[carmen in nj]

Is up to the breeder, I rather use, a bit of vanilla ice cream, chicken broth, and nutri drops, I do keep nutri cal on hand too, you can't never be over prepared. I also have whelping pudding ready and thanks for Mary here I also learned of a goats milk mix to give the mama after whelping.
VERY important, DO NOT GIVE the pregnant dog any calcium suplement, but have it on hand for right after whelping, I keep Ora Cal Plus or Calsorb on hand at all times, you also need a calcium supplement each day after the pups are born, I was using pet tabs but now I use Doc Roys Healthy bones. for your little dog after she has the babies she will need 1 tab a day, half with breakfast half before bed, she should eat at least 4 to 5 small meals a day. PLEASE x ray about day 56 to 59 to make sure the pelvic bone is big enogh to pass the puppies and to make sure you know how many puppies to expect. nice covered box is great for whelping. also a heating pad for half of the box is a must have, also PLENTY of towels you need them thru the whelping process, I buy mine in bulk at the store of the thrift shop, if they are big towels I cut them in half, wash them and keep them by the whelping box. disposable pads and washable pads.
get ready NOW, I start getting ready the day I mate my dogs.
I might be forgetting something if you have questions just ask, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask..
what is done is done, now you NEED to get ready to help you girl as best as you can..
hugs and best of luck.
Carmen innj