German Shepherd Puppy Perfect Diet (FREE PDF Guide Included)

Now when you finally have a German Shepherd puppy, or you plan to get one very soon, you may wonder “what actually they are eating and which food is safe for them?”. If you have ever visited any pet store, you will find hundreds of different dog food types, but which one should your German Shepherd puppy eat, and should you give this food to your puppy at the beginning?

This is a very important step in becoming a dog owner, do understand how you should feed properly your dog. Many new dog owners don’t understand what consequences can your German Shepherd puppy have if he doesn’t have the right diet.

That’s the exact reason why we have decided to write this article, to help you to better understand the needs of your GSD puppy.

In this article, we will talk about which food should your German Shepherd puppy eat, how many cups are enough, what he can eat, what he can’t eat, and many other topics.

So let’s dive into this topic, and learn more about the mysterious diet world of German Shepherd puppies.

How much food is enough to feed a German Shepherd puppy?

By feeding your German Shepherd puppy with the right food and right amount, you will help him to perfectly develop his body and grow into a healthy, good-looking German Shepherd dog.

We all know how German Shepherd puppies can fast and easily grow into big dogs, and sometimes it’s hard to predict which food amount is right for our dogs.

📝 Related blog post: Why is my german Shepherd so small? 

German Shepherd dog is a large breed dog, and you can’t compare his food chart to the food chart, for example of the poodle.

The right food amount is calculated based on the age of your German Shepherd puppy, and his weight at that moment.

Below you can find a food chart by weight which we have been created so that you can easily follow which food amount is right for your GSD puppy.

German Shepherd puppy feeding chart in pounds:

Weight at Maturity	1-1/2-3 months	4-5 months	6-8 months	9-11 months	1-2 years
(lbs)	(cups)	(cups)	(cups)	(cups)	(cups)
3 - 12	1/2 - 1	2/3 - 1-1/3	1/2 - 1-1/2	Feed as adult	Feed as adult
13 - 20	1/2 - 1-1/4	1-1/8 - 2	3/4 - 1-1/3	1 - 1-1/2	Feed as adult
21 - 50	1/2 - 1-1/2	1-1/2 - 2-3/4	1-1/8 - 2-1/3	2 - 3	2 - 4-1/4
51 - 75	5/8 - 2-1/3	1-1/2 - 4	1-1/2 - 3-3/4	2-1/2 - 4-3/4	2-5/8 - 6-1/4
76 - 100	1 - 2-2/3	2-7/8 - 3-3/4	2-7/8 - 6-1/3	3-7/8 - 7	5-5/8 - 11
101 lbs and over	2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs	3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs	6-/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs	7 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs	11 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs

Before you give a food to your puppy, please check also on the package of the food recommended amount.

German Shepherd puppy feeding chart in kilograms:

Weight at Maturity	1-1/2-3 months	4-5 months	6-8 months	9-11 months	1-2 years
(kg)	(cups)	(cups)	(cups)	(cups)	(cups)
1.4 - 5.4	1/2 - 1	2/3 - 1-1/3	1/2 - 1-1/2	Feed as adult	Feed as adult
5.9 - 9.1	1/2 - 1-1/4	1-1/8 - 2	3/4 - 1-1/3	1 - 1-1/2	Feed as adult
9.5 - 22.7	1/2 - 1-1/2	1-1/2 - 2-3/4	1-1/8 - 2-1/3	2 - 3	2 - 4-1/4
23.1 - 34	5/8 - 2-1/3	1-1/2 - 4	1-1/2 - 3-3/4	2-1/2 - 4-3/4	2-5/8 - 6-1/4
34.5 - 45.4	1 - 2-2/3	2-7/8 - 3-3/4	2-7/8 - 6-1/3	3-7/8 - 7	5-5/8 - 11
Over 45.4 kg	2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 4.5 kg of body weight over 45.4 kg	3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 4.5 kg of body weight over 45.4 kg	6-/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 4.5 kg of body weight over 45.4 kg	7 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 4.5 kg of body weight over 45.4 kg	11 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 4.5 kg of body weight over 45.4 kg

Before you give a food to your puppy, please check also on the package of the food recommended amount.

With what to feed my German Shepherd puppy?

Now when you know the right amount of dog food for your German Shepherd puppy, let’s see what they can actually eat. 

There is no one answer to this question. You can make at-home food for your German Shepherd puppy, you can buy food, feed him with the right vegetables and fruits. The choice is huge, and we believe that your puppy should try everything from the food which is safe for him.

Today, there are so many dog food companies, and some of them, you can’t unfortunately trust. We recommend you always check the reviews of the dog food company before you buy any food for your German Shepherd puppy.

After reading a hundred reviews across the Internet, we can say that these dog foods are one of the best dog foods for your puppy!

Reccomendation: The Ultimate German Shepherd Puppy Care Guide (PDF eBook)

German Shepherd Diet Free PDF Guide

Introducing our "German Shepherd Diet Free PDF Guide," a valuable resource designed to help German Shepherd owners streamline their dog's diet and mealtime routines.

This guide goes beyond offering essential tips, providing actionable insights to optimize your GSD's nutrition. Achieve a well-organized feeding schedule and gain additional tips for enhanced health and happiness.

Whether you're a seasoned GSD owner or just starting, this guide empowers you to support your furry friend's well-being effectively. Download it today and take the first step towards providing your German Shepherd with a meticulously planned and balanced diet.

The best food your German Shepherd puppies:

The best puppy foods	Top 5 ingredients of food
Purina Pro Plan Focus - Puppy Large Breed Food	Chicken; Brewer's Rice; Corn Gluten Meal; Whole Grain Corn; Poultry by-product meal
Hill’s Science Diet - Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal and Oat Recipe Dry	Chicken meal; Whole grain wheat; Whole grain oats; Whole rain sorghum; Corn gluten meal
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food	Deboned Chicken; Chicken Meal; Brown Rice; Oatmeal; Barley
Nutro - Ultra-Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food	Chicken; Chicken Meal; Whole Brown Rice; Brewers Rice; Whole Grain Oatmeal; Rice Bran
Authority Chicken & Rice Formula - Large Breed Puppy	Deboned Chicken; Chicken Meal. Brown Rice; Corn; Oat Groats; Corn Gluten Meal
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food	Deboned Chicken; Chicken Meal; Peas; Ground Brown Rice; Salmon Meal
ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food	Deboned Chicken; Deboned Turkey; Yellowtail Flounder, Whole Eggs; Whole Atlantic Mackerel
Non Nom Fresh	Ground beef; Russet Potatoes; Eggs; Carrots; Peas
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food	Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice; Cracked Pearled Barley; Ground White Rice
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	Salmon; Ocean Fish Meal; Sweet potatoes; Peas; Potatoes
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food	Chicken, Chicken by-product meal; Corn; Wheat; Chicken fat
Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Dog Food	Corn, Chicken by-product meal; Wheat; Wheat Gluten; Chicken Fat
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food	Chicken; Turkey; Chicken Meal; Turkey Meal; Cracked Pearled Barley
Purina Pro Plan Development Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Large Breed Dry Puppy Food	Salmon, Rice; Barley; Fish Meal; Canola Meal

Of course, these dog foods brands are not the only good dog food brands. There are literally a thousand dog food companies, but these dog foods are most popular belong GSD owners.

Related blog post: Can German Shepherds eat tuna?

Vegetables and fruits are also a very important part of the German Shepherd puppy diet. They have very important vitamins which are crucial for the healthy development of our puppy.

The best and healthiest vegetables for your German Shepherd puppy:

1. Kale
2. Spinach
3. Carrots
4. Green Beans
5. Broccoli
6. Beets
7. Celery
8. Cucumber
9. Carrots
10. Pumpkin

Dangerous and toxic vegetables which your German Shepherd puppy should avoid:

1. Asparagus
2. Onions
3. Garlic
4. Hot peppers
5. Tomatoes
6. Corn on a cob
7. Mushrooms
8. Jalapeno
9. Rhubarb leaves
10. Raw and green potatoes

Fruits can also be a great source of vitamins for your German Shepherd dog, and some of the best fruits for your puppy are:

1. Apples
2. Bananas
3. Oranges
4. Pineapple
5. Peaches
6. Mango
7. Kiwi
8. Watermelon
9. Blueberries
10. Cantaloupe

But also, there are fruits that your German Shepherd puppy should avoid, and these fruits are:

1. Avocados
2. Lemon
3. Grapes
4. Pomegranate
5. Cherry
6. Apple pips
7. Currants
8. Raisins
9. Walnuts
10. Plums

How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy?

You should feed your German Shepherd puppy three times a day until he is 6 months old. Once your German Shepherd is 6 months old, you can start feeding him twice a day.

But if your puppy can’t sometimes eat three times into one single day, then you should check how many calories your German Shepherd puppy has put into his body in one day.

If your German Shepherd puppy has less than 4 months, then this is recommended amount of Caloric into one single day for him:

Puppy's ideal weight (lbs)	Puppy's ideal weight (kg)	Average caloric intake
1	0.45	125 kcal/day
2.5	1.13	226 kcal/day
5	2.26	392 kcal/day
7.5	3.40	526 kcal/day
10	4.53	649 kcal/day
15	6.80	884 kcal/day
20	9.07	1100 kcal/day
25	11.34	1294 kcal/day
30	13.60	1487 kcal/day
35	15.87	1672 kcal/day
40	18.14	1843 kcal/day
45	20.41	2016 kcal/day

But if your German Shepherd dog has more than 4 months, then you should check this chart instead of the previous:

Puppy's ideal weight (lbs)	Puppy's ideal weight (kg)	Average caloric intake
2.5	1.13	150 kcal/day
5	2.26	261 kcal/day
7.5	3.40	351 kcal/day
10	4.53	433 kcal/day
15	6.80	590 kcal/day
20	9.07	734 kcal/day
25	11.34	863 kcal/day
30	13.60	991 kcal/day
35	15.87	1115 kcal/day
40	18.14	1229 kcal/day
45	20.41	1344 kcal/day
50	22.67	1456 kcal/day
60	27.21	1667 kcal/day
70	31.75	1875 kcal/day
80	36.28	2070 kcal/day
90	40.82	2260 kcal/day
100	45.35	2449 kcal/day
110	49.89	2628 kcal/day
120	54.43	2804 kcal/day
130	58.96	2980 kcal/day

How to fatten up a German Shepherd safety?

If you want to fatten up your German Shepherd dog, there are 5 factors that will help you to better understand your dog and fatten him up:

• Your GSD will eat when he is truly hungry
• Your GSD will eat when he is healthier
• Your GSD will eat food if food is very delicious
• Your GSD will eat when he is less stressed
• Your GSD will eat better with your help

Your German Shepherd will eat when he is truly hungry.

This maybe doesn’t make any sense. We want to fatten up our German Shepherd puppy, so why we should wait for him to get really hungry? 

If your German Shepherd is nervous, exploring new things, or adjusting to a new situation, the way doesn’t want to eat at the first. 

But you should keep offering him food always, and try to offer his food in different forms (raw food, dry food).

Once your German Shepherd becomes really hungry, he will surely start eating, and if he doesn’t start eating, don’t wait longer and visit your vet.

Your German Shepherd Will eat when he is healthier.

If your German Shepherd doesn’t want to eat the right amount of food, or he refuses to eat at all, then you should have a consultation with your veterinarian and bring your dog to him. This is maybe a sign of some serious health issue, and you shouldn’t ignore that.

Your German Shepherd will eat food if food is very delicious.

There is no secret that every one of us will rather eat his favorite food for dinner instead of some random food. If your German Shepherd doesn’t want to eat, or he is eating his food in small amounts, try feeding him with some yummy dog food!

Your German Shepherd will eat when he is less stressed.

When we are sad, nervous, or stressed, we are not really hungry, right? If your German shepherd doesn’t want to eat, check his mood. You can easily conclude whether your dog is stressed or he is not.

Your German Shepherd will eat better with your help.

Sometimes, they need your help. If your German Shepherd is extremely nervous, try to help him in the eating. Always make nice and slow movements, if you don’t have to scare your German Shepherd. Feel free to feed him from your hand, and be near him while he is eating, but always make nice and slow movements.

Why my German Shepherd puppy does have diarrhea?

According to the VCA Animal Hospital:

“Diarrhea is unformed or loose stools, usually occurring in larger amounts and/or more often. Diarrhea is not a disease but rather a sign of many different diseases. Diarrhea associated with minor conditions can often be resolved quickly with simple treatments.”

Your German Shepherd dog may have diarrhea because of:

• Viral infection
• Toxicity
• Parasites
• Stress
• Swallowing an indigestible foreign body
• Diet change
• Dietary indiscretion
• Bacterial infection

Suggestion: Worst dog food for German Shepherd

How to stop diarrhea in German Shepherd puppy?

When you notice that your German Shepherd puppy has diarrhea, you should call your veterinarian. You don’t want something like this seriously damage your puppy while still developing and growing. 

We know that sometimes can be difficult and uncomfortable to talk with your veterinarian and other people about stuff like this, but it’s worse to ignore diarrhea and don’t talk with your vet at all. 

You can treat diarrhea in German Shepherd in many different ways, alone from home or with your veterinarian. 

📝 Related blog post: How to treat German Shepherd diarrhea? 

First what we recommend you to do is to remember what poop looks like, and check on the chart below what this means and to clean that. Right after that, the recommendation of the veterinarians is to not feed your German Shepherd for the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, you can prepare for your German Shepherd a bland diet for a day or two. 

You should NEVER give your German Shepherd humans medications to treat diarrhea, without any consultation with your veterinarian. 

Some basic treatments for diarrhea in German Shepherd dogs are:

• Intravenous fluids
• Medications
• Dietary changes

Suggestion: Best Food for picky German Shepherd

With what to feed a German Shepherd puppy that has diarrhea?

If your German Shepherd puppy has diarrhea, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as we mentioned before, because he will give you good advice about the proper diet for dogs with diarrhea.

Here is some food that will be good for German Shepherd puppies with diarrhea:

• Chicken and rice
• Shredded chicken
• Pumpkin
• Bone broth
• Baby food
• Bananas
• Oatmeal
• Boiled ground beef
• Yogurt

What to give a German Shepherd puppy to chew on?

If you’re looking for this solution, then maybe you now know how German Shepherds love to chew, and this will never stop! That’s is why it’s important to find perfect chewing toys and treats.

The best chewing object for your German Shepherd puppy is:

• Interactive toys
• Chewing toys
• Chew bones

You can explore and learn more about this type of dog toy in our:

Chewing toys collection

Durable toys collection

Interactive toys collection

What do German Shepherds actually eat?

If you want to learn more about what actually your German Shepherd can eat, and what he can not eat, then we recommend you to read one of our previous articles where we have discussed this topic in deep.

It’s really important to understand from the first days which food your German Shepherd can eat because some dog owners learn this the hard way by giving their dogs the wrong food and making them sick.

Related blog posts:

What vegetables German Shepherds Eat?

What fruits can German Shepherds Eat?

What German Shepherd dog eat?

How to successfully manage the weight of a German Shepherd puppy?

To manage a German Shepherd puppy's weight, ensure a balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes for their age and activity level. Regular exercise is crucial. Consult a vet for a tailored feeding plan, and avoid overfeeding or excessive treats to maintain healthy growth.

Here's an ultimate list of 10 detailed tips for weight management in a German Shepherd puppy, each designed to be unique and progressively more insightful:

1. Measure Meals Accurately: Use a measuring cup or scale to precisely measure your puppy's food portions, ensuring they align with the recommended guidelines for their age and breed size.
   
   
2. Choose High-Quality Puppy Food: Select a puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds like German Shepherds, focusing on brands that prioritize high-quality proteins and essential nutrients for balanced growth.
   
   
3. Frequent, Small Meals: Instead of two large meals, feed your puppy smaller portions more frequently throughout the day to maintain steady energy levels and metabolism.
   
   
4. Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your puppy’s growth and weight, adjusting their diet based on professional advice to ensure optimal health.
   
   
5. Limit Treats: Keep treats to less than 10% of your puppy's total daily caloric intake. Opt for healthy, low-calorie treats and incorporate them into training sessions.
   
   
6. Daily Exercise Routine: Establish a daily exercise routine that includes walks, playtime, and age-appropriate training activities to keep your puppy active and prevent excess weight gain.
   
   
7. Monitor Growth Curve: Regularly track your puppy's weight and growth curve to ensure they are growing at an appropriate rate for their breed and age.
   
   
8. Avoid Table Scraps: Steer clear of feeding your puppy human food or table scraps, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain and potential nutritional imbalances.
   
   
9. Hydration is Key: Ensure your puppy always has access to fresh water, as proper hydration is essential for digestion and overall health.
   
   
10. Educate Yourself on Canine Nutrition: Continuously educate yourself about canine nutrition and the specific needs of German Shepherd puppies, staying updated with the latest research and dietary recommendations. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your puppy’s diet and lifestyle.

Commercial vs. Homemade Food

When it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing between commercial and homemade food. Both have their pros and cons, and understanding these can help you make the best choice for your puppy's health and well-being.

Commercial Food

Commercial puppy food, specifically formulated for German Shepherds or large breeds, is designed to provide a balanced diet with the right nutrients in the correct proportions. These foods are often backed by extensive research and are developed to meet all the dietary needs of growing puppies.

1. Nutritional Balance: Commercial foods are typically nutritionally complete, ensuring your puppy gets the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
   
   
2. Convenience: They are more convenient, as they require no preparation time and have a longer shelf life.
   
   
3. Special Formulations: Many brands offer specific formulas for different breeds, sizes, and health needs, such as grain-free or for sensitive stomachs.
   
   
4. Consistency: They provide consistent quality and nutrient content in every serving.

Homemade Food

Homemade dog food means preparing your puppy's meals from scratch. This option allows for more control over the ingredients and can be tailored to your puppy's specific tastes and needs.

1. Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your puppy’s food, which is great for managing allergies or sensitivities.
   
   
2. Freshness and Quality: Homemade meals can be fresher and free of preservatives and additives found in some commercial foods.
   
   
3. Tailored Diets: You can tailor meals to your puppy’s specific tastes and needs, potentially leading to better eating habits.
   
   
4. Bonding Experience: Preparing your puppy's food can be a bonding experience and ensure peace of mind about what they're eating.

Considerations

However, homemade diets require thorough knowledge of canine nutrition to ensure they are balanced. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to health problems, especially in a growing puppy.

It's also more time-consuming and often more expensive than commercial options. If you choose to go homemade, consulting with a veterinary nutritionist is advisable to ensure your puppy's dietary needs are fully met.

Which is Better?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, your puppy's health, and your ability to either find a high-quality commercial food or prepare a balanced homemade diet.

If you opt for homemade meals, remember that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They require more protein and specific nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.

If you have the time and knowledge to prepare balanced, homemade meals, this can be a good option. However, for most owners, especially those new to raising a German Shepherd puppy, commercial foods designed for puppies provide a nutritionally complete and balanced diet that supports healthy growth and development.

Final words.

Maybe all of this information will confuse you at first, but by the time, you will understand what your German Shepherd puppy or dog can eat, and how much should they eat.

We know how sometimes it’s hard to say “no” to them when they are asking for food, but if your GSD has been already eaten enough amount of food, then no means no.

If you want to make things easier, then we recommend you create your food chart, and organize every meal of your German Shepherd. With proper organization, you will faster and easier prepare meals for your puppy!

Frequently asked questions

Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here!