What is mothers pudding for dogs? (a step-by-step guide)

Mothers pudding is a homemade, custard-style treat made mainly from milk and egg yolks that breeders feed to dogs around whelping and while nursing. It’s soft, tasty and calorie-dense, so it helps a tired mother who is off her food get extra calories, protein and fluid while she produces milk. It’s an extra, not a replacement for her complete food, and it isn’t meant for everyday feeding of other dogs.

Below, we explain what goes into mothers pudding, how to make it, and when it is (and isn’t) a good idea.

What Is In Mothers Pudding For Dogs?

Mothers pudding for dogs is an energy-dense, easy-to-eat food given to mother dogs in the days around birth and while they nurse their litters of puppies. (For the pregnancy itself, see our picks for dry food for a pregnant dog.)

Milk and egg yolks provide protein, fat and calcium, while the sugar and cornstarch add quick energy. It isn’t a complete and balanced diet, though, so it should be given in small amounts on top of a high-quality puppy or “all life stages” food, which is what most vets recommend feeding during late pregnancy and nursing.

Puppy Culture’s Mothers’ Pudding

You can make Mothers Pudding for your dog in the comfort of your own home with a whisk or blender, a saucepan and a few easy-to-find ingredients. The name is often linked to the Puppy Culture program, and recipes shared by breeders vary. Here’s a simple custard-style version:

You will need the following ingredients:

4 egg yolks
4 cups of milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla (optional – we suggest leaving it out, as vanilla extract contains alcohol)
6 tablespoons of cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon of salt

When you have all the ingredients follow these steps:

First, beat the egg yolks together, and slowly pour and mix the milk.
Then you can add the sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt. While mixing, add a little at a time.
When the mixture is done, slowly warm it on medium heat in a saucepan, while continuously stirring for 10-15mins.
When the mixture starts to thicken, you can bring it up to a boil. As soon as you see bubbles at the edges, take it off the heat immediately.
Pour the pudding into a bowl, then place it in the fridge to cool. Once cooled, your dog can enjoy their special pudding! Keep it covered in the fridge and use it within a few days.

Every dog is different, so start with a few spoonfuls and see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Some dogs don’t tolerate milk well and may get loose stools; if that happens, cut back or stop. If your dog has a medical condition, ask your vet before feeding it.

What Mothers Pudding Can (and Can’t) Do

Now that you know how to make mothers pudding, when is it worth offering? Here’s an honest look at what it does well and where it doesn’t help:

1Easy to eat for a tired mom

Many mother dogs lose their appetite just before and after giving birth. A soft, smooth, tasty pudding can tempt a reluctant mom to eat something when she won’t touch her normal food.

It isn’t a remedy for digestive problems, though. Mothers pudding contains almost no fiber, and the milk in it can actually cause diarrhea in dogs that don’t digest lactose well. If a mother dog has vomiting, diarrhea or refuses all food for more than a day, call your vet.

2Helps nursing mothers keep weight on

Producing milk for a whole litter takes a huge amount of energy, and nursing mothers can lose condition quickly. The calories in mothers pudding can help a mom who is struggling to eat enough keep her weight up while she feeds her puppies.

For the same reason, it is not a food for weight loss or for everyday treats. It is high in sugar and calories, so it isn’t suitable for overweight dogs or dogs with diabetes or pancreatitis.

3Not suitable for dogs with food allergies

Mothers pudding won’t relieve allergies. In fact, dairy and eggs are among the more common food allergens in dogs, so skip it if your dog has a known food allergy or sensitivity, and ask your vet about alternatives.

4Healthy coat and skin

The fat in egg yolks and milk supports general skin and coat health as part of a good diet, but mothers pudding isn’t a treatment for dry or itchy skin. If your dog has ongoing itching or irritation, speak with your vet to find the cause.

5Overall Wellbeing

For a mother dog, the real value of mothers pudding is simple: extra calories, protein and fluid in a form she’s happy to eat at a demanding time. Keep an eye on her overall health too. Call your vet straight away if a nursing mother becomes restless, pants heavily, trembles, walks stiffly or seems wobbly, as these can be signs of eclampsia (low blood calcium), which is an emergency. Don’t give extra calcium supplements during pregnancy unless your vet advises it.

Another supplement some owners are curious about is Lions Mane, check out our article “how much lions mane to give to a dog?” to learn more about the benefits.

Conclusion – Mothers Pudding For Dogs

Mothers pudding is a tasty, calorie-dense extra that can help a nursing mother eat enough while she cares for her puppies. It’s not a complete diet, a weight-loss food or an allergy remedy, so feed it in small amounts alongside a quality puppy food, and stop if it upsets her stomach. If anything changes in her health or behavior, or the puppies aren’t gaining weight, consult a vet right away.