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How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd Food Tip From Jeff:

How much Should you Feed a German Shepherd Puppy in a day? | GSD Diet Plan |

Since 2005, I’ve recommended various sources to our visitors for dog food. Today, I’ve found that Chewy has the absolute most incredible selection, offers auto ship & free delivery. Many of the quality formulas we discuss for feeding German Shepherds and other breeds on this website can only be found on line, not in brick & mortar stores.

Premium blends, grain free, working breed formulas and more! If you don’t plan on reading the rest of this website, at least do yourself a favor and check out Chewy. I promise you will not be disappointed in the thousands of brands they stock!

General Nutritional Requirements For German Shepherds

The first thing you need to remember is to feed your German shepherd dog food that meets their nutritional needs. I know this might sound obvious, but it is an easy mistake to make and can cost your dog a lot of trouble in his or her life.

When I consider the food feed to my German shepherds, I always think about their health issues first. A German shepherd is a medium to large breed dog, which means that he is at a higher risk for certain health problems, with bones and hips problems being the most notorious ones.

Genetics plays an integral part in the likelihood of them developing joint diseases, and too much rapid growth is another factor that can make these problems worse.

This is why, although German shepherds need basic nutrientssuch as protein, fat, carbs, and other vitamins and mineralsjust like other dog breeds, you want to be careful with dog foods that are too rich in nutrients as they can promote dangerously quick growth.;

Aside from health issues, there are also other things that you need to take into account, including the size, age, and activity level of your dog.

How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Per Day

It differs between puppies, adults and seniors.

Weve listed rough amounts above.

As a reminder:

A vet should be able to tell you how much to feed a dog per day, and the number of meals they should have in a day

The packaging of the dog food usually also tells you how many cups of food to feed them per day which you might space out over the number of meals they have. This is helpful when using commercial dog brand products nutritionally formulated for dogs of different sizes and life stages.

Read Also: How Many Puppies Can A German Shepherd Have First Litter

Lifetime Expenses Of Owning A German Shepherd

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years. Within this period, you will need to provide everything they need to live out their carefree lives.

From the data I discussed in the former section, we can compute the lifetime expenses of having a German Shepherd puppy companion.

The estimated expenses for the first year cost around $2,795 to $5,495, including the puppy.

Assuming that the average monthly cost for your dog is $160 for the succeeding years, we can estimate that the lifetime cost of tending a GSD is around $18,155 to $25,835.

However, this amount doesnt include miscellaneous expenses that may arise. Emergencies can happen anytime and you need to financially prepare for these situations.

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken

What is the best food for a 1

Eukanuba cares for both your pocket and your pups well-being. So, you get three different packaging options for your puppy. Its main ingredient is high-quality chicken that your puppy will devour. While the formula is enhanced with targeted levels of calcium and phosphorus. You see, German Shepherds need calcium. But, too much can harm them.

But, Eukanuba has been in this business for over fifty years. And, they only provide products par excellence. So, if you are looking for choices in the market, Eukanuba is a sensible addition to your dogs diet.

Recommended Reading: What Colors Do German Shepherds Come In

German Shepherd Puppies Vs Adults Guidelines

Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult.

This is an important subject as it will help you figure out the best way to take care of your dog depending on whether theyre an adult or a puppy.

The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven:

  • Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds.
  • German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content in their early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older.
  • Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended.

With this German shepherd feeding chart, you can now decide on your dogs feeding plan, However, Id suggest seeing your vet first so you can confirm if your plan is actually effective.

Many owners simply feed their German shepherds without second thoughts of the dogs needs. But since youve read this blog post, you are now aware of the needs of your German shepherd.

After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way.

How Often Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy

It is equally critical that you know how many times a day your German shepherd puppy should eat. Most breeders recommend feeding a puppy three or four times a day.

These two factorsfrequency and amountsgo hand in hand to ensure that your shepherd puppy has enough food. A well-fed puppy is happier and healthier and wont develop behavioral issues such as aggression and eating feces.

Recommended Reading: How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat

When Should You Stop Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy Food

Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to one year old as long as they are not putting on excess weight. German Shepherds usually dont reach their full growth until 18 months of age.

It isnt harmful to keep a German Shepherd on puppy formula until their growth plates have fused over, which is generally around 12 to 18 months of age .

German Shepherd Feeding Guide For Seniors

Right amount to feed a German Shepherd puppy with GSM & Big Don

You will need to modify your German Shepherds diet when he changes from adult life stage to senior. Older German Shepherds have lower energy needs.

They will begin to have less physical activity and move slower, and so they will require fewer calories each day. You should increase in fiber amount in their diet because digestion tends to slow down in seniors

There are some commercially sold dog foods that are already adjusted for seniors. If you prepare your own dog food, you will need to reduce the calories primarily through the carbs.

Senior German Shepherds still require proper nutrition, especially for their bones and joints.

When it comes to treats, senior dogs should have healthy ones like whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots.

Read Also: Are German Shepherds A Good Guard Dog

How Much Water Should A German Shepherd Puppy Drink

Your German Shepherd puppy needs to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3.5 kilograms of body weight. Therefore, if your puppy weighs approximately 35 kilograms, he needs to have about 60 ounces of water every day.

If your dog is engaged in a lot of physical activity, or if the weather is hot, then this amount may need to be increased. You may notice that your dog is panting and this is a clear sign of dehydration. Always keep the water bowl full.

How Often Should I Feed My German Shepherd

Once your dog reaches an adult stage, you will need to increase the amounts you feed him but decrease the frequency of feedings. So, how often should you feed your German shepherd?

Starting from 1 year of age, you should reduce his feeding frequency from 4 times a day to 2 times a day. The exception is for pregnant female German shepherds . They may be fed an extra time depending on how hungry they might look.

Do remember, though, that reducing the quantity of the food does not mean compromising on the quality of the food.

Recommended Reading: Is A German Shepherd A Hypoallergenic Dog

German Shepherd Food Brands

Today there is a wide range of products present in the market but choosing the best and right which helps in building good strength of the dog and quite helpful for muscles and the digestive tract.

Some of the best dog foods are listed below:

  • Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health Dog food
  • Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula
  • Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
  • Iams Proactive
  • Hills Science Diet Puppy
  • Nutro Essentials Puppy

Other General Considerations For Choosing Dog Food For A German Shepherd

How Much Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat?

Other general considerations other than the ones listed in the above linked guide might include:

Aim for a balanced diet of proteins, fats/oils, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and water

Look for real meats listed first on the food label

Foods with a wide range of natural organic base ingredients are generally good stay away from low quality fillers like grains and flours

Foods high in grains or flours can cause weight issues, poor energy levels and general bad health

Gluten in grain can cause allergies and inflammation in some dogs

Foods with lots of artificial colors and preservatives might not be as good

Foods with a range of vitamins and plant based vitamins might generally be good

Highly digestible foods are generally good

Look for food that is nutritionally adequate and balanced

In terms of proteins, whole quality meats might be better than meat by products

In terms of fats, omega fatty acids might be good compared to saturated fats.

Puppies have different feeding guidelines to full grown dogs be wary of solid foods early on.

Puppies also need specific nutrients for energy and to help their bodies grow

Wean your dog between different types of foods when you are changing them transition gradually follow food label instructions and instructions of your vet

Senior dogs may need foods with less calories to keep weight off , and more supplements for bone and hip health

Specialised diets might include raw diets, organic diets, home made food diets, and so on

Recommended Reading: What Age Do German Shepherds Calm Down

Feeding A German Shepherd Puppy The Right Way

June 6, 2019 By Emily Patterson-Kane

The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs.

Many types of food can be provided. However puppy foods designed for large breed dogs are essential for puppies. This will help to avoid health problems caused by overly-rapid bone growth.

Read on to find out the ins and out of whats best for your German Shepherd puppy!

What Foods Not To Feed My German Shepherd Puppy

You can read more in this guide about what foods might be dangerous for dogs .

It is also important to note that any new food you introduce to your German Shepherd that produces a negative reaction in their body you should also avoid.

Make sure when you are transitioning between your current dog food and new dog food, that you do so gradually so as not to upset your dogs stomach, and so you have an opportunity to see how the new food affects your dog.

Recommended Reading: When To Neuter A German Shepherd

German Shepherd Feeding Guide: Best Dog Food For Puppies Adults & Seniors & Other Faqs

Weve put together this German Shepherd feeding guide to include important information and considerations related to feeding German Shepherds.

We separately cover feeding guidelines for puppies and adult dogs, but also outline what might be some of the best dog food brands and products for each.

We cover considerations including :

General dog feeding guidelines

How much to feed a dog per day

Feeding a GSD puppy

Feeding an adult GSD

Feeding a senior GSD;

Whether you have just brought a puppy into your home, or you just want to brush up on your general dog food knowledge for an adult dog this guide might be a good place to start.

Lets take a look!

*Additional Notes

You can find product summaries of these dog and puppy food products further down in the guide below .

Onto the rest of the guide

How Much Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat

Best Way to Feed Your German Shepherd Puppy!

You need to be careful when feeding your German Shepherd puppy. They should not be left to their own devices when it comes to food. Instead, feed your puppy 3 meals a day.

The amount of food your puppy needs depends on your puppys hunger, weight, and the type of food that you are feeding him. Stick to the German Shepherd puppy feeding chart below.

Watch your puppys waistline to see if there seems to be any excess weight hanging out that will be hard to lose later.

A puppy that is too thin will have visible ribs. If that is the case, monitor how much your puppy eats and, if concerning, call your veterinarian.

Read Also: Do German Shepherds Naturally Protect Their Owners

Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd

In the beginning, its best to keep your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy on the same food she was eating before you brought her home. This helps keep some element of consistency in her routine .

If you do decide to switch over to a different food after a few weeks, do so in stages. Adding about 25% of new food to 75% of your puppys current food is a good general rule. You can then increase that slowly over time.

At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times per day. Eating too much in one sitting will upset their stomachs, and thats no fun for either of you!

Because the German Shepherd is a large breed, you should also feed your puppy a diet formulated specifically for large breed puppies.

There are many commercially available diets made to help large breed puppies grow at the right rate. This helps to avoid skeletal abnormalities like hip dysplasia.

Want more information on what to feed your 8-week-old German Shepherd, and how to change her diet as she gets older? We have everything you need to know right here in our guide to feeding a German Shepherd puppy.

Feeding A German Shepherd Puppy Kibble

There are many good quality kibble diets, but they arent always the best choice.

The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy .

The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains.

Some of these cases of DCM were in German Shepherds.

The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs.

Head over to our article on the pros and cons of feeding kibble to know more.

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How Often To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Dogs, just like human infants, are creatures of habit. A house with a predictable routine provides a structure in a dogs life. As adult dogs will get hungry about 8-10 hours after their last meal, puppies take only about half of the time to digest their food. That explains why puppies seem to be ferocious kibble monsters.

1 Month old german shepherd:;Recommended weight is 2-4 kg, calorie needed 110 and 250 grams food. The 1-month-old German shepherd puppy will take food 3 times a day, Protein will 18% and Fat 22%.

2 Month old german shepherd:;Recommended weight is 6-9 kg, Calories need 330 and the food amount is 285. The 2 month old german shepherd puppy will take food 3 times a day, Protein would be 18% and Fat would be 22%.

3 Month old german shepherd:;The recommended weight is 10-14 kg, need calorie 550, Food amount is 365 grams. The 3 month old german shepherd puppy will eat 3 times a day and Protein 18%, Fat 22%.

4 Month old german shepherd:;Weight would be 16-18 kg and calorie needed 880 and also approx food amount is 400 grams. The 4 month old german shepherd puppy will eat 3 times a day, Protein 18% and Fat 22%.

5 Month old german shepherd:;Recommended weight is 18-22 kg, Calorie needed 990 and approx food amount is 450 grams. The 5 month old german shepherd puppy will eat maximum 3 times/day, Protein 18% and Fat 22%.

Foods Your German Shepherd Puppy Will Love

How Much Do You Feed a German Shepherd?

These food formulas are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards.

The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Dont feed your German Shepherd puppy the cheapest food you can buy. Cheaper GSD puppy food lack quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog.

Here are some of the best top-rated German Shepherd puppy foods.

Recommended Reading: How Cold Can German Shepherds Handle

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