How Much Food To Give A Nursing Dog: Feeding Tips For New Moms

Determining the appropriate daily food intake for a nursing dog is a crucial aspect of canine care. Generally, a nursing dog should have access to food whenever she desires, as she needs to meet her increased nutritional requirements during this critical period. However, it’s advisable for breeders and dog owners to consider a feeding strategy that involves dividing her daily intake into smaller, more frequent meals. Instead of offering her two large meals per day, opt for smaller, nutritionally dense portions served at intervals of approximately every 2-3 hours. This approach ensures that the nursing dog receives a consistent supply of essential nutrients to support her and her puppies’ health and development.

Can you overfeed a nursing dog? When caring for a lactating mother dog, it’s essential to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food label. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that she always has access to dry kibble and fresh water, as lactating dogs tend to consume more water compared to non-nursing dogs. During the entire fostering period, it’s recommended to offer the mother as much food as she desires to eat. It’s important to note that it’s generally not possible to overfeed a mother dog during this time, as she needs extra nutrition to support both herself and her puppies.