How Much to Feed a Pregnant or Nursing Dog

For the first two thirds of pregnancy, usually about the same as for maintenance, as long as she wasn’t underweight at the start (Merck); the FEDIAF guidelines give 132 × kg^0.75 kcal a day for the first 4 weeks. For the last 5 weeks (weeks 5 to 9), the FEDIAF guidelines add 26 kcal per kg of body weight: a 44 lb (20 kg) dog needs about 1,768 kcal in week 7. According to Merck, she needs at least 20 to 30% more than for maintenance in the last third.

Often 2 to 4 times maintenance, depending on litter size (Merck), rising until week 4 (FEDIAF). Merck recommends free-choice feeding of a complete puppy food so she doesn’t lose too much weight. Example: 44 lb (20 kg), 6 puppies, week 3 – about 4,011 kcal a day.

According to Merck, usually not until sometime between the end of the second third and the beginning of the last third of pregnancy – before that, the puppies grow very little. In the last third, she needs at least 20 to 30% more than for maintenance (Merck). The FEDIAF guidelines already add more for the last 5 weeks, from week 5. According to Merck, a common mistake is feeding too much early in pregnancy and too little while nursing.

Merck recommends switching to a complete puppy food at the start of pregnancy – even for large breeds, one that isn’t made specifically for large breeds. Use the calories on that bag for the most accurate result.

With a complete puppy food, rarely, according to Merck; extra calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D can even do harm. Ask your vet before you add anything.

The FEDIAF table only goes up to 8 puppies and week 4 of nursing; beyond that, it has no formula, so we don’t calculate it. Talk to your vet. Some dogs need free-choice feeding while nursing so they don’t lose too much weight (FEDIAF).