Puppy Care Guide

Week 39 – Post-Neutering / Spaying Dietary Management

Your puppy has reached the 9-month milestone — congratulations! Around this age, many dogs undergo neutering or spaying. This marks an important turning point for nutrition and weight management.

🍽 Post-Neutering / Spaying Food Portion Control

After surgery, many guardians forget to adjust food portions — yet hormonal shifts lower your dog’s metabolism, meaning fewer calories are required. Without change, excess calories lead to weight gain.

💡 PetGo Tip: A 10 % portion reduction is a smart starting point. Observe weight and adjust gradually with your vet’s guidance.

Hormonal Changes After the Procedure

Once sex hormones decrease, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) drops. Your dog now burns fewer calories at rest, so maintaining previous feeding levels often results in unwanted fat gain.

🐕 The Direct Consequence: Weight Gain

Continuing pre-surgery feeding portions after metabolism slows can quickly cause obesity. Excess fat contributes to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan.

🩺 The Solution: Adjusting Food Portions

Start by feeding roughly 10 % less than before the surgery, then tailor further with your vet based on breed, age, and activity level. Monitor your dog’s body shape — ribs should be felt easily beneath a thin layer of fat.

🥩 Choosing the Right Food Matters

Post-surgery diets should focus on lean muscle preservation and metabolic support. Choose foods rich in quality proteins and natural antioxidants.

High-Quality Protein Diet: Meat-first recipes help maintain muscle and fullness while reducing carbohydrate load. Avoid fillers like potato or tapioca in excess.
Include Berry Fruits: Blueberries and raspberries supply antioxidants that aid metabolism and may support hormonal balance post-surgery.

PetGo Shop | Premium puppy meals to support strong growth during Week 39.

💡 PetGo Nutrition Tip: Mix high-quality dry food with a small amount of raw meat (like beef or salmon) to naturally boost protein and flavor in your puppy’s meal.