I could really use some advice on this. I have a bitch hopefully 3 weeks in whelp. She is fed on Skinners hypoallergenic Duck and Rice which is 22% protien. I have been told she will need a higher protien food when she reaches approx 5 weeks in whelp and I can't see a suitable food in the Skinners range. She has in the past been fed on James Wellbeloved but honestly is doing better on Skinners. I would rather avoid puppy food whilst she's in whelp as I've heard there may be a link with excess calcium being fed pre-whelping and inertia. I've also been advised to give her no additional suppliments at this time, so apart from the odd raw carrot and left-over vegetables from meals, she is having nothing extra.

She is 2 years 4 months old, this is her first litter, she is normally fit, healthy and well.

Any advice or experience shared will be greatly appreciated.

7You could always just add a bit of meat or fish to the Skinners when the time comes.

I was thinking that, but will she need any additional vitamins? I'm thinking probably not if she's on a good quality food...

My girls have Royal Canin HT42D from the time their seasons start until whelping (if they are still eating)

Hi, I've always switched over to puppy food in last 3 weeks of pregnancy with my girls(large breed) with no problems.Like you mine are on skinners and I am giving my girl skinners field & trial puppy now with a little fourglade lamb &rice mixed in. Her babies are 18 days now and so far mom & babies are doing well. I was always told that its in last few weeks of pregnancy that babies bones really begin to develop so the extra calcium was needed but that you should not add extra calcium or vitamin supplements as they can do more harm than good as it can be easy to over dose,but that there is no danger of that if feeding puppy food. Good luck with your expectant mom.

Can I ask, do you wean your puppies onto the Skinners puppy food? I haven't been able to speak to anyone who does and want to start the pups off on a good food. I know its our first time and we are sure to learn so much on the way but different people say different things (obviously). I am getting some excellent advice from the stud dog owner and also my breeder, but neither feed Skinners.

hi,

I have just had a litter of 8 puppies and my girl was on purina pro plan and went on to the pro plan puppy at 6 weeks in whelp. i have always put my girls on to the puppy food. my previous litter were on Royal Canin. I have no advice ref the Skinners as i have never used it either. I don't give any extra supplements either just increase food as pregnancy progresses.

mel.

Hi again ,yes I do,this will be the 2nd litter I have reared on skinners and I am very happy with it. I start off by soaking it really well and mash it to a porridge,as babies get more into solid food I soak without the mashing lol Its a nice small size kibble that the puppies can crunch easily when they get a bit older. I also feed tuna,scrambled egg and fourthglade puppy when they  get to about 5 weeks (all with skinners puppy) .

Thanks so much for the advice, it makes me feel much more relaxed about using the Skinners Puppy, not likely to be too upsetting for my bitch either, not changing the make entirely.

Funnily enough, I met a friend tonight who has bred several lab litters. She also feeds her 3 adult bitches Skinners, and weans her pups onto their puppy food. I think I might stick to what I know, as my bitch is already doing well on it.

Phew, that's one less query I've got....

Thanks again