Conversely, in the last month of gestation the weight increase of the fetuses becomes significant, so much so that the nutritional requirements rise up to a maximum of 30-50% more than the maintenance ration. The feeding of the bitch will be divided into several meals a day, since the increase in the volume of the uterus hinders the filling of the stomach.
During this phase, and for the entire lactation period - unless the dog is overweight or obese - it is advisable to leave food available throughout the day (ad libitum feeding).
Consider that at the peak of lactation, corresponding to the third week after birth, a 30 kg dog secretes more than 2 liters of milk per day, equal to 6% of its weight.
Given its particular composition, with milk there is a "high daily loss of calories, such that it is calculated that in these days the energy needs of the bitch exceeds two - three times that of maintenance. With milk, quantities are also lost. significant of fats, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, sugars and various nutrients.
To avoid nutritional deficiencies and excessive weight loss of the bitch, the mare's diet requires the use of special feeds, which are characterized by the highest concentration and completeness of nutritional principles, while maintaining good digestibility.
As anticipated, the frequency of meals will rise up to 4 occasions per day, or it will be left at the complete discretion of the bitch. In the event that this appears lean and wasted, it is possible to proceed with an early weaning of the puppies, as illustrated in the dedicated chapter.In case of excessive losses of certain minerals, such as calcium, there is in fact the risk that the nurse will encounter possible diseases, such as puerperal tetany.
Finally, remember that water must always be available to the animal to compensate for the enormous waste of liquids through milk.
and that of insulin.Digests food with greater difficulty, is more prone to constipation and dehydration, as well as infections and diseases of various kinds.
In this period of life, the dog's diet must be characterized by a lower caloric intake, by the choice of foods that are more easily digestible and palatable (but poor in sodium, especially in the presence of heart disease), with a strong preference for high-grade proteins. biological value.
The latter will be reduced in favor of quality (choose lean proteins of animal origin) in the presence of kidney problems (nephropathies), liver disease or struvite urolithiasis.
Just like in humans, movement benefits the health of the elderly animal, especially if diabetic. In this case, sugars and refined foods (such as cereal flakes and puffed rice) will be particularly limited in favor of dietary fibers.
In the perspective of a caloric reduction, the lipid contributions will also be decreased, without forgetting the importance of the essential fatty acids contained in fish and its oil, and in general in vegetable oils (in particular in that of walnut, hemp, soy , of canola).
