If the diet has been “formulated to meet” nutrient requirements, it should say “for all life stages” or “for growth” in order to be suitable for feeding pregnant or lactating bitches.
If the diet has been through feeding trials to substantiate its adequacy for pregnant or lactating bitches, it should say “for all life stages” or “gestation/lactation.” If a food put through a feeding trial is listed as being only for “growth,” do not feed it to a pregnant or lactating dog. It has been fed to dogs during their period of most rapid growth — but not to the dogs’ mothers.
