So, you’ve welcomed a fluffy German Shepherd puppy into your family! Congratulations! These intelligent and energetic dogs make wonderful companions. But, like any puppy, they have specific nutritional needs to ensure they grow into strong and healthy adults. Feeding your German Shepherd puppy the right food is crucial for their development. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what to feed your German Shepherd puppy.
Why a Proper Diet Matters for Your German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly. They need a diet rich in protein and fat to support their developing tissues, muscles, and bones. A balanced diet also ensures healthy brain, skin, and eye function.
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart: How Much to Feed
While there isn’t a “set amount” to feed a puppy based solely on age, the following chart provides a general guideline. Remember to adjust the amounts based on your puppy’s individual needs, activity level, and body condition. A more active puppy might need extra calories, while a less active one may need less.
| Puppy Age | Total Cups of Dry Kibble | Number of Meals Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks old | 1 – 1 ½ cups | 4 |
| 12 weeks old | 1 ½ – 2 cups | 4 |
| 6 months to 9 months | 2 – 3 cups | 3 |
| 9 months to 12 months | 3 – 3 ½ cups | 3 |
| 12 months and above | 3 ½ – 4 cups | 2 |
Important Considerations:
- Start with high-quality puppy food: Look for puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds. These formulas have a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to support healthy bone development.
- Divide daily amount into multiple meals: A 6 to 12-week-old German Shepherd puppy eats four times a day. A 12-week to 6-month-old puppy eats three times a day. A 6-month to 1-year-old puppy eats two times a day.
- Establish a regular feeding schedule: Offer your dog their food around the same time each day.
- Don’t leave food out all day: If they don’t eat their meal in 10 to 15 minutes remove their dish. Wait an hour and offer them the same meal to see if they’ve changed their mind about eating.
- Fresh Water: Always make sure your puppy has access to fresh water.
What to Look for in Puppy Food
When choosing a puppy food, pay close attention to the ingredient list. The first few ingredients should be high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, lamb, or fish.
- Protein: Essential to your pup’s developing tissue.
- Fats: Assist in healthy brain, skin, and eye function.
- Carbohydrates: Also essential for supporting your active pup.
Transitioning to Solid Food
Once your pup has adapted to eating solid foods, you should feed them ½ to 1 cup of food per meal.
Here’s how to introduce solid food to your German Shepherd puppy:
- Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day.
- Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture until they are happily eating dry foods.
How Much to Feed a German Shepherd Adult Dog
The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, age, and reproductive status. For most adult German Shepherds on a maintenance diet, calorie requirements range between 1,435 to 1,780 calories per day.
Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1,300 and 1,780 per day. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split between these two meals.
The Importance of Avoiding Overfeeding
German Shepherd puppies should not be overweight, as they grow quickly and don’t need the extra strain on their bodies as they grow. Don’t forget, your puppy needs a waistline!.
Consulting with Your Veterinarian
When you pick up your puppy from your breeder, you should be provided with some feeding notes and possibly recommendations. 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).
If in doubt, speak with your breeder or vet.
Dog Behavior vs. Dog Training
When your dog exhibits unacceptable behavior, you need to determine if it’s a dog behavior or dog training issue. Training is sit, stay, down, come – that kind of thing – not to be confused with dog behavior.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a proper diet sets the foundation for a long, happy, and healthy life. By following these guidelines and consulting with your veterinarian, you can ensure your furry friend gets the nutrition they need to thrive!