Are you a bad breeder? Let me bridge the gap...

As a breeder there's nothing quite as heartwarming as the sight of your final puppy being born, mum finally relaxing and all the puppies latched successfully. But when a pup starts nose bubbling, or won’t latch… it’s time for the heartsick.

Sometimes, nature throws a curveball, leading to difficult decisions we as breeders must face. Did you know over 17% of all puppies born have cleft palates.

As a dog breeding nutritional expert there is a lot I can tell you about cleft palates - but let me start by saying having one does not make you a bad breeder 'with duff lines'. It doesn’t make you a bad breeder IF you are one of the unlucky sixth. Nor does it necessarily mean your lines carry the genetic tendency for clefts.

However, there is a terrifying link between cleft palates and nutrition - that if you choose to ignore, does make you a bad breeder.

But don't worry, you can improve your Dam’s nutrition, easily. So to be a great breeder you really should take this onboard…

Understanding Cleft Palates:

A cleft palate is a congenital condition where a puppy is born with a gap or opening in the roof of its mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities. This condition can vary in severity, but it always presents unique challenges for the affected puppy. Cleft palates can lead to difficulties in latching, breathing, and even infections. Every breeder has their own stance on rearing cleft palates - and this isn’t a rabbit hole I am about to climb down…

The Astonishing Nutritional Connection:

Now, here's the fascinating part of the story: research has shown that up to 76% of cleft palate cases in puppies can be prevented through proper nutrition during pregnancy, with folic acid playing a pivotal role.

Folic acid, a B-vitamin also commonly referred to as Folate, is essential for cell division and tissue development in both humans and dogs. During pregnancy, it is crucial for the formation of the neural tube in developing puppies. If you want to learn more about Folic Acid, head over to our other Blog Article here. However, not all breeders may be aware of its significance, and this lack of awareness can inadvertently lead to cleft palate cases. You probably won’t worry about this until you’ve been burnt once and had to make the heartbreaking decision to part with a new born pup…

The Power of Folic Acid:

Folic acid is like a guardian angel during the critical stages of a puppy's development. When a pregnant dog is provided with an adequate amount of folic acid it ensures the proper closure of the developing puppy's palate, significantly reducing the risk of cleft palates. The amount your bitch requires is determined by her breed and body weight. 

Here's how you can harness the power of folic acid:

1. Consult with a breeding nutritionist: As a dog breeding nutritionist, I really understand the importance of tailoring diets to individual needs. Book in a call with me to create a pregnancy plan with the correct dosages of folic acid and all the other prenatals she needs.
2. Select the right supplements: Supplements ARE NOT created equal. In fact, the range is vast - from piss-poor to fantastic... and it's not always clear what your buying. But don't worry, our Folic Acid is fantastic - it's synthetic free, nasty filler free, and tailored in dosages right for your girl's breed.
3. Tailor her dosage based on her breed: It's not as simple as "all pregnant dogs need X amount". A Brachycephalic breed requires 5 times as much Folic acid as a lower risk breed! Whereas mid-risk breeds  (that are neither lowest, nor highest risk, of cleft palates) require 2mg. Getting the Dosage correct is vital to reduce risk - book a call with me now to get personalised guidance, or head to the product page for further reading...​

CNC FOLIC FORCE Folic Acid

£22.90 - £57.00

Only a few left!

Trusted support for every pregnancy.

FOLIC FORCE is a trusted choice for owners, as a vital part of any breeding plan - especially during the crucial early stages of pregnancy. It’s widely used to support healthy foetal development and is an essential go-to for responsible breeders to give developing puppies the best start.

Many breeds are at elevated risk of foetal developmental issues, look at our guidance table (bottom of page) to ensure you order the correct strength, and tailor your dog's feeding plan accordingly.

Complete the form below to add this to your basket and receive tailored guidance for your dog.

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In the world of dog breeding, knowledge is power, and my role as the Canine Nutrition Coach is to empower you to rear healthy litters. The revelation that up to 76% of cleft palate cases can be avoided through proper maternal nutrition, is shocking... but please take on board the difference Folic Acid can make as it's is a game-changer. By implementing these nutrition strategies, you're not only nurturing the pregnant mother but also setting the stage for a healthier future for her puppies.

As you continue your journey in the realm of breeding and dog nutrition, remember that every puppy born free from a cleft palate is a testament to your expertise and dedication to the well-being of these beloved companions. It makes you not just a good breeder, but a great breeder.

How can I help? I offer several options to access my personalised recommendations on how to give your girl prenatals correctly & feed her properly throughout pregnancy and beyond:

• Book a 1:1 coaching call (£39) with me for instant support and advice
• Join our Breeding Support Club (£9.99) and stay as long as you need
• Or purchase a Breeding Diet Plan (£119) for your girl to ensure you've got exact instructions on how to support her nutritionally throughout the journey

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