German Shepherds are majestic, intelligent dogs, and ensuring they receive the right nutrition is crucial for their health and happiness. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how much to feed your German Shepherd at every stage of life.
Understanding Your German Shepherd’s Nutritional Needs
Before diving into specific amounts, it’s important to understand what factors influence your German Shepherd’s dietary needs.
- Age: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional requirements.
- Weight: The amount of food should be adjusted based on your dog’s weight.
- Activity Level: Active dogs need more calories than less active ones.
- Health Conditions: Certain health issues may require dietary adjustments.
- Reproductive Status: Pregnant or lactating females have increased caloric needs.
High-Quality Food is Key
Choosing the right food is just as important as the amount you feed. Look for dog food that lists high-quality animal-based protein sources like beef, chicken, or fish among its top ingredients.
How Much to Feed a German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly, especially between 2 to 6 months, and require a steady supply of protein and fat for healthy muscle and bone development.
- Calorie Requirements: German Shepherd puppies generally need between 80 and 90 calories per pound of body weight each day. Some suggest they might need anywhere from 500 to 900 calories a day, depending on their age and size.
- Protein and Fat: The recommended amount is about 22% to 26% high-quality protein and around 8% to 15% fat on a dry-matter basis.
- Feeding Schedule: German Shepherd puppies should be fed four meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old.
Feeding Chart for German Shepherd Puppies:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 Months | 4 meals a day |
| 3-10 Months | 3 meals a day |
Example: A 10-pound German Shepherd puppy needs approximately 350-400 calories per day.
Important Considerations for Puppies
- Large Breed Puppy Food: Feed your German Shepherd puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds to control proper bone growth.
- Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 supplements are recommended for cognitive development and better coats. For pups with sensitive stomachs, digestive enzymes and probiotic supplements can help.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to obesity.
- Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size, typically around 10-12 months old.
How Much to Feed an Adult German Shepherd
Adult German Shepherds need a balanced diet to maintain their weight and energy levels.
- Calorie Requirements: Most adult German Shepherds on a maintenance diet need between 1,435 to 1,780 calories per day. Depending on their weight and activity level, adult German Shepherds might have caloric needs ranging from 1,700 to 2,400 calories per day. An average German Shepherd that weighs 66 pounds would need 1200 calories per day.
- Feeding Schedule: Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day.
- Protein: Active or working GSDs will also need to eat more protein. The recommended amount for highly active dogs is at least 26% protein.
Feeding Chart for Adult German Shepherds (Based on Weight):
| Weight Range (lbs) | Feeding Amount Per Day (cups) |
|---|---|
| 36-50 | 2.33 – 3 |
| 51-75 | 3 – 3.75 |
Example: If you have a dry food that contains 400 Kcal/cup, the recommended amount of food is three cups per day, divided into two meals.
Special Considerations for Working German Shepherds
Working German Shepherds need to consume more calories per day. Compared to inactive GSDs, who are recommended 1,272 to 1,540 calories per day, working dogs like those in K9 units will need 1,740 to 2,100 daily. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are highly recommended to protect their joint cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Maintaining an Ideal Weight
- Balanced Diet: Choose a dog food formulated with all the necessary nutrients for your dog’s optimal health.
- Controlled Portions: Limit freely giving dog treats, or choose treats that are carefully formulated and portioned. Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily food intake.
- Regular Exercise: Regular and consistent exercise is key to maintaining an ideal weight.
- Health Check-ups: Regular vet visits can monitor weight gain and provide personalized nutritional advice.
How Much to Feed a Senior German Shepherd
As dogs get older, their nutritional requirements change again.
- Lower Activity Levels: Senior dogs are less active.
- Joint Problems: German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis.
- Senior Diet: Consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. Senior foods contain the right balance of calories, protein, and calcium to support your dog’s body.
Raw Food Diet for German Shepherds
A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal, and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a German Shepherd. A raw diet contains, on average, 70% moisture/ water, which helps to keep your German Shepherd properly hydrated.
Dangerous Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are potentially harmful to German Shepherds and dogs in general. These include:
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol
- Macadamia nuts, horse chestnuts, and black walnuts
As much as possible, avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human food, which can cause digestive issues and nutritional imbalances.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your German Shepherd the right amount of food is essential for their overall health and well-being. By understanding their nutritional needs at each stage of life and choosing high-quality food, you can help your dog thrive. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual dog.