German shepherds tend to be too fat rather than too skinny. If youre struggling to get your dog to eat enough to gain weight, add an extra mealtime to its daily routine. Ive got her every flavor if not almost every flavor, and this salmon one is the one she has loved the most! Before you try to make your German shepherd gain weight, make an appointment with your vet for a medical checkup. follow these tips and keep track of your German Shepherds body mass to make your German Shepherd gain weight in a HEALTHY WAY. Try walking up hills to improve muscle growth or a gentle game of tug using a spring pole in which your dog can start and stop on their own. Look for animal-based proteins as the top ingredient. If your vet gives you the all-clear, try changing your dogs food to encourage it to gain weight. Recommended Reading: What Does A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Look Like. It contains 32% protein from herring meal, so your pet will have lots of energy and the building blocks for powerful muscles. You could use a notepad or try to find an app thatll help you keep track of your companions weight. Consider getting food specifically designed for your dog's breed. Boosting their diet with fat and fiber will help your dogs digestion along with weight gain. Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calory intake. Read Also: Top Names For German Shepherds, Recommended Reading: Is My German Shepherd Too Skinny. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppys diet as it could cause diarrhea. If you want to make your puppy weigh more, then you can increase the amount of food. Its worth noting that the male German Shepherds are generally better for personal protection while the female ones are better suited for family protection. Its full of nutrients and calories that can help your dog gain weight. Dont skip on your dogs exercise because you want them to gain more weight and think theyll burn too much fat. your German Shepherd is picky about when they eat, then it may help to leave Catherine Krasavin owns Shepherd Sense, a dog website aimed at German Shepherd owners and lovers. They are large breed dogs with fast metabolisms that are active and energetic in their daily lives. That said, we dont recommend that you restrict your dogs recommended calorie intake by more than 20% with between 10-15% being the usual restriction. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Seniors, adults, and puppies all have various nutritional concerns. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. Keep in mind that even grain-free kibbles with high-quality ingredients can have high levels of starchy carbs and bad carbs that contribute to the pet obesity epidemic. A high-protein, low-fat diet is perfect for helping your dog maintain his weight, giving him the nutrients he needs to be energized and build muscle. The main causes of a German shepherd being too skinny or losing weight are: Obviously, you need to take your dog to a vet in order to find out what is causing the weight loss or lack of weight gain. Be sure to write down the diet plans you use for your dog as well as how effective they were. Depending on your dogs age you may need to switch foods. A male German Shepherd is heavier than a female. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. Do you want to know how to fatten up a German Shepherd to make them gain weight in a healthy way? According to the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, GSD males reach peak growth at around 3-4 years old, which is when they should weigh between 79 and 88 pounds. The issue might be something minor, like their diet, or something significant, like an illness or injury. Consulting with a nutritionist or veterinarian can help you determine the calorie requirements for your dog. There are some considerations you should do about Your German Shepherd Dog. Fit German Shepherds may at first seem slightly underweight. But if you see their ribs protruding or their hip bones raised and easily felt when petting, this is a sign of being underweight. This helps you to decide if your weight gain plan is working or if you need to adjust your plan. But these two exercises can be performed at a lower intensity so that even older dogs and puppies can enjoy their benefits (make sure your puppy can swim first). , How to Fatten Up a German Shepherd (15 Bulk-Up Tips), high protein red-meat adult formula dog food, Victor Active Dog & Puppy Grain-Free dog food, this list of the best German Shepherd treats, what amount to feed a German Shepherd puppy, ideas to improve your German Shepherds skin and coat, Are German Shepherds Good With Kids? German Shepherds require 1273 to 1540 calories per day but active ones require 1740 to 2100 . If you are worried about your dog gaining too much weight, keep track of their weekly weight gain with simple note-taking or a Google sheet. You should first check with your vet for possible medical issues. But, we wanted to let you know that we are an affiliate for the products and services on this website. These posts will help you make the most of bringing up your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Read our full disclaimer for further details. Puppies generally eat almost double the number of calories an adult dog needs, so be sure to check out this post on what amount to feed a German Shepherd puppy to keep them healthy. In this case, 95% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The Ultimate German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart by Height and Weight Searching Something For Getting Your German Shepherd Dog gain weight? If this does not help them gain weight, you may need to give them more food, adding a quarter to half a cup per meal. feeding and the additional food and increase their feeding schedule to four Pro Tip: Want to get reimbursed for up to 100% of veterinary bills any time your dog gets sick or injured? Feed food high in protein and with fat to help put weight back on. But only use free feeding with dry food, since wet foods spoil when left out for more than a couple hours. Dry kibble is known to be one of the best types of food for German Shepherds. Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line. That means when you click a link we may earn a small commission for helping you to find great things for your German Shepherd. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You may need to increase the amount and/or frequency that you feed your puppy to help them gain weight. If required, your pet will be vaccinated and undergo an extensive physical examination and tests to follow any concerns. 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. German Shepherd Dogs large dogs and their weight is justified by their height, which at the shoulder is about 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. If you're a German Shepherd owner, you'll know that these dogs can run for miles without even getting tired. That is NOT the right way to bulk-up your German Shepherd. As you may know, dog foods are not equal. Weight gain for your German Shepherd can be a tricky affair, but it can be done with the right steps. The main reasons a German Shepherd struggles to gain weight include a lack of quality food being made available along with underlying health issues affecting their appetite. Puppy foods generally have added nutrients to support puppy growth which can help your underweight German Shepherd gain weight and fatten up in a controlled manner which is what you want. You can easily add to up of additional food per meal to see the result. Start by feeding them the same amount spread out over more meals. To help them gain weight, give them food with a high amount of calories. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. Below, I will show you why it might be skinny and what would make each of the reasons more likely. A study published in BMC Veterinary Research Journal found that German Shepherds are at a high risk of developing cutaneous adverse food reactions 1, or in simpler terms, dog food allergies. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 39,585 times. The best food for a German Shepherd to gain weight is this high protein red-meat adult formula dog food which contains 30% protein to bulk-up your German Shepherd and get them fat in a healthy manner. The average size for an adult male GSD is around 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 85-100 pounds. It's unusual for a German shepherd to need to gain weight. Doing this will usually end up with you getting results quicker. Here are some of the things you need to think about when evaluating any kind of dog food. Read Also: Why Are German Shepherds So Smart. Your German Shepherds health, as well as your dogs specific breed history, contributes to their overall life span. Puppies under six months old should be fed three to four times a day. If your dog seems visually bigger than usual, get the weight checked. Free Offer your dog Brewers yeast tablets following the manufacturers instructions for dosing. But, just keeping your dog company while they eat may stimulate their appetite. Why is my German Shepherd not gaining weight? There are many things that might be written about the nutritional content of various dog foods. Be sure to make good notes regarding what your feeding plan is and how your dogs weight fluctuates. Add a scoop of wet or canned food to his dry kibble to boost flavor and moistureand some extra calories. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding and are now often used as working dogs for the police and armed forces. The most common reason german shepherds are usually overweight is due to their owners overfeeding them and under working them. References The best food for a German Shepherd to gain weight is this high protein red-meat adult formula dog food which contains 30% protein to bulk-up your German Shepherd and get them fat in a healthy manner. If After that, an airy food is put in an air-tight container and it can last for years. The Honest Kitchen recommends that because it'll help your German Shepherd gain muscle. If you want to make a German Shepherd gain weight the right way, youre going to have to plan for multiple feedings and watch how much you feed them so they dont get fat, but build muscle. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Do not suddenly remove an entire meal. He needs only 3-4 cups of dry food per day. An adult German Shepherd with an active lifestyle needs around 1700 calories each day. Follow the manufacturers and your vets advice for dosing instructions. Suggestion: 3P's lean meat options: turkey with bone, goat, venison, rabbit, and kangaroo are the leanest. These are the nutrients that will help your dog gain weight. Then, look at the type and amount of food you are feeding your dog to make sure their nutritional needs are being met. For example, switch to a mixture of half normal dog food and half puppy food to give it more calories. Following this obsessively, and constantly weighing your GSD isn't necessary. Assess your dogs body condition score or change in weight over time. It also contains genuine fruits and . 2 Month Old German Shepherd Size At two months, you can expect them to weigh in at 11-20 lbs. Alternatively, consider letting your dog free feed by keeping its food bowl filled and out at all times. At about a month, German Shepherd puppies will weigh 4.5-9 lbs. Sprints build muscle and cardio fitness. Keep in mind that free-feeding may not work for your dog. An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. Talk to your vet first to make sure it's safe for your dog to be eating a puppy food that's high in protein. Coconut oil has a lot of calories, and it's easy for dogs to digest. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. this is usually equal to the weight of a smart teenage boy or a smart middle-aged woman. Minimum cost (per month) 105. Providing a balanced diet with a good amount of protein and fat can help German Shepherds to gain weight. Underfeeding a German Shepherd puts your dog at a serious health risk. Recommended Reading: How To Keep German Shepherd Busy. Ieave her food bowl full at all times she so can eat whenever she wants. 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. Keep your puppy on a puppy-formulated food until they've reached 80% of their adult weight. Glucosamine, as well as chondroitin, create the digestive process smooth and easy. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. You can even buy healthy toppers that are easy to add. The German Shepherd Dog breed (GSD), like most, is sexually dimorphic, meaning the male and female differ in both height and weight as they develop and grow. Therefore, dry food has up to 4 times the number of calories as the same amount of wet food dry kibble is a weight gaining powerhouse! A dog that is too skinny is usually unwell and needs a vet check-up. High-quality lean protein will help pack on the pounds for shepherds having difficulty gaining weight. Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion. Even if your companion is underweight, you still have to give them an exercise routine. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. Puppies will have different nutritional needs depending upon their size. With every passing month, a specific weight gain can be observed in a German Shepherd puppy until it becomes a Mature dog. If you bought your German Shepherd from a breeder, they should be able to give you a specific, estimated weight based on your puppys parents and past litters. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Approved. Youve had your German Shepherd for a long time, but you notice something is off. Some of the herbs used to increase human appetite are also safe for use in dogs. This is a proven, balanced design which makes this particular recipe a top option for growing Shepherd puppies. This article has been viewed 39,585 times. As dog owners, our German Shepherd's health is a priority. If you're not feeding your pooch enough, it will eventually get skinny. Create a journal and keep track of their meals, treats, exercise, and weight changes. Look for dog foods that contain fish oil or other sources of omega fatty acids. You can set some goals on how many more pounds you want your German Shepherd to gain. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Take your dog for a walk before mealtime. They also add extra calories which are healthy and nutritious. German Shepherds, like other dogs, have a 63-day gestational period. Your dog needs a high-protein diet to ensure he has the raw materials necessary to create more muscle . For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to supplement your dogs diet with treats, keep reading! Read Also: German Shepherds Ears Stand Up. Vitamin E is beneficial for the development of your puppys muscles and a healthy heart and liver. First of all their breath may smell foul. One is due to poor nutrition. German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. If your dog continues losing weight or if you see a lack of progress, take your dog back to your veterinarian. Adult German Shepherd Feed Chart. To put more weight on your German Shepherd, feed them more meat and fewer grains. On the other hand, the only downside of this is that it may not be easy to chew for senior German Shepherds. My German Shepherd is Finally Gaining Weight! They have a body shape that tucks in at the waist and their ribs arent visible. Similarly, increasing your dogs exercise should be a progressive and consistent process rather than a sudden change. Like dogs, male wolves grow longer, heavier, and taller than females. It could be the case that it is getting too much exercise. You could also try feeding it dry instead of wet food, since dry food is denser and contains more calories. This will provide his body with the calories it needs to start to put on weight. Do not make drastic changes to your dog's feeding schedule or the amount you give. If your puppy's adult does not fall within the range of weights provided, it would be best to contact a veterinarian. On the other hand, commercial dog foods which are semi-moist do tend to have some chemical additives, preservatives, and artificial colors. You can also mix some wet food in with the dry food to get them interested in their kibble. For More Choices:Visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page. Dont Miss: How To Get A German Shepherds Ears Up. The german shepherd is too skinny because they are not consuming enough calories. This amount varies depending on the activities your dog does each day, the quality and type of food youre feeding, and how sedentary your dog is. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%. times per day, splitting the food equally at each feeding. Adult German Shepherds Average Weight - Approximately 10lb to 30lb (4.5kg to 14kg) Recommended Daily Food Intake - 1-2 cups a day (3.5 to 7 oz. This is the Reason WHY, Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds To Gain Weight: What To Look For, 5 Things You Must Never Do to Your German Shepherd, How Can I Get My German Shepherd To Gain Weight, What Does A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Look Like, What Temperature Can German Shepherds Handle, Which Dog Food Is Best For German Shepherd Puppy, My German Shepherd Is Itching And Losing Hair, How To Tell If A German Shepherd Puppy Is Purebred, Already Trained German Shepherds For Sale, How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need A Day, Golden Retriever Mix With German Shepherd. Thats when you start questioning whether your beloved companion is sick. German Shepherd puppies require at least 500 calories per day.. As they gain weight, the amount gradually increases. Depending on your Shepherds size and age, they can eat from 15 to 25 pounds of dry kibble in a week! When the amount of calories consumed from food is less than the number of calories the body needs to maintain basic functions, this condition occurs. German Shepherd Dogs large dogs and their weight is justified by their height, which at the shoulder is about 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. The best food for a German Shepherd to gain weight is this high protein red-meat adult formula dog food which contains 30% protein to bulk-up your German Shepherd and get them fat in a healthy manner. You should bear in mind that each type of dog food has a particular calorie content per serving. How can I get my German Shepherd to gain weight? By Andrew Garf German Shepherd Like humans, pets such as dogs can also become obese and face the challenges associated with such a condition. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"