We do not recommend Science Diet® Puppy Large Breed for pregnant or nursing dogs. It does not provide enough calcium and energy to meet a dog’s needs during this special time. The food of choice for all pregnant or nursing dogs regardless of breed is Science Diet® Puppy food in varieties listed above.
Are there special instructions for feeding my pregnant or nursing dog?
Feed your pregnant dog the amount suggested on the food package, and keep feeding her puppy food until her puppies are finished weaning. Ask your veterinarian if you should make food available to her at all times after the puppies are born. This can help wean the puppies to a regular food and you’ll have peace of mind knowing their mother’s energy needs are being met.
When do I wean my puppies?
Most puppies begin eating solid food at 3-4 weeks of age. Weaning should be effectively completed at 6-7 weeks of age. 2 You will then need to consider which puppy food is appropriate for your puppies based on breed and expected body size when your puppies become adult dogs.
When should I see my vet?
Visit your veterinarian weekly if possible during pregnancy and nursing to check her condition and make sure her nutritional needs are being met. It’s important that you set up a specific schedule with your veterinarian to determine how often your dog should be examined during pregnancy and after puppies are born.
Keeping a record of your puppies’ weights, development and activity every 1 or 2 days2 can be very helpful for your veterinarian’s routine assessments in the first year of life.
1 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Normal Dogs; Pregnancy in Dogs; p. 238
2 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Growing Dogs: Weaning Period; p. 247