Feeding is an essential but difficult part of raising German Shepherds, especially when they are still puppies. So, how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy?
We will discuss everything about these dogs’ diets, including how much they need, how often to feed them, and when to give them food.
Let’s get started and give your pet the best treat!
How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy?
Your pet, at the early stage, needs three to four meals a day. When he gets older, there will be fewer meals but more food.
Here’s how much a Shepherd puppy needs to eat every day based on their age and kibble size:
| Age | Dry Food (cups) | Number of meals |
|---|---|---|
| Week 0 to week 8 | 1 to 1 ½ | 4 |
| Week 8 to week 12 | 1 ½ to 2 | 4 |
| Month 12 to month 6 | 2 to 3 | 3 |
| Month 6 to year 1 | 3 to 3 ½ | 3 |
| Year 1 to adulthood | 3 ½ to 4 | 2 |
Related:
– 3-Month-Old German Shepherd – Ultimate Guides To Taking Care Of Your Puppy
– 4 Month Old German Shepherd Behavior & Care Tips
– 7-Month-Old German Shepherd: All You Need To Know
When it comes to feeding these puppies, you must be cautious. Please do not leave them unattended while eating. Instead, divide a day into different feeding sessions with a certain amount of food.
The amount of dry kibble your pet needs is contingent on his weight, appetite, health, activity level, and the kibble you feed him.
You can adjust the feeding routine to fit your pet’s needs. An energetic dog needs extra calories, whereas a lower activity dog doesn’t require much.
Try to feed your pet at the same time every day. If he can’t finish his meal in 15 minutes, remove the dish and wait for about one hour.
Then, give him the same food to check if he’s changed his mind about his meal.
Keep an eye on your dog’s waistline to determine if there is any extra weight that will be difficult to lose afterward.
On the other hand, your dog may be too thin. In this case, check what he eats. If the situation worsens, contact your vet.
- Plan the feeding schedule carefully (Link)
How Often Should You Feed A German Shepherd Puppy?
The frequency with which you should feed your puppy is dependent on his age and level of physical activity. The rule of thumb is:
- Week 6 to week 12: four times a day
- Week 12 to month 6: three times a day
- Month 6 to year 1: twice a day
- Year 1 to adulthood: twice a day
Smaller portions split throughout the day improve your dog’s blood sugar and activity levels, allowing them to grow gradually and behave well in your house.
It’s simple to see why a regular feeding routine is essential to keep track of your puppy’s meals once you know how many meals he has a day.
You can also give your puppy snacks. However, you should cut down on the snacks he takes every day when he grows up.
- Adjust the feeding plan as your pet gets older (Link)
What’s The Best Time To Feed A Shepherd?
The ideal time to feed your pet is in the morning. Remember to ask him to go to the toilet first to be comfortable with the food.
Because German Shepherd puppies need three to four meals a day, you also need to choose other feeding times for their growth and health.
When your dog is on numerous feedings, the best times to treat them are about noon, a few hours later, and in the evening.
To be more specific, if you plan a four-meal routine, the feedings should be morning, noon, afternoon (when you come back home from work or school), and evening for the last meal.
If you need to feed your pet three times per day, cut down the afternoon meal.
So, the feeding times are morning, noon, and evening. When your pet is one year old, give him two meals a day: morning and evening.
Families have different routines, so that you can adjust the feeding times based on your schedule. To keep your pet’s routine consistent, plan evenly spaced feeds at the same time every day.
- Choose the mealtime for your pet based on your schedule (Link)
What Affects A German Shepherd’s Appetite?
You may find that your dog takes more or less food than the feeding charts we have mentioned. It’s normal because every German Shepherd is different.
Also, please remember that the number of calories in the kibble varies depending on the manufacturer.
Here are a few factors that may affect how much food your pet can consume.
Activity
The amount of food your pet eats during the day depends on his activity level. The more energy he uses up, the more calories he requires to restore it.
Age
A puppy’s age also affects how much food he can eat. Puppies, for example, need approximately twice the number of calories as humans. In addition, less energetic elderly dogs require less food.
Health
Feeding a Shepherd involves that you keep a healthy weight for your pet. He needs a muscular body and a slim waist.
Keeping an eye on your dog’s waistlines can help them avoid certain medical diseases and health problems.
Don’t give more kibbles to your underweight dog to make him grow. Instead, learn how a Shepherd can healthily build muscle.
You can check the average weight of your dog based on his age to identify if he is at the perfect weight.
- Every puppy is different (Link)
German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements
You should check the quality, nutrients, and the amount of food you give your dog.
Poor nutrition, obesity, and health issues such as terrible skin, gastrointestinal problems, and osteoarthritis can result from low-quality pet food.
So, when it comes to picking dog food for German Shepherds, search for two essential factors: proteins and fats.
The food must contain about 8% fat and 22% protein for these puppies. If you buy food for adult dogs, there should be about 5% fat, and 18% protein included.
Fats and proteins may not come from the same source, making them different in nutritional content. So, when choosing food for puppies, consider the source of these nutrients as well.
Protein should come from 100% animal sources such as beef, fish, chicken, and organ meats. Meanwhile, fats from vegetables and fish oil are the most beneficial options for your pet.
- Give your pet sources of fat and protein (Link)
Best Food Brand For German Shepherd Puppies
Using high-quality food from a reputable manufacturer offers the highest level of nutrients and food quality.
The higher the quality of the kibble, the healthier your dog can be. Feeding your little buddy the cheapest food is a terrible idea. Such products lack the high-quality proteins that your dog requires.
The following giant breed puppy foods all meet or even exceed approved nutritional standards:
- Royal Canin: Natural ingredients and loaded with vitamins to help minimize joint inflammation.
- Purina: Ideal for puppies with allergies or weak stomachs.
- Hill’s: Delicious and attractive thanks to the impressive aroma of DHA oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have shared important information about German Shepherd puppies and their diets with you. The following questions will help you dig into this topic deeper.
1. When can I switch Shepherd puppy food to adult food?
When Shepherd puppies reach 80% of the total of their adult body weight, they can start eating adult kibble.
Adulthood typically begins at the age of 8 to 10 months. However, as long as your pet doesn’t gain too much weight quickly, you can still use puppy food.
2. Should I feed my Shepherd puppy supplements?
As a basic rule, do not give your pet supplements unless your veterinarian advises you to. Often, if you use high-quality pet food, your dog already has what it needs, so you don’t have to be worried about supplements.
3. What human foods can a German Shepherd puppy eat?
You can feed your dog proteins, fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and nuts that people eat.
Proteins like chicken, fish, beef, turkey, and eggs are valuable lean muscle and strength sources for your pup.
Blueberries, strawberries, apples, melons, bananas, coconut, and mangos are all safe fruits for puppies. They provide these animals with many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
See More:
– For German Shepherds, what are the best vegetables?
– What foodstuffs should you avoid giving your German Shepherd puppy?
Conclusion
A German Shepherd puppy needs about one to three cups of dry food a day. Remember to divide his food into feeding times and make it constant.
Try to check up on your pet’s weight at the same time. If he is getting overweight or underweight, adjust his diet and the nutrients he takes.
Hopefully, you will find raising your pet easy after reading our guide. If you need more tips and information, please leave a comment.
Thank you for reading!
