Pregnancy & Puppies – What you need to know about lactation, puppy nutrition & exercise recommendations

In this program participants will learn about the key role nutrition plays in the health and development of puppies. Participants will learn about the information the nutritional adequacy statement on dog food provides and the different life stages as defined by AAFCO. It will discuss the critical phases for growth – gestation & nursing period, weaning period and post-weaning period. The effects that gestation and lactation have on nutrient requirements will be covered along with when and how to begin weaning. Participants will also learn about the key nutritional factors for puppies and why these nutrients are of importance. The differences in nutritional requirements for large breed puppies versus small and medium breeds will also be discussed including differences in calcium requirements. The program will discuss the importance of maintaining puppies at an ideal body weight and the effects that neutering can have on weight. Finally the program will discuss recommendations around exercise for puppies.