Best Homemade Foods for Pregnant Dogs: The Ultimate Nutrition Guide

Pregnancy is tough work—whether you’re a human or a dog. But imagine eating for six, eight, or even twelve while preparing to nurture them round-the-clock after birth!

From growing tiny hearts inside her belly to nursing a hungry litter, her body goes through intense changes, making proper nutrition absolutely non-negotiable. But what exactly should you feed her? And how do you make sure she gets all the nutrients she needs without overloading her system?

This guide covers the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs, their unique nutritional needs, and expert-backed feeding strategies to help mama and her pups thrive.

Why Nutrition Matters for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs

Imagine eating for a small army—because that’s exactly what your pregnant dog is doing! Unlike humans, who gain weight steadily over nine months, dogs experience a rapid spike in nutritional needs, especially in the final weeks of pregnancy and throughout lactation. Here’s why you need to consider providing the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs.

✅ Healthy fetal development – Strong bones, healthy organs, and good birth weights for the puppies.

✅ Strong milk production – The more nutrient-dense the mother’s diet, the richer her milk will be for her pups.

✅ Mama’s well-being – Prevents dangerous weight loss, fatigue, and postpartum health issues.

A poor diet can lead to weak puppies, a struggling mother, and potential birth complications—so let’s get her meal plan right!

Essential Nutrients for Pregnant and Lactating Dogs

Before diving into specific foods, let’s break down the key nutrients mama dog needs:

1. High-Quality Protein – The Building Blocks of Life

Protein is essential for puppy growth, muscle development, and overall strength. Without enough protein, the mother may become weak, and her puppies may be underweight.

✅ Best Protein Sources: Eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and lamb.

Expert Tip: Dr. Jean Dodds, a leading canine nutrition expert, recommends at least 29% protein in a pregnant dog’s diet for optimal fetal development.

2. Healthy Fats – Energy & Brain Development

Fat is the primary energy source for dogs, especially nursing mothers who burn through calories like crazy. It also provides DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain and eye development in puppies.

✅ Best Fat Sources: Salmon, sardines, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil.

Did You Know? Puppies born to mothers with omega-3-rich diets have better cognitive function and trainability!

3. Calcium & Phosphorus – For Strong Bones & Milk Production

Calcium is critical during lactation—but supplementing during pregnancy can cause more harm than good! Too much calcium before birth can suppress natural calcium regulation, leading to eclampsia (milk fever), a life-threatening condition.

✅ Best Natural Sources: Raw meaty bones, bone broth, sardines, and dark leafy greens.

❌ Avoid calcium supplements during pregnancy! Stick to natural sources instead.

4. Vitamins & Minerals – For Immunity & Overall Health

✅ Vitamin A – Supports immune function and vision (found in liver, carrots, eggs).
✅ B Vitamins – Boosts energy and metabolism (found in organ meats, fish).
✅ Vitamin D – Helps calcium absorption (found in oily fish, eggs).
✅ Iron & Zinc – Essential for red blood cells and immunity (found in liver, beef, pumpkin seeds).

5. Hydration – Because Nursing is Dehydrating!

Lactating dogs lose a lot of fluids, so keeping them hydrated is crucial to maintaining milk supply and energy levels.

✅ Best Hydration Sources: Fresh water, bone broth, goat milk, raw goat kefir.

The Best Natural, Homemade Foods for Pregnant and Lactating Dogs

Now that we’ve covered what mama dog needs, here’s a power-packed meal plan to keep her thriving!

1. Eggs – Nature’s Perfect Protein

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse loaded with protein, amino acids, and choline for brain development.

How to serve: Lightly scrambled or raw (if from a trusted source).

Expert Insight: “Eggs provide a perfect amino acid profile for growing puppies and their mother,” says Dr. Karen Becker, integrative veterinarian.

2. Liver – Nature’s Multivitamin

Liver is packed with iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins to boost energy levels. But too much can cause vitamin A toxicity, so feed in moderation.

How to serve: Cooked in small amounts, mixed with other meats.

3. Oily Fish – Omega-3s for Brain & Eye Health

Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are loaded with omega-3s, crucial for puppy brain development and keeping mama’s coat glossy.

How to serve: Cooked or canned (in water, no added salt).

4. Bone Broth – Hydration & Gut Support

Bone broth is rich in collagen, glucosamine, and minerals that support digestion and postpartum recovery.

How to serve: Add to food or serve as a warm drink.

5. Green Tripe – A Canine Superfood

Tripe is loaded with probiotics and digestive enzymes. Warning: it smells horrendous, but dogs LOVE it!

How to serve: Raw or lightly cooked.

6. Goat Milk – A Digestible Calcium Boost

Goat milk is packed with probiotics, calcium, and essential fatty acids, perfect for nursing moms.

How to serve: Raw and unpasteurized (if from a trusted source).

7. Plant Oils – Healthy Fats for Energy & Skin

High-quality plant-based oils like flaxseed oil and hemp seed oil boost energy levels, promote a healthy coat, and support immunity.

How to serve: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon to meals.

8. Coconut Oil – A Superfood for Mom & Pups

Coconut oil contains MCTs that support digestion, skin health, and brain function.

How to serve: Start with ¼ teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight.

9. Seaweed – A Natural Source of Iodine & Minerals

Seaweed supports thyroid function, metabolism, and hormone regulation—essential during pregnancy.

How to serve: Use kelp powder or dried seaweed flakes (a tiny pinch goes a long way).

Include these nutrient-rich foods, and you’ll be giving your pregnant or lactating dog everything she needs for a healthy pregnancy, smooth recovery, and thriving puppies!

A Week-by-Week Nutritional Guide for Pregnant Dogs

Feeding the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs isn’t just about giving her more food—it’s about providing the right nutrients at the right time. Her nutritional needs shift throughout pregnancy, and ensuring she gets what she needs can significantly impact both her health and her puppies’ development.

Here’s a structured week-by-week guide to help you navigate her diet during this crucial time:

Weeks 1-2: The Beginning Stage

• ● Her energy needs remain the same—no need to increase food yet.
• ● Protein: Maintain 22-25% from high-quality animal sources like chicken, eggs, turkey, or fish (salmon, sardines).
• ● Fat: Keep at 10-15% for balanced energy with healthy fats from chicken skin, fish oil, or flaxseeds.
• ● Calcium & Phosphorus: Stick to normal levels—excess calcium early on can cause problems later.
• ● Food to Increase: Lean meats (chicken, beef, turkey), plain yogurt, bone broth, and cottage cheese.
• ● Food to Avoid: Excessive calcium supplements, drastic diet changes, and raw fish with high mercury levels.

Weeks 3-4: Embryo Development Begins

• ● Appetite Changes: She may eat less due to mild nausea (like morning sickness in humans).
• ● Protein: Increase to ~26-30% with nutrient-rich sources like duck, liver, eggs, and sardines.
• ● Fat: Keep at 15% or slightly higher using coconut oil, or fatty cuts of beef.
• ● Omega-3s: Essential for brain and eye development—add salmon, mackerel, or fish oil supplements.
• ● Helpful Tip: Offer small, frequent meals with gentle options like scrambled eggs, boiled chicken, or mashed pumpkin if she’s feeling nauseous.

Weeks 5-6: Growth Spurt Begins

• ● Food Intake: Increase by 20-30% to meet growing puppy demands.
• ● Protein: At least 28-32% from beef, lamb, chicken hearts, or turkey.
• ● Fat: Boost to 18-20% with duck meat, chicken skin, or sardines.
• ● Calcium & Phosphorus: Naturally increase through diet with raw meaty bones, cottage cheese, or plain yogurt.
• ● Introduce Puppy Food: If feeding kibble, switch to high-quality puppy food as it’s more nutrient-dense.
• ● Extra Boost: Add bone broth, goat’s milk, or soft scrambled eggs for added nutrition.

Weeks 7-8: Peak Nutritional Needs

• ● Food Intake: Should be 50% more than usual to support puppy growth.
• ● Meal Frequency: Split into 3-4 smaller meals to prevent discomfort (puppies take up stomach space!).
• ● Protein: 30-35% from lean meats like venison, duck, or turkey.
• ● Fat: 20%+ from coconut oil, fish oil, or bone marrow.
• ● Hydration Boost: Bone broth and goat’s milk are excellent for hydration and extra minerals.
• ● Extra Power Foods: Eggs, salmon, lamb, and organ meats like liver or kidney.

Week 9: Preparing for Birth

• ● Appetite May Drop: As labor nears, she might not eat as much—this is normal.
• ● Easy-to-Digest Foods: Offer scrambled eggs, boiled chicken, rice, or plain yogurt.
• ● Calcium Balance: Avoid excess supplements—let it come naturally from cheese, bone broth, or eggshell powder.
• ● Hydration is Key: Bone broth, diluted goat’s milk, or water-rich foods help keep her hydrated.

Key Takeaway

Feeding your pregnant dog isn’t just about increasing food—it’s about balancing protein, fat, and essential nutrients at each stage. Stick to high-quality, whole foods and adjust portions based on her appetite and energy needs.

Addressing Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs in Pregnant Dogs

There’s more to feeding the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs. Pregnancy nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all—your dog’s breed plays a huge role in her dietary needs. Larger breeds require higher caloric intake, while smaller breeds need more frequent meals due to their tiny stomachs.

Large Breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Great Danes, etc.)

✔️ Need more calories and protein to support their size and puppies.
✔️ Overfeeding can lead to excess weight gain, increasing the risk of birthing complications.
✔️ Calcium must be carefully balanced—too much can cause skeletal issues in puppies, too little can lead to eclampsia (dangerous calcium deficiency).
✔️ Stick to smaller, frequent meals instead of large portions to reduce the risk of bloat.

Small Breeds (Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, etc.)

✔️ Tiny stomachs mean they can’t eat large meals—4-5 small meals per day is ideal.
✔️ More prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during pregnancy—meals should include high-quality proteins and complex carbohydrates to maintain energy.
✔️ Moderate fat intake—too much weight gain makes labor difficult.

A pregnant dog’s breed impacts her nutritional needs. Large breeds require careful portioning, small breeds need frequent feeding, and a balanced diet is key for a smooth pregnancy. Feeding correctly ensures healthier puppies and an easier delivery!

The Raw vs. Cooked Debate – What’s Best for a Pregnant Dog?

Feeding the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs is already tricky, and when it comes to raw vs. cooked food, opinions are further divided. Let’s break it down.

The Case for Raw Feeding

Many dog parents swear by raw diets for better digestion, shinier coats, and improved energy. Benefits include:
✅ Higher bioavailability – Nutrients remain in their natural state for better absorption.
✅ Rich in natural enzymes – Supports digestion and gut health.
✅ Less processed – No artificial additives or preservatives.

But… There Are Risks

⚠️ Bacterial contamination – Salmonella and E. coli are concerns, especially for weakened immune systems (including puppies in the womb).

⚠️ Unbalanced meals – Without proper planning, raw diets may lack essential nutrients like calcium and folic acid, both critical for fetal development.

The Cooked Alternative

If raw feels too risky, lightly cooked meals can be a safe middle ground. Benefits include:

✅ Kills harmful bacteria while retaining most nutrients.
✅ Easier to digest for pregnant dogs with sensitive stomachs.
✅ Better for picky eaters – Some dogs prefer the taste and texture of cooked food.

So, Which One Wins?

The best diet depends on your dog and your ability to balance nutrition. If you choose raw, ensure it’s properly sourced and balanced. If you opt for cooked, use light cooking methods to retain nutrients.

At the end of the day, a well-planned diet—raw or cooked—is what truly matters for a healthy pregnancy!

What’s your take—raw or cooked? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Foods to Avoid When Feeding a Pregnant Dog

We have discussed the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs, now let’s cover what to avoid. Not all foods are safe for a pregnant dog—some can even harm her or her puppies. While you may have heard general advice like “avoid processed kibble,” which I agree with, let’s get specific. Here are some foods you should absolutely keep off her menu during pregnancy:

1. High-Mercury Fish

• Fish like tuna, swordfish, etc. can contain high levels of mercury, which may negatively impact puppy development.
• Safer alternatives: Opt for low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, or whitefish (cooked and boneless).

2. Processed Meats with Preservatives

• Hot dogs, bacon, sausages, and deli meats often contain nitrates and preservatives that can be hard on your dog’s system.
• These meats are also high in sodium, which can lead to dehydration and bloating.

3. Excess Liver (Too Much Vitamin A = Trouble)

• A little liver is great—it’s rich in iron and nutrients.
• However, too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity, leading to birth defects in puppies.
• Limit liver to no more than 5% of her diet.

4. Toxic Foods (The Absolute NO List)

Some human foods are downright dangerous for dogs, especially during pregnancy:

❌ Garlic & Onions – Can cause anemia and damage red blood cells.
❌ Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
❌ Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure (even in small amounts).
For a comprehensive list please check out my blog: Toxic Foods for Dogs

A pregnant dog’s diet should be nutrient-dense, clean, and safe. Avoid anything overly processed, or potentially toxic. When in doubt, stick to fresh, whole foods!

Got questions about if something particular, not in our list is safe to feed? Ask in the comments—I’m happy to help!

Post-Birth Nutrition & Lactation Diet – Fueling a Nursing Mom

We have covered the best homemade foods for pregnant dogs, but what about the now lactating mums? Once the puppies arrive, your dog’s nutritional needs shift dramatically. Her body is now working overtime to produce milk, recover from birth, and care for her litter. Supporting her during this demanding phase is imperative. Here’s how:

1. Reintroducing Calcium—But the Right Way

Before birth, too much calcium can cause complications. But after birth, she needs it back to prevent eclampsia (a dangerous drop in calcium levels). The best sources include:

✅ Raw meaty bones – Naturally balanced calcium and phosphorus.
✅ Bone broth – Hydrating and gentle on the stomach.
✅ Eggshell powder – A simple, absorbable calcium source.

❌ Avoid synthetic calcium supplements unless prescribed—too much too fast can cause issues.

2. High-Energy Foods for Milk Production

Producing milk requires a lot of energy, so her meals should be packed with:

✅ Fatty meats – Lamb, beef, duck, and organ meats (great for calories + nutrients).
✅ Fish oils – Rich in Omega-3s.
✅ Full-fat dairy (if tolerated) – Goat’s milk and yogurt can provide a calcium boost.
✅ Complex carbs – Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and oats for steady energy.

3. Managing Appetite Loss in New Mothers

Some dogs lose their appetite post-birth due to exhaustion or stress. If she’s reluctant to eat:

✔ Offer small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
✔ Warm up her food to make it more enticing.
✔ Add bone broth for hydration and extra nutrients.
✔ Hand-feed if necessary—some moms need a little encouragement!

Pregnancy and lactation demand a lot from a dog’s body, so feeding her the right foods is crucial for her health (and her puppies’ development). A well-fed mother means healthy, thriving puppies. So, prioritize calcium balance, high-quality proteins, healthy fats, high-energy foods, an easy-to-digest meal plan and don’t forget proper hydration to keep her strong during this critical phase.

…And you’ll set both mama and her pups up for a strong, healthy start in life!

Addressing Common Pregnancy Myths – FAQs

1. Does a pregnant dog need extra supplements?

Not always! While certain nutrients are crucial (like folic acid and DHA), excessive supplementation can do more harm than good.

✅ Beneficial: Omega-3s (for puppy brain development), folic acid (reduces birth defects), probiotics (supports digestion).
❌ Unnecessary/Harmful: Synthetic calcium before birth (can cause eclampsia later), too much vitamin A (can lead to birth defects).

2. Should a pregnant dog eat more carbohydrates?

Not really. Dogs rely more on fat and protein than carbs, especially during pregnancy.

✔ High-fat, high-protein diets provide steady energy without blood sugar spikes.
✔ Complex carbs like pumpkin or oats can be helpful but shouldn’t be the main focus.
❌ Avoid grain-heavy kibble, which often contains fillers instead of real nutrition. Check your brand food label thoroughly to ensure quality. Here’s my guide to decoding them like a pro.

3. Can pregnant dogs eat dairy?

In moderation, yes—but it depends on the dog. Some tolerate dairy well, while others get an upset stomach.

✅ Best choices: Goat’s milk (easier to digest), plain yogurt (probiotics).
❌ Avoid: Processed cheese, heavy cream, or anything with added sugars.

4. Are eggs safe for pregnant dogs?

Yes! Eggs are a nutrient powerhouse, packed with protein, choline, and healthy fats.

Cooked or raw? Both are fine if fresh and high quality. Some prefer cooked to reduce the risk of salmonella.
Eggshells? Crushed eggshells can be a great natural calcium source after birth.

5. Can pregnant dogs eat fish?

Yes, but choose wisely. Fish is rich in Omega-3s, but some types contain high mercury levels, which can be harmful.

✅ Best options: Sardines, salmon (wild-caught, boneless), small mackerel.
❌ Avoid: Tuna, swordfish, and farmed fish with antibiotics.

6. Do pregnant dogs need prenatal vitamins like humans?

Not necessarily. A balanced diet usually provides everything she needs.

✔ When they help: If she’s on a restricted diet or has absorption issues.
❌ When they don’t: Giving extra vitamins without need can create imbalances. Always consult a vet before adding supplements.

Got more pregnancy diet questions? Drop them below!

Srijana Saha

Srijana, founder of Godly Dog, brings 12+ years of experience caring for dogs, including her 6 fur kids: a Labrador, 2 Spitz, and 3 Indie rescues. She has studied natural dog nutrition and behavior to better understand and care for them. A passionate advocate for strays and a dedicated volunteer, she believes dogs embody godliness, inspiring unconditional love and selflessness. Through Godly Dog, she shares practical advice to ensure every dog gets the love, care, and respect they deserve.