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The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy

Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: March 14, 2024
The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy
Dogs

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The diet for a German Shepherd puppy is based on the type of diet any dog going through their early developmental stages will need. This means one that is based on protein and which allows them enough energy to carry out behaviors typical of young dogs. However, there are some specific considerations we should make when providing the right food for a German Shepherd puppy. These will entail ensuring the dog has the right nutrients which are able to meet their specific needs, as well as help protect them against diseases and health conditions which commonly affect German Shepherds. This leads us to ask what is the best diet for a German Shepherd puppy?

AnimalWised answers this question by looking at the best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy. We determine what a GSD puppy needs in their diet by providing a food chart and consider everything we need to know about feeding them so they are happy and healthy.

You may also be interested in: Best Food for a Belgian Malinois

German Shepherd puppy diet

All puppies will need food that provides them with enough energy for their development. A puppy's body goes through the most acute changes it will experience during their lifetime. Food helps their tissues to develop so they bodies and minds can reach their full potential. When this diet is insufficient or inappropriate, it can cause serious developmental problems which can affect them for the rest of their lives.

While this is true for all breeds, the adult German Shepherd is robust dog with a strong musculature and a medium-large size. They will need plenty of protein to help this musculature develop and to ensure their bones are strong. They will also require more calories than some other dogs to ensure they have the energy to carry out their physical behaviors as they grow.

German Shepherds are also prone to certain health problems. These commonly include joint disorders such as hip dysplasia in dogs. Quality food can provide higher levels of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, something which can help to prevent these problems in later years. They may also benefit from food with added nutrients such as calcium and phosphorous. These help to strengthen their bones and avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

When we adopt a German Shepherd puppy, we will need to take them to a veterinarian for assessment and to establish a care program. This includes factors such as vaccination and deworming schedules. We should also discuss any specific dietary requirements for our individual dog to ensure they are given the best food for their needs.

Best food for a newborn German Shepherd puppy

For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress to regular breast milk.

Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a puppy’s first milk, as it provides them with 90% of its natural defenses. In addition, a puppy’s first feeding contributes to proper blood flow and helps oxygenate the puppy's organs.

If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific German Shepherd puppy formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy.

A dog’s breed type does influence this formula. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same milk. This is because these breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy.

The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy - Best food for a newborn German Shepherd puppy

Best food for 1 month German Shepherd puppy

From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions.

From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere.

In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. A professional will take into consideration a 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 by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if your dog has diarrhea.

In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water.

The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy - Best food for 1 month German Shepherd puppy

Best food for 2 month German Shepherd puppy

At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is from a brand that has the right nutrition and quality. Speak to your veterinarian if you need a recommendation.

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.

We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating.

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's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times.

Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition.

The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy - Best food for 2 month German Shepherd puppy

Best food for 4+ month German Shepherd puppy

Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals (which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart) should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. 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 these 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.

Even the best wet food for a German Shepherd should be given in moderation because it can cause the development of plaque and cause the dog’s feces to smell when given in excess. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement.

Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals[1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human.

The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy - Best food for 4+ month German Shepherd puppy

Best food for German Shepherds older than 6 months

When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. A vet can provide you with a correct and tailored diet and/or food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy.

After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. This should be done in order to strengthen the puppy’s teeth and gums.

If you want to choose the best dog food for your German Shepherd puppy, you will need to choose a quality product. Use the link below to purchase a quality feed:

The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy - Best food for German Shepherds older than 6 months

German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene

Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If there are insects in your dog’s water, it could cause your German Shepherd puppy to suffer from intestinal parasites.

If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. 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 ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality.

The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy - German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene

German Shepherd care

German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities[2]. It is essential that there is a harmony among a puppy’s exercise regimen, a puppy’s diet and affection.

In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care.

For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at...

If you have a German Shepherd dog and found this article helpful, take a look at our YouTube video below all about German Shepherds.

If you want to read similar articles to The Best Dog Food for a German Shepherd Puppy, we recommend you visit our Healthy diets category.

References

1. Schlesinger, D. P., & Joffe, D. (2011). Raw food diets in companion animals: A critical review. The Canine Veterinary Journal, 52(1), 50-54.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003575/

2. Ruefenacht, S., et al. (2002). A behaviour test on German Shepherd dogs: heritability of seven different traits. Applied Animal Behavior, 79(2), 113-132.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815910200134X

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47 comments
Rating:
Nicol
I will be receiving my two weeks. Gsd tomorrow. Can I give her milk and another question, can I give my other dogs beans
Administrador AnimalWised
Do you mean the GSD puppy will be two weeks old? This is too early to separate them from their mother.
Rating:
Ruth
I have a 7month Sherman Shepard, which was just giving to us from a family that couldn’t take care of him he has not want to eat, what can I do to help him? And what type of food should he be eaten?
Rating:
Pete
My shepherd is boo 2 yrs old doesn't always eat his food I feel he is small for. His age
Thanuja
My shepherd is 6 month old, i am scared he is not told enough. He's leg have small difference due to he is walk on the tile floor. So i wanted to know what i can do for him will grow with proper height?
Rating:
Nikhil
German shafed is rs_=
Rating:
tysonandbruno@yahoo.co.uk
john here , i have a6mth old gsd what type of food should i be feeding him and how many times a day
Pari
I want to know what to give to germen shepherd puppy who is running in 5 month 3 times a day in different variation n how much food quantity we should give in equal proportions ...how much protein we can give them ..such as paneer if we want to give
Rating:
Aman
My dog is german shepherd tiger male and female rozy those are 11.5 months how much amount of food should i feed
Rating:
Manuth
Sir, do you think this 2 month old Lion shepherd is healthy.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Manuth,

We cannot tell from this picture, the dog will need to be examined by a veterinary professional. Please schedule an appointment with one if you are concerned for their health.
sid
yes he is healthy as a horse looks just like my GSD
Rating:
Isaac
What is the best milk to give my puppy gsd
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Isaac,

Please scroll down for the answer to your question.
isaac burberry
my GShepherd is 3month what can of milk should I give him or what can of food can I give him to make him look bigg.thanks
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Isaac,

You shouldn't give your GSD any kind of milk. After they are weaned, they stop producing as much lactase to break down lactose. This can result in gastrointestinal problems. As for the rest of their diet, it's all covered in the article. Good luck!
isaac
my GSD Is 1 month of age what can i be giving him to eat so he can grow big and fat
isaac burberry
Sir I am a Nigerian I would luv to buy a puppy frm u
Or do u have anybody that sale's in Nigeria??
Raj
Hi my gsd is 37 days what type of food i want to start
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Raj,

We detail everything you need to know in the article!
Tashi ongmu bhutia
What's the breed of this dog? I am sending you the image of my puppy
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Tashi,

It certainly looks like this dog is a German Shepherd puppy. It is possible they are not purebred, but we would doubt it. Are their ears starting to grow more pointed?
lini
I have 6 month gsd female...she had virus infection at her age of 3..till nw she is very weak...v consulted a vet too...nw she is 6month..if she eat meat she get ill...wat to do for her diet?
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Lini,

If your GSD has recovered from her infection, then you should be able to provide the diet detailed in the article. If not, then your vet should be the one to give you any specific dietary requirements since they are the one who knows their full clinical picture.
Abhishek
Hi. My female GSD 4 months old usually i gave her food rice , ragi , sweet potatoes , custard , ceralec she doing alot of stools after sometime having her food what is best treatment for her so she can digest her food properly
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Abhishek,

The first thing you need to do is stop feeding her this diet. There is little to no protein here and is going to lead to gastrointestinal issues. Custard is one of the worst foods we could think to give a dog. It is dairy and sugar, both of which dogs find difficult to digest. Please read the article to find out what appropriate food you should be feeding her.
Rating:
Sheryl
Hi
My German Shepherd is 26 days old and we brought her because her mum expired and the other siblings are also sold, today is the 4th day she's home and is having diarrhoea. We took her to the vet he's given some syrup it's probably because of overfeeding as we only have her pets powder milk. But after reading this article is it ok if I keep her at fast so that she can be handled without any medication, or should I still go with the medicine.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Sheryl,

We recommend sticking with your vet's advice. They will have been able to give them a proper examination and there will be a valid reason they have been given the syrup. Puppies need sustenance at such a delicate age, so you can't stop feeding them. You will need to start weaning them onto solid food at around this stage, starting with special puppy food and working up to solids at around 8 weeks of age.
sharad
hi sheryl, you should mix a pinch of powder from vankeys( solutyle) brand to 25 ml probiotic yogurt two times a day without giving a pinch of water..trust me...and along side it should be given drips of ns, dns for extra energy...thank you
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Sheryl,

We recommend ignoring Sharad's advice as there is little to no evidence to support the benefits. You may be able to find probiotic yogurt specific for dogs, but even these have contradictory reports from the scientific community over their efficacy.
Rating:
Gnyana
My gsd pup is 35 days old..
It lost it's mom during it's birth..
So... what should i feed and when should i....
I dont have any idea about this....please do help me

Thanks
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Gnyana,

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your pet. It is tough for a puppy, so there are some things you need to consider. In terms of diet, we have gone through this information in the article. If you have any specific questions, please go ahead. In terms of care, we also have these articles which may be helpful. They include feeding a prematurely weaned puppy, socializing a puppy and info on what happens if a puppy is away from their mother too early:

https://www.animalwised.com/diet-for-a-prematurely-weaned-puppy-628.html
https://www.animalwised.com/socializing-puppies-and-adult-dogs-974.html
https://www.animalwised.com/what-is-the-right-age-to-adopt-a-puppy-2728.html

We hope they are helpful!
tyson
how to grow my german sheperd in to a giant?
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Tyson,

If your dog is given a balanced diet, appropriate exercise and a lot of affection and positive reinforcement, they will grow into the healthy size they were born to be. Please do not focus on making them become a ‘giant’ and focus on their health and well-being.
Gourav Brahmin
What should I give my one month old german sheperd puppy unless serelac
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Gourav,

We're not sure we understand the question, could you please clarify for us and we'll see what we can do?
kaka
when should i start giving meat to german shepherd
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Kaka

You can start transitioning from a puppy diet to a raw food diet between 8 months and 1 year old. However we always suggest consulting your veterinarian before doing this as your dogs diet always depends on its age, weight and general health.

For more information on natural diets, we’ve attached some links for you:

https://www.animalwised.com/a-natural-diet-for-dogs-327.html

https://www.animalwised.com/what-is-the-best-diet-for-dogs-types-of-dog-food-505.html

https://www.animalwised.com/can-raw-meat-hurt-a-dog-1758.html

We hope this helps!

Regards

AnimalWised
s p singh
diet for 4month dog daily
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