During lactation, the body spends a lot of energy on producing milk; in addition, it now needs to share all the nutrients with the offspring, which means it needs a special diet. Proper feeding of a dog after birth is the key to the health of the mother and offspring.
The quality of milk directly depends on how complete the feeding of a whelping dog is. Normally it contains about 7% protein, 4% lactose and 8% fat, vitamins and minerals that come from food. The lack of any elements in the diet affects the quality composition, which in turn negatively affects the development of puppies and the condition of the mother.
Pregnant
You should take care of your bitch's future pregnancy in advance, if possible from the very first heat. Nutrition should be complete, containing vitamins and minerals. Of course, you should not overfeed your pet - excess weight and obesity will subsequently have a negative impact on health.
Food should cover the dog's daily energy needs . They will be different for each breed - you should not feed a Pomeranian in the same way as an Alaskan Malamute. Unfortunately, such seemingly obvious truths are not understood by everyone.
REFERENCE . You should understand what changes occur in the body of a pregnant bitch.
This is not only an external restructuring of the exterior, but also significant internal changes, increasing every week. The volume of circulating blood increases, which places additional stress on the kidneys and liver. The diaphragm moves, the lungs are pressed, and the need for breathing increases - the number of breathing movements increases noticeably.
Charming expectant mothers
If the dog was fed ready-made food, you should not suddenly switch it to natural food during pregnancy - this will be stressful for the body as a whole and for the animal in particular. There are special foods designed for pregnant and lactating dogs. During gestation and lactation you can use them.
However, veterinarians and dog breeders recommend adding small portions of natural food to the usual food, and, if possible, gradually switching it to a natural diet.
IMPORTANT . An attempt to switch a dog to natural food may be accompanied by a refusal to eat. The animal will not understand why they are trying to feed it something incomprehensible and unusual.
Another option for using ready-made store-bought food is puppy food . It contains the necessary amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Some dog breeders advise switching your dog to puppy food about a month before mating.
The transition to such food should take place within one to two weeks - this will help avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract. You should also not change the brand of feed you use.
If before pregnancy the feeding consisted of natural food - meat, vegetables, fish - it is better to leave everything as is. Only the quantity and concentration of food given, as well as the ratio of proteins and fiber, needs correction.
Veterinarians advise devoting 2/3 of the diet to lean meats - rabbit, lean beef, raw tripe. Boiled heart and liver can be given as a treat and encouragement. Raw sea fish is useful in small quantities.
At the very beginning of pregnancy, you can give milk, cottage cheese, and fermented milk products . This should be taken into separate feeding and not mixed with meat.
I can't bear my own burden
