Nutritional Needs of the Dog During Lactation
By Denny Hughes
Most people are aware of the enhanced nutritional needs of the growing puppy,
as the consequences of a poor diet are apparent (poor growth, rough hair coat,
enhanced mortality, etc.); but they may not be as aware of the nutritional
demands of reproduction. This is probably because reproduction may occur even in
the presence of an inadequate diet. Due to the innate drive for survival of the
species; the dog, if necessary, will draw on body stores of nutrients to
complete growth of the fetus and to produce milk for the young at the risk of
her own livelihood.
Studies at the Longview Canine Research Center have
determined that Profile Adult Dog Food (22% Protein-12% Fat) is fully adequate
for gestation, lactation, and puppy growth. However, it may be advisable to feed
higher levels of either, or both, protein and fat during these life stages under
certain conditions. Other considerations such as food particle size,
palatability, and texture may be important for the growing puppy. This
presentation will focus on meeting the nutritional needs of the bitch during
lactation.
Energy needs of the pregnant bitch are approximately equal to
their maintenance needs during the first five weeks of gestation but increase by
approximately 10% per week from then until whelping, then escalate rapidly
during the first three weeks of lactation to more than four times their
maintenance energy need. Under normal circumstances, dogs will consume enough
food to match their energy requirements if food is adequately palatable and
offered ad libitum or in multiple feedings per day. In addition to an increased
energy requirement, the needs for protein and other nutrients are also increased
during lactation. However, energy intake is the most limiting factor, and as the
dog consumes more food to meet their energy needs, their intakes of protein and
other nutrients also increases.
There are circumstances that will
prevent the dog from properly adjusting their intake. The dog may not be able to
physically consume enough of a low energy food (low fat diets or diets
containing high levels of grain milling byproducts or other fibrous
ingredients), particularly if their demands for energy are high when suckling a
large litter. Dog food containing less than approximately 1400 Kcal M.E./Lb.
should not be fed to lactating bitches. Also, environmental temperature and
humidity are important factors. Dogs rid their body of excess heat by panting,
rather than sweating. High humidity reduces the amount of heat that may be
liberated in this manner. During extremely hot weather, dogs will reduce feed
intake in an effort to maintain normal body temperature. So, during the summer
months or when bitches are suckling large litters, it may be advisable to feed a
higher energy diet. It should be noted that food and energy intake may be
stimulated somewhat by simply moistening the feed at the time of feeding.
Profile Active (27% protein-12% fat), Profile Growth (30% protein-15%
fat), Profile Performance (26% protein-18% fat) and Profile Elite (30%
protein-20% fat) contain progressively higher levels of protein and fat than
Profile Adult and these diets may be used to increase energy and protein intake.
Lactating bitches require more than twice as much water (expressed in
pounds) as they do feed, and a restriction of water intake will depress food
intake and milk production, thereby influencing performance of the litter as
well. Adequate quantities of water must be available at all times.