Best Food for Lactating Dog: Top Picks for Optimal Nutrition

Lactating dogs require special care and nutrition to ensure their health and the health of their puppies. One crucial aspect of their diet is choosing the right food for them. The best food for lactating dogs should provide them with the necessary nutrients to produce milk while also supporting their overall health.

When selecting food for lactating dogs, it’s essential to consider their specific dietary needs. Lactating dogs require higher levels of protein, fat, and calories than adult dogs. Additionally, their food should contain essential vitamins and minerals to support their immune system and aid in the development of their puppies.

Another critical factor to consider when selecting food for lactating dogs is the quality of ingredients. High-quality ingredients, such as meat and vegetables, provide essential nutrients and are easier for dogs to digest. It’s also important to avoid ingredients that can cause digestive issues, such as grains or fillers.

When choosing the best food for lactating dogs, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the food meets their specific needs. They can also provide guidance on feeding schedules and portion sizes.

We researched and tested various dog foods to identify the best options for lactating dogs. In the following sections, we’ll discuss our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Food for Lactating Dogs

As responsible dog owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the right nutrition. This is especially true for lactating dogs who require a balanced diet to support their puppies’ growth and development. We’ve researched and tested various dog food brands to bring you the best options for your lactating dog. Our roundup includes products that are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals to ensure your dog and her puppies receive all the necessary nutrients.

Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins for Nursing Dogs and Cats

If you’re looking for a lactating dog food supplement that helps increase milk production, nourishes newborn puppies and kittens, and replenishes your furry friend’s energy, then Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins for Nursing Dogs and Cats is worth considering.

Pros

• Provides quality nutrients that contain all of the right ingredients to help your lactating pet, increasing the production and quality of milk.
• Helps nourish young puppies and kittens in their growth, aiding proper muscle, mental, and skeletal development of your nursing dog and puppies.
• Designed to help your furry friend recover quickly, providing the vitamins -amp; essential nutrients needed for both your nursing dog and her newborn puppies.

Cons

• Some customers complained about the strong fishy smell of the supplement.
• A few customers reported that it gave their dogs diarrhea.
• It may not work for all dogs, and some may not see any difference in their pet’s milk production.

We tried Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins for Nursing Dogs and Cats on our lactating dog, and we were pleased with the results. The supplement helped our dog produce more milk, and we noticed an improvement in the quality of the milk. Our puppies also seemed to be more active and healthy, and we believe that the supplement aided their muscle and skeletal development.

One thing to note is that the supplement has a strong fishy smell, which some dogs may not like. We also heard from a few customers that it gave their dogs diarrhea. However, we did not experience any of these issues with our dog.

Overall, we recommend Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins for Nursing Dogs and Cats to anyone looking for a quality supplement to aid their lactating dog. It’s made in the USA with 100% human-grade ingredients, and it’s easy to mix with wet and dry food. Give it a try and see if it helps your furry friend and her newborn puppies or kittens.

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

If you’re looking for a supplement to help your lactating dog recover and produce milk, Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma is a great option.

Pros

• The herbal ingredients stimulate and enhance milk production for feeding babies.
• It helps females recover from birthing; antioxidants help with reproductive tract recovery.
• Aligns reproductive hormones and helps prepare the female for her next gestation.

Cons

• Some dogs may get tired of taking the supplement.
• It may not be suitable for small breeds.
• The package only contains 40 soft chews.

We’ve used Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma for our lactating dog and have seen great results. The herbal ingredients provide a natural boost to milk production, and our dog was able to feed her babies without any issues. The supplement also helped her recover from birthing, and she was back to her normal self in no time.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may get tired of taking the supplement, so it’s important to mix it up with their food to keep them interested. Additionally, the package only contains 40 soft chews, so it may not be suitable for larger litters or for dogs that require a longer recovery period.

Overall, we highly recommend Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma for any lactating dog. It’s a natural and effective way to support milk production and recovery after birthing.

Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs

If you’re looking for a premium lactating dog supplement to help your pet recover quickly and promote healthy puppies, Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs might be what you need.

Pros

• The vitamins are formulated to help increase milk production and quality, and support your dog’s post-natal recovery.
• The soft chews are designed to meet the special requirements of lactating moms and contain a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals.
• The product comes with a 365-day guarantee, so if you’re not happy with it, you can get a full refund.

Cons

• The soft chews may not be suitable for all dogs, and some may not like the taste.
• The product may not work for all dogs, and some may not see any improvement in milk production or quality.
• The price may be higher than some other lactating dog supplements on the market.

We tried Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs on our lactating dog and were pleased with the results. Our dog seemed to produce more milk, and the quality of the milk appeared to be better. We also noticed that our dog recovered more quickly after giving birth and had more energy to take care of her puppies.

The soft chews are easy to administer, and our dog seemed to like the taste. However, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste of the chews, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction and adjust the dosage if necessary.

Overall, we would recommend Nutrition Strength Vitamins for Nursing Dogs to anyone looking for a premium lactating dog supplement to help their pet recover quickly and promote healthy puppies. The product is made in the USA and meets the strictest animal supplement manufacturing guidelines, so you can be sure that it’s safe and effective.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Bison Recipe, Grain Free, Real Meat, No Fillers, 11lb Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s packed with protein and free of fillers, I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The #1 ingredient is real meat, with pasture-raised lamb and bison as the main sources of protein.
• Contains 30% protein, 25% more than BLUE Buffalo Life Protection—Adult.
• Pre- and probiotics for easy digestion.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• More expensive than some other brands.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We recently tried this dog food with our lactating dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. Our dog loved the taste of the lamb and bison recipe, and we noticed that her coat looked shinier and healthier after a few weeks of eating this food.

One of the things we like most about I and Love and You Naked Essentials is that it’s free of grains and fillers like rice, corn, and white potatoes. This means that our dog is getting only the nutrients she needs without any unnecessary additives that can contribute to obesity or other health problems.

Another great feature of this dog food is the pre- and probiotics that help support healthy digestion. We noticed that our dog had fewer digestive issues and more regular bowel movements after switching to this food.

Overall, we highly recommend I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s packed with protein and free of fillers. While it may be more expensive than some other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional value of the food make it well worth the investment.

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, Humanely Raised Meat Recipe with Wholesome Grains and No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives (Wild Salmon Ancient Grain, 4 Pound (Pack of 1))

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is both delicious and nutritious for your lactating dog, then Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• The humane and responsible sourcing of the meat used in this recipe makes it a great choice for pet owners who care about animal welfare.
• The use of ancient grains like steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds provides a healthy and nutritious blend of essential nutrients for your lactating dog.
• The transparency in sourcing practices, including the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag, gives pet owners peace of mind.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the smell of this food, which can be off-putting to some pet owners.
• The kibble is small, which may not be suitable for larger dogs who prefer larger kibble sizes.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food brands on the market.

We recently fed Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food to our lactating dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value of the food. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the Wild Salmon Ancient Grain flavor, and we felt good about feeding her a food that was responsibly sourced and free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

One thing to note is that the smell of the food can be a bit strong, which may be off-putting to some pet owners. Additionally, the kibble size is on the smaller side, which may not be suitable for larger dogs who prefer larger kibble sizes.

Overall, we would recommend Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food to pet owners who are looking for a high-quality dog food that is both nutritious and responsibly sourced. While the price point may be higher than some other dog food brands on the market, we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

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

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that’s nutritious and delicious, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is a great option for your lactating dog.

Pros

• The Whole Health Blend helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level.
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to support your dog’s overall health.
• A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.

Cons

• Some picky eaters may not enjoy the taste.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.
• Bag size may be too large for some households.

We’ve been using Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for our lactating dog and have been pleased with the results. The kibble is a good size and easy for our dog to chew. We appreciate that the recipe includes added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to support our dog’s overall health.

One thing to note is that some picky eaters may not enjoy the taste of this dog food. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, this recipe may not be suitable. However, we appreciate that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that’s nutritious and delicious, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is definitely worth considering.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

We highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for lactating dogs due to its high protein content and nutrient-dense ingredients.

Pros

• The air-drying process 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 including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe.
• Ethically and sustainably sourced meats and seafoods from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.

Cons

• More expensive than other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the air-dried food.
• Limited variety of flavors available.

We found that our lactating dog had improved digestion and maintained a healthy weight while eating ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food. The nutrient-dense ingredients also helped promote healthy skin and coat.

The air-drying process makes this food a great choice for picky eaters, and it can also be used as a meal topper to boost the nutritional value of kibble. However, it is more expensive than other dog foods and may not be suitable for all budgets.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality, nutrient-dense food for your lactating dog, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice.

K9 Natural Canine Natural Freeze Dried Pet Food, 1.1-Pound, Lamb Lamb 1.1 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food or topper for your lactating dog, K9 Natural Canine Natural Freeze Dried Pet Food is a great choice. It contains 1 pack of 17.6oz lamb freeze-dried dog food or topper that supports healthy skin, coat condition, and boosts the nutritional value of your dog’s food in seconds.

Pros

• The product is made with 100% New Zealand grass-fed lamb, which is sourced from ethical and sustainable sources with a traceable supply chain. New Zealand has a first-class reputation for producing the healthiest farmed animals in the world.
• The product is raw freeze-dried, making it easy to use. It comes in a resealable pack, and you can simply mix the gently freeze-dried raw grass-fed lamb into your dog’s dry kibble or wet canned dog food.
• The product is palatable, and K9 Natural guarantees that it’s made fresh to satisfy even the most picky eaters. If your dog doesn’t love K9 Natural, they’ll refund your purchase, no questions asked.

Cons

• The product is relatively expensive compared to other dog foods or toppers on the market.
• Some dogs might not like the taste of lamb, which could be a problem if you’re trying to switch your dog’s food to K9 Natural.
• The product is not suitable for all dogs, and you should consult with your veterinarian before feeding it to your lactating dog.

In our experience, K9 Natural Canine Natural Freeze Dried Pet Food is an excellent choice for lactating dogs. The product is made with high-quality ingredients, and it’s easy to use. We especially like that it’s made with 100% New Zealand grass-fed lamb, which is sourced from ethical and sustainable sources.

If you’re looking for a natural dog food or topper that supports your lactating dog’s health, K9 Natural Canine Natural Freeze Dried Pet Food is definitely worth considering. However, keep in mind that it’s relatively expensive and might not be suitable for all dogs. As always, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Pet-Ag Dyne High Calorie Liquid Nutritional Supplement for Dogs -amp; Puppies 8 Weeks and Older – 16 oz – Supports Performance and Endurance – Sweet Vanilla Flavor

If you’re looking for an effective and delicious way to provide your lactating dog with the extra nutrition she needs, consider trying Pet-Ag Dyne High Calorie Liquid Nutritional Supplement.

Pros

• Provides additional calories for dogs in all life stages
• Supports performance and endurance for active dogs
• Highly palatable with a sweet vanilla flavor

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Can be messy if not used carefully

We’ve had great success using Pet-Ag Dyne with our lactating dog. The high-calorie, low-volume formula is perfect for providing the extra nutrition she needs without overloading her stomach. Our dog loves the sweet vanilla flavor and always licks her bowl clean when we add a little Dyne to her meals.

One of the best things about Dyne is its versatility. It can be used for dogs in all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and is particularly helpful for active dogs who need extra support for performance and endurance. We’ve also found that it’s a great option for dogs recovering from illness or surgery, as the high fat content helps with weight gain and overall health.

Using Dyne is easy – just shake well before feeding and pour over your dog’s food or feed directly. However, it’s important to use caution when pouring to avoid making a mess. We’ve found that it’s helpful to use a small measuring cup or syringe to ensure accurate dosing and minimize spills.

Overall, we highly recommend Pet-Ag Dyne High Calorie Liquid Nutritional Supplement for lactating dogs and any other dogs who need extra nutrition and support. It’s a great product that delivers real results, and we’re confident that you and your dog will love it too.

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Wet Dog Food

This is a great option for lactating dogs who need a tasty and nutritious meal.

Pros

• The high-quality beef as the #1 ingredient makes it delicious and protein-packed.
• The wholesome whole grains provide the complex carbohydrates that your dog needs for energy.
• The healthy garden veggies and nutritious fruit provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of wet food.
• The packaging may be difficult to open for some pet owners.

We recently tried the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Wet Dog Food for our lactating dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real beef as the first ingredient made it a protein-packed option that our dog loved. We also appreciated that it contained no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and no corn, wheat, or soy.

In addition to the high-quality protein, the wholesome whole grains like brown rice and barley provided the complex carbohydrates that our dog needed for energy. The healthy garden veggies and nutritious fruit like whole carrots and sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries provided essential vitamins and minerals.

While the price point may be higher than some other options on the market, we found that the quality of the ingredients was worth it. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of wet food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and see how your dog reacts.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Wet Dog Food for lactating dogs who need a nutritious and tasty meal.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best food for a lactating dog, there are several important factors to consider. Here, we will outline the key features you should look for when selecting the right product for your dog.

Nutritional Content

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a food for a lactating dog is the nutritional content. The food should be high in protein, as this is essential for the growth and development of puppies. Look for a food that contains at least 25% protein or more. Additionally, the food should be high in fat, as this will provide the energy your dog needs to produce milk. Look for a food that contains at least 18% fat or more.

Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients in the food is also important. Look for a food that contains high-quality, easily digestible ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products. It’s also a good idea to look for a food that contains added vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients she needs.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a food for your lactating dog, it’s important to choose a reputable brand. Look for a brand that has a good reputation for producing high-quality, nutritious food. You can also ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Feeding Schedule

Finally, it’s important to establish a feeding schedule for your lactating dog. Your dog will need to eat more frequently than usual to provide enough milk for her puppies. You may need to feed your dog several small meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. Be sure to follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging, and adjust the amount you feed your dog as needed based on her appetite and the needs of her puppies.

By considering these factors when choosing a food for your lactating dog, you can ensure that she gets the nutrition she needs to produce healthy, happy puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific nutrients should be included in a nursing dog’s diet?

A lactating dog needs a diet that is high in protein, calcium, and calories. Protein is important for milk production and calcium is necessary for the development of strong bones in puppies. A diet that is high in calories will help the mother maintain her weight and energy levels.

How can homemade diets be formulated to support a lactating dog?

Homemade diets for lactating dogs should be formulated with the help of a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. The diet should include a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is important to ensure that the diet is high in calories to support milk production and the mother’s energy needs.

What are the recommended commercial dog food options for lactating mothers?

There are several commercial dog food options that are formulated specifically for lactating dogs. These foods are high in protein, calcium, and calories to support milk production and the mother’s energy needs. It is important to choose a high-quality dog food that meets the nutritional needs of the mother and her puppies.

Are there any particular foods that help increase milk production in nursing dogs?

There are no specific foods that have been proven to increase milk production in nursing dogs. However, it is important to provide the mother with a diet that is high in protein, calcium, and calories to support milk production.

What dietary considerations should be taken for a dog that has recently given birth?

A dog that has recently given birth may have different nutritional needs than a lactating dog. It is important to provide the mother with a diet that is high in calories to support her energy needs and to help her recover from the birthing process. It is also important to ensure that the mother has access to plenty of fresh water.

How should the feeding regimen be adjusted for a dog during lactation?

A lactating dog may need to be fed more frequently than usual to support milk production and her energy needs. It is important to provide the mother with a diet that is high in protein, calcium, and calories. It is also important to ensure that the mother has access to plenty of fresh water.