Before breeding, a bitch should be in a good state of nutrition, (a bitch that is fit and trim at the time of breeding, it will more than likely have an easier time returning to that state when the puppies are weaned). The bitch should have good eating habits and be well exercised. This should give a firm, vigorous, but not overly fat bitch. She should be eating enough for maintenance for an adult dog.
When signs of heat are first noted, her daily feed intake should be increased slightly from 5 to 10 percent, or milk or meat could be added.
After breeding, she should return to her normal maintenance diet, or a good quality puppy food, which should provide the increased level of protein that pregnant and lactating bitches may need. Her food intake should increase only to compensate for her increased weight. During the last stages of her pregnancy, her intake will be increased approximately by 25 to 50% of normal maintenance (Chihuahuas requirements usually only increase by aprox. 25%).
It is important to remember that she should be in good condition before breeding time. The gestation period is not a proper time to attempt to rebuild depleted body reserves. Nutritional excesses during the entire gestation period will be channeled to the fetus, and may result in complications at time of whelping. An obese dog will have a much more difficult time at whelping.
If a well-balanced complete nutritional diet is being fed consistently, no supplementation of any kind should be required during gestation. (again, a good quality puppy food should eliminate the necessity for supplementation of any kind). Many breeders have their own ideas on the subject. Therefore if one feels happier supplementing, nutritional balanced food should be chosen, like evaporated milk, lightly cooked eggs, tidbits of meat, or raw liver. These supplements should be no more than 10 percent of her daily food intake. During the last stages of her pregnancy, more frequent feedings in smaller amounts should be provided to avoid discomfort that larger meals may cause.
Some bitches may consume little food for the first 24 to 48 hours after whelping. Then her need for nutrients, particularly
energy and protein, should rise sharply and reach a peak in about three weeks. During this entire period, adequate calcium,
phosphorus, and vitamin D must be fed, and favorable dietary calcium-phosphorus ratio
maintained. Failure to do so leads to eclampsia.
Reference: The AKC Complete Dog Book, Golden Anniversary Edition 16 edition, 5th printing, published by Howell
Book House Inc.
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