How Much Food For A German Shepherd Puppy?
Table of Contents
If you are a German shepherd owner and you think you can take care of his nutrition without any knowledge, then you are wrong. the time will come when you will realize that you can’t provide the best nutrition to your pet without getting in-depth information about this popular dog breed. Just like humans, they need to eat consistently. And just like us, they have specific caloric requirements according to their age and weight.
It is nearly impossible to make them consume whatever you pour into their dish. However, as a caretaker, you should provide them the best quality food to help keep them healthy and active for the long term. There are several types of dog foods available in the market.
But, the ones formulated for large breed pooches are vital for pups. This will help to prevent health issues initiated by rapid bone development. Read on to learn about how much food for German shepherd puppies and how many times a day you should feed them.
German Shepherd Diet Plan
The German shepherd diet plan has three significant parts: feeding amount, frequency, and length. As a dog owner, you must gain information about the appropriate amount, frequency, and length for your puppy according to his age. This way, you can make sure your dog’s nutritional needs are being met.
Feeding Frequency
The feeding frequency depends on your canine’s age. Nonetheless, there are many other things that you have to consider on how much to feed your GSD every day.
- If he is 9 months old and below, you should feed him three times a day in equal breaks.
- Feed two meals a day, one in the morning and another one in the evening, to your 9 months to 12 months old furry companion.
- One to three years, dogs will naturally eat two meals a day.
- We would recommend you avoid feeding them before bedtime. They should digest their meal before going to sleep.
Feeding Amount
Just like the feeding frequency, the feeding amount is also reliant on age. Additionally, you should also pay attention to his actions. A physically active puppy needs more calories than inactive German shepherds. However, you need to keep in mind these four age ranges.
- A 4 month and below puppy should be fed ½ cup of food for each meal.
- If he is 4 to 9 months old, you can give him 1 and ½ cups of food for each meal.
- Feed 2 cups of food for each meal to a 9 to 12 months old dog.
- You should feed 3 cups of food for each meal to a one year and above doggie.
Feeding Length
Your mutt’s feeding lengths mainly depend on your observation. That’s why; you will need to consider these things:
- How long does it take for him to be full?
- After finishing his food, is he still hungry?
- How long does it take for him to finish his meal?
They usually take up to 10 to 15 minutes to finish their food if you have followed the diet plan properly. If you notice he is eating slowly or not eating at all, you should take them to your vet. If he is already full before finishing his meal, then it is totally fine. However, if he is still hungry, then there is something wrong with their digestive system, and you should consult with your vet about it.
How Much Food For German Shepherd Puppy?
There are different types of dog foods, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade food. These are the imperative aspects you need to consider before feeding your pup.
- You should provide them a clean and fresh supply of water between the mealtimes.
- Don’t feed him extra vitamins or protein without the recommendation of the vet.
- There should be 18% protein and 26% fat in the food to make his bones stronger.
- Puppies are more active than adult dogs, so you should feed them extra food than adult ones. The extra calories will help them stay healthier in their senior age.
What Is The Right Time To Move German Shepherd From Puppy Food To Dog Food?
You can start giving them adult dry kibble when they have gained 80% of their adult weight. It normally happens when they are 8 to 10 months old. But, if they have not gained weight, it is better to feed them puppy food up to 12 months or longer.
Some dogs don’t put on adult weight until they are 1.5 years old, so you should switch them from puppy food to dog food after this period. It is safe to feed them puppy food until they are 12 to 18 months old.
Should You Feed Supplements To Your German Shepherd?
The dry kibble available out there is packed with all the essential nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. So, there is no need to feed him supplements, extra vitamins, or protein. In fact, the excess of nutrients can cause more harm than good.
Before supplementing him, make sure to consult with your vet. They will prescribe you pup-safe tablets to cover his specific dietary requirements. Supplements formulated for humans are loaded with substances that are injurious for animals. So, don’t feed them human supplements at any cost.
When Will, A German Shepherd Puppy, Be Considered An Adult Dog?
You should feed them puppy food until they are one year old. Adult dogs are susceptible to obesity which could become a cause of skeletal disorders. It is essential to monitor their body condition and change their feeding amount, frequency, and length to keep their weight normal.
Conclusion
Buying premium quality puppy food does not mean your job is done. You still need to understand how much food for German shepherd puppies to help keep them active, fit, and healthy. Also, observe their response to food as well as their body condition for optimal maturity. It is mandatory to keep them hydrated. You should also make sure the water and food dish is clean to keep him disease-free in the long run.
References:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs
https://www.shepherdsense.com/how-much-to-feed-a-german-shepherd-puppy/
