How Much Does A German Shepherd Eat A Day

Interested In Training Your German Shepherd The Right Way

If you havent trained your German Shepherd properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether its barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.

The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.

With Brain Training For Dogs youll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog wont listen, youll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, thats given proven results. Not to mention the fact, youll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.

So instead of worrying about whether theyre going to be well-behaved or not, youll only have to worry about how much fun youll have with them!

And in most cases its still going to be:

• Cheaper than hiring a professional.
• Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
• And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.

Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your German Shepherd completely and never worry whether theyll be naughty or not. Instead, youll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOURE NOT.;

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Final Thoughts The Importance Of Nutrition

You now know what the best diet is for your German Shepherd. Theres certainly a lot to consider in this giant guide, but I hope Ive given you enough food for thought!

The best advice I could give you is

• Choose a type of food that suits your dogs life stage and your lifestyle
• Invest in the best quality dog food you can afford

A Complete List Of Everything A German Shepherd Can & Cant Eat

Heres a list of all the separate food categories Ive gone through further up in this article. Take a look below this list for the reasons your German Shepherd shouldnt be eating certain foods.

AlcoholAs you might have guessed, alcohol has a very negative effect on the health of any dog. Just small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, comas, and can be fatal if its strong enough.

AvocadoNo part of the avocado is safe for dogs to eat. The flesh, skin, and seed contain a chemical called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If your dog gets a hold of one and eats the seed, it can lead to an intestinal blockage.

Black CurrantsWhen something is called a Black Currant as a way to describe a grape, it is not safe to eat. However, actual blackcurrants are berries and are okay to eat.

CaffeineCaffeine is a very potent stimulant for dogs. It causes them to become hyperactive and restless. If they manage to get enough caffeine, which could be very easy, they can get ill, develop an elevated heart rate, have a seizure, and it can even be fatal.

Cat FoodThe clue is in the name here. Cat food is specifically made for cats, not to feed dogs. Be sure not to feed your dog cat food if you run out of regular dog food as it wont be good for them. Cat food has different levels of nutrition in it, so its not good for your dogs overall health and can lead to issues like obesity and pancreatitis.

Read Also: When To Neuter A German Shepherd

Raw Diets Cooking For Dogs And Other Alternative Feeding

This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs.

However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs.

There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too.

As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Whats healthy for humans isnt usually healthy for dogs.

That means youll need to learn a lot about canine metabolism, life stages, and nutritional needs before you embark on that journey.

Weve covered the holistic diet approach right here if youre interested in learning more. Feeding your dog an alternative diet can be a fun way to bond with your pup and feel good about providing whole, nutritious, natural foods that support your GSDs health and wellness.

How Much Is A Sheprador

A separator is quite an affordable pet with a lot of advantages. If you are adopting one from a rescue group, it will cost you as low as $ 150.

While even if you are getting one from a well-known breeder, it will not make a hole in your pocket. A Sheprador from a breeder can cost you around $600. Their parent breeds are even costlier than a lab mixed with German Shepherd.

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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.

How Often Should You Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Break their total cups of food into multiple feedings spread thorughout the day for easy digestion.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level.

Feeding smaller meals throughout the day also supports your puppys blood sugar and energy level which helps them grow steadily and behave better in your home.

When you know how many times to feed a German Shepherd puppy per day its easy to see the need for a regular feeding schedule to keep track of his meals!

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Nutritional Requirements For German Shepherd

As your puppy grows into adolescence, his nutritional needs will change. He no longer needs as many nutrients as when he was a puppy. At this age, your dog needs to eat adult formula food, and ideally, the food should also contain joint supplements to keep his arthritis under control.

Check at the dog food bag and see if there is wording such as Complete and balanced nutrition based on AAFCO guidelines for adult maintenance. Most German shepherds that are primarily pets will be fine eating an adult maintenance dog food formula.;

But suppose your German shepherd is a competition dog that actively participates in recreational or competitive canine sports. In that case, he will be better off with a formula for all life stages.

What if your dog is underweight? Consuming a high-calorie dog food together with some additional calories and protein such as cheese and egg might be the best answer. What if your dog is overweight? Then his diet should probably consist of food that provides good nutrition but with more fill so that he can meet all his nutritional needs and lose weight.

Types Of Diet For German Shepherd Puppies

German Shepherds are lean and strong dogs, which means that they need a diet that is high in lean proteins, but low in fats and carbohydrates. A GS that is overweight will have trouble losing weight because of the way that their body is made.

Overweight puppies will also have too much pressure put on their hips and since hip dysplasia is a real concern for GS, you want their hips to grow well. Stay away from foods that are high in filler as well because that will contribute to weight gain without positive benefit.

Read Also: Are Eggs Good For German Shepherds

Why Are German Shepherds So Costly

Highly important is the fact that German pet is not cheaply raised, German Shepherds. The following is a diagram showing the approximate breeding costs.

This race is not cheap you should plan to spend between $1.500 and $3,000 from health-tested parents on a German shepherd. While puppies can be found without papers for much less , these are usually from lines that are not tested in terms of health or temperament.

How is a German Shepherd puppy the best age to buy?

About 7 to 8 weeks.A German shepherds best age to buy is between 7 and 8 weeks. This ensures that the pup is not taken too early from his mother, but still has time to integrate into your family.

Week Old German Shepherd

At 6 weeks old, your job as a new owner is to make sure that your puppy is receiving the same level of nutrition that they were getting from their mothers milk.

Ideally, your puppy should still be nursing from their mother, because most foods are going to have a hard time replacing the needed micro and macronutrients, along with the natural antibodies that are found inside of the mothers milk.

Also Check: Is A German Shepherd A Hypoallergenic Dog

Is German Shepherd Lab Mix Rather Stubborn Or Easy To Handle And Train

A German Shepherd lab mix can be quite stubborn when you are training him. It is very crucial to behave strictly with them. Sometimes else, your love is going to make them lazy and stubborn.

But once you make him realize who the boss is, it will become pretty easy to handle a lab mix, German Shepherd. Because of their less aggressive nature and quick grasping capabilities, it is pretty easy to train them according to your need.;

How Much Do Black German Shepherds Cost

Black German Shepherds are technically no different from ordinary German Shepherds except for the fact that they have black coats. Some professionals will argue that they are somewhat;larger and more muscular.

They also command heftier price tags. You can get an ordinary German Shepherd for $300, though some dogs might boast price tags as high as $900. But the average black German Shepherd will set you back by at least $700. And do not be too surprised if that figure jumps to $2000.

Black German Shepherds with the longest, most luxurious coats tend to;attract the heftiest price tags.

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Dog Food For German Shepherds With Hip & Joint Issues Or Hip Dysplasia

See your dogs vet for recommendations.

They may suggest foods with calcium, Omega 3 and Vitamin E.

These nutrients possess natural anti-inflammatories and support bone and joint health by helping in the production of joint health compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM.

They may also suggest joint supplements.

A food allergy is different to food intolerance.;

Allergies are genetic problems whereby there is a reaction in your dogs body triggered by exposure to an allergen in the dog food is eating.

An intolerance doesnt create an allergic response, but a response more along the lines of diarrhoea or a gassy stomach.;

If you suspect your German Shepherd is allergic or intolerant to the foods you are feeding him or her, you need to take them to the vet.

They may suggest options such as hypoallergenic foods, or ingredient elimination diets.

A sensitive stomach to food can be for a number of reasons.

Take your dog to the vet and get advice on what to do next.

Feeding Length Of Your German Shepherd Puppy

You need to observe your German shepherd in order to determine his mealtime lengths. Take note of how long he takes to finish a normal portion of food.

You also need to observe how long he takes to be full and pay careful attention to if he is still hungry after eating his portion.

Usually, German shepherds will take around; 10 to 15 minutes to complete a meal, providing that you adhered to the customary feeding instructions. If you notice that your dog is displaying signs of eating slowly, you should pay a visit to your vet.

On the other hand, if you notice that your German Shepherd is still hungry after completing a meal, you should also pay a visit to your vet.;

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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.

German Shepherd Feeding Chart

So youve got yourself a German shepherd, and you think you can take care of them just fine without any knowledge. However, this will be your undoing. Youll come to a realization that you cant get by without studying about German shepherds.

German shepherds are similar to humans in the sense that they need to eat consistently. And just like us, they, too, have a specific feeding amount and nutrient requirements. You cant just make them eat whatever you lay your eyes on. However, as their owner, you cant always rely on your keen observation.

They can be a bit dishonest sometimes. They may even hide their hunger. Thats why you wont figure out their needs by simply observing. Thats why you need to have clear standards, especially on how you feed them. Overeating can cause sugar levels to spike. The opposite can cause malnutrition.

Either way, this German shepherd feeding chart will be a helpful asset when taking care of these dogs.

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When To Stop Feeding German Shepherd Puppy Food

Another common question new puppy owners often ask is, How long should I feed my German Shepherd puppy food?

Figuring out when to take German Shepherds off puppy food is the topic of continued debate.

Different breeders have different feeding philosophies about the best time to transition from puppy food to adult dog food.

This process can occur as early as 16 weeks or as late as one year.

Typically, you will see most puppy owners beginning the process between the ages of five and six months old and 1 year.

Size Weight Typical Colors Of German Shepherd Lab Mix

A most important thing to consider while buying any dog is the size and weight of that particular breed.;

This mix of German shepherd and Labrador retriever has a medium to high range of height. The maximum size of a male German Shepherd lab mix can range around 26 inches.

While females can grow from 20 to 24 inches high, male Labradors can have a height ranging from 22 to 26 inches.

They also have a medium weight ranging from 45 pounds to 95 pounds in males. Female German Shepherd lab mix has lesser weight comparatively. They can have up to 45 pounds of weight, but not more than that.

Although it is tough to determine the characteristic of a mixed breed, the color of the coat of this mixed breed depends on its parents. Their coats color ranges from brown to tan and has a pattern similar to that of their parent breed.

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When To Switch From Puppy To Adult Food

Puppy foods tend to contain more nutrients and calories than adult food, to meet the nutritional requirements of your dog. As such, whether you feed a dry or wet variant, the puppy food you give will have higher levels of protein and fat. If you continue to feed this to an adult dog, they will be more prone to put on weight because of the high fat content. Moving over to adult food is an important stage in your dogs development.

Small breed dogs are usually fully mature by around 10 months, medium dogs by 14 months, but large breed dogs can take up to 24 months to fully mature.

With your German Shepherd, wait until he reaches around 80% of his anticipated adult weight before making the transition to adult food.

• Feed ¾ puppy food and ¼ adult food for the first week.
• Feed ½ puppy food and ½ adult food for the second week.
• Feed ¼ puppy food and ¾ adult food for the third and final week of the transition.