How should I feed my German Shepherd? Scientific feeding guide
The German Shepherd (German Shepherd) is an intelligent, loyal and energetic working dog, and the way it is fed directly affects its health, lifespan and working ability. This article will combine the popular pet raising topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide German Shepherd owners with a structured and scientific feeding guide.
1. Basic principles of German Shepherd feeding
1.Nutritionally balanced: German Shepherd requires a reasonable ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
2.Timing and quantitative: Avoid overeating. It is recommended to eat 3-4 meals a day for puppies and 2-3 meals for adult dogs.
3.Well hydrated: Provide clean drinking water at all times, especially after exercise.
| age stage | Feeding times per day | Recommended calories (kcal/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies (2-6 months) | 3-4 times | 1200-1800 |
| Youth Dog (6-12 months) | 2-3 times | 1800-2200 |
| Adult dogs (over 1 year old) | 2 times | 1500-2000 |
2. Dietary priorities for German Shepherd dogs at each stage
1. Puppy stage (2-12 months)
This stage is a critical period for the development of bones and muscles of German Shepherds. It is necessary to choose puppy food with high protein (more than 26%) and high calcium. You can supplement natural ingredients such as egg yolks and chicken breasts, but avoid excess fat.
2. Adulthood (1-7 years old)
Adjust the diet according to the amount of exercise: working dogs need to increase their caloric intake by 20%, and family pet dogs need to control their weight. It is recommended to choose dog food containing chondroitin to protect joints.
3. Old age (over 7 years old)
Metabolism slows down, requiring a low-fat and high-fiber diet (fat ≤ 12%). Antioxidant ingredients such as blueberries and carrots can be added.
| Nutritional information | puppy needs | Adult dog needs |
|---|---|---|
| protein | 26%-32% | 22%-26% |
| fat | 14%-18% | 10%-14% |
| Calcium | 1.2%-1.8% | 0.8%-1.2% |
3. Answers to popular feeding questions
Q1: Can German Shepherds eat raw meat?
A: Yes but be careful. It is recommended to choose frozen and sterilized poultry bones and avoid weight-bearing bones. Feeding raw meat requires regular deworming.
Q2: How to prevent gastric torsion?
A: ① Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 hour after meals ② Eat small meals frequently ③ Use slow food bowl ④ Raise the height of the food bowl.
Q3: Which foods are absolutely prohibited?
A: Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, xylitol, caffeine, alcohol, nuts.
4. Feeding schedule recommendations
| time period | Event arrangements | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 | Breakfast + short walk | Rest for 30 minutes after meals |
| 12:00 | Lunch snack/training reward | Not to exceed 10% of daily intake |
| 18:00 | Dinner + moderate exercise | Avoid eating 2 hours before bed |
5. Feeding adjustments under special circumstances
1.pregnant female dog: Increase calories by 25% 3 weeks before delivery, and require 2-3 times regular food intake during lactation.
2.training period: Use 20% of daily food as training reward to avoid extra meals.
3.summer/winter: Reduce food intake by 10% when the temperature exceeds 30℃, and increase calories by 15% when it is below 0℃.
Summary:German Shepherd feeding needs to be dynamically adjusted based on age, activity level and health status. It is recommended to have a physical examination every six months and consult a veterinarian regularly to adjust the diet plan. The average life span of German Shepherds fed scientifically can be extended by 2-3 years compared with those fed ad libitum.
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