Overfeeding or underfeeding, whatever the reason may be, is going to affect your health miserably. With German shepherds, you have to be more careful. How much to feed a German shepherd always remains a mystery for owners, and it is crucial that you know the right amount in order to keep your German shepherd healthy and fine.
How much and how often, if the same questions put you in trouble, you are at the right place. Continue reading the article, and you will never have to worry about it again.
Feeding German shepherds
Known as a working breed, German shepherds are one of the most accepted and well-liked breeds to have at your home. Physically active, strong, intelligent, and smart, German shepherds can be your partner for life.
Owning extraordinary qualities, some responsibility lies on your shoulder as well. Being loyal to the owner, you have to take care of feeding a German shepherd the right amount and the appropriate quality food to assure the dog remains healthy, fit, and fine.
It becomes more of a concern if you have a German shepherd for security and protection. A physically active and healthy dog is going to be a better guard than an unhealthy one. It all boils down to how much you feed.
Nutrition’s requirement of a German shepherd
Being active dogs, German shepherds need a considerable amount of energy to stay strong and vigilant. German shepherd nutrition’s requirements are way different from other breeds, and therefore, we must see it through to find out the right amount needed to feed.
Keep in mind that generic dog food might not prove to be sufficient for German shepherds. Besides that, there are quite a few aspects that affect overall nutritional needs. Below, you will see those factors with a brief description. Considering these elements, you will be able to find out the right amount to feed your German shepherd.
Age
Among all, the most important factor that decides how much to feed is age. A German shepherd puppy will have different necessities than an adult or a senior. Dogs grow fast, and they need a specific amount of nutrition at each stage of life.
Size and weight
Medium to large, a German shepherd is a breed that requires a good amount of nutrition to stay in shape. German shepherds can be as tall as 65cm and have a weight of around 90 pounds. The bigger the size and weight, the more food it may require. Do not fail to recall checking on the quality aspect.
Activity level
Not all dogs are the same, even if they are of the same breed. The same applies to German shepherds. No matter the age, German shepherds are known for their high-level activity, vigilance, and athletic nature. Considering this, you will not go for highly processed food or low-quality feed as it is going to affect negatively. Moreover, how much to feed is also subject to the activity level.
For less active dogs, 1,300 to 1,600 calories per day is suggested whereas, 1,700 to 2,400 calories suggested for active dogs per day.
Overall health condition
A sick dog will require less feed as compared to a healthy dog. A healthy diet plays a major role in the overall health conditions of a German shepherd. If a German shepherd is ill or got an injury, it is going to affect the feed requirement as well as the quantity.
Let’s break down these factors a little more and see what it holds and determine the correct quantity to feed for puppies, adults, and senior German shepherds.
German shepherd puppies
The initial months of a puppy are where you need to take care of the food requirements the most. In order to let the puppy, grow healthy, a sufficient amount and quality are required. Until 2 months of age, 1 cup of quality dry kibble is more than enough, and as it reaches to three months, you can add 1 more cup. For a six-month-old puppy, 3 cups of dry kibble are suitable until it reaches the age of 12 months. Increase the quantity afterward as per other conditions.
We have the quantity, but how much to give in a day? In early weeks, you may have to feed several times a day until the puppy touches the age of 6 months. After that, 3 to 4 feedings per day is good. As it grows older, limit the serving to 2 times a day.
Remember that you may need to vary the amount based on other factors as well.
Adult German shepherds
For an adult German shepherd, 3 to 4 cups of kibble are good with two servings per day. This is the age where a dog has maximum energy and is most active. Therefore, do not settle for low-quality feed and also keep in mind other factors when feeding.
Senior German shepherd
A senior dog will not be as active as in adulthood. Therefore, because of less physical activity, feed intake will also be decreased, but you might have to serve more than twice a day. Besides, you should take care of overall health and check on feed quality to keep the dog fit and healthy.
Conclusion
More than the quantity, the quality matters, and you should be careful about it as much as you care about your own diet. Based on factors including age, weight, and physical activity, it is necessary that you keep a balance in a diet for a German shepherd to live a long, healthy, and happy life. Let us know the right feeding plan you have developed after taking points of the factors discussed above.