Recognized by their original name, German Shepherds are dogs officially known as Alsatians in Britain, while Sheppard dogs were in the US until the late 1977s. These dogs maintain high muscle mass and energy levels. This is why they are used in police forces worldwide or as guard dogs. This breed requires proper amount of nutrients, which include protein, fat, and carbohydrates from healthy sources, to maintain good health of your pet.

GSDs eat a variety of foods, and due to their large size and working dog history, they need a perfect dietary standard. Feed your German Shepherd with a high-quality, rich protein diet. Instinct Duck Dog Food, Turducken Dog Food, or Merrick Lil Plates Chicken and Sweet Potato are perfect foods for your pet. Food that includes required vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and fatty acids be fed to your dog. The Optimum amount of protein for your dog is 18 to 22%, with total daily caloric levels ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 per day, this depends upon the dog’s activity level, age, and health.

Learn more about the specific dietary needs of German Shepherds at Patmypets in the sections below.

German Shepherd Diet & Feeding Pattern According to Their Age

German Shepherds are large and active dogs they need protein and carbohydrates to build muscles and increase energy levels. An adult German Shepherd usually needs 20-25% protein in the German shepherd diet. They require protein sources such as chicken, beef, fish, lamb, turkey, or eggs. To keep their coats shiny and healthy and maintain muscle, cell, and nerve function they require 10-15% fat. High-quality fat food can keep your German Shepherd happy and healthy.

Stick to rice, barley, and oats if you are looking for carbohydrates in your pet’s diet. Let’s know more about the German shepherd diet, we have maintained a proper diet for your pet according to their age:

0 to 2 Months: New Born German Shepherd

The average weight of a newborn German Shepherd is around 370 – 600 grams during birth. These puppies almost double their weight when they crave milk. The basic reason why their weekly feeding milk should change.

German Shepherd Puppy Milk Chart

Puppy Age (Weeks)	Feedings Per Day	Amount Per Feeding	Time Gap
1	8	10-12 ml	Every 2 hours
2	5	30-35 ml	Every 4-5 hours
3	4	70-80 ml	Every 4-5 hours
4	4	100-120 ml	Every 4-5 hours

Now, you must be wondering which baby milk you should feed your dogs. You can get various types of milk replacers in the market for your puppies. If you are choosing the best milk product for your pet, you can go through the Patmypets products section and get some of the best products.

Before selecting one you should know criteria, such as:

High energy and good protein level
DHA boosts cognitive skills and better nervous functions
A homogeneous formula makes it easier to digest

2-5 Months: German Shepherd Puppyhood

German Shepherd puppies have infinite energy and need more healthy calories to support active life. The frequency of their feeding changes throughout their puppyhood. 22 % of protein content is compulsory for your pet. It helps build lean muscle and strength in German shepherd puppies. 5-8% Fat Content keeps healthy skin and a lustrous coat in the pups. Calcium and Phosphorus are necessary for puppies to develop bones and joints in them.

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German Shepherd Puppy Diet Chart

Puppy Age In Months	57lb 26 Kg	77lb 35 Kg	97 lb 44Kg
2 Months	2 ⅞ cups (262 g)	3 ⅛ cups (283 g)	3 ⅜ cups (304 g)
4 Months	3 ⅞ cups (351 g)	4 ⅜ cups (396 g)	4 ⅞ cups (441 g)
6 Months	4 ⅜ cups (400 g)	5 ½ cups (500 g)	6 ½ cups (593 g)
8 Months	4 ⅜ cups (400 g)	5 ½ cups (503 g)	7 cups (637 g)
10 Months	4 cups (365g)	5 cups (460 g)	6 ½ cups (596 g)
12 Months	3 ⅝ cups (330 g)	4 ½ cups (416 g)	5 ½ cups (496 g)

6-12 Months: For Growing German Shepherd

A growing German Shepherd mostly needs 1700 calories daily. You must feed your growing German Shepherd 3 times a day. The primary ingredient of the German shepherd’s diet should be whole meat and protein such as poultry, fish, or beef. Avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives.

18 % Protein: A breed is so powerful and generates energy needs food with a high amount of protein.
5 % Fat: Fat fulfills dog’s high energy requirements, and also strengthens their skin health.
High Fiber Food: Maintains superior digestive health with ideal body weight.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps joints unhealthy, and prevents problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis.

1 – Above Years: Adult German Shepherd

Mature and grown adult German Shepherds are a bit prone to obesity. So you can’t feed them diets full of protein and fat, so they need low protein content and fat, while richer with fiber. But an moderate diet has every component considered all right, as long as your dog exercises and works out regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes 1200 calories daily.

Additional Vitamins and Minerals: A diet offering a multivitamin formula keeps the bones and joints of the German Shepherd in robust condition.
Fish Oil (Omega 3): Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids provide a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs.
Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are susceptible to obesity and diabetes, the diet most preferred with low glycemic index.

German Shepherd Diet Chart

Dog Age	Dog Weight	Food Amount	Feeding Time
0-3 Months	44-55 lbs	7-8.5 oz	Every 2-4 hours
3-5 Months	57-66 lbs	9-10 oz	Every 4-6 hours
5-7 Months	66-88 lbs	10-13 oz	4 times a day
7-12 Months	88-97 lbs	13-19 oz	4 times a day
1-12 Years	88-110 lbs	18-21 oz	Feed at least 3 times a day

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Choosing German Shepherd Diet

Like any dog, the food needs to be tailored to the dog’s breed, age, and health. German Shepherds have a range of health risks including Osteoarthritis and digestive problems. As with other dogs, they suffer from an allergy to proteins, such as Chicken. You should bear in mind the following while choosing their food:

If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, it may detest certain types of food. Try switching to healthy wet dog food if you use dry food. This might help settle dog’s stomach and prevent further complications.

If your dog can’t have one type of protein, try another, but make sure it is high-quality and ethically sourced, so dog still receives all the benefits and nutrition it needs.

A very common problem in German Shepherds is joint issues due to hip or elbow dysplasia. An easy way to address this issue is feeding them bone broth for dogs.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best German Shepherd diet?

You should feed your German Shepherds with chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, and rabbit. Diamond Naturals and Taste of the Wild are popular dog foods for your German Shepherd.

Q2. Should I feed my German Shepherd wet or dry food?

Wet dog foods are high in protein and fat and better option for keeping your dog hydrated.

Q3. Why do German Shepherds drink a lot of water?

Your dog can drink water excessively when they feel bored, or hot, after eating salty food, to hydrate themself.

Q4. Can German Shepherds eat home food?

Your homemade German Shepherd diet should include Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins, and Minerals, and focus on fresh ingredients.