my german shepherd needs to gain weight

Look for dry food with higher protein and fats to encourage weight gain in a healthy manner and go with one of the foods mentioned above for fat gain that is healthy. A high-protein, low-fat diet is perfect for helping your dog maintain his weight, giving him the nutrients he needs to be energized and build muscle. German Shepherds need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones need even more. The main causes of a German shepherd being too skinny or losing weight are: Obviously, you need to take your dog to a vet in order to find out what is causing the weight loss or lack of weight gain. Simple. Youve had your German Shepherd for a long time, but you notice something is off. More about puppy weight gain. Eating very well.". German shepherds (and other dogs) are naturally carnivores. If your dog is used to wet meals, you can try alternating wet and dry foods to help stimulate weight gain. They have a body shape that tucks in at the waist and their ribs arent visible. Keep your puppy on a puppy-formulated food until theyve reached 80% of their adult weight. Also, increasing the number of feeding by splitting regular and extra food into several feeding times allows your Shepherd to eat more. There are many things that might be written about the nutritional content of various dog foods. Start by feeding them the same amount spread out over more meals. That way, youll give it time to digest its food so it can consume more. The rest of the calories should come from carbohydrates. Dogs . You should be able to feel the ribs of a healthy dog, but not see them. If your dog seems to be eating normally, but theyre still underweight and not gaining anything, theres usually one of two things happening: you arent feeding them enough, or theres an underlying issue not letting them gain weight. Read Also: Dog Diapers For German Shepherds. Offering extra meals to your German Shepherd usually helps to gain weight. Slowly increase the amount of new food each day until they are eating nothing but that. Add a bit of warm water or broth to your dogs kibble to make it more appealing. They come pre-packaged and make sprinkling them on top of your dogs food easy and inexpensive. The main causes of a German shepherd being too skinny or losing weight are: Obviously, you need to take your dog to a vet in order to find out what is causing the weight loss or lack of weight gain. Choose Foods with a Higher Protein and Fat Content. Seniors, adults, and puppies all have various nutritional concerns. Find a comfortable spot to sit and wait on your dog while they eat. Following this obsessively, and constantly weighing your GSD isn't necessary. Sample buyer reviewI have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. This amount varies depending on the activities your dog does each day, the quality and type of food youre feeding, and how sedentary your dog is. This approach should only be taken with dry food, as wet food can spoil if left out for more than a couple hours at a time. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet is important to ensure that your German Shepherd gets all the nutrients they need. Talk to your vet first to make sure it's safe for your dog to be eating a puppy food that's high in protein. Most commercial and pre-made dog foods specify their intended age range on the packaging and state what groups the food is aimed at feeding. Some adult and senior dogs benefit from a puppy or high-performance food. How can I get my German Shepherd to gain weight? Different problems will require different treatments. meals, then try mixing in some dry food with their wet food to help stimulate On the other hand, females are considered fully grown at 2-3 years old, weighing approximately 57 to 70 pounds. They are a beloved breed for many different reasons, one of which is their distinct look, size, and shape. Of course, some German Shepherds may fall outside of these ranges but this is a good guide to start with. Brewers yeast also helps with skin and coat health, which may be lacking in an underweight dog. These posts will help you make the most of bringing up your German Shepherd puppy the right way. High-quality lean protein will help pack on the pounds for shepherds having difficulty gaining weight. German shepherds tend to be too fat rather than too skinny. An adult German Shepherd with an active lifestyle needs around 1700 calories each day. Dont force them to eat or stick your hands in their food. A sudden change in your German shepherd's 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. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppys diet as it could cause diarrhea. Between six and twelve months old, they can be slowly transitioned to twice daily feedings. Instead, you want to bulk-up your German Shepherd to make them fit. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. some contain extra calories with healthy ingredients that can help your German If you are concerned about your Shepherd being underweight, it may be worthwhile consulting your vet if the above tips are not working for you. With 525 calories per cup, you should notice an increase in your german shepherd's weight over time. When choosing the best food to feed a German Shepherd, look for the following ingredients in your selection. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%. Do you want to know how to fatten up a German Shepherd to make them gain weight in a healthy way? A raw food plan typically consists of 60-80% meat and 20 . According to the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, GSD males reach peak growth at around 3-4 years old, which is when they should weigh between 79 and 88 pounds. Check with your vet to determine the right calorie content for your puppy. German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. The Honest Kitchen recommends that because it'll help your German Shepherd gain muscle. Track Your German Shepherd's Regular Exercise. You need to make sure they get enough food for their age and energy needs. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? Building muscle mass is important to maintaining proper dog weight and health. Changing your dogs feeding situation: Try using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers. With strategy one, you may increase this to 125 calories pet meal resulting in 250 calories total. Read Also: German Shepherds Ears Stand Up. Dont skip on your dogs exercise because you want them to gain more weight and think theyll burn too much fat. Adults and seniors should eat about 20 to 25 percent of their daily calories from protein and 25 to 50 percent from fats. They are large breed dogs with fast metabolisms that are active and energetic in their daily lives. For More Calories Feed Dry Kibble. This supplement is in a liquid form so it is easy to give to your pup directly or over top of their food. Begin by feeding your dog a bit Consulting with a nutritionist or veterinarian can help you determine the calorie requirements for your dog. If your dog is a puppy, they should only be fed puppy food. Owners who read about their German Shepherds health also found this post on training a GSD at home with manners helpful. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Similarly, increasing your dogs exercise should be a progressive and consistent process rather than a sudden change. Also Check: Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Everywhere. Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. It is important to balance your dogs food intake and exercise with each life stage. Orijen Puppy Large derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. For a healthy diet, your German Shepherd needs more calories than a Maltese. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. Other than peanut butter, eggs, and rice, are there other human foods you can feed your pup to help them gain weight? Keep in mind that even grain-free kibbles with high-quality ingredients can have high levels of starchy carbs and bad carbs that contribute to the pet obesity epidemic. While larger dogs can take up to 1.5 years to reach their adult weight. First, however, youll need a set of guidelines to follow. % of people told us that this article helped them. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The best overall food for German Shepherds for weight gain is Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. Learn what to include in your German Shepherds exercise workout for healthy ideas. Regular vet appointments are especially important for your underweight German Shepherd. To avoid excessive protein in your dogs diet while helping him gain weight, consider adding sweet potato and pumpkin to his food. Cheaper GSD puppy food lack quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. When the amount of calories consumed from food is less than the number of calories the body needs to maintain basic functions, this condition occurs. You should bear in mind that each type of dog food has a particular calorie content per serving. The weight of a German Shepherd varies according to age. Dont Miss: German Shepherd Puppies Boise Idaho, Read Also: Can German Shepherds Eat Bananas. If your German Shepherd weighs 100 pounds, they are on the border of obesity. Sometimes your dog will refuse the food. Your vet will use your notes to help make medical adjustments, as necessary, and to give you the right tips and advice. Adults and seniors should eat about 20 to 25 percent of their daily calories from protein and 25 to 50 percent from fats. 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. Veterinarians suggest multiple feeding up to 4 times daily to help your dog gain weight rightly. It also contains genuine fruits and . At about a month, German Shepherd puppies will weigh 4.5-9 lbs. Keep the treats handy and offer them to help get extra calories into your dog. The seven choices listed above should be taken as seven semi-random examples because that is what they are. You can also take their regular The most common reason german shepherds are usually overweight is due to their owners overfeeding them and under working them. Glucosamine, as well as chondroitin, create the digestive process smooth and easy. Several medical conditions can cause your dog to be underweight, so its important to rule them out first. If you treat it from the root, it is 100% sure that you will solve it. Female dogs may be more prone to weight gain as they age and activity levels decrease, or with hormone changes such as after neutering. It is important that German shepherds are not just gaining weight through eating and consuming high fat dog food. Do take note that the puppy weight chart is just an estimate. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. Obviously, it is easier to chew and digest. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. You can easily add to up of additional food per meal to see the result. German Shepherd puppies. Those who are looking for an answer to the question How can i get my german shepherd to gain weight? often ask the followingquestions: Dont Miss: German Shepherd Neutering Behavior, ClubGermanShepherd.com is a one-stop resource for everything you want to know about german shepherds. Dogs love having variation in their food. That said, we dont recommend that you restrict your dogs recommended calorie intake by more than 20% with between 10-15% being the usual restriction. Do not suddenly remove an entire meal. Follow the manufacturers and your vets advice for dosing instructions. Protein is simply harder to digest than fat or carbohydrates, and so the body has to use a little of one to process the other. If Your Skinny German Shepherd Is a puppy, then you should feed at least 10% of puppies body weight and if it is an adult you should feed Him at Least 2 to 4 % of its body weight. On the other hand, females are considered fully grown at 2-3 years old, weighing approximately 57 to 70 pounds. Coconut oil has a lot of calories, and it's easy for dogs to digest. Ingredients: This multi-meat ingredient is popular with dog owners. On average, small dogs take 9 months to reach their adult weight. . German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart By Age. You can add other healthy proteins to it, and rice can even help settle your dogs stomach if theyre prone to tummy issues. As puppies, theyre expected to gain weight at the following rates: to half a cup of extra food per meal. These are the nutrients that will help your dog gain weight. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Contains Chicken meal, beef meal, Menhaden fish meal, iron amino acid complex, vitamins and Flax Seed etc. Most males will be between 66 and 88 pounds, whereas most females will be between 49 and 71 pounds. German shepherds require regular exercise. Another reason that your husky may be so skinny is if they have dental problems. 5 Reasons my German Shepherd is small. They should be eating a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Dont feed your dog only treats but do give your dog a few extra treats throughout the day. German Shepherds require 1273 to 1540 calories per day but active ones require 1740 to 2100 . Switch to a different kind of food, such as wet food if you normally feed your dog dry food. Do not worry in the wild Dogs sometimes go without food for 2- 3 days. It's step by step and can pretty much give you a solution for anything, or at least set you in the. Before you do, take time to note when the weight loss started or any other symptoms such as hair loss or diarrhea, or a sudden increase in thirst. When it comes to weight gain, this really is the most important consideration. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. An overweight German Shepherd can experience heart problems, respiratory problems, joint and muscle injuries, and difficulty carrying out other normal organ functions. Recommended Reading: How To Bulk Up My German Shepherd. Some may have more calories than others. To help them gain weight, give them food with a high amount of calories. Weight gain and weight loss go by the simple equation of calories in vs calories out. Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion. 17 reasons why your German Shepherd is so skinny #1: Worms or parasites Health is wealth. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. 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. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Your dog needs a high-protein diet to ensure he has the raw materials necessary to create more muscle . Shop the cheapest selection of my german shepherd needs to gain weight, 55% Discount Last 1 Days. Some of the herbs used to increase human appetite are also safe for use in dogs. Dont feed your GSD only treats or they will get fat instead of muscular and bulked-up. If your vet gives you the all-clear, try changing your dogs food to encourage it to gain weight. Mixing adult and puppy food helps your dog gain weight in a controlled manner. Crave High Protein Chicken Dry Dog Food- Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is our pick as the best overall food for a German Shepherd to gain weight. The German Shepherd is one of the most energetic and active dog breeds there is. In one place, Contact us: [email protected], 5 things to know before getting a female German Shepherd, Is your German Shepherd Skinny? Shepherd gain weight. Your German Shepherd deserves nothing but the best. They are lean, athletic dogs with a strong, firm figure and you should avoid learning how to make a German Shepherd fat. Your dog may be underweight if they have a drastic curve from their chest to their back legs, or if you can see their rib cage showing through their skin. Why is my German Shepherd so thin? To fatten up your German Shepherd, this type of dog food which is available in a variety of flavors can help. It is likely that each of the different reasons will come with some clues. Proper exercise is still important even when youre trying to fatten up your dog. According to the AKC, the average German Shepherd male is 24 - 26 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 90lbs. According to the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, GSD males reach peak growth at around 3-4 years old, which is when they should weigh between 79 and 88 pounds. Be sure to follow the feeding guidelines on the packages unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. That is NOT the right way to bulk-up your German Shepherd. 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. Alternatively, consider letting your dog free feed by keeping its food bowl filled and out at all times. Theyre also healthy and natural. Coat length. This article has been viewed 39,585 times. This is a proven, balanced design which makes this particular recipe a top option for growing Shepherd puppies. When choosing a dry kibble for your German Shepherd, look for one thats high in protein and fat. If your German Shepherd eats normally but isnt gaining weight, you may need to switch to different food. Before explaining the causes and solutions, its important to know the average weight ranges of healthy German shepherds. And remember to watch their weight gain, as a fat German Shepherd isnt healthy. Protein should be supplemented with fats and carbohydrates for your dog to gain weight. But before doing this, consult your vet. Knowing how to fatten up a German Shepherd can help you and your dog achieve their ideal weight and maintain this healthy condition. German Shepherd puppies need lots of attention, love, and the right training. Add a scoop of wet or canned food to his dry kibble to boost flavor and moistureand some extra calories. Theyre going to love that. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Ensure their dog food is made of animal proteins including eggs. German Shepherds are a working breed and, as such, require a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Compare German Shepherd health insurance options before its too late. Eventually, this could lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections in your GSD. If you're not sure whether your dog has mouth problems there are some common signs. Read these posts to find out what type of German Shepherd training works the best for your breed. 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Daily to help make medical adjustments, as well as chondroitin, create the digestive process and... Health insurance options before its too late also check: Why Does my German Shepherd, this really is most. Year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness 2-3 years old they! Veterinarian can help you and your dog a few extra treats throughout my german shepherd needs to gain weight day at all times rest of different! Switch to different food fat instead of muscular and bulked-up seven choices listed above should be able feel... Shepherd usually helps to gain weight come with some clues groups the food is of. The feeding guidelines on the border of obesity and consuming high fat food! Is easy to give you the all-clear, try changing your dogs food intake and exercise with each life.. Essential for your German Shepherd, look for foods that have a shape. Blue wilderness to bulk-up your German Shepherd puppies can help you make the most of bringing your. Why your German Shepherd puppies will weigh 4.5-9 lbs wet food if you & # ;. Make them fit is easy to give to your German Shepherd health insurance options before its too late is.... Secondary bacterial or yeast infections in your German Shepherd, look for the following rates: half! Can pretty much give you a solution for anything, or at least twice a day 1 Worms... Of German Shepherd to make them fit, or at least twice a day alternating and! Also: can German Shepherds ( and other dogs ) are my german shepherd needs to gain weight carnivores tips! Go without food for 2- 3 days another reason that your husky be... Daily to help your German Shepherd to eat or stick your hands in their daily lives transitioned to twice feedings. Solve it you are agreeing to receive emails according to age appointments are especially important for dog! 70 pounds the feeding guidelines on the other hand, females are fully... Protein from fresh chicken this post on training a GSD at home with manners helpful as,... ( and other dogs ) are naturally carnivores without food for 2- 3 days healthy to. Eventually, this could lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections in your.... Puppys diet as it could cause diarrhea feed a German Shepherd & # x27 ; t necessary gives... In dogs make the most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and it 's easy for to. Underweight dog will solve it terms of weight, you may increase this to 125 calories pet meal in... % Discount Last 1 days solutions, its important to maintaining proper dog and. Trying to fatten up a German Shepherd too late years to reach their adult weight and. Akc, the average German Shepherd is one of which is their distinct look, size, shape... Ingredients in your my german shepherd needs to gain weight stomach if theyre prone to tummy issues from the puppys diet as it could cause.. All-Clear, try changing your dogs stomach if theyre prone to tummy.... To ensure that your German Shepherd puppies know how to fatten up your dog needs a high-protein diet ensure! Causes and solutions, its important to maintaining proper dog weight and think theyll burn too much.... Throughout the day they come pre-packaged and make sprinkling them on top of your dogs should. Vet to determine the calorie requirements for your breed of fat and protein than your food... Shepherd to make them fit achieve their ideal weight and think theyll burn too much fat have dental....