Fenugreek, the Guardian Angel of Milk Production for Nursing Bitches

Newborn puppies losing weight is terrifying. Having hands-on experience myself, I understand the journey of nurturing a litter of newborn puppies, truly begins long before they enter the world. Your girl’s health and wellbeing is essential.  (Click "Read More" to continue)​

But obviously, one of the most critical aspects of this journey is ensuring that the nursing dam, produces an ample supply of milk to sustain her newborn and growing pups. During Episode 2 of the Breeders Brew we deep dive into the vital factors that impact milk production, in doing so we uncover the unsung hero that is Natural Fenugreek. 

It’s not just a cooking ingredient! The benefits of using CNC Natural Fenugreek supplements to support lactation can be life-changing, in fact literally ‘life-saving’ in some instances.

But, let's start at the beginning though…

For newborn puppies, mother's milk is not just a source of nutrition; it sets them up for life. Rich in essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors, the initial milk, called Colostrum, provides everything a puppy needs to thrive during those crucial early moments of life. Colostrum is produced only for the first days following labour and contains the most nutrient and immunity-dense milk the puppies will ever receive. 

However, inadequate milk production, both initially in Colostrum, or in the following days can spell disaster. Puppies can quickly become malnourished, dehydrated, suffer weakening immune systems, and even death. 

Enter Fenugreek - Nature's Milk Booster!

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a humble herb with extraordinary lactogenic properties. For centuries, it has been revered in traditional medicine for its ability to promote milk production in nursing mothers, both human and canine. It’s amazing that its benefits have not become common knowledge - but gate-kept they shall be, no longer!

Modern science has since begun to shed light on the mechanisms behind fenugreek's amazing effects on lactation…

• Stimulating Milk Production: Fenugreek contains compounds such as diosgenin, which mimic the activity of oestrogen and stimulate the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk synthesis. By incorporating CNC Natural Fenugreek supplements into the diet of nursing bitches, you can effectively boost their milk supply, ensuring that every puppy receives the nourishment they need to thrive.
• Enhancing Milk Quality: Not only does fenugreek increase milk quantity, but it also enhances milk quality. Fenugreek is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are vital to produce nutrient dense milk to nourish the puppies, promoting optimal growth and development.
• Supporting Maternal Health: Nursing takes a toll on the mother's body, and fenugreek offers support beyond lactation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help alleviate postpartum discomfort and promote overall maternal well-being, along with being a great source of vitamin b complex, it gives a new mum a natural, much needed boost when caring for her puppies.

It’s worth me pointing out - not all Fenugreek is created equal! Just like dog food, sometimes big shiny packets and good marketing do not equal a good product. It’s essential you choose high-quality supplements. Many brands will use cheaper ‘filler’ powders to bulk out their supplements to reduce the cost, or even include ingredients that aren’t even dog-safe (let alone for a lactating female). Look for fenugreek supplements specifically formulated for canine use, ensuring they are free from harmful additives and contaminants. The Canine Nutrition Coach Natural Fenugreek is just that, safe, natural and perfect for conscientious and proactive breeders like you.

Being a natural supplement, you can’t go far wrong with Fenugreek. You can add it into her diet immediately following a c-section to proactively help milk production, or right after whelp for a big litter. You can easily increase Fenugreek supplements to get the dosage spot-on. Just regularly monitor her milk production, and the health of the puppies by frequent weighing. Adjust the fenugreek dosage as needed to maintain optimal milk supply and puppy health over the duration of the first days and weeks. 

In the delicate dance of dog breeding, every decision you make holds the potential to shape the lives of the precious new puppies. The journey of safely rearing newborn pups begins with ensuring their mother's milk flows abundantly, a task made a lot easier with fenugreek supplements! 

Best of health, Isobel x