Feeding a miniature pinscher puppy with dry food: features and rules

What to feed your miniature pinscher so as not to spoil the appearance of the animal and not harm its health. Raising a puppy includes not only learning commands and being accustomed to doing “their business” on the street, but also strictly following the diet. The dog must know feeding time and not beg for food from the owner's table.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Miniature Pinscher or Miniature Pinscher

Reviews

Ivan, Khabarovsk

“I feed my miniature pinscher Pro Plan food. On the box for small breed dogs it is written how many grams per day you need to give your dog. I don’t feed Rocky anything else, as he is healthy and active.”

Snezhana, Tver

“When I bought a miniature pinscher, the breeders advised me to feed him Royal Canin food. Bonya eats little, so a pack lasts me a long time. Sometimes I share yogurt with my dog ​​and he happily licks the bowl.”

Feeding

Overfeeding your pet is contraindicated; obesity and cardiovascular diseases may develop.
The heart is susceptible to frequent diseases.

Food with a high content of taurine and L-carnitine can partially solve this problem. Taurine improves cardiac activity, and carnitine prevents obesity and helps normalize the functioning of the circulatory system.

Genetic von Willebrand's disease (blood inability to clot) is observed in miniature pinschers more often than in others.

The super-premium food contains sufficient folic acid; an additional spinach supplement will improve the quality of the blood and optimize the number of blood cells.

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating; The condition of the coat improves; Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract; Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein); Does not cause allergies; Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed; Difficult to find in pet stores.

Feeding mode

How much food to give your baby depends on the age of the animal. The daily dose of food for a miniature pinscher consists of several servings:

A 2-3 month old puppy eats food in 5 meals;

from 3 to 4 months it has a 4-time regimen;

up to six months you need to feed the puppy three times;

A 6-month-old pet is shown an adult schedule, which remains until old age - 2 times a day.

Water is poured separately and access to it is required around the clock. You should renew your fluids regularly.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion; The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition; No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body; Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods; After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell; The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out. Does not cause allergies; Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

Record high animal protein content; Does not cause allergies; The composition contains several types of fish.

There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container; Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth; Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Choosing what to feed

In order to choose the type of feeding for your dog, you need to weigh your financial capabilities. We must take into account the availability of free time to prepare porridge and salads.

Porridge with the addition of meat, fish and vegetables is always fresh food, especially since such food is more profitable than dry food. However, you need to remember about mineral supplements and vitamin complexes, which will have to be purchased separately. Without them, the dog will not be able to develop normally, be energetic and healthy.

Dogs of all breeds enjoy wet canned food. It is quite convenient to feed it, since it already contains useful substances, and the serving size is written on the packaging depending on the weight or age of the dog.

Wet canned food can be given even to a one-month-old puppy. They are stored in the refrigerator and can therefore be purchased in bulk. The contents of a sachet or jar are considered complete nutrition. The owner does not need to add porridge or milk.

Dry food makes caring for your dog easier, and miniature pinschers simply adore it. You can take it with you on the road or buy it in large quantities for future use. Dry kibble contains all the essential nutrients for growing puppies and energetic adult dogs.

Once a feeding method is chosen, it must be strictly adhered to. It is unacceptable to mix dry food into natural food (find out what is not suitable). The same applies to wet canned food.

Natural feeding

Natural nutrition will take some time to prepare porridge. It is necessary to take into account that food should always be fresh. The maximum length of time that porridge prepared for a dog can be stored in the refrigerator is one day. It's easy to prepare. Need to take

• 50-60 grams of meat;
• 100 g cereal;
• 100 grams of vegetables.

Meat can be replaced with fish fillet. Twice a week, a raw egg is beaten into the prepared porridge. Once or twice, instead of meat and fish, about 100 grams of fresh cottage cheese, fermented baked milk or kefir are mixed into the porridge. Once a week you can give a bone that cannot be chewed into small sharp pieces.

What not to give

It is prohibited to give your dog:

1. Sweet foods - Miniature Pinschers are predisposed to diabetes, so eating sweets can negatively affect the pancreas or liver;
2. Bones of all types and varieties, with the exception of moslaks, which are the large head of the hip joint. Such a bone is given while gnawing cartilage tissue and meat - then it is removed. Long bones are especially dangerous to the health and life of a dog;
3. You cannot feed your dog cheap food of poor quality;
4. In the process of preparing porridge, it is not salted or spices are added;
5. It is forbidden to give legumes. These include beans, chickpeas, peas, soybeans, and lentils.

The dog should also not be given

• chocolate;
• alcohol;
• raisin;
• grape;
• eggshells;
• honey.

In order for the dog to develop well, be full of energy, have a healthy physical shape and look good, the diet must be well balanced.

Industrial feed

When choosing what type of food to give their preference, owners of miniature pinschers often choose dry food. They are good for many reasons׃

• convenient to store;
• can be purchased for future use;
• “drying” contains all the necessary nutritional elements for a complete diet;
• convenience - you just need to calculate the proportions and breakfast or dinner for the dog is ready.

However, not all industrial feeds can be used for feeding. When choosing, the following are taken into account:

1. When consuming high-quality food, the dog will not develop gases. The dog will not feel hungry between feedings. Defecation will be minimal, since all the ingredients of the granules are well absorbed;
2. You cannot purchase food from a manufacturer that, in addition to dog food, produces a line of regular products intended for humans. Usually waste is put into animal food, and such food will not bring any benefit.
3. You need to choose ready-made food from well-known brands. They are not cheap, but they have everything you need to feed your dog.

Good quality food can be bought in pet stores or ordered on the pet website. Choose a dog that is suitable for age, weight, breed and other criteria.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties; The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced; High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time; The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding; Does not cause allergies or dental problems; The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time; Can be found in every pet store; Does not have a pronounced odor.

Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them; Possible odor from the animal's mouth; Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

For adults and older dogs

Adult and elderly miniature pinschers need to be fed 2 times a day. Already at 7-8 months you should switch to this diet and firmly adhere to it. On weekends, when the whole family gathers at the dinner table, many people want to feed the dog. Then you can use pieces of vegetables and fruits seasoned with vegetable oil.

Sample menu for an adult dog:

• 1st feeding – rice porridge with pieces of beef and carrots;
• 2 feeding – buckwheat porridge, seasoned with kefir and boiled offal.

Miniature pinschers live 12-14 years. In the ninth year of life, their diet gradually changes. The basis of the diet is now boiled veal and poultry. Porridges are mixed with vegetables and herbs to improve intestinal motility. The dog can be switched back to three meals a day. But at the same time, the daily energy value should be reduced, since walking activity is significantly reduced.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

High content of lycopenes; Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity; Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth; All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%; Small granules that are easy to digest; Distributed in pet stores; Hermetically sealed packaging.

What type of feeding is best for miniature pinschers?

The owners of this active baby have a choice - everything is suitable for pinschers, except a mixed type of food.

Dry diets

The simplest option for the owner, which does not require cooking or creating a menu yourself - the manufacturers have already included everything necessary in it and in the right proportions. However, this only applies to premium or super-premium products that are made from high-quality healthy raw materials. Another point - dry granules already contain vitamins and microelements, so the pet will not need additional feeding.

You should not feed your dog low-quality food that is sold in regular supermarkets or food markets. Typically, the main ingredients of such “drying” are not meat components, but grains, which dogs can eat, but in small quantities. In the first place in the composition there should be meat, fish, offal - the miniature pinscher, although small, is still a dog, in fact, a predator.

It is recommended to purchase food at a pet store or veterinary pharmacy. The packaging must be tightly sealed, production and storage times are indicated on the label and strictly observed. You should not buy granules by weight - there is a risk of getting a low-quality, spoiled or expired product.

When choosing a suitable brand of food, you should focus on the size, coat type, and age of the pet. You should not feed an adult dog puppy kibble, and vice versa. If your pet has health problems, you should consult a veterinarian. He may recommend giving your dog a therapeutic diet or holistic food.

If the owner does not want to take risks when choosing a “drying”, because sometimes it will be necessary to go through several options, then you can find out from the breeder what brand of diet he feeds his charges and settle on it.

Wet and canned food

The manufacturer offers various products, and in the premium and super-premium segment they meet the high requirements of veterinarians and experienced breeders. But if you feed your pet only canned food, then even in the case of a small pinscher, the food will be quite expensive - such diets are less concentrated, and the dog will need quite a lot of food for one meal.

You can feed your pet such food periodically, as a treat or reward. It is also useful to give wet food during the recovery period of your pet - after surgery or illness. Experts recommend choosing canned food of the same brand as the main dry food.

Natural products

“Natural” has both advantages and disadvantages. The first include the opportunity to create a varied menu for your four-legged friend, in some cases save money, treat him with healthy treats - crackers, pieces of vegetables, fruits, nuts. In addition, if you include only healthy foods in your diet, the food will be well absorbed.

But there are also certain disadvantages, which include the following:

• It is quite difficult to create a balanced diet on your own so that your pet receives all the important components in the right quantities;
• You will have to prepare food every day, which requires a significant investment of time and effort;
• the dog will have to be given additional supplements and vitamin-mineral complexes;
• Determining the serving size is more difficult than in the case of ready-made food - it is important that the dog does not starve or overeat.

When choosing the appropriate type of feeding, the owner should pay attention to the pet’s preferences - often by its behavior and well-being it can be understood that the food is beneficial.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

High concentration of animal proteins; Fresh ingredients; There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them); A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract; Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver; High quality packaging.

Prohibited Products

There is a certain list of foods that should never be given to a miniature pinscher:

1. Sweets - this breed is prone to diabetes, the liver and pancreas suffer.
2. Bird, rabbit, any other tubular bones.
3. Poor quality food.
4. Salt.
5. Legumes.
6. Alcohol (even if you are sick).
7. Eggshell.

Only a healthy pet can grow, develop normally, enjoy life and please its owners; proper nutrition is the best assistant in this matter.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements; Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes); Moderate size granules; No noticeable odor; Elegant, high quality packaging; The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions; The condition of the coat improves.

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

High meat content - >60%; High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time; No chemical flavors or additives; Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems); Improves the condition of the coat.

Feeding a miniature pinscher puppy with dry food: features and rules

Owners, as a rule, choose dry food for a miniature pinscher puppy if they have little time. But it is better to think carefully before choosing this or that product. Small animals are especially sensitive to the composition of industrial food. It doesn’t hurt to study brands, consult with a veterinarian, and talk to experienced owners.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

Does not cause allergies; Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated); Available at many pet stores; High-quality packaging; Moderate size granules; Restoring the condition of the coat; Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque; The composition includes many useful microelements; Improved digestion.

With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements; Inconvenient packaging without fastener; Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Care and maintenance of the miniature pinscher

Caring for representatives of this breed consists of:

• correct feeding regimen;
• hygiene;
• preventive examination at a veterinary clinic;
• timely vaccinations;
• walking;
• active games while walking;
• good conditions of detention.

Compared to other breeds, caring for a Miniature Pinscher is not difficult. The dog is small in size and innately clean. A small puppy will have to be taken outside several times a day to be toilet trained. And also from an early age he must be able to patiently endure water procedures, ear cleaning, and coat care.

Hygiene

Clean the dog's ears with a soft cloth soaked in warm water and wrung out well. It is necessary to accustom him to this procedure, since dirt in the ears can become a source of severe infection.

It is necessary to groom your Miniature Pinscher's coat regularly. It needs to be brushed out. During this procedure, dead hair and dirt are removed. The touch of the brush acts like a massage, improving blood circulation in the hair follicles. As a result, the coat will grow better and look great. Dogs love to be petted or brushed, so grooming will not be burdensome for the owner.

Usually, after a walk, only the dog’s paws, belly and butt are washed. It is not necessary to completely wash your dog very often. To do this, use dog shampoos that contain useful substances and proteins. Some types of shampoos are designed to remove fleas. In addition to caring, give your dog a piece of your soul. Dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. Show your companion often that the feelings are reciprocated.

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Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Basic diet rules

Treat your new family member with care and patience. Create the right feeding regimen. What to pay attention to first of all?

• Find out from the breeder what the puppy was fed, what foods he was given and adhere to the same feeding regimen for two weeks;
• Introduce new foods carefully, carefully monitoring the reaction of the “puppy” body.

What should be included in the daily diet

1. Meat. Occupies at least 30% of the rest of the food. It is better to feed your dog beef, veal or poultry. Tubular bones should not be given.
2. Vegetables and fruits. Pinschers happily eat carrots, cabbage and even beets. You can offer it raw, or you can lightly stew it with a small amount of vegetable oil.
3. Groats. The diet should include porridge. It takes up 1/3 of the volume of other products. It is best to cook buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, and barley.
4. Fish. It is given no more than 3 times a week. Choose low-fat ocean varieties. Before feeding, thoroughly remove bones.

The fundamental rule of feeding is the size of a single serving. It is necessary to feed an adult miniature pinscher in such a way that after feeding him the bowl is empty. The amount of food is calculated according to the formula - per kilogram of dog weight - 25 grams of ready-made food for one feeding.

Be sure to teach your dog that food is given at the same time every day. Wait up to 20 minutes. Then remove the plate. The dog must understand that it is forbidden to be capricious, beg for “goodies”, or play while eating. Even if she hasn’t eaten anything, the plate is removed. At the next feeding, the dog will definitely eat everything.

The Pinscher is a service and energetic dog. Representatives of this breed should not be overfed, just like Shar Peis. This is bad for your health, and excess fat hides beautiful muscle definition.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

Characteristic diseases

Due to their short fur, miniature pinschers often freeze in winter and overheat in summer. Therefore, the dog’s diet should be designed in such a way as to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds. In hot weather, you should avoid direct sunlight and carry water with you to drink.

Colds can be complicated by more dangerous pathologies. Thus, miniature pinschers are often diagnosed with urolithiasis. It is caused by hypothermia of the body from lying on the cold ground.

Another significant reason is an incorrectly composed diet, in which there are too many meat products.

This breed of dog has weak tracheal cartilage. Inhalation of cigarette smoke, dust, allergens, and cold air often leads to organ collapse. And thin bones and joints are responsible for the occurrence of polytrauma. After a fall while walking, miniature pinschers are always taken to the veterinarian, even if there is no lameness. To strengthen the skeleton, it is necessary to regularly give your dog vitamin and mineral supplements.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

Transferring a puppy to dry kibble

It is recommended to follow the puppy diet principles that the breeder adhered to for about a week, then begin to accustom them to an individual diet. To figure out how to transfer your miniature pinscher to an industrial formula, it is useful to read the memo:

• the transition should be gradual;
• if the breeder fed the babies natural food, then initially there is no need to completely exclude it from the diet;
• for the first 5 days, the percentage of usual food should be 40% of the pet’s daily food intake;
• From the 6th to the 10th, it is enough to save about 15% of the portion.

After the 10th day, it is recommended to completely use dry food and soak it for a month until it becomes soft so that the dog’s stomach can adapt. You cannot immediately give a small puppy dry granules, because of this, digestive system disorders are likely.

If a small dog does not eat unusual food, you should resort to a trick - adding a small amount of treats. This will interest the miniature pinscher and encourage him to eat a portion. Gradually the number of goodies decreases.

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.