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What do you call a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix? The easiest way to refer to this cross is Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. However, these dogs can also be referred to as a Malinois X. Other names include German Malinois and Shepinois. The breed is thought to have been developed in the late s along with the Tervuren, the Groenendael and the Laekonois. They were developed by trainers and working competitors which perhaps explains why Belgian Malinois make great service and working dogs within our society. An ex-German military capital Max von Stephanitz set about attempting to create his perfect working dog. He encountered a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in which left such an impression that he bought the dog immediately. He renamed Hektor to Horand von Grafrath, becoming the founder member of the dog breed. German Shepherds are often used by the military, police, drug detection and much more due to their high IQ, impressive obedience and ability to learn. German Shepherds have an identical height range of 22 to 26 inches but they usually weigh a little more between 49 and 88 pounds. So we can deduce that a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix can grow to between 22 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Their coat color is reflect of both breeds, with incorporating shades of black, brown, fawn, blue and white. A Malinois X should have a muzzle that is relatively long with a black nose. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will have a double coat which sheds. The German Malinois are athletic, good-natured loyal and protective, which are all personality traits that both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have. Belgian Malinois have an innate desire to protect their family members, which can make this hybrid a good family pet. However, Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will require socialization and training from a young age. This gives you the best chance to have a happy, level-headed and well-balanced dog. Although there is no such thing as a per cent hypoallergenic dog, the American Kennel Club outlines that there are some breeds that shed less. Malinois X owners will be required to brush their dogs at least twice a week to remove debris and dead hair. This will help to maintain the health and quality of their coat. Most members of the cross breed will blow out their coats twice a year at the changing of the seasons. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix exercise requirements German Malinois are high energy dogs, so owners will need to ensure their pet is getting sufficient exercise in order to prevent destructive or unwanted behaviour due to frustration. Dog walking service provider Wag recommend up to minutes a day for a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. That equates to around 10 miles per week. German Shepherds, on the other hand, can live to between nine and 13 years. The average price of this mix can vary. Other Potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can inquire about the availability of this cross. Alternatively, you could contact Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dedicated rescue organisations for further help. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Mix to follow on Instagram If you want to learn more about the cross breed, you can always head to social media to find out more. Dog owners will usually be quite forthcoming with advice and information to followers interested in learning more about the breed. Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has the intelligence and loyalty of a Belgian Malinois. She already knows how to sit and lie down, and can walk off the leash. Piper is one of the greatest dogs we have owned. She gets a long with our cats and my young nieces. This is definitely a breed that needs to be brought up with children in order for them to have a good temperament with them. She is loyal and very protective, yet sociable once warmed up to people. She will remain petite, which she got from her dad, the Malinois. She is currently 35lbs and will mature no more than 10 more pounds. She has a double coat and medium-long hair, no shedding though. Still has her puppy hair, especially behind her ears. She loves the water and the snow, and has a very willing temperament. This is a great mix to own as they are a low maintenance and easy keeper. The only problem with her right now is she had a breakout of mange on her muzzle which the vet said is normal and is treatable. It is common to appear on pups around 6 months in age. This is a picture of her under my desk at work. His dad is a German Shepherd and his mom is a Belgian Malinois. We've never had a Mal before but we have had a GSD. He loves everyone. He's wary of new people. He loves our .Our GSD was my momma's boy. Rhemy can't pick a favorite! It's really sweet that he loves my husband as much as me! Tracked himself home on a walk at 3 months old! In the first picture I sent he was about 4 months old, in this picture he is now 4 years old!! Super smart and a real lover boy. Look at that beautiful face!! He came from a breeder in Cream Ridge, NJ. She said he was a "breeder mistake," but we think he is just perfect!! He is a real clown and loves to lounge on this blanket. He is 4 months old in this picture and is a real face washer!! She has exceptional intelligence. She understands sit, lie down, shake, speak and high-five by both verbal command and hand signals. We're still working on several other commands, of which 'stay' seems to be the hardest. At .She must constantly have something to chew on , otherwise she will shred anything within reach in record time, so rawhide chewbones are a necessity. She also replaced my broken paper shredder. Her herding instincts are very strong and will chase anything that moves, including a leaf blowing across the yard, butterflies, birds, etc. She has a variety of toys, but prefers the stuffed animal ones that squeak or make noise. She loves to play tug-of-war with her toys, be chased and chase you. Her love of water and mud puddles is exceptional and if you have a walk-in shower, don't leave the door open with the water running! She amuses herself by playing with her toys when left alone, but if someone is around, she has to be with them. When she needs to go out, she will find someone and lick their hand kisses until they take her out, otherwise she will lick and nip at your toes and heels to get you moving. She's very alert and will bark and growl at anything unfamiliar as long as she is standing behind your legs. Her worst fault is that if she is out in the open, she does not want to come when you call her. She wants you to come after her and just as you get within reach, she bolts off like a jackrabbit, and there's no catching her. We've learned the best way to get her attention is to ignore her and walk off like we're leaving her. The other fault is her constant attempts to get your attention to play with her, especially if you're trying to get ready for work. She waits until you get one leg into your jeans and then grabs the other, making you hop around on one leg trying to get the other pants leg back. As you pull on a sock, she either grabs the end and pulls it off, or she takes off with the other one so you'll have to chase her down. After you've gone through this same scenario with the shoes, she then follows you around pulling the laces to untie them or pulls back the Velcro straps. Her antics are limitless as is her energy level. Life Span Did You Know? The Malinois originated in Belgium in the late s and was bred to guard and herd livestock. The Belgian Malinois is one of four different types of Belgian sheepdogs, including the Tervuren , Laekenois, and Groenendael. Of the Belgian sheepdogs, the Malinois is the most common and widely recognized. Although they were originally bred for herding, the Belgian Malinois excels as a military or police dog. The Belgian Malinois was used for military purposes as far back as World War I with many soldiers bringing their Malinois dogs home to the States after the war ended. Following that time, the AKC saw a large increase in registrations of this breed. Today, the Malinois is more commonly found as a working breed. Some facts about Belgian Malinois are that they are versatile working dogs and popular military dogs. These dogs are exceptional at finding explosives, narcotics, and tracking fugitives attempting to avoid apprehension. The Malinois is a protective and highly intelligent dog breed. As one of the most active dog breeds , the Malinois is a hardworking dog that may be serious when on task, but will also likely exhibit a puppy-like playfulness and energy until around the age of three. As long as they are properly socialized and trained, Belgian Malinois tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective instinct, they will be initially wary of strangers. But, if they are well-socialized, they will tend to warm up once introduced. They tend to bark to alert, which can become a nuisance if you unintentionally encourage the behavior or do not train your dog to stop barking early on. The Belgian Malinois is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments if enough time is dedicated to daily exercise and mental stimulation, they are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run. They do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Because they bond closely with their families, have a lot of energy, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Belgian Malinois include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, and thyroid disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As one of the smartest dog breeds , the Belgian Malinois picks up on training quickly and is generally eager to please. However, they are also energetic, get bored easily, have a strong herding instinct, and can be strong-willed. First-time owners are encouraged to enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a trainer. Belgian Malinois have short, waterproof coats that will shed a little year-round and will shed heavier as seasons change. Brushing weekly or a few times a week and the occasional bath are usually enough to keep them comfortable and their coat looking great. Cutting nails once or twice a month is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal dental care for dogs. Belgian Malinois are high-energy working dogs. They need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are usually enough, but they will also usually be up for more activity if you are. These dogs are versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a variety of activities with them. Playing frisbee , running, hiking, swimming, and more can all be fun activities to do with your Mal. Fully-grown Belgian Malinois usually stand inches tall and weigh between pounds. Belgian Malinois generally live for years on average. The Belgian Malinois is a world-renowned military service dog. A life-size bronze statue of a Belgian Malinois is featured in the memorial to military dogs in Fayetteville, North Carolina. There are also many dog movies featuring them, like the film Max, which features a great and heart-touching story about a former U. Marine Service Dog. Featured Belgian Malinois Article. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.
These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold.
We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. Home of Kennel free living and lots of loving! Good Gracious Goldens was created in when I decided to follow in my mothers footsteps as she has been raising them for over 3o years. Recently we welcomed our 3rd child and decided it was time to split the work without compromising the experience for our adopting families. Now we are working along side Lone Oak Goldens, my dear friend Lori. This decision is not one we took lightly as our reputation is very important to us but I knew her care and expertise would only make us better! I could not imagine a more wonderful partner. She raises them in her home in NE and brings them to my home when they are ready as most of our adopting families are in Colorado including many repeat families! Now I can put all my focus in the communication I pride myself on quick replies , while Lori is loving on the puppies and socializing them getting them ready to meet you! And trust me when you see these puppies you'll see just how much love was poured into them!! I like to say us working together for you, is the truly best of both worlds! We love the English Cream and American Golden breed. We couldn't imagine a better way of life! Of course watching them grow up and thrive is amazing, but I would say my favorite part is seeing the families faces when they see their new family member. Thank you for taking the time to read about us! Our Philosophy! We believe dogs and puppies should be unconditionally loved and cared for as they truly become part of your family. When choosing the right puppy for your family, there are many choices out there. Some puppies are raised in undesirable conditions, this is incredibly heart breaking. Which is why we raise our Golden Retrievers with absolutely no kennels. We believe this makes us different from other breeders. As we are continually trying to improve our breeding program. Our reason for raising English Creme Golden Retrievers is because of our love for the breed and the joy our dogs have brought to our lives. We desire an extraordinary puppy for your family too. When you pick us, we have to pick you too, as we too are selective when choosing forever homes for our pups. Within the first 8 weeks of their lives we spend a lot of time helping them develop social skills and simply loving on them. We get to know each one of the puppies and are fully committed to helping you choose the puppy that is best for you and your family based on gender, temperament and color. We recently joined our breeding program with Lone Oak Goldens. Two families raising puppies together equals double the love! We want to thank you for taking the time to let us introduce you to our family dogs "Grace", "London","Ellie", "Viva", "Margo", "Cooper" and "Hudson" along with their sweet puppies! We look forward to meeting you soon! Sincerely, Libby and Lori. Our Program Personality We understand that each English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has their own unique personality and temperament traits, including assertiveness, motivation, energy level, tenderheartedness, intensity, and focus. Our observation of their socialization and interaction with humans and other animals such as cats, provides important indicators for your puppy's needs and lifestyle. Family Looking for a lifelong companion for your children? Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are loving, happy, and easygoing playmates, who not only create great memories but also promote emotional and physical development. From building self-esteem to developing empathy and responsibility, our companion puppies have many positive impacts on children. Socialization At Golden Beaches, we believe in providing our puppies with the essential socialization necessary to become lifelong companions. Our multi-pet household allows our puppies to have early exposure to cats, which promotes respect and understanding for other animals and children. This socialization also benefits cats by overcoming fears and promoting positive behavior. Many of our clients with multi-pet households have found this approach beneficial, and some have even added a kitten to their family after starting out with one of our puppies. Nutrition At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers by providing them with premium, holistically formulated dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. Our food has never been recalled and is packed with nutrients and protein, ensuring that our dogs have shiny coats, bright eyes, and long-term benefits. We believe that good nutrition is key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, so we take the time to ensure that they receive the best possible care, socialization, and early training. Adventure Experience the great outdoors with your athletic, water-loving Golden Retriever. Our playful companions are the perfect adventure buddies for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. With our Goldens, you'll make unforgettable memories while staying active and healthy. Join us on our journey and let us help you embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved furry friend. Confidence At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the early development of our puppies by exposing them to different sights, smells, and sounds. We even play various genres of music and sounds to help them adapt to new environments. Our approach includes using evaluation methods like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as well as introducing them to different activities and tests. Through these efforts, we gain a better understanding of your pup's unique level of confidence, ensuring they will be comfortable in any situation.
They started in as pug breeders and are passionate about their health and happiness. They have acre farmland where they placed their home. Each pug puppy is potty trained and tamed to prepare them for their new families. The owners socialize with their dogs to make them friendly to people. This private pug pup breeder is passionate about promoting pug research and proper breeding practices. They invite all pug lovers to share and interact with them since that fosters learning and development. All their dog breeds comply with the American Kennel Club standards. You can expect to buy quality pug pups from them. They have been doing this for around twenty years, making them one of the credible dog breed groups in the state. She is a veterinarian for 14 years and has been in the field to breed dogs for 15 years in New York. If you want to find pug puppies that are AKC quality, then you can go for this one. They are one of the best pug breeders in the state. As one of the reputable breeders, they want all their york pugs to be healthy. They let all their pups undergo CHIC exam to detect any health problems. If there are health issues, their vet or Kelly will treat them immediately. All these things are strong puppy proof of their good standing as a breeder in North Central NY. All their New York pugs have a 2-year health guarantee. This gives you confidence that all their foo dogs will be healthy for two years and onwards. In terms of buying a pup for sale, Kelly meets all buyers in person. She is meticulous about this and wants to ensure her pups get the best pug forever home. They also provide stud and whelping services. Fairytale Frenchies are licensed to breed litter annually. They have two main dog breeds: Frenchies and pugs. For the latter, they breed different pugs, which include fawn, brindle, black, and more. All of their franchise and pug puppies for sale are AKC registered. How do they ensure the health of their puppies? All their pugs and frenchies receive Nu-Vet vitamins every day. They are also given age-proper vaccinations annually. All pups undergo house training and crate training to prepare them for their forever homes. Each pup also comes with a 3-year health guarantee. There are many pug breeders in New York, and Fairytale Frenchies is one of them. If you need more information about them, you can call them. Otherwise, email them with any questions. Casull Pugs New York. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Phone: Email: patpuglady57 aol. Patti bought her first black Pug in and named her Ebony. Today she breeds pug puppies full-time from her home in Tottenville. In fact, Patti loves Pugs so much that in , she decided to legally change her name to Patti Puglady Pugz. Patti takes care of all her newborn pugs for eight weeks to make sure that they are well-fed, healthy, and ready for their new homes. Patti is proud to say that she remains friends with almost everyone that buys Pugs from her. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Known as the Empire State, New York is located in the Northeastern United States and offers many dog-friendly experiences that you and your furry companion can enjoy together. Our main objective is to connect you with the best Pug breeders and puppies for sale in New York. Our website has a wide variety of reputable breeders that specialize in raising healthy puppies. Our breeders are committed to only raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and care to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide additional support and advice after the sale to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. New York has a fantastic dog community featuring numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events perfect for you and your four-legged friend. New York sits fifth among other states, with a population of over 2. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted Pug breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery. A dedicated flight nanny accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Empire State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your puppy search for the perfect Pug puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in New York? There are lots of sites out there offering to help you meet Pug breeders New York and find Pug puppies New York, but the quality levels of each site can vary greatly. Some sites sell unhealthy pups from bad breeders and you can even find scammers operating on certain sites too. You won't have to worry about any of those kinds of problems here on Uptown. What are puppy mills and why should I worry about them? Puppy mills are basically dog factories — they're places where pups are kept in cramped and unclean conditions, sold off at cheap prices to make way for the next batch. Pug puppies for sale in New York from mills often have health issues and behavioral problems because of this troubled upbringing, leading to big vet bills and disappointment for the owners. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeders should also be avoided when looking for a Pug for sale New York. They're basically people who breed dogs in unethical ways, often using their own backyards as breeding facilities and failing to meet the proper standards of ethics and professionalism. You won't have to worry about a single backyard breeder selling a New York Pug for sale on Uptown. Are Pugs good family dogs? They are indeed and we're seeing lots of families looking for Pugs for sale New York in recent times. These dogs have plenty of family-friendly qualities, beginning with the fact that they love kids and enjoy playing with little ones of all ages. There's also the fact that Pugs are highly portable, perfect for car rides and family adventures, and they're very friendly, loyal, and cuddle-loving too. Hybrid and designer dogs are specially-bred dogs, created by crossing two different breeds together. An example would be the Daug, which is made by mixing a Pug and a Dachshund. On their own, Pugs aren't designer dogs, but you can be interested in buying a hybrid Pug for sale in New York, such as a Daug or Puggle. Are Pugs easy to train? Pugs are more than capable of effectively learning basic commands with ease. They really like to please their owners, so they're happy to learn new things, as long as you have some patience with them and don't try to push them too far. New York Pugs for sale are therefore a good choice for those who don't have much experience with dog training. Can I have a Pug if I live in an apartment? For sure! There are many happy apartment dwellers out there who have chosen Pugs as their pets, and Pugs have a lot of positive qualities making them a good match for apartment life. They're small in stature and have low energy levels too, so New York Pugs for sale really don't need too much space to be happy. Just be sure to take them for regular walks so they don't gain too much weight. Am I limited to local breeders only? No, there are no limits when you use Uptown too search for your Pug pup! You can try to find a local New York Pug puppy for sale to make things a little simpler for picking up your pup, or you can search far and wide with trusted breeders all over the nation. If your Pug is too far away to drive, the breeder can make arrangements to fly your pup to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders selling Pug puppies? There are some amazing Pug breeders in New York. Sadly, there are also some lower quality breeders too, along with puppy mills and scammers to watch out for. How much do Pug pups cost? The average price of Pug puppies for sale New York can vary quite a lot. Well, the price tag for each pup can be affected by a range of different factors like coat color, eye color, size, and more. Here at Uptown, we aim to help you find a Pug New York that meets all of your requirements and matches your budget too.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. To keep up with all these changes, your puppy will require a healthy diet. It can mean the difference between a happy, active, and healthy puppy and a sickly, moody puppy with a slow growth rate. When choosing food for your puppy, ensure that it contains the main ingredients: fats, proteins, and digestible carbohydrates. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Puppies need protein for building up their body tissue and for healthy skin and coat. You should always look for high-quality proteins from an animal source e. Fish oil, beef fat, chicken fat and eggs are all great sources of fats. These nutrients can be found in sweet potatoes, whole oats, white rice, and potatoes, among other starchy foods. However, be sure to limit the intake of calcium. Too much of it has been found to cause hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs. A German Shepherd puppy should consume between calories per 10 pounds of body weight according to the Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science Committee. This, however, also depends on their overall health conditions and activity level. You may need to feed them more or less to support their optimal growth. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Keep an eye out for the nursing habits of the mother to ensure that everyone gets a fair share. Some puppies could be overfed while others are underfed, which may lead to differences in growth later on. If you notice some puppies getting thinner than the other litter members, consider consulting your vet for a puppy formula appropriate for them. Your puppies will develop most of their motor skills during their 3rd week, leaving them to slowly explore on their own but still watched over by their mother and you, as their owner. Lab pups might also want to nurse from their mom often due to their energy needs. Developing milk teeth also happens in the third week for Labrador puppies so it will be a challenge if you start weaning during this time. Start with a mix of puppy food and water in a ratio of — adding liquid will help them digest the solids easier. Instead, just wait for them to sniff the food and try to eat it out of curiosity. Remember to be patient when feeding. When your puppy reaches 5 weeks of age, they are likely to eat a bit more solid food than they did last week. By this time, you can try to gradually increase the amount of solid food in their bowl. You may also start to notice the mother doing her job of slowly letting go of her little ones when it comes to the nursing job. This does not generally mean that your puppies will no longer get nursed by their mother — the instances of nursing will only lessen during this transition period. Physical activity is common when your Labrador retriever puppy reaches 6 weeks old. Your pups might also run around even more and become slightly independent compared to when they were younger, which means less time with their mother to get milk. By 7 weeks of age, your puppies will have far less time being nursed by their mother. This translates to being almost done with the weaning process. Continue feeding them food and liquid mixture until only the solid food is left served in their food bowl. Aside from that, you may also want to add a bit of age-appropriate kibble suited for Labrador puppies that they can chew properly. Protein is an important part of their diet, which includes meat sources chicken, beef, and fish , which will help in their energy, strength, and overall health. Consider foods that are rich in protein rather than brands that only contain mostly fillers like corn and wheat. The ideal amount of food per day is 2 cups, which should be divided into 3 or 4 meals per day. When it comes to weight management, keep in mind that different Labrador breeds do exist. This means that not all puppies should have the same amount of food. Take time to observe your puppy visually if you are feeling their ribs. After all, sudden changes in their diet can result in stomach upsets! Food changes are also important to talk about. If, for some reason, the new Labrador pup owner has no access or little budget for the brand you used, consider close alternatives and make sure they introduce the new food properly, gradually, and slowly. Later on, during their 9th week, you can also give them home-cooked meals such as meat bought from the wet market. To avoid food contamination, especially if you live in coastal areas where bacteria could thrive easily, consider removing the food within 15 minutes of not being touched by your pup. This will also help the puppy get disciplined into only eating when they are truly hungry and not out of boredom. Once your Labrador puppy turns 11 weeks old, you could be surprised at their sudden growth. You may find yourself constantly buying stocks of puppy food since this is their peak developmental stage. Either way, as long as you stick as close to the schedule as possible, everything will be fine. Stick to feeding your Labrador retriever puppy about three to four meals per day. If your pup is extra active throughout the day, they might need up to 3 cups of food per day, equally divided into the meals we mentioned. By having three different meals, you are ensuring that your pup gets the right weight and a good amount of nutrition. After all, lab pups tend to eat a lot if not supervised! During their 13th week, lab puppies are likely to roam around and look for items that they might mistake as food. Your job, as their owner, is to keep an eye out for these objects and hide them before little Fido chews them! At times, a Labrador pup might look hungry due to excessive begging, but in reality, it could just be a behavior, so make sure the feeding schedule is strictly followed. It will also be a great bonding time with their owner! Recommended Food for Labrador Puppies On average, your Labrador pup should have around calories if they weigh around 22 pounds. Of course, this number will vary depending on their age, weight, genetics, and daily activities. With that said, what should you feed your lab puppy? Here are some great ideas on what to feed your pup, which can be found in both store food and raw diet plans. Meaty protein As with all dogs and most active breeds, a Labrador retriever needs a generous amount of protein in its diet. This includes chicken, beef, and fish, as well as other wild sources. Always look into the ingredients and make sure that a specific meat source is the first ingredient. If you are feeding raw meat instead of kibble, make sure it is handled properly to avoid bacterial infection. Another option is to incorporate canned wet puppy food with kibble, but make sure it is filler-free. Omega fatty acids Omega fatty acids are commonly found in fish and other seafood. Fish such as mackerel are good for lab puppies to boost their heart health. Aside from that, some omega fatty acids can improve their skin and coat appearance, which will help in handling irritations in the future. We all know the pain of grooming a shedding dog! Vegetables and fruits Greens are important for puppies as well because they will help with their overall digestion and their immune system. Organ meat You may also want to add organ meat to your puppy food, especially if you are feeding raw. Kidneys and liver are common organ meat to look for in a Labrador puppy diet. Organs can be found in store-bought wet or canned food but you can also prepare it at home from the market. Be sure to handle it properly to avoid food contamination. Foods with glucosamine As mentioned above, joint problems are often experienced by labs when they grow up. To prevent the onset of hip or elbow dysplasia, consider foods that are rich in glucosamine, such as shellfish, chicken feet, and beef bones. Bone soup or broth is also a good source of glucosamine. Foods to Avoid While we have some recommended foods for a lab puppy, there are also certain ingredients that you should avoid, such as the following: Fillers such as corn and wheat These fillers are often included in most commercial dog foods. Look for foods with fewer fillers and more protein. An obese puppy may grow into an unhealthy and unhappy dog later on in life. They can catch all sorts of health problems if their weight is not managed properly. For instance, hip dysplasia is more likely to happen if your puppy is too heavy. Moreover, sugary foods will cause diabetes if not supervised. Human foods toxic to dogs These include chocolate, garlic, avocado, grapes, lime, coffee caffeine , lemons, tea, onions, sugary foods, macadamia nuts, and most certainly alcohol. Here are some frequently asked concerns about their meals, diet, and more. If you notice a big change in their appetite, it can be a cause for concern. Changes in their regular food are a normal reason for a puppy to suddenly stop eating because it is new to them. Have you tried gradually changing the food in portions? First, put a little bit of the new food and more of the old food, and then gradually increase the portion of the new food after a few meals. Should I give my Labrador puppy supplements? Generally, lab puppies will already get the nutrients they need from the food you buy or prepare for them. Puppy food is usually manufactured and made to have more nutrients as compared to adult dog food, which is why it should already be sufficient for your Labrador puppy. When can I switch my Labrador puppy to adult food? The best time to make the switch is after their first birthday. Usually, by this time, your pup has reached adulthood and is no longer growing in height and weight. Keep in mind that transitioning from puppy to adult food still requires the ratio method. Put a little bit of the adult food at first into the puppy food mix. Raw feeding a Labrador puppy Many raw diet advocates stress the benefits of feeding this way, such as becoming free from fillers and artificial additives. Get your veterinarian or breeder involved if you want to start feeding a raw diet to your Labrador puppy because when done wrong, it could make your pup sick! Conclusion Labrador puppies, when fed properly, carefully, and smartly, will reward you with TLC and a warm companion for the years to come. Be sure to always stick to the schedule or else it could lead to obesity and joint problems later on! Always make time to prepare the best food for your Labrador pup so that they grow healthy and strong — enjoying life as they go! Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
About Us Experienced Breeders We have been successfully breeding quality labs since .It all began as a hobby for my oldest son that has grown to a small family business. Happy, Healthy Bloodline We live on a acre farm with 3 large ponds. This picture to the right is Samson. He was our first Charcoal Lab that produced several beautiful puppies. Our number one concern is producing great family pets. We have also produced some great hunting stock as well as service dogs in the past. A Furever Friend Labrador Retrievers are the best big dogs for the average family. This is a past silver puppy. This is Roxy's first litter. More info coming soon.See Available Puppies page for more info 6. See Available Puppies page for more info 5. See Available Puppies page 5. See Available puppies page 3. See Available puppies for more info 2. See Available puppies for more info 1. They were both born the first week of Jan .See Available Puppies for more info 5. See Available puppies for more info 5. See Available puppies for more info 4. Pics coming soon 2. Pics coming soon.See Available Adults page for more info 2. See Upcoming litters for more info 1. See Upcoming Litters for more info 1. See Available puppies for more info .See Upcoming Litter for more info .See Available puppies for mor info .See Available Puppies for more info .See Upcoming Litters for more info .See Upcoming Litters for mere info .See Available Adults for more info .This will be a chocolate litter .See Upcoming Litters for more info 9. See Upcoming Litters for more info 8. See Upcoming Litters for more info 6. See Available Puppies for more info 6. See Upcoming Litters for more info 4. This has been in the works for a few years now 2. More info to come soon.See Available Puppies for the latest info .Her name is Layla pics coming soon .See Upcoming Litters for the latest info 9. See Upcoming Litters for more info.See available puppies for the latest info.He is just a puppy now, but he will grow fast! See Available Puppies for more info. We tragically lost Hercules. See Available puppies page for more info 6. See Upcoming Litters page 6. See Upcoming Litters page 4. See Available puppies page for more info. Hoping to replace her in .See available puppies page. We are seeing awesome results! Please let us know what you think! See Upcoming Litters for more info. These breedings didn't take! She had one yellow puppy. She will be having a litter of puppies in November. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Email Address. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Here, we highlighted six of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in the state. Keep in mind that before purchasing a puppy, you need to do your homework and visit the breeder. But this list should get you on the right track! The 6 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Kentucky 1. The breeder also offers breeding rights for an additional fee. They have multiple breeding couples, giving customers a wide array of color options to choose from. High-quality purebred Labrador Retrievers are exactly what you get with Kentucky Labs. Just keep in mind that you should still visit the breeder in person before sending any money! Lincoln Park Labs also offers a month guarantee for hip dysplasia. All their Labs are AKC registered and get health clearances before breeding.
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Browse All Categories classified, including pets, automotive, real estate, announcements Livestock, Poultry and Pets - Buy and sell classifieds for livestock, poultry, pets and more at Farms. Puppies rescued from hot trunk during Oregon traffic stop Published: May. Posted by Oregon State Police on Monday, May 14, When he stopped the car, Peterson said the driver and passenger gave conflicting stories about where they were headed. When he asked if there was anything in the trunk, the passenger, rather loudly, said no, while the driver admitted there was something in back -- 10 puppies. They were panting heavily when Peterson found them, but quite friendly. The puppies were in the trunk without water or access to air conditioning. Monday was a record day for heat, with temperatures reaching 88 degrees in Medford, according to the National Weather Service. That is far too hot for puppies in a trunk. Their owner, Alex Valenzuela, 24, was cited for animal neglect. The puppies were taken to Jackson County Animal Services and, though suffering from some heat exhaustion, were in good condition, Peterson said. There were about three to four months old, he said, all from the same litter. If the owner is convicted of animal neglect, Peterson said, he will be barred from owning the dogs and they will be available for adoption. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Footer Navigation.
Why choose MN English Golden? We are professional breeders that focus on 1 excellent genetic health testings, exquisite temperaments, and highest quality pedigrees such as World Championship Moondust Masterpiece and three times winning Steadfast Angus. Our pups are breastfed until couple days before they go home at 8 weeks old. Classified as a working dog with purposes such as Service or Therapy work. We breed to better the breed. We focus on superior health of our puppies to give our families the perfect golden. For more information view health testings on OFA. English Cream Goldens are such an exquisite breed. They are intelligent, playful, honest, loyal, and loving companions. Once you have a golden, you will always want a golden. They will always be by your side, full of love, and will make your heart melt! Majority of our pups are sold before pups are born. We recommend reserving your puppy early so you can be one of the first picks of the litter. Once pups are born we will mark each puppy with a different color collar and have weekly pictures for you so you can enjoy watching your puppy grow! We love to have our families come to our home and have the joy in picking out their puppy. Each family will have their own time to meet and play with the puppies, parents and meet our family. We will answer all questions and help guide each family in choosing their perfect puppy. If a family can not come to our home to pick out their puppy, then we will have the family pick out their puppy online before we ship or deliver puppy to you. Visit FAQ page for more information on delivering or shipping a puppy to you. Puppies will be ready to join their forever loving homes at 8 weeks old. We do have options where your puppy can stay and go through our puppy training classes. Please visit FAQ and training program page for more information. Handler and dog must work together to have a successful outcome. The pinnacle accomplishment for any dog running in field trials is to earn a Field Champion FC title designation or an Amateur Field Champion AFC designation — or for some, it might be both. Your dog runs, finds them, and retrieves them as quickly as he can while responding to hand signals or whistles from you or your handler. Contestants are judged on various traits they are born with including a strong memory for marks, intelligence, perseverance, and more. Section 7. Master Hunting Test. Dogs shall be tested in a minimum of five hunting situations as follows: multiple land marks, multiple water marks, multiple marks on water and land, a land blind and a water blind at least one that shall be a double blind in any combination. There shall be at least three series. At least one of the series shall include a walk-up. The 3 falls must be presented before a dog is sent to retrieve any mark or blind. During a double set of marks 2 falls Master judges shall include additional elements of testing, i. Train ability must be evaluated more stringently than in Senior Hunting Tests. While distance is not crucial, Master Hunting situations are more severe and difficult than Senior Hunting situations. A dog that displays unwillingness must be scored relatively lower on Marking and Perseverance than in the Senior Hunting Test. A dog that goes to the area of the fall and finds the bird unaided shall be scored appreciably higher than a dog that must be handled to a bird. Master Hunting dogs must exhibit those qualities expected in a truly finished and experienced hunting companion. The five qualifying progeny must earn a combined total of 48 points. Two of the five required progeny MAY have a combination of a six point title and a five point title or two six point titles. Points are not cumulative within a category and only the highest achievement earned in each category is recognized. Additional points may be earned by qualifying progeny. All titles below the five point level will only count towards the OS if earned by already qualified progeny. Should the titles of the five qualifying progeny not total 48 points, then additional points including those titles worth less than five points may be counted for those dogs already recognized as qualifying progeny by the point value of other titles earned. GRCA will not track the accumulation of points, only titles. We are a top golden retriever breeder in Minnesota offering golden retriever puppies for sale and golden doodle puppies for sale. Stay up to date with news on our current golden retrievers and golden doodle litters and puppies for sale. We keep this page current, so make sure to check back or contact us if you would like to reserve a puppy. Located near LeSueur Minnesota the farm has been in the Riebel family for over years. Through selective breeding they have developed their golden retriever bloodlines into wonderful family, hunting, and companion dogs. Read more about us and our farm. A Golden Retriever puppy will be very playful and pal around with you and your family for hours. This dog breed is known for its beautiful coat and feathered coat. Goldens come in many colors, cream and blonde are the most common while darker red colors are more of a rarity. At Island Farm Retrievers we have all 3 colors available. This dog breed is one of a kind and will remain a prefect family pet for many years to come. Read More on our Golden Retrievers Golden Doodles Goldendoodles are known to be one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to their many different color phases, very trainable and intelligent, and being hypoallergenic, making them a suitable dog for any family. New pup owners and past customers with their goldens! Our puppies are raised with our family and pets. We started out raising Golden Retrievers for field. She was a beautiful light colored Golden. She did everything we asked for and more. She was titled in obedience, hunting, her working certificate and was trained as a service dog. We train dogs in all of these areas. All of our puppies have been introduced to birds. That way, even years down the road if owners or friends decide to hunt they remember that scent and get very excited. We kept a female puppy from her litter Victoria's Secret Satin Teddy. Teddy was a dark golden almost Irish Setter in color. She was a wonderful hunting dog as well as certified narcotics dog. We had three beautiful litters with her. She was very energetic her whole life and free of cancers. She died peacefully at .He was also free of cancers. He died peacefully at .She is a medium colored Golden. Her father Legend is full English Cream, and very white colored coat. She is half English Cream so she throws light colored golden puppies when paired with another half English Cream. Her first litter was at age 4, she had a large litter of .We kept a male puppy Otter Creek's Oliver Winchester '94' He has been a wonderful puppy to raise and we hope to stud him out next year. Oliver is a light colored Golden not white but buff colored. He was the green male from pictures. Sally is a very patient and loving mother and let's Oliver in the whelping box to see his siblings. She had a litter of 9, one female died right before birth. Our first puppy loss, and we all cried.Even Sally. We have our breeding female Daisy one of Sally's puppies, full sister to Oliver only from another litter. We socialize the pups since day one. We welcome any puppy questions or training issues and will be glad to help in any way. If for any reason an owner of one of our puppies can't keep the dog we placed with them, we ask to have first choice in taking the dog back with our family. We brought our puppies into the world and we stay responsible for their lifetime. Our puppies come with a two year health guarantee. We breed for Wonderful temperments and pedigrees. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Platinum Pearl Goldens. They will be ready to go to their new homes in early to mid December. We are taking deposits now towards these litters. If December is busy, let us begin the training process for you, then you can pick up shortly before or after Christmas. Each of us plays a part in the business, including blogging and web-updates, customer contact, cleaning kennels, feeding and training the dogs, and but of course! Our kids are now in their twenties. Hunting is our favorite autumn routine. Every time Dad and Joe get home from hunting, the rest of the family storm them with questions. You could say we train our dogs for stories. After a month or so of our obedience or hunting training your dog will learn many new skills. Each of our adult dogs is trained for hunting and is hunted over. A number of our dogs are descended from field champion dogs. It fun to see that the dogs look forward to hunting as much as we do. Each year on the first duck hunt of the season Tanner will literally tremble with excitement as he anticipates the first retrieve. We also offer our training services to help your dog develop outstanding obedience and hunting skills. Our training packages can take your dog from the basic obedience starting point up to the point of being field ready. Did you know? I love everyone of them and their parents that took the pictures!! We are a breeder of Golden Retriever puppies in Minnesota. Welcome to Angels of Gold Golden Retrievers. My name is Lori. I have been a golden retriever breeder for over 35 years. One of the newest members of the family is Vivian. She was out of the litter of 12 when Talia passed away. Brodie was the Patriarch of our Gang, having sired 10 litters, 1 with our dear Angel and 9 of them to dams owned by others. Many of those dam owners and adoptive parents keep in touch with me and are all very good references and some have become very good friends. Brodie came into our lives in May of .He has great Champion Bloodlines. I am hoping I can get Champion and competition titles on my 2 young girls in the future. Check out their individual pages for photos. I live on 20 beautiful acres in North central Minnesota, with 3 ponds for them to train and swim in. We breed for health, temperament, performance and beauty. They will excel in performance, conformation, field, anything you desire to do and most of all they will be your best friend!
american bulldog puppys - One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever.
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american bulldog puppys - Less than 1 hour per day, e. Overfeeding and Underfeeding Underfeeding and overfeeding both carry significant health risks for your GSD. As a guide, your German Shepherd should have a defined waistline and you can feel her ribs. Obesity is costly, both in terms of veterinary bills and health. An overweight German Shepherd is at an increased risk of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. German Shepherds love to exercise and keeping them in good body condition is part of maintaining their diet. But, puppies tire much more quickly and are still developing their joints. How often should I feed my adult German Shepherd? Full-grown German Shepherds do well on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. For most adult German Shepherds, feeding twice per day, around 10 to 12 hours apart is healthy. Regardless of the feeding schedule you choose, avoid allowing your German Shepherd to exercise vigorously after consuming a large meal for at least 1 — 2 hours. This is especially true if your dog eats its food rapidly. Giving your dog time to fully digest her meal will help minimize problems with bloat, intestinal obstruction, or other serious digestive disorders. What food do German Shepherds need? The German Shepherd Dog is an athletic powerhouse! The German Shepherd is an Olympic athlete at heart! They love to exercise, play, run, and generally stay in motion most of the time. Giving them the best food is essential to their natural drive. Due to its convenience and ease of feeding, dry kibble is the most common way to give a German Shepherd her dietary requirements. Common commercial foods are made with chicken, beef, lamb, or fish products and by-products, grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, or oats. They contain added vitamins and minerals to ensure that the final diet is balanced. Some owners prefer to mix dry kibble with wet food, make their own homemade food, and only serve a raw diet, or any combination they feel is the right fit for their dog and lifestyle. Any mixture of food you feed your GSD must meet their dietary requirements. Dog food sales in the United States are a huge business. German Shepherd owners must not only stay alert as wise consumers but also monitor the health of their beautiful breed, which is an indicator of the quality of food you feed them. Many German Shepherds can carry on for a long time on a substandard diet, but inadequate nutrition can lead to more than health problems. In fact, poor nutrition could cause your German Shepherd to develop: behavior problems susceptibility to disease and even shorten their lifespan! What are the nutritional requirements for German Shepherds? Nutrition gives your dog the fuel they need to power through her day. The six basic nutrients are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Good nutrition plays a large part in the appearance and vitality of your dog. The minimum dietary requirement has been established for many nutrients. Keep in mind, these are the minimum requirements, and not what will give your German Shepherd optimal health. Proteins The main nutritional requirement of German Shepherds is protein. Protein has several functions that keep your dog healthy. Proteins provide energy, help build and repair muscles, form new skin, hair, and nail cells, and even keep the immune and musculoskeletal systems strong. Protein requirements vary with age, activity level, temperament, life stage, health status, and the specific protein quality of the diet. Estimating Protein needs Although energy requirements vary widely between dogs, protein needs are fairly constant. Adult dogs generally need at least 1 gram of protein per pound. However, younger and geriatric dogs may need more; young pets for early growth, and old pets because they appear less able to take advantage of dietary protein than their younger counterparts. But these amounts are only the minimums. Remember that you want your dog to thrive, not just subsist on the minimum industry standard. Fats Fat is the second main nutritional requirement for your German Shepherd. Fat provides energy and is necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues. But these minimums will only sustain your German Shepherd, not provide optimum health and sustained growth. Manufacturers further combine fiber, vitamins, and minerals to meet the minimum nutrient profiles of commercial dog food. Most German Shepherd owners use treats daily either in the training or for general fun with their dogs. Treats and Snacks German Shepherds rarely turn down a tasty treat or snack. There are a wide variety of treats available commercially, but these vary in quality. Try to limit treats to reward good behavior or for enrichment exercises to avoid the dreaded German Shepherd boredom. These are good alternatives as they are lower in calories. Examples of safe natural treats to feed include: Sliced cooked or raw carrot Frozen blueberries great for teething puppies and on hot days Slices of apple with the core and seeds removed If you have questions regarding which treats to feed, start with one of these healthy German Shepherd treat options. Feeding Habits Create good feeding habits for your German Shepherd from a young age. Follow these diet tips to keep your athletic dog in top form. Any uneaten food should be removed after about 20 minutes to encourage good eating behaviors. Some German Shepherds may develop fussy eating habits. In many cases, this is down to an owner being too quick to offer something tastier. Stay mindful of this and resist giving in to your dog immediately. Provide access to fresh water at all times. Always leave their water bowl available and check it regularly. This is normal, as German Shepherds are notoriously messy drinkers and tend to splash out more water than they drink sometimes. Plus, bits of food tend to wind up in the water dish, making the water turn cloudy quickly. Last, here are a few tips to make feeding your German Shepherd easier. Choose the best diet for your German Shepherd to match their life stage and activity, as well as dog food that is: Complete — includes all required nutrients. Balanced —all nutrients are present in the appropriate balance. Appetizing— your dog enjoys eating the food in sufficient amounts to keep them in optimum body condition. Safe — is free of weaknesses, excesses, toxins, unnecessary sugars, salts, additives, and dyes. Feeding a German Shepherd requires a balanced combination of nutrition to keep their energy reserves in check while not adding any excess weight which could harm their larger frames and bones. Additional References Coile, D. Henriksson J, et al. Journal of Experimental Biology. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Image used with permission by copyright holder How much should a German Shepherd eat per day? When determining how much to feed your German Shepherd you need to consider his age, size, and activity level. Puppies need to be fed a specially formulated puppy diet focused on growth. Adult dog diets should focus on maintaining a healthy weight. An adult male German Shepherd can weigh between 75 and pounds, while a female can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Experts at Prudent Pet Insurance offer the following feeding guidelines for large breed dogs. Many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, carrots, and broccoli can make healthy treats for your German Shepherd. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the following popular people foods are toxic to pets: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Chocolate, coffee, and, caffeine all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and they can potentially cause pancreatitis. Onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. What dog food brands are affordable but healthy? When shopping on a budget, steer clear of cheap, low-quality dog foods. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal , these foods are made with the cheapest ingredients available in the pet food industry and are not healthy for dogs. Instead, look for an affordable high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Of course, if your dog is on a prescription diet for health reasons, you will have to pay more for that food. Following are three top-rated foods manufactured by experienced pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn 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 on 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. 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 infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old 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. 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 yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old 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. 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. 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. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months 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. 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. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 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. 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. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. 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 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. 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]. 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.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. We all want the best for our pets and want to feed our German Shepherd the best diet. The best dog food for German Shepherds is dry food, which is more practical for large breeds. It is also the least expensive, even if you choose a high-quality brand. Of course, you can feed other diets, such as wet, a mix of dry and wet, raw, home-produced, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Most owners feed commercial dry food or wet canned food. You should check that vitamins and minerals are also included. The best quality commercial dog foods will consist of additional protein sources, like fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins, like vegetables, legumes, and grains. The best diet for your German Shepherd should suit his size and lifestyle. I will explain what I mean when we take a unique look at the different types of food you can feed your dog see below. Many pet food companies have invested millions of dollars into researching what ingredients contain the maximum levels to achieve a healthy, balanced diet that aids in essential puppy growth and mental and physical development. Dry Foods Dry dog foods are one of the most popular choices. The latter is gaining popularity in the United States and other regions and is widespread in the UK and Europe. Cold-pressed food is deemed a higher quality kibble due to its cooking process. So what exactly is kibble? Kibble is dry dog food made either through extrusion or oven baking. The food is produced under high pressure and high temperatures. All kibble is made the same way and using the same machinery. What is cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food is dry food made at much lower temperatures and cooked quickly before being pressed into the desired shape. This unique method means the food retains more nutritional value, flavor, aroma, and vitamins. All the goodness is retained in bite-size pieces. Dry dog food provides more nutrients per bite than wet food because they contain less moisture. Dogs with dental problems may also benefit from dry food as it helps to clean their teeth and gums. Dry dog food is the most practical choice for a large dog, especially a German Shepherd. However, dry food comes in all shapes and sizes, so a smaller sized variety can be suitable for smaller breeds. It is also okay to feed your dog a pure dry diet and add cooked meat, fish, or vegetables, and this is what I do. I feed Willow cold-pressed dog food, and although this is a complete, balanced, high-quality food, I like to mix things up for my German Shepherd. Willow eating dry food with a natural yogurt topping Occasionally my dog will have some tinned tuna or mackerel in oil, which is also excellent for her skin and coat. If I add a topping, I always slightly reduce the quantity of the food to ensure that she is not gaining extra calories. There are some things to be wary of; not every canned food brand provides the protein your German Shepherd needs. Also, the higher the water content, the fewer nutrients, so your dog has to consume more food to get the nutritional value their body needs. Additionally, be wary of low-quality canned foods, as manufacturers often add wheat flour as a thickener or extra white rice or other grains. Canned dog food can be more expensive, especially if you have a large dog breed, but it may be ideal if your dog enjoys eating a more considerable portion. Other advantages of wet food are that it may be more suitable if your GSD is a fussy eater or if you have a senior dog who may have lost his appetite and find wet food more palatable. Semi-moist Dog Foods Semi-moist dog foods are not as popular as other types as they offer the least nutritional value and can be pretty expensive. Unfortunately, manufacturers add sugar and salts to preserve moisture and shelf life. Therefore, a semi-moist diet may not be appropriate for your German Shepherd, especially if he is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. Many semi-moist foods are also loaded with artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and flavor enhancers. However, semi-moist food may be the best choice if your German Shepherd finds it challenging to digest all other types of dog food. Your dog may also enjoy the meaty taste and find this food more palatable if they are incredibly picky. Dry Dog Food vs. You can mix the foods in the same bowl or feed dry for the morning and wet for the afternoon feed or vice-versa. Some German Shepherd owners that feed dry dog food like to add wet food as a topping. If you choose this option, keeping to the same brand is advisable. They believe their pets will not like or refuse commercial dog food. They may need a home-prepared diet to help with a diagnosis e. They may require a home-prepared diet if a dog has a combination of diseases for which no commercial diet exists. They sought comfort as a home-feeder for dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses. There are several drawbacks to the home preparation of dog food. You can do it, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and it may be more expensive than even the best quality dog food on the market. Homemade diets can provide complete nutrition. However, you need to ensure your German Shepherd gets the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, which is not easy. Suppose you wish to prepare a home-cooked diet. It is recommended to cook all animal products to kill bacteria that could make your German Shepherd sick. However, if you are a raw feeder see below , you will likely disagree with this statement. Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables must also be cooked to make them easier for your dog to digest. Never add foods that are toxic to dogs. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and macadamia nuts, to name but a few. Do you want to know more about homemade diets? My final thoughts on helping you decide on whether to become a home feeder would be: Do you have the time to become a home feeder? There are plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods on the market. Your dog will require regular health checks to check for any nutrient deficiencies. The nutrient percentages can vary widely and as mentioned, grains might or might not be included in kibble varieties. This is why answering these basic questions: what breed is your dog, how active is it, how old is it and what health issues does it have, are so important. Your answers can help guide you toward the best formulas for your dog. If you purchase an inexpensive food, the ingredients will be inexpensive, and in many cases—inferior. Know what proportions of these primary ingredients are in the foods you feed and read pet food labels. Also note there are commercially prepared kibbles—with high concentrations of carbohydrates—that can be excellent choices for some German Shepherds. Check out Reebok's blog article on omnivores vs. Has domestication altered canine physiology and digestion? Dog Food Types Dog foods come in many forms and most can be fed to your German Shepherd either singularly or in combination. They include dry, moist, semi-moist, dehydrated, freeze-dried, raw and homemade. Let take a brief look as each. The ingredients of raw diets include muscle meat, organ meat liver, kidney, etc. Raw diets can also include raw eggs with the shell , dog-friendly fruits and vegetables and dairy cottage cheese and yogurt. Benefits can include much smaller, firmer stools, improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, reduced allergies and better weight management. Raw diets are an excellent alternative for dogs struggling to thrive on commercially prepared food products. Dehydrated and Freeze Dried — Dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods consist of raw, healthy ingredients with the water removed so increase shelf life and use less space, i. Most varieties include an identified meat protein, while others are meant to be used as a base and you add your preferred meat source. These mixes are great for dogs with food sensitivities and most of are also gluten-free. The down side to these products is they are very expensive and cost prohibitive to most large-breed dog fanciers. Homemade — Homemade diets are another alternative to commercially prepared food products. Homemade diets require a better understanding of canine nutrition to maintain completeness and balance, but is not a difficult process with a little research, good planning and consistency. Moist canned — Moist dog foods have a very high moisture content. Refrigerated and frozen moist dog foods are also available. Moist foods are traditionally more expensive than dry foods, though usually has a fairly long shelf life. Special attention should be paid the protein and water content of these foods. The higher the water content, the less nutrients in the food. This means your dog will need to consumer more of this food to meet his basic nutritional requirements. Dry Kibble — Dry dog food, or kibble, is the most commonly fed form of dog food because it can be the most economical and require little or no preparation time. Dry foods are also easy to store and have a long shelf life. They do not need to be frozen or refrigerated. Because of the very low moisture content of these products, kibble-fed dogs should always have plenty of fresh water available—at all times—as they need to consume more water than dogs that are fed higher-moisture foods. Semi-moist — Semi-moist dog foods are the least popular form of food sold in the U. Most experts do not recommend semi-moist foods as they are the least nutritional of all the pet foods and usually contain many artificial flavors, coloring and preservatives to make the food more palatable to dogs. Do not feed these products to any dog as a primary dietary source. Vegetarian — Recently introduced into the market are vegetarian diets for dogs. While some of these products are nutritionally complete, if your dog does not like the taste, feeding time can be challenging and vegetarian diets for the most part do not taste good to most dogs. There are a couple positive aspects to these diets, however. Since vegetarian diets do not contain meat or dairy products, owners can start their dogs initially on these diets and slowly add back in animal protein and dairy products—one at a time. By doing so, they can determine which foods are causing issues for their dogs and eliminate these products from their meal plan. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times While food is the central component of any diet, it is critical to ensure your German Shepherd drinks sufficient amounts of water—daily. Water is vital for maintaining biological systems and function and if you feed primarily kibble which has a very low moisture content , then water becomes even more important. Feed your German Shepherd at least twice daily German Shepherds are a large, deep-chested breed and are therefore predisposed to developing life-threatening bloat or gastric torsion. To decrease these risks, feed your German Shepherd at least two smaller meals daily and at regularly scheduled times. Avoid late night feeding and make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day. Excitable states and eating can contribute to stomach problems, flatulence and other digestive issues. As an alternative, you can—with a little research—make homemade meals for your dog at home that are nutritionally balanced. And due to the ever increasing number of pet food recalls each year, making your own dog food can not only be more safe and even less expensive—but you will actually know what is in the foods you are feeding. While it might be convenient to fill a bowl with food and leave it out all day, allowing your dog to graze at will is never a good thing. Dog food attracts bugs and collects moisture. Kibble is prone to mold in regions of high humidity. If you are house training a puppy, free feeding makes it impossible to establish a routine. Free-fed dogs are also notoriously over or under weight. They either eat too much because they can or eat too little because their food is stale and uninviting. And lastly, German Shepherds need to know their food did not just fall from the sky. Fresh foods are great for German Shepherds German Shepherd love to eat healthy, human foods such as meat and cheese products and certain fruits and vegetables—and these foods make awesome treats. Fresh foods also contain natural enzymes that commerical dog foods have lost due to processing. Feeding too many treats daily can lead to nutrient imbalances and digestive upsets. Some lines of German Shepherds are also prone to nutritional irregularities that can lead to weight loss. If you feel your dog is underweight, seek the advice of a veterinarian who can recommend supplements—or test for underlying conditions. Note also that many German Shepherds have a naturally thin builds. You should be able to run your fingers along the rib cage of your German Shepherd—with slight pressure—and feel its ribs. Begin by adding a small percentage of the new food to the existing food and gradually increase the amount over a period of weeks. This gradual transition decreases chances of digestive upset. As a side note, at GSDLiving, we feed our dogs a great variety of foods—both kibble and canned food and raw food products. We switch protein sources and food brands regularly—from the time our dogs are puppies. Your veterinarian would most likely frown upon this practice, but it has been wildly successful for us. Not all dogs will be able to do this of course, but if started young, most have few issues. Experts recommend you stick with the same diet for several weeks before evaluating the results and making adjustments. Other than sticking with raw bones only, what makes a bone a good choice depends on your dog. Know how your dog chews. If you have an aggressive chewer or gulper, bones might not be a good option—or if offered, they should be large and meaty and chewing should be closely supervised. Pick up and discard bones once the majority of the meat has been consumed. Cooked bones are brittle, splinter easily and are much less digestible than uncooked bones. Raw bones are great for dogs because they add bulk to their diet and are a good source of calcium, phosphorous and other nutrients. Raw bones should be covered with lots of meat and be soft enough to be eaten without causing damage or excessive wear to their teeth. Good bone choices include poultry, rabbit, goat, lamb, beef calf. Do not let your dog chew endlessly. Removed bones once the easily eaten portions are consumed. While advertisements display images of healthy, happy dogs, it is important to remember that most manufacturers put profit before health. To ensure that you are feeding your German Shepherd a high-quality, safe food product, read the ingredient list and learn what ingredients are not good for your dog. If one of the first ingredients listed is a meat by-product, this is an indication that the product consists of primary low-quality ingredients. And when a meat source is not identified meat by-products , this means the product is inferior and neither you—or the manufacturer—know what is actually in the foods they are selling and you are buying. Others reasons to be careful about the dog foods you purchase: Just because a commercial dog food is labeled complete and balanced, does not mean it does not come without risk. So far, in , there have been dozens of recalls on major brand dog foods. Some of the issues include excessive amounts of vitamin D which has shown to be fatal to some dogs , elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones and even food contaminated with pentobarbital, lethal bacteria and heavy metals. Choose your pet foods carefully and keep up with current product recalls. There are many good sources for recall information. DogFoodAdvisor is one such resource. Leave a Reply.