
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart By Age
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 old | 2 – 3 cups | 3 |
9 months to 12 months old | 3 – 3 ½ cups | 3 |
Full Answer
What is the best diet for a German Shepherd puppy?
There are 5 key nutritional needs that a German Shepherd puppy has, including:
- A protein-rich diet.
- Plenty of calcium.
- Lots of fat.
- Phosphorous
- High calorie levels to help growth.
What food can a puppy German Shepherd eat?
What Human Foods Can German Shepherds Eat?
- Apple
- Banana
- Beef
- Berries
- Bread
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Carrot
- Cashews
- Cheese
What is the best dog food for a German Shepherd?
© Originally from France, the Basset Hound uses its long ears to sweep scent from the ground up to its... These are also dogs that are likely to be able to sniff out food, making it a challenge to keep them from stealing your lunch. These are the 10 breeds of dog with the best sense of smell, according to the American Kennel Club.
What is the best dog for German Shepherds?
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds January 2022
- Dr. ...
- Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Adult. ...
- Nom Nom Fresh. ...
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe. ...
- Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult. ...
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice. ...
- Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food. ...
- Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck. ...
- Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food. ...
- Iams ProActive Health Large Breed. ...

What should I feed my 4 week old German Shepherd puppy?
The Best German Shepherd Puppy Food for Healthy Growth and Weight GainRoyal Canin Large Breed Puppy Formula – Great for Picky Eaters! ... Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Formula – Perfect for Sensitive Stomachs! ... Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy- Terrific for Coat and Skin Health!
What should I feed my 1 month old German Shepherd?
Best Starter Dog Foods For German Shepherd Newborns (1-2 months old)1) Arden Grange With Chicken Weaning Puppy.2) Royal Canin Maxi Starter Food.3) Farmina N&D Low Grain Puppy Chicken and Pomegranate Starter.1) Royal Canin German Shepherd Junior.2) Arden Grange Puppy Junior Large Breed.3) Orijen Puppy Large.More items...
What should German Shepherd puppies eat?
Your German Shepherd puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being.
When can German Shepherd puppies eat solid food?
At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed.
Can we give milk to German Shepherd puppy?
German Shepherd puppies can not drink milk as it contains too much lactose. It has around 5% compared to 3% in their mother's milk. Even with this small difference, puppies will have a hard time digesting milk which can overwhelm their delicate digestive system, causing diarrhea and vomiting.
How much should a 4 week old puppy eat?
The average 4-week-old puppy needs around 1 ounce of formula for every 8 ounces of body weight per day, spread out over four feedings, according the Banfield Pet Hospital. Your vet can show you how to do this.
What should I not feed my German Shepherd puppy?
German Shepherds can not eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, garlic, onions, leeks, wild mushrooms, macadamia nuts, walnuts, alcohol, and salty foods. Other poisonous foods include xylitol, yeast dough, raw potatoes, hops, green tomatoes, moldy food, and high-fat foods.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat eggs?
Eggs are perfectly safe for your German Shepherd. While there are some safety concerns about feeding raw eggs to your dog, the fact remains that they are a practical option for people who prefer fresh or raw feeding. Always opt for reliably-sourced eggs and store them in a cool, dry place.
How do you potty train a German Shepherd puppy?
Here's how to make it easy for you and your GSD to succeed!Prevention is Key. Set your phone's alarm to remind you to take your puppy outside every 2 to 3 hours. ... Teach Them to Love Their Crate. ... Use Puppy Pads. ... Teach Them a Potty Routine. ... Know Your Puppy's Potty Dance. ... Add in a Cue. ... Prevent Accidents.
What human foods are good for German Shepherds?
German Shepherds can eat a range of human foods such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, peas, pumpkins, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter.
Can a 1 month old puppy eat rice?
As long as he's maintaining a healthy weight, adding some rice to your dog's meals is perfectly fine. When preparing rice for your pup, boil it in water and do not add any seasonings or spices.
How much wet food should I feed my German Shepherd puppy?
German Shepherd Feeding Amounts As a general guideline, here's how much you should feed your German Shepherd according to its age: 16 weeks old and below: ½ to 1 full cup of food per meal. 16 weeks to 9 months old: 1 cup to 1 ¾ cup of food per meal. 9 months to 12 months old: 2 cups to 2 ½ cups of food per meal.
What raw food can I feed my German Shepherd?
A raw dog food diet typically consists of:Meat protein.Bones either whole or ground.Organ meats (i.e., livers and kidneys)Raw eggs.Dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery. Blueberries or other fruit.Some dairy, such as yogurt.
What human food can German Shepherds eat?
German Shepherds can eat a range of human foods such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, peas, pumpkins, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter.
How old should a German Shepherd puppy be to eat?
1 month old German shepherd Puppy Feeding. From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy’s diet plan requires them to eat special wet food for puppies.
How many times a day should a German Shepherd eat?
Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day. German Shepherd puppy with her owner laying on the grass.
What is a potty essential for a German Shepherd puppy?
Puppy Potty Essentials. Puppy potty essentials are perfect for New owners who are 1st time dog owners. The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households and hence German shepherd Puppy feeding is also important. It was initially developed for herding and is now commonly used as a working dog or pet.
Why is it important to clean a German Shepherd puppy's water?
If there are insects in your dog’s water, it could cause your German Shepherd puppy to suffer from intestinal parasites.
What type of milk do puppies need?
For a newborn puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother’s milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy’s immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk.
How long do puppies nurse?
Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don’t give them a cow or goat milk. These feeds are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy’s mother’s milk.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A 4-WEEKS OLD GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY
German Shepherd puppies start to develop at a rapid rate around 5 weeks of age. Before that, they need a little extra care as they are quite vulnerable and prone to diseases or infections. Here is a step by step guide on how you can take care of a 4 week old GS puppy:
FEEDING A 4 WEEK OLD GERMAN SHEPHERD
Since a 4 week old german shepherd puppy has to grow from a small to a large animal, the owner should be extremely careful about their diet. A high-quality diet is recommended to ensure the proper growth of the canine.
WHAT DOES A 4-WEEK OLD GERMAN SHEPHERD LOOK LIKE?
At 4 weeks old, the German Shepherd baby looks much like an adult dog. Get ready to be on your toes as they are super active at this stage. Also, you will observe some cute changes in their appearance.
FINAL VERDICT
German Shepherd puppy goes through various stages during their life cycle. Just like that their traits and habits also change over time. As a dog owner, you should enjoy each phase and make sure you are equipped with knowledge in order to care efficiently for your fur baby.
How long does it take for a German Shepherd puppy to start eating new food?
Once your German Shepherd puppy is home—between 8 and 12 weeks —you may begin weaning them off of the breeder’s food and introducing their new food—if you’ve decided to switch, that is. Over the course of the next few weeks slowly introduce the puppy’s new food into her old food, adding more of the new food each day.
How long should a German Shepherd stay with its mother?
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Guide: Birth to 12 Weeks. All dogs should stay with their mother for no less than eight weeks, ideally up to ten weeks. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush.
How to make mush for a puppy?
This recipe assumes you have access to suitable dry puppy kibble, water, and/or puppy formula. Equal parts boiling water or hot puppy formula and dry puppy kibble. Place kibble in a glass bowl.
Which breed of dog age faster?
Large breed dogs, such as the German Shepherd, age faster than most smaller breed dogs. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds.
Can German Shepherds eat dry kibble?
Supplements for German Shepherds. The vast majority of commercially available dry kibble is complete and balanced for your dog, assuming it’s a high-quality food. That means there is almost never a reason to supplement your dog’s diet with additives, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
How old should a German Shepherd be before eating?
A German Shepherd should be fed a puppy diet until around 12 months of age, or as advised by your veterinarian based on their growth and development. Adult German Shepherds are somewhat prone to obesity, which can contribute to the skeletal disorders they are prone to.
What is a German Shepherd puppy?
The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. Many types of food can be provided.
What does BARF stand for in German Shepherds?
Feeding a German Shepherd Puppy Raw (BARF) BARF stands for ‘biologically appropriate raw foods’. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. There is some evidence that German Shepherds fed a raw (BARF) diet may have a reduced risk of hip dysplasia.
What happens if you change your puppy's food?
If you have had to change foods, the puppy may be temporarily put off by the unfamiliar food. If a puppy shows a loss of appetite you can make the food more tasty with dog-safe treats and seasonings. You might also consider swapping to a different food that they find more appealing.
Is kibble good for dogs?
There are many good quality kibble diets, but they aren’t always the best choice. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Can you add a diet base to a puppy's diet?
Also, diet “bases” can be purchased to add to homemade diets, This should help to provide all the important nutrients that your puppy needs.
Can a puppy go without food?
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.
What to feed a 12 week old German Shepherd puppy?
12 weeks old. Hard kibble on its own, small portions of cooked eggs, pieces of minced, plain Greek yogurt, a small spoonful of cooked, plain oats, goat’s milk if you and your dog like. Use this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart to determine what to feed your GSD.
How old is a GSD puppy when they eat milk?
Goat’s milk can be used throughout their lives, even as adults, to make their meals more enticing and encourage healthy eating habits. At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods.
How to tell if my puppy is hungry?
It’s 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.
When do German Shepherds reach full growth?
German Shepherds usually don’t reach their full growth until 18 months of age. It isn’t 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 ( UCLA – Davis ).
Can German Shepherds have hip dysplasia?
Rapid growth is one of the contributing factors known to increase this risk of hip dysplasia in German Shepherds ( GSDVC.org.au ). You must understand how much to feed your German Shepherd puppy to avoid any health issues. It’s crucial that you don’t encourage your dog to gain a lot of weight for rapid growth. You don’t want fast growth.
How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat?
On average, adult German Shepherds should eat at least 1,272 calories to 2,100 calories daily, depending on factors such as age and activity level. Older and less active German Shepherds tend to require around 1300 calories daily, while the active and energetic ones typically need at least 1700 calories a day.
What Affects How Much Your German Shepherd Should Eat?
As previously mentioned, your German Shepherd’s food intake depends on its activity level. The more active a German Shepherd the more calories and food it needs to eat to replace lost energy.
German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements
Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides.
Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd
Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog.
German Shepherd Feeding Guide
Now that we understand your German Shepherd’s caloric and nutritional needs let’s now look into the feeding process, particularly the specific feeding amounts, frequency, and mealtime length.
Feeding A German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies need more care and supervision than adults. So, let’s look further into how to feed them.
Feeding A Senior German Shepherd
Your German Shepherd’s diet will then again change as it turns into a senior. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion.
What is the best diet for a puppy?
The puppy diet is usually higher in fat (26 percent) and protein (15–18 percent) 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.”.
How many times a day should a puppy eat?
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.
Why is raw food bad for puppies?
Raw food can also be problematic because your puppy’s immune system is not yet fully developed. If you choose to start out feeding your puppy a raw food diet, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about the safest way to offer raw meals. (Freeze-dried commercial foods are a good choice here.)
How does neutering affect a puppy's appetite?
As well, your choice of when to neuter or spay your puppy can influence appetite and development. If you spend a lot of time playing with your new puppy, he may burn more calories than if your pup is more sedentary, and this can influence mealtime hunger and overall growth.
When to remove water from a GSD puppy?
While you are housebreaking your GSD puppy, it can be a good idea to remove access to water a few hours before you plan to put him to bed to avoid night time accidents.
When can you feed a dog twice a day?
Around the age of 9 to 12 months, you can transition to twice daily feedings in the morning and in the evening. From the age of 12 months forward, twice daily feedings is the norm unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.
Is it healthy to feed a GSD puppy?
Incorrect feeding early in life can result in a lifelong impact to your puppy’s health! In fact, diet is only one of three vital keys to raising a healthy GSD puppy. Environment and genetics each intersect with your puppy’s diet to determine how healthy he or she will be as an adult. For this reason, your first and best resources ...
How old should a German Shepherd be to eat adult food?
The best way to shift your German Shepherd from puppy food to adult dog food is to look at his age and size. When a German Shepherd is around 1 to 1.5 years old, he is generally considered an adult.
What to do if my German Shepherd is still hungry?
On the other hand, if you notice that your German Shepherd is still hungry after completing a meal, you should also pay a visit to your vet.
How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weigh?
6 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy Weight. A German Shepherd puppy that is 6 months old should weigh between 44 and 57 pounds, depending on the dog’s natural size. Some GS’s are going to be naturally larger than others, while others are smaller, so you should only use the weight as a marker.
How much water should a German Shepherd drink?
How Much Water Should A German Shepherd Puppy Drink. Your German Shepherd puppy needs to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3.5 kilograms of body weight. Therefore, if your puppy weighs approximately 35 kilograms, he needs to have about 60 ounces of water every day.
How to raise a German Shepherd puppy?
Through balanced nutrition and exercise, you should be able to raise your puppy to be a healthy and active life. You will need to make sure you are feeding your puppy the right type and amount of food to succeed. Whether you have a 4 week old, 6 week old, 8 week old, 10 week old, 12 week old or anything in between German Shepherd puppy, ...
How to wean a puppy at 6 weeks?
You can do this by gradually increasing the amount of food in your food to water formula that you made. Once the puppy will take the ¼ food to ¾ water, increase the food so it is 50/50 water to food.
What is a German Shepherd?
It comes as no surprise that they are one of the most popular breeds to own around the world. And it’s no surprise that many people are wondering how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. If you have recently adopted or are adopting ...
