Bringing a German Shepherd puppy into your life is an exciting journey. These intelligent and energetic dogs require proper care and nutrition, especially during their rapid growth phase. A crucial aspect of their well-being is knowing how much to feed them. This guide provides comprehensive information on feeding your 7-month-old German Shepherd to ensure they grow into a healthy and happy adult.
Why Proper Feeding is Crucial for German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds grow rapidly, and their nutritional needs are quite specific. A balanced diet supports healthy muscle and bone development, provides energy for their active lifestyle, and prevents potential health issues.
- Muscle and Bone Development: During the first year, German Shepherd puppies need a steady supply of 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.
- Energy Levels: German Shepherd puppies are highly active and need between 80 and 90 calories per pound to fuel their growth.
- Preventing Health Issues: Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth, which puts extra strain on their bodies and increases the risk of developing conditions like hip dysplasia.
What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies need food that is high in protein and fats. Protein is essential for developing tissue, while fats assist in healthy brain, skin, and eye function. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup.
Key Nutrients
- Protein: Essential for muscle development.
- Fats: Assist in healthy brain, skin, and eye function.
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for active puppies.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Recommended for cognitive development and better coats.
Types of Food
- Dry Kibble: Specially formulated dog food for German Shepherds is a convenient and balanced option.
- Puppy Milk: Mixing dry food with puppy milk can create a soft mixture that is easier for young puppies to eat.
Feeding Schedule for a 7-Month-Old German Shepherd
At six months, you can gradually increase the portions while decreasing the frequency of meals. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
General Guidelines
- Portion Size: About 2.75 to 3 cups of dry kibble, spread over two to three meals per day for a 50-pound dog. This can go up to 5.25 cups per day for dogs weighing 90 pounds.
- Frequency: Twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
It’s important to note that there is no ‘set amount’ to feed a puppy for their age. This is determined by their body weight and whether they need more or less food. Every puppy will be different.
Adjusting the Diet Plan
Diet plans are relatively simple if you stick to specially formulated dog food for German Shepherds. It’s just a matter of sticking to meal times and controlling portions. Take note that creating a customized diet plan for your German Shepherd is crucial to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Below are basic diet plans you can adjust based on your GSD’s age, weight, and activity level:
- Weight and Body Condition: Monitor your puppy’s weight and body condition regularly. You should be able to feel their ribs without a thick layer of fat. A healthy puppy needs a waistline.
- Activity Level: Adjust the amount of food based on your puppy’s activity level. More active puppies may need slightly larger portions.
- Individual Needs: If in doubt, speak with your breeder or vet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when feeding a German Shepherd puppy. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Overfeeding: Especially with treats.
- Feeding Processed Meats: For protein.
- Unbalanced Homemade Food: Only feeding unbalanced homemade food.
- Ignoring Dog Food Labels: Not reading dog food labels.
- Ignoring Water Intake: Ignoring necessary water intake.
The Importance of Hydration
GSDs require about an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day to stay healthy. Always make sure your puppy has access to fresh water.
Treats and Dangerous Foods
For treats and snacks, opt for nutritious and high-protein, highly digestible options. Treats should never be more than 10% their daily total caloric intake to prevent weight gain.
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
- Black walnuts
As much as possible, avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human food, which can cause digestive issues and nutritional imbalances. Stick to high-quality dog food instead.
Switching Foods
When you pick up your puppy from your breeder, you should be provided with some feeding notes and possibly recommendations. These should include not changing the food your breeder has fed your puppy. It is a good idea to continue feeding the same brand of food and use the same feeding schedule (usually 3 times per day initially) the puppy was on before you brought your puppy home. Keep your puppy on the same food for a period of time until he adjusts to his new home, then switch slowly to another food if you prefer (mix 1:3, then 2:2, then 3:1 etc of new food to old).
Conclusion
Feeding your 7-month-old German Shepherd the right amount of high-quality food is essential for their growth and overall health. By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure your puppy gets the nutrients they need to thrive. Always monitor their weight and body condition, adjust their diet as needed, and consult with your vet or breeder if you have any concerns. With proper care and nutrition, your German Shepherd puppy will grow into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion.