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Regardless of the breed of dog, the female should be
at least one year of age and in at least the second
heat period before she is bred. The body condition of
both males and females used in a breeding program is
important. If males are overweight, they may be physiologically
and anatomically inefficient for mating. Overweight
females can have lower conception rates and more problems
at whelping. Food intake will vary according to age,
activity, body metabolism, and environment. If possible,
each dog should be fed as an individual to achieve and
maintain normal body condition.
The nutrient requirements of the female during the
first six or seven weeks of pregnancy are not higher
than for dogs at maintenance. During the last two to
three weeks, requirements for all nutrients will increase,
and caloric requirements can be met during this last
trimester by gradually increasing the female's food
intake. Diets containing more than 1600 metabolizable
calories per pound of food and at least 21% protein
are recommended. The easiest way to ensure proper nutrition
is to feed a good-quality dog food that is labeled complete
and balanced for reproduction and growth, or for all
life stages. When feeding these diets, supplementation
of vitamins and minerals is not necessary. Problems
can occur with oversupplementation, especially when
high levels of Vitamin A or calcium are added.
Unless a female has a tendency to put on too much
weight during pregnancy, she can be given all the food
she wants to eat. It is not unusual for a pregnant female
to temporarily decrease her intake at about three to
four weeks into the pregnancy. Normally, she will eat
more during the latter phase of pregnancy. However,
if this does not occur and body condition begins to
deteriorate, steps should be taken to increase food
intake. This can be done by moistening dry food with
warm water to improve palatability, or by adding small
amounts of canned dog food to the dry food and feeding
several times each day. As whelping nears, the female
may lose her appetite. This is considered normal behavior,
and unless she appears to be having a health problem,
no change in the feeding program is necessary. In many
cases, food refusal during the ninth week is an indication
that whelping will occur within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Usually within 24 hours after whelping the female's
appetite will return. After the puppies are born, she
should receive all the food she wants.
During reproduction, water serves as a carrier of
nutrients to the developing fetus and removes wastes
for elimination. Other important functions of dietary
water are to help regulate body temperature and as an
aid in milk production. Keeping water bowls clean and
changing water frequently tend to encourage water consumption.
Fresh water in a clean bowl should be available at all
times.
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Reprinted with permission by Ralston Purina Canada
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