A complementary feed for breeding bitches during pregnancy and lactation. Not a veterinary medicine.
Calmdogs® Prenatal Chews are a soft chew containing iron, zinc, folic acid and a range of other vitamins and minerals, fed alongside a complete, balanced diet during pregnancy and nursing. They are non-sedating, and they are not a treatment for anything.
What a pregnant or nursing dog needs changes as she goes, and it changes a lot in the last third of pregnancy and again once the puppies arrive. A supplement does not replace getting her main diet right, and it is not a substitute for your vet seeing her. Talk to your vet about her feeding plan, and use these alongside whatever they advise rather than instead of it.
Before you start
Follow the feeding guide printed on the pack for her weight, and introduce the chews gradually. Do not exceed the stated amount, and check with your vet before combining these with any other supplement. That last point matters more here than with an everyday multivitamin: these chews contain vitamin A and vitamin D, both of which the body stores rather than passing out, and doubling up on them during pregnancy is something to avoid rather than risk.
Active ingredients, per 2.5g chew
| Ingredient |
Recognised role |
| Iron – 2.5 mg |
Red blood cell formation and oxygen transport |
| Zinc – 1 mg |
Immune function, skin and tissue |
| Folic Acid – 30 mcg |
Cell division and foetal development |
| Vitamin E |
Antioxidant |
| Vitamin A Acetate |
Vision, skin and tissue development |
| Vitamin D3 |
Calcium absorption and bone development |
| Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) |
Nerve function and energy metabolism |
| Niacin |
Energy metabolism |
| Thiamine Mononitrate |
Carbohydrate metabolism |
| Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6) |
Protein metabolism |
| Biotin |
Skin and coat |
| D-Calcium Pantothenate |
Energy metabolism |
| Magnesium, Manganese (chelated forms) |
Bone, muscle and enzyme function |
| Selenium (chelated) |
Antioxidant |
| Ferrous Fumarate |
Iron source |
| Fish Oil |
Omega fatty acids |
| Nettle Leaf Powder |
Plant source of minerals |
| MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) |
Joint and connective tissue ingredient |
Amounts are stated on the pack for iron, zinc and folic acid. Where we do not show a figure above, the maker does not publish one, and we would rather leave it blank than estimate it.
Other ingredients
| Ingredient |
Purpose |
| Cotton Seed Meal |
Protein source and base |
| Dried Molasses Product |
Palatability and energy |
| Glycerin |
Moisture retention |
| Polyethylene Glycol |
Texture and stability |
| Vegetable Starch |
Binding agent |
| Sugar |
Taste |
| Vegetable Oil and Shortening |
Texture and palatability |
| Calcium Phosphate |
Mineral source and binder |
| Magnesium Stearate |
Prevents sticking |
| TBHQ Preservative |
Shelf life |
Contains fish oil. The chews contain sugar and molasses for palatability, which is worth knowing if your vet has asked you to watch her sugar intake.
When to speak to your vet rather than reach for these
If she is off her food, losing condition, straining, bleeding, or behaving in a way that worries you at any point in the pregnancy or after whelping, that is a call to your vet, not a supplement question. The same goes for a bitch who has had a difficult pregnancy before. These chews are everyday nutritional support and nothing more.