Embracing the arrival of a bundle of puppy joy is a thrilling and fulfilling adventure, yet it carries a significant amount of duty. As a devoted canine caregiver, one of your paramount tasks is to guarantee the well-being of your lactating dog and her adorable offspring by delivering optimal nutrition. It can be achieved by finding a dog food brand to feed your nursing dog to increase their milk.
Within this informative manual, we will explore the essentials of enhancing a nursing dog’s milk production through proper dietary choices. Additionally, we’ll delve into the foods that should be avoided, establish an ideal feeding timetable, and equip you with the ability to identify signs of low calcium levels, ensuring the utmost care for your furry family members.
What can you give your dog to produce more milk?
Elevating milk production demands a well-rounded and enriching diet for your nursing dog. The key components for fostering milk production lie in high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, pivotal for building the foundation of nourishing milk. Sources like meat, fish, and eggs offer these essential nutrients.
In addition to this, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals play a crucial role in sustaining overall health. These vital elements are abundant in vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, ensuring a comprehensive nutritional profile.
Maintaining optimal hydration is paramount, so ensure your nursing dog has constant access to clean and fresh water. This simple yet vital provision guarantees her well-being and supports the demanding requirements of lactation.
What should you avoid giving to your dog?
Ensuring your nursing dog receives sufficient nutrients is vital, but it’s equally important to be mindful of foods that can pose risks to both her and her puppies.
Stay vigilant against providing alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, and artificial sweeteners, as these substances are toxic to dogs and can result in severe health complications. Dairy products may also present digestive challenges for dogs, potentially leading to diarrhea. Furthermore, foods excessively high in fat can trigger pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs.
As a golden rule, refrain from offering your nursing dog any human food unless explicitly recommended by your veterinarian. This precautionary approach ensures the well-being of your canine companion and the vulnerable well-being of her offspring.
The Best Dog Food Brands for Nursing Dogs
Ensuring a nursing dog’s well-being involves offering a nutritious diet that not only sustains her health but also contributes to the vitality of her puppies. Explore the following lineup for optimal choices in nourishing foods for nursing dogs:
Acana
The Free-Run Poultry Recipe is part of the Acana Dry product line, offering a total of five dry recipes. Featuring deboned chicken, deboned turkey, chicken meal, whole red lentils, and whole pinto beans as its first five ingredients, this grain-free option is suitable for all life stages and is recommended for both puppies and dogs. Acana Free-Run Poultry Recipe primarily derives its meat protein from chicken, with a dry matter label analysis indicating a composition of 33% protein, 19.3% fat, and 39.7% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Raised Right
The Beef Puppy Growth Recipe is part of the Raised Right Fresh product line, which offers a total of 11 fresh recipes. The first five ingredients in this grain-free option are beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, and cranberries. Specifically designed for growth, this recipe is recommended for puppies and pregnant or lactating females. The main source of meat protein is beef, and a dry matter label analysis shows a composition of 59% protein, 23.1% fat, and 9.9% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
Dr Tim’s
The Kinesis All Life Stages Formula is one of the nine dry recipes offered in the Dr. Tim’s Dry product line. Comprising chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats, and chicken fat as the first five ingredients, this grain-inclusive option is suitable for all life stages and recommended for both puppies and dogs. Dr. Tim’s Kinesis All Life Stages Formula predominantly sources its meat protein from chicken, with a dry matter label analysis indicating a composition of 28.9% protein, 17.8% fat, and 45.3% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Orijen
Six Fish is a part of the Orijen Grain-Free product line, featuring nine raw recipes in total. The first five ingredients in this grain-free option are whole herring, salmon, monkfish, and acadian redfish. Suitable for all life stages, this recipe is recommended for both puppies and dogs. Orijen Six Fish primarily sources its protein from fish, and a dry matter label analysis indicates a composition of 45.5% protein, 18.2% fat, and 28.4% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
Wellness Complete Health
The Complete Health Turkey Stew is among the six wet recipes featured in the Wellness Complete Health product line. With turkey, turkey broth, water sufficient for processing, turkey liver, and carrots as its first five ingredients, this grain-inclusive option is suitable for all life stages and is recommended for both puppies and dogs. Wellness Complete Health Turkey Stew primarily sources its meat protein from turkey, and a dry matter label analysis indicates a composition of 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat, and 30.9% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Ollie
Ollie Fresh offers a Fresh Lamb with Cranberries recipe as part of its product line, featuring four fresh recipes in total. The first five ingredients include lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, and kale. This grain-free option is suitable for all life stages, making it ideal for both puppies and dogs. The recipe primarily sources its meat protein from lamb, with a dry matter label analysis indicating 38.5% protein, 26.9% fat, and 26.6% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
How can we naturally increase milk production in dogs?
Lactating canines experience a heightened need for both energy and nutrients, often requiring more frequent meals compared to non-nursing dogs. It is generally advised to offer your nursing dog three to four small meals spread across the day, as opposed to a couple of larger ones. Pay attention to your dog’s signals of hunger and adjust the portion sizes accordingly to meet her specific needs. Ensuring access to clean and fresh water at all times is equally crucial for her overall well-being.
Find a Dog Food Brand for Your Nursing Dog to Increase Milk
Discover essential insights on enhancing milk production, dietary choices, and recognizing potential issues. Learn to cater to your dog’s unique needs by offering a well-rounded diet and avoiding harmful foods. Explore a curated list of nourishing options for nursing dogs, ensuring their overall well-being. Embrace the responsibility of nurturing your furry family members and follow practical tips for optimal care. Take charge of your canine companion’s health and make informed choices today!