Dog Mom’s Guide: Best Postpartum Diet for Your Furry Friend

The key to a happy and healthy mama dog and her pups lies in proper nutrition! After giving birth, your canine companion needs a diet rich in calories, protein, and calcium to recover and produce plenty of milk. We’re diving deep into the ultimate postpartum diet for your furry girl, so keep scrolling for the deets!

Why is my dog not eating after giving birth?

Okay, so your girl just went through a HUGE ordeal – whelping those adorable little nuggets! It’s perfectly normal for her appetite to be a bit wonky for the first 24-48 hours. Think of it like this: she just ran a marathon, and her body is exhausted. She might be too tired to eat or simply overwhelmed by the sudden responsibility of being a mom.

Don’t panic immediately! Offer her small, frequent meals of highly palatable food. We’re talking things that smell AMAZING and are easy to digest. Think warmed-up puppy food (yes, she can eat puppy food!), cooked chicken and rice, or even a bit of plain yogurt.

If she’s refusing all food after 48 hours, or if she seems weak, lethargic, or has a fever, it’s time to contact your vet. It could be a sign of an underlying issue like metritis (a uterine infection) or eclampsia (milk fever), both of which need immediate veterinary attention.

Also, keep fresh water available AT ALL TIMES. Dehydration is a big concern after labor. You can even try offering her chicken broth to encourage her to drink and replenish electrolytes. Make sure it’s low-sodium and contains no onions or garlic!

How much should a nursing dog eat?

This is a BIG one! A nursing dog’s caloric needs skyrocket after giving birth. During peak lactation (around 3-5 weeks after whelping), she’ll need 2-4 times her normal daily calorie intake! That’s a significant jump, and it’s crucial to meet those needs to ensure she can produce enough milk for her pups.

Start by gradually increasing her food intake immediately after whelping. By the time she reaches peak lactation, she should be eating multiple meals a day.

Here’s a general guideline:

Week 1: Increase her food by 25-50%

Week 2-3: Increase her food by 50-75%

Week 3-5 (Peak Lactation): Increase her food by 100-300%

Of course, these are just estimates. You’ll need to adjust based on your dog’s breed, size, number of puppies, and overall condition. Keep a close eye on her body condition. You should be able to feel her ribs easily, but they shouldn’t be prominently visible. If she’s looking too thin, increase her food. If she’s starting to gain too much weight, dial it back a bit.

It’s also super important to choose a high-quality food specifically formulated for puppies or lactating mothers. These foods are packed with the essential nutrients she needs. Look for a food with a protein content of at least 29% and a fat content of at least 17%.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different feeding strategies. Some dogs prefer to graze throughout the day, while others do better with scheduled meals. Find what works best for your girl and her lifestyle!

Best foods for postpartum dogs (aka, let’s get this mama fed!)

Alright, let’s talk about specific food options! The goal is to provide a diet that’s not only calorie-dense but also easy to digest and packed with essential nutrients.

1. High-Quality Puppy Food: This is often the GO-TO choice for a reason. Puppy food is formulated to support rapid growth and development, which also makes it perfect for lactating mothers. It’s typically higher in protein, fat, and calcium than adult dog food.

Why it’s awesome: Easy to digest, readily available, and provides a complete and balanced diet.

Look for: A food with a named meat source as the first ingredient (like chicken, lamb, or salmon) and avoid foods with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.

2. High-Quality Adult Dog Food (with Additions): If you prefer to stick with your dog’s regular adult food, you can definitely supplement it to meet her increased nutritional needs.

How to boost it: Add cooked chicken or turkey (boneless and skinless), plain yogurt (for extra calcium), or a small amount of cottage cheese. You can also add a tablespoon of salmon oil to her food for healthy fats.

Important note: Make sure the adult food you’re using is still a high-quality formula.

3. Homemade Diet (with Veterinary Approval): If you’re feeling ambitious and want complete control over your dog’s diet, you can consider a homemade option. HOWEVER, this is NOT something to be taken lightly. You MUST consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and meets all of your dog’s needs.

Example ingredients: Cooked chicken or turkey, brown rice, sweet potatoes, green beans, and a calcium supplement.

Things to consider: Homemade diets require careful planning and preparation. They can also be more expensive than commercial dog food.

4. Supplements (with Veterinary Guidance): In some cases, your vet may recommend specific supplements to support your dog’s recovery and milk production.

Common supplements: Calcium supplements (to prevent eclampsia), omega-3 fatty acids (for overall health), and probiotics (to support gut health).

Important disclaimer: Never give your dog supplements without first consulting with your vet. Some supplements can interact with medications or cause other health problems.

Extra Tips for Feeding a Nursing Dog:

Feed small, frequent meals: Instead of one or two large meals, offer her food several times throughout the day. This will help prevent her from feeling overwhelmed and make it easier for her to digest the food.

Keep food and water easily accessible: Place her food and water bowls near her whelping box so she doesn’t have to go far to eat and drink.

Monitor her weight: Keep a close eye on her weight and body condition to make sure she’s getting enough to eat.

Provide a quiet and comfortable environment: Make sure she has a safe and peaceful place to eat where she won’t be disturbed by other pets or children.

Don’t be afraid to hand-feed: If she’s reluctant to eat, try hand-feeding her small amounts of food. Sometimes, a little extra TLC can make a big difference.

Gradually transition back to her regular diet: Once the puppies are weaned (around 6-8 weeks), gradually reduce her food intake and transition her back to her normal adult dog food.

Consult with your veterinarian: If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or health, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s individual needs.

Feeding a nursing dog can be a challenge, but with the right information and a little bit of patience, you can ensure that your furry girl gets the nutrition she needs to thrive. Remember to choose high-quality food, monitor her weight, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Your diligence will ensure that both your mama dog and her adorable pups stay healthy and happy! Good luck, and enjoy those puppy cuddles!