A nursing dog can need more energy than usual, especially when she is feeding a large litter of fast-growing puppies. That makes choosing the best dog foods for nursing dogs more than a matter of preference—it directly supports her ability to maintain body condition, produce milk, and recover from pregnancy and birth. A diet that falls short in calories, protein, fat, or essential nutrients can leave a mother dog struggling to keep up with the demands of lactation. The right food should be highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and appropriate for reproduction and growth so she can eat enough nutrition without needing an enormous volume of food. Owners also need to consider feeding frequency, portion adjustments, hydration, and how nutritional needs change as puppies grow. In this guide, we’ll break down the best dog foods for nursing dogs, what nutrients matter most, how much to feed, and what to look for when choosing a formula for a lactating mother.
Latest Research on the Best Dog Foods for Nursing Dogs
According to the latest research, nursing dogs face exceptionally high nutritional demands because milk production substantially increases energy needs, with requirements influenced by factors such as litter size and stage of lactation. Research also highlights the importance of nutrient-dense diets and appropriate fatty acids for supporting the mother’s body condition, milk composition, and developing puppies.
📄Research Update — Lactation Energy
Nursing Dogs Have Exceptionally High Energy Demands
Research on lactating dogs shows that milk production places a substantial energy demand on the mother, and much of that demand is met by increasing food intake. The nutritional load can also vary with breed size and the number and growth rate of puppies, making an energy-dense diet especially important during peak lactation.[1]
📊Clinical Focus — Diet & Lactation
Diet Quality Can Support the Mother, Her Milk, and Growing Puppies
A study comparing two complete diets with different energy, protein, and ingredient profiles found that both supported healthy lactating mothers and normal puppy growth through the first 30 days after birth. The findings reinforce the importance of feeding a nutritionally complete diet that can meet the elevated demands of lactation rather than focusing on one ingredient alone.[2]
⚠️Nutrient Focus — Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Form of Omega-3 in a Nursing Dog’s Diet Matters
Research examining maternal diets during gestation and lactation found that increasing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) alone did not increase DHA concentrations in canine milk. This suggests that the type of omega-3 supplied in a nursing dog’s food matters when the goal is to provide DHA to developing puppies through maternal milk.[3]
Key Dietary Tips for Nursing Dogs
Nursing dogs require two to four times their normal caloric intake, coupled with frequent or free-choice feeding of nutrient-dense puppy food to support milk production.
Feeding Tip
How to Apply It
Puppy food formula
Choose a high-quality commercial puppy or all-life-stages food that is easy to digest.
Frequent meals or free-choice feeding
Offer 3–6 small meals daily, or leave dry food available so the mother can eat whenever she is hungry.
Constant hydration
Keep clean, fresh water available at all times to provide the fluids needed for milk production.
Avoid unsupervised supplements
Do not add calcium or vitamin supplements unless prescribed by your veterinarian; improper balance can contribute to hypocalcemia (milk fever).
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 Nursing Dogs
Here are the best foods for nursing dogs of this year.
Best Fresh Dog Food for Nursing Dogs
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want fresh, highly palatable meals that give nursing mothers dense nutrition and energy to support milk production and recovery.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for nursing 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.
Get 50% OFF your first The Farmer’s Dog order with Canine Bible’s link.
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking convenient, calorie-dense kibble that helps nursing mothers meet increased energy needs while supporting healthy milk production.
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 nursing 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.
Get 50% OFF with code 50CANINE (or 40CANINE for orders under $30)—Use thislink to get started.
Who It’s For: Nursing dogs that benefit from soft, moisture-rich meals with strong palatability to encourage eating during the demanding lactation period.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite wet food brand for nursing 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.
Who It’s For: Nursing dog owners who want lightweight, minimally processed meals that are easy to store and become fresh, nourishing food once rehydrated.
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: Dog owners seeking highly palatable, nutrient-dense food that provides nursing mothers with protein-rich nutrition in a convenient format.
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: Dog owners considering a raw diet for nursing mothers and willing to prioritize complete nutrition, safe handling, and veterinary guidance.
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 Nursing Dogs
4.9
★★★★★
The Pet’s Table
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want compact, energy-dense meals with minimal processing to help nursing dogs meet their elevated calorie and protein needs.
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.
Who It’s For: Nursing dogs that prefer soft, aromatic meals with added moisture, making it easier to maintain appetite and calorie intake while producing milk.
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: Nursing dogs that need a grain-free diet due to specific dietary considerations while still receiving enough calories, protein, and essential nutrients.
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: Dog owners exploring plant-based feeding for a nursing dog under veterinary guidance to ensure her demanding nutritional needs are fully met.
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: Nursing dogs with food sensitivities that need carefully selected ingredients without sacrificing the calorie and nutrient density lactation requires.
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: Nursing mothers that benefit from calorie-rich puppy formulas designed for growth and reproduction, with extra protein, fat, and essential nutrients.
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: Senior nursing dogs that need nutrient-dense food supporting lactation while accounting for age-related changes in digestion, mobility, and body condition.
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 nursing 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 nursing dogs.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Bestdog food to lose weight for nursing dogs.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is excellent if your dog needs to lose weight.
Bestdog food to gain weight for nursing dogs. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is designed to help your dog build lean muscle mass.
Best dog food for small nursing 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 nursing 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 nursing 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 Nursing Dog to a New Diet
A gradual food change helps a nursing dog adjust to a new formula without unnecessarily disrupting her digestion or food intake during lactation. Unless your veterinarian recommends a different schedule, transition over about 7–10 days by steadily increasing the new food while decreasing the old food.
Transition Stage
Old Food
New Food
Feeding Approach
Days 1–2
75%
25%
Mix a small amount of the new food into her usual meals.
Days 3–4
50%
50%
Feed equal portions of the old and new foods.
Days 5–6
25%
75%
Make the new food the majority of each meal.
Day 7+
0%
100%
Move fully to the new diet once she has adjusted well.
Sensitive dogs
Reduce slowly
Increase slowly
Extend each stage for a few extra days if needed.
Meal schedule
Keep consistent
Introduce gradually
Maintain her usual feeding times during the switch.
Portion changes
Measure accurately
Follow feeding guide
Account for differences in calories between formulas.
Veterinary diets
Follow vet advice
Follow vet advice
Use the transition schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
Monitoring Your Nursing Dog’s Progress on a New Diet
After the switch, watch your nursing dog’s appetite, stool quality, vomiting, and overall energy level. A good diet should be readily accepted and tolerated; persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, refusal to eat, or unusual lethargy warrants veterinary attention, particularly because lactation places significant demands on her body.
Track her weight and body condition as well. Some change can occur while nursing, but rapid or excessive weight loss, worsening symptoms, or failure to improve after a diet change should be discussed with your veterinarian. Nursing dogs with existing medical concerns should have their diet and progress monitored with veterinary guidance.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best dog foods for nursing dogs means prioritizing nutrition that can keep up with the demanding lactation period. A complete, nutrient-dense diet can help a nursing mother maintain her body condition while supporting her puppies through milk production. Protein quality, balanced minerals, hydration, digestibility, and appropriate calorie intake all deserve careful consideration when comparing foods. The best option will also depend on the mother’s appetite, body condition, health, and individual feeding needs. Any diet change should be introduced gradually to reduce the chance of digestive upset. Once the new food is established, monitoring appetite, stool quality, energy, and weight can help owners determine how well it is working. Veterinary guidance is especially valuable when a nursing dog has medical concerns, loses excessive weight, or struggles to eat enough.
For more guidance on feeding mothers and their puppies, explore our best puppy foods guide for formulas designed around growth and development. Nursing dogs with especially demanding calorie needs may also benefit from reviewing our best high-calorie dog foods. If you’re planning nutrition before or around whelping, our homemade food recipes for pregnant dogs covers additional feeding considerations for mother dogs.
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Sources
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