There are many reasons why your dog or puppy may not be gaining weight. Thankfully, these are both easy to correct, simply use the methods mentioned earlier in the article to manipulate this equation into your favor. The seven choices listed above should be taken as seven semi-random examples because that is what they are. Here's the approximated weight group for fully grown male and female German Shepherds: Males: 65 pounds - 88 pounds or 30 - 40kg Females: 48 pounds - 71 pounds or 22 - 32 kg This weight is an approximate standard. Minimum cost (per month) 105. Talk to your vet before you make drastic changes to your dogs eating habits. Dull, Lifeless Coat A dull lifeless coat is also another sign of an underweight german shepherd. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. German Shepherds have a slight definition between their top and lower half of the body, at their waist. A raw food plan typically consists of 60-80% meat and 20 . The bottom line is to make sure your GSD has enough daily exercise and routine veterinary check-ups. Crave High Protein Chicken Dry Dog Food- Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is our pick as the best overall food for a German Shepherd to gain weight. 2 hours. For some dogs, the excitement of getting their food at certain times during the day makes them eat more than if it was available to them all the time. On the other hand, according to our German . Also, increasing the number of feeding by splitting regular and extra food into several feeding times allows your Shepherd to eat more. 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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Recommended Reading: What Does A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Look Like. Its worth noting that the male German Shepherds are generally better for personal protection while the female ones are better suited for family protection. Dont Miss: German Shepherd Puppies Boise Idaho, Read Also: Can German Shepherds Eat Bananas. Recommended Reading: How To Keep German Shepherd Busy. Different problems will require different treatments. Boosting their diet with fat and fiber will help your dogs digestion along with weight gain. The body uses protein to make muscle and repair bodily tissues, and this means that it is intimately tied to growth and development. Recommended Reading: How To Keep German Shepherd Busy, Dont Miss: Do German Shepherds Like Cold Weather. As puppies, theyre expected to gain weight at the following rates: These guidelines are useful because they provide a measurable basis for any German Shepherds health. German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. Commonly Asked: Do GSDs Have Webbed Feet? Be sure to check that the foods are dog-safe and avoid anything youre unsure of. Dont feed your GSD only treats or they will get fat instead of muscular and bulked-up. There are many things that might be written about the nutritional content of various dog foods. One is due to poor nutrition. If your german shepherd is skinny and underweight the chances are that he's also going to lack energy. Keep the treats handy and offer them to help get extra calories into your dog. With 525 calories per cup, you should notice an increase in your german shepherd's weight over time. 5 Reasons my German Shepherd is small. They come pre-packaged and make sprinkling them on top of your dogs food easy and inexpensive. It is always advised to pick high-quality foods and high-quality meats. Here are some of the things you need to think about when evaluating any kind of dog food. Here are some tips which will help you to make your German shepherd puppy gain weight: Start with a small amount of food: If you have a puppy who weighs less than 20 pounds, then he will need a smaller portion of food. Change to Puppy or High-Performance Food. We are looking for food that will help a German Shepherd to gain weight. Some adult and senior dogs benefit from a puppy or high-performance food. Lean meats with no higher than 8% fat are ideal. Read Also: Dog Diapers For German Shepherds. Expect both the fetus and your German Shepherd to gain weight. But before doing this, consult your vet. You can also add 1 teaspoon (4.9mL) of high-quality coconut oil to your dogs food. After that, an airy food is put in an air-tight container and it can last for years. You can get a GSD specific dog food on Amazon here and one for GSD puppies on Chewy here. Around day 42, your dog will enter the third stage of pregnancy. Also Check: When Do German Shepherds Ears Stand Up. Sprints build muscle and cardio fitness. An adult German Shepherd with an active lifestyle needs around 1700 calories each day. Check with your veterinarian, as other factors can play a part. meals, then try mixing in some dry food with their wet food to help stimulate They should be eating a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to supplement your dogs diet with treats, keep reading! The weight of a German Shepherd varies according to age. Recommended Reading: My German Shepherd Is Shedding Like Crazy. This approach should only be taken with dry food, as wet food can spoil if left out for more than a couple hours at a time. If you are concerned about your Shepherd being underweight, it may be worthwhile consulting your vet if the above tips are not working for you. A German Shepherd puppy should eat at least 3 times a day. A German Shepherd puppy has different dietary requirements to that of an adult dog, as they are growing at a considerable rate. Change in Environment. A professional will take into consideration a puppys feeding pattern, size and health status. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. 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. Depending on your Shepherds size and age, they can eat from 15 to 25 pounds of dry kibble in a week! Puppies that are struggling to gain weight may need additional nutritional supplements, or they could have worms. It is important to balance your dogs food intake and exercise with each life stage. German shepherds require regular exercise. Simply sit with them and enjoy your time together while they eat. If your German Shepherd eats normally but isnt gaining weight, you may need to switch to different food. Thus, if they are gaining weight, there must be some of the other contributions of both dog and the owner. Mouth Problems. This article has been viewed 39,585 times. Kibble ingredients like protein sources, high levels of animal fat, preservatives, meat by-products, food coloring, grains, and fillers contribute to more allergies in this breed. German Shepherds thrive on consistent physical activity. They are large breed dogs with fast metabolisms that are active and energetic in their daily lives. When it comes to weight gain, this really is the most important consideration. Male Adults: 65-90lbs Female Adults: 45-70lbs. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. A fully grown female GSD is about 20 to 22 inches tall and weighs from 60 to 75 pounds. Glucosamine, as well as chondroitin, create the digestive process smooth and easy. Most commercial and pre-made dog foods specify their intended age range on the packaging and state what groups the food is aimed at feeding. If she hasn't yet, your dog may experience a decrease in appetite. If your dog is underweight due to a medical condition, follow your vets instructions regarding feeding, exercise, medication, and care very carefully. Check with your vet to determine the right calorie content for your puppy. The urine and blood tests will give your veterinarian the scoop about your pets kidney and liver health as well as thyroid hormone levels and many more. Excessive Exercise GREAT NEWS!!! Read Also: What Age Do German Shepherds Die. Just ensure the meat broth you use is a healthy option without a high salt content or artificial flavorings or additives. German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. Sprints increase your dog's speed and overall performance. Every dog is different and they dont all grow at the same rate. Sometimes, dental problems also lead to being underweight. This diet helps keep them lean and muscular . These food formulas are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. We only recommend that you try this is your dog is really underweight as it often swings the pendulum and ends up with your dog being overweight. 12 weeks old: 1 to 2 cups of food spread over 4 meals daily. Dogs lose weight due to malnourishment, illnesses like diabetes, stress, or old age. Underfeeding a German Shepherd puts your dog at a serious health risk. Vitamin E is beneficial for the development of your puppys muscles and a healthy heart and liver. Veterinarians have created average healthy weight ranges for German Shepherd dogs. If they lose weight rapidly, they might be suffering from worms or parasites. 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. German Shepherd puppies. 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. Also Check: Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Everywhere. On the other hand, it could be the case that it has been eating the wrong foods. Coconut oil has a lot of calories, and it's easy for dogs to digest. The weight of a small female wolf is around 51 pounds and a big male wolf weighs around 180 pounds. When choosing the best food to feed a German Shepherd, look for the following ingredients in your selection. Pro Tip: Want to get reimbursed for up to 100% of veterinary bills any time your dog gets sick or injured? They also need enough nutrients to grow and maintain a healthy weight. Mixing adult and puppy food helps your dog gain weight in a controlled manner. If your dog is a puppy, they should only be fed puppy food. Different dogs and different circumstances will respond better to different strategies so try your german shepherd with . If you're not sure whether your dog has mouth problems there are some common signs. There are some considerations you should do about Your German Shepherd Dog. Seek vet treatment if your dog doesnt gain weight or their condition worsens. Keep your puppy on a puppy-formulated food until they've reached 80% of their adult weight. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Consulting with a nutritionist or veterinarian can help you determine the calorie requirements for your dog. Rice is full of carbs and will certainly help your dog gain weight if you add it into their feeding schedule. 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. They are also more sensitive than male GSDs and easier to train. Building muscle mass is important to maintaining proper dog weight and health. Before you do, take time to note when the weight loss started or any other symptoms such as hair loss or diarrhea, or a sudden increase in thirst. Its necessary to keep a consistent feeding schedule with suitable foods that maintain their ideal body weight and sustain their energy needs. While larger dogs can take up to 1.5 years to reach their adult weight. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. This is a "user error" that can be fixed fairly easily, but taking your dog to the veterinarian first is the best thing for the majority of dog owners. Your German Shepherd deserves nothing but the best. That way, youll give it time to digest its food so it can consume more. A higher quality food is the easiest way to improve their health. Its safe to give your dog small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey mixed with steamed sliced carrots, unflavored Greek yogurt, or canned plain pumpkin every day in addition to their normal food. If your dog vomits regularly and doesn't produce formed stools, schedule a vet check to rule out any major medical problems. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to supplement your dogs diet with treats, keep reading! For More Choices:Visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page. Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion. Before explaining the causes and solutions, its important to know the average weight ranges of healthy German shepherds. 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. You May Like: Why Do German Shepherds Scratch So Much. For optimum nutrition, a healthy, full-grown adult German Shepherd's diet should have a guaranteed analysis of 20% - 25% protein, 10% - 15% fat, and 3% - 7% fiber. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Regular vet appointments are especially important for your underweight German Shepherd. Sample buyer reviewMy dog loves this food! Recommended Reading: Can A Chihuahua And A German Shepherd Mate. If you want quality high-performance or puppy food then go with Victor Active Dog & Puppy Grain-Free dog food for a healthy way to add fat to your German Shepherd. Sample buyer reviewI have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. They could have an illness that causes a lack of appetite, or, they could have parasites that deprive them of their food's nutrition. 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. . Do you want to know how to fatten up a German Shepherd to make them gain weight in a healthy way? The Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food is our top recommendation for German Shepherds seeking to gain weight. As puppies, theyre expected to gain weight at the following rates: To put more weight on your German Shepherd, feed them more meat and fewer grains. Unfortunately, a lot of German Shepherd allergies arise from commercial dog food. of B vitamins that not only helps increase appetite but also gives more energy Of course, the large amount of water aids the successful digestion of the nutrients. Free 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. As a result, it makes a dog to look and feel young by improving its health and strength. Thats when you start questioning whether your beloved companion is sick. Dont feed your dog only treats but do give your dog a few extra treats throughout the day. He comes from a long line of small German Shepherds. Orijen Puppy Large formula provides a high-quality diet that doesn't include unnecessary bulk fillers. German Shepherds, like other dogs, have a 63-day gestational period. While a multivitamin alone wont help an underweight German Shepherd with weight gain alone, you should include it to ensure their nutritional needs are getting met. The female German Shepherds are slightly shorter and smaller than the male GSD. Sweet potato and pumpkin are fantastic ways to help your dog put on weight in a healthy way. It's step by step and can pretty much give you a solution for anything, or at least set you in the. Its nice to find a recipe containing natural source preservatives which means Southwest Canyon contains no BHA, BHT or other toxic additives. Several medical conditions can cause your dog to be underweight, so its important to rule them out first. But, we wanted to let you know that we are an affiliate for the products and services on this website. When your Germans Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you made need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. You can even buy healthy toppers that are easy to add. If Your Skinny German Shepherd Is a puppy, then you should feed at least 10% of puppies body weight and if it is an adult you should feed Him at Least 2 to 4 % of its body weight. This will provide his body with the calories it needs to start to put on weight. Depending on your dogs age you may need to switch foods. When your shepherd is underweight, however, adding more fat to his diet is a good idea. Offer an Extra Meal to Their Normal . Begin a schedule of weekly weigh-ins to keep track of your German Shepherds weight when looking to bulk-up your dogs body. We love that youre enjoying all the great stuff here. Veterinarians recommend annual checkups twice a year for older pets. Also Check: Is My German Shepherd Part Wolf. This is true of both humans and dogs, as well as many other creatures. Owners who read about their German Shepherds health also found this post on training a GSD at home with manners helpful. Those are just the minimums, so if you arent feeding your German Shepherd this amount fix this issue immediately! This is anywhere from 8 months to a year or longer. Switch to a different kind of food, such as wet food if you normally feed your dog dry food. Week 6. If Other than peanut butter, eggs, and rice, are there other human foods you can feed your pup to help them gain weight? A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. On the other hand, the only downside of this is that it may not be easy to chew for senior German Shepherds. German Shepherds need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones need even more. Slowly increase the amount of new food each day until they are eating nothing but that. Adult dogs should get 20 to 25% of their daily calories from protein, 25-50% from fats, and the rest from carbohydrates. As dog owners, our German Shepherd's health is a priority. You can try feeding them more at mealtime, but if they seem to not gain weight no matter what you do, youll want to take your pup to the vet to make sure nothing else is and causing their weight issues. So when choosing their dog food, check the labels for calories. Miniature German Shepherd or Mini Shepherd is a small or medium-size dog breed, weighing about 50 pounds and a height of 15 to 20 inches. A male adult German Shepherd should weigh around 79 - 88 lbs (36 - 40 kg) when fully grown, whereas females will be about 66 - 70 lbs (29 - 31 kg). Introducing new food can motivate them to eat more. With strategy two, you may reduce this to 80 calories but add a third meal later in the day resulting in 240 calories total. Another reason that your husky may be so skinny is if they have dental problems. German shepherds usually have the problem of gaining too much weight. A male German Shepherd is heavier than a female. You just need to refrigerate this type of dog food. readily available over the counter and online. Rice doesnt provide enough nutrition, protein, or fat to be the main component of their meal, but you can add it to their other foods to help them gain weight faster. times per day, splitting the food equally at each feeding. Read Also: Why Are German Shepherds So Smart. 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. Then, look at the type and amount of food you are feeding your dog to make sure their nutritional needs are being met. In this case, 95% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. More about puppy weight gain. Is your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for . You need German Shepherd training to get the best behavior from your dog and enjoy a happy life with them. Look for foods that have a good balance of fat and protein. By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-2.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-3.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-4.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-5.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-6.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"