You want to feed your dogs in a way that supports healthy pregnancies, bigger litters, and strong, thriving puppies. But if you’ve spent any time in online forums, you’ve probably seen dozens of conflicting opinions—about what to feed, when to feed it, and whether to add things like liver, yogurt, cottage cheese, or calcium supplements.
It’s hard to know what’s actually grounded in science.
This post is here to help you sort through the noise. These are evidence-based guidelines—drawn from veterinary research, nutritional standards, and clinical experience—so you can feel confident you’re making the right choices for your dogs.
Before Breeding: Start with Body Condition
Whether you’re breeding a male or female, start by making sure they’re in ideal body condition—not too heavy, not too thin. That might sound basic, but body condition affects everything from ovulation quality to semen parameters to the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth.
A female who is underweight may struggle to maintain pregnancy. A female who is overweight is more likely to experience dystocia (difficult labor), uterine inertia (poor contractions), and smaller litter sizes due to hormonal disruption.
And once pregnant, she’ll do everything she can to support her developing litter—even if that means breaking down her own tissues to provide nutrients. If her body is already depleted, that may lead to fetal resorption or even abortion, especially in large litters.
Confirm Pregnancy—And Count Puppies
Ultrasound around 3–4 weeks post-breeding can confirm pregnancy, and while you’re not going to get an accurate exact puppy count, it can give a general idea of how many puppies to expect. That matters, because nutritional needs are different depending on litter size.
Dogs carrying large litters will need more calories, more digestible energy, and careful monitoring in the final weeks of pregnancy. Knowing what you’re dealing with gives you a chance to plan ahead.
Feeding During Pregnancy: Timing and Composition Matter
In the first half of pregnancy (up to day 42), don’t increase calories. The puppies are growing very slowly at this stage, and excess feeding can cause unnecessary fat gain, which increases the risk of delivery complications later.
Starting around week 6, when fetal growth accelerates, increase food gradually—about 10% more each week. By the time she’s close to delivery, she may need 40–50% more calories than normal, depending on litter size.
Look for diets that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth or all life stages, and avoid over-supplementing with items like liver or dairy, which can throw off calcium, protein, or phosphorus levels.
A research-supported pregnancy diet includes:
- ~30% protein, 20% fat, 20–30% carbohydrates
- Omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio between 5:1 and 15:1 (to support fetal development and maternal tissue health)
- Calcium:Phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 1.2:1 (critical for skeletal development and later, for milk production)
Folic Acid: One Small Supplement, Big Impact
Folic acid (vitamin B9) plays an important role in preventing midline defects like cleft palates and spina bifida. In dogs, this is especially important in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, which may be predisposed to these abnormalities.
Supplementing with 0.4–1 mg per day, starting at least a month before breeding and continuing through day 40 of pregnancy, is a simple, low-risk step that may reduce the risk of these defects.
Supporting the Male: Sperm Quality Starts with Nutrition
Male fertility isn’t just about libido—it’s about sperm quality, which is directly influenced by nutrition. Sperm development takes about 60 days, so any changes you make should happen well before the breeding.
Key research-backed nutrients that support male fertility include:
- L-carnitine (supports energy metabolism in sperm and motility)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA) (improve membrane fluidity and structural integrity of sperm)
- Vitamin E, selenium, and zinc (protect against oxidative damage to developing sperm cells)
These don’t have to come from special supplements—many high-quality performance diets already include them. But if you’re working with an older male or one with borderline semen quality, targeted supplementation may be helpful. Ask your reproductive vet about your male’s specific situation.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the advice online is all over the place.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to do anything extreme to support fertility and healthy pregnancies. You just need to do the right things—at the right time—with a foundation of science behind your choices.
- Prioritize body condition before breeding
- Feed for growth and reproduction—not guesswork
- Increase calories thoughtfully, not all at once
- Use supplements with purpose, not panic
- Support both the female and the male
You don’t need to guess, over-supplement, or reinvent the wheel. With the right foundation and a little bit of strategy, you can feel confident that you’re giving your dogs exactly what they need—no myths, no fluff, just solid science and steady support.
📚 References
- Cheryl Lopate (2024). Maximizing Litter Size in the Bitch. Reproductive Revolutions, Inc.
- Root Kustritz, M.V. (2010). Clinical Canine and Feline Reproduction: A Practitioner’s Guide
- National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Linde Forsberg, C. (2020). Feeding the Pregnant Bitch: Do’s and Don’ts. International Dog Breeding Symposium
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Dog Food Nutrient Profiles
- Lawler, D.F. & Evans, R.H. (1991). Nutrition and Management of the Breeding Bitch. The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice
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