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Best Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs 2024
Written by Ellie Roddy
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/31/2023, edited: 03/22/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
You know what they say — when you’re pregnant you’re “eating for two.” Although this isn’t strictly true — and calories shouldn’t be doubled — your diet does need to be taken into consideration so it supports both you and your baby.
Now, bear in mind that when it comes to dogs, they can be “eating for 13.” Yes — 13! While the average litter size is 5 to 6 puppies, it can range anywhere from 1 to 12 puppies. That’s a lot of little mouths to feed, besides the expectant mum, herself.
While caring for a dog during pregnancy you’ll probably be wondering what to feed a pregnant dog. Well, it’s vital they have a balanced and nutritious diet, with high-quality protein which is essential to help support both her health as well as the growth and development of her puppies. In fact, the best dog food for a pregnant dog is food specifically formulated for puppies as it’s often much higher in protein and contains more omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants, adds:
“An adequate intake of calories and nutrients during pregnancy and lactation are essential to ensure the health of mom and the growth of her puppies. Speak to your veterinarian about an appropriate diet and feeding regimen for your dog.”
Dr. Georgia adds: “Bear in mind that during the third trimester (6-8 weeks), energy demands substantially increase whilst the mother’s appetite may decrease due to the limited space for stomach expansion and feeding small frequent meals.”
Look for food with vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for overall health and avoid excessive fillers and artificial flavors as they can experience digestive issues during pregnancy.
Wondering how to make sure your dog and her unborn puppies are benefitting from the best possible diet? Here’s the best food for a pregnant dog.
Overview
Ollie
Best food for pregnant and nursing dogs
Ollie’s is suitable for dogs during all life stages and is personalized to every dog's needs, which is perfect for pups during pregnancy. Plus, it’s delivered straight to your door, which is ideal for pet parents that are looking after a pregnant dog.
Gut health is supported by the highly-digestible recipes and the food is slow-cooked gently to preserve the essential nutrients.
Among the delicious flavors are chicken with carrots, beef with sweet potatoes and turkey with blueberries.
If you’re wondering what to feed a nursing dog (after their pregnancy), then this is it.
Ollie Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- Meal plans are personalized to your pregnant pups needs
- The meals are delivered straight to your door
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- No artificial flavors, fillers, preservatives, or by-products
Considerations & Concerns
- Fresh food tends to be more expensive than most wet or dry food
- There have been some complaints about bad customer service
- Some people have received the wrong food delivery
What pet parents say about Ollie
“I have been very pleased with Ollie! Customer service has been great, the app is convenient & best of all my dogs are excited about dinner time. It’s such a relief to know they are getting human grade food that is easily digestible = solid, healthy poops. No more human food off our plates that is not good for them! Thank you Ollie for the kibble & fresh frozen combination food.”
“Absolutely love and adore this food we added to all of our pregnant and nursing mama's food!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the Ollie website. Copyright Ollie Pets, Inc.
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
Vet recommended
Food for pregnant dogs should be high in protein. The first ingredient in this food is dehydrated chicken, which contains four times as much protein as fresh chicken. Another benefit is that it’s not exposed to high temperatures so it preserves more of the nutrients.
A pregnant dog’s food should include omega-3 fatty acids and the fourth ingredient is flaxseed, which is among the best plant sources of this.
The quality of this food couldn’t be higher as human food safety standards are followed and it’s made in a human food manufacturing facility.
If you’re looking for the best homemade food for pregnant dogs (that you don’t actually make yourself at home) — then this is it.
“The Honest Kitchen offers convenient dry, dehydrated, and wet food options that use high protein meat sources and are fortified with fish oils and essential nutrients such as taurine.” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants.
The Honest Kitchen Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- FDA approved ‘human grade’ pet food that uses only human-edible ingredients
- No by-products, preservatives, artificial ingredients or GMOs
- High in both protein and calories which is beneficial for pregnant dogs
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Wag!'s pet nutrition expert and veterinary consultant
Considerations & Concerns
- Quite expensive compared to other brands
- Has been known to cause digestive upset in some dogs
- The company has had products recalled (although not since 2013)
What pet parents say about The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
“I have mothering dogs and I feed them this everyday. It is healthy for them and provides enough nutrition after birth.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
“This was recommended to me by a family member and I'm so glad I got the sample pack. My dog loves this food so much she can't wait to eat in the morning and evening. She was never a picky eater but would often nibble here and there. Now the food is gone as soon as I put it down and she licks the bowl clean.”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright The Honest Kitchen.
Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
Vet recommended
Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe includes real deboned meat. There are several flavors to choose from including Chicken and Sweet Potato and Texas Beef and Sweet Potato.
As well as being full of high-quality protein, this Texas brand also ensures it has all the nutrients mom and her pups need. So much so that it is approved by vets, ranking it highly among the best dry food for pregnant dogs.
“Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
Merrick Puppy Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- 70% of protein from animal sources
- Includes DHA to support healthy brain development
- Glucosamine and chondroitin maintains healthy hips and joints
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Wag!'s pet nutrition expert and veterinary consultant
Considerations & Concerns
- Grain-free diet might not be right for your dog (but there is also a Healthy Grains option)
- Some dogs will refuse to eat this food
- It’s not the most budget-friendly option
What pet parents say about Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
“I fed this to my puppy (lab) since he was 3 months old. It's made him grow big and strong. Many people compliment his shiny coat, and I think it's this kibble that's giving him all the right nutrients for strong bones, shiny coats, and clear eyes. It's good for all breeds, and all sizes (including large breed). Recommended!”
Read more reviews on Petco.
“I've been using Merrick for years. I like that the ingredients are all natural and that the company is USA based. The protein sources are whole and there isn't any "filler" ingredients. So, naturally, when I got my Shepsky puppy, I chose the Merrick brand. This food is perfect, since it covers "all breeds" with the best ingredients. My puppy loves it, too. He was happy to chow down from the very first meal.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Victor Pate Canned Dog Food
Best for puppies and dogs
This Texas-based brand sources its ingredients locally to produce food that is suitable for all life stages — making it among the best food for a pregnant dog.
It’s full of vitamins and minerals. To ensure it’s nutritious it is reviewed by both internal and external nutritionists. It also supports bowel function and muscle health.
This pate is ideal for adding to their Victor kibble. Flavors of the pate include chicken and rice as well as lamb and rice.
Victor Wet Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- High-quality protein and essential fatty acids which is important for pregnant pups
- Encourages healthy digestion
- 100% free of flavors, colors and preservatives
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free kibble as well as wet dog food is available
Considerations & Concerns
- Has been known to cause digestive issues for some dogs
- Some dogs may not want to eat it
What pet parents say about Victor Pate Canned Dog Food
“I had tried a number of very pricey brands of wet food, none were much of a hit. All of my dogs absolutely love this.”
“My breeder recommended it. My dog turns his nose up to most dog food but gobbles down the chicken and rice.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Victor Pet Food.
FAQ
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