Feeding during lactation and gestation

Question 1

are special diets required during pregnancy and lactation

Answer 1

-when possible
-should transition to a highly digestible food that is adequate for pregnancy and lactation ~2weeks prior to breeding
-feeding a nutrient-dense food allows the increased requirements to be met with out an increase in intake

Question 2

what should be some things to look for in a dog gestation diet

Answer 2

-28-30% CP
-animal based protein
-ensure adequate omega-6 and 3 FA
-10:1 to a 5:1 ratio (omega-6:omega 3)
-the food should contain antioxidants (vit E, vit A)

Question 3

what should be some things to look for in a cat gestation diet

Answer 3

-~32% CP
-ensure adequate omega 6 and 3 FA
-10:1 to a 5:1 ratio (omega-6:omega 3)
-the food should contain antioxidants (vit E, vit A)

Question 4

feeding management during gestation for dogs

Answer 4

-gestation:
-approximately 63 days (9 weeks)
-70% of growth during the last 4 weeks

-no increase in food required until 5 weeks
-provide several small meals per day
-may refuse food 12 hrs prior to whelping
-should begin eating 24 hours post-whelping

Question 5

feeding management during gestation for cats

Answer 5

-gestation:
-approximately 63-67 days (~9 weeks)
-queens exhibit a linear increase in weight after about the second week of gestation

-increase food intake after 2nd week of gestation
-avoid excessive weight gain
-unlike dogs, where almost all prepartum weight gain is lost at whelping 50-60% of the weight gain in queens was adipose tissue and is gradually lost during lactation
-dietary fat should supply EFAs, especially arachadonic acid
-taurine

Question 6

feeding during lactation

Answer 6

-most important: calories and water
-requirements for lactation depend upon:
-nutritional status and weight at parturition
-litter size
-stage of lactation

lactating queen or bitch will continue to produce milk at the expense of her own body reserves

-require 2.5 to 3x maintenance energy
-pet foods formulated for growth may not be sufficiently nutrient dense

Question 7

weaning

Answer 7

-typically begins when the puppies of kittens are 5-6 weeks of age
-limited feeding for a few days prior to weaning may be required to decrease milk output
-restrict feed on the day of weaning, then gradually re-introduce
-continue to feed the lactation diet for ~3 weeks post-weaning to allow body condition to be restored