Do you know how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy? German Shepherd puppies have specific dietary needs for growth, requiring controlled portions and balanced nutrition.
I can help you with the perfect feeding guide for German Shepherd puppies including a feeding chart, schedule, and some guidelines.
In order to feed your little German Shepherd properly you must follow this guideline.
German Shepherd puppy feeding chart
Age (Weeks) | Weight (lbs) | Activity Level | Dry Food (Cups) | Wet Food(Ounces) | Total Meal Times |
8-10 | 10-15 | Low | 1 – 1 1/2 | 8-12 | 4 |
10-12 | 15-20 | Low-Moderate | 1.1/2 – 2 | 12-16 | 4 |
12-16 | 20-25 | Moderate | 2 – 2 1/2 | 16-20 | 4 |
16-20 | 25-30 | Moderate-High | 2 1/2 – 3 | 20-24 | 4 |
20-24 | 30-35 | High | 3 – 3 1/2 | 24-28 | 3 |
24-30 | 35-40 | High | 3 1/2 – 4 | 28-32 | 3 |
30-52 (6 months – 1 year) | 40-60 | Moderate-High | 3 1/2 – 4+ | 28-32+ | 2-3 |
In order to be sure how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy check out our puppy feeding chart and feed your puppy according to their age and weight.
German Shepherd puppy Feeding schedule by age
Puppy feeding schedule ensures proper nutrition, growth, and prevents overfeeding or underfeeding issues. Take a look at the German Shepherd puppy feeding schedule by age.
Age (Weeks) | Weight (lbs) | Total Meal Times | Feeding Time | Dry Food Portion Per Meal | Wet Food Portion Per Meal |
8-10 | 10-15 | 4 | 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM | 1/4 Cup + | 2-3 oz |
10-12 | 15-20 | 4 | 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM | 1/2 Cup + | 3-4 oz |
12-16 | 20-25 | 4 | 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM | 3/4 Cup + | 4-5 oz |
16-20 | 25-30 | 4 | 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM | 1 Cup + | 5-6 oz |
20-24 | 30-35 | 3 | 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM | 1.1/4 Cup+ | 7 oz |
24-30 | 35-40 | 3 | 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM | 1.1/2 Cup+ | 8 oz |
30 Weeks or 6 Months+ | 40-60 | 2 | 9.00 AM, 7.00PM | 1.1/2 Cup+ | 14+ oz |
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Guidelines
Now that you know how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy, here are some feeding guidelines that can ensure your little friend’s wellbeing.
Ensure Hydration
Puppies need a lot more water than adult dogs. For optimal hydration, provide approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, equating to about 2 liters for a 70-pound German Shepherd. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.
Feed Quality Food
From all the food options choose a good quality food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. You can choose from dry kibble and wet food options, adjusting portion sizes accordingly.
Adjust Food Portion and Formula
Adjust puppy food portion based on your puppy’s activity level, if your puppy is more active they may require more food in more frequencies. Based on the puppies skin and stomach sensitivity you can change the formula gradually with the guidance of an experienced veterinarian.
Monitor your puppy’s weight regularly and adjust food portions as needed to maintain a healthy body condition. Introduce new foods gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Portion Control
Portion controlling is important when it comes to German Shepherd puppies. Don’t free-feed your puppy. Free feeding a German Shepherd puppy can lead to overeating, digestive issues, and difficulty with training. Divide meal portions into smaller treats for effective training sessions.
Veterinarian Consultation
Consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations based on your specific puppy’s needs.
Final Words
Ensure your German Shepherd puppy’s optimal health with proper feeding. Follow our feeding chart and schedule by age and weight. Prioritize your puppy’s wellbeing with high-quality food tailored for large breed puppies.
Check out our website to know everything you need to know about caring for your little German Shepherd including best foods, potty training methods and grooming visit our website.
FAQs
Is it OK to feed German Shepherds once a day?
Feeding German Shepherds once daily is generally not recommended as this can cause health issues due to malnutrition.
How much is 1 cup of dog food?
1 cup of dog food is typically around 8 ounces.
Can I mix dry food with wet food?
Yes, you can mix dry and wet food for variety.
What if my puppy is not eating?
Monitor closely if puppy refuses food; consult vet if persistent.
How to switch to adult food from puppy food?
Transition gradually, mixing old and new food over days.