Quote:
Originally Posted by evenstar  Puppy food should not be started (if at all) until after the puppies are whelped. The increased in calcium prior to whelp can in many cases imcrease the likilyhood of eclampsia.
Although I personally do start mothers on puppy food after whelp, I know many breeders that no longer follow that practice and feed only a good balanced adult food to both puppies and adults. They have been very successful with this. I am hesitant to change my practice as I am a firm believer in "If it ain't broke - don't fix it". :-)
Best of luck what ever you decide to do.
Charlie |
I agree Charlie... interferring with the normal calcium producing process prior to a whelp is certainly asking for trouble. If one is feeding a good quality food prior it doesn't interfere with the normal balance of the dam.
I've also read that by changing to a puppy food that has higher calcium, protien and fat levels; upset the normal proceess of the dam's body to produce calcium normally and this can contribute to pre-eclampsia.