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There are certain aspects of dog breeding that are beyond our control. However, one crucial aspect that we can control is ensuring optimal nutrition for both the dam and the growing puppies.
Purina nutritionist Raj Naik, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®, relates the energy and nutrient requirements of the stages of pregnancy and puppy development to optimal nutrition.
“For optimal reproduction performance, it is vital for the sire and dam to be in peak body condition,” Dr. Naik says. “An underweight body condition in dams may cause puppies to have reduced birth weight, hypoglycemia and even poor survival. Overweight dams may have a lower ovulation rate, reduced litter size and poor lactation.”
Just as it is crucial for the breeding partners to maintain an optimal, hourglass body condition, it is advisable for breeders to progressively increase the amount of food provided during pregnancy to fulfill the dam's energy requirements caused by the development of fetuses. “Starting at week six through week nine, a pregnant bitch should be fed 10 percent more food per week than her adult maintenance level, as her fetal puppies gain 75 percent of their birth weight during the last three weeks,” he says. “The dam’s total body weight should increase 15 to 25 percent during pregnancy.”
During the peak of lactation, the energy requirements for a dam are three times greater than adult maintenance. “It is vital to feed enough food to prevent weight loss and to keep the milk production up during lactation,” says Dr. Naik. “Consider feeding several small meals throughout the day. This also helps during pregnancy when the growing fetuses reduce abdominal space for a large meal.”
The milk produced by the dam within the initial 72 hours after giving birth is of utmost nutritional importance for the puppies. Colostrum, found in this milk, contains antibodies that offer passive immunity, as well as highly concentrated energy nutrients and growth factors. Puppies have a limited timeframe to benefit from the passive immunity provided by colostrum, making it incredibly significant.
Until puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, they solely depend on their mother’s milk to survive. “Puppies grow at a high rate and need about 25 calories per 100 grams of body weight,” Dr. Naik says. “In the first 10 days, their birth weight typically doubles. They spend most of the time sleeping and eating.”
In terms of development, puppies undergo significant changes during their early weeks. Initially, they rely on their dam to stimulate urination and defecation, but by weeks two to four, they become capable of doing so independently. Their sensory abilities also progress, as they transition from having no sight or hearing in the first two weeks to developing functioning hearing and vision in weeks two to four. Additionally, this period sees the emergence of baby teeth, and puppies start exploring their surroundings and interacting with their littermates and dam. Their awareness and socialization become evident through puppy barks, wagging tails, and unsteady walking. Furthermore, between weeks four and seven, puppies gain the ability to regulate their own body temperature effectively.
“In weeks three to four, breeders should start introducing a semi-soft gruel mixture that is one part kibble soaked in two parts warm water,” says Dr. Naik. “This begins their gradual change to eating on their own, as after four weeks, the mother’s milk alone does not provide enough nutrients for puppies and she begins to lose interest in nursing. Nutritional weaning should be completed around 6 weeks of age. In contrast, behavioural weaning in which puppies are separated from the dam and littermates should not happen until they are 8 weeks of age to ensure optimal social behaviour.”
Dr. Naik advises feeding pregnant bitches and puppies a complete and balanced all-life stages or puppy food, such as one of the Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance or Active Formulas or Purina Pro Plan Puppy foods, that has:
- High-quality protein of which 25 percent is metabolizable energy to help build new tissue and support muscle, skin and coat, and organ development
- Calcium to phosphorus ratio that is 1:1 to 1:6-1:8 for proper bone growth
- Essential fatty acids from omega-3 fish oil with DHA for optimal brain-retinal development
- Antioxidants to support a developing immune system
Importantly, Dr. Naik says, that when feeding a complete and balanced food, there is no need to supplement with vitamins and minerals. “Balanced diets provide the appropriate levels of nutrients that are critical to get puppies off to a good start in life. Optimal nutrition should be the goal throughout pregnancy and lactation and when feeding developing puppies.”
Large & Giant Breed Puppy Nutrition Watchouts
While large and giant breed puppies do experience a faster growth rate compared to small and medium breeds, it is important not to overfeed them with excessive calories in order to maximize this growth. Dr. Naik recommends maintaining these breeds at an ideal body condition throughout their puppyhood and adulthood by providing them with appropriate nutrition. “If large and giant breed puppies grow too quickly, it could lead to skeletal health concerns and growth and developmental problems,” he says. “It is particularly important to avoid feeding excess calcium in these breeds, as it can do more harm than good by unbalancing the diet, increasing the dietary concentration of calcium and decreasing the absorption of phosphorus.” Dr. Naik advises feeding these puppies a diet such as one of the Purina Pro Plan Large Breed puppy foods that have targeted levels of calories and fat to support a moderate growth rate throughout growth and development.
Nutritional Requirements* During Pregnancy & Lactation
| Week of Pregnancy | Energy Demand | Week of Lactation | Energy Demand |
| Weeks 1 to 5 | Adult maintenance | Weeks 1 to 2 | Adult maintenance x 2 |
| Week 6 | Adult maintenance + 10 percent | Weeks 3 to 4 | Adult maintenance x 3 |
| Week 7 | Week 6 + 10 percent | Weeks 5 to 6 | Adult maintenance x 2 |
| Week 8 | Week 7 + 10 percent | ||
| Week 9 | Week 8 + 10 percent |
* Pregnant and lactating bitches should be fed a complete and balanced all-life stages or puppy food to meet their increased nutrient and energy requirements. A high-quality, highly digestible food that is energy- and nutrient-dense is recommended.
Purina® Pro Plan® is the #1 brand most fed and recommended brand by dog breeders in Canada.* Learn more about the what the Pro Club Breeder program has to offer, including up to 25% savings on Pro Plan dog and puppy food, a free bag of puppy food for your new pet owners and more!
*Canadian Dog Fancier survey results, November 2023
