SmithFarms German Shepherd Puppies for sale

How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Did you know for the best growth of your German shepherd puppy, how much do you need to feed them? Or will you decide depending on the German Shepherd Puppy’s weight and size? Instead of assuming and making decisions, you may read through the blog to better understand how much to feed a German shepherd puppy.

GUIDE ON FEEDING A GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY:

Knowing how much food you may provide your puppy will help track their habits and canine growth. Therefore, prepare a chart to help monitor the changes in their appetite, development, and weight gain or loss.

Feeding Chart for German shepherd Puppy According To Age:

General guidelines to feed the GSD pups:

 8 week oldSpread 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food into four meals regularly
12 week oldSpread 1 to 2 cups of food into four meals
6 to 9 months oldSpread 2 to 3 cups of food into three meals
 9 to 12 months oldSpread 3 to 3 1/2 cups of food into three meals
12 months and aboveSpread 3 1/2 to 4 cups of food into two meals regularly

You must consider making alterations depending on the lifestyle of the pup. For example, an active puppy will need more food than others. Also, maintain a strict diet and timetable for the dog.

Serve the food, and leave it in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes before you remove them. Consider serving them again within an hour to check if they have changed their mind and prefer consumption. It is essential to teach them the basics to ensure good behavior.

LEARN HOW MUCH A GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY EATS:

The answer to this question will surprise you!

GSD puppies consume twice the calories per pound of weight compared to adults. The amount is doubled to ensure they grow to the best of their ability by developing fully. You must know that the calorie intake must be accurate because that will make them strong and supply the necessary energy for growth.

But when it comes to the adult, the scenario differs. The amount of food consumption depends on the age and the activity of the puppies. But, on average, an adult GSD consumes 1272 to 2100 calories daily. Meanwhile, less active or older ones will require 1300 calories to maintain good health and weight.

However, the calorie of the food varies mainly with the brand and the manufacturer. Therefore, check out the feeding label and nutritional guidelines on the package.

A Chat Depicting the Calorie Intake of GSD Puppies Depending On Age:

PUPPY AGENUMBER OF FEEDINGSAVERAGE CALORIES
Weaning to 12 weeks4 per day1200 to 2400 Calories
3 to 6 months3 per day2000 to 2200 Calories
6 to 12 months3 per day2700 to 3900 Calories
12 to 18 months2 per day3300 to 4250 Calories

However, these are not written on a stone, meaning you may use this as a guideline rather than the ultimate suggestion. Also, watch your puppy; that will help you decide better.

Look At The Chart To Know How Much To Feed GSD According To Their Weight:

CALORIES CHART FOR 0 TO 4 MONTHS:

WEIGHT IN POUNDSCALORIES/DAY
10600
201200
301500
401800
502100
602600

CALORIES CHART FOR FOUR MONTHS TO 1 YEAR

WEIGHT IN POUNDSCALORIES/DAY
10400
20800
301000
401200
501400
601600
701800
802000
902200
1002400

A proper analysis will help you realize that these suggestions are provided on the food packages. You may follow those recommendations as the manufacturers suggest after verification from the experts.

Feeding smaller meals to the pups throughout the day will help them behave better and grow steadily. So, learn the process of how many times to supply food to the puppies to ensure their good health.

TIME TO CHANGE GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY’S FOOD TO ADULT FOOD:

Most people need help deciding when to provide their puppies with adult food. It is something that you must know to ensure proper health and growth.

So the primary step is to measure the weight of the puppy and when they reach approx 80% of the adult weight, consider providing food that an adult will require. Most pups that are taken good care of require 8 to 10 months to reach this specific level.

No matter what, until 18 months, ensure keeping a check on their consumption and belly size. If they are putting on unusual weight, keep checking their activity and the amount of food intake. Also, keeping your dog on a puppy formula for extended periods is harmful.

Other than this, if you wish to know the best time to feed your puppy, let us look at the additional information.

CREATING A POSITIVE MEAL TIME FOR THE PUPPY:

When you bring a puppy home, they are anxious, scared, and highly stressed. Determining their food habits and time becomes challenging. Let us look at the tips that one can follow while feeding the German shepherd puppy:

  • During their meals, ensure offering fresh water to your pups
  • Keep the area calm and in an undisturbed place in the house by the family
  • Avoid pestering them while they are eating

You may read a book or get into a different activity while they eat so that they have enough space. If they are diverted, consider feeding them with your hand.

KNOW THE RIGHT TIME TO FEED THE PUPS:

Different people have different opinions, but if you consult a professional, they will suggest that the best time to feed puppies is in the morning before leaving for the day and at least two hours before putting your puppy to bed.

Let Us Take A Look At The Timetable Following Their Eating Habits:

German shepherd puppies having four meals a day:

  • Early morning is the best time
  • At noon or midday
  • Afternoon when you take a break from your work
  • And, evening, when it’s time to go to bed

German shepherd puppies having three meals a day:

  • Morning before you leave for work
  • Midday or early afternoon
  • Evening when you are back from work

German shepherd puppies that are one year and above:

  • Right in the morning, when leaving home
  • In the evening, before their walk for the day

FEEDING THE GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY THE RIGHT WAY:

When you bring a German shepherd puppy home, providing them proper quantity food needs specific calculations. So begin by tracking the energy level of the pup along with its daily activity. Serving the food in the bowl does not fulfill your duty. Three tips are:

  • Watch their weight gain or loss closely
  • Monitor their body condition for optimum health
  • Find out the optimum amount of food to feed the puppy, plus ensure suitable growth

Other than these, if you follow the chart that suggests how to keep the canines healthy will help you determine the right amount of food and good health.

You must keep your German shepherd puppies healthy, and in the proper condition by providing them the required care and attention. Also, ensure not to overfeed them, as it will prevent lifelong health and joint issues. Health and happy puppies will help you enjoy and have loads of fun while you give them great adulthood.

Therefore, if you are careful about the amount of food you provide, the timetable, and the activity of your German shepherd pup, you will enjoy their company.

chevron-down