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The post It’s Crunch Time, Cyril: A Weight Loss Journey (Part 2) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles. It’s been the longest 6 weeks of Cyril’s life, but we have finally made it to our first weigh-in of his weight loss journey. While I knew that Cyril must have been getting more than his fair share of the food at meal times, it has become clear just how much of a food hog he is! I never leave food down for more than half an hour because this encourages the cats to graze and subsequently eat more than they actually need to, so at the end of each meal, I allow a couple of canine helpers in to clear up any leftovers – not that there were many of those. Well, Cyril might not be too impressed with his confinement at meal times, but Ned and Fred have been delighted! Even after reducing the amount of food scattered for the other four cats, there was still quite a lot left over at the end. Unfortunately for my greedy clean-up crew, I have now adjusted the daily portions accordingly. Ned the Chihuahua cleanup crew for scatter feeding Clutch, Alex, Zelda and Zazzles are all in good condition, have not lost any weight, and have not been begging for food, which tells me that they are all eating exactly what they need, while Cyril had been eating whatever he could get his paws on. Leaving no empty container unchecked For the past 6 weeks, Cyril has been shut in a separate room for breakfast and dinner until the rest of the cats have finished eating. Most days, he has been quite good at accepting his change in circumstances, but there have been plenty of times when the temptation of food has caused him to abandon any sense of self-control or respect. This has been particularly evident on nights when we have indulged in one of our (and Cyril’s) favorite treats: pizza. It’s not been all smooth sailing At the start of this journey, Cyril weighed in at 6.6kg (14 1⁄2 lbs), with a Body Condition Score (BCS) hovering around 7-8. Being a large-framed feline, he should ideally weigh between 4.5kg and 5kg (10-11 lbs), but this is a long-term target. In the first 6 weeks, I would ideally hope to see a loss of approximately 10% of his body weight. And now, the moment we have all been waiting for… Cyril now weighs 5.95kg (13 lbs)! That’s a loss of 650g, or 9.8% of his original weight! I have to admit, I was not feeling all that confident before getting him on the scales, but despite trying to steal food and hunt pizza, he has (almost) hit his target! I am thrilled with how much he has lost, but we’ve still got a long way to go. Now, how do I tell him that the diet continues…? This article is a part of Dr. Karyn's series with her five hilarious cats. Read her previous article: Cyril Alex: A Valentine’s Day Love Story The post It’s Crunch Time, Cyril: A Weight Loss Journey (Part 2) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Proper nutrition for pregnant dogs is vital for the health of both the mother and her developing puppies. At DogingtonPost, we understand the importance of providing expectant canine moms with the right balance of nutrients during this critical time. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential nutritional needs of pregnant dogs and offer practical feeding strategies to support a healthy pregnancy. Whether you’re a first-time breeder or an experienced dog owner, this information will help you ensure your pregnant pup gets the best possible care. What Do Pregnant Dogs Need to Eat? Calorie Requirements for Expecting Canines Pregnant dogs have specific nutritional needs that evolve throughout their gestation period. As the pregnancy progresses, a dog’s calorie requirements increase significantly. Veterinary nutritionists recommend that pregnant dogs consume about 30-60% more calories than usual by the end of their pregnancy. This increase should not happen all at once. Instead, owners should gradually increase portions starting from the fifth week of pregnancy. A practical tip: Use a kitchen scale to measure your dog’s food. This allows for precise portion control as you adjust her daily intake. Protein: The Building Blocks of Puppy Development Protein plays a vital role in fetal development. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that pregnant dogs eat diets with at least 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis. High-quality animal proteins (such as chicken, beef, or fish) should top the ingredient list in your pregnant dog’s food. Fats: Fueling Energy and Brain Health Fats provide concentrated energy and support brain development in puppies. Dog owners should look for foods with 8-20% fat content. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for cognitive development. Evidence shows that DHA dietary supplementation during the pre- and post-natal period can support brain and vision development. Adding a teaspoon of fish oil to your dog’s meals can help (but always consult your vet first). The Importance of Balanced Nutrition While increasing calories is important, balanced nutrition remains paramount. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which complicates delivery. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that obese dogs were more likely to have smaller litters and experience difficulties during labor. To ensure balanced nutrition, choose a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for all life stages or specifically for pregnancy and lactation. These foods meet the complex nutritional needs of pregnant dogs without the risk of nutrient imbalances that can occur with homemade diets. Tailoring Nutrition to Individual Needs Every pregnant dog is unique. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian will help adjust her diet as needed throughout the pregnancy. With the right nutrition, you set the stage for healthy puppies and a smooth delivery. As we move forward, let’s explore specific feeding strategies that can help you implement these nutritional guidelines effectively for your pregnant dog. What Nutrients Do Pregnant Dogs Need Most? Pregnant dogs require a balanced diet to support puppy growth and maintain their health. We consulted with veterinary nutritionists to provide you with the most current information on essential nutrients for expectant canine mothers. Protein: The Foundation of Puppy Growth Protein supports fetal development and milk production. Choose dog foods with at least 25-30% protein content. Animal-based proteins (chicken, beef, or fish) should top the ingredient list. A University of Illinois study found that puppies born to mothers fed high-protein diets during pregnancy had better immune responses and growth rates. To increase protein intake, add a tablespoon of cooked, lean meat to your dog’s meals. Introduce new foods slowly to prevent digestive issues. Fats: Powering Development and Energy Fats are essential for energy and brain development in puppies. Pregnant dogs need about 20% more fat in their diet. Select foods with 15-20% fat content. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are important for cognitive and retinal development in puppies. A practical tip: Add a teaspoon of fish oil to your dog’s food daily to boost DHA intake. (Always consult your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.) Vitamins and Minerals: The Micronutrient Powerhouses Pregnant dogs need increased amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Folic acid is important in the first trimester to prevent birth defects. Vitamin E supports reproductive health, while iron prevents anemia. The National Research Council recommends 5 mg of folic acid per kg of diet for pregnant dogs. You can find dog foods fortified with these nutrients or ask your vet about appropriate supplements. Calcium: Building Strong Bones and Teeth Calcium is vital for bone development in puppies and milk production in mothers. However, calcium supplementation should only be used under veterinary supervision, as too much calcium can cause other health problems. Instead of supplements, feed a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for pregnancy and lactation. These foods provide the right balance of calcium and phosphorus. (The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio should be between 1:1 and 2:1.) Every pregnant dog has unique nutritional needs. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help adjust the diet throughout the pregnancy. Now that we’ve covered the essential nutrients, let’s explore specific feeding strategies to implement these nutritional guidelines effectively for your pregnant dog. How to Feed Your Pregnant Dog Adjust Meal Frequency and Portion Sizes During the first five weeks of pregnancy, maintain your dog’s regular feeding schedule. From week six onwards, increase portions by 10% each week. By the final week, your dog will need 30-50% more food than usual. Switch to smaller, more frequent meals as the pregnancy progresses. This prevents discomfort from a crowded abdomen. Try to provide 3-4 meals daily in the last trimester. A kitchen scale helps with precise portion control. Weigh food to meet increased caloric needs without overfeeding. Select the Right Dog Food Choose a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for all life stages or specifically for pregnancy and lactation. These foods provide balanced nutrition without additional supplements. Look for foods with at least 29% protein and 17% fat content. The first ingredient should be a named animal protein source (such as chicken or beef). Avoid grain-free diets during pregnancy. A 2019 FDA report linked grain-free foods to heart problems in dogs. Whole grains provide necessary nutrients and fiber for pregnant dogs. Consider the Homemade Diet Debate While some owners prefer homemade diets, these can be risky during pregnancy. A study has shown that 95% of homemade diets are deficient in at least one essential nutrient. If you choose a homemade diet, consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan. They will ensure your dog gets all necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Manage Digestive Issues Pregnancy can cause digestive upset in dogs. To minimize issues: Introduce dietary changes gradually over 7-10 days. Feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea. Offer easily digestible foods like boiled chicken and rice if vomiting occurs. If digestive problems persist for more than 24 hours, consult your veterinarian immediately. Dehydration can be dangerous for pregnant dogs. Every pregnant dog has unique needs. Regular veterinary check-ups will help adjust feeding strategies throughout the pregnancy. Final Thoughts Proper nutrition for pregnant dogs plays a vital role in responsible pet ownership. We explored the essential nutritional needs of expectant canine mothers, from increased calorie requirements to specific nutrients that support fetal development. Your veterinarian can provide invaluable guidance on adjusting portion sizes, selecting the right dog food, and addressing any pregnancy-related health concerns. Puppies born to well-nourished mothers often have stronger immune systems, better cognitive development, and a lower risk of health issues later in life. For the mother, adequate nutrition supports a smoother pregnancy, easier labor, and faster recovery post-whelping. Regular veterinary check-ups are indispensable for tailoring the diet to your dog’s specific needs and monitoring her health throughout the pregnancy. At DogingtonPost, we provide dog owners with up-to-date information on canine care, including nutrition for pregnant dogs. Our platform offers resources to help you navigate every stage of your dog’s life, from pregnancy to senior years. You can ensure the best possible start for your dog’s puppies and set the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness (with proper nutrition and veterinary care).