Pregnancy in a bitch lasts approximately 60 days on average and, as with any animal, it is a special period during which many physical and behavioural changes take place. First of all, it is always important to take your dog to the vet and have an ultrasound scan performed. This will inform you of any potential issues and precautions to take during and immediately after the birth. 

Nutrition for a pregnant dog

Nutrition is very important during a dog's pregnancy. Not only must the changing nutritional needs of the mother be taken into account, but also those of the puppies. It is also important to know how many puppies are in the mother's womb, as the number of puppies can vary greatly. The breed of dog is one of the most decisive factors in this. The number of puppies can vary from less than 4 to as many as 9.

The first weeks of pregnancy

During the first weeks of pregnancy, it is not necessary to change the diet. However, some dogs may experience a loss of appetite, which is often temporary and therefore not immediately a cause for concern. If this persists for a longer period of time, consult your vet. From the fifth week onwards, however, there is a gradual increase in energy requirements. From this point onwards, it is important to choose a nutritionally balanced diet that does not require the addition of supplements. Supplements are even discouraged as they can disrupt the regulation of vitamins and minerals. Examples of this are Monge Starter Kibble for medium or small dogs.

To ensure that the bitch receives a balanced and specific diet, you can use so-called 'starter' food. Monge Starter food can be used both during pregnancy and while nursing. You can even use Monge Starter food when the puppies are weaned. These kibbles contain specific percentages of proteins, fats and essential amino acids. This means that the food contains sufficient energy and calories to meet the needs of both the mother and the puppies. Proteins are essential for the proper development of the puppies and must therefore be of high quality. Proteins of animal origin, typically rich in essential amino acids, are therefore highly recommended. This is also the reason why we use them in our Monge Starter food.

Additions to Monge Starter food

• Fatty acids. It is very important that the food is enriched with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a fatty acid belonging to the omega-3 category. DHA promotes the proper development of the puppies' brains and nervous systems.
• Vitamins.In addition,there are some essential vitamins that are important. These include vitamin C (promotes iron absorption and supports the immune system), vitamin D (important for calcium absorption) and folic acid or vitamin B9 (prevents palate deformities).
• Minerals. Iron, calcium and phosphorus are important minerals for the proper development of puppies.

How much dog food should you feed a pregnant dog?

For the amount of food to be given, you can consult the tables on the label of the chosen food. A gradual increase in the daily amount is recommended, depending on the number of weeks of pregnancy. During lactation, there is no specific amount of food. It is also important to increase the number of meals from the fifth week onwards. Try to give her between 4 and 5 meals a day. This will prevent excessive strain on her stomach and large fluctuations in her blood sugar levels. 

Finally, it is important to monitor weight throughout the pregnancy to protect the bitch's health and ensure she is in optimal condition for the birth. Although weight gain is normal, it should not exceed 25-30% of the original weight. The best way to monitor weight gain is to weigh the bitch weekly and adjust her daily diet if necessary. If in doubt, always consult your vet.