German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) are notorious for being excitable, high-energy dogs. They output a lot of energy, which means that they need to eat a lot. This leaves many people wondering how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy.
Ultimately, the amount of food that you need to give your puppy changes on a fairly regular basis. Growing dogs often need more food than fully matured dogs, and GSDs often need more than some other breeds.
So, without further ado, this guide will tell you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy.
How Much to Feed a German Shepherd Puppy?
The first thing to consider when deciding how much food to give your pup is what kind of food you're giving it.
- Dry kibble is the most common food and it's easy to find a product that is nutritionally sustainable.
- Wet food is another popular food that's often used as a supplement to dry kibble.
- Homemade food can be hard to make properly but can ultimately save you money.
- Raw food is generally not recommended for puppies before their immune system perks up.
How Much Food Does My Dog Need?
Realistically, there's no definite answer as to how much food your dog is going to need. Lots of things can influence the amount your pup needs to eat. Their genetics, gender, size, and health can all change how much food they need.The answer is more complicated than you might think. Even factors like the size of your dog's parents can influence what they need to eat. Your best bet is to talk to a vet. Tell them everything that you know about your new puppy and they'll be able to give you a more conclusive answer.
A general standard involves feeding your puppy several times a day. A feeding schedule that provides your puppy with 4 small meals per day is usually enough.
Once your dog is a couple of months old, it will probably only need 3 meals per day. As your dog reaches the end of its first year, you can generally reduce this to 2 meals per day.
Tips for Feeding German Shepherd Puppies
These puppy-feeding tips will help you get some clarity about how much to feed your dog.
- Remember that puppies usually need more food than mature dogs. If you've fed an adult GSD before, then give the puppy an extra meal per day.
- Puppies need more fat and protein than older dogs.
- Make sure that you get your GSD puppy a brand of food that is designed for large breed puppies. These foods are designed for dogs like the GSD, who require more nutrients than smaller dogs.
- Avoid giving your dog supplements unless your vet tells you to.
- If your dog has special concerns like diabetes, talk to your vet.