One of the most energetic and active dog breeds is the German Shepherd. These dogs can run for kilometers without tiring, and sometimes struggle to put on weight. So how do you increase the weight of your German Shepherd?
To put more weight on your German Shepherd, feed them more meat and fewer grains. Ensure their dog food is made of animal proteins including eggs. The main reasons a German Shepherd struggles to gain weight include a lack of quality food being made available along with underlying health issues affecting their appetite.
There are numerous factors impacting a German Shepherd’s ability to gain weight. We have covered them below in this article.
How do I put weight on my German Shepherd?
The two main factors that impact the German Shepherd’s ability to gain weight are the type of food you’re feeding him as well as any existing medical condition. If you’re feeding him the wrong type of food, he will likely struggle to gain the appropriate weight. Furthermore, poor feeding habits will also affect your dog’s ability to stay healthy.
Many different supplements can be added to your dog’s diet to increase his weight in general. If your dog doesn’t like eating, he might have a serious problem.
Great Food for German Shepherd Weight Gain
Some owners only provide their animals with the best natural ingredients they can. Some even opt for raw diets as they believe this is the closest a pet can be to the natural food he eats in the wild. Some prefer sticking to the kibble diet, which is generally the most convenient option.
Since there are various kinds of kibbles that can be fed to the dog, it may be hard to figure out which one is good for your dog or which one will help him to gain weight.
What type of dog food you decide to feed your German Shepherd dog to help his weight gain will depend on your training and raising principles.
Fat Content in Dog Food
You should provide the German Shepherd with a low-fat, high protein diet. A low-fat, high-protein diet is ideal for helping your dog maintain its weight and provides him with the nutrition he requires to feel energized and increase his muscle mass.
If your dog isn’t gaining weight, adding fat intake to your dog’s diet is a great idea.
It doesn’t mean that you should feed him the fattiest kibble that is available in markets. There should be plenty of protein in your diet. However, you do not need to feed him only protein.
What is the best kind of food to give a German Shepherd pup?
Glucosamine, as well as chondroitin, create the digestive process smooth and easy. Vitamin E is beneficial for the development of your puppy’s muscles and a healthy heart and liver.
Additionally, antioxidants ensure that the immune system is up and running. In the end, Royal Canin ranks at the top of the top diets to feed German Shepherd puppies.
Are there ways to increase weight gain in dogs?
High-protein and fat food items are excellent for dogs that need to increase their weight. You can feed the dog a diet that is higher in protein and fats is a great way to aid in gaining weight slowly over time. Diets rich in protein and fat will allow your dog to gain weight in a steady manner, and you will see a change in weight within a few weeks.
Are there size-specific dog foods?
Breed-specific dog food isn’t necessarily dangerous. It is slightly redundant when you (and your vet) have already assessed your dog’s nutritional requirements about their age size, weight, and other health requirements.
How do I get my German Shepherd to eat more?
Select foods that have a higher protein and fat content.
Change to Puppy or High-Performance Food.
For More Calories, Feed Dry Kibble.
Offer an Extra Meal to Their Normal Routine.
Why is my German Shepherd not gaining weight?
The average weight of German Shepherd puppies at birth is around 500 grams (0.5 kg). A baby German Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 0.4 kg and 0.6 (400 and 600 grams) at birth.
Will giving a German Shepherd dog coconut oil make them gain weight?
You might want to consult your vet before including coconut oil in your pet’s food or applying it to the fur of your dog. Coconut oil could cause an increase in cholesterol levels, the thickening of the arteries, and weight increase in certain dogs. If you think your pet is susceptible to any of the above conditions, discuss it with a veterinarian before using it.
What is the best food for my German Shepherd to gain weight?
The most effective diet for German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. This formula contains Bison and venison roasted as the major protein sources. These are believed to aid in maintaining the health of bones and create strong and lean muscles.
Is dry dog food safe for my dog?
Dry food, also known as kibble, contains ingredients that differ by brand. However, all are necessary to meet the requirements of balanced nutrition and satisfy the nutritional requirements of dogs. Under USDA regulations, “all animal foods must be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.”
Are table scraps safe for my dog?
It’s okay on occasions to offer scraps of food from the table. Ensure however that they’re safe, low in calories, high in salt, low in sodium, and have a low amount of fat. This will ensure that your dog will have doesn’t have any adverse reactions to the food which may affect their health.
What should I look for when buying dog treats at the store?
The items that aren’t suitable for canines include artificial colors, sugars, flavors, and preservatives.
Ingredients of lower quality, such as by-products from meat.
Avoid any food that contains additional syrups, salt or Molasses.
Dog owners who have pets who are allergic to wheat should stay clear of as well as soy and corn.
How often should I feed my German Shepherd?
Feeding German Shepherds 2.5 or 3.5 cups of kibble of good quality every day, twice per day, is a good start if you want them to gain healthy weight. Adjust the amount of food you feed according to your dog’s size, weight, weight, and general level of activity.
Will my German Shepherd gain weight if I give them treats in addition to their regular food?
The majority of treats don’t meet their nutritional value. However, certain treats contain extra calories and nutritious ingredients that could assist the German Shepherd gain weight. Don’t give your dog just snacks, but do provide your dog with an extra treat throughout the day.
Can German Shepherds get fat?
Although German Shepherds are naturally active dogs, it doesn’t mean they can’t gain weight. Inactivity, a poor diet, including excessive treats, and illnesses like thyroid issues could lead your Shepherd to gain weight.
When should you consult a Veterinarian?
Veterinarians recommend annual checkups twice a year for older pets. If required, your pet will be vaccinated and undergo an extensive physical examination and tests to follow any concerns.
The urine and blood tests will give your veterinarian the scoop about your pet’s kidney and liver health as well as thyroid hormone levels and many more. 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.
