German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds and it’s no surprise why – they’re incredibly loving and affectionate animals that make great companions. If you’re thinking of getting a German Shepherd puppy, it’s important to be aware of their dietary needs since they will grow to be a medium to large size. common mistakes people make when feeding German Shepherd puppies include overfeeding or underfeeding, and feeding them food of poor quality. For this reason, many dog guardians ask what is the best diet for a German Shepherd puppies?
The best diet for a German Shepherd puppy is one that is nutritious and designed specifically for their growing needs. Feeding them too much or too little can cause health problems down the line, so it’s important to find a balance. Additionally, be sure to give them food that is high in quality so they can develop properly.
AnimalWised knows exactly how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy, what type of food is best, and how this changes as they grow. We also provide a helpful German Shepherd puppy food chart that outlines when and how to feed these puppies properly. (zolpidem) By following our simple guide, you can be sure that your German Shepherd puppy is getting the nutrition they need to grow into a healthy and happy adult dog.
Feeding your dog the wrong food might lead to tear stains for your furry friend. Wondering about the best dog food to prevent tear stains? Discover the answer here, including recommendations for dog food that won’t cause tear stains.
German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn
It is essential for German Shepherd puppies to nurse on their mother’s milk in order to develop and grow properly. The first milk they receive is a protein- and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum, which gives the puppy’s immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk.
Puppies typically nurse for at least 6-8 weeks before they are weaned onto solid food at around 4 weeks old. It’s extremely important for puppies to consume their mother’s milk during this time, as it provides them with 90% of their natural defenses. Furthermore, a puppy’s first few feedings are crucial in establishing proper blood flow and oxygenation of their organs.
If your German shepherd puppy has to be weaned prematurely, it’s important not to give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy’s mother’s milk. If you need to bottle feed your puppy, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe a specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage.
German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old
It’s important to start exposing German shepherd puppies to new tastes and flavors from around 3-4 weeks old. At this stage, they should be eating a special wet food for puppies as part of their diet plan. From 6-8 weeks old, you can start giving them a little dry dog food with water or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions.
Starting from their eighth week, a German Shepherd puppy should be weaned and start eating solid food. The best type of food for them is breed-specific dog food, but this might not be available in all areas. If you can’t find the right kind of food, ask your veterinarian for suggestions on what to feed your German Shepherd puppy.
If your German Shepherd puppy is having trouble with their stomach, a veterinarian can help you create a custom food plan that takes into account your puppy’s feeding pattern, size and health status. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy’s diet as it could cause diarrhea. If your dog or puppy is suffering from diarrhea, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if your dog has diarrhea.
German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old
At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the amount of moisture you add to your German Shepherd’s dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry.
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, but at specific times. This is part of a puppy’s socialization and early education.
A puppy’s food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn’t finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy to a regular feeding schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times.
German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months
Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased, and an extra 2 minutes should be given for eating. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian.
You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend that such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Avoid chicken, rabbit and fish bones, as they can shatter and harm a dog’s teeth.
German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months
When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, you should feed it twice a day instead of once. This way, you can increase the food portions and extend the eating time. A vet can help you create a tailored diet plan for your German Shepherd puppy, depending on its age, lifestyle and size. You should also refer to our German Shepherd diet chart below to get an idea of how much food your puppy needs.
It’s important to give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones to gnaw on after 6 months. This helps strengthen their teeth and gums. You can find more information about this here: Bones For Puppies.
German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene
It’s important to keep your puppy’s food and water bowls clean at all times. Good hygiene is essential to preventing the appearance of insects, which can cause your German Shepherd puppy to suffer from intestinal parasites.
If your puppy hasn’t eaten for three consecutive meals, it’s important to consult your veterinarian right away. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food, etc. Don’t forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignore any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality.
