What to Feed a Nursing Dog to Increase Milk Production: Vet-Explained Nutrition

When a mother dog is producing milk, she needs to feed herself to feed her puppies. She needs water, calories, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals to make lots of nutritious milk. Good nutrition starts in pregnancy, but the recommendations for pregnant and lactating dogs are different. Fortunately, providing everything your momma dog needs is very easy.

Poor milk production, also known as agalactia or hypogalactia, is a medical problem. If your dog isn’t producing enough milk to feed her puppies, you should seek veterinary treatment and provide supplementary nutrition to them. Generally, no foods will help agalactia or hypogalactia as long as the mother consumes the correct diet.

However, a group of foods known as galactagogues is thought to improve milk production in people. We’ll discuss these and why you shouldn’t solely rely on them to increase a dog’s milk production.

Milk Production in Dogs

Milk production is called lactation, and it takes place in the mammary glands. In dogs, these glands occur in pairs along the abdomen and thorax. The hormones produced during pregnancy enhance the development of the mammary glands, enlarge the nipples, and eventually lead to milk production.

Progesterone inhibits the actual milk production. When a dog gives birth her progesterone levels drop. Prolactin is the hormone that activates to cause milk production once the progesterone levels drop. Milk let down from the mammary glands to the nipple is another process that relies on a reflex involving oxytocin. When the puppies suckle, the reflex is triggered, oxytocin is released from the brain, and milk flows.

The first milk a dog produces after birth is the colostrum. This is a more watery, antibody-rich substance that will be present for 24 hours after birth. Interestingly, the puppies can only absorb the antibodies within the first 24 hours of life. These antibodies help keep them healthy which is why the first meal is so critical for pups.

Peak milk production occurs 3–4 weeks after birth in dogs and declines at around 7–8 weeks. Natural milk is much more nutritious than canine milk replacers, so the saying “breast is best” goes for dogs, too.

What to Feed a Nursing Dog

When it comes to what to feed a nursing dog, the most important thing is to make sure that they are eating a healthy dog food and staying well-hydrated, here are some things to consider:

1. Water

Since canine milk is 78% water, it makes sense that your dog needs to be well-hydrated to produce enough milk. Dogs will generally drink as much as they need if an unlimited supply of fresh, clean water is available.

It can be a good idea to offer wet food or other treats with a high water content to your mother dog to improve her hydration. Watermelon, ice, and boiled pumpkin are good treats that will provide water.

2. Puppy Food

Protein

Ideally, high-quality commercial food should be selected. She can be fed as much as she wants during this time. Look for something with a high protein content and meat as the first ingredient.

Protein will help puppies grow and provide energy for mom. Royal Canin Starter Mother & Babydog Mousse In Sauce Canned Dog Food is a good choice for feeding a nursing mother, and it can also be fed to puppies during weaning.

Calories

Lactation consumes a lot of calories. Nursing mothers can have up to three times their usual energy requirements. According to AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) regulations, the nutritional requirements for nursing mothers and growing puppies are the same.¹

This means that you should feed her puppy food that will provide the correct balance of nutrients as well as the additional calories needed to prevent her from losing weight or becoming malnourished during lactation.

The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice 

Essential Fatty Acids

Dietary fats and essential fatty acids are transported into the milk to improve its quality. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are examples of these essential fatty acids. They are classified as omega-3s and can be found in high quantities in fish oil or oily fish like sardines.

The omega-6 fatty acid linolenic acid (LA) is also essential, and corn oil is a good source. These fatty acids will be included in good-quality, balanced puppy food, but other sources can be included as a small portion of treats with your vet’s approval.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are needed for healthy body functions. Lactation comes with particularly high calcium demands as lots of calcium is present in milk to nourish the puppies’ growing bones. Normally, your dog should eat a diet with at least 0.5% calcium, but when she is lactating, she needs 1.2% calcium.

Not only that, but the concentration of phosphorus matters; too much phosphorus leads to calcium deficiency. Since it’s difficult and important to get the balance right, a balanced puppy food is the way to go for most of her diet.

3. Galactagogues

Galactagogues are foods and herbs that are thought to increase milk production. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, there isn’t any conclusive evidence that these are effective.² There also isn’t any evidence of their use in dogs.

Many galactagogues recommended for humans are unsafe to feed a nursing mother dog. However, there are a few that we don’t think would do any harm, although they probably won’t make any difference. These include carrots, kale, spinach, oats, brown rice, and chickpeas.

We recommend getting your vet’s approval before introducing anything to the mother’s diet. You should also make dietary changes gradually to avoid an upset stomach, especially as diarrhea can cause her to become dehydrated, not to mention unhygienic. Finally, ensure the additional foods make up less than 10% of her diet, as they will not be nutritionally balanced.

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What If My Dog Isn’t Producing Enough Milk

This is an uncommon situation, but it can happen. Dogs that have had an emergency c-section or premature delivery are more prone to this issue. You should rule out issues like the mother not being interested in the pups or the pups not suckling.

Infection of the uterus or mammary glands, calcium deficiency, and pain can also cause problems with lactation. Your veterinarian will be able to perform an examination and any tests needed to see what is going on with your dog.

Oxytocin and other medications can help your dog start producing milk. Typically, the problem resolves within 12-24 hours with treatment. Aside from the mother’s health, the puppies’ nutrition is a pressing concern.

Puppies are prone to low blood sugar and need colostrum to stay healthy. Signs the pups aren’t feeding well are restlessness, vocalization, and not gaining weight. Speak to your veterinarian about feeding the puppies with a canine milk replacer.

They can demonstrate how to feed them and how much to feed. You may also need to ask about a colostrum substitute if they haven’t had their first meal.

Final Thoughts

If your dog isn’t producing enough milk, this can potentially cause life-threatening malnutrition for the puppies. You should start the puppies on a canine milk replacement. Also, have the mother dog seen by a vet, as an underlying illness can cause the problem. Medication can also help her produce more milk.

As long as she is already eating the correct diet, food isn’t likely to make a difference as there isn’t really any specific food that increases milk production in dogs. However, if she hasn’t been eating the right food, getting her onto a better regime can help. However, you will still need your vet’s help for the best outcomes.

Featured Image Credit: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock