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Welcoming a new generation of furry paws into the world is always a moment of great excitement and responsibility. For pregnant huskies, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is crucial to support their well-being and ensure the healthy development of their unborn pups.
As owners, we must provide them with the best possible nutrition. Today, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the optimal diet for pregnant huskies. From essential nutrients to specific dietary requirements, we’ll share the top recommendations for ensuring the health and vitality of both mother and her soon-to-arrive bundles of joy.
Here are our recommendations for the best dog food for pregnant huskies.
Best Dog Foods for Pregnant Huskies
#1 Best Dog Food for Pregnant Huskies
Ollie
Ollie is a fresh dog food delivery company that creates customized meal plans tailored to your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and any specific dietary requirements or allergies they may have. One of the things I like most about Ollie is that their meal plans are entirely customizable. They also consider whether or not your dog has been spayed or neutered when calculating the daily required caloric intake for your pup. This is especially helpful considering unspayed females, even if they are not pregnant, typically require more calories than spayed females.
I also love that they focus on providing only fresh, wholesome ingredients. They have several options to choose from in terms of protein, including beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey. They also provide a breakdown of the nutritional content of each meal, so you know exactly what your dog is consuming, which is especially helpful in the case of pregnant dogs.
The only downside to Ollie in terms of pregnant dogs is that they don’t directly ask whether or not your dog is pregnant in their questionnaire. However, they do have an incredibly helpful customer service team that you can call, text, email, or live chat with that will be able to help ensure your dog is getting the correct number of calories. That being said, it is usually best to also consult with a trusted veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food.
Learn more in our Ollie dog food review.
✅ Pros:
- Whole, fresh ingredients
- High protein content
- No artificial flavors, fillers, or preservatives
❌ Cons:
- Expensive
- Ollie does not directly ask about or specifically cater to the needs of pregnant dogs
Whole food ingredients, slow-cooked for nutrition and flavor and frozen for freshness.
- Wholefood ingredients
- Freshly cooked
- No preservatives
- No harmful fillers
#2 Best Dog Food for Pregnant Huskies
Nom Nom
Another amazing freshly made dog food option is Nom Nom. They are primarily a delivery service, but they do sell their meals in select PetSmarts. Like Ollie, their main goal is to provide high-quality, nutritious ingredients without adding artificial flavors or fillers to their recipes. They offer meals based on your dog’s breed, weight, and activity level. They also offer options to customize the meals based on any restrictions, sensitivities, or allergies.
Unlike Ollie, though, they don’t account for whether a dog has been spayed or neutered in their initial assessment. They also don’t account for pregnant dogs in the initial assessment. Because of this, it may be best to reach out to their customer service team if interested in signing up a pregnant dog, as she will likely need additional customization, such as increased calories.
✅ Pros:
- Premium ingredients
- No artificial flavors, fillers, or preservatives
- Customizable for sensitivities or allergies
❌ Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t account for unspayed/unneutered dog’s caloric needs or pregnant dog’s caloric needs
Nutrient-packed recipes created by Veterinary Nutritionists.
Best Dry Dog Food for Pregnant Huskies
Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy Food
One of the main things I like about Orijen dog food is that the first five ingredients are always fresh or raw animal protein. So, for example, in this particular recipe, the first five ingredients are chicken, turkey, whole mackerel, whole herring, and salmon. I also like that it features grains like oats, quinoa, and chia seeds. These ingredients help provide fiber to support digestive health. It also includes DHA and EPA from mackerel, herring, salmon, and pollock oil to support fetal development.
✅ Pros:
- High protein content with nutritious protein sources
- Healthy grains
- Higher calorie content
❌ Cons:
- Expensive
Best Canned Dog Food for Pregnant Huskies
Canidae Pure Puppy Canned Dog Food
Canidae’s canned puppy recipe is a great option to feed expecting mothers. It has an above-average protein and fat content as well as increased calories. It has a crude protein content of 9% and a crude fat content of 6.5% and contains 500 kcal in each can. It can be used as your dog’s regular diet or as an easy way to add some additional calories to her diet and entice her to eat!
I really love that this food is a limited-ingredient recipe that focuses on using real, wholesome food. The first ingredients include chicken, chicken broth, eggs, peas, and salmon oil. I especially love that it includes salmon oil since it is a great source of omega-threes.
✅ Pros:
- Can help motivate pregnant huskies to eat
- Limited, nutritious ingredients
- Free from fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives
❌ Cons:
- Contains zinc sulfate, which for some dogs, isn’t easily digestible
Pregnant Husky Feeding Guide
A pregnant dog’s gestation period is typically about nine weeks or right around 62 days. A dog’s pregnancy is typically categorized into trimesters, during which many changes occur. In the earlier stages of pregnancy, the first two trimesters, for example, a husky’s nutritional requirements typically stay about the same as they were before pregnancy.
However, during the third trimester, or at around day 40 of gestation, the puppies go through the most rapid stages of development. This rapid development period is typically when the expectant mother’s energy requirements will increase significantly in order to keep up with the demands of the growing puppies! This typically occurs around weeks six to eight of pregnancy. At this point in pregnancy, a pregnant dog’s energy requirements could increase by as much as 60%. This, of course, can vary depending on the size of the litter.
However, the main issue regarding feeding that owners can face during this time is that the mother will begin to feel like she doesn’t have room for food! So while she will need more calories, she often won’t feel hungry as she once did. For this reason, it is best to feed her a high-quality, easily digestible puppy or growth and development food, as these are typically more calorie-dense and enticing. Additionally, it is best to encourage the mother to eat several small meals each day as opposed to just a few larger meals.
Furthermore, after the puppies are delivered, and during lactation, the mother’s energy requirements actually continue to increase. At about weeks three to five after birth, the mother could require as much as 2x to 4x of the calories she needed before pregnancy. This is typically the case for about seven to eight weeks after delivery until the puppies are fully weaned.
Further reading:
Guide to Buying the Best Dog Food For Pregnant Huskies
How to choose a quality dog food for pregnant huskies
Ensuring that you are feeding your pregnant husky the right dog food can seem like an intimidating task. You want only the best for her! Thankfully, there are so many great options on the market today, but I’d like to briefly go over some of the things you should look for in dog food for a pregnant husky. To start, you’ll want to ensure that the dog food you choose has a high protein content and a moderate fat content and is moderate to high in calories.
From there, look for dog food that contains fiber from vegetables or grains. Fiber is known to help regulate the digestive system, which can become a bit out of whack during pregnancy. Additionally, look for dog food that contains iron-rich ingredients like lean meats, fish, and organ meats. Iron plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport, which is vital for both mothers and puppies.
Also, look for omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are beneficial for the brain and eye development of the puppies. They can be found in fish oil or specific dog foods formulated with added DHA. These fatty acids also support the overall health of the pregnant dog. Additionally, folic acid is another important nutrient to look for as it helps with the babies’ growth and development.
Ensure that the dog food you choose contains balanced amounts of essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, help support the immune system and protect cells from damage. Foods rich in fruits and vegetables can provide natural sources of antioxidants, or you can choose dog foods that are fortified with these vitamins. But it’s usually best to choose real whole food ingredients!
Why choosing quality dog food is important for pregnant huskies
Pregnant dogs have increased nutritional needs to support their own health and the growth and development of their puppies. High-quality dog foods are formulated to meet these specific requirements by providing the necessary levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet helps ensure the proper development of the puppies and supports the overall health of the mother.
A pregnant dog’s health directly impacts the well-being of her puppies. By feeding high-quality dog food, you provide essential nutrients that contribute to the mother’s overall health, immune function, and energy levels. Adequate nutrition helps the pregnant dog maintain a healthy weight, optimal body condition, and strong immune system, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth.
The puppies’ development begins in the womb, and their nutritional needs must be met for healthy growth. High-quality dog foods contain appropriate levels of essential nutrients, such as DHA, calcium, and phosphorus, which support proper brain development, skeletal growth, and organ formation. Providing these nutrients through a quality diet helps give the puppies the best start in life.
After giving birth, a lactating dog needs to produce sufficient milk to nourish her puppies. High-quality dog food can help support milk production by providing the necessary nutrients, including protein and energy. It will also ensure that the puppies receive adequate nutrition during the nursing phase, promoting their growth and immune system development.
High-quality dog foods are typically made with quality ingredients and are easily digestible. This is important for pregnant dogs, as their digestive system may be more sensitive during this time. A diet with good digestibility can help prevent digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation, ensuring the pregnant dog remains comfortable and in good health.
Low-quality dog foods may contain fillers, artificial additives, or low-grade ingredients that provide little nutritional value. These ingredients can potentially harm both the mother and her puppies. Choosing high-quality dog food from a reputable brand reduces the risk of feeding harmful additives, toxins, or subpar ingredients that may compromise the health of the pregnant dog and her puppies.
Transitioning a pregnant husky’s dog food
In the early stages of pregnancy, most pregnant huskies do just fine with their regular diet. However, you certainly can switch to a different or healthier dog food at any point in the pregnancy. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food into your dog’s current food. Start with a ratio of around 25% new food and 75% old food.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s reaction to the new food. Look for signs of digestive upset such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a decreased appetite. If any issues arise, slow down the transition process or consult with your veterinarian.
Over the course of several days, gradually increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old food. For example, after a few days, you can transition to a 50% new and 50% old food ratio and then progress to 75% new and 25% old food.
After about a week or so, your pregnant dog should be fully transitioned to the new food. She should be eating only the new food at this point. Additionally, it is important to mention that pregnant huskies will likely need more calories or more calorie-dense food later on in their pregnancy. At around six to eight weeks gestation, it may be necessary to switch to a food formulated for puppies and pregnant or lactating mothers. This way, the mother can get more calories and nutrients in a smaller amount of food.
Recommendation
Choosing the right dog food for pregnant huskies is crucial to ensure the mother’s health and the well-being of her developing puppies. It is important to opt for high-quality, nutrient-dense formulas specifically designed for pregnant and nursing dogs.
Look for dog foods that contain essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and folic acid to support the husky’s increased nutritional needs during this critical period.
By considering factors such as the dog’s individual needs, consulting with a veterinarian, and opting for reputable brands with transparent ingredient lists, dog owners can provide their pregnant huskies with a well-rounded and nutritionally balanced diet.
We believe Ollie is the best dog food for pregnant huskies.
Take the Ollie quiz here to see what a customized meal plan looks like.
Further reading:
- Best dog food for huskies with sensitive stomach
- Best dog food for huskies with zinc deficiency
- Best dog food for husky puppies
- Best dog food for senior huskies
- Best dog food for huskies to gain weight
- Best dog food for picky huskies
FAQ
What do you feed a pregnant husky?
During pregnancy, it is important to provide a pregnant husky with a balanced and nutritious diet to support her health and the development of her puppies. High-quality commercial dog food specifically formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs is most often recommended, as it contains the necessary nutrients for both the mother and her growing puppies.
The food should be rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of the pregnant husky and adjust the feeding portions as necessary throughout the different stages of pregnancy.
What do you feed a pregnant husky?
During pregnancy, it is important to provide a pregnant husky with a balanced and nutritious diet to support her health and the development of her puppies. High-quality commercial dog food specifically formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs is most often recommended, as it contains the necessary nutrients for both the mother and her growing puppies.
The food should be rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of the pregnant husky and adjust the feeding portions as necessary throughout the different stages of pregnancy.
When should I increase my pregnant dog’s food?
You should start to slowly increase your pregnant dog’s food intake starting around the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy. During this time, her nutritional needs begin to increase as the puppies develop and grow. It’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food to feed your pregnant dog and make adjustments as necessary throughout the different stages of pregnancy.
Are pregnant dogs picky with food?
Just like humans, pregnancy can cause hormonal fluctuations in dogs, which may affect their eating habits. While some pregnant dogs may become more finicky and develop a decreased appetite, others may experience an increase in appetite and display a greater interest in food. It is important to monitor their nutritional needs during this time and consult with a veterinarian to ensure they receive a balanced diet that supports their health and the development of their puppies.
