Pregnancy, Lactating & Weaning

Supporting Your Dog Through Pregnancy, Lactation & Weaning

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and understanding how to support mum nutritionally and emotionally helps set both her and her puppies up for a healthy start. Every dog is different, so working closely with your vet throughout pregnancy and after birth is essential.

Before & During Pregnancy

Start With a Veterinary Check‑Up

A pre‑pregnancy or early‑pregnancy health check helps ensure mum is in good condition. Your vet can assess for issues such as skin irritation, discomfort, or behavioural stress, as these may influence her wellbeing during pregnancy.

Nutrition Matters

Many owners choose a species‑appropriate raw diet during pregnancy because it’s easy to digest and naturally nutrient‑dense. If transitioning to raw, this is usually done gradually over the first few weeks using a Transition to Raw guide.

Ingredients Commonly Avoided During Pregnancy

Some owners choose to avoid certain ingredients during pregnancy:

• Garlic

• Fenugreek & Neem — often avoided due to concerns about stimulating uterine activity

For parasite management, some families prefer natural approaches such as:

• Bug‑repellent sprays (e.g., Alexanders Bugzilla Spray)

• Organic Pumpkin Seeds (Note: These will need to be crushed o avoid digestive blockages (½ tsp per 10kg of body weight, up to twice daily).

Always discuss parasite control with your vet or a holistic practitioner to ensure safety.

Feeding Mum During Pregnancy

Once settled on a balanced raw diet, most dogs don’t require major changes early on. Some breeders increase heart content for natural folate, but this varies by preference.

Great Raw Diet Choices

Many owners choose complete, balanced raw meals during pregnancy to ensure mum receives consistent nutrition:

• Paleo Plus — organic, ethical, and nutrient‑rich

• Naturaw Forage Range — a well‑balanced complete food designed to support overall health

These options help simplify feeding during a time when mum’s nutritional needs are changing.

Pregnancy Boosters for Mum

Some owners like to include gentle, nutrient‑rich whole foods alongside a balanced diet:

• Raw eggs (a few times per week)

• Kelp seaweed (if not already included in a complete food)

• Small amounts of cooked frozen mussels

• Small oily fish such as sardines

• Antioxidant‑rich foods like blueberries

• Colostrum supplements such as (Prodog or Aniforte)

• Calming blends such as Prodog Raw Revive  for emotional balance

Suitability varies between dogs, so it’s helpful to check with a nutrition professional or holistic vet.

Adjusting Portions

From week 5 onward, appetite usually increases. Many owners gradually raise food amounts:

• Week 5: +5–10%

• Week 6: +5–10%

• Week 7: +5–10%

• Week 8: +5–10%

By late pregnancy, mum may be eating up to 50% more than usual. Some vets recommend reducing bone content during this time — always follow professional guidance.

In the final days before whelping, appetite may drop. Some owners offer cooked vegetables to help keep stools soft before birth.

Post‑Birth: Supporting Mum & Her Litter

Once mum has given birth, her nutritional needs change rapidly as her body begins producing milk. This is a demanding stage, and offering the right foods can help her stay strong and comfortable while caring for her puppies.

Reintroducing Raw Meaty Bones

Many owners choose to reintroduce raw meaty bones after whelping, as they naturally contain calcium and other minerals that support lactation. Common options include:

• Chicken backs

• Chicken necks

• Chicken carcasses

• Chicken wings

• Pre‑made raw meals containing around 10% bone

Fresh drinking water should always be available, as nursing significantly increases hydration needs.

Placenta Consumption

Some dogs instinctively eat their placentas after giving birth. This is a natural behaviour, but it’s helpful to monitor mum afterwards to ensure it doesn’t cause digestive upset or unpleasant odours.

Post‑Birth Nutritional Boost for Mum

The days immediately after whelping are demanding, and many owners like to offer gentle, nutrient‑rich foods to help mum maintain her strength while feeding her litter. These additions are not medical treatments, but they can complement a balanced diet and support overall wellbeing during this intense period.

Nutrient‑Rich Options Often Used by Breeders

Some nutrition experts recommend simple, highly digestible blends in the first few days post‑birth. One commonly used combination includes:

• Whole goat milk such as Karnlea

• A small amount of local or Manuka honey

• A raw egg

• 1–2 teaspoons of flaxseed oil

This mixture is often chosen because it provides hydration, natural fats, and easily absorbed energy.

Additional Supportive Foods

Many breeders also incorporate small amounts of nutrient‑dense whole foods, such as:

• Ground liver — rich in natural vitamins and minerals

• Fenugreek — has long been used as a galactagogue — a substance traditionally believed to encourage milk production. Many breeders choose it during the early lactation period to help mum feel nutritionally supported while feeding her puppies.

• Kelp seaweed — often added if not already included in a complete raw diet

These additions vary depending on the dog, her appetite, and her overall condition. A holistic vet or nutrition professional can help determine what’s most appropriate for mum’s individual needs.

Natural Support for Fleas, Ticks & Worms

Many owners prefer to minimise chemical exposure during pregnancy and the post‑birth period, especially when mum is nursing. If you’re exploring gentler options, our supplements list filtered to “Nature” highlights products chosen by owners who want a more natural approach to flea, tick, and worm support. These options focus on botanical ingredients and food‑based compounds rather than synthetic chemicals.

Because every dog’s needs are different — and puppies are especially sensitive — it’s always best to discuss any parasite‑control plan with a holistic or pro‑raw vet to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual dog.

Weaning Puppies Onto Raw

Puppies usually begin exploring food around 3–4 weeks.

Many owners start with:

• A raw weaning paste

• Full‑fat goat milk for a yoghurt‑like consistency

• Optional additions such as Aniforte Colostrum or Karnlea bone broth

Serve at room temperature and gradually reduce the milk content over time. Meals typically increase from one per day to several small meals between weeks 3–6.

Mum’s food intake often increases by around 25% per puppy during peak lactation, then gradually returns to normal by week 8.

🐾 Let mum continue feeding—gradually decrease her food intake back to pre-pregnancy levels by week 8.

Transitioning Puppies to Full Raw

By 8 weeks, most puppies can move onto balanced, puppy‑specific raw meals. New owners can follow our raw transition guide to help them introduce variety safely and confidently.