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Babies who miss out on early breast milk face nearly six times the risk of dying within their first month of life—a shocking WHO finding that underscores just how vital early nourishment is. While we don’t have identical stats for puppies, we know that a newborn pup’s first milk intake—rich in colostrum—sets the stage for their immunity, gut health, and future growth. By focusing on proper care and support for the nursing mother and her pups, you can help safeguard their survival and give them the healthiest possible start.
- Why Does a Nursing Dog’s Diet Matter for Milk Production?
- Common Issues in Milk Production and Their Dietary Links
- Can Supplements Help Increase Milk in Nursing Dogs?
- How Can You Boost Your Dog’s Appetite During Nursing?
Why Does a Nursing Dog’s Diet Matter for Milk Production?
The Role of Nutrition in Milk Supply
I’m often asked how to increase milk production in a nursing dog, and the answer is much simpler than most people think.
It’s indeed all about the mom’s nutrition.
Instead of looking for complex solutions or quick fixes, the key lies in providing the right diet during pregnancy and lactation.
When the mother gets everything she needs through her food, her body is naturally equipped to produce plenty of milk for her pups.
It’s as straightforward as that—good nutrition, happy mom, thriving puppies!
Lactation is the most energy-intensive stage of a dog’s life—so demanding that a 20-kg (44-pound) mother dog at peak lactation expends as much energy as a sled dog running 60 km (37 miles) in a day!
This staggering comparison highlights the critical need for proper feeding during this time.
The journey begins during pregnancy, as puppies gain 70% of their final birth weight in the last 20 days of gestation. Switching the mother to a growth or puppy diet after day 42 of gestation supports proper fetal development and ensures her body is ready to produce ample milk when the puppies are born.
👉🏽 It’s possible to monitor a female dog’s weight gain during gestation to ensure she’s being fed properly—check out my blog on this topic and grab my free gestation weight calculator to make it easy!
And once lactation begins, the stakes are even higher.
Free-feeding is often the best approach to meet her caloric needs—an exception I strongly endorse for this life stage.
It’s especially important to focus on nutrition around three weeks after parturition, as this is when milk production peaks in the bitch, making adequate nutritional intake crucial to support her energy demands and sustain her puppies’ growth.
For breeds prone to overeating (like Labradors and Beagles), controlled feeding with daily weight checks can prevent unhealthy weight loss while maintaining optimal milk production. This balance is key to the health of both the nursing dog and her puppies.
👉🏽I recommend the following diets for the second phase of gestation and throughout lactation in small, medium, large, and giant breed dogs. In my experience, they consistently deliver the best results: healthy mothers with optimal weight and milk production, and thriving, well-nourished puppies.
These diets are also available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.
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Key Nutrients Needed by Nursing Dogs
The nutrient demands of a lactating dog skyrocket as she produces milk packed with proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals essential for her puppies’ growth and development. It’s crucial to prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense diets specifically designed for the lactation period (see my recommendation above).
| Nutrient | Role |
| Protein | Supports milk production as it is a primary component of milk. Essential for tissue repair and growth in both the mother and puppies. The protein demand rises significantly because the mother must produce high-protein milk to meet the rapid growth requirements of the puppies. |
| Fat | Provides a dense energy source for the mother and her milk. Supplies essential omega-3 fatty acids (like DHA and EPA) crucial for puppy brain and retinal development. Lactation is energy-intensive, and fat is a primary contributor to the calorie density of milk. |
| Calcium | Critical for milk production and the skeletal development of puppies. Prevents hypocalcemia (eclampsia) in the lactating dog, which can occur due to high calcium transfer into milk. A significant amount of calcium is transferred to the puppies through milk, requiring the mother to intake more to maintain her reserves. |
| Phosphorus | Works in tandem with calcium for bone health and milk production. Supports energy metabolism and cellular function. Like calcium, phosphorus is heavily utilized for milk production and puppy development. |
| Water | Necessary for milk production, which consists largely of water. Maintains hydration in the mother to support increased metabolic and excretory demands. Lactating dogs can lose significant water through milk and need increased hydration. |
| Energy (Calories) | Supports the high metabolic demands of milk production. Prevents weight loss and malnutrition in the lactating dog. Caloric requirements can be 2–4 times higher during peak lactation, depending on litter size. |
| Vitamin A | Supports vision, immune function, and epithelial health in puppies. Aids the mother’s immunity and milk quality. Puppies depend on vitamin A in the milk for development, increasing the mother’s dietary needs. |
| Vitamin D | Regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism for bone development. Prevents rickets in puppies and maintains bone health in the mother. Increased due to the large transfer of calcium and phosphorus in milk. |
| Vitamin E | Acts as an antioxidant, protecting milk fat from oxidation. Supports immune health in both the mother and puppies. Lactation places oxidative stress on the body, necessitating more antioxidants. |
| B Vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B6, B12) | Vital for energy metabolism and red blood cell production. Supports nervous system development in puppies. The mother’s metabolism is upregulated to sustain milk production. |
Common Issues in Milk Production and Their Dietary Links
Mastitis
Mastitis is the inflammation or infection of the mammary glands. In dogs, it is caused by bacteria. Symptoms include swollen, painful, discolored, or warm mammary glands, and affected dogs may appear lethargic or develop a fever.
Mastitis doesn’t just affect the nursing mother—it can have serious consequences for her puppies too.
Since mastitis is caused by bacteria, it can lead to septicemia (a dangerous blood infection often linked to “toxic milk syndrome“) and may alter the milk’s nutritional quality, impacting the newborn puppies’ growth.
When I diagnose mastitis in a female dog, I switch the puppies to a milk replacer to avoid these risks.
It’s also important to know that subclinical mastitis—where there are no obvious signs of infection—is surprisingly common, accounting for 77.5% of cases in dogs according to one study.
👉🏽This makes it crucial to monitor the puppies’ health closely during the neonatal period. I’ve shared my recommendations for this in a previous blog—be sure to check it out for detailed tips on neonatal monitoring!
Typical Treatment Approach:
- Antibiotics: To combat the infection.
- Warm Compresses: To alleviate inflammation and enhance milk flow.
- Milk Replacer: switch puppies onto a milk replacer to prevent development of toxic milk syndrome
- Severe Cases: May require abscess drainage or surgical intervention.
Hypocalcemia (Eclampsia)
Eclampsia is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels, and occurs due to the high transfer of calcium into milk production. Symptoms include muscle tremors, restlessness, seizures, or even collapse. In my experience, this condition is common in nursing dogs fed homemade diets that lack essential nutrients, especially calcium.
Eclampsia serves as a powerful reminder of why providing adapted nutrition during gestation and lactation is so important—it’s the best way to help prevent this issue in nursing dogs.
See my recommendations above for ensuring your dog gets the nutrients she needs.
That said, some dogs may still be predisposed to eclampsia even when fed a complete and balanced diet. In these very rare cases, calcium supplementation might be necessary, but it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog’s health and safety.
Typical Treatment Approach:
- Intravenous Calcium Gluconate: Administered immediately to stabilize the dog.
- Oral Calcium Supplementation and Dietary Adjustment: To prevent recurrence.
- Severe Cases: Early weaning of puppies may be necessary to reduce the mother’s calcium demand.
Agalactia (Lack of Milk Production)
Inadequate or absent milk production can result from stress, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, or underlying health issues.
Agalactia can sometimes be caused by malformations in the mammary glands.
This condition is also commonly seen following elective C-sections, but in many cases, it’s not true agalactia—it’s simply a temporary delay in milk production.
The best way to prevent it is once again through proper nutrition during gestation, which can make a significant difference.
And since it’s hard to predict when this might occur, the simplest solution is to always have a milk replacer ready before the female gives birth. In my opinion, this is a must-have item in any neonatal maternity toolkit for dog breeders.
Typical Approach:
- Optimize Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure the mother receives a balanced diet and adequate fluids.
- Medications: Administer galactagogues (see below) to boost milk production and/or oxytocin to promote milk letdown.
- Puppy Care: Provide milk replacer as needed to supplement the puppies’ nutrition.
👉🏽 Here is the milk replacer I recommend in newborn puppies. I also highly recommend this one, especially for puppies born to females undergoing an elective C-section.
They are also available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.
Galactostasis (Milk Engorgement)
Milk buildup in the mammary glands, often caused by reduced milk flow or insufficient nursing, leads to swollen and painful glands.
Galactostasis is a strong reminder of the importance of daily mammary gland checks in nursing females. Regularly examining the glands ensures any changes, such as swelling, pain, or discoloration in the milk secretions, are detected early.
This is particularly crucial for females with small litters, where milk buildup is more likely, but it’s a habit that should be part of every breeder’s routine during the nursing period. Early detection and intervention can prevent more serious issues, keeping both the mother and her puppies healthy.
Typical Approach:
- Increase Nursing Frequency: Encourage puppies to nurse more often.
- Warm Compresses: Apply to help stimulate milk flow.
- Severe Cases: Manually express milk or use a pump to relieve the buildup.
Mammary Gland Abscess (Gangrenous Mastitis)
A pus-filled infection in the mammary gland, often resulting from untreated mastitis, appears as a localized, painful swelling.
Gangrenous mastitis in dogs is relatively easy to identify when we observe what is called a “demarcation line” on the mammary gland. This refers to a clear line separating the healthy tissue from the affected area, which often turns dark red or purple, indicating the gangrenous nature of the condition.
This is a veterinary emergency, and it’s crucial to seek immediate consultation.
In these cases, puppies must be switched to a milk replacer to ensure their safety and proper nutrition.
👉🏽Gangrenous mastitis often occurs either during the first week after birth or around the third week when lactation peaks. Maintaining proper sanitation in the maternity area is key to preventing this issue—check out my recommended protocol for effective maternity hygiene.
Typical Approach:
- Surgical Intervention: Drain or remove the abscess.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Combined with supportive care to manage the infection.
- Prevention: Promptly address mastitis to avoid progression.
Insufficient Maternal Behavior
When a mother fails to nurse or care for her puppies, it’s often due to stress, inexperience, or underlying health issues.
Maternal behavior in dogs can be unpredictable, especially with first-time mothers.
While some dogs naturally take to motherhood and care for their puppies with ease, others may struggle to adapt or fail to provide the necessary care.
This uncertainty is why I always recommend closely monitoring both the mother and her newborns, particularly during the first few days after birth.
For first-time mothers, when their behavior is still unknown, this vigilance is even more crucial to ensure the puppies receive the care and attention they need to thrive.
Typical Approach:
- Minimize Stress: Create a calm, comfortable environment; pheromone diffusers in the maternity area can be incredibly effective as we know today they help increase maternal behaviour.
- Monitor Maternal Health: Activity monitors are invaluable tools for tracking the mother’s well-being and identifying potential issues early. For me these are game-changers in monitoring the health of female dogs at such a critical stage. Here is the link to the activity monitor I currently recommend in dogs (use this code TMV_CARE for a discount)
- Puppy Care: Hand-feed the puppies with a high-quality milk replacer if maternal care cannot be restored.
Dehydration
A frequent concern during lactation due to the high water demands of milk production. Signs include lethargy, dry gums, and reduced milk flow.
Milk is primarily composed of water, so it’s easy to forget how crucial water intake is for milk production—a key aspect that should never be overlooked.
Feeding wet food is an excellent way to boost water intake in nursing dogs, especially small breeds, though it’s beneficial for dogs of any size.
👉🏽During lactation, I typically recommend using this canned food as it provides the nutrients the female needs while ensuring she stays well-hydrated.
This is also available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.
Typical Approach:
- Provide unlimited access to clean, fresh water to keep the mother hydrated.
Can Supplements Help Increase Milk in Nursing Dogs?
Let me reiterate an important point from earlier in this blog: the female’s nutrition during gestation and lactation is THE primary factor in supporting and even boosting milk production in a nursing dog.
Despite this, I often get questions about supplements that claim to improve milk output during lactation.
And there’s no shortage of products out there, so let’s take a closer look at what they are and what the scientific literature has to say about their effectiveness.
Fenugreek
Why It’s Used: Fenugreek is a well-known herbal supplement traditionally used to enhance milk production in humans and is sometimes considered for dogs. It is thought to stimulate prolactin, a hormone critical for milk production.
The efficacy of fenugreek for increasing milk production in humans is supported by some evidence, but it is not conclusive. Studies and reviews have shown mixed results—some indicate that fenugreek can increase milk supply in breastfeeding women, while others find little to no benefit. No evidence supports its use in dogs.
👉🏽I would not recommend it as a method to improve milk production at this time.
Brewer’s Yeast
Why It’s Used: Brewer’s yeast is a byproduct of beer production, made from the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of fungus. It is rich in B vitamins, protein, and trace minerals like selenium and chromium, which are thought to support overall health and energy levels.
While brewer’s yeast is often marketed as a supplement to boost milk production in nursing mothers and animals, there is limited scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness specifically for lactation. Its potential benefits may come from its nutritional value, which supports the mother’s overall health, indirectly contributing to better milk production. However, its direct impact on milk output remains uncertain.
👉🏽I would not recommend it as a method to improve milk production in nursing dogs at this time.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Why It’s Used: Omega-3s can improve milk quality by enhancing the fat content, which may indirectly encourage milk production by improving puppy growth and suckling vigor. DHA is the most important one to consider here.
Nursing dogs have limited capacities to produce DHA, and supplementing diets with this nutrient has been shown to support cognitive and visual development in newborn puppies.
👉🏽I highly recommend ensuring a nursing dog gets DHA, but rather than using supplements, I prefer opting for a diet that already includes this essential nutrient.These are the diets I recommend during lactation in small, medium, large, and giant breed dogs.
These diets are also available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Why It’s Used: Calcium and phosphorus are essential during lactation to prevent hypocalcemia (eclampsia) and support milk production.
The issue lies in how these minerals —both crucial nutrients with increased requirements during lactation—are often provided as supplements.
While their importance during this stage is undeniable, the problem arises when people supplement unnecessarily, especially when the nursing dog is already being fed a complete and balanced growth diet tailored for lactation.
Oversupplementation can disrupt nutrient balance and lead to serious health issues. In fact, adding calcium supplements to a growth diet during lactation is not recommended, as it can trigger a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism.
This condition essentially disrupts the body’s calcium metabolism, shutting down its regulatory mechanisms and resulting in secondary hypocalcemia, where the body can no longer effectively mobilize calcium.
This is a scenario best avoided, and calcium supplementation should only be considered in very specific cases under the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian.
👉🏽I do not recommend supplementing nursing dogs with calcium under normal conditions; instead, I suggest feeding a growth diet specifically formulated to support lactation (see my recommendations in the paragraph above).
Galactagogues
Why It’s Used: Galactagogues are medications or substances used to stimulate milk production by increasing prolactin levels, the hormone responsible for milk production.
Medications like domperidone or metoclopramide are examples of galactagogues that veterinarians sometimes prescribe to address specific cases, such as agalactia (see above for more on this condition). I’ve used these treatments several times in such situations where their use was deemed appropriate.
However, it’s important to note that these are medical treatments that must be prescribed by your attending veterinarian.
👉🏽I would not recommend using these medications by default to increase milk production—I strongly believe that proper nutrition is far more effective in supporting lactation. Galactagogues should only be considered in cases where agalactia is diagnosed and a veterinarian determines they are necessary.
Probiotics
Why It’s Used: In humans, probiotics are sometimes used to increase milk production because they support gut health, improve nutrient absorption, and may reduce inflammation and stress—factors that can indirectly influence milk supply.
The idea is that a healthier mother is better equipped to produce milk efficiently.
Research on probiotics and milk production in dogs is limited, but a recent study has provided exciting insights. It focused on the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii I-1079, which was shown to improve reproductive performance in dogs.
Notably, this probiotic increased the gross energy of colostrum and the protein concentration in milk.
These findings clearly indicate that it enhances the quality of both colostrum and milk, which are crucial for the health and growth of newborn puppies.
To achieve these results, the probiotic was administered during the second half of gestation and lactation.
👉🏽 While a commercial product is not yet available, I will update this section as soon as it becomes accessible—and it’s definitely something I’d recommend when it is.
NB: It’s also important to note that the effects of probiotics are strain-specific, meaning the benefits observed are unique to the specific strain used in the study. This makes it unlikely that the same results could be achieved with a different probiotic. Stay tuned for updates, as this promising approach could make a real difference in improving milk quality in nursing dogs!
How Can You Boost Your Dog’s Appetite During Nursing?
Keep an Eye on Your Nursing Dog’s Appetite
A nursing dog’s appetite typically increases during lactation to meet her heightened nutritional needs. However, closely monitoring her food intake is crucial to ensure she’s eating enough to support herself and her puppies.
If a nursing dog refuses to eat, it could signal underlying health issues that may lead to serious complications.
To stay on top of her nutritional status:
- Check Food Intake Daily: Free-feeding is recommended during lactation to allow her to eat as needed, but keep track of how much she’s consuming.
- Monitor Body Condition: Nursing dogs should maintain an optimal body condition score (BCS) when fed an appropriate diet for lactation. The BCS is a simple, standardized method used to assess a dog’s body fat and overall condition, typically on a scale from 1 to 9, where 1 indicates extreme thinness and 9 represents severe obesity. An ideal BCS for most dogs falls between 4 and 5, where the ribs can be felt with a light touch but are not overly visible, and the waist is clearly defined when viewed from above. Evaluating BCS involves gently feeling the dog’s ribs, spine, and hips, and observing their shape from above and the side. Maintaining an optimal BCS during lactation ensures that the dog is receiving enough nutrients to support both her own health and milk production for her puppies. For detailed guidance, check out the body condition score chart I’ve linked here—it’s a helpful tool to assess and monitor your dog’s condition effectively.
- Perform Regular Weight Checks: Weighing your dog daily or every other day is a straightforward way to ensure she’s on track, with the goal of maintaining her weight throughout this period. Any weight loss indicates that her food intake needs to be increased to meet her nutritional demands. If increasing her food isn’t enough to prevent weight loss, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
By following these practices, you can help ensure your nursing dog remains healthy and well-supported throughout this demanding period.
Proven techniques to support nursing dogs’ appetite and nutritional needs
Provide a High-Quality Diet: Offer a nutrient-dense diet specifically formulated for lactating dogs to meet increased protein, fat, and calorie needs.
For picky eaters, wet food can be consider here as it is often more palatable.
👉🏽I recommend the following dry diets during lactation in small, medium, large, and giant breed dogs as well as this can food.
These diets are also available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.
Enhance Palatability: Add warm water to dry food to make it more appealing and easier to eat.
Create a Stress-Free Environment: Ensure a quiet and comfortable feeding area away from the puppies to help the mother focus on eating.
👉🏽To help reduce stress, this is the pheromone diffusers I recommend in the maternity area.
Also, as mentioned earlier, hydration is essential for milk production. In addition to providing fresh water:
- Incorporate wet food into her diet or mix warm water with dry kibble to boost moisture intake.
- Check water bowls frequently to ensure they are always clean and full.
Feeding Schedule Adjustments for Maximum Intake
Small, frequent meals are ideal.
Divide daily food intake into 4-6 portions.
This approach ensures consistent energy supply throughout the day.
What Signs Indicate Your Nursing Dog Needs Dietary Changes?
Poor Puppy Growth and Weight Gain
The mother’s milk is essential for the growth and health of newborn puppies. So to ensure it is adequate, careful monitoring of the puppies is key.
Here’s how to stay on top of their progress:
- Track Weight Gain: Weight gain is one of the most critical indicators of adequate milk intake.
- Use a Reliable Scale: Weigh the puppies daily to monitor their growth and catch any issues early.
- Utilize Puppy Neonatal Growth Charts: These charts are excellent tools for tracking weight gain and identifying potential concerns.
This proactive approach helps ensure the puppies are growing properly and supports their overall health and development.
Visible Signs in the Mother
Here are signs to look for in the nursing mother:
| Decreased Milk Production | Puppies appear hungry or fail to gain weight, indicating insufficient milk supply. |
| Swollen, Painful, or Discolored Mammary Glands | Signs of mastitis or galactostasis (milk buildup) |
| Hot Mammary Glands | May indicate infection or inflammation in the mammary tissue. |
| Nipple Trauma or Sores | Bleeding, cracked, or irritated nipples may discourage nursing or lead to infections. |
| Lethargy or Weakness | Could suggest hypocalcemia (eclampsia) or other systemic issues affecting milk production. |
| Tremors, Muscle Spasms, or Seizures | Classic signs of hypocalcemia (eclampsia) due to calcium depletion. |
| Fever | May signal infection, such as mastitis or metritis (uterine infection). |
| Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge: | Can indicate retained placenta or uterine infection (metritis). |
| Loss of Appetite | A common symptom of stress, infection, or underlying illness. |
| Vomiting or Diarrhea | Signs of gastrointestinal upset or systemic illness affecting lactation. |
| Reluctance to Nurse or Care for Puppies | May result from pain, illness, or stress. |
| Dehydration | Dry gums, reduced skin elasticity, or excessive thirst can affect milk production. |
| Unexplained Weight Loss | Indicates an inability to meet the energy demands of lactation. |
If any of these symptoms are observed, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Early intervention is crucial to address lactation problems and ensure the health of both the mother and her puppies.
Caring for a nursing dog can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it becomes a rewarding and manageable journey. By focusing on her dietary needs, monitoring her health, and creating a calm, stress-free environment, you are setting her and her puppies up for success. Every effort you put into understanding and meeting her needs contributes to the well-being of both mother and puppies, ensuring they thrive during this critical period. With patience, attentiveness, and the tools shared here, you can approach this time with confidence, knowing you’re giving your dogs the best possible start. You’ve got this!
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