ADVICE PLEASE:WHEN TO SWITCH PREGNANT FEMALE TO PUPPY FOOD - Page 1

I have heard lots of mixed opinions on this,I would love to hear the professional breeders opinions on when to switch..as soon as pregnant,at one month pregnant..or..keep on adult food till whelping..?Thanks!

My vet advises that puppy food be added at a rate of not greater than 50% of what is being fed the female, beginning the blend in of 25% puppy to adult two weeks before whelp to increase calcium and fat for milk production. He also suggest not increasing overall food intake over 25% at any time before the whelp of after while nursing. I works for me the bitch produces plenty of milk the pups are healthy and the bitch doesn't swell up like a fattened pig. This, I think makes it easier for her to keep in healthy physical condition and whelp easier. The big plus is that the female doesn't have to go on a diet after the pups are weaned and she will look in great shape. The most important part is to watch, not let the pups drain the female of what she needs to keep healthy during the pregnancy and while nursing. Most of it is your call on how to feed, just feed quality. I usually add about 1/2 can of green tripe to each feeding to supplement.

You'll probably get 10,000 opinions about what an how to feed.. Your vet should always know what's best for your female.

Whatever changes you make do it gradually and not over night.

you need to use preformane food not puppy food the food needs to be 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat some puppy food meet that criteria but many do not. you should start with preformance even before they are bred

I feed starting one -two weeks before breeding California Natural chicken meal and rice puppy  (Protein 26.825 % and Fat 16.593 %) I add a combonation of cottage cheese and raw meat not at the same time ether one or the other. I use two vets and both have seen my pups and like the way I feed.  Nothing I feed has  Artificial Preservatives, Chemicals or Dyes.  This is also like by both of my vets.   

This is just how I feed. 

You should find a way to feed that both you and you vet are comfurtable with.

I feed Eukanuba Large breed puppy. It states on the bag not to feed to pregnant females due to the vitamin and mineral balances. I would check the label on the bag of what ever you are feeding. Good luck with your litter.