Citation-backed education on canine and feline pregnancy, whelping, postnatal recovery, deficiency signs, and breeder resources.
Real research behind each formula, and why timing matters as much as ingredients.
Gestation, trimester nutrition, and what to expect at every stage.
What to watch for, and when it's time to call your veterinarian.
Get a personalized formula, dosage, and feeding recommendation.
Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll hear from your vet, breeder, or in your own research — from Antioxidants to Zinc.
CoQ10 and Vitamin E help support cellular health during the physical demands of pregnancy and nursing. Part of the science behind MaternityMax.
A 1-9 scale vets use to assess whether a dam is at an ideal weight before breeding. Starting pregnancy over- or under-conditioned raises the risk of complications.
Demand rises sharply from the second half of pregnancy through lactation for fetal bone development and milk production. Timing and dose matter — see our Calcium(tm) page.
The clinical term for a difficult or obstructed birth. Risk factors include brachycephalic breeds, oversized single-puppy litters, and narrow maternal pelvis conformation — always have an emergency vet contact ready.
A postpartum drop in blood calcium, most common in small-breed dogs with large litters, usually within the first few weeks of nursing. Signs include restlessness, muscle stiffness, and tremors — this is a veterinary emergency.
A B-vitamin supporting healthy cell division during early fetal development. A core ingredient in MaternityMax and our Essentials Prenatal Chews.
Roughly 63 days in dogs and 63-65 days in cats on average, though normal litters can arrive a few days either side. Try our Due Date Calculator.
The fertile window ahead of breeding. Tracking cycle timing (often alongside progesterone testing) helps confirm accurate breeding and due dates.
The point around 17-21 days after ovulation in dogs when embryos attach to the uterine wall — too early in gestation to be detected by ultrasound.
Some human foods are genuinely dangerous during pregnancy — grapes/raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol, and raw or undercooked meat all carry real risk. Stick to a complete, vet-approved diet.
Gradually switching a pregnant or nursing dam onto a growth/reproduction-formula food, typically starting mid-pregnancy, mixed in over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
The nursing period, when caloric and nutrient demands peak — often 2-4x a dam's normal maintenance needs depending on litter size.
Inflammation or infection of the mammary glands during nursing. Watch for hot, hard, or painful mammary tissue, and contact your vet promptly if you see it.
The instinctive restlessness, digging, and den-seeking that often begins 24-48 hours before labor — a good cue to have the whelping area ready.
Long-chain fatty acids that support fetal brain and eye development. See our Omega(tm) softgels.
A blood test vets and breeders use to pinpoint ovulation, giving a more precise breeding window and due-date estimate than heat-cycle timing alone.
The term for a cat giving birth (the feline equivalent of whelping).
Early pregnancy loss where the body reabsorbs an embryo, sometimes without any visible signs. A reminder that early ultrasounds can be a useful confirmation step.
Labor generally unfolds in three stages: early restlessness and nesting, active straining and contractions, and delivery of each puppy or kitten with its placenta.
Canine and feline pregnancies are informally divided into thirds, each with different nutritional priorities — covered stage-by-stage in our Supplement & Nutrition Advisor.
Typically used from around day 25-35 of pregnancy to confirm pregnancy and check fetal heartbeats, though it's less reliable for counting the exact litter size.
Most vets recommend avoiding live vaccines during pregnancy and completing routine vaccinations beforehand — always confirm timing with your vet.
The gradual transition of puppies or kittens from milk to solid food, usually beginning around 3-4 weeks of age.
Used from around day 45+ of pregnancy, once skeletons have mineralized, to get a reliable estimate of litter size ahead of whelping.
A plant extract used in some pet supplement formulas, generally recognized as safe at food-grade levels for both dogs and cats per AAFCO guidance.
A trace mineral supporting immune function and skin/coat health, with elevated needs during the demands of pregnancy and lactation.
