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. ...
How do you take care of a 3 week old German Shepherd?
German Shepherd Puppy Quick Care GuideMake your house puppy ready for your new dog. ... Communicate the essentials. ... Meet their daily needs. ... Feed for steady growth. ... Use play to bond. ... Set sleep routines. ... Teach potty training. ... Daily gentle exercise.More items...•
What can I feed 4 week old German Shepherd puppies?
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 puppy German Shepherd?
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.
Can we give milk to German Shepherd puppies?
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.
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.
How much raw food should I feed my German Shepherd puppy?
Generally, you don't need as much food when you're feeding your dog a raw food diet. You should feed them about 2.5-3% of their body weight in food, so an 80-pound dog would need about two pounds of food. Some say that you only need to feed your dog once a day when you're giving them raw food.
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.
Can I feed my German Shepherd raw meat?
German Shepherds can definitely eat raw meat. Although choosing it over high-quality kibble is a matter of your personal preference, raw feeding is not necessarily detrimental to your GSD's health. You just need to be aware of how to do it properly to ensure adequate nutrition and to avoid potential hazards.
Can German Shepherds eat raw chicken?
In general, German shepherds can eat raw chicken, and it might even provide certain benefits to their diet in some cases. This includes chicken bones, breasts, drumsticks, feet, necks, and wings.
What can I feed a three week old puppy?
Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, you might notice that your puppy is biting or chewing their bottle. This means they may be ready to begin eating soft or semi-solid food. You might need to mix formula with canned dog food occasionally when they first start eating.
What kind of milk can puppies drink?
Both normal milk and lactose-free milk, as well as other dairy products like cheese and ice cream, contain fat and should only be given occasionally in small amounts as treats. Pups can also safely consume small amounts of plant-based milk such as soy milk, coconut milk, and almond milk.
How do you take care of a puppy without a mother?
You can give your orphans complete nutrition by buying a commercial puppy milk replacer (such as Esbilac), which can be purchased through your veterinarian or a pet supply store. Commercial milk replacers have feeding directions on the label and should be given at the puppy's body temperature (about 100 degrees).
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.
How much water should a German shepherd puppy drink?
Generally, young puppies need about one-half cup of water every two hours. You'll want to monitor your puppy to make sure he's drinking enough . . . and not too much. Older puppies that have already been weaned generally need between one half ounce and one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
What should you feed a 6 week old German Shepherd?
Feed your six-week-old German Shepherd puppy anywhere from 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of dry kibble soaked with warm goat's milk 3 to 4 times daily. Your puppy's energy needs and the food you provide will dictate how often you feed them. But, you should offer them their meals at least 3 times daily at a minimum.
How often should you feed a German Shepherd puppy?
Feed 3 times per day from 8 to 12 weeks of age and twice per day thereafter. If you want to change the food, always choose a high quality puppy food labeled for large breeds. Mix the new food with the old food gradually at a rate of ¼ new for 2 days; ½ new for 2 days; ¾ new for 2 days until you are at 100% new food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why is my puppy not eating food?
You can make the food tastier if a puppy shows a loss of appetite. Bowel obstruction and stomach pain could be the reasons for this lack of appetite which can be due to the ingestion of toxic food etc.
Why does my German Shepherd have parasites in his water?
If there are insects in your dog’s water, it could cause your German Shepherd puppy to suffer from intestinal parasites.
How old can a German Shepherd puppy eat?
10-Week Old: At this point, you can feed other types of food to your German shepherd puppy besides their mother’s milk.
How long does it take for a German Shepherd to eat?
German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet.
What are the three aspects of a German Shepherd's feeding chart?
There are three aspects of this feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths.
How many calories should a German Shepherd eat a day?
An average weighted German shepherd (35 kilograms) will then need 1400 calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or inactive.
How much water should a German Shepherd drink?
So if your German shepherd weighs around 35 kilograms, he’ll need to drink an average of 60 ounces of water every day. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase.
Why is my dog hungry after eating?
This is because this can be a sign of a serous health issue involving their digestive system.
Do German Shepherds eat humans?
German shepherds are similar to humans in the sense that they need to eat consistently. And just like us, they, too, have a specific feeding amount and nutrient requirements. You can’t just make them eat whatever you lay your eyes on. However, as their owner, you can’t always rely on your keen observation.
What should I feed my German Shepherd?
What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. High-quality foods will have meat listed as the first ingredient, little to no “animal bi-products”, and low grain content.
When is a German Shepherd ready to eat?
Once your German Shepherd has ended his puppy stage and transitioned into adulthood, he’s ready to eat a balanced adult diet.
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.
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 stop my dog from gaining weight?
If your dog seems to be gaining weight, reduce the number of calories they consume. Start with reducing treats or any table scraps you may be feeding him.
Where is the feeding guide on dog food?
Most commercial dog foods will have some kind of feeding guide on the back of the package. These are just suggestions, however, so don’t be too strict on following these guides if your dog isn’t responding well.
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.
How Much Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat?
They should not be left to their own devices when it comes to food. Instead, feed your puppy 3 meals a day.
How Many Calories Does a German Shepherd Puppy Need?
The number of calories that your puppy needs depend on certain factors such as age, weight, and activity level. Active puppies need more calories to sustain their energy levels.
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.
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 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.
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 ...
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.
What is the best oil for puppies?
Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats.
Why do puppies eat smaller meals?
Feeding smaller meals throughout the day also supports your puppy’s blood sugar and energy level which helps them grow steadily and behave better in your home.
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 you change kibble for an 8 week old dog?
Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Don’t change kibble brands if you find one your dog eats, enjoys, and shows positive, healthy results.
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.
How many calories should a 3 month old puppy eat?
Meaning, a 3-month-old puppy weighing 30 pounds will need at least 2100 calories daily to cater to its growth and development.
What are the health problems of an overweight German Shepherd?
Whereas an overweight German Shepherd will be more prone to medical conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.
How many feedings should a 9-month-old have?
9 months to 12 months old: Transition to two daily feedings, once in the morning and the other in the evening, and about 12 hours apart.
Where does German Shepherd's fat come from?
Ideally, your German Shepherd’s protein must come from whole meat sources like beef, fish, poultry, and organ meats. In the same way, your German Shepherd’s fat must also come from healthy sources such as fish oil and vegetables.
Do German Shepherds eat less?
Aside from that, older German Shepherds tend to become less active and will need to eat less food.
Can a German Shepherd be bigger than indicated?
Note that these numbers are averages, and a German Shepherd can be smaller or larger than indicated while still being perfectly healthy.
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.”.
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.
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.
How to help a dog with slow growth?
Rather, work with your breeder and veterinarian to develop a set, fixed feeding schedule that supports slow, steady 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.
What to do when puppy eats soft food?
When your puppy starts eating soft food, you can begin to slowly reduce its dose of milk and then wean it. By this time, it will be fed wet food and special feed for puppies.
What to do if your puppy is weak?
The puppy is weak and unforced: The first thing to do in this instance is to figure out if you are actually feeding it the required volume of food it needs. Ensure the puppy gets the volume of food it needs or more in each intake.
Why does my puppy choke when breastfeeding?
Choking while breastfeeding: This is usually due to the puppy being in a bad position at the time it feeds. Watch out for such as it can be deadly. If you think this has happened, get the puppy to the vet as soon as possible!
What temperature should a puppy be?
The normal temperature of newborn puppies ranges from 20-22 degrees. Keep in mind that puppies can’t regulate their temperature, so make sure it is neither hot nor cold. Otherwise, it could be dangerous. If you live in a cold zone, then you may need to use a double electric blanket to protect it from gnawing. If you decide to use it, make sure to cover the heat bulb with a towel or blanket so that the heat will not be direct.
How to cover a puppy's basket?
If you already have the ideal environment for the puppies, then cover the basket with a blanket leaving some space for air to pass through, resembling a “burrow.
What to do if you are too busy to care for your puppy?
If you are too busy to provide your puppy with all the care it needs, then get someone to help you!
When do puppies need to be tagged?
When your puppy turns 6-8 weeks old , you will need to take it to the veterinarian to give it the first vaccines (correspond to the distender, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, leptospira) from that moment, the puppy can also be tagged with an identification chip, having the name, address and contact phone, this is very important in case it is lost!
When can German Shepherd puppies eat adult food?
Keep in mind, German shepherd puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult dog food… until they reach 12 to 24 months of age. 3. The dog foods below are listed in random order. Each was chosen because it meets specific selection criteria.
How much protein is in a Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy?
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
How to help a dog with hip disease?
There are 2 things you CAN do to help lower your dog’s risk of hip disease. First , don’t overfeed your puppy. Too many calories in the diet can be a contributing factor in canine hip disease. Next, choose dog foods that contain a safe amount of calcium for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.
Why are German Shepherds considered large breed dogs?
However…. German shepherd puppies have a higher risk of developing a crippling form of canine hip dysplasia … if they’re fed a dog food that contains too much calcium for their larger breed type. 1.
Can German Shepherds eat dog food?
That depends on the age of your dog. Adult German shepherds can eat just about ANY brand of quality dog food. But to help lower the risk of crippling hip disease, shepherd puppies should eat a diet that’s safe for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.
