Late gestation and lactation are some of the most stressful times in a dog’s life. Dogs need considerably more nutrition during these times because fetal growth requirements are very high and a mother’s milk must meet the nutrition needs of her litter. Because of this, gestating and lactating dogs should be fed a diet more nutrient-dense than her regular adult diet, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy, which is formulated to provide the nutrition gestating and lactating dogs, as well as their puppies, need.
Generally, a pregnant dog should be fed approximately 125% to 150% of her normal amount during late gestation, and she can be fed free choice (as much as she wants) throughout lactation. After the puppies are weaned, and the mother is back to her normal weight, she can be transitioned back to her maintenance diet.