Feeding pregnant or lactating bitches
By Ness Bird - Nutrition Adviser and RVN CertCFVHNut ©
Arden
Grange Prestige is a delicious, energy-dense diet which provides a concentrated
source of calories and all of the nutrients required during pregnancy and
lactation. This product has the following benefits :-
A high
protein level to support cell and tissue growth, and ensure optimal levels of
essential amino acids needed for hormone and enzyme production and function.
The
correct level of fat to allow the bitch’s increased needs to be met without
having to feed overly large amounts.
Krill,
which is a very good source of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids. Pregnancy diets
must supply DHA because it cannot be synthesised in the body, and it is needed
for foetal nerve and retinal development.
Sufficient carbohydrate, which is important because during the third trimester,
a bitch derives 50% more of her energy from glucose. Insufficient carbohydrate
also reduces the lactose level of milk.
Natural
antioxidants which may help protect against the increased oxidative stress
which occurs during pregnancy due to higher oxygen consumption and metabolic
changes.
The
correct calcium to phosphorous ratio. Too much calcium is dangerous, and can
actually cause hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium levels) because it
down-regulates parathyroid hormone synthesis and secretion, which reduces the
dam’s ability to meet demands for calcium mobilisation. We do not recommend
supplementing an already complete and balanced feed with additional minerals or
vitamins unless under the guidance of your vet to correct a diagnosed nutrient
deficiency.
A
consistent source of other important pregnancy minerals (iron, copper
and zinc) & vitamins (folic acid).
Nutritional
needs do not start to increase until week 6 of the pregnancy. This is because
puppy foetal growth is non-linear, and at this stage less than 30% complete. It
is still however sensible to consider your bitch’s requirements early on so
that diet changes can be instigated gradually, and she is settled on your
chosen product before she starts to need more calories. It is important to keep
her at an ideal weight because underweight dams may not have sufficient
nutritional reserves to support the foetuses; whilst being overweight can
result in overly large puppies which can increase the risk of dystocia
(difficulty giving birth).
There are
many factors that will influence the amount of calories a bitch needs to
support her during pregnancy, with the size of the litter being particularly
significant. By the time of whelping, most bitches will need up to 40-60% more
calories than their usual pre-pregnancy intake. Increasing the allowance gradually
(so by 10-15% at week 6, by 20-30% at week 7, by 40-50% at week 8 and 60% at
week 9) helps to minimise the risks associated with over-feeding such as
flatulence and loose or very bulky stools. Splitting the allowance over 3-4
feeds per day (taking care not to exercise too near to a meal-time) is
generally considered sensible because the uterus will be taking up more space
in the abdomen so there is less room for food.
Some
bitches can become quite picky during pregnancy. It is important to ensure she
is eating regularly, and eating enough to avoid nutrient deficiencies,
fluctuating blood sugar levels and loss of energy. It is not uncommon for a
bitch to lose her appetite 2-3 days prior to whelping, but do try to tempt her
to eat because if she is lacking energy, whelping will be more difficult for
her. Insufficient food also leads to insufficient milk. During lactation, it is
absolutely imperative to ensure your bitch is eating properly otherwise she
will be more at risk of hypocalcaemia. Fortunately, there is usually a natural
appetite increase after whelping.
As with
feeding quantities for pregnancy, those suggested during lactation are only to
be used as a broad estimate because requirements can range from 2-4 x a bitch’s
pre-pregnancy energy requirement. Your eye will tell you if she is getting too
fat or too thin, and you can regulate her intake accordingly. Close monitoring
of faecal output is important too. As a guide, you may wish to increase her
normal intake by 130 – 140% in the first week, rising to 180% in the second
week and up to 250 – 300% by the third week. The size of the litter will affect
the amount of food the bitch requires and this should be taken into account.
Different
breeders and different breeds will have variable weaning timetables. However,
if the litter is unusually large you may wish to start weaning slightly earlier
than normal. Most breeders wean gradually, starting when the puppies are around
3 weeks of age, and during this time the bitch’s intake of food should be gradually
reduced. This will mean that by the time the puppies are fully weaned, the
bitch is back down to her normal daily amount; although she may need a little
more food for longer if she has lost a significant amount of weight through
feeding her puppies.
When
starting the weaning process, it is a good idea to move the dam to a separate
area for a while before offering their food (which should be mashed up and well
mixed with warm water before offering it to them), because if they have been
feeding from Mum they will not be hungry and it may put them off trying their
Arden Grange Weaning Puppy food. Don’t forget that they are used to having warm
milk from Mum and may reject food if it is too cold. Once they have eaten some
of their ‘new’ food then Mum should be put back in with them for a comforting
top-up.
It is
important to remember that puppies lose the ability to digest lactose (milk
sugar) shortly after weaning, and this is why many adult dogs are intolerant to
milk products. Some sensitive dogs are allergic to casein (milk protein) and
this is why we do not include any dairy products in our diets. If using milk
replacement products, it is safest to use formulations specific to puppy
weaning such as Welpi.
If your
bitch suffers from food allergies, dietary intolerance or has a particularly
sensitive digestion; then a change of diet may be something you are sensibly
wary of. It may well be that she can continue with her regular food providing
the nutrient balance is appropriate for pregnancy and lactation. Do be aware
that portions may need to be higher than if you were using a product
specifically formulated for pregnancy. Higher portions can be accommodated by
introducing an extra feed.
Some
breeders prefer the convenience of feeding the dam and puppies the same
product. Arden Grange Weaning Puppy, Arden Grange Puppy Junior or Arden Grange Sensitive Puppy Junior may be fed to
bitches during pregnancy and lactation as an alternative to Arden Grange
Prestige.