Nutrition Gestation and Lactation

 Nutrition is important before breeding, poor nutrition could result in low birth weight or increased risk of neonatal mortality as well as health issues for the puppies as they grow. 

Pregnancy Nutritional Requirements: 

Towards the end of the gestation period and during lactation the nutritional requirement is similar to what a puppy will require. 

Period to begin transition to a high quality, highly digestible  growth diet should be during the last 3- 4 weeks of gestation. 

- Large breeds growth diets do not have enough calcium or fat or provide enough energy. 

- Dogs have most weight gain during the last 3-4 weeks of gestation. 

Offering small frequent meals is the method of choice for dogs, fresh water should be available at all times

Life Stage Nutritional Requirement 

MMI Recommendation 

Gestation and Lactation 

Protein: 22-35 g 

Fat: 10-25 g  

Crude Fiber: 5 g  max

Energy 3.5-5.0 ME 

Calcium: 0.75-1.7 mg , Phosphorus 0.6-1.3mg , Sodium 0.35-0.6 mg , Chloride 0.5-0.9 mg , Potassium 0.6-0.9 mg , Magnesium 0.04-0.20 mg, Vitamin E 450-1000 IU 

Required values  for Growth under 25 kg 

Protein: 22-32 g

Fat: 10-25 g 

Crude Fiber: 5 g max

Energy 3.5-4.5 ME 

Calcium: 0.7-1.7mg , Phosphorus 0.6-0.3 mg, Sodium 0.3-0.6 mg, Chloride 0.4-0.8 mg, Potassium 0.6-0.9 mg, Magnesium 0.04-0.20 mg, Vitamin E 450-1000 IU

Required values  for Growth over 25 kg 

Protein: 20-32g

Fat: 8-12  g

Crude Fiber: 10 g max

Energy 3.0-4.0 ME

Calcium: 0.7-1.2 mg , Phosphorus 0.6- 1.1 mg, Sodium 0.3-0.6 mg, Chloride 0.4-0.8 mg, Potassium 0.6-0.9 mg, Magnesium 0.04-0.20 mg , Vitamin E 450-1000  IU

Required values for Adult Maintenance

Protein: 15-30 g

Fat: 10-25 g 

Crude Fiber: 5 g max

Energy 3.5-4.5 ME

Calcium: 0.5-1.0 mg, Phosphorus 0.4-0.9 mg, Sodium 0.2-0.4 mg, Chloride 0.3-0.6 mg, Potassium 0.4-0.8 mg, Magnesium 0.04-0.15 mg, Vitamin E 450-1000 IU

WHY? 

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol.

Avocado
 The biggest concern is for cardiovascular damage and death in birds and rabbits. Horses, donkeys and ruminants frequently get swollen, edematous head and neck. In dogs and Cats its toxic due to its high fat concentration makes it difficult for their body to digest it properly and smoothly which leads to side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting which can cause severe dehydration and shock . 

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Citrus
The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.

Coconut and Coconut Oil
When ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet. The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea. Because of this, we encourage you to use caution when offering your pets these foods. Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet.

Grapes and Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 24 to 48 hours.

Milk and Dairy
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Nuts
Nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Salt and Salty Snack Foods
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. As such, we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets. 

Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a life threatening emergency. The yeast produce ethanol as a by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk (See alcohol).