Best Feeding Schedule for Pregnant Dogs
Feeding a pregnant dog correctly is crucial for her health and the health of her puppies. The nutritional demands change dramatically over the 63-day gestation period — she'll need up to 50% more calories by the end, and the way you deliver those calories matters as much as the amount.
Feeding schedule by pregnancy stage
| Stage | Weeks | Meals/Day | Calorie Increase | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early pregnancy | 1-3 | 2 | None | Normal food, normal portions |
| Mid pregnancy | 4-6 | 3 | +25% | Switch to puppy food or high-calorie formula |
| Late pregnancy | 7-9 | 4-5 | +50% | Smaller, more frequent meals as pups compress stomach |
| Nursing (peak) | 3-5 weeks post-birth | Free-feed or 4-5 | +100-200% | Highest calorie demand of her life |
Weeks 1-3: Business as usual
For the first three weeks, feed your pregnant dog her normal food in normal amounts. The embryos are tiny and don't require additional nutrition yet. Overfeeding early can cause excess weight gain that complicates delivery.
Weeks 4-6: Ramp up begins
Around week 4, switch to a high-quality puppy food. Yes, puppy food — it's higher in calories, protein, and calcium than adult food, which is exactly what a pregnant dog needs. Increase portions by about 25% and add a third meal.
This is also when many dogs experience morning sickness. If she's reluctant to eat, try warming the food or offering smaller portions more frequently. Don't force it — appetite usually returns within a few days.
Weeks 7-9: Small meals, big calories
In the final weeks, the growing puppies compress her stomach significantly. She physically can't eat large meals anymore, so split her daily food into 4-5 smaller meals. Total caloric intake should be about 50% above her pre-pregnancy maintenance level.
A 50-pound dog that normally eats 1,200 calories/day should be getting about 1,800 calories/day by week 8. That's a lot of food to fit into a compressed stomach, which is why meal frequency matters so much.
Nursing: The real calorie crunch
Peak lactation (3-5 weeks after birth) requires more calories than pregnancy itself — often 2-3 times her normal intake. Many breeders free-feed during this period, keeping food available at all times. The demand is so high that it's nearly impossible to overfeed a nursing mother.
Supplements to discuss with your vet
- Folic acid — supports puppy neural development (usually adequate in quality puppy food)
- DHA/EPA — omega-3s for puppy brain development
- Do NOT supplement calcium during pregnancy — excess calcium can cause life-threatening eclampsia after birth. Let the puppy food provide it naturally.
Get personalized feeding amounts → Feeding Calculator