Vet Minute: The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnant Dogs

Last updated: March 03, 2020

Do pregnant dog need vitamins? Dog prenatal vitamins are the ideal way for moms and their developing babies to get that extra boost. In this Vet Minute, Dr. Marty Greer, Revival's Director of Veterinary Services, discusses the importance of prenatal vitamins for pregnant dogs and cats.
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Do Dogs Need Prenatal Vitamins?

Do pregnant dogs need prenatal vitamins? Pregnant dogs have increased vitamin needs therefore, typical daily vitamins may not be supplying. Developing puppies need vitamins and minerals for brain organ and eye development, red blood cell, muscle and bone growth. And all of those vitamins must come from mom's body! During pregnancy, a pregnant dog mom's metabolism and red blood cells increase 25 percent to help the babies grow. A pregnant dog will deplete the vitamins and minerals in her body in order to maintain the litter. This means pulling nutrients out of her own tissues, bones, and teeth. Pregnant dog prenatal vitamins, keep that deficiency in mom to a minimum. If mom doesn't have enough nutrients to give, the babies are born anemic and weak and may struggle with nursing. Dog prenatal vitamins such as Breeder's Edge^® Oxy Mate Prenatal are the ideal way for moms and their developing babies to get that extra boost. Oxy Mate is fortified with iron, folic acid, and zinc and is safe for both dogs and cats.

Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 35+ years' experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She's served as Revival's Director of Veterinary Services since 2019.