German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart
6 Week Old German Shepherd
- At this age, it is crucial to ensure your puppy is receiving the same nutrients as if they were being fed by their mother
- Ideally, a 6 week old puppy should still be feeding from their mother
- It is tricky to replace the micro and macro nutrients that a puppy receives from their mothers milk, as well as any antibodies
- They are growing very fast, so they need enough nutrients to sustain their growth
10 Weeks Old
- As puppies are weaned off, the amount of puppy food they require increases
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- To help their little bodies with the transition from mothers milk to puppy food, it is best to start with wet food
- Using wet food helps to prepare their digestive systems for whole food, which will be introduced to a puppys diet in time
- Again, they are growing very fast, so they need enough nutrients to sustain their growth
12 Weeks Old
- Around 12 weeks of age, the transition from wet to dry food begins
- Ensure the transition is in small steps, to avoid causing any upset to the puppy
- As a guide, start with a 10% dry food, 90% wet food mix and increase the dry food by 10-15% each week after that
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- Still growing!
3 Months Old
5 Months Old
- Additionally, around 4-5 months of age introduce some live animal products into their diet such as actual bone, raw eggs and liver
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- As a guide, feed them a total of 1-2 cups of dry food a day
1 Year Old
German Shepherd Feeding Guide: Adult Years
Once your German Shepherd has ended his puppy stage and transitioned into adulthood, hes ready to eat a balanced adult diet.
Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does.
Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences.
That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then.
Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. They can get by on once per day, but its always better to split daily caloric intake between smaller meals instead of feeding it all at once.
Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this.
If youre not home for twice-daily feedings, you can use an automatic feeder. These will dispense the proper amount of food at set times each day so your dog isnt left waiting for meals.
Throughout the years, Ive fed a number of different high-quality dog foods to my German Shepherds.
One of my consistent go-tos is Royal Canin Adult Breed German Shepherd dry dog food. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons.
In addition, this blend also uses optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to make a GSDs coat pop, so to speak. You really can see the difference.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal
Truly inspired by the natural diet of wolves, this recipe by Blue Buffalo Wilderness features grain-free ingredients and other protein-rich sources to balance the nutrition for large-breed dogs. Feed your German Shepherd dog a bowl filled with wholesome goodness and nourishment loaded with antioxidant-enriched ingredients for ultimate development and maintenance.
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Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes
Caloric Content: 3,641 kcal/kg
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There is also chondroitin and glucosamine, which assists with a German Shepherds mobility, as well as both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help with a shiny coat and healthy skin.
There has been some suggestion however that the kibble size is too small for some dogs, however this is not necessarily a negative for all dogs.
Additionally, this dry food is gluten free and does not contain any artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, as well as being poultry-free for any dogs that may have poultry allergies.
What To Feed My German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are big dogs, and they have a hearty appetite. Although dogs are not obligate carnivores by nature, they thrive on a protein-rich diet. Ideally, most of the protein you feed your GSD will come from animal and meat sources rather than plant sources. Feed a minimum of 22% protein, although we would aim for 25% protein at the very least.
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When Can I Stop Feeding Puppy Food
- Question / Answer. When can I stop feeding puppy food? In general, for small breeds, it is 10 to 12 months for larger breeds, it is 12 to 16 months and for giant breeds, like Great Danes , it is 24 months. Copyright ©2018 Fromm Family Foods LLC.
Feed your puppy four meals a day up until the age of four months, and then reduce its Feed to three meals a day until it is six months old, when you can change to two meals a day, and keep it on this regime for the rest of its life.
How Many Times A Day Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy
Newborn puppies should only consume their mothers milk up to the age of four weeks.
You can try puppy food around the fifth week, but puppies will still consume mothers milk, so it may be sufficient to try to feed him once a day just to make sure she is capable to digest it.
Six week old puppies will still want to consume their mothers milk, but this is the time to wean her off the mothers milk and introduce more puppy food. So, you may need to feed her yourself 3 to 4 times a day.
Its up to you to wean your puppy fully from the mothers milk at the end of the seventh week, even if she may still love to have it. Feed them 4 times a day during this time.
Once your puppy reaches the eighth week of its life, feed it three times daily until she becomes one-year-old.
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Between Six Months To One Year
The daily feeding sessions keep reducing as your puppy nears maturity, specifically because these older pups require fewer calories than younger pups. Any mistake in overfeeding can quickly escalate into a case of obesity or a future health complication.
Professionals recommend feeding your puppy two to three meals at this point. You can also start transitioning from puppy foods to adult foods.
As usual, vets prohibit the immediate shift the easiest and most beneficial way is to gradually reward your puppy small portions of adult food when they accomplish tasks during training. This way, your Shepherd slowly adjusts to the adult flavor.
You can fully introduce adult foods to your puppy at twelve months however, make sure to seek your vets counsel about the matter before graduating your puppy into the adult zone.
What Is The Best Type Of Food To Transition Your German Shepherd Puppy To
Puppy food for large breeds with a high protein level is best for German Shepherd puppies. Whenever possible, it is always a good idea to continue the same brand and essential formulation, but to switch to the adult version when appropriate.
You will not only avoid any issues with finicky behavior but will also help ensure that your puppy continues to meet its essential nutritional needs. The outcome of taking these steps will be better overall health for your dog.
Replace 1/4 of their current food with the new food for two days. Then, you will replace half the food for two days and three-quarters for two days, ultimately making the switch totally to the new food. This process should take two to four weeks.
This video helps put the process of switching your dog over to another food into perspective. This relatively simple step is an essential way of making sure that your dog is nourished.
Avoid adding supplements, because they may add too many nutrients that are already present in the food. Eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt make suitable additives for better digestion or flavor variety if you want to provide a treat.
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What Human Foods Can A German Shepherd Puppy Eat
Sometimes, your German Shepherd puppy deserves to be given a treat, and certain human foods are great options. There are proteins, veggies, fruits, carbs, and nuts eaten by humans that can you feed your puppy.
Proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and beef are great sources to help your puppy gain lean muscle and become strong.
Safe fruits for your puppy include blueberries, apples, strawberries, watermelon, coconut, bananas, and mangos. They are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Safe veggies for your German Shepherd puppy include green peas, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and cucumber. Safe nuts for your puppy are peanuts but they should be plain. Safe carbs for your puppy include rice and sweet potatoes because they are easily digestible.
My Puppy Is Still Hungry
If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods.
With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats.
Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal.
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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.
Instinct Original Recipe With Real Chicken
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
Caloric Content: 4,406 kcal/kg
Finally, the Instinct by Nature Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd in all life stages.
From its raw nutrition base to its balanced approach to a high protein food, this dry food is a positive addition to your dogs diet. Full of real chicken, vegetables, antioxidants, natural omegas and probiotics and without any grains, corn, potato, soy or wheat, there is great digestive support, as well as a healthy coast, skin and immune health.
The bag can be a little tricky to open though, so it can take a little getting used to, and some dogs may find they get gas after eating. Overall however, this food is a positive choice for German Shepherds.
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Food For German Shepherd Puppies: Faq
There is always the possibility that pet guardians have misconceptions about their canines diet. Do not fret, as those misgivings will be cleared here.
How many calories does a puppy German Shepherd need?
An intake of 500 calories per day is suitable for German Shepherd puppies. Yet, as the pup grows older, the number of meals is fewer, and the calorie intake increased to 1600 calories around fifteen months of age. Overfeeding your Shepherd can lead to obesity, while being underfed can affect its growth thats why you should always consult with your local vet about your pets nutritional intake.
How often should you feed my German Shepherd puppy?
Your sweet little fluff ball needs to be fed three to four times a day until four months of age. But, it is a good idea to practice restraint. Overfeeding German Shepherds can lead to indigestion and diarrhea.And dont forget to increase your puppys calorie intake as it grows older. Remember, your GSD loves to sweat it all off with much-needed physical exertion.
What types of food are good for German Shepherds?What diseases are German Shepherds prone to?
German Shepherds are susceptible to joint problems. Youll find that malnutrition in puppyhood can lead to elbow or hip dysplasia in adult dogs. Also, GSDs have specific allergies indicating weaker tummies, so keep that in mind when you pick out their dry food.
Are German Shepherds hypoallergenic?
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How To Make Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
We have many cookie recipes on the site, there werent any for our fur friends. Did you know that, yes you can make dog treats yourselves right at home. Im a dog person through and through. Ive had dogs for as long and I can remember and I cant imagine a time I wont have one.
On Thanksgiving we added another fur baby to the family. A 12 week old German Shepherd named Tilly. She joins her 5 year old brother a beagle-hound mix that is the laziest lovable dog on the planet. Unless you open the back door.
Hes been an only fur baby for the longest time so he wasnt thrilled at first sniff. Hes come around, as long as she keeps to her own food bowl I suspect theyll be best buds. Right now Ill settle for them being in the same room. Tilly the Shepherd.
If you follow me on social media youve seen those big ears, I mean that sweet face. Id say I was sorry for the over storying but Im not at all sorry about it. I know Im partial but shes cute. And if the amount of messages Ive received is any indication shes almost as popular as my dessert recipes lol.
Shes all ears and legs but have no fear shell definitely grow into them. Her Dad was the biggest German Shepherd Ive seen in my life. He had to have been pushing 100 pounds. Luckily I wanted a very big dog and cant wait to see her grow.
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What Should I Feed My 5 Month Old German Shepherd
5-Month Old: At this age, a German shepherd can finally eat live ingredient foods such as bones, eggs, and more. However, they will need time to adapt. 6-Month Old: Your dog is now able to take in more nutrients that they werent able to get from dog food. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed.
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:Adult shepherds and puppies
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!
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Orijen Puppy Large derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Ever since its founding, Champion Petfoods, the well-respected maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, biologically appropriate diet. This is a proven, balanced design which makes this particular recipe a top option for growing Shepherd puppies.
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain
Blue Buffalo Wilderness grain-free dry dog food is packed with protein from real chicken, which will give your German Shepherd the food they need to build and maintain lean muscle mass. The food is grain-free but contains a healthy balance of carbohydrates in the form of peas, potatoes, and carrots to give your dog a boost in energy. It is also free from poultry by-products, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. The recipe contains essential fatty acids omega-3 and -6 for a healthy coat and skin and is formulated with LifeSource Bits, a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your Shepherds immune system.
This food is comparatively expensive, and it will cost a fair amount to keep your dog on it for long periods. Some customers report that their dogs did not enjoy the food, likely due to the pungent fish smell. The proportions of LifeSource Bits are large, and there seems to be too much added compared to actual food.
- Your dog may not enjoy it
- LifeSource Bits are out of proportion