Do German Shepherds Need A Lot Of Food?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Do German Shepherds need a lot of food? How Much to Feed an Adult German Shepherd. Feed your adult GSD

between 2.5 and 3.5 cups of dry kibble per day

. Active male dogs should be eating at the upper end of this scale, so should be getting 3.5 cups. Inactive and older dogs, who need less food, should be eating 2.5 cups.

Do German shepherds require a lot of food?

German shepherd dogs are large dogs, usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. The National Research Council of the National Academies says

inactive or older dogs of this weight range require between 1,272 and 1,540 calories per day, while active dogs need between 1,740 and 2,100 calories per day

.

How often should a German Shepherd eat?

In summary, for adult dogs, feeding German Shepherds about 2.5 to 3.5 cups of quality kibble per day,

twice a day

, is a good starting point. Modify amount fed as required based on your dogs size, weight, age and overall daily activity.

How many meals a day should a German Shepherd eat?

Does German Shepherd bark a lot?

Honestly, yes.

German Shepherds do tend to bark more than some of the other large dog breeds

. Even with lots of training and socialization, it isn’t uncommon for them to be more vocal.

What’s the best food for a German Shepherd?

  • Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice.
  • Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food.
  • Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck.
  • Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food.
  • Iams ProActive Health Large Breed.
  • Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon.
  • Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food.

Can a German Shepherd be left alone during the day?


No. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day

. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking.

Do German Shepherds eat once a day?


Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day

. They can get by on once per day, but it’s always better to split daily caloric intake between smaller meals instead of feeding it all at once.

How often should you bathe German Shepherds?

Frequency. Unlike other breeds, German Shepherds don’t need to bathe often. In fact, it’s best that they only bathe

every 3-4 months

. German Shepherds have a double coat – the topcoat and the undercoat.

What should a German Shepherd eat in a day?

How Much to Feed an Adult German Shepherd. Feed your adult GSD

between 2.5 and 3.5 cups of dry kibble per day

. Active male dogs should be eating at the upper end of this scale, so should be getting 3.5 cups. Inactive and older dogs, who need less food, should be eating 2.5 cups.

How often should I feed my 1 year old German Shepherd?

German Shepherd Feeding Frequency

8 weeks to 9 months old:

3 daily feedings spaced at equal intervals

. 9 months to 12 months old: Transition to two daily feedings, once in the morning and the other in the evening, and about 12 hours apart.

What foods can German Shepherds not eat?

Foods your German Shepherd should avoid include

avocados, chocolates, onion and garlic, artificial sweeteners, and raw potatoes

. Some more toxic foods are grapes and raisins, bones, yeast dough, moldy food, and raw tomatoes. In severe cases, these foods can prove fatal.

Is it better to get a male or female German Shepherd?

Research shows that

males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds

. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training.

Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?

Are they cuddly and affectionate dogs?

German Shepherds can absolutely be loving and affectionate dogs that are down for a good cuddle.

Do German Shepherds bite their owners?


A properly trained and socialized German Shepherd will very rarely bite his owner or anybody else

. While the breed is notorious for being “mouthy,” meaning they like to chew, German Shepherds are not aggressive dogs. With that said, it is essential to train and socialize your dog from the start.

What’s the lifespan of a German Shepherd?

9 – 13 years

What do German Shepherds like to do?

  • Obedience Training.
  • Agility Training.
  • Swimming.
  • Household Tasks: “Cleaning Up”
  • Dog-Specific Toy Time.
  • Dog Jobs.
  • Getting Outside.
  • Flyball.

How do you feed a German Shepherd?

The best diet for German Shepherds is

a high-quality protein-rich diet consisting of 18-22% protein

. They can also derive nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, dogs need to ensure they have the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber for optimum health.

Can a German Shepherd be an inside dog?

Can I work full time with a German Shepherd?


Working full-time with a German Shepherd is doable

. But you must spend your time training and socializing your dog from day one. It’s crucial to set boundaries and avoid free-roaming inside the house during the day. A good idea is to have a neighbor, friend, or family comes in to let your dog out while you’re at work.

Why are German Shepherds so needy?

German Shepherds are so clingy because

it’s in their nature to follow you around because of their loyalty and protectiveness

. They can also be prone to separation anxiety. Owners can be at fault if they’re always petting, cuddling, and kissing their dog, making them even more clingy!

Is it cruel to feed a dog once a day?


It is not generally cruel to feed a healthy adult dog once a day occasionally

but that meal should be appropriately sized and balanced. Additionally, it’s essential to spot any issues with that feeding schedule early on since many dogs don’t do well with once-a-day feeding.

Are German shepherds fussy eaters?


German Shepherds are not fussy eaters

, but they can definitely become picky if you allow them to be! It’s important not to feed them too many treats or “human foods.” However, be aware that occasionally GSDs may suffer from a food allergy or intolerance.

Is it OK if my dog skips a meal?


If your dog goes more than 48–72 hours without eating anything at all, you should at least call your vet to inform them of the situation

. A healthy adult dog can go a few days without a meal if she absolutely has to, but if you have a puppy, adult dog with a known medical condition, or a senior dog call sooner.

How do I tire my German Shepherd?

Do German Shepherds stink?


German Shepherds are not notoriously known to be smellier than other breeds of dogs

but breeds that have more sebaceous glands may smell more. German Shepherds are big and therefore could smell more than smaller dogs.

How often should I brush my German Shepherd teeth?

Try to brush your shepherd’s teeth

at least three times a week and every day if possible

.

What is needed to house a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds need

at least 4000 square feet of yard space

, especially if they live outside. They are large breed dogs that require lots of exercise. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. You need to ensure you can devote enough time and energy to cater for your German Shepherd’s needs.

How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?

How much is a German Shepherd puppy?

How much does a German Shepherd eat per month?

German Shepherd Feeding Amounts


16 weeks to 9 months old: 1 cup to 1 3⁄4 cup of food per meal

. 9 months to 12 months old: 2 cups to 2 1⁄2 cups of food per meal. 12 months old and above: 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 cups of food per meal.

What should you not do with a German Shepherd?

What should you not give to a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds can not eat

chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, garlic, onions, leeks, wild mushrooms, macadamia nuts, walnuts, alcohol, and salty foods

. Other poisonous foods include xylitol, yeast dough, raw potatoes, hops, green tomatoes, moldy food, and high-fat foods.

How much should I feed a German Shepherd puppy?

German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart By Age


12 weeks old: 1 1⁄2 to 2 cups of food spread over 4 meals daily

. 6 months to 9 months old: 2 cups to 3 cup of food spread over 3 meals daily. 9 months to 12 months old: 3 cups to 3 1⁄2 cups of food spread over 3 meals daily.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.