Canine Creek Starter is a complete food specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of the mother and her puppies during the first five stages of life: pregnancy, birth, lactation, weaning and growth up to 3 months . This grain-free formula comes in an easily rehydrable form making it suitable for pregnant, lactating pets. The combination of essential vitamins, chelated minerals, and 7 super anti-oxidants supports the nutritional needs of nursing mothers. Did you know that heat exposure to food can reduce the potency of many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential enzymes! So, minimizing heat exposure is very important. Canine Creek food is a manufacturing success because it is "cold form" to reduce the heat that the ingredients are exposed to so that your pet can get the best out of the food