What To Give German Shepherd Puppy To Eat

Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas

Heres a power-packed meal to provide antioxidants, probiotics, essential vitamins, and added minerals. The superfoods in the meal promote a long and hearty life for your fluffball. Diamond Naturals formula is specifically for large breed puppies. They need more nourishment to sustain their bone development.

GSDs tend to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. So, it is imperative to fortify their immune systems as well as ossein buildout. That will make sure that your pooch does not suffer from joint pains in their adult life.

Furthermore, the antioxidants in the blend prevent cancer. The probiotics in the mix keep the gut flora flourishing, and the omega fatty-acids keep the skin, coat, and vision healthy.Diamond tops it all up with a great price tag to give you the ultimate value for your money.

German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Guidelines

Here are some general German Shepherd puppy feeding guidelines that may be helpful to consider as you plan your puppys menu:

• Puppies typically need to eat more than adult dogs.
• The puppy diet is usually higher in fat and protein than the adult dog diet.
• A good puppy food will always meet these two criteria: it is formulated for large breed puppies AND it offers complete and balanced nutrition.
• Do not provide extra vitamins and minerals unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.
• Puppies generally eat at least three times per day, whereas adult dogs may eat twice or even just once per day.
• Puppies always need access to plenty of fresh water during and in between meals.
• A common age to switch GSD puppies from puppy food to adult dog food is 12 months.

German Shepherd Dog Feeding Guidelines

It is important that the owners of the German shepherd know the amount of food that their dog requires daily.;Feeding too much or too little can cause;health problems in your dog;.;If you provide a diet with excess fat to your puppy, it is more likely that you can develop hip dyslexia.

With a balanced diet one can ensure that the dog properly develops its internal systems and maintains its energy levels.

Your German Shepherd will grow rapidly during its first 12 months of life, so it is necessary to increase the amount of food in your diet as it grows.;Ensuring that the puppy of the dog receives the proper amount in its nutrition, and in the right proportions is essential for the development of a healthy adult German shepherd.

Up to 6 weeks

At 6 weeks of age, you should make sure that your puppy is receiving the same level of nutrition that they were receiving from breast milk.

Ideally at this early age, a puppy should be breastfeeding for its mother, because it is difficult to replace with food the necessary micro and macronutrients, along with the natural antibodies found in breast milk.

From 6 to 10 weeks

Between 8 and 10 weeks, you can start to wean them from your mother, and start increasing the amount of food for puppy dogs that you are giving them.

It is best to start with a diet of wet food, to help your body adapt to the transition.;Wet foods contain about 85% moisture, which prepares your digestive system for all the food that we will give you in the coming weeks.

Don’t Miss: Why Does My German Shepherd Look Skinny

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 .

Wet Food Vs Dry Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Feeding dry food has the advantage that it is convenient and usually more affordable than canned wet food. Kibble is also very good at removing plaque from your puppys teeth as he eats. Helping to prevent the formation of tartar and the onset of periodontal disease. Its also much easier to use as training treats.

However, dry food contains negligible water content. To avoid liver and kidney problems in your pup, always ensure that plenty of clean fresh water is available to him. Wet food contains around 80% water, which keeps your puppy hydrated.

Most canned foods are also packed with protein, which is essential for your German Shepherd puppys development. However, feeding canned food generally works out more expensive than feeding kibble, as youll need to feed more of it to meet your pups daily needs.

You May Like: Are German Shepherds Good Running Dogs

Does My Dog Need Vitamins

Yes. Vitamin supplements are essential for dogs eating homemade dog food. Canine bodies require an exact balance of vitamins and minerals to thrive. Our homemade dog food recipes and supplements were developed by animal scientists. When the recipes are combined with our vitamin mineral powder, the homemade dog food becomes nutritionally balanced – providing your dog’s body with the nourishment s/he craves.

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.

Recommended Reading: Are German Shepherds Easy To Train

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba uses fish oil in this large breed puppy food* in order to boost brain function, making your pup smarter and more trainable. Theres also plenty of fiber derived from prebiotics and natural beet pulp to promote easy absorption of nutrients and a healthy digestion.

The protein sources used to make this food are animal-based, promoting the development of strong muscles. Optimal levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are included for healthy skin and a radiant coat.

The Happy Cat Handbook – A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Senior

Senior dog food is a good formula to feed your German Shepherd when he begins to slow down. For some German Shepherds, they may remain highly active until they are 10 years old. Other German Shepherds may start to slow down around age 7. No matter what, transitioning to a senior formula with higher glucosamine and chondroitin levels will aid in joint health and hopefully ward off hip dysplasia.

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food does a great job of supplying aging dogs with the proper nutrient levels they need. Nutro Ultra Senior contains 26% crude protein for moderate energy levels, 11% crude fat to avoid weight gain, 4% fiber to aid in digestion, and only 314 kcal/cup. The formula includes a boost of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. The recipes main ingredients include chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran, lamb meal, and salmon meal. We recommend this food as a great source of protein and healthy fats for older German Shepherds.

Also Check: When Do German Shepherds Reach Maturity

Scientifically Formulated German Shepherd Puppy Food

Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy- Terrific for Coat and Skin Health!

Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats.

Feed a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company.

Dont buy boutique formulas, as these companies dont always quality check or feed test their formulas, and many have been found linked to causing deadly heart conditions in dogs .

The brands recommend here meet the World Small Animal Veterinary Association criteria and have no reported cases of DCM. Purina and Hills all have boarded Diplomates of ACVN on staff and Ph.D. Animal Scientists and Nutritionists work to ensure quality control and exceed nutritional standards. .

Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. Theyll eat eagerly and have a shiny coat and bright eyes with a scientifically based commercial diet that meets their needs.

How Many Calories Does A Puppy German Shepherd Need

German Shepherd puppies need the right balance of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous. Ideally, puppy formula will have a protein content of 18% to 22% and a fat content of 8% to 12%. The formula should also have a 1/1 calcium to phosphorous ratio. German Shepherd puppies should have 500 calories per day at an increasing level as they grow. Once the pup is a young adult, he should consume 1,500 to 1,700 calories per day.

Be wary of formulas with too high protein content. Puppies can be sensitive and may get an upset stomach or loose stool. Additionally, never supplement extra calcium into a large breed puppys diet. Too much calcium encourages hip dysplasia earlier in life.

Recommended Reading: What Is A German Shepherd Temperament

Which Food Is Best Recommended For German Shepherd Puppies

For these recommendations, we chose the food with the most natural and organic ingredients, the highest nutritional benefit, and the overall reputation of the company. Like we said earlier, puppies need high levels of protein, moderate fat levels, small amounts of fiber, and a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Calories For Gsd Puppy

Your new puppy will need to have their calorie needs met daily.

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.

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.

Don’t Miss: How To Put Weight On My German Shepherd

How Much To Feed A German Shepherd

There is no definite answer to how many cups of dog food should I feed my German shepherd? as it would depend on many factors. Nonetheless, here are some simple guidelines to help you get started.

• A 60-pound German shepherd should eat 3 cups of kibble per day.
• A 70-pound German shepherd should eat 3 1/2 cups of kibble per day.
• An 80-pound German shepherd should eat 3 3/4 cups of kibble per day.
• A 90-pound German shepherd should eat 4 1/4 cups of kibble per day.

Even though these numbers serve as a good starting point, you might still need to make an adjustment based on how active and how obese your dog is. Please also note that these are generic recommendations only; make sure to check the food bag for specific feeding instructions.

Best Homemade German Shepherd Dog Food Recipes

Weve compiled our favorite German Shepherd homemade dog food recipes to share with you.

Weve also added a;special treat recipe;for German Shepherds that is not only tasty but its packed with;impressive health benefits.;We kid you not, this recipe can do a lot for your GSDs health and wellness. It has our favorite secret ingredient,;dog CBD oil.

For even more German Shepherd food recipes and cooking options, cookbooks can come in handy to have an array of dog food recipes at your disposal. We love Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

Note: Please consult with your pets veterinarian & use personal judgment when applying this information to your dogs diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

CBD Dog Treat | Turkey Veggie Mix | Chicken Quinoa Mix | Chicken Casserole | Scoobys Organic Stew

Read Also: When Do German Shepherds Start Shedding

Foods Toxic To German Shepherds

Poisoning episodes in dogs are usually due to a lack of knowledge by the owner, as reported by Frontiers in Veterinary Science, so whilst we are learning what human foods German Shepherds can eat, we should also take a 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 serious illness or even the death of your dog, depending on the quantity of the food consumed and their level of toxicity.

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

• Alcohol

• Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives
• Potato
• Xylitol
• Walnuts

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.

How Much Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat

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.

Don’t Miss: When Does A German Shepherd Ears Stand Up

How To Bathe A German Shepherd Puppy

So you just got a German Shepherd puppy, congrats! The two of you are going to have a lot of fun together. We know your German Shepherd puppy is as cute as a button, buuuuuttt we also know they can sometimes smell like a skunk. Were sure by now youve heard horror stories of dog bathes turning into a major splash zone and thats why weve decided to show you the how to bathe a German Shepherd puppy!

Some dog owners skip the bath and just do a quick spray down with the hose outside, but this wont work for your German Shepherd puppy. Why not? Well, your puppy is still little, so giving them a pressure wash can hurt their skin or scare them all together. Once your dog gets bigger and can handle rougher things a little bit you can start giving them a spray down with the hose.

Canned Or Dry Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Most dogs will always opt for the sweet smell of wet, canned food, but that is not the best idea for German Shepherds. Canned food is typically higher in fat due to its wet consistency and it can cause dental issues for your dog as he gets older.

Dry food naturally removes any build-up and plaque from your dogs teeth, keeping them as healthy as possible.

Dry food is also better for digestion and is normally more protein-based with less fat.;Get your puppy off to the right start by keeping him lean and keeping his teeth healthy.

Don’t Miss: How To Train A 3 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy

How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat

Until the age of about 6 months, young puppies should have 3 to 4 small meals during the day. Dish these out into bowls at the start of the day, and use these rations as their training treats too. Reward them every time they do something youd like to see more of. Like laying calmly at your feet, or not jumping up your guests.

Using their daily kibble as training treats removes the potential for over feeding, and the issues that come along with it. Follow the manufacturers recommended feeding amount guidelines on the product packaging. But dont be afraid to adjust it if you think they are looking too skinny or are carrying a bit too much weight.

How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy: Our Guide

Wondering how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy? Weve got the answers!

From the day you bring them home, to the time they move onto adult food.

After all, the typical GSD puppy feeding guide can change almost daily as your puppy grows bigger and stronger!

Puppyhood may be all too short, but it is a critically important time for your new puppys adult health and well-being.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at the German Shepherd puppy food diet.

Giving you trustworthy German Shepherd puppy feeding guidelines to supplement instructions given by your puppys breeder and veterinarian.

You May Like: How To Gain Weight For German Shepherd