What do you feed your pregnant bitches?

[McNewfie]

Hi,

I was just wondering what you feed your pregnant bitches? I feed Canidae All Life Stages to all puppies and dogs and really like the food. My vet says I should always switch to puppy food and not feed an "all life stages" when they are pregnant. One breeder friend of mine feeds a higher protein food when her girls are pregnant. Another swears by feeding the Canidae ALS during all stages of development as it is designed.

It was recommended at the store where I buy my Canidae (by a boxer breeder who works there) that I continue to feed the Canidae, and about a week before a female is due, supplement with cup or 2 of a high protein food like Evo (Innova) and it will help her produce more milk. He said that feeding a higher protein food or puppy food will make the puppies grow too fast in the womb.

I appreciate any thoughts on this subject.

Thanks!

[ 10-04-2007, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: McNewfie ]

 

[Ivoryudx]

The main concern with feeding a pregnant bitch is that you do not want to overdo the calcium, because you want her own body to supply it on its own. Because the body will slow down or even stop producing it, if you overdo it, which leads to a host of problems in lactating bitches.

You should have 'mentor breeders', where you got your breeding dogs from, who could better answer your questions, and you can get solid information from the books at the following website. Then make a informed decision on how you want to proceed.

http://www.myrasavantharris.com/

 

[dee]

Susan gives good advice.

With my last 'pregnancy', I fed my girl Canidae ALS for most of her pregnancy but towards the end, I did add/switch to California Natural Lamb/Rice Puppy food to add more calories in less volume--this is a food with decent nutritional value without going overboard. I also monitored her weight throughout the pregnancy as well and allow her safe exercise such as walks in the woods etc. No rambunctious play.

Do check out the link Susan offered--has really good advice.

hth

dee

 

[McNewfie]

Thanks for your input, Susan and Dee. I will check out the link that was mentioned. I am very thankful to have several wonderful mentor breeders, but just like to get a lot of input to make an informed decision.

Susan, do you know what a good percentage for calcium would be?

 

[Ivoryudx]

Lois,

I'm sorry to be so blunt, but these are questions you should research before you breed, so you could make educated, informed, decisions for the health of all involved.

We all have information we could provide from personal experience, but that doesn't mean it would work for all situations.

The website that I provided above, is a better place for these types of questions.

 

[McNewfie]

Thank you so much for the terrific advice!