Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Should I give my pregnant dog calcium supplements? Is it safe?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 75 lbs

To feed calcium to pregent female is good or bad.Some breeders say that it is good but some are saying it is bad.If it is bad then what it harms???? Plz solve my confusion.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I recommend feeding a pregnant dog puppy food. MOST dogs do not need a calcium supplement. Little breed dogs are at a higher risk of low calcium. Low calcium IF it will be a problem, occurs after birth during the first few days with large litters nursing or in small breed dogs. I wouldn't start a calcium supplement until all the puppies are born.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 9th, 2017
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
This is a very good question. You don’t want to give added calcium to any pet unless your pet is suffering form calcium deficiency because this would be an overdose or overload of calcium in the body, which can be detrimental. It is only advised to give your pet puppy food in the last trimester and until the puppies are weaned off of Mom for added calories. Supplemental calcium is not advised. I hope this helps and best wishes with your pet Bugsy. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

Can pregnant dogs eat eggs and eggshells for extra nutrition?

I don't normally recommend giving pregnant females any kind of extra calcium supplementation during pregnancy, since there is evidence to show that this can actually increase their risk of post-birth complications such as eclampsia. Instead, feed her a high-quality puppy food such as Royal Canin or Purina Pro Plan during her pregnancy and while she is nursing her puppies - puppy food has a higher calorie content than normal adult dog food, and will meet all of the mother's nutritional needs during this time without the need for any additional supplements.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Should I give my pregnant dog vitamins for a healthy litter?

Pregnant bitches should be fed a high quality, complete food and should be fed the puppy stage from 6-7weeks plus to ensure a higher calorie intake. They should not need extra supplementation and be sure not to over supply calcium as this can predispose to eclampsia during birth or nursing

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What to feed my pregnant dog, and is jumping safe during pregnancy?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I recommend starting pregnant mothers on puppy food. Commercial puppy food will provide all the nutrients, vitamins and appropriate calories she needs. I do not recommend raw or home cooked diets as they are deficient in the appropriate nutrients unless balanced by a nutritionist. You can pay for websites like Balance It to create diets, see link below. Now is fine for puppy food or if you continue your plan now for the vitamins It is fine that she jumps it shouldn't cause miscarriages. https://secure.balanceit.com/ Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Should I give my puppy calcium supplements, and if so, when?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Bone is SUPER cute!! I do not recommend calcium supplementation. Once Bone is 5-6 weeks old start feeding him a commercial puppy food, like Purina puppy chow. If you are bottle feeding him with a puppy formula you can start mixing that with puppy food now. All commercial puppy foods are nutritionally balance. Over supplementing calcium can cause harm. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog ate too many multivitamins. What should I do?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! All pregnant dogs need during pregnancy is to eat a high quality commercial puppy food. No vitamin supplements are needed. I would need to know the brand of multivitamins she ate. It is best that you call an animal poison control in the UK just to be sure that isn't a toxic dose of vitamins. Most excess vitamins are just excreted out in the urine and are not toxic but it depends on what is in the type you have. The safest thing for Jinny is to call animal poison control with the name of the vitamins, her weight and the number of tablets. I wish you the best

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Are vitamin injections safe for my pregnant dog during pregnancy?

It's not recommend to give pregnant dogs supplements during pregnancy as it can lead to serious problems. Excess calcium above the amount provided by a high quality diet suppresses parathyroid hormone production, and increases the bitch's risk of puerperal hypocalcemia. Excess vitamin A has been associated with congenital defects, including cleft palates. Dogs produce sufficient vitamin C of their own and do not require supplementation. Excess vitamin D may complicate the calcium mobilization ability of the bitch. I would not give Cheetah a vitamin injection. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Should I add cottage cheese or yogurt to my pregnant dog's food?

If she is being fed a quality food for pregnant bitches, she doesn't need to be supplemented with cottage cheese or yogurt. Too much calcium supplementation in a pregnant dog can increase her risk of eclampsia.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share