hi can anyone give me any advice about feeding tilly people have told me not to feed her anymore shes 5 weeks pregant but she always seems hungry i mean really hungry thanks sam,

Speak with Kath Blayney 01983 292368 (East Cowes)

Pam

If she is definately showing signs of pregnancy i normally start to increase food at this stage, also giving several meals a day rather than one. I go with the bitches appetite (within reason).

Hi, Normally its at 5 weeks when I start to increase the quality and quantity of feed. If she is ravenous at 5 weeks she either has a big litter and/or the quality of the food needs "upping" a bit. At 5 weeks I start to give 2 meals a day ( as my adults are normally fed once a day) and divide what she normally has into 2 meals+ 20 %. I gradually increase the size of meals til 8 weeks so that at 8 weeks she is eating about 50-60% more than her normal ration. At 6 1/2-7 weeks I divide the daily ration into 3 meals. However you must be guided by her condition and appetite, if she is still ravenous after upping it 20% then give her a little more high quality ingredients. I start to introduce the foods I will feed her when feeding the puppies, at about 7 weeks to get her tummy used to it- ie diluted evaporated milk, a little fresh cooked, carefully de boned chicken and boiled rice, scrambled egg, along with her normal food. Many bitches just cant eat so much once they get to 8 weeks , so may need up to 4 small meals a day for the last week or so, and be prepared that she may not eat as much as in the previous week. Just before whelping most bitches refuse their food, though not always, if she's due and wont eat, she is probably about to start into the first stage of whelping. At 5 weeks she should now be fed on a high quality diet designed for pregnant bitches, just to increase the quantity of a normal dog food will not provide her and her puppies with enough nutrients. Dont feed extra calcium now, but do as soon as she whelps and all through her lactation. If you are not feeding a "complete" high protein diet, she may need a vitamin additive to her food, but NOT extra calcium til she has whelped. I am assuming that she was wormed when in season, or very shortly before and that is true hunger and not a heavy worm burden that is causing the huge appetite. No offence meant. Hopefully you will get lots more replies, with the things I have missed!! Best of luck with your litter, I hope all goes smoothly for you both.

Hi Tilly, Westie lover has really good advice. I changed to the 'higher protein' version of my normal complete food at about 5 weeks. I also started splitting it between two feeds instead of 1 big one. I also introduced scrambled egg which went down very well. I am certainly no expert, but with advice from people on this board and lots of good reading (Book of the Bitch especially), Tess kept in perfect health, and also has returned to normal size and health very well. Its quite nerve-racking with your first litter, but now I've done it and seen all the pups growing healthily (now 5 months old), I have a lovely satisfied feeling. The advice of people on this board was invaluable and I can't thank them all enough.
Lorna

hi thanks so much that really helps iam of to the pet food store now. i did worm her when she is in season she just seems to be looking for food allday day bless her. again thanks for your help. oh and i did buy the book of the bitch its been very helpful >