[cosmicdew]

I have a young momma with her first litter and I can't seem to get her to eat very well. Any advice on a raw diet that can be continued not just for a treat? I have heard people mention things but I don't know the correct amounts of each thing to mix together. I saw the post whelping recipe but what I read was that was to give them once or as a treat. I need something for her to eat period. The lady I purchased her from said she ate Purina hard food and that she never gave them canned food. Since I brought her home I have been unable to get her to eat hard food. Since she was pregnant I thought eating was more important and was feeding her canned Science Diet Growth. She had problems with birth and one of the puppies died because it got stuck in the birth canal even though I rushed her to the vet. They had to give her Oxytocin to have the 3rd puppy as she was so exhausted she was no longer pushing. The babies (1 boy and 1 girl) are healthy and had tails docked and dewclaws removed at the vet yesterday.

Since the puppies have been born I have had to put little pieces of Growth Puppy food on the bed where she was with the puppies to get her to eat and drink but I could only get her to eat twice a day. Since this morning I can't even get her to eat that way. I took her into my vet again today to make sure she didnt have eclampsia or anything. He says she is totally fine. He had me syringe feed her A/D with her pet tab so that she has something to eat. I did get her to eat a little people chicken earlier today. I think she would eat a raw diet if I knew what to give her but I asked my vet and he seems to think that eating twice a day is fine and I don't think he is for a raw diet. He is a wonderful vet but I need her to eat regularly. She can't be force fed A/D for more than a few days as it doesn't have enough nutrients. I asked about calcium pills and cottage cheese and he said no to both. Can anyone help? I am at a loss.

I tried to do tons of research and have rescued tons of animals and am on a first name basis with my vet but I have felt clueless since I purchased my pregnant yorkie 6 weeks ago. I am glad there are only 2 as I have lots to learn before her next litter - I will skip a heat. I wish I had a mentor.