Is Homemade Dog Food Safe for Your Pregnant Dog? What Every Pet Parent Should Know!

May 11, 2025

Pregnancy is a critical stage in your dog’s life—and nutrition plays a huge role in ensuring both mom and pups stay healthy. If you’re considering homemade dog food for your pregnant dog, you might be wondering: Is it safe? Is it better than commercial food? And what ingredients should you absolutely include (or avoid)?

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide on preparing nutritious and balanced homemade dog food for your pregnant pup!

Why Choose Homemade Dog Food for a Pregnant Dog?

Homemade meals give you full control over what your dog eats—helping you avoid low-quality fillers, artificial additives, and potential allergens. Pregnant dogs need increased levels of protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids, all of which can be thoughtfully added in home-cooked recipes.

Here are a few benefits:

Tailored nutrition for your dog’s stage of pregnancy
Fresher, preservative-free meals
Flexibility for food sensitivities or allergies
A more engaging bond through feeding

Nutritional Needs of a Pregnant Dog

During pregnancy, your dog’s caloric needs will gradually increase—especially in the last 3–4 weeks. Here's what to focus on:

🥩 High-quality protein: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb
🍚 Healthy carbs: Brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes
🥬 Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, broccoli (cooked)
🥚 Calcium-rich foods: Yogurt, cottage cheese, egg shells (powdered)
🐟 Omega-3s: Salmon oil or sardines (boneless, unsalted)

Avoid garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, and anything high in fat or heavily seasoned.

Simple Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Pregnant Dogs

Here's a vet-approved sample recipe:

🦴 Chicken & Rice Pregnancy Boost Bowl

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
1 cup cooked brown rice
½ cup chopped carrots
½ cup cooked spinach
1 tbsp salmon oil
1 egg (cooked, including crushed shell for calcium)

Instructions:

Cook the chicken thoroughly in a skillet, breaking it apart.
Boil or steam the carrots and spinach until soft.
Mix chicken, veggies, cooked rice, and oil.
Add the chopped boiled egg and crushed shell.
Let it cool before serving.

Serve warm and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

🦴 Q: Is it safe to switch to homemade food during pregnancy?
A: Yes, but make the switch gradually to avoid upsetting her stomach. Always consult your vet before changing her diet.

🦴 Q: Can I feed raw meat during pregnancy?
A: It’s risky. Pregnant dogs have a weaker immune system. Cooking meat is safer to prevent bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.

🦴 Q: Should I add supplements?
A: It depends on the recipe. Some dogs may need calcium, folic acid, or multivitamins—your vet can guide you.

🦴 Q: How many times a day should I feed her?
A: Split meals into 3–4 smaller portions per day in late pregnancy to prevent bloating and nausea.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your pregnant dog homemade food can be incredibly rewarding—when done right. With the right balance of protein, carbs, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, you’ll support her and her pups through a healthy pregnancy and beyond.

Before making any big changes to her diet, always speak to your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. Homemade dog food isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about peace of mind, love, and a healthy litter of pups!