German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule
Like humans, German Shepherds need to eat consistently, and they have a specific feeding amount and nutrient requirement. Therefore, it is important to find the appropriate feeding schedule to help your puppy establish a routine and improve consistency in their potty time.
Below is a German Shepherd puppy feeding schedule:
- 6-12 weeks Puppies should be given a diet formulated specially to meet the nutritional needs for their development. Giving four feedings a day is adequate for a puppy at this age with ½ cup of food for each meal.
- 3-6 Months Decrease the number of feedings to three times a day with ½ cups of food for each meal.
- 6-12 months At this age, begin feeding your dog twice daily with about 2 cups of food. You can start switching to adult maintenance food.
- After 1 year Most adult dogs are given two and a half portions a day with approximately 3cups of food for each meal.
Micronutrients: Vitamins And Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients because your dog needs only small amounts of them. However, failing to get even those tiny quantities nearly guarantees disease.
Vitamins and minerals also enable a dogs body to process the protein, carbohydrates, and fats, called macronutrients, discussed previously.
They also help keep your senior GSDs immune system healthy, support coat quality, and prevent many dog-related health problems.
Well cover more on the best vitamins and mineral food supplements for your senior German Shepherd later in this article.
Royal Canin Dry Dog Food
The Royal Canin Dry Dog Food provides a balanced and nutrient-enriched diet to mixed GSD breeds, for example German Shepherd Lab Mix, German Shepherd Husky Mix, and German Shepherd Pitbull Mix.
Specially designed for the mixed breed GSDs, Royal Canin Dog Food features a whole range of highly nutritious ingredients for your canines optimal health. There is brown rice, chicken fat, pork, fish oil, vegetable oil, and lots of minerals and vitamins to meet the needs of mixed-bred German Shepherds.
Furthermore, there is Glucosamine and Chondroitin so that your German dog does not face hip and joint pains, and that its bones stay in strong condition even in senior life stages.
We Love This Product Because:
- Meets nutritional needs of mixed-breed German Shepherds
- Exclusive kibble shape design to encourage chewing
- Digestible proteins and fibers to aid in digestive health
- EPA and DHA from fish oil helps heal skin conditions
- Infusion of glucosamine and chondroitin for bone health
Complains about this Product:
There are several complaints regarding this products higher prices. Users have complained that the price of this product keeps on increasing every time. While others have complained about the low levels of protein in this product.
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Natural Balance Lid Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
Best Lamb Single-Sourced Protein
This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more
About:Natural Balance Lamb and Brown Rice Formula is a limited ingredient diet, based on easy-to-digest lamb protein and brown rice.
Limited ingredient diets are ideal for dogs that suffer from food allergies, and they may also be a good proactive strategy for avoiding them entirely, for breeds that frequently suffer from food allergies.
Features
- Made without unnecessary ingredients like artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Fortified with canola oil, which is an excellent source of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Formulated for dogs of all life stages, making it a suitable selection for German shepherds of all ages
- Natural Balance is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
PROS
Natural Balance is a high-quality food that is rated as a 4- or 5-star product by 88% of reviewers. Most dogs appear to find the food tasty, and owners appreciate the use of high-quality ingredients. Additionally, because of their tendency to suffer from food allergies, German shepherds often benefit from limited ingredient diets, like Natural Balance.
CONS
Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Branâ¦,
Brewers Dried Yeast, Sunflower Oil , Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins , Minerals , Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ High Protein Senior Dog Dry Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ dry dog food is specially formulated to cater to the health of senior dogs that are seven years and above. It is a large breed dog food best for dogs such as the German shepherd.
It contains a good blend of animal protein, probiotics, essential fatty acids and nutrients to keep the older dog healthy. The food is an easily digestible formula and enables a senior dog to thrive and be healthy.
Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice flour, Poultry by-product meal, Whole grain corn, soybean meal
Key features:
- Has a high-quality protein source
- Contains live probiotics for healthy digestive system
- A holistic balanced diet for senior dogs
- Contains vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat
- Glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids support joint health and Mobility
- Contains a blend of botanical oils that have brain supporting nutrients for supporting proper brain function and alertness
- Best for adult dogs 7+ years of age
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Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs
Finding the best dog food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs can be a nightmare.
You always hope with every new food you pour into their bowl that this will finally be the one.
And then
Your beautiful dog is in discomfort and pain with stomach problems again.
But, it doesnt have to be this way!
In the next few minutes, Ill show you the best dog foods for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs.
Whats more?
Ill guide you through what you can do to help calm their bellies. so you can finally bring them the sorely-needed relief they deserve.
Lets get started right away.
What To Look For In A High
Before discussing the specific characteristics that are desirable in a German shepherd food, it is important to outline some of the ingredients and traits that characterize all high-quality dog foods and are desirable when selecting a food for any breed.
Select dog foods made in the USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as dog food made in these countries are usually subject to stricter dog food safety protocols than those made in other places. By purchasing foods from these western countries, youre less likely to see it show up on a recall list or make your dog ill.
Look for a high-quality protein as the first listed ingredient. A few high-quality dog foods list a carbohydrate as the first ingredient, but most of the best dog foods for German shepherds feature a whole-protein source first.
Its always a good idea to avoid dog food with unnecessary and potentially harmful additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, but it is especially important to avoid feeding such foods to breeds prone to food allergies and intolerances, such as German shepherds.
Meat-meals are not necessarily poor ingredients, despite the claims of some. Many of the products used to make meat-meals provide great nutrition for your dog even if some of them seem gross to humans. However, it is important to avoid dog foods that do not indicate the species from which the meal was obtained.
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German Shepherd Diet Chart
Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion.
When choosing the best food to feed a German Shepherd, look for the following ingredients in your selection. These items listed are all good foods for a German Shepherds diet when mixed in the appropriate amounts in a premium dry kibble.
| Proteins |
|---|
You Can Train Your Dog And Gain Control In Difficult Situations
If you love and value your dog, the greatest favor you can do for it, is to train it in basic obedience training everyday. Commit 15 to 20 minutes a day and you will see great improvement in your dogs behavior. Learning four basic commands can insure your dogs safety the commands are sit, down, stay, and come. All are taught on-leash first and then as your dog performs consistently you can graduate to off-lead. Having the dog on-lead in the beginning of training allows you to control the animal and make sure that it follows through in responding to your commands.
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Dry Food For German Shepherd Puppies
Dry food is one of the easiest options for any dog owner. It is typically very widely available and there are excellent options available these days that can promote your GSD puppys health.
One of the biggest draws to dry dog food is convenience. High-quality dog food will meet all of the requirements your puppy needs, meaning all you need to do is follow the serving suggestions based off of their current weight.
Always check dry food to see what the first ingredient is. This will always be a source of whole protein in a high-quality kibble.
Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are incredibly common among GSDs, so owners must often select dog foods that are made without any of the most common allergic triggers.
Youll have to determine your pets specific allergic trigger to ensure he wont suffer from itchy skin, but most dogs with food allergies will experience relief if fed a high-quality limited-ingredient diet that is grain-free.
The Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food is a holistic nutritional pack for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. Each bag of Canidae is perfectly balanced with a power-packed blend of antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins and minerals. If youre seeking a dog food promoting an improved immune system, heart, digestion, and joint health, along with a shiny coat, Canidae is the best choice.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Chicken meal is the first listed ingredient
- Contains probiotics for regulating canine gut health
- Great choice for multi-dog families
Top Ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, peas, potatoes, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, millet, tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed, oceanfish meal, salmon oil
One thing is for sure your GSD will be enjoying nutritious food which suits their built, body structure, and energy levels.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
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What Alternative Diets Could I Consider To Help My Dog
The most convenient option for owners is store-bought dog food for sensitive stomachs. But some people might want to consider a homemade sensitivity diet.
While its possible to make your own sensitive food at home, its essential to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of energy, protein, and nutrients for her breed, age, life stage, and life cycle. A sensitive homemade diet should contain protein , fiber , fats, fatty acids, along with the right balance of vitamins and minerals.
There are also companies that sell fresh, gently cooked foods made to suit your dogs diet. These formulas are another option for those looking for options to the kibble at pet supply stores.
Always talk to your veterinarian or qualified canine nutritionist to ensure you are given a healthy and balanced diet and meal plan if you choose to cook your German Shepherds food at home yourself. Any improperly cooked or unbalanced food can cause long-term damage to your dog unintentionally.
Pedigree Grilled Steak Dog Food
Low on budget, but still want to nurture your GSD with a nutritionally-enriched diet? The Pedigree Dog Food is our best budget pick German Shepherd dog food product. Priced at just a few dollars, you not only get a 20 lb large sized pack but also 20% More FREE!
Proudly made in the USA with the finest ingredients, the product features a Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor Recipe. The optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals promise complete and balanced nutrition, as well as proper skin nourishment. Plus, the special Fiber Blend supports healthy digestion in German Shepherds.
The Pedigree Grilled Steak Dog Food is the best budget pick for German Shepherds because:
- The large-sized pack comes at a small price
- You get 20% More FREE Food Quantity
- Serves Highly-Nutritious and balanced diet in a small price tag
- An optimal blend of protein, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins ensures your dogs complete wellbeing
- Fiber Blend to aid in healthy digestion
- Contains no artificial flavors, sugar, or corn syrup
Complains about this Product:
There are no major complaints about this product.
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Which Is Better Purina Pro Plan Or Purina One
There is no better choice between Purina Pro and Purina One because both are good formulations of dog food that provide the required nutrient composition for the health of a dog. However, differences exist between them mainly in the nutritional content of the formulas by having different calorie, fat, and protein contents. Purina Pro Plan has higher nutrient values, a variety of formulas to choose from, and multiple flavors, which also makes it be at a higher cost compared to Purina One. Purina One, though low cost, still has quality essential ingredients for the health of a dog. They are both favorites of many dog owners and whichever you choose your dogs nutritional needs will still be met.
How Much Food To Feed A 8
You should feed your 8-month-old German Shepherd Dog puppy 4.1 cups of dry dog food every day.
Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your German Shepherd Dog puppy over the day.
Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 8-month-old German Shepherd Dog puppy assumes that the weight of your German Shepherd Dog is typical for its age.
The typical weight for a 8-month-old German Shepherd Dog puppy is 56.4 lbs .
Our recommendation on how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog also assumes that you feed your German Shepherd Dog dog food that has an average calorie density .
Use our German Shepherd Dog food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog.
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What Human Foods Are Dangerous For A German Shepherd Puppy
Though your German Shepherd can enjoy human foods, some of them can cause harm and they should be avoided to avoid making your puppy ill.
Chocolate contains the theobromine toxin which causes health issues for your puppy these include rapid heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and hyperactivity.
Avocado is another toxic food for your puppy because it contains persin which causes serious gastrointestinal issues when eaten. Other foods to avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy include onions, raisins, grapes, fruit pits, macadamia nuts, and sometimes dairy.
How Do I Choose The Right Sensitive Food For My German Shepherd
Look for highly digestible ingredients that suit your dogs life stage.
The best dog food for a German Shepherds sensitive stomach contains highly digestible ingredients, is low in fat, and meets their nutrition and calorie needs. Highly digestible ingredients are easy to digest and supply more nutrients for the volume of food, helping to provide your dog with essential nutrients for their health.
One option you can try at home is to start an elimination diet. This means giving your dog an ingredient she hasnt eaten before. By isolating certain ingredients, you can better understand what foods increase your dogs stomach sensitivity and what foods dont.
Its best to select a high-quality diet that has a short ingredient list. The fewer the ingredients the less likely the number of variables your dog might have sensitivities to.
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German Shepherds With Normal Body Condition
If you or your vet have assessed your German Shepherds body condition and its somewhere around Normal/Standard, then a great place to start for the best dog food for German Shepherds with normal body weight is this brand:
6. Royal Canin German Shepherd Breed Health Nutrition Adult
This adult formula for health nutrition is not the same as the one Ive mentioned above from Royal Canine, but its one of the best dog foods for German Shepherd thats aged between 15 months of age to 7-8 years of age.
Royal Canin provides the right balance of nutrients to optimize a lean body condition over a lifetime.
Once again, the unique design of the kibble has a harder texture than most other similar dog food brands, therefore, its shape and size encourages chewing in German Shepherds. Similar to the above mentioned Royal Canin formula, this dog food is also formulated to support proper digestion and maintain the health of the skin, coat, bones and joints.
What Protein Sources Are Best For A German Shepherd With Skin Allergies
If your GSD has allergies, then choosing novel proteins may help.
Food allergies in German Shepherds are usually to a specific protein in the food. This is commonly gluten, beef, or dairy.
Food allergy treatments generally involve avoiding the offending protein. Diets based on novel proteins might help provide allergy relief for itchy skin problems.
These meats are usually found in hypoallergenic diets for German Shepherds to reduce inflammatory skin and keep sensitive stomachs soothed.
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Effect Of Neutering/spaying On How Much Food Your German Shepherd Dog Eats
Neutered/spayed dogs tend to get fat twice as easily as intact dogs.
Studies have shown that neutering/spaying may increase your German Shepherd Dog`s appetite for more food. Also, your German Shepherd Dog`s physical activity decreases after neutering/spaying. These factors lead to weight gain.
Neutering may lead to more weight gain in male German Shepherd Dogs because neutered dogs roam less .
Therefore, the amount of food that you give to a neutered German Shepherd Dog should be reduced after you neuter your German Shepherd Dog to prevent weight gain.
Use our German Shepherd Dog food calculator to calculate how much food to feed a neutered/spayed German Shepherd Dog.