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6 Best Food for Pregnant Dog (2024)

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on March 13, 2024

When it comes to taking care of a pregnant dog, providing them with the right nutrition is essential. Just like humans, pregnant dogs have unique dietary needs to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her puppies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best food for pregnant dogs.

The right food for a pregnant dog should contain all the necessary nutrients to support the growth and development of the puppies, as well as the health of the mother. It’s important to note that not all dog foods are created equal, and some may not meet the specific needs of a pregnant dog.

When choosing the best food for a pregnant dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to look for a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs. These foods will typically have higher levels of protein, fat, and calories to support the increased nutritional needs of the mother and her puppies.

Another important consideration is the ingredients in the dog food. Look for a food that contains high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as well as healthy fats and carbohydrates. Avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives, as these can be harmful to both the mother and her puppies.

Overall, choosing the best food for a pregnant dog is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of both the mother and her puppies. By selecting a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs, you can help ensure that your furry friend gets the nutrition she needs to thrive.

Best Food for Pregnant Dog

As responsible pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible care, especially during pregnancy. A pregnant dog requires a well-balanced diet that will provide her with the necessary nutrients to support her own health and the healthy development of her puppies. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right food for your pregnant dog. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best food for pregnant dogs to help you make an informed decision and ensure the health and well-being of your furry friend and her puppies.

#1 – JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Dog Food, Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper, Chicken & White Rice Human Grade Dog Food Recipe, 18 oz (Pack of 7)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade dog food for your pregnant dog, JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with 100% USDA Certified Chicken
  • 40% more digestible than kibble
  • Higher in calcium and phosphorus, making it perfect for growing puppies

Cons

  • Can be expensive compared to other dog foods
  • Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
  • Only available in chicken and white rice flavor

This frozen fresh dog food is one of the most popular meals from JustFoodForDogs and is perfect for picky eaters. It’s made with fresh, whole foods that are gently cooked for optimal nutrient absorption, making it a great meal or topper for pregnant dogs.

One of the biggest advantages of JustFoodForDogs is that it’s 100% human grade, which means that it’s made with the same quality ingredients that you would eat yourself. This makes it a much healthier option than many other dog foods on the market.

In addition to being healthy, JustFoodForDogs is also proven to be effective. It’s 40% more digestible than kibble, which means that your dog will be able to absorb more nutrients from the food. Pet parents have reported improvements in their dog’s health, including better digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, easier weight management, and more excitement at mealtime.

This frozen fresh dog food is also nutritionally balanced for the long-term feeding of both puppies and adult dogs. It’s higher in calcium and phosphorus, making it perfect for growing puppies, and is recommended by vets as a top fresh dog food brand.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade dog food for your pregnant dog, JustFoodForDogs Frozen Fresh Dog Food is a great choice. While it may be more expensive than other dog foods, the benefits of feeding your dog a healthy, nutritious diet are well worth the cost.

#2 – ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high protein dog food that supports your dog’s digestive health, immune function, and skin and coat health, then ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food might be the perfect fit for your pregnant dog.

Pros

  • Made with 90% animal ingredients, including fresh or raw chicken, turkey, chicken liver, whole herring, and whole mackerel, providing your dog with a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and soluble and insoluble fiber from inulin and grains to support your dog’s digestive health.
  • Freeze-dried dog food coating offers a burst of flavor that your dog instinctively craves.

Cons

  • Some customers reported that the kibble has a strong fish smell.
  • A few customers found the kibble to be too heavy, making it difficult to handle.
  • A few customers mentioned that their picky eaters didn’t like the food.

ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that contains whole herring, mackerel, and pollock oil to help support immune function, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, and the food also contains grains sourced from non-GMO crops.

The freeze-dried dog food coating provides a burst of raw flavor that dogs instinctively crave, and the included fresh ingredients are delivered refrigerated, while the included raw ingredients are delivered frozen.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high protein dog food that supports your dog’s digestive health, immune function, and skin and coat health, ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food might be a great choice for your pregnant dog.

#3 – Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs Entree, 14 oz

If you’re looking for a high-quality freeze-dried dog food that supports your dog’s overall health and wellness, Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Rabbit Dog Food Mini Nibs is an excellent choice. With butcher cut, ultra-premium raw protein sourced from muscle, organs, and bone marrow, this dog food delivers the peak vitality your dog deserves.

Pros

  • Packed with premium butcher cut raw protein
  • Responsibly sourced and humanely harvested
  • Whole animal protein from muscle, organs, and bone marrow delivers lean, strong muscles and energy, digestive health, and clean teeth and gums in every bowl

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the flavor
  • More expensive than some other dog foods
  • Not suitable for dogs with certain food allergies

This freeze-dried dog food is made in the USA and is free from additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. It’s frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to ensure peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. While it may be more expensive than some other dog foods, the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits make it worth the investment.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food to support your dog’s overall health and vitality, Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Rabbit Dog Food Mini Nibs is an excellent choice. The whole animal protein from muscle, organs, and bone marrow delivers lean, strong muscles and energy, digestive health, and clean teeth and gums in every bowl. Plus, with Vital Essentials, you can feed raw with confidence and ease, knowing that you’re giving your dog the health and vitality they deserve.

#4 – The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Human Grade Dry Dog Food – Grain Free Turkey 5 lbs

If you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade dog food for your pregnant pooch, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters is an excellent choice. This grain-free turkey recipe is made with minimally processed, nutrient-rich ingredients that are cold-pressed, roasted, and dehydrated to maintain the flavor and nutrients of whole foods.

Pros

  • Complete and balanced for puppies and adult dogs
  • Made with 100% human-grade ingredients
  • Kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, chunky texture

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other dog foods
  • Some customers report that the food crumbles easily
  • May not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies or dietary restrictions

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a high-quality, human-grade diet. This dog food is complete and balanced for puppies and adult dogs, making it a great choice for pregnant dogs. The food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, which means that it is made with the same quality and safety standards as people food. The food is also kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, chunky texture that dogs love.

However, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters is more expensive than other dog foods on the market. Additionally, some customers report that the food crumbles easily, which can be messy and inconvenient. Finally, this dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies or dietary restrictions, so be sure to check the ingredients list carefully before making a purchase.

In conclusion, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a high-quality, human-grade diet. While it may be more expensive than other dog foods on the market, the quality of the ingredients and the kettle-cooked texture make it a great choice for pregnant dogs.

#5 – 360 Pet Nutrition Freeze Dried Raw Complete Meal for Adult Dogs

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food to support your pregnant dog’s nutritional needs, then the 360 Pet Nutrition Freeze Dried Raw Complete Meal for Adult Dogs is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • Made with all-natural, freeze-dried raw ingredients
  • Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy bones, muscles, and coat
  • No added grains, cereals, fillers, or artificial preservatives

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other dog foods
  • Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
  • The bag size may be too small for larger dogs or frequent feedings

This dog food is designed to support overall health and wellbeing, with carefully sourced animal protein and nourishing fruits and vegetables. It’s also nutrient-dense, with plenty of omega-3 fats to keep your pup’s joints comfortable, muscles strong, and coat shiny and healthy.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it’s made with high-quality ingredients and contains no added grains, cereals, fillers, or artificial preservatives. This means that you can feel confident that you’re giving your pregnant dog the best possible nutrition.

However, it’s worth noting that this dog food is quite expensive compared to other options on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried raw ingredients. Finally, the bag size may be too small for larger dogs or frequent feedings.

Overall, if you’re looking for a premium dog food to support your pregnant dog’s nutritional needs, the 360 Pet Nutrition Freeze Dried Raw Complete Meal for Adult Dogs is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.

#6 – Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef – Grain Free, Made in USA, Non-GMO & Vet Recommended – High Protein Limited Ingredient Full-Feed – for All Breeds & Ages – 2.5oz Trial Bag Beef 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food that’s perfect for pregnant dogs, then you should definitely consider Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef. Our team has researched and tested this product to give you an honest review of its pros and cons.

Pros

  • Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Pawstruck slowly oven roasts their food at a low temperature, which helps to retain maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor. This is a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
  • Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: This single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe is made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings. It also contains a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
  • Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Pawstruck’s healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility. You can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

Cons

  • Expensive: Compared to other dog foods on the market, Pawstruck’s All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef is a little pricey. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for when it comes to high-quality, all-natural dog food.
  • Not Suitable for All Dogs: While this dog food is perfect for pregnant dogs, it may not be suitable for all dogs. If your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making the switch.
  • Small Bag Size: The 2.5oz Trial Bag is perfect for trying out the product, but it may not be enough to feed your dog for an extended period of time.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef is a great option for pet parents who want to feed their dogs high-quality, all-natural dog food. This dog food is perfect for pregnant dogs, as it contains the nutrients that your dog needs during this important time. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this dog food may not be suitable for all dogs, and it’s a little pricey compared to other dog foods on the market. Overall, we recommend giving Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef a try and seeing if it’s the right fit for your furry friend.

Food for Pregnant Dog Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best food for your pregnant dog, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some important factors to consider:

Nutritional Requirements

A pregnant dog has different nutritional requirements than a non-pregnant dog. Look for a food that is specifically formulated for pregnant dogs or one that meets the nutritional requirements for gestation and lactation. The food should be high in protein, fat, and calories to support the growth and development of the puppies.

Quality Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients in your dog’s food is important. Look for a food that uses high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid foods that contain by-products or fillers, as these provide little nutritional value.

Digestibility

A pregnant dog’s digestive system can be sensitive, so it’s important to choose a food that is easy to digest. Look for a food that contains prebiotics or probiotics to promote healthy digestion.

Feeding Schedule

During pregnancy, your dog’s feeding schedule may need to be adjusted. Talk to your veterinarian about how much and how often to feed your dog. Some pregnant dogs may need to be fed smaller meals more frequently to prevent digestive upset.

Additional Supplements

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend additional supplements to support your dog’s pregnancy. These may include calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, or other vitamins and minerals. Talk to your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best food for your pregnant dog and help ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

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