My dam is 54 days pregnant. Vet said to start her on puppy food. I've also been told by others to keep her on regular food. Which is best?
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I would listen to the recommendations of your vet. Pregnant and lactating dogs have very high energy needs. Moving to a high energy dog food such as a puppy formula for pregnancy is beneficial as the additional calories and higher levels of other key nutrients are perfectly suited to the nutritional requirements of the pregnant or lactating bitch. Feed your pregnant dog the amount suggested on the food package, and keep feeding her puppy food until her puppies are finished weaning.
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If she is losing weight or has a reduced appetite she would benefit from the increased calories in puppy food but if she is otherwise well or is a picky eater she can stay on her own food as long as it is well balanced and complete. Once she is nursing she will also benefit from the increased calcium levels or you could supplement her normal diet if she is feeding a large litter
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The recommendation is to start your pet on puppy food starting at the 2nd trimester and continuing this until your pet has weaned her puppies which is generally around 3-4 weeks when the puppies get teeth and go onto solid food. Your pet has higher caloric requirements which are satisfied by the high-calorie puppy food which is needed to ensure proper milk production and nursing demands of the puppies while they are feeding from her. So yes your veterinarian is correct, and really Breeze is behind on her high calorie diet, so she should be started on this right away for her continued health.
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