What Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat

Why Is My German Shepherd Always Hungry

German Shepherds tend to have a healthy appetite so it can feel like they eat a lot. If you ensure that the food you give is properly measured and that you have chosen food that is suitable for large breeds, then the following are reasons that your GSD could be showing signs of being hungry all the time.

• Lots of Exercise The more exercise your dog gets, the more energy they burn off, and the greater their requirement for food to replenish this energy source. One hour of moderate exercise per day is considered a minimum for this breed. Any more than this and your German Shepherd may require more food.
• Anxiety and Stress Anxiety and stress not only cause a lack of appetite but may lead to stress eating. Find out what is causing anxiety in your dog, and remove these stressors.
• Illness Diabetes, Cushings disease, malabsorption syndrome, and SIBO are some of the illnesses that can cause your dog to want to eat more. Look for other symptoms of illness and consult with your vet if your dog is showing any signs.
• Bad Habits Dogs are creatures of habit, and this means that they will benefit from having set meal times and routines. Try to feed your dog at the same time every day. If you feed a meal early, they may still expect food at their usual allotted time.

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How Often Should I Feed My German Shepherd

German Shepherds have different nutritional requirements at different stages of their lives. Although most food brands recommend feeding frequencies based on their meal formulation, heres the average number of times you should feed your pet daily.

If your puppies are between six to 12 weeks old, you should feed them four meals daily. Puppies between the age of 12 to 24 weeks should eat at least three meals a day.

When your German Shepherds are six months old, you can reduce their meals to twice a day. Also, you can further reduce their meal to once a day when they are one year old.

Taste Of The Wild Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe

The Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe by Taste of the Wild is best for active dogs because it has some of the highest protein and calorie content amongst premium dry dog food brands.

Although its top protein sources are buffalo, pork, and chicken, this variant also contains roasted venison and bison, which imparts a unique flavor that German Shepherds love.

For fiber and carbohydrates, this dry dog food uses ancient grains. That includes quinoa, millet, sorghum, and chia seeds. For that reason, it is highly digestible and is naturally high in omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Additionally, it is rich in probiotics that support your GSDs gut and boost their immune system.

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Best Dry Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Dry dog 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 German Shepherd 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 on their current weight.

Always check dry food to see what the first ingredient is. This will always be a source of whole protein in high-quality kibble.

The Ins And Outs Of Dog Food

Regardless of the breed youre buying for, finding the best dog food is personal. There’s some science that can guide you, but there are also a lot of ongoing debates in the pet food industry from which type of dog food is best to whether grain-free is better than whole-grain food. We’ll give you the facts so you can find the right food for your German shepherd.

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Reasons Why Old Dog Not Eating And Sleeping A Lot

It is natural for a dog to lose speed and strength as it ages. However, when an older dog starts eating and sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of a health problem. If your older dog is sleeping and eating more than usual, its important to know why.

Here are 5 solid reasons why your older dog may be sleeping and eating more than usual.

German Shepherds Poor Diets And Obesity

While the topic of obesity is ever-present in the lives of people, it is also an important consideration to take into account when it comes to your GSDs diet.

Obesity is defined by an excess in body fat for both humans and dogs. And the condition also poses similar health risks to both.

These risks are well documented in a number of studies conducted on the association between the life-span and body condition of dogs. That includes this study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine.

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Walnuts And Macadamia Nuts

All nuts contain high levels of fats, which can lead to German Shepherd stomach problems and even pancreatitis. Small amounts of some nuts may be tolerated by your dog, but walnuts and macadamia nuts must be avoided. These nuts contain certain toxins that can cause seizures and other neurological problems.

How To Change The Diet Of A German Shepherd After 6 Months

The food intake should be reduced to twice a day once your German Shepherd is 6 months old. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly.

After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. This should be done to strengthen the puppys teeth and gums.

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Look For A Large Breed Dog Food With Glucosamine

Glucosamine, which is often founnd in meat and poultry sources, is a building block of cartilage, and healthy cartilage helps protect your dogs bones and joints from wear and tear.

Source: Purina.com

Large breed dogs are more prone to joint problems. Some owners report their GSD already show symtoms as early as 1-1.5 year old. Start feeding your German Shepherd puppy with dog food that includes glucosamine can help support his joints and mobility in the long run.

Is Fish Good For German Shepherds

Fish-eating can be a good way to add variety to your German shepherds diet. Fish is a lean source of protein and it is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Raw fish on the other hand can contain bacteria. It is important to cook fish thoroughly before feeding it to your pup to avoid any foodborne illness.

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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Allergies

If your German Shepherd has allergies, it’s important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison.

These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies.

Foods Toxic To German Shepherds

Poisoning episodes in dogs are usually due to a lack of knowledge by the owner. So, while we learn what human foods German Shepherds can eat, we should also look at what foods they cant eat.

Below you will find a list of the human foods your German Shepherd cant eat due to their toxicity. Some of the poisonings could result in severe illness or even the death of your dog. It depends on the quantity of the food consumed and the level of toxicity.

You can find out loads more about these poisonous foods in my top article here.

• Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives

The above list covers the main foods that you German Shepherd cant eat. However, if you are unsure about anything your dog has accidentally consumed, the Pet Poison Helpline not only lists foods but also includes plants, medicines, and household items.

Alternatively, if you suspect your dog has consumed something toxic, consult your veterinarian immediately, as timing can mean life or death in serious cases of dog poisoning. The sooner its treated, the better chance your dog has of a full recovery.

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Feeding Treats To A German Shepherd

You can include small portions of fresh components to your puppys dry kibble for taste and flavor. But dont add more than a spoonful or two so your dog doesnt eat only the fresh ingredients and ignore the healthy kibble!

These components shouldnt make up over 10% of their daily calories to avoid them gaining excess weight.

GSD puppies enjoy eating:

Taste Of The Wild Southwest Canyon

Rating:

Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Its nice to find a recipe containing natural source preservatives which means Southwest Canyon contains no BHA, BHT or other toxic additives. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. Easily recommended.

Sample buyer reviewMy dog loves this food! He eats it enthusiastically and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals!

For More Choices: Visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page

Orijen Puppy Large derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 31% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.

Highly recommended.

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German Shepherd Feeding Guide: What And How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat

As German Shepherd owners, we strive to provide our dogs with the best care. And so we consider a lot of their needs, such as exercise, mental stimulation, and even social needs. But probably the most important one we have to address is their nutrition. But just what and how much should we feed a German Shepherd for it to be healthy?

Well, lets find out as we look further into a German Shepherds nutrition. In this article well discuss how much a German Shepherd should eat, its nutritional requirements, and Ill also provide a German Shepherd feeding guide to try and make the whole feeding process easier for you.

German Shepherd Puppy Calories By Age

Many puppies need additional calories right before a growth spurt, then eat slightly less after the growth spurt. Its difficult to tell when the growth spurt begins, but you might notice that your puppy always seems hungry.

On average your German Shepherd puppy under 4 months old needs about 80 90 calories per pound of their body weight. This figure is adjustable given how active your dog is during their day and as they grow scientifically, this number is called their resting energy requirements, or RER. The RER is a mathematical formula to calculate the minimum requirements for a German Shepherd puppys growth.

But, its not set in stone!

So, dont get stuck on the numbers exactly. Instead, use them as a guide.

More importantly?

Watch your puppys body condition and waist line. German Shepherd puppies should have an hourglass figure when seen from overhead. They arent bulky or heavily muscular as young puppies.

And bulking up a puppy is not healthy for their joints. Instead, you want them to steadily increase their growth.

If you think your puppy is trying to eat everything, including his food bowl, then offer a small bit more food. If he seems slightly chubby or fat, then decrease the food by a small bit.

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The Modern German Shepherd

When you think of a German Shepherd, a canine with a wolf-like appearance comes to mind. Most people find German shepherds to be an intimidating breed, fierce in looks and personality. In truth, there are many different types of German Shepherds and make for very faithful companions that love to lead. They are a very zealous and energetic breed. Your German shepherd pup will play, bounce, run and fetch all day long if you will allow it.

Its a breed of dogs that starts with being a little over one pound. But, by the first year, they can gain weight up to 60 pounds. They are not a breed prone to obesity, either. They are a very active breed of dogs. Besides, GSDs have such a superior aptitude for training and are so intelligent that you will find them performing many different jobs.

German Shepherds make superb search and rescue dogs. Youll find them providing disability help as well as working with the police and in military roles.

German Shepherd Stomach Problems

Theres nothing quite as upsetting to you as a German Shepherd with an upset stomach. German Shepherds are prone to stomach and digestive tract sensitivity, and they can suffer from diarrhea and other stomach discomforts.

It is important to keep a watchful eye on both input AND output and note changes in both, making sure you communicate these to your vet if anything is abnormal.

Have a conversation with your vet about the best supplements and dog food options for your dog that will promote optimal health and wellness. In cases of severe sensitivity, you may even want to have your GSD tested for food sensitivities and food allergies so that you can begin to eliminate things that are not healthy from his diet.

Allie has a sensitive stomach. Her stomach issues were much worse when she was younger, and I spent a lot of time finding the right food that agreed with her stomach.

When her stomach was really upset, her vet suggested incorporating chicken breast and white rice into her diet to help it settle. I think she liked the chicken and rice better than her normal dog food:)

Finding a dog food that incorporates the nutritional requirements for a healthy GSD, includes some of your German Shepherds favorite foods and agrees with their sensitive stomachs will keep them healthy and happy for years to come.

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A Complete List Of What German Shepherds Eat

Now, its time for us to give you a more thorough list of what German shepherds eat. Well present many different foods that you can safely feed your dog.

Some of the foods that German shepherds eat include:

Its important to remember that even though a German shepherd can eat these foods, none of them should make up their entire diet. Some of them should only be given sparingly, like cooked pasta.

Moreover, you must make sure to consider how to prepare each of these foods so that they can be safely served to your dog. For example, you should always cook fish and pork before serving it to your dog, and raw meat should be given sparingly and not as an everyday meal to ensure the dog gets a well-balanced meal.

Lastly, while these are all foods you can feed your German shepherd, other foods are available. This list is a good start for people seeking to provide their pets with a wider variety of meals.

Typical Feeding Requirements For German Shepherds

German Shepherd puppies need more food than an adult German Shepherd. This is because they have boundless energy, and they need plenty of good calories to keep them healthy, happy, and to keep that energy up.

When a puppy is weaned, its good to start it with wet food, at around 8-10 weeks old. Puppies also need to eat about three to four for smaller meals a day for about six months, and then that can be reduced to one to two meals a day.

At about 12 weeks old, if you decide you want to feed your German Shepherd dry food, you can start transitioning. Start with about 10% dry mixed in with the wet, and then increase that by about 10% each week.

Ensure that you are feeding your puppy food that is specifically made for puppies, as those provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients for them to grow up healthy and strong.

At about four months old, a German Shepherd puppy can be introduced to live animal products, such as bones, pieces of liver, and eggs. Remember to not give them too much, though, because that can mess up their digestion and health.

Puppy food is a lot different than adult food because manufacturers put more emphasis on the different nutrients puppies need while theyre developing their internal, muscular, and skeletal systems.

-Shepped

An older dog will also be better able to digest other foods, so those can be introduced more often. Remember, German Shepherds require a large amount of protein, and a fair amount of fat as well.

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