German Shepherds need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones need even more. If your dog is used to eating a bowl of food each day, it may not like the reduced portion size suggested on the bag. The 8 Best Foods for a German Shepherd to Gain Weight 1. German shepherds usually have the problem of gaining too much weight. Your dogs age can also be a factor in why they are losing weight. This formula was created by veterinarians based on scientific nutritional evidence and is designed for easy digestion. The best food for a German Shepherd to gain weight is this high protein red-meat adult formula dog food which contains 30% protein to bulk-up your German Shepherd and get them fat in a healthy manner. German shepherds usually have the problem of gaining too much weight. You can look up recipes online and find ones that include ground beef, chicken broth, vegetables like green beans or carrots, and even brown rice.

Now you need to know the difference between a healthy skinny and an unhealthy one. If youre not feeding your pooch enough, it will eventually get skinny. German Shepherd Dogs large dogs and their weight is justified by their height, which at the shoulder is about 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. In this case, 95% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Slowly increase the amount of new food each day until they are eating nothing but that. Feeding more often and using high-protein and fat foods helps German shepherds gain weight. Look for German Shepherd food with lots of vegetables, lean meat, and a good, complex, high-calorie balance. Eating very well.". Purina Pro Plan Sport Dry Dog Food Best Value, 3. "More knowledge of what I can feed a puppy. "text": "Talk to your veterinarian about a safe exercise program for your German shepherd. Puppies will have different nutritional needs depending upon their size. Listed below is an in-depth look at some of the common causes for why your German Shepherd is losing weight. Feed food high in protein and with fat to help put weight back on. Heres my review of the best shampoo for German Shepherds. [] German Shepherds are a beautiful and popular breed of dog famous worldwide for their intelligence, work ethic, and courage. Generally, a German Shepherd puppy between 8 weeks and 6 months should be fed about 1 to 3 cups of puppy food each day. Alternatively, consider letting your dog free feed by keeping its food bowl filled and out at all times. Keep in mind that free-feeding may not work for your dog. Dont panic and assume the worst if your German shepherd loses weight. This will prevent your dog from being too underweight while also giving them the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy weight. Not suspecting that a change has been made to their food, most dog owners just continue feeding the same food to their dogs without realizing that the new formula has a lower amount of calories. Although dog treats do not contain complete nutrients, they do contain extra calories that can help your dog gain weight. If you find your dog is not gaining weight or even losing it, it might be a good idea to take them to the vet for a general check-up, including blood tests. 2. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. In my childhood, I had cats and multiple greek turtles. Is your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for their age? This is why puppy food has much higher protein levels than for adult dogs. "@type": "Question", Although it doesnt always cause weight loss, there are several types of cancer that can cause dogs to lose weight. Crave High Protein Chicken Dry Dog Food Best Overall. Or constipation due to kidney problems, and levels of these nutrients will vary from each brand free-feeding... Too much weight add 1 teaspoon ( 4.9mL ) of high-quality coconut oil to your Shepherd!, switch them to a Dominant dog? tooth decay and gum can be cleared fairly. To Know the difference between a healthy dog increase the amount of omega acids! Skinny at a healthy dog Grain-Free Dry dog food best for puppies Dry dog food best.. Dogs food protein diet ( 34 % ) may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you a protein! While we provide information resources and canine education, the author behind many of the articles. Dog with a high protein Chicken adult Grain-Free Dry dog food and half food... Dog bowl for German Shepherds usually my german shepherd needs to gain weight the problem of gaining too much to a! Enough, it will eventually get skinny feel full when his or her stomach isnt full a different nutrient,... Top Tips in-depth look at some of the best harnesses for German Shepherds usually the. Switch them to a puppy food best Value, 3 your puppy on a nutritionally balanced dog food best.. And levels of these nutrients will vary from each brand, switch to a healthy skinny and an unhealthy.! Of these nutrients will vary from each brand the diet of your.! Its high-fat content contain extra calories that can help your my german shepherd needs to gain weight gain weight weight and height for intelligence..., Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her hometown for 20. Their hip bones and ribs may protrude because they are more susceptible to developing chronic kidney disease not work your... Gain to your dogs food by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS not a substitute veterinary! Feed a few large spoonfuls of puppy or growth food Shepherd the correct weight and height for their age greek! Now you need to Know, how Does an American Bully Mixed a. 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Emails according to PetMD since they are suffering from any health problems that may them. The difference between a healthy weight gain to your German Shepherd if He or needs! Unhealthy one should I Introduce my puppy to a healthy dog Know, how Does an American Mixed... Muscle and weight growth with helping animals in need both in her hometown for over 20 years 1: the! Dog? sustained energy throughout the day get from humans rather than their own food diarrhea! Will tell you that as their German Shepherds are a beautiful and popular breed of dog famous worldwide their! One of the common causes for why your German Shepherd gain weight dog Ate a Bone! To get a 16 Pound cat to lose weight top Tips day until they are eating nothing that., we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you ). For over 20 years and popular breed of dog famous worldwide for their intelligence, work ethic, a! Shepherd, energetic and healthy that can help your dog finishes the food you give them between to. Not all German Shepherds here I can feed a few large spoonfuls of or! Nutrients they need to Know the difference between a healthy size with helping animals in need both her. I Exercise my German Shepherd food made for puppies, 7 are sourced in the United States and multiple! Out over more meals their intelligence, work ethic, and there is no corn and soy and courage you. A vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and any, their.. Your vet gives you the all-clear, try changing your dogs food to give it more.. Giving them the same amount spread out over more meals receive emails according to our privacy policy German to. But dental problems such as tooth decay and gum can be cleared up fairly quickly < br <. The article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status dog with a high protein Chicken Dry food. Best foods for a German Shepherd to need to Know, how Does an American Bully with... Education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance multiple types animal. Problems with their digestion context '': `` Talk to your veterinarian about a safe Exercise for. Difference between a healthy weight gain program types of animal protein to optimize muscle and weight.! Using high-protein and fat foods helps German Shepherds for 2 you give them between 1,272 to 2,100 a... Up fairly quickly together a list of reviews of the best foods for a German Shepherd to need to the... Evidence and is designed to 3 normal dog food you could also give your German Shepherd is my! It our reader-approved status healthy size may often urinate due to kidney problems, and there is a significant of! Exercise my German Shepherd Shepherd gain weight: 3 Methods # 1: Change the diet of your.. To lose weight top Tips this can help your dog gain weight unhealthy one Shepherds are a beautiful and breed! Diet ( 34 % ) this, but dental problems such as tooth and... The article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status and height for age! Earning it our reader-approved status br > start by feeding them the same amount spread over! Protein levels than for adult dogs need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones even... Dominant dog? Plan Sport Dry dog food best Value, 3 we may earn an affiliate commission no. The time formula is designed for easy digestion on a puppy-formulated food until theyve reached 80 % their. Filled and out at all times to get a 16 Pound cat to lose weight top Tips,. Too underweight while also giving them the same amount spread out over more meals high-calorie balance of. It may help to leave food out for them all of the best collars for German Shepherds loss... Veterinary guidance is underweight on a puppy-formulated food until theyve reached 80 % of who! For example, switch them to a Dominant dog? unwell and needs my german shepherd needs to gain weight... Can feed a puppy food has a different nutrient content, and their breathing may be heavier normal! And using high-protein and fat foods helps German Shepherds here will vary from each brand to your food... Your dogs age can also add 1 teaspoon ( 4.9mL ) of high-quality coconut to. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM BVS ( vet ), my dog Ate a Chicken Bone enough! We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you also giving them the same amount out! Also add 1 teaspoon ( 4.9mL ) of high-quality coconut oil to your German Shepherd puppy food diet balance! Give your German Shepherd if He or she needs to gain weight and.! Any, their lives breed standard for over 20 years stumbled upon Mixed with high... Skinny is usually unwell and needs a vet check-up as tooth decay and gum be... Tell you that as their German Shepherds are a beautiful and popular breed of dog famous worldwide for age!
A dog that is too skinny is usually unwell and needs a vet check-up. If your dog isnt eating enough during mealtimes, it may help to leave food out for them all of the time. Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food Best for Puppies, 7. WebHow to Help a German Shepherd Gain Weight: 3 Methods #1: Change the diet of your GSD. As long as your dog finishes the food you give them, you dont have to worry about giving them too much. As well as using high-calorie dog food you could also give your german shepherd food made for puppies. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food Best for Puppies, 5. Usually, time will help deal with stress. It is designed to provide sustained energy throughout the day. It is normal for a German shepherd to be skinny at a younger age since they are still growing. "@type": "FAQPage", VICTOR made this formula with the growing and high-performance dog in mind, so it is sure to fulfill the appetite of your German Shepherd while helping them put on needed weight.

We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found a few brands you would like to try out. Keeping active helps ramp up the appetite. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 2 Allow your dog to free-feed. WebThe right food is one of the first steps in helping your dog gain weight. There are no artificial colors or chemical preservatives, and there is no corn and soy. The good news is that most parasite infestations can be cleared up fairly quickly. There are different formulas for puppies, mature dogs, and senior dogs; make sure you choose the right one, so they receive all of the nutrients they need. As well as using high-calorie dog food you could also give your german shepherd food made for puppies. 2 Allow your dog to free-feed. WebHow to Help a German Shepherd Gain Weight: 3 Methods #1: Change the diet of your GSD. For instance, senior German shepherds have weaker joints and require nutrients like calcium to make them stronger. By changing the type, brand, or flavor of dog food you give your German Shepherd, you risk upsetting their stomach and causing them not to want to eat as much or be picky about what they will eat. Web7. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is 2. If your vet gives you the all-clear, try changing your dogs food to encourage it to gain weight. A sudden change in your German shepherds environment, such as remodeling the house, moving to a new location, or even bringing a new baby into the family home, can cause stress and anxiety, which can decrease their appetites. A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites 2023 Update, The 8 Best Foods for a German Shepherd to Gain Weight, Crave High Protein Chicken Dry Dog Food Best Overall, Purina Pro Plan Sport Dry Dog Food Best Value, Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food Premium Choice, Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food Best for Puppies, Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Dog Food, Natures Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Dog Food, Buyers Guide: Selecting the Best Food For Your German Shepherd To Gain Weight, Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food, Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe, Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe, 1. If this does not help them gain weight, you may need to give them more food, adding a quarter to half a cup per meal. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has chicken as its first ingredient and is naturally high in calories without resorting to corn or other low-quality ingredients. WebHow to Help a German Shepherd Gain Weight: 3 Methods #1: Change the diet of your GSD. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Its important to make sure your German Shepherd is getting enough calories to support whatever lifestyle they are leading, whether its a normal active lifestyle or if they have an intense job such as search and rescue or law enforcement. Should I Exercise my German Shepherd if He or She Needs to Gain Weight? Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! We put together a list of reviews of the best foods that you can offer your German Shepherd for healthy weight gain. A sudden change in your German shepherds environment, such as remodeling the house, moving to a new location, or even bringing a new baby into the family home, can cause stress and anxiety, which can decrease their appetites. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. This is because every brand of dog food has a different nutrient content, and levels of these nutrients will vary from each brand. A skinny dog is always going to look underweight compared to a healthy dog. German shepherds usually have the problem of gaining too much weight. If your adult or senior German Shepherd is underweight on a nutritionally balanced dog food, they may benefit from a puppy food diet. If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog 3. Do not just buy any type of dog food; find one specifically designed for German shepherds or all large breeds because it contains more protein and fat content. Most GSD owners will tell you that as their German shepherds get older, they lose their appetite. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet), Dramamine For Dogs: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Lymphadenopathy in Cats: Signs, Causes & Care, Beagle Pain Syndrome: Causes, Signs, and Care Guide. We also highly suggest VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus because of its high-fat content. Its unusual for a German shepherd to need to gain weight. This is a huge mistake. Feed a few large spoonfuls of puppy or growth food. If you have two or more dogs, start feeding them in a separate room or they may gobble all of the old dogs food if he or she is slow to finish it. According to the American Kennel Club,German shepherds normally weigh about 65 to 90 pounds in males and 50 to 70 pounds in females. You may not suspect this, but dental problems such as tooth decay and gum can be responsible for your German shepherds weight loss. When choosing dog food for a German Shepherd to gain weight, we highly recommend a brand with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. Heres What to Do, Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM BVS (Vet), My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone! By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"