What Do You Feed A Pregnant Dog?

[Ben and Jerry]

Today at work I had a customer looking for a food to feed her pregnant dog. I recommened a premium quality food in either a puppy or active formula for better quality ingrediants and higher protein/fat levels. When I mentioned the puppy formula I was told "no my vet says puppy formulas are too high in calcium and cause the unborn puppies to die", as I have never had anything to do with dog breeding nor know any dog breeders to ask I couldn't really help this customer out. I wanted to go on about what i've been taught about feeding pregnant dogs but then I didn't want to go saying the complete opposite to what the vet has recommened without any personal experience myself.

So I guess my question is too any who may have better knowledge on this. Is it ok to continue recommending puppy formulas or is it true too much calcium is bad for the unborn pups? This question just got me a little bit confused about being taught one thing then hearing the opposite from a vet and I don't want to end up giving future customer the wrong advice .

[oakway]

I have been telling people not feed pregnant bitches puppy food for years.

Puppy food is for puppies not pregnant bitches.

A good quality complete food is all that is required.

My own bitches are fed a normal diet of chicken frames and or chicken mince and dry food.

The pups are basically reared the same way.

[fifi]

Marleigh, overnutrition in the pregnant bitch, especially calcium in late pregnancy, is thought to diminish the body's own production of calcium - resulting in possible whelping problems and hypocalcemia, all very risky for the bitch & puppies.

A balanced & quality adult diet and smaller more frequent meals in the last weeks are preferable.

fifi