It's unusual for a German shepherd to need to gain weight. If youre struggling to get your dog to eat enough to gain weight, add an extra mealtime to its daily routine. 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. Recommended Reading: How To Keep German Shepherd Busy, Dont Miss: Do German Shepherds Like Cold Weather. Doing this will usually end up with you getting results quicker. Gradually transition between foods. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. Either way, being fat or overweight may affect your German Shepherd negatively, and thus it needs to be . That is NOT the right way to bulk-up your German Shepherd. Here are even more ideas to improve your German Shepherds skin and coat that are healthy and may add additional calories for weight gain. Due to this, gram for gram, a puppies food contain more calories than a food designed for an adult dog. These posts will help you become aware of your dogs health problems and how to help solve or improve them. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppys diet as it could cause diarrhea. Veterinarians have created average healthy weight ranges for German Shepherd dogs. If your German Shepherd eats normally but isnt gaining weight, you may need to switch to different food. 2. 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. Filler will not satisfy and make your German Shepherd healthy. Find a healthy treat from this list of the best German Shepherd treats to help your dogs weight gain. 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. meals, then try mixing in some dry food with their wet food to help stimulate Consider getting food specifically designed for your dog's breed. 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). You can also mix some wet food in with the dry food to get them interested in their kibble. Thus, you should use high-fat dog food until the desired weight gain is achieved. German shepherds usually have the problem of gaining too much weight. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. Nutrition can directly affect their level of activity, mobility and conditions like arthritis. Do not worry in the wild Dogs sometimes go without food for 2- 3 days. You may need to increase the amount and/or frequency that you feed your puppy to help them gain weight. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. Are you worried that your German Shepherd is thin and underweight and want to know how to bulk up a German Shepherd for safe weight-gain? According to the AKC, the average German Shepherd male is 24 - 26 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 90lbs. Learn what to include in your German Shepherds exercise workout for healthy ideas. Dont skip on your dogs exercise because you want them to gain more weight and think theyll burn too much fat. Any changes to your dogs diet should be done slowly and gradually. But if your dog has lost a lot of weight, it may have severe health issues. Both puppy and high-performance (also known as a working breed) food is higher in calories to support complex energy needs and sustained growth. If your dog seems to be eating normally, but theyre still underweight and not gaining anything, theres usually one of two things happening: you arent feeding them enough, or theres an underlying issue not letting them gain weight. Walking, jogging, or swimming are activities that are muscle building and can possibly be done every day. follow these tips and keep track of your German Shepherd's body mass to make your German Shepherd gain weight in a HEALTHY WAY. Try feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. These other symptoms will help your vet diagnose your German shepherds underlying problem more quickly. That is so true when it comes to our dogs. Create a journal and keep track of their meals, treats, exercise, and weight changes. Around day 42, your dog will enter the third stage of pregnancy. But, just keeping your dog company while they eat may stimulate their appetite. A raw food plan typically consists of 60-80% meat and 20 . Additionally, introducing an extra meal in a day or adding supplements like vitamin B can also work. When looking for way on how to make your German Shepherd gain weight stay away from just giving them junk food or lots of fatty products. Add a scoop of wet or canned food to his dry kibble to boost flavor and moistureand some extra calories. Read Also: Dog Diapers For German Shepherds. You May Like: Why Do German Shepherds Scratch So Much. Keep your puppy on a puppy-formulated food until they've reached 80% of their adult weight. feeding allows your dog the chance to eat a little whenever they are hungry or Be sure to follow the feeding guidelines on the packages unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Every dog is different and they dont all grow at the same rate. Vitamin E is beneficial for the development of your puppys muscles and a healthy heart and liver. Recommended Reading: Can A Chihuahua And A German Shepherd Mate. If your dog is used to wet meals, you can try alternating wet and dry foods to help stimulate weight gain. Also Check: When Do German Shepherds Ears Stand Up. Its worth noting that the male German Shepherds are generally better for personal protection while the female ones are better suited for family protection. Week 6. You could even ask your veterinarian how you can keep track of your canines progress. 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. Keep the treats handy and offer them to help get extra calories into your dog. 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. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Sometimes your dog will refuse the food. Cheaper GSD puppy food lack quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. They can be done every day to keep your dog active and help them to maintain their muscle mass. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 39,585 times. Feed food high in protein and with fat to help put weight back on. A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. But there are also ways to help your dog at home to become healthier and have more energy. If Are you worried that your German Shepherd is thin and underweight and want to know how to bulk up a German Shepherd for safe weight-gain? They are lean, athletic dogs with a strong, firm figure and you should avoid learning how to make a German Shepherd fat. In kilograms, it is about 30 to 40 kg. To put weight in, increase the calories in, to lose weight, increase the calories out. Dandelion is available in this 10-for-1 multivitamin, along with other herbal supplements to make your GSD gain weight. For the most part, it could be caused by overeating, improper diet, and the lack of activity. If she hasn't yet, your dog may experience a decrease in appetite. You could also try feeding it dry instead of wet food, since dry food is denser and contains more calories. 8. But before doing this, consult your vet. Look for healthy treats and keep them to around ten percent of your dogs daily calories. 17 reasons why your German Shepherd is so skinny #1: Worms or parasites Health is wealth. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. These are just an estimation of the GSD's average weight which means that there's room for some variation. While less common than being overweight, an underweight German Shepherd could be even more at risk. Choose Foods with a Higher Protein and Fat Content. Its also gentler on their stomachs and makes digestion easier since theres less food sitting in their belly at one time. Is your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for . At this stage, the German Shepherd puppys diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. An adult German Shepherd with an active lifestyle needs around 1700 calories each day. In one place, Contact us: contact@clubgermanshepherd.com. You can set some goals on how many more pounds you want your German Shepherd to gain. German Shepherds thrive on consistent physical activity. There are a variety of reasons why your German Shepherd could be fat or overweight. On the other hand, females are considered fully grown at 2-3 years old, weighing approximately 57 to 70 pounds. 2. Balance work is a wonderful addition to a German Shepherd's daily routine to help your dog improve their minds while exercising. When looking up pictures of other German Shepherds, you see that yours looks much skinnier by comparison. This supplement is in a liquid form so it is easy to give to your pup directly or over top of their food. An overweight German Shepherd can experience heart problems, respiratory problems, joint and muscle injuries, and difficulty carrying out other normal organ functions. , 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? On the other hand, it could be the case that it has been eating the wrong foods. She owns a plush coat German Shepherd who was awarded Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Gold Award - the highest level of achievement. With 525 calories per cup, you should notice an increase in your german shepherd's weight over time. A raw diet is closer to what the dog would normally eat in the wild, which involves catching and eating prey such as small mammals or hunting for their food. Then, look at the type and amount of food you are feeding your dog to make sure their nutritional needs are being met. "I love wikiHow. Simple. 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. . The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Sometimes, dental problems also lead to being underweight. Glucosamine, as well as chondroitin, create the digestive process smooth and easy. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. First, check your puppys age. 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. German Shepherds, like other dogs, have a 63-day gestational period. 6 months to 9 months old: 2 cups to 3 cup of food . Because German Shepherds are prone to these skeletal and bone problems, its vital to maintain a healthy weight for GSD. I make sure to feed him a high quality, nutritious diet that helps him stay healthy and maintain his weight. Dont worry if your puppy is slightly behind or ahead just be sure to take your pet to regular vet appointments to ensure they are healthy and happy! bored. Orijen Puppy Large is a great option for puppies and small dogs. This is the Reason WHY, How To Get My German Shepherd To Gain Weight, My German Shepherd Is Shedding Like Crazy, Can A Chihuahua And A German Shepherd Mate, high protein red-meat adult formula dog food, the best puppy food for german shepherd puppies, Visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page, Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Everywhere, How Much Is A German Shepherd Akita Corgi Mix, Is A German Shepherd A Hypoallergenic Dog, How To Groom A German Shepherd For Summer, How Much Do German Shepherd Puppies Sleep, Why Is My German Shepherd Puppy Biting Me, How To Train A German Shepherd To Protect, How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need A Day, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Food, Dr. Garys Best Breed Holistic German Dog Food, Ideal for underweight and lactating mothers, Provides sustained energy for a day full of activity, Designed just for German Shepherd puppies, Formulated to bulk up pups while supporting optimal health, Kibble sizes are small enough for little teeth to chew, Formulated just for large breeds like German Shepherds. As dog owners, our German Shepherd's health is a priority. Dont let your dog stay too skinny any longeruse these helpful tips to get your dog to its athletic ideal weight. German Shepherd puppies. Mixing adult and puppy food helps your dog gain weight in a controlled manner. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. 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":"