Pregnancy and lactation are two of the most nutritionally demanding stages for a dog. During pregnancy, which lasts about 60 days, and even more so during the nursing period, which lasts between 6 and 8 weeks, her energy needs increase significantly to support embryo growth and milk production. Therefore, during these phases, it is essential to provide adequate nutrition in order to ensure optimal health for the mother and proper development of the puppies.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, a dog’s caloric requirements may increase by 25% to 50% compared to her usual diet. This is because puppies grow rapidly, take up more space, and need an increasing amount of nutrients.
However, during this same period, the mother’s appetite may be limited by reduced abdominal space, so it is best to offer her several meals a day or allow her to feed on demand. But be careful, the dog should not gain more than 15% to 25% of her weight, as excess fat could make giving birth difficult.
During these stages, it is therefore recommended to offer them highly digestible foods with high energy density and higher proportions of protein and fat. Protein helps build tissue and organs and ensures a healthy weight for puppies at birth. Fats, on the other hand, provide concentrated energy, and essential fatty acids, such as omega 3 and 6, contribute to the neurological and visual development of the puppies.
Calcium and phosphorus requirements also increase during these stages for bone formation and milk production in the mother. Water is another essential element during lactation, as nursing dogs need to drink several liters a day to produce milk.
Danna Pet Food recipes for pregnant and lactating dogs
Danna Supreme Puppy. Formulated for puppies, but also for pregnant or lactating females of small breeds. Its ingredients include a high percentage of animal protein (44%) and salmon oil, which contributes to the neurological development of puppies. In addition, the high metabolizable energy is above 4,000 kcal/kg, suitable for a pregnant/lactating mother, although not as dense as some high-energy diets.
Danna Grain Free Performance. This is a complete, grain-free food that is highly digestible and specifically designed for dogs with high energy requirements and for pregnant and lactating females. It contains key ingredients such as chicken, lamb, and tuna protein (48%), salmon oil, which provides omega-3 fatty acids and very high metabolizable energy (more than 4,074 kcal/kg), making it an ideal choice for meeting the peak energy demands of females.
Danna Supreme Elite. Ideal for pregnant and lactating females with high energy requirements. With 42% animal protein (chicken and lamb) and rice as a digestible source of carbohydrates, it is enriched with fruits, vegetables, natural prebiotics, and salmon oil (omega 3 and 6), as well as having a high metabolizable energy (3,995 kcal/kg).
These three recipes are formulated with the specific needs of expectant mothers in mind, so combining them according to the stage they are at allows you to offer complete, safe nutrition adapted to each moment:
- During the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, it is advisable to offer Danna Supreme Puppy, especially for small breeds or females in good physical condition, as this food includes folic acid, which is essential for preventing malformations and promoting fetal development, as well as salmon oil, which stimulates neurological maturation in puppies.
- In the last third of gestation, it is recommended to switch to Danna Grain Free Performance, due to its high energy density, easy digestion, and enhanced protein, fat, and omega-3 profile. This helps meet increased nutritional demands, promotes milk production, and maintains the mother’s body condition.
- During lactation, you can continue with Danna Grain Free Performance or switch to Danna Supreme Elite, especially for medium and large breeds, as its functional profile promotes digestion, joint and skin health, and overall well-being.
Once the puppies have been completely weaned, it is advisable to make a gradual transition to an adult formula from Danna Pet Food, adapted to the mother’s activity level and body condition.
If you would like to add these products to your point of sale to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating dogs, write to us at info@dannapet.com or fill out this form. Leticia Arboleda, from the Danna Pet Food Customer Service team, will provide you with the information you need.
Leticia Arboleda, head of the Customer Service department at Danna Pet Food
