Best Food for Pregnant Dogs: Top Picks for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a crucial time for dogs, and ensuring they receive proper nutrition is essential for their health and the health of their puppies. One of the best ways to ensure this is by feeding them the right food. But with so many options available, choosing the best food for pregnant dogs can be overwhelming.

When looking for the best food for pregnant dogs, there are several factors to consider. One of the most critical things to keep in mind is that pregnant dogs require more nutrients than non-pregnant dogs. Therefore, the food you choose should be high in protein, fat, and calories to support the growth and development of the puppies.

Another factor to consider is the quality of the food. Pregnant dogs need high-quality ingredients to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients. The food should also be free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as these can be harmful to both the mother and the puppies.

We spent hours researching and testing various dog foods to identify the best options for pregnant dogs. In the following sections, we will discuss the critical factors to consider when choosing the best food for pregnant dogs and provide recommendations for the top products on the market.

Best Food for Pregnant Dogs

As responsible dog owners, we know that a pregnant dog requires a special diet to ensure the health of both the mother and her puppies. It is essential to provide the right balance of nutrients for the mother to support the growth and development of her litter. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best food for your pregnant dog. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top products that are tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of pregnant dogs.

Makondo Pets Prenatal Dog Vitamins

If you’re looking for a prenatal vitamin for your pregnant dog, Makondo Pets Prenatal Dog Vitamins may be a good option for you.

Pros

• Our pregnant dog loved the bacon flavor chews, making it easy to administer.
• The vitamins are packed with essential nutrients to support the health of our pregnant dog and her growing puppies.
• The supplement is also ideal for senior dogs, providing optimal levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support overall health, mobility, and vitality in their golden years.

Cons

• The dosage instructions can be a bit confusing, especially if you have a larger dog.
• The vitamins may not be suitable for all breeds, so it’s important to check with your vet before giving them to your dog.
• The vitamins are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market.

We were pleasantly surprised by how much our pregnant dog enjoyed the bacon flavor chews. It made giving her the vitamins a breeze, and we didn’t have to worry about her refusing them. The vitamins are packed with essential nutrients to support the health of our pregnant dog and her growing puppies, which gave us peace of mind during her pregnancy.

However, the dosage instructions can be a bit confusing, especially if you have a larger dog. We had to do some math to figure out the right dosage for our dog, which was a bit of a hassle. Additionally, the vitamins may not be suitable for all breeds, so it’s important to check with your vet before giving them to your dog.

Overall, Makondo Pets Prenatal Dog Vitamins are a great option for pregnant dogs and senior dogs. While they may be a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, we feel that the quality of the vitamins justifies the cost.

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

If you’re looking for a reliable supplement to help your pregnant dog recover and nurse her puppies, Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma Nursing -amp; Recovery Supplement is a great choice.

Pros

• Boosts milk production and enhances milk quality for feeding puppies
• Helps females recover from birthing, promotes reproductive tract recovery
• Aligns reproductive hormones and prepares the female for her next gestation

Cons

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

We’ve used Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma Nursing -amp; Recovery Supplement with our own pregnant dogs and have found it to be effective in promoting milk production and helping our females recover from birthing. The herbal ingredients in the supplement stimulate and enhance milk production, which is crucial for feeding puppies.

In addition to helping with milk production, Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma Nursing -amp; Recovery Supplement also promotes reproductive tract recovery. The antioxidants in the supplement help females recover from birthing and align reproductive hormones, preparing the female for her next gestation.

While we found Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma Nursing -amp; Recovery Supplement to be effective, some dogs may get tired of taking the supplement or may not like the taste. However, we’ve found that adding a bit of peanut butter to the supplement helps dogs eat it without any issues.

Overall, if you’re looking for a supplement to help your pregnant dog recover and nurse her puppies, Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma Nursing -amp; Recovery Supplement is a great choice.

Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food

If you are looking for a nutrient-dense, high protein dry dog food for your pregnant dog, nursing dog, or growing puppy, Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food may be the perfect choice.

Pros

• The high protein formula with premium-quality chicken, fish and beef meals provides sustained energy for sporting dogs and dogs with high physical demands.
• The gluten-free, low-carb formula is suitable for all life stages of small, medium, and large breed dogs.
• Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein and amino acids, this dog food promotes healthy immune and digestive systems, and a healthy skin and coat.

Cons

• The high protein and fat content may not be suitable for dogs with lower energy levels or weight management issues.
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the kibble.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food brands.

Our pregnant dog and growing puppies have thrived on Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food. The kibble is nutrient-dense and provides sustained energy for our active dogs. We have noticed improvements in their immune and digestive systems, as well as their skin and coat.

While some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the kibble, our dogs have had no issues with it. The only downside is the higher price point compared to some other dog food brands. Overall, we highly recommend Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food for pregnant dogs, nursing dogs, and growing puppies.

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 high-quality, natural dog food that’s made with real chicken and duck, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is an excellent choice. This dog food is made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck. It’s also made without grains and contains no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients
• High-quality protein as the first ingredient
• Great for mixing with Nutro Dry Dog Food

Cons

• Expensive compared to other wet dog food options
• Some customers report issues with clumping
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement for our pregnant dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real chicken and duck give the food a great flavor that our dog loved, and we felt good knowing that we were feeding her a natural, high-quality product.

One thing we loved about this dog food is that it’s incredibly versatile. We used it as a mix-in with our dog’s dry food, and she loved the extra flavor it added. We also used it as a snack or topper, and it was a great way to give our dog a little extra nutrition throughout the day.

While Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is more expensive than some other wet dog food options, we felt that the quality of the ingredients was worth the extra cost. We did notice that the food sometimes clumped together in the container, but we found that shaking it up before serving helped to break it apart.

Overall, we would highly recommend Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement to anyone looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that’s made with real chicken and duck. It’s a great way to give your dog a little extra nutrition and flavor, and we think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious food option for your teacup, toy, or small dog, Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food could be a great choice for you.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, organic chicken and brown rice for a great taste.
• Contains natural probiotics for proper digestion.
• Grain and gluten-free, making it perfect for dogs with sensitivities.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble.
• Can be expensive compared to other dog foods.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs.

We recently tried this food with our teacup poodle and were impressed with the results. The kibble size was perfect for her small mouth, and she seemed to really enjoy the taste. We also noticed that her coat became shinier and her skin became suppler after a few weeks of eating this food.

One thing to note is that the feeding requirements may vary based on your dog’s age, activity level, and environment. It’s important to follow the instructions on the package and adjust accordingly.

Overall, we highly recommend Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food for small breed dogs who need a healthy and delicious food option.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food for pregnant dogs due to its natural ingredients and balanced blend of nutrients.

Pros

• Supports joint health with natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin
• Promotes lean muscle in large dogs with high-quality protein
• Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust

Cons

• Contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food for our pregnant dog and have noticed significant improvements in her overall health. The natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin have helped to support her joint health, while the high-quality protein has promoted lean muscle growth. We appreciate that the product is made in the USA with global ingredients we can trust.

However, it is important to note that the food contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food. Lastly, 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 Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food for pregnant dogs due to its natural ingredients and balanced blend of nutrients.

ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for pregnant dogs due to its high protein content and nutrient-dense formula.

Pros

• Contains 85% fresh or raw animal ingredients
• Grain-free formula supports immune function, digestion, skin, and coat
• Includes ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like organs and bones

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not like the taste

We recently tried ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for our pregnant dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, and chicken liver, providing a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The formula also includes antioxidant-rich ingredients and naturally occurring Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support a healthy immune system and shiny coat.

One of the standout features of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is its use of WholePrey ingredients, which includes organs and bones to provide the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of the prey. The grain-free formula is tailored to support immune function, digestion, skin, and coat through all life stages.

While ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is more expensive than other dog food brands, we believe it’s worth the investment for the quality of the ingredients and nutrient-dense formula. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions, and some dogs may not like the taste.

Overall, we highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for pregnant dogs looking for a high-quality, nutrient-dense formula to support their health and the health of their puppies.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food for your pregnant pup, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice. We highly recommend this product for its limited ingredients, nutrient density, and ethical sourcing.

Pros

• The slow and gentle air-drying method naturally preserves food without artificial fillers while retaining nutrients and maximizing flavor.
• Recipes made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe.
• 100% 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

• The product is expensive compared to other dog food brands.
• The strong smell may be off-putting to some dog owners.
• The food is not suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

In our experience, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a nutritious and delicious option for pregnant dogs. The limited ingredients and nutrient density of the food make it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Additionally, the ethical and sustainable sourcing of the ingredients gives us peace of mind that we’re feeding our dogs a high-quality product.

One thing to note is that the product is more expensive than other dog food brands. However, we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the higher price point. Additionally, the strong smell of the food may be off-putting to some dog owners, but our dogs didn’t seem to mind.

Overall, we highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for pregnant dogs who need a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious food option.

Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food

We highly recommend Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food for pregnant dogs and those with high physical demands due to its high protein and low carb formula.

Pros

• Provides sustained energy for active dogs
• Suitable for all life stages
• Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system and digestive system

Cons

• Contains gluten-free grains, which may not be suitable for all dogs
• May be too high in protein for some dogs
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste

We recently used Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food for our pregnant dog and were impressed with the results. The nutrient-dense, multi-meat formula provided our dog with the sustained energy she needed throughout her pregnancy. We also appreciated that the food is suitable for all life stages, making it a great option for growing puppies as well.

One downside to the food is that it contains gluten-free grains, which may not be suitable for all dogs. Additionally, the high protein content may not be ideal for dogs with certain health conditions. However, we found that our dog had no issues with the food and continued to thrive throughout her pregnancy.

Overall, we highly recommend Victor Nutra Pro Dog Food for pregnant dogs and those with high physical demands. Its nutrient-dense formula and essential vitamins and minerals make it a great choice for maintaining a healthy immune and digestive system.

Doc’s Choice Premium Chicken Puppy Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality food that promotes healthy bones, muscles, and skin for your pregnant dog, Doc’s Choice Premium Chicken Puppy Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with natural ingredients and no artificial by-products
• Highly digestible “Power Pellet” process protects the nutrients better
• Contains probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion

Cons

• May not be suitable for all dog breeds
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other options

We recently tried Doc’s Choice Premium Chicken Puppy Food for our pregnant dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The food contains natural sources of glucosamine and DHA, natural antioxidants, and omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. We were pleased to see that the food was highly digestible due to the “Power Pellet” process used during manufacturing.

One of the things we appreciated about this food was that it contained probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion. We noticed that our dog’s stool was consistently firm and easy to pick up, which was a relief. Additionally, the food was veterinarian-developed and made in the USA, so we felt confident in the quality of the product.

While we were happy with the results, we did notice that some breeds may not take to the food as well as others. Additionally, the food is a bit pricey compared to other options on the market. However, we believe that the benefits of the natural ingredients and high digestibility make it worth the investment for pregnant dogs.

Overall, we recommend Doc’s Choice Premium Chicken Puppy Food for pregnant dogs looking for a high-quality, natural food that promotes healthy development.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best food for your pregnant dog, there are certain features that you should look for to ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrition. Here are some things to consider when shopping for dog food:

Nutritional Value

The most important factor to consider when choosing dog food is its nutritional value. Pregnant dogs require a higher amount of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients to support the growth and development of their puppies. Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for pregnant dogs or for all life stages.

Ingredients

The ingredients in dog food are also important to consider. Look for dog food that contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, lamb, or beef, as well as whole grains and vegetables. Avoid dog food that contains fillers such as corn, soy, or wheat, as these do not provide the necessary nutrients for your dog.

Brand Reputation

The reputation of the brand is also important to consider. Look for dog food brands that have a good reputation and have been in business for a long time. You can also consult with your veterinarian to get recommendations on the best dog food brands for pregnant dogs.

Feeding Schedule

During pregnancy, your dog may require more frequent feedings to ensure that she is getting enough nutrition. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule for your pregnant dog.

Price

Price is also a factor to consider when choosing dog food. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it is important to remember that the quality of the dog food is directly related to its price. Look for dog food that fits within your budget while still providing the necessary nutrition for your pregnant dog.

By considering these factors when shopping for dog food, you can ensure that your pregnant dog is getting the best nutrition possible to support the growth and development of her puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of diet is recommended for a pregnant dog to ensure proper lactation?

A pregnant dog requires a diet that is high in protein, fat, and calories to support the growth and development of her puppies. We recommend feeding a high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for pregnant and lactating dogs. The food should contain at least 25% protein and 18% fat. Additionally, it is important to provide your dog with fresh water at all times.

At what stage of pregnancy should a dog’s diet transition to include puppy food?

It is recommended to transition your pregnant dog’s diet to puppy food during the last three weeks of pregnancy. Puppy food is higher in calories, protein, and fat than adult dog food, which helps to support the growth and development of the puppies and the lactation needs of the mother.

How can I encourage a pregnant dog with a poor appetite to eat?

A pregnant dog may experience a decreased appetite during the first few weeks of pregnancy. If your dog is not eating well, try feeding her smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. You can also try adding warm water or low-sodium chicken broth to her food to make it more appealing. If your dog still refuses to eat, consult with your veterinarian.

What are the benefits of feeding a specialized commercial food to a pregnant dog?

Specialized commercial dog food for pregnant and lactating dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of both the mother and her puppies. These foods are high in protein, fat, and calories, which are essential for healthy fetal development and proper lactation. Additionally, they may contain added vitamins and minerals to support the health of the mother and her puppies.

Is it advisable to include raw food in a pregnant dog’s diet?

There is no evidence to suggest that a raw food diet is beneficial for pregnant dogs. In fact, raw meat may contain harmful bacteria that can be dangerous for both the mother and her puppies. We recommend feeding a high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for pregnant and lactating dogs.

What are the nutritional benefits of including eggs in a pregnant dog’s diet?

Eggs are a great source of protein and can be a healthy addition to a pregnant dog’s diet. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and selenium. However, it is important to feed eggs in moderation, as too much can lead to an imbalance in the dog’s diet. One or two eggs per week is a safe amount for most dogs.