How Much Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy? A Complete Guide
After taking a German Shepherd puppy home, a fantastic journey for you! But it can be a little difficult to figure out how much to feed them because there are so many options. So that you know how it works, you are able to give your pet the right dose at the proper time!
- How Much Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy? A Complete Guide
- Feeding Schedule for German Shepherd Puppies
- How Much Should You Feed Your German Shepherd Puppy?
- Calories Per Day Based on Age & Weight
- What Affects How Much Your German Shepherd Should Eat?
- How Often Should You Feed Your German Shepherd Puppy?
- Final Thoughts
- Faq’s
Feeding Schedule for German Shepherd Puppies
Feeding your German Shepherd puppy on a consistent schedule helps them grow strong and healthy. Here’s an easy-to-follow feeding schedule based on their age:
| Age Group | Number of Meals | Meal Times |
| Younger Puppies (Up to 6 months) | 4 Meals a Day | Morning: First thing when you wake upMidday: Around noon or early afternoonAfternoon: After returning from work/school, after a potty breakEvening: A couple of hours before bedtime |
| Older Puppies (6-12 months) | 3 Meals a Day | Morning: Right before you leave for the dayAfternoon: Around lunchtimeEvening: Before their last walk of the day |
| German Shepherds (12+ months) | 2 Meals a Day | Morning: Before you head out for the dayEvening: Around dinnertime, before their final walk |
Tip: Adjust these meal times to fit your routine, but make sure meals are evenly spaced throughout the day. Keeping a consistent feeding schedule helps with their digestion and energy levels.
How Much Should You Feed Your German Shepherd Puppy?
Your puppy’s needs for food are set by their age, activity level, and general health. To help you, next is a broad recommendations:
| Puppy Age | Daily Dry Kibble | Meals per Day |
| 8 weeks old | 1 – 1 ½ cups | 4 |
| 12 weeks old | 1 ½ – 2 cups | 4 |
| 6 to 9 months old | 2 – 3 cups | 3 |
| 9 to 12 months old | 3 – 3 ½ cups | 3 |
| 12 months and older | 3 ½ – 4 cups | 2 |
I remember when my own puppy hit 3 months old, and transitioning from four meals to three felt like a game-changer. It made managing his energy levels easier, and feeding times became more convenient for me. Don’t worry—each puppy is different, so you might need to tweak the amounts as they grow.
Calories Per Day Based on Age & Weight
It’s not just about how much kibble your pup gets, but also how many calories they consume daily. Here’s a breakdown to help you:
| Puppy Age | Calories per Day |
| Weaning to 12 weeks | 1200 – 2400 |
| 3 to 6 months | 2000 – 2200 |
| 6 to 12 months | 2700 – 3900 |
| 12 to 18 months | 3300 – 4250 |
Calories by Weight:
| Puppy Weight | 0-4 Months | 4-12 Months |
| 10 lbs | 600 | 400 |
| 20 lbs | 1200 | 800 |
| 30 lbs | 1500 | 1000 |
| 40 lbs | 1800 | 1200 |
| 50 lbs | 2100 | 1400 |
| 60 lbs | 2400 | 1600 |
| 70 lbs | — | 1800 |
| 80 lbs | — | 2000 |
| 90 lbs | — | 2200 |
| 100 lbs | — | 2400 |
Remember, your pup’s activity level, age, and health will impact how many calories they need. Active puppies will need more food to keep their energy up, while older, less active dogs may need fewer calories.
What Affects How Much Your German Shepherd Should Eat?
Your puppy’s dietary needs will change as they grow, and several factors influence how much they should eat:
Activity Level
The more active your pup is, the more food they’ll need to replace lost energy. Puppies that love to run, jump, and explore will require a higher calorie intake.
Age
Puppies generally need more calories than adult dogs to support their rapid growth. On the other hand, senior dogs or those who are less active will need fewer calories.
Health
If your puppy has any health conditions, it can affect how much food they need and the type of food that’s best for them.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget that different dog food brands can have varying calorie counts and kibble sizes. Always check the label and adjust your pup’s portions accordingly to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
How Often Should You Feed Your German Shepherd Puppy?
Your puppy’s feeding frequency will change as they grow:
| Puppy’s Age | Feedings per Day | Snacks |
| 6 to 12 weeks old | 4 | Yes, healthy treats! |
| 12 weeks to 6 months | 3 | Yes, healthy treats! |
| 6 months to 1 year old | 2 | Yes, but occasionally |
| 1 year and older | 2 | Yes, but limited |
Keep in mind that breaking down their daily portions into smaller, more frequent meals helps with digestion and energy levels. Treats can be a part of their daily intake, but make sure they’re healthy and not too frequent!
Final Thoughts
It’s important to promote your German Shepherd puppy’s development, energy levels, and overall health when feeding them. Keep a regular routine, keep an eye on their weight, and increase amounts as they become bigger to make sure they’re getting what they need.
Contact us if you need help or if you have any issues with modifying your feeding plan! If you can strike the appropriate balance for your puppy, they will grow up to be a happy, healthy mature dog. Your German Shepherd puppy is special.
