what to feed your new german shepherd puppy

• cooked and raw carrot pieces
• small dollops of unsweetened Greek yogurt
• scrambled and cooked eggs
• canned pumpkin, without spices
• cooked, plain oatmeal without sweeteners
• fresh or frozen blueberries
• goat’s milk (it’s easier on GSDs sensitive digestion than cow’s milk)

Full Answer

What is the best diet for a German Shepherd puppy?

• Protein: Look for puppy food that has a dry matter protein content of at least 31%. ...
• Fat: A lean diet is important for German Shepherd puppies. ...
• Carbohydrates: Your GSD puppy’s food should be comprised of between 40% and 50% carbohydrates. ...
• Fat-To-Protein Ratio: The right balance is essential for your puppy’s optimal development. ...

What food can a puppy German Shepherd eat?

What Human Foods Your German Shepherd Should Eat

• Apples. If you are growing concerned about your German Shepherd’s health, then a great way to supply them with vitamins and minerals is by introducing apples into their diet.
• Bread. ...
• Cheese. ...
• Cashews. ...
• Eggs. ...
• Green Beans. ...
• Meat. ...
• Noodles. ...
• Peanut Butter. ...
• Salmon. ...

What is the best food for a German Shepherd?

• Kibble dry pet meal
• Frozen meat
• Thawed meat
• Wet canned canine food
• Organic hound diet
• Semi moist dog food
• Dehydrated dog food

Is a German Shepherd puppy a good first dog?

German Shepherds can be a good first dog if their owners are fully prepared to train them, provide adequate exercise, and have a decent budget for their care. German Shepherds, in comparison to smaller dog breeds, are high maintenance and not for the faint of heart.

Which food is best for German Shepherd puppy?

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 I feed my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy?

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.

What should I feed my 6 week old German Shepherd puppy?

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 German Shepherd puppies eat?

Your puppy should be fed three or four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. As your dog approaches 80-90% of its estimated adult size, around one year of age, they should be moved to a diet for adult dogs.

Where should a German shepherd puppy sleep?

crateWhen they're puppies, they should spend even less time outside by themselves – as they need extra socialization. You may allow your German Shepherd to sleep outside if they are an adult and the weather is nice. However, the best spot for them is in a crate or inside.

How many times does a puppy poop in a day?

It is not uncommon for a puppy to defecate 5-6 times per day. Some will eliminate even more frequently. The good news is that the pace of pooping will slow down as the dog matures. Although a 2-week-old puppy may defecate at every feeding, by 12 weeks, they may be down to only 4 times per day.

What should I do when I first get a German Shepherd puppy?

German Shepherd Puppy Training TipsTip #1: Socialize your German Shepherd puppy. ... Tip #2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. ... Tip #3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. ... Tip #4: Don't be afraid to use food treats for training.More items...

How many times does a German shepherd puppy poop?

German Shepherd poop frequency varies and generally lessens as they age. Puppies for instance, may poop up to five times a day whereas adults may only do so once or twice. This however, may also change depending on a dog's dietary habits and the health of its bowel movement.

What time should I feed my German Shepherd puppy?

The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth.

What foods can german shepherds not eat?

Foods your German Shepherd should avoid include avocados, chocolates, onion and garlic, artificial sweeteners, and raw potatoes. Some more toxic foods are grapes and raisins, bones, yeast dough, moldy food, and raw tomatoes. In severe cases, these foods can prove fatal.

Are bananas good for German shepherds?

German Shepherds can eat bananas. They are high in potassium which can support kidney and heart functions. They are also high in vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper and are low in sodium.

Is milk good for German Shepherd?

German Shepherds can drink milk as long as they are not lactose intolerant. Milk is high in calcium, vitamin D, and potassium and as a rich source of high-quality protein, contains all the essential amino acids. However, milk is high in fat and natural sugars, so you should give your dog a small amount.

How much should a 8 week German shepherd puppy eat?

As a general guideline, here's how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy daily by their age and cups of food: 8 weeks old: 1 to 1 ½ cups of food spread over 4 meals daily. 12 weeks old: 1 ½ to 2 cups of food spread over 4 meals daily. 6 months to 9 months old: 2 cups to 3 cup of food spread over 3 meals daily.

How much should a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy eat?

German Shepherd Feeding Amounts 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 age should you start training a German shepherd puppy?

When to Start Training a German Shepherd Puppy? German Shepherd puppies are ready for simple training as young as 7 weeks old. Your puppy is capable and ready to learn at 6 to 7 weeks old many simple obedience commands. But you shouldn't pressure a puppy this young with perfect obedience.

How many times does a German shepherd puppy poop?

German Shepherd poop frequency varies and generally lessens as they age. Puppies for instance, may poop up to five times a day whereas adults may only do so once or twice. This however, may also change depending on a dog's dietary habits and the health of its bowel movement.

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.

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.

How Much Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy?

To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the feeder, the feed manufacturer, or by your veterinarian .

How long should a German Shepherd be on a puppy diet?

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.

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 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.

Why is it important to feed large breed dogs?

However puppy foods designed for large breed dogs are essential for puppies. This will help to avoid health problems caused by overly-rapid bone growth.

What to do with an older puppy?

With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats.

What breed of dog has DCM?

Some of these cases of DCM were in German Shepherds.

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.

What to do if you have never owned a German Shepherd?

German shepherds are very loyal and active herding dogs. They retain those traits throughout their lifetime. They need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, training, and are happiest when close to their family.

Why is consistency important for a German Shepherd?

Consistency helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs while inconsistently can cause anxiety and confusion. In other words, set your puppy up for success. Please share these tips with all your friends. You may also like: 6 Simple DO'S And DON'TS When Training Your German Shepherd.

What do you need to know when training a puppy?

When training your puppy, they need consistency and an understanding of what the house rules are. Decide early on what they will and will not be allowed to do and incorporate those boundaries into training. For example, if the puppy is not allowed on the couch, they should never be allowed on the couch.

How to teach a puppy to share?

Teach them to share. As a herding breed, they’re naturally protective. They need to be taught boundaries when they are young. From the first day you bring your puppy home, you’ll need to teach them that guarding their resources, such as their food, space, and toys, is not allowed.

Do puppies need exercise?

Exercise is mandatory. This breed is very active and even as young puppies require some form of exercise or they become destructive. The younger the puppy the less exercise they need but owners should be prepared to spend time exercising their dog, every day, throughout their lifetime.

Can German Shepherds go without training?

They are also not a breed that can go without lots of training to direct their abundant energy and desire to learn and please their owners. 2. Potty training accidents happen. German shepherds like all puppies must be trained to go potty outside.

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.

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.

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.

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.