Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Pregnant Dogs: Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
“Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe is a quality dog food with wholesome, nutritious ingredients that’s packed with DHA, glucosamine, and Omega fatty acids – essential nutrients for a pregnant dog to keep her healthy and strong during and after pregnancy.
Best High Protein & Fat: Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food
“Give your little one all the nutrients and supplements necessary during pregnancy with the Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food. It’s a well-balanced diet with optimum protein and fat levels and has DHA and EPA, bringing your pregnant pup all the necessary nutrients that she needs.”
Best Budget Option: Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food
“Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food gives your pregnant dog a healthy, nutritious meal that’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. It helps with digestion, healthy joints, and nice skin and coat – all for an affordable price.”
Pregnant and dogs need more care and attention, especially when it comes to the food they eat. You need to make sure they’re getting the proper nutrition that supports not just their own health and well-being but that of their babies as well.
On top of that, their condition makes them more susceptible to harmful elements in their environment which may cause serious health concerns. A well-rounded diet that covers their nutritional requirements while making sure that they’re protected from various diseases is what they need.
To help you take care of your pregnant pooch, we’ve gathered the best dog foods for pregnant dogs based on their nutritional value and added supplements.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food For Pregnant Dogs
- 1. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
- 2. Orijen Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food
- 3. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food
- 4. Acana Singles Range Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties
- 6. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food
- 7. Wellness Complete Health Canned Food
- 8. American Journey Landmark Trailhead Blend
- 9. Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food
- 10. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Puppy Food
- 1. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
- What to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs
- Questions & Answers
10 Best Dog Food For Pregnant Dogs
Here are our top picks for the best dog food for pregnant dogs on the market:
- Best Overall for Pregnant Dogs: Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
- Best High Protein & Fat: Orijen Grain Free Puppy Dog Food
- Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food
- Best Flavor Range: Acana Singles Range Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Raw Option: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties
- Best Lower Protein: Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food
- Best Wet Food: Wellness Complete Health Canned Food
- Best High Protein: American Journey Landmark Trailhead Blend
- Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food
- Best Limited Ingredient: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Puppy Food
1. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe
Best Overall For Pregnant Dogs: Complete and balanced diet for pregnant dogs
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Premium quality ingredients with nutrients for pregnant dogs
- Available in delicious chicken and beef flavors
- Excellent DHA and glucosamine addition
CONS
- Slightly pricey
Packed with plenty of wholesome, nutritious ingredients, the Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe is a complete and balanced meal that is loaded with protein and fiber. The DHA in this food is excellent for brain development, especially for the puppies still developing inside your dog’s womb.
click to see more
It has significant Omega levels keeping your dog’s skin and coat at its best condition. The added glucosamine and chondroitin provide your pregnant dog’s hip and joints the support it needs.
The chicken flavor is right on top in terms of nutrients, with 30% protein and 16% fat. Beef is only slightly behind, with 28% protein and 15% fat.
2. Orijen Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food
Best High Protein & Fat: Biologically appropriate food with high protein and fat content
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Great levels of DHA and EPA for improved brain function
- High Omega levels that boost skin and coat health
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joints
- Fairly high calorie content
CONS
- One of the more pricey options
The Orijen Puppy Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a high-protein and high-fat dog food, filled to the brim with healthy, natural ingredients, that are highly digestible and packed with vitamins and minerals.
This grain free dog food is biologically-appropriate, which means it contains ingredients such as chicken heart, ground chicken bone, and chicken cartilage – all of which make up an awesome mix of nutrients that is 100% natural and supremely healthy, especially for pregnant dogs.
click to see more
High In Necessary Nutrients
This food has one of the highest protein contents on the market at 38%. The fat content coming from high quality sources sits around 20%. It is ideal for pregnant dogs who are still fairly active or medium to large breeds like American bullies, Catahoulas, American bulldogs, Dobermans, German Shepherds, etc who need more protein and fat in their diet.
3. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food
Best Value For Money: Most affordable option for pregnant and nursing dogs
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Nutrient-packed kibble at a very affordable
- Quality is on-par with higher-priced foods
- High in Omega fatty acids and DHA
- Good calorie count for pregnant dogs
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs who are sensitive to chicken
The Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food is incredibly priced for its quality and the nutritional profile it has that is just perfect for a pregnant or nursing dog – especially for small breeds like pugs, maltipoo, chihuahuas, chiweenies, etc.
The Omega-3 fatty acids content is unusually high for a dog food in this price range and is made up of DHA which is necessary to help your dog’s puppies develop well as they are growing and being nourished inside your dog’s womb.
click to see more
High Amino Acid Content
The high quality protein sources for this food makes up its optimal amino acid profile that’s responsible for developing lean and strong muscles. There’s also a good amount of vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 which helps with digestion.
4. Acana Singles Range Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Flavor Range: Variety of available options for lesser allergy risks in dogs
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Limited ingredient to reduce food allergies
- Various flavors your dog will definitely enjoy
- High protein and fat content ideal for most dogs
- Gluten, potato, and tapioca-free
CONS
- A little on the expensive side
If your pregnant dog or nursing dog is allergic to certain ingredients, a limited ingredient dog food should provide an optimum amount of major nutrients while avoiding common allergens. The Acana Singles Range Grain Free Dry Dog Food is the best dog food we’ve come across in terms of a limited ingredient formulation.
Although it varies very slightly by flavor, each variant contains around 31% protein and 17% fat, which should be enough for a pup who is supporting a bunch of little ones. Each flavor contains a high quality protein source which includes organ meat, bone, and cartilage. It also has a few carefully selected vegetables.
click to see more
Premium Nutrition
Despite its limited ingredient formulation, everything is on-point in this dog food – from the calcium/phosphorus level to the high Omega numbers (which vary by flavor but are high in each). The added DHA and EPA makes this the perfect limited ingredient grain free dog food for a pregnant dog. Not only for pregnant dogs, the Acana Singles Range Grain Free Dry Dog Food is also great for Golden Retrievers.
5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties
Best Raw Option: Natural, organic ingredients
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- High-quality, natural, organic, grain free ingredients
- Contains muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and fruits and vegetables
- Variety of flavors available
- Very high in protein and fats
CONS
- Doesn’t contain DHA
If you’ve been raw-feeding your pooch, you can carry on even during her pregnancy. The Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties is an all-natural recipe that is super high in both protein and fat. It’s free from added antibiotics, hormones, grains and even fillers with no nutritional value so it’s extremely safe for your pregnant little pooch.
click to see more
High Protein And Fat Counts
There are many flavors available for this food and the protein and fat content vary in each variant. All are high in protein, with the highest being chicken (48%) and the lowest being venison (36%). The fat counts are similar, with the highest at 38%, while the lowest is 28%.
You will simply need to add a supplemental dose of DHA to your fluff’s diet, which shouldn’t be hard to hide in this delicious grain free patty.
6. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food
Best Lower Protein: Ideal for dogs with kidney problems
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Good levels of fats and proteins
- Perfect grain free food for dogs who have kidney troubles
- Good Omega levels, including DHA
- Superfood ingredients contribute vitamins and minerals
CONS
- Lower protein may not be suitable for all dogs
The Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food offers a complete and balanced nutrition for pregnant dogs with protein and fat content that are present in optimum amounts.
If you’re looking for something well-rounded and healthy, this dog food would be a great choice for your pregnant pooch, especially if she has a history of kidney issues.
click to see more
Lower Protein
Dogs who suffer from chronic kidney or liver disease may be recommended a lower protein diet by their vet. When it comes to pregnancy, though, your pooch will need more of it as her body will be preparing for the delivery of a bunch of little pups.
The level of protein in this grain free dog food should work well for the duration of her pregnancy and until the puppies are weaned.
7. Wellness Complete Health Canned Food
Best Wet Food: Great moisture content and ideal for dogs with digestive issues
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Contains DHA for improved vision and brain function
- Chelated minerals to help in digestion
- High in calories, providing your dog the energy it needs to get through the day
CONS
- Contains carrageenan
Adding a wet dog food like Wellness Complete Health Canned Food is a quick and easy way to up your dog’s calorie count, which is necessary for the last 5 or so weeks of pregnancy.
This nutrient-packed dog food has a delicious flavor and an enticing texture that appeals to even the pickiest eaters among dogs.
click to see more
DHA & Chelated Minerals
This canned dog food is loaded with real meat and vegetables and also contains chelated minerals for quick and easy absorption. It has a good amount of DHA which is rare to see in a wet dog food, intended for improved vision and brain function not just for your dog but for its developing puppies as well.
8. American Journey Landmark Trailhead Blend
Best High Protein: Supports muscle development and builds muscle mass
PROS
- Highest protein on this list
- Good fat level for a high protein food
- Low fiber helps improve digestibility
- Good levels of DHA and EPA
CONS
- Not suitable for pups who are sensitive to poultry
The American Journey Landmark Trailhead Blend is big on the protein and less so on the fat. It’s great for pregnant dogs who need essential amino acids to support normal growth and development of their puppies.
click to see more
High Protein, Moderate Fat
40% protein is a high number and is best suited to large breeds. This recipe keeps the fat count moderate at 15%. There’s also added pre and probiotics to help your dog if she’s having any digestive troubles, which can be pretty common in pregnant dogs. The antioxidant levels in this food is more than enough to support your dog’s immune system.
9. Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food
Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Specially formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Easily digestible, safe formula for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Holistic dog food packed with superfoods
- Grain free, gluten-free dog food
- Great vitamins and minerals from premium quality ingredients
CONS
- Slightly lower in protein than preferred
The Solid Gold Leaping Waters Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to counter tummy sensitivities and keep your pup as comfortable and well-nourished as possible, especially during her pregnancy.
click to see more
Holistic Food
This grain free dog food has premium quality ingredients that are all-natural, gluten-free, contains a single-source protein, and are packed with superfoods to provide as nutritious a formula that soothes your dog’s stomach as she eats.
10. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Puppy Food
Best Limited Ingredient: For reduced risks of any allergies
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Chewy
PROS
- Limited ingredient for reduced chance of allergies
- Contains DHA
- Single source protein also reduces allergies
- Free from grains and artificial ingredients
CONS
- May be too low in protein for some, so best only by vet’s recommendation
- Pregnant dogs often need more fat than this food contains, so we recommend feeding them a high-fat treat between meals
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Puppy Food is highly recommended if you need to switch your pregnant pup to a bland diet for a few days to treat acute diarrhea.
Dogs with allergies can benefit from a limited ingredient diet and this dog food has been developed with the help of veterinarians and dog nutrition experts to make sure your pup is getting all the nutrition she needs without risking allergies.
click to see more
Supplement With DHA
Despite the reduced, high-quality ingredients, you’ll find the all-important DHA and a good calcium/phosphorus ratio in this grain free food.
If your dog happens to be less active, then the 11% fat could work for them but in general it may be a good idea to feed your lady a couple of high-fat treats in between meals to keep her energy up. Remember, she’s feeding growing pups as well as herself!
What to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs
1) Protein Count & Quality
Pregnancy is hard on the body, and as such, you need to make sure your pooch is getting the most nourishing dog food.
A high quality animal protein source is essential and should be the first ingredient on the list. Real meat or meat meal are good choices. Plant protein isn’t recommended unless it’s in addition to an animal protein.
The protein count should be 30% and upwards, which may sound high but your pup isn’t just nourishing her own body at this point. She has a bunch of little pups that are being nourished through the dog food she is eating, so it’s crucial that she gets enough protein in.
2) Fat Count & Quality
A pregnant pup will require quite a high fat count – upwards of 20%. High-quality fats are the primary source of energy in a dog food, and when your fluff is growing little fluffs, she is going to be expending more energy than usual.
Omega fatty acids are super helpful too, and you’ll see a specific one further down the criteria list. Apart from DHA and EPA, the Omega levels should be fairly high.
3) Digestibility
Digestibility means the percentage of the dog food that is actually absorbed by the dog’s body after being eaten. This number measures the dog food’s ability to provide more nutrition for less kibble.
This is important for a pregnant dog because she needs as much good stuff as possible, in as small an amount of food as possible. There’s less space than usual in her stomach, and she’s feeding herself and a brood of puppies, so the more nutrition she can get in for less actual kibble, the better.
We’ve made an effort to find the actual digestibility numbers, but if we haven’t been able to, we’ve assessed the dog food and made a judgment based on the ingredient quality and manufacturing processes.
4) Contains DHA
DHA is an Omega fatty acid that is usually found in puppy food. It’s an essential part of a puppy’s diet as it helps the brain tissue and eyes to develop properly.
It’s not often found in adult food, which is why many pregnant dogs go onto a puppy food in the later stages of their pregnancy. It will start to have an effect on the puppies already, even before they are born, and when they’re nursing as mom’s milk production will be full of it.
5) Affordability
Although this shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of which dog food we choose, it’s an important factor that we cannot ignore.
A pregnant dog will need vet’s visits, possibly medication, vitamins, and then you’re going to end up with a litter of puppies to feed as well, so the affordability of the dog food you choose is more important than one may realize initially.
We have made sure to include a good mix of prices in this list, so that your pregnant dog can be well-fed with quality pet food no matter what your budget looks like.
Questions & Answers
What are the nutritional needs of pregnant dogs?
Just like any other dog, a pregnant dog needs a balanced diet that meets all the nutritional needs to keep her and her puppies healthy and strong.
The best dog food for a pregnant dog should contain 30% or more high-quality animal protein. Fat is the next most important nutrient (chicken fat or pork fat being best). A pregnant dog needs 20% and upwards (15% minimum).
Omega fatty acids are great, and it’s imperative that your pregnant dog gets a dose of DHA as well.
You should keep feeding your pup the same amount of food you have been, and the American Kennel Club recommends increasing the amount of food slightly from about 5 weeks into her pregnancy until she is eating between 35 and 50% more than usual.
Why is it best for a pregnant dog to eat a high-fat dog food?
Pregnant or nursing dogs expend a lot more energy than the average dog – between 4 and 6 times the energy, to be precise!
Fat is the most easily accessible, quickly metabolized source of energy in a dog food, so a high fat count is important for a nursing dog’s energy requirements, and for the puppies she is carrying too.
Why are puppy foods recommended for pregnant dogs?
Puppy foods are generally higher in calories than adult dog foods, as well as being higher in protein to build strong muscles, and higher in fat to provide for a puppy’s high levels of energy.
In addition to these factors, the presence of DHA in food makes a huge difference to pregnant dogs, in particular, the development of her puppies while still in the womb.
Mothers pass nutrients on to their unborn puppies, and if a puppy is getting a dose of DHA before it’s even born, it’s getting a head start on brain and eye development. The DHA will remain in mom’s milk production system for a bit, so it’s great for nursing dogs too.
