Taking care of a pregnant dog is not a simple task, and nutrition is the most crucial aspect. All dogs need a complete and balanced diet, especially pregnant dogs. For this reason, it's important to find high-quality food that offers all the nutrients a pregnant bitch needs. This homemade dog food for pregnant dogs is NOT a complete diet and should only be used as a daily snack, not a full meal.
Knowing what to feed a pregnant dog is the key to keeping your bitch and her pups healthy. The diet for a pregnant dog needs to be nutritionally rich. Feeding your dog properly during pregnancy can help you avoid problems like eclampsia (low blood calcium), smaller litter, or a higher risk of puppy death.
Not only will the food you feed need to change, but the timing of meals and the amount fed will also differ. And, these variables will continue to change throughout the pregnancy. If you need more information about canine pregnancy, we've put together some great resources. Check out the following guides to learn about canine pregnancy:
- Dog Pregnancy 101: The Ultimate Guide for Owners of Pregnant Dogs
- Dog Pregnancy Stages and What To Expect When Expecting
- What To Feed Pregnant and Nursing Dogs
Be sure to consult a veterinarian as soon as you find out your dog is pregnant. They will walk you through caring for your pregnant bitch, how to feed her and what you should be doing to take care of her through her gestation period.
As I mentioned, this homemade dog food for pregnant dogs is NOT a complete diet and should only be fed as a snack three times each day. It offers a high-quality calorie boost for your pregnant bitch that will benefit her during pregnancy and nursing.
Homemade Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 cup uncooked oatmeal
- 1 – 8 oz. package of cream cheese
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp. molasses
Directions
In a large skillet, cook the hamburg, eggs and oatmeal on medium heat. Chop the ingredients with the end of a spatula while cooking, so the meat is cut into little pieces by the time it's done.
Once those ingredients are finished cooking, allow them to cool while you mix the rest of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You can microwave the peanut butter and cream cheese for about 30 seconds to make them easier to mix.
Add the hamburg, egg and oatmeal mixture and combine thoroughly. The ingredients should form a sticky dough.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Take 1 tablespoon of the dough and form it into a ball. Place the ball on the cookie sheet. Continue until all the dough has been used. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator until the balls harden, and then transfer them to an airtight container.
This homemade dog food for pregnant dogs will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. You can also place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the balls are hardened, and then place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I cannot stress enough that this recipe is NOT nutritionally balanced for pregnant dogs (or any dog for that matter). They should only be fed as a snack. The serving recommendation is to feed one ball as a snack 3 times per day.
READ NEXT: 17 Tips On How To Prepare for Your Dog's Pregnancy
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