Like any other female living being, the pregnancy period for a dog is also one of the most important parts of their lives. The pregnancy and nursing periods are the time in their lives where they need to be looked after and taken care of the most. You can find various veterinary doctors in the UK, it is important to visit the one on a regular basis during the pregnancy period.
There could be multiple changes in their behaviour and their requirements, including the time of rest, the type of environment, especially here in the UK, where weather can be a little harsh, they need a comfy and warm setting around them. You can also see changes in their dietary requirements and nutrients intake.
Diet change in the pregnancy period
The pregnancy or the gestation period of a dog typically lasts for a period of 9 weeks, i.e. 63 days. Pregnant dogs will need to consume almost 25% to 50% of more food than their normal food intake. This percentage starts from 25% and goes up to 50% by the end of the pregnancy. But the energy requirements tend to increase only after the sixth week.
The nutrition intake is supposed to increase substantially in this period. More protein is needed to nourish the healthy development of puppies. Calcium and phosphorus intake should also increase for adequate milk development by the mother and mother and for the healthy development of the bones of the puppies. Increased fat in precisely balanced nutrition helps supply more energy.
An adequately fed puppy is likely to gain around 5 kilos during the pregnancy period. While it is important to check that your dog is not underfed at any time during this period since it will, of course, affect the dog and the puppies, it is also important to keep a check that your dog has not overfed. Overfeeding can result in obesity at the end of pregnancy, increasing the risk for difficult or prolonged labour and extra stress on the puppies.
Diet change in the nursing period
Typically, a dog gives birth to around 4 to 12 babies, depending on the breed. Keeping your dog healthy ensures the safety of the puppies. After birth, you will need to feed lots of calcium to avoid seizures in the mother. You can also include raw food in the diet, just look for the Best Raw Dog Food in the UK, choose the best suited for your dog from the given list. Raw food will make sure your dog gets all the required nutrients.
The overall food intake, needless to say, has to increase since the mother dog has not only herself but also her puppies to feed. You can also increase the number of times you feed your dog and can also opt to leave food lying around so that they can keep eating it according to their requirement.
Be sure your nursing mom has plenty of water so she can generate the milk volume she needs to feed the puppies. You should also consult a veterinarian for a better and sounder plan on the quantity and quality of the mother dog’s food.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the dietary requirements of your dog at all times. But more so during the time of pregnancy and nursing when they have more than themselves to take care of. It is also advisable to go for regular check-ups with your vet in case of unusual changes in the behaviour or habits of your dog.
