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what to feed my pregnant german shepherd

by Jakayla Farrell Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The search for the best dog food for pregnant German Shepherd Dog has made lots of breeders switch to puppy food. We advise you to stick with your regular adult food. Switch to 2-3 meals per day. You can add cottage cheese, egg, or yogurt , and fresh meat.

Just like the third trimester of pregnancy, feeding during lactation is best accomplished using a highly digestible, high quality puppy food. Free-choice feeding during the first 3-4 weeks of lactation, unless she only has one or two puppies, provides many advantages.

Full Answer

What kind of food should a German Shepherd be eating?

“Human Food” You Can Freely Feed To Your German Shepherd

  1. Fruits and berries. Here is a safe list of fruits that your German Shepherd may show an interest in eating. ...
  2. Vegetables. German Shepherds also enjoy a few fresh vegetables at times. ...
  3. Nuts. Several nut varieties are entirely safe to feed to your German Shepherd. ...
  4. Grains. ...
  5. Dairy. ...
  6. Fish. ...
  7. Poultry. ...
  8. Animal protein. ...

What is the best diet for a German Shepherd?

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.

How much should I Feed my German Shepherd?

How Much to Feed an Adult German Shepherd. Feed your adult GSD between 2.5 and 3.5 cups of dry kibble per day. Active male dogs should be eating at the upper end of this scale, so should be getting 3.5 cups. Inactive and older dogs, who need less food, should be eating 2.5 cups. Image Credit: Sidorov ruslan, Shutterstock German Shepherd Feeding Guide for Seniors

What are the nutritional needs of a German Shepherd?

What nutrients do German Shepherd Puppies need?

  • The main nutritional requirement for German Shepherd puppies is protein. They require a minimum of 22% of the protein in their prepared diet.
  • The second vital nutrient for your German Shepherd dogs is fats.
  • The recommended healthy fats nutritional content for growing German Shepherd puppies is 8%.

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What food is good for a pregnant German shepherd?

Feeding BasicsFeeding an all life stage puppy food such as Purina® Puppy Chow® brand puppy food is best.The food should have 1600 kcal digestible energy per pound of food and at least 22 percent protein.Unless the pregnant or nursing dog has a tendency to put on too much weight, give her all the food she wants.More items...

What is the best dog food to feed a pregnant dog?

A Quick Look at the Best Dog Foods for Pregnant DogsDog Food RecipesOur RatingBest OverallVICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food4.8Best ValueInstinct Be Natural Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food4.2Best Premium ChoiceNutrisource Performance Dry Food For Dogs4.41 more row

What should you not feed a pregnant dog?

Are there any foods which should be avoided during pregnancy? Raw diets are not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs. A high quality maintenance dog food is usually sufficient for most dogs and you should avoid feeding your dog additional vitamins or supplements unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Is there a special food for pregnant dogs?

Our overall pick for the best dog food for pregnant dogs is Ollie's Fresh Beef Dog Food because it has high levels of quality protein that your pregnant dog needs. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that your dog needs to support her during her pregnancy.

Are eggs good for a pregnant dog?

Eggs are good for dogs as they provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Essentially the entire egg, including the eggshell, can be nutritious for dogs.

Is chicken good for pregnant dog?

Try to feed your dog high-quality protein during pregnancy and nursing. Best source of protein for dogs is meat, so focus on chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish (as long as she's not allergic to any of these ingredients). Eggs and dairy products are also good secondary sources of quality protein.

Do pregnant dogs need milk?

It should have at least 29 percent protein, 17 percent fat, high amounts of soluble carbohydrates, and low fiber content. It should also include calcium and phosphorous for proper bone formation in the puppies and adequate milk for nursing. DHA is also important for your developing puppies' nervous system.

Should I give my pregnant dog milk?

No, I would not recommend giving Baby Girl any milk. Many dogs are lactose intolerant and can develop vomiting and diarrhea from consuming dairy products. Instead, feed her puppy food (extra calories for her growing pups!) and plenty of fresh water.

Do and don'ts for pregnant dog?

As with all pregnant mothers, a pregnancy in dogs means calm, non-strenuous exercise. Regular short walks and light play time as well as attention are all good exercises for pregnant dogs. Do not over-stimulate the pregnant dog, but also don't let her become lethargic.

What do pregnant dogs need?

Whelping Supply Checklist:Lots of newspaper to line the whelping box during delivery for easy cleanup and garbage bags.Non-skid bath mats for bedding after whelping is done.Dry, clean towels to clean the puppies.Paper towels to help with clean up.Thermometer to check your dog's temperature before whelping.More items...

Is banana good for pregnant dogs?

Absolutely! Bananas are a brilliant choice for a healthy, fat-free, low-calorie treat. They're low in cholesterol and packed with nutrients to support your dog's overall health.

Are carrots good for pregnant dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. In fact, not only is this vegetable safe, but it also can serve as a healthy, low-calorie snack for your pup.

What foods are good during pregnancy?

Here are 13 super nutritious foods to eat when you're pregnant to help make sure you're hitting those nutrient goals.Dairy products. ... Legumes. ... Sweet potatoes. ... Salmon. ... Eggs. ... Broccoli and dark, leafy greens. ... Lean meat and proteins. ... Berries.More items...

When should I start feeding my pregnant dog more food?

The bitch's food intake should be gradually increased by a total of 15 to 25 percent by the time of whelping to ensure adequate gain of body weight and increase of nutritional reserves.

What do pregnant dogs need?

Whelping Supply Checklist:Lots of newspaper to line the whelping box during delivery for easy cleanup and garbage bags.Non-skid bath mats for bedding after whelping is done.Dry, clean towels to clean the puppies.Paper towels to help with clean up.Thermometer to check your dog's temperature before whelping.More items...

When should I start feeding my pregnant dog puppy food?

week 6Feeding your dog a puppy formula from week 6 of her pregnancy will help her to stay strong, and also passes nutrients to her puppies through her milk. Your dog should be introduced to her new food in stages, to allow her tummy time to adjust.

How To Tell If Your German Shepherd Is Pregnant

To verify if your German Shepherd is indeed pregnant you should first check if it is of age. From then you then check for the common signs of dog pregnancy.

How Long Are German Shepherds Pregnant?

After you’ve confirmed your German Shepherd’s pregnancy, you then ought to know how long the whole process takes. Well, the standard duration usually lasts for 63 days, but it can fall from anywhere between the 58 th and 68 th day. Note that the actual date may vary depending on the size of the dog and the number of puppies. Thus, the 10-day range.

Taking Care Of A Pregnant German Shepherd (Summary)

Just to summarize some of the points presented on the timeline, here’s how to take care of your pregnant dog:

Other FAQs About German Shepherd Pregnancy

German Shepherds typically have eight puppies on average, but they can also have up to fifteen puppies, depending on the mother’s health. A healthy German Shepherd will be more likely to have a large litter.

Final Thoughts

That wraps it up for this article on German Shepherd pregnancy. I hope I was able to provide the necessary information you need to get ready for the whole process.

How Long Are German Shepherds Pregnant For?

Even though different dogs are all the same species, they do not all have the same gestational period. Typically, German Shepherds are pregnant for about 63 days on average.

German Shepherd Pregnancy Stages

The first week of pregnancy likely will happen without you even knowing it. Even if you know when your dog conceived the puppies, you will not necessarily know whether it took at this point.

German Shepherd Pregnancy Signs

Another big indicator of pregnancy has to do with changes in your dog’s appetite.

When Can German Shepherds Get Pregnant?

There are four stages to a dog’s heat cycle. The first stage is known as the Proestrus stage, which will last about 9 days. This is the beginning of the heat and your dog will not willingly mate with a male.

How To Confirm That Your German Shepherd Is Pregnant

The quickest and most effective way of confirming your German Shepherd’s pregnancy is to have your vet perform an ultrasound on her.

German Shepherd Stages Of Labour

Stage 1 starts the day before delivery. Your dog will refuse to eat or drink and become restless at this stage.

Caring For A Pregnant German Shepherd

If your German Shepherd is pregnant, it is essential that you give her as much care as you possibly can. Pregnant dogs always have different nutritional needs than dogs do when they are not pregnant.

Why is it important to feed pregnant dogs?

Food for pregnant or nursing dogs must include sufficient calories to meet increased energy needs for milk production and the growth of puppies. High digestibility is important to help maximize calorie intake from smaller amounts of food.

Why is digestibility important for dogs?

It’s important because it helps a dog maximize the nutrition in every bite she eats. This can be crucial because there’s less space in a pregnant dog’s abdomen,.

How long does a dog need to be nursing?

What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog. A dog’s pregnancy averages 63 days in length and nursing continues for a few more weeks. This may be the most important time in your dog’s life when it comes to precise nutrition.

Can a pregnant dog be malnourished?

For a pregnant or nursing dog, malnutrition can lead to serious health issues and jeopardize the health of her puppies.1 Talk to your veterinarian about your specific dog’s unique needs and keep these critical nutritional considerations in mind:

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.

Can pancreatitis cause GSD?

In fact, the balance between calcium and phosphorus is imperative. Kidney problems can happen due to an over abund ance of protein in the diet , pancreatitis can come from poor-quality foods that are too high in fat, and heart disease can shorten your GSD’s life if you feed them too much salt and fat.

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 to feed?

6-Week Old: German shepherd puppies of this age are likely to have not adapted yet. They will still require nutrients equal to that of what they get from their mother’s milk. 10-Week Old: At this point, you can feed other types of food to your German shepherd puppy besides their mother’s milk.

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.

Can you take care of a German Shepherd without knowing?

So you’ve got yourself a German shepherd, and you think you can take care of them just fine without any knowledge. However, this will be your undoing. You’ll come to a realization that you can’t get by without studying about German shepherds.

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.

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