What Do You Feed a Nursing Dog?

Lactating mothers of all species need extra nutrition to feed their babies, recover from birthing and meet their own bodies' needs. A nursing bitch needs extra calories and nutrition to care for and feed her puppies.

  1. Greater Amounts and Calories

    • A lactating bitch needs at least twice the amount of food than when she is not pregnant or lactating. She should have three large meals a day, plus be free-fed kibble.

    Easy Access to Water

    • It is important that a nursing bitch have easy access to a plentiful supply of water. She needs to be well-hydrated to produce enough milk for her puppies.

    A Need for More Fat

    • She needs a diet with at least 17 percent fat. A bitch's diet can be supplemented with grease, lard, tallow and/or vegetable oils. One tablespoon of fat per cup of dry food is a good rule. Or she could be fed a richer, more nutrient-dense commercial food than her usual diet.

    Higher Protein Requirements

    • Nursing bitches need extra protein. The extra protein goes to the growing puppies via her milk and to her increased metabolic needs due to nursing. Puppy food is a good source of extra protein.

    Calcium is Very Important

    • The nursing bitch has increased calcium needs. A lack of adequate calcium for a lactating bitch could result in her death, as her body will give up its stored calcium to help feed her pups. Cow's milk added to a bitch's diet is an excellent source of extra calcium.