A pregnant dog isn’t just eating for two—her nutritional needs can rise dramatically as her puppies grow and her body prepares for nursing. Choosing the best dog foods for pregnant dogs matters because the right balance of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals supports healthy fetal development while helping the mother maintain strength and body condition. A diet that falls short can leave her struggling to meet the demands of late pregnancy and lactation, while an overly rich or poorly balanced food can create problems of its own. The ideal formula should be highly digestible, energy-dense, nutritionally complete, and appropriate for her size and stage of pregnancy. With so many puppy foods, performance formulas, and specialized diets available, knowing which features actually matter can make the decision much easier. In this guide, we’ll break down the best dog foods for pregnant dogs, the key nutrients to prioritize, what to look for when comparing formulas, and how to feed your dog throughout pregnancy and nursing.
Latest Research on the Best Dog Foods for Pregnant Dogs
According to the latest research, diet composition during canine pregnancy may influence reproductive outcomes, fetal growth, and early puppy development, although direct studies in pregnant dogs remain relatively limited. The evidence suggests that overall formulation, protein and fat composition, and specific fatty-acid sources can produce measurable differences, but no single ingredient or food style has been proven best for every pregnant dog.
📄Research Update — Pregnancy Nutrition
Overall Diet Composition May Influence Reproductive Outcomes
A study of 18 medium- and large-sized pregnant dogs compared two diets with different nutrient profiles. The diet higher in protein and fat and richer in essential fatty acids and vitamins was associated with lower fetal resorption, larger litters, and lower oxidative status. Because several nutrients differed at once and the study was small, the findings do not identify one ingredient as responsible for the effects.[1]
📊Clinical Focus — Late-Pregnancy Diet
Protein Source and Formula Type May Affect Puppy Growth
A 2023 study compared a fish-based limited-ingredient diet with a mixed-protein diet fed during the final three weeks of pregnancy. The researchers found differences in normalized puppy birth weights and later growth between the diets, suggesting maternal food choice can influence growth outcomes. However, the authors noted that larger studies involving more breeds are needed before one type of protein formula can be considered superior.[2]
⚠️Nutrient Focus — EPA & DHA
EPA- and DHA-Rich Algal Oil Was Well Tolerated During Gestation
In a feeding study, female Beagles received diets containing increasing amounts of an algal oil rich in EPA and DHA from mating through pregnancy and lactation. The ingredient was well tolerated at the tested levels, with no adverse effects on body weight, food intake, or measured clinical health parameters, while blood EPA and DHA concentrations increased with dietary intake. The study supports the safety of this specific omega-3 source under the tested conditions, rather than proving that higher omega-3 levels produce better pregnancy outcomes.[3]
Key Dietary Tips for Pregnant Dogs
Proper nutrition during a dog’s 60-to-63-day gestation period is essential for fetal development and preparing the mother for nursing.
Pregnancy Stage
Feeding Guidance
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1 to 5) — Maintenance Diet
Keep feeding your dog her regular, high-quality balanced adult food. Nutrient requirements do not increase significantly in the first few weeks.
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1 to 5) — Weight Control
Maintain a lean body condition score of 4 to 5 out of 9. Avoid letting her get overweight, which complicates labor.
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1 to 5) — Appetite Changes
A temporary drop in appetite around the fourth week is normal for some dogs. Keep feeding schedules regular.
Late Pregnancy (Weeks 6 to 9) — Puppy Food Transition
Gradually switch to a high-energy, digestible growth or puppy formula starting around week 5 or 6. These provide extra protein, fat, and calories.
Late Pregnancy (Weeks 6 to 9) — Increased Portions
Increase food volume gradually by roughly 10% to 15% each week, leading up to 25% to 50% (and up to 60% for larger litters) more food than her normal baseline by the final week.
Late Pregnancy (Weeks 6 to 9) — Smaller, Frequent Meals
Divide daily portions into 3 to 4 meals (or free-feed in the final 10 days if needed) because growing puppies reduce her overall stomach capacity.
Remember to ALWAYS consult with your vet before making any changes that could affect your dog’s health, nutrition, or well-being. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support(24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or use Chewy’s online vet services(6 a.m. – midnight ET). Additionally, at-home dog gut health tests can analyze your dog’s microbiome, offering insights into which nutrients their diet should include. Similarly, at-home dog allergy testing kits can identify ingredients that may not be suitable for your dog, enabling you to choose the right diet and care plan to support optimal digestion, nutrition, and health.
Best Foods for Pregnant Dogs
Here are the best foods for pregnant dogs of this year.
Best Fresh Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs that benefit from fresh, nutrient-dense meals made with whole ingredients to support energy, body condition, and healthy puppy development.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for pregnant dogs in the fresh dog food category. This brand uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portioned recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog The Farmer’s Dog comes with numerous scientifically supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, The Farmer’s Dog is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your dog will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmer’s Dog stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but The Farmer’s Dog takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, health, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs.
Key Features
Caters to health-specific needs. Recipes are formulated to address your dog’s health concerns, such as food allergies, tear stains, bad breath, joint issues, and more.
Vet-designed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists who comply with AAFCO standards.
Excellent sourcing. Ingredients are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
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Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs needing a convenient, calorie-dense kibble that delivers balanced nutrition, steady energy, and easy portioning throughout pregnancy.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen is the pioneer brand of human-grade dog food. It wins the title for best dry dog food for pregnant dogs because it offers human-grade quality and whole-food nutrition, making it far superior to traditional kibble. The Honest Kitchen’s whole-food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated (without extrusion) to preserve nutrients and flavor, thereby maximizing nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble featuring functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin, and coat health, immunity, heart health, weight management, and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade. Their food is made in a facility that produces human food.
Key Features
Vet recommended. This formula is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, Director of Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York.
Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring prebiotics and probiotics to help regulate the dog microbiome.
FDA human-grade. First pet food company to obtain approval from the FDA to use the term “human grade” on its products.
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Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs that prefer soft, moisture-rich meals with strong palatability, making it easier to maintain appetite and adequate calorie intake.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite wet food brand for pregnant dogs. This food is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, JustFoodForDogs uses only ingredients fit for human consumption to ensure the highest-quality nutrition. Additionally, they employ a unique cooking process to preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients in Pantry Fresh, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Besides traditional flavors, they offer specialized wet food to address health-specific issues, including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism, and liver function problems.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel-friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food takes first place in this category. Instead of boring chunks of kibble or smelly old pâté, this food is made with dehydrated, human-grade ingredients. Add warm water, then wait 3 minutes for a tasty, homemade meal you and your pets will love.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made using real, whole food ingredients, like free-range chicken, that are gently dehydrated to maintain nutrients and taste.
Key Features
Convenient. The packaging and dehydrated nature make it easy to transport and store anywhere, making it ideal for on-the-go dog parents.
100% human-grade standards. Use the same whole food ingredients you’d recognize in your kitchen, and make this recipe in a human food facility.
Get 50% OFF with code 50CANINE (or 40CANINE for orders under $30)—Use thislink to get started.
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs that need highly palatable, nutrient-dense meals with minimal processing and convenient feeding for increased calorie needs.
Why we recommended it:Get Joy Freeze-Dried strikes a thoughtful balance between raw nutrition and daily practicality. The food is gently freeze-dried to retain nutrients and natural flavor, while removing moisture to improve shelf life and convenience. The ingredients are sourced and produced in the U.S., with a clear focus on clean proteins and whole foods—no artificial fillers, preservatives, or additives. The brand also offers wellness consultations and gut health testing, which aligns well with its personalized, health-first approach.
What sets it apart from competitors: Get Joy integrates personalized health services with its food delivery. Most freeze-dried brands stop at the product; Get Joy pairs it with vet-backed nutrition plans and wellness tools, including at-home gut health kits and 1-on-1 consultations. This adds an extra layer of value for owners who want tailored support, particularly when managing chronic health issues such as digestive problems or food sensitivities.
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs whose owners prefer raw feeding and want a complete, balanced formula designed to meet heightened nutritional demands safely.
Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food, We Feed Raw formula is our top pick for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed, comprising 80% meat and organs and 20% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, to provide your dog with a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What sets it apart from competitors: You can pick between a personalized plan or buying the box. The personalized plan might be the better choice if you want convenience and a long-term solution. Buying the box is an excellent option if you prefer flexibility and want to try the meals first.
Key Features
Human-grade meats: USDA meats sourced from free-range cattle and poultry that are humanely raised without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.
HPP (High-Pressure Processing): This all-natural technology utilizes high water pressure to eliminate food-borne pathogens, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Because this process uses pressure rather than heat, the food’s nutritional value remains unaffected.
Pre-portioned meals. Meals are portioned to your dog’s daily needs for easy serving and to reduce food waste.
Get 25% OFF your order with the code CB25. Use Canine Bible’s link to get started.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food for Pregnant Dogs
4.9
★★★★★
The Pet’s Table
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs that benefit from compact, nutrient-dense food with a meaty texture, high palatability, and convenient storage.
Why we recommended it:The Pet’s Table Air-Dried Dog Food stands out for its minimal ingredients and whole-food recipes made from real meat as the first ingredient, such as beef, chicken, or turkey, along with nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. These ingredients are selected for their digestibility, flavor, and nutritional value, providing protein for muscle maintenance, fiber for digestion, and vitamins to support immunity and skin health. The air-drying process uses low heat to remove moisture while retaining more natural nutrients compared to traditional kibble. This means your dog gets a more nutrient-dense, flavorful, and fresher alternative without refrigeration or complicated prep.
What sets it apart from competitors: The jerky-like texture is also highly palatable, especially for picky eaters or dogs with dental sensitivity.
Get 50% OFF your order with Canine Bible’s link — The discount is applied automatically. Cancel anytime.
Why we recommended it:PetPlate is our favorite human-grade canned dog food due to its versatile plastic container. Pet Plate meals come in pre-portioned, easy-to-serve microwavable plastic containers that can also be used as bowls if needed. PetPlate appeared on Shark Tank in 2016; since then, they’ve become one of the most popular human-grade, fresh dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: PetPlate is designed to be highly convenient to store and use. The food container can be easily sealed and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use.
Key Features
Personalization. Each meal plan is customized to suit your dog’s size and age.
Long storage.It can be stored in your freezer for up to one year
Get 60% OFF your PetPlate order. Just use this link to get started!
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs that require a grain-free diet and need a complete, energy-dense formula that still supports healthy pregnancy and fetal growth.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is the best grain-free kibble for your dog. We chose it because it skips grains —corn, soy, and wheat — in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrots, leafy greens, and coconut oil, providing a balanced, complete diet that supports dogs’ nutritional needs with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient through the QR code on the bag.
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies.
Ethically sourced protein. Only ethically sourced and humanely raised meats are used.
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs on a veterinarian-approved plant-based diet that need complete, carefully balanced nutrition for both mother and developing puppies.
Why we recommended it:Wild Earth Dog Food stands out as the best vegan natural dog foodbecause it provides a balanced, nutrient-rich, and cruelty-free recipe using plant-based, sustainable ingredients without compromising protein quality or essential nutrients. Wild Earth is vet-developed and formulated to meet AAFCO standards, ensuring it provides all the essential nutrients dogs need to thrive.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses only clean, sustainable, and tasty plant proteins that offer more protein by weight than traditional dog foods. It’s boosted with superfood ingredients, including chickpeas, sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin, oats, and more.
Pros
Has the same essential nutrients as diets with meat as the primary protein source
High-quality brown rice, oatmeal, and highly digestible potatoes
Balanced omega fatty acids help support healthy skin and a shiny coat
No artificial flavors or colors
Highly digestible, energizing, and rejuvenating
Backed by science
Cons
One flavor is available. We wish they had more options for picky eaters
It is a bit pricey, but it offers discounts with a subscription
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs with food sensitivities that need a limited or carefully selected ingredient diet without compromising pregnancy nutrition.
Why we recommended it:Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula to feed an allergic dog. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula utilizes hydrolyzed soy protein, a non-animal protein. Hydrolyzed protein is produced through hydrolysis, which breaks down proteins into smaller fragments that are less likely to be recognized by the immune system, thereby preventing allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great for those with allergies. They use a single carbohydrate source.
Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.
Who It’s For: Pregnant dogs that need the extra calories, protein, fat, and essential nutrients commonly provided by complete, growth-formulated puppy foods.
Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for puppies. This puppy-specific formula provides the nutrients needed for optimal growth and development, including prebiotic fiber from pumpkin and chicory root, which supports healthy digestion. Additionally, it contains calcium iodate as a source of energy production, promoting muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also contains added collagen to support healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed, and other wholesome ingredients.
Who It’s For: Older pregnant dogs needing calorie-dense, highly digestible nutrition that supports pregnancy while accounting for age-related dietary needs.
Why we recommended it: We chose JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food as the best senior dog food because of its high protein and fat content, designed to meet the needs of senior dog breeds. The formula supports lean muscle mass and optimal fat metabolism, both of which are essential for maintaining the vitality of aging dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: JustFoodForDogs is made with only the highest-quality, fresh ingredients and is free of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
Bones and joint support. It incorporates type II collagen to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Best dog food topper for pregnant dogs.Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty, fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diet food for pregnant dogs.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your pregnant dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Bestdog food to lose weight for pregnant dogs.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is excellent if your dog needs to lose weight.
Bestdog food to gain weight for pregnant dogs. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is designed to help your pregnant dog build lean muscle mass.
Best dog food for small pregnant dogs.Ollie’s bake recipes are our pick for this category. The kibble size is ideal for the small mouths of small breeds.
Best bulk dog food for pregnant dogs. Even though Evermore is not as popular as The Farmer’s Dog, NomNomNow, Pet Plate, and Ollie, it delivers high-quality, lightly cooked dog food. What we love most about this company is that you can buy their food in bulk and save money. You can choose the 16- or 32-case option. Each case comes with 1lb of food. They also offer a subscription option.
Best holistic dog foodfor pregnant dogs. Chi Dog takes a unique approach to feeding dogs fresh food—its food is based on the Eastern Medicine principle “Food Is Medicine.”
How to Transition Your Pregnant Dog to a New Diet
Changing food gradually can help reduce digestive upset at a time when a pregnant dog needs to keep eating consistently. Unless your veterinarian recommends a faster change, transition over about 7–10 days by slowly increasing the new food while decreasing the old food.
Transition Stage
Old Food
New Food
What to Do
Days 1–2
75%
25%
Mix thoroughly and keep meals familiar.
Days 3–4
60%
40%
Increase the new food gradually.
Days 5–6
50%
50%
Continue only if the change is well tolerated.
Days 7–8
25%
75%
Move closer to the full new diet.
Day 9+
0%
100%
Feed the new diet once fully transitioned.
Sensitive stomach
Reduce slowly
Increase slowly
Extend the transition over 10–14 days if needed.
Meal routine
Keep consistent
Introduce gradually
Avoid changing several foods or toppers at once.
Vet-directed change
As advised
As advised
Follow your veterinarian’s schedule when medical needs apply.
Monitoring Your Pregnant Dog’s Progress on a New Diet
After the switch, watch your pregnant dog’s appetite, stool quality, vomiting, and overall energy. A good diet should be readily accepted and tolerated without persistent diarrhea, constipation, repeated vomiting, or noticeable lethargy.
Keep track of weight and body-condition changes as pregnancy progresses, and note whether any digestive or other symptoms improve, remain unchanged, or worsen after the diet change. Contact your veterinarian if your dog stops eating, repeatedly vomits, develops significant diarrhea, loses weight unexpectedly, or seems unwell; pregnant dogs with existing medical concerns should have dietary changes monitored with veterinary guidance.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best dog foods for pregnant dogs starts with matching the diet to the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy. A complete, balanced, calorie-dense formula can help support the mother’s body condition while providing the nutrients needed throughout gestation. Digestibility, appropriate mineral balance, and sufficient energy become especially important as pregnancy progresses. The right food should also suit your dog’s preferences, health needs, and ability to comfortably eat enough each day. Any diet change should be made gradually to minimize digestive upset and maintain consistent food intake. Once the new diet is established, monitoring appetite, digestion, energy, and weight can help determine how well it is working. Veterinary guidance remains especially valuable when a pregnant dog has health concerns or unusual nutritional needs.
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