dog.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various dog food brands to identify the ones that provide the best nutrition for nursing moms. In this article, we will review the top-rated dog food brands for nursing moms and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best Dog Food for Nursing Moms

As pet owners, we know how important it is to provide the best care for our furry friends, especially for nursing moms. Feeding them with the right kind of dog food can help ensure their health and the health of their puppies. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best dog food for nursing moms. These products are packed with essential nutrients that can help nursing moms produce milk and provide the necessary nourishment for their puppies.

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother -amp; Babydog Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that can help your nursing mom meet her high energy needs while supporting her puppies’ growth, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother -amp; Babydog Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Formulated for mothers and baby dogs
• Nutritional response helps facilitate the transition from mother’s milk to solid food
• Clinically proven antioxidants support the healthy development of puppies’ immune systems

Cons

• Only suitable for puppies up to 2 months old
• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some reviewers reported issues with the bag arriving damaged or with a hole in it

We recently tried this dog food with our nursing mom and her puppies and were impressed with the results. The kibble is rehydratable, making it easy to turn into a porridge-like consistency that both mom and her weaning puppies can enjoy. The combination of prebiotics and highly digestible proteins also helped promote healthy digestion and optimal stool quality.

While it is more expensive than some other dog foods, we found that the benefits of this formula were worth the cost. The nutritional response helped our puppies transition from mother’s milk to solid food with ease, and the clinically proven antioxidants supported their immune system development.

Overall, we would recommend Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother -amp; Babydog Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their nursing mom and her puppies.

Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma- Nursing -amp; Recovery Supplement

If you’re searching for a supplement that can help your nursing dog recover and produce milk, Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma might be worth considering.

Pros

• Stimulates milk production
• Helps with reproductive tract recovery
• Aligns reproductive hormones

Cons

• Dogs may tire of taking the supplement
• Some users had issues with shipping
• Some dogs may not like the taste

We’ve used Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma with our own nursing dogs and have seen positive results. The herbal ingredients in this supplement help stimulate milk production, which can be especially helpful for first-time moms or those with large litters. Additionally, the antioxidants in the supplement can aid in reproductive tract recovery and help prepare your female dog for her next gestation.

One potential downside is that some dogs may tire of taking the supplement and may need to be coaxed into eating it. Additionally, some users have had issues with shipping and receiving expired products. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste of the supplement, so it may take some trial and error to find a way to get them to eat it.

Overall, if you’re looking for a supplement to help your nursing dog recover and produce milk, Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma is worth considering. Just be aware that some dogs may need extra encouragement to take it and that shipping issues have been reported by some users.

Lexelium Nursing Supplement

If you are looking for a nursing supplement for your furry friend, Lexelium Nursing Supplement is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The supplement helps increase lactation, which is essential for nursing mothers.
• It aids in proper muscle, mental, and skeletal development of your nursing dog and puppies.
• It provides the vitamins and essential nutrients needed for both your nursing dog and her newborn puppies.

Cons

• The supplement has a strong fishy smell.
• It is relatively expensive compared to other nursing supplements.
• It may not work for all dogs.

We used this supplement for our nursing dog and noticed a significant increase in her milk production. Moreover, our puppies’ growth and development were healthy, thanks to the supplement’s carefully formulated ingredients. However, the supplement has a strong fishy smell, which can be off-putting for some dog owners. Additionally, it is relatively expensive compared to other nursing supplements available in the market. Lastly, it may not work for all dogs, so it’s essential to consult your vet before using it.

Overall, if you want to provide your nursing dog with the best quality milk and essential nutrients, Lexelium Nursing Supplement is an excellent option to consider.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag Dry Food Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your nursing mom, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great option. This nutritious dog kibble is formulated to help support your dog’s needs, with real salmon as the number one ingredient.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient
• Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat
• Fiber helps support digestion and immune system health

Cons

• Some customers report that the food looks and smells different than previous bags
• Expensive compared to some other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies or sensitivities

We’ve been using Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for our nursing mom and have been very happy with the results. The real salmon provides a quality protein source to help maintain optimal muscle strength, while the fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support healthy digestion. We’ve also noticed an improvement in our dog’s skin and coat health thanks to the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon.

One potential downside to this dog food is that some customers have reported that the food looks and smells different than previous bags. Additionally, it is more expensive than some other dog food brands, although we believe the quality justifies the price. Finally, if your dog has certain allergies or sensitivities, this dog food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for nursing moms and any dog who needs a nutritious and delicious meal.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your nursing mom pooch, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The air-drying method naturally preserves the food without artificial fillers, maximizing flavor and retaining nutrients.
• Made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods like green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe.
• Ethically and sustainably sourced meats and seafood from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.
• The packaging is not resealable, making it difficult to store.

We’ve been using ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for our nursing mom dog, and we’ve been impressed with the quality of the food. The air-drying method ensures that the food retains its nutrients and flavor, and the limited ingredients make it a great choice for picky eaters or dogs with food allergies.

The addition of superfoods like green mussels and organic kelp provides extra nutrition, and the 3 portions of raw ingredients that make 1 portion of finished air-dried food means that you’ll feed less and your dog will have reduced stool volume.

While the price is definitely on the high side, we believe that the quality of the food justifies the cost. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction. Additionally, the packaging is not resealable, so it can be difficult to store and keep fresh.

Overall, we highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for nursing mom dogs who require high-quality, nutrient-dense food.

Hill’s Science Diet Pet Nutrition Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Chicken -amp; Barley Recipe, 35 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 35 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food to feed your nursing mom, Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food is an excellent choice. With natural ingredients and a precise balance of nutrients, this dog food provides the right amount of energy to keep up with your dog’s needs.

Pros

• The high-quality protein source helps maintain lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog.
• The natural fibers in this dog food promote healthy digestion for your fully grown dog.
• The precise balance of omega-6 and vitamin E supports a beautiful skin and healthy coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• The price of this dog food may be higher than some other brands on the market.
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs.

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food for our nursing mom and have been extremely pleased with the results. Our dog loves the taste and has maintained a healthy weight while nursing her puppies. We’ve also noticed a significant improvement in her coat and overall health.

One thing to keep in mind is that the kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs, so you may need to break it up or choose a different brand if your dog has trouble chewing. Additionally, the price of this dog food may be higher than some other brands on the market, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult dry dog food for nursing moms. It’s made with natural ingredients, provides a precise balance of nutrients, and promotes healthy digestion and a beautiful coat.

Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe With Superfoods

We highly recommend the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods for nursing mom dogs. This vegan dry dog food is a complete and balanced nutrition that your dog needs to look and feel their best.

Pros

• Made with high-quality ingredients for optimal nutrition and digestive support.
• Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics for complete digestive health and immune support.
• Provides healthy skin and coat for dogs with optimal levels of omega fatty acids.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of plant-based food.
• The price is higher compared to other dog food brands.
• The kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs.

As a nursing mom, it’s important to provide your dog with a nutritious diet that will support her overall health and well-being. The Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is a highly nutritious, sustainable dry dog food formulated with high-quality ingredients to boost your dog’s health.

This vegan dog food is made with no animal ingredients, non-GMO ingredients, and no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. It’s cooked in the USA and has added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support healthy skin and coat for dogs with optimal levels of omega fatty acids.

The complete digestive health formula includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics that provide digestive care and immune support for dogs. This makes it an excellent choice for nursing mom dogs who need extra support during this time.

One downside of this dog food is that some dogs may not like the taste of plant-based food. Additionally, the price is higher compared to other dog food brands. Lastly, the kibble size may be too big for smaller dogs, so it’s important to check the size before purchasing.

Overall, the Halo Holistic Plant-Based Recipe with Superfoods is an excellent choice for nursing mom dogs who need a complete and balanced diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 40 Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious dog food for your nursing mom, Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice.

Pros

• Real beef is the number one ingredient, which helps support healthy organs and maintain lean muscle mass
• Fiber sources including peas and brown rice help support healthy digestion
• Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend, which includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, antioxidants like those found in superfoods, and whole grains to help maintain balanced energy levels

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs
• The bag is quite heavy and may be difficult to handle for some people

We have been using this dog food for our nursing mom for several months now and we are extremely satisfied with the results. Our dog loves the taste and always finishes her bowl. We have noticed that her coat is shinier and her energy levels have increased since we started using this food.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it contains no fillers, no artificial flavors, and no artificial preservatives. We feel good about feeding our dog a natural and healthy diet.

The kibble size is a bit large for our smaller dog, but she has no trouble chewing and digesting it. However, if you have a very small dog, you may want to consider a smaller kibble size.

Overall, we highly recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for nursing moms. It provides the perfect balance of nutrition and taste to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs

If you’re looking for a premium lactating dog supplement to support your dog’s post-natal recovery and promote healthy puppies, Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs is the perfect solution.

Pros

• The vitamins are formulated to meet the special requirements of lactating moms and can help ensure that your pet gets sufficient amounts of the important nutrients she needs.
• The product can help increase the production and quality of your pet’s milk, which makes it an ideal supplement for breastfeeding dogs.
• The vitamins are designed to help your four-legged friend recover quickly from the exhausting experience of giving birth.

Cons

• The product may not be suitable for all dog breeds and sizes.
• The vitamins may not be effective for dogs with pre-existing health conditions.
• The product may not be affordable for all pet owners.

We recently used Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs for our pet’s post-natal recovery, and we were impressed with how quickly our dog recovered. The vitamins helped increase the production and quality of our pet’s milk, which ensured that our puppies received all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. The vitamins are formulated with a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and D3, iron, zinc, and potassium, which are essential for both the mom and her newborn puppies.

The product is made in the USA and meets the strictest animal supplement manufacturing guidelines, ensuring your pet’s safety. The soft chews are also tasty, making it easy to administer the vitamins to your pet. The product comes with a 365-day guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with the product, you can contact the manufacturer for a full refund.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs to pet owners who want to support their dog’s post-natal recovery and promote healthy puppies.

HAPPY JACK Milkade Dog Breeding -amp; Nursing Supplies, Milk Production Aid for Female Dogs -amp; Healthy Litter, Pregnant Prenatal Vitamin with Vitamin B1 (2 oz)

If you’re looking for a product that can help increase milk production in nursing dogs, then HAPPY JACK Milkade is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Promotes healthy and clean milk quantity after whelping
• Helps overcome neuritis of pregnancy due to dietary deficiency
• Helps combat losses in pups during the critical days following whelping by increasing milk supply and neutralizing acidity in milk

Cons

• Must be used 4-5 days before mother whelps and 10 days after
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May not work for all dogs

We recently used Milkade with our nursing dog and it definitely helped to increase her milk production. She was able to provide enough milk for her entire litter and we didn’t have any issues with the pups not getting enough milk. We also noticed that the milk was much cleaner and healthier than before we started using Milkade.

One thing to keep in mind is that Milkade must be used 4-5 days before the mother whelps and 10 days after. This means that you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure that you have enough Milkade on hand to last throughout the nursing period.

We also noticed that some dogs may not like the taste of Milkade. However, we found that mixing it with their food helped to mask the taste and our dog didn’t seem to mind it.

Overall, we would definitely recommend HAPPY JACK Milkade to anyone who is looking for a product that can help increase milk production in nursing dogs. It’s easy to use, effective, and has been trusted by professional breeders and kennel owners for over 70 years.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for a nursing mom, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some factors to consider:

Nutritional Content

A nursing mom needs a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for both her and her puppies. Look for dog food that contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also important to choose a product that is specifically formulated for nursing moms, as these will have the right balance of nutrients to support milk production and the growth of the puppies.

Ingredient Quality

The quality of the ingredients in your dog’s food is important for their overall health and well-being. Look for dog food that uses high-quality, whole-food ingredients and avoids fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. It’s also important to choose a product that is free from common allergens, such as wheat, soy, and corn.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a dog food for your nursing mom, it’s important to choose a brand with a good reputation. Look for companies that have a history of producing high-quality, nutritious dog food and have a commitment to transparency and quality control. You can also check online reviews and speak with your veterinarian for recommendations.

Feeding Schedule

Nursing moms need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, so it’s important to choose a dog food that can be fed multiple times per day. Look for products that have feeding instructions specifically for nursing moms, and consider splitting their meals into smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day.

Price

While it’s important to choose a high-quality dog food for your nursing mom, it’s also important to consider your budget. Look for products that offer good value for money and avoid products that are excessively expensive without providing any additional benefits.

By considering these factors when choosing a dog food for your nursing mom, you can ensure that you are providing her with the best possible nutrition to support her health and the growth of her puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in the diet of a nursing dog to enhance milk production?

To enhance milk production, a nursing dog’s diet should include high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. We recommend feeding a diet that is specifically formulated for lactating dogs. Additionally, you can add boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and cooked chicken to her diet to increase protein intake.

How can I prepare homemade meals suitable for a nursing dog?

If you prefer to prepare homemade meals for your nursing dog, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to ensure that the meals are nutritionally balanced and meet the specific needs of your dog. Homemade meals should include a variety of protein sources, healthy fats, and carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potatoes.

Which foods help a nursing dog maintain a healthy weight?

A nursing dog’s diet should be high in protein and healthy fats to support milk production, but it is important to ensure that she maintains a healthy weight. We recommend feeding a diet that is specifically formulated for lactating dogs, and monitoring her weight regularly. Additionally, you can add low-calorie vegetables such as green beans or carrots to her meals to help her feel full without adding extra calories.

What are the top-rated canned dog foods for lactating mothers?

There are many high-quality canned dog foods that are suitable for lactating mothers. Look for brands that use high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish, and avoid foods that contain fillers such as corn or wheat. Some top-rated canned dog foods for lactating mothers include Hill’s Science Diet Puppy, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, and Royal Canin Mother -amp; Babycat.

What dietary considerations should be taken for pregnant and lactating dogs?

Pregnant and lactating dogs have specific nutritional needs that must be met to ensure the health of both the mother and her puppies. We recommend feeding a diet that is specifically formulated for pregnant and lactating dogs, which will provide the necessary nutrients for both the mother and her puppies. Additionally, it is important to monitor the mother’s weight and adjust her diet as needed throughout the pregnancy and nursing period.

Which supplements are recommended for dogs during the nursing period?

During the nursing period, it may be beneficial to supplement your dog’s diet with certain vitamins and minerals to support her health and the health of her puppies. We recommend consulting with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine which supplements are appropriate for your dog. Some commonly recommended supplements for nursing dogs include calcium, iron, and folic acid.