Best Food for Nursing Dog: Top Picks for Optimal Health

Nursing dogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to support their milk production and the growth and development of their puppies. Choosing the right food for a nursing dog can be challenging, as there are many options available on the market. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best food for your nursing dog.

When it comes to nursing dog food, the critical thing to consider is the nutritional value of the food. A nursing dog requires a diet that is high in protein, calories, and essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. The food should also be easily digestible to avoid any digestive issues that could affect the nursing dog and her puppies.

There are many types of nursing dog food available, including dry kibble, wet food, and raw food. The right type of food depends on the individual needs of your nursing dog and her puppies. It is essential to choose a food that is appropriate for their age, size, and breed.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various types of nursing dog food to identify the best options for your nursing dog. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision and choose the best food to support your nursing dog and her puppies.

Best Food for Nursing Dogs

As responsible pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. This is especially true for nursing dogs, who require a diet that is rich in essential nutrients to support both their own health and the growth and development of their puppies. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which food is truly the best for your nursing dog. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top products that are specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of nursing dogs. Read on to discover our top picks and give your nursing dog the nourishment they deserve.

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your nursing dog, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother -amp; Babydog Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

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

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We’ve been using Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother -amp; Babydog Dry Dog Food for our nursing dog and her puppies, and we’ve been very impressed with the results. The kibble is easy to rehydrate and turn into a porridge-like consistency that’s palatable for both the mother and her weaning puppies. Plus, the nutritional response helps to facilitate the transition from mother’s milk to solid food, which is crucial for the puppies’ healthy growth.

We also appreciate the fact that this dog food is formulated with clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, which help support the healthy development of puppies’ immune systems. Additionally, the combination of prebiotics and highly digestible proteins promotes a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria for digestive health and optimal stool quality.

While we’ve been very happy with Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Starter Mother -amp; Babydog Dry Dog Food, we do recognize that it may not be the right choice for every dog. Some dogs may not like the taste, and it is a bit pricey compared to other dog food brands. Additionally, it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

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

Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins

We highly recommend the Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins for nursing dogs and cats. It is a high-quality supplement that provides all the essential nutrients required for the health and well-being of your nursing pet.

Pros

• Increases lactation and milk quality
• Aids in muscle and skeletal development of newborns
• Provides energy replenishing formula for nursing dogs and cats

Cons

• May have a strong odor that some pets may not like
• Some pets may have an upset stomach after consuming the supplement
• The bag size is small and may not last long for larger breeds

Our nursing dog had a hard time producing enough milk for her puppies, but the Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins helped increase the production and quality of her milk. The supplement also helped our puppies with their muscle and skeletal development, resulting in healthy and happy puppies.

We were also impressed with the energy replenishing formula of the supplement, which helped our nursing dog recover quickly from the pain and exhaustion of giving birth. The supplement is made in the USA with 100% human-grade and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the best quality for our pets.

Overall, the Lexelium Nursing Supplement and Vitamins are an excellent choice for nursing dogs and cats. It provides complete nourishment for nursing pets and helps maintain their health and weight. We highly recommend this product to all pet owners who want the best for their furry friends.

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

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

Pros

• Provides multiple benefits for use with lactating moms
• Stimulates and enhances milk production for feeding babies
• Helps females recover from birthing and reproductive tract recovery

Cons

• Dogs may get tired of taking the supplement
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May not work for all dogs

We recently used Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma for our nursing dog and were impressed with the results. The herbal ingredients in the supplement helped stimulate and enhance milk production, and our dog seemed to recover quickly from birthing. We also appreciated that the supplement helped align reproductive hormones and prepare our dog for her next gestation.

However, we did notice that our dog got tired of taking the supplement after a while, and we had to add peanut butter to get her to eat it. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the herbal flavor. Finally, while the supplement worked well for our dog, it may not work for all dogs.

Overall, we would recommend Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma for anyone looking for a supplement to help their nursing dog recover and produce milk. It’s a great option that provides multiple benefits for lactating moms.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a simple and natural wet dog food to add to your pup’s diet, Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck
• Can be mixed with Nutro dry dog food for added flavor and nutrition
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

Cons

• Some may find the price point to be higher than other dog food options
• Some reviewers noted that the food can clump together in the packaging
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We recently tried Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack with our nursing dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the packaging. The small 2 oz. tubs are easy to open and serve, and the food can be mixed in with dry dog food or served as a standalone snack.

Our dog seemed to love the taste of the food and we felt good about feeding her a product made with natural ingredients and without any artificial additives. However, we did notice that the food can sometimes clump together in the packaging, which can make it difficult to serve.

Overall, we would recommend Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food for those looking for a high-quality and natural wet dog food option. However, it may not be suitable for all dogs, particularly those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s perfect for small breeds, Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food is a great option. Here’s what we found after trying it out:

Pros

• Made with organically raised chicken and highly digestible brown rice
• Contains natural probiotics for proper digestion
• Grain and gluten-free, making it perfect for dogs with sensitivities

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than some other brands
• May not be suitable for larger dogs
• Some dogs may not like the taste

We were impressed with the quality of the ingredients in this dog food. The organically raised chicken and brown rice make for a tasty and healthy alternative to store-bought food. We also appreciated that it doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, or soy, which can be problematic for some dogs.

Another great thing about this dog food is that it’s packed with natural probiotics for proper digestion. We noticed that our dog had fewer digestive issues after switching to this food, which was a big plus.

We also liked that this dog food is grain and gluten-free, making it perfect for dogs with sensitivities. However, we did notice that it’s slightly more expensive than some other brands, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.

Overall, we would recommend Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their small breed dog. It’s made with real meat and other wholesome ingredients, and it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. If you’re looking for a dog food that will promote supple skin and a shiny coat for your pup of all ages, this is definitely a great choice.

Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food, 4 lb. Bag Chicken 64 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality food for your small breed nursing dog, Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken is a great option. We highly recommend this food for its high protein content and freeze-dried raw meat bites.

Pros

• Made with cage-free chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
• Raw Boost mixes natural, high protein, grain-free dog food with freeze-dried raw dog food toppers in one bag

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw meat bites
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We were impressed with the quality of the ingredients in this food. The cage-free chicken is a great source of protein, and the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin helps support joint health. We also appreciate that this food is grain-free and contains freeze-dried raw meat bites for added nutrition.

Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of this food, although some dogs may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw meat bites. Additionally, this food is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for small breed nursing dogs. It’s a great way to provide your dog with high-quality nutrition and the benefits of raw food in one convenient package.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag Lamb,Chicken,Salmon 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you want a premium dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your small breed adult dog, you should consider NUTRO ULTRA Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food. Our dogs loved the unforgettable taste of premium ingredients like blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate in every bite.

Pros

• The #1 ingredient is real chicken, and the food features a trio of high-quality proteins from poultry, lamb, and salmon.
• The kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl.
• NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food follows the NUTRO FEED CLEAN philosophy, using high-quality, real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. The dry recipes are made with Non-GMO ingredients, and have no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• The price may be higher than other dog foods.
• The kibble may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

We have been using this dog food for years, and our dogs have always loved it. The kibble is small and easy to chew, making it perfect for small breed dogs. We also appreciate that the food is made with high-quality ingredients and follows the NUTRO FEED CLEAN philosophy.

Overall, if you want a premium dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your small breed adult dog, NUTRO ULTRA Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

If you want to provide your nursing dog with a high protein, grain-free, and limited ingredient food, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The centuries-old slow and gentle air drying method naturally preserves food without artificial fillers while retaining nutrients and maximizing flavor.
• The recipes are made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe.
• The food is 100% ethically and sustainably sourced from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.

Cons

• The food is expensive compared to other dog foods.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The food may not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies.

We have been using ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for our nursing dog, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health. The food is nutrient-dense, and we have noticed a reduction in her stool volume. Moreover, the food has helped promote healthy skin and coat, improved digestion, joint health and mobility, and weight maintenance.

We also appreciate that the food is free from preservatives, sugars, or glycerides, making it safe and clean to handle. The food is ready to serve, making mealtime convenient for us. We have also used the food as a meal topper, and it has given kibble a nutritional boost.

Overall, we highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for nursing dogs who need high-quality, nutritious food.

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a natural, high-quality puppy food that will provide your furry friend with all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, then Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support healthy muscle development.
• Contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health.
• LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, help support your puppy’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of the food.
• The packaging may vary from what is shown in the product image.
• Formula adjustments may be made from time to time that do not impact the Guaranteed Analysis, but may require a transition period between formulas.

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for our new furry friend, and we’re impressed with the results. The real chicken and brown rice recipe provides our puppy with high-quality protein and whole grains, while the garden veggies and fruit offer wholesome nutrition for healthy growth and play.

One of the best things about this puppy food is that it contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk. These fatty acids help support cognitive function and retinal health, which is crucial for growing puppies.

We also appreciate that Blue Buffalo includes LifeSource Bits in all of their dry dog food. These bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help support our puppy’s healthy immune system.

While some puppies may not like the taste of this food, we haven’t had any issues with our furry friend. The only downside we’ve noticed is that the packaging may vary from what is shown in the product image, but this is a minor issue.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for pet parents who want to provide their new furry friend with the best possible nutrition for healthy growth and development.

Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that provides sustained energy for your active dog, Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• The high protein and low carb formula is great for sporting dogs and dogs with high physical demands.
• Suitable for all life stages of small, medium, and large breed dogs, including pregnant or nursing females and growing puppies.
• Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and amino acids to promote healthy immune and digestive systems, as well as a healthy skin and coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.
• The bag may be too heavy for some people to lift and carry.

We recently tried Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food for our active dog and were impressed with the sustained energy it provided. Our dog seemed to love the taste and we noticed an improvement in his coat and overall health. The high protein and low carb formula helped keep him lean and muscular, even with his high activity level.

One thing to note is that the bag is quite heavy, so it may be difficult for some people to lift and carry. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other dog food brands, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that provides sustained energy for their active dog.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying food for your nursing dog, there are a few key features you should look for to ensure that you are getting the best product for your pet’s needs. Here are some things to consider:

Nutritional Requirements

Nursing dogs have unique nutritional requirements that differ from those of non-nursing dogs. They require more calories, protein, and fat to support milk production and the growth and development of their puppies. Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for nursing dogs, as it will contain the right balance of nutrients to meet their needs.

Quality Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients in your dog’s food is important. Look for dog food that uses high-quality, whole-food ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and grains. Avoid dog food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Brand Reputation

Choose a reputable brand of dog food that has a good track record of producing high-quality products. Do some research online to read reviews and learn more about the brand’s history and reputation. Look for dog food that has been recommended by veterinarians or other pet professionals.

Feeding Schedule

Nursing dogs need to eat more frequently than non-nursing dogs. Plan to feed your dog several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. This will help to ensure that your dog is getting enough nutrients to support milk production and the growth of her puppies.

Additional Supplements

Some nursing dogs may benefit from additional supplements such as calcium or omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog may benefit from these supplements and which ones are best for her.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the best food for your nursing dog and ensure that she is getting the nutrients she needs to support her health and the health of her puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food should be given to a nursing dog to promote healthy milk production?

A nursing dog requires a diet that is high in protein and fat to support milk production and the energy requirements of caring for her puppies. We recommend providing a high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for nursing mothers. Look for products that contain at least 30% protein and 20% fat.

How can a nursing dog’s diet affect her puppies’ growth?

A nursing dog’s diet has a significant impact on her puppies’ growth and development. If the mother is not receiving adequate nutrition, her puppies may not receive enough milk or the necessary nutrients for proper growth. This can lead to stunted growth and developmental issues. It is essential to feed a nursing dog a balanced and nutritious diet to ensure healthy puppies.

What are the dietary requirements for a dog that is both pregnant and nursing?

A dog that is both pregnant and nursing requires a diet that is high in protein and fat to support both her own needs and those of her developing puppies. We recommend feeding a high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for pregnant and nursing dogs. Look for products that contain at least 30% protein and 20% fat.

Are there specific supplements recommended for nursing dogs to ensure optimal health?

While a balanced and nutritious diet is typically sufficient to meet a nursing dog’s nutritional needs, some supplements can help support her overall health and well-being. We recommend speaking with your veterinarian about whether supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, or multivitamins would be beneficial for your nursing dog.

How can I help my nursing dog gain weight in a healthy manner?

If your nursing dog is underweight, it is essential to address the issue promptly to ensure her health and the health of her puppies. We recommend working with your veterinarian to create a nutrition plan that includes a high-quality commercial dog food and possibly additional calorie-dense foods such as boiled chicken, eggs, or canned dog food. It is essential to monitor your dog’s weight gain carefully to ensure it is happening at a healthy rate.

After childbirth, what nutritional support is necessary for a mother dog?

After giving birth, a mother dog requires a diet that is high in protein and fat to support her recovery and milk production. We recommend feeding a high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for nursing mothers. It is also crucial to provide plenty of fresh water and monitor your dog’s appetite and weight to ensure she is receiving adequate nutrition.