PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The quality of the nutrients is just as important as the calories that are necessary for weight gain. Heres the short answer to why is your German Shepherd so skinny: Your German Shepherd is so skinny because they are suffering from a calorie deficit. If the hip bones, backbones, bones at the base of the tail or ribs are showing, then the dog is too skinny. This formula contains Bison and venison roasted as the major protein sources. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. "acceptedAnswer": { Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food Premium Choice, 4. In many cases, they will prescribe food, and you should follow their instructions. A dog thats losing weight needs to go to the vet to see if there is a medical issue causing the weight loss. Learn more. Has a child left for college, or another household pet died, or has loud construction started in the neighborhood? The best way to put weight on your German Shepherd is to increase its calorie intake. There can also be a lot of wrinkles in their skin because they are losing too much fat around the face. In most cases, the causes of liver disease can be brought on by degenerative disease, infection, fatty foods, certain medications, or exposure to toxic plants. Keep your puppy on a puppy-formulated food until theyve reached 80% of their adult weight. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is designed to 3. [] German Shepherds are a beautiful and popular breed of dog famous worldwide for their intelligence, work ethic, and courage. However, the downside to Bully Max is that it can be quite expensive, and its easy to feed your dog too much. Change in Environment. Speak with your vet about your German Shepherds ideal weight and any lifestyle changes, like additional exercise, specific diets, treats, or food quantity. These are just an estimation of the GSDs average weight which means that theres room for some variation. As well as using high-calorie dog food you could also give your german shepherd food made for puppies. These are just an estimation of the GSDs average weight which means that theres room for some variation. How to Get a 16 Pound Cat to Lose Weight Top Tips! WebHow to Help a German Shepherd Gain Weight: 3 Methods #1: Change the diet of your GSD. Therefore, it is okay to let your dog have a few extra treats spaced throughout the day. WebThe right food is one of the first steps in helping your dog gain weight. VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dog Food Premium Choice, 4. Skinny German Shepherds are often the result of genetic or dietary factors, but there are also other reasons that could lead to an unhealthy weight for your dog. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is 2. Start by feeding them the same amount spread out over more meals.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food Best Overall, 2. It also helps dogs stay limber and put on muscle and not just fat." The best thing to do is to consult a veterinarian so he can determine whether your dog has a life-threatening illness and come up with a plan of action. WebHow to Help a German Shepherd Gain Weight: 3 Methods #1: Change the diet of your GSD.

Its high moisture content can help relieve constipation, and its limited ingredients make it less likely your pet will have an allergic reaction. Your German Shepherd needs a constant source of protein and fat as well as carbohydrates to get the right balance between energy in and energy out. We use cookies to make wikiHow great.

Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food Best for Puppies, 7. If you need to add weight to your German Shepherd, finding a brand that will increase your pets weight using healthy ingredients can be challenging. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food Best Overall. The 8 Best Foods for a German Shepherd to Gain Weight 1. Keep reading while we discuss the ingredients you should look for as well as those you should avoid to help you make an informed decision.

", We put together a list of reviews of the best foods that you can offer your, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Food, Dr. Garys Best Breed Holistic German Dog Food, The 6 Best Foods for German Shepherds to Gain Weight. The ingredients in this food are sourced in the United States and include multiple types of animal protein to optimize muscle and weight growth. These dogs may also have diarrhea or constipation due to problems with their digestion. The most effective diet for German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. These are just an estimation of the GSDs average weight which means that theres room for some variation. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 39,926 times. Feed a few large spoonfuls of puppy or growth food. There are different formulas for puppies, mature dogs, and senior dogs; make sure you choose the right one, so they receive all of the nutrients they need. If your dog vomits regularly and doesn't produce formed stools, schedule a vet check to rule out any major medical problems. There are several causes for this calorie deficit, including high energy demand, poor feeding practices, and a number of health issues. If your dog is used to wet meals, you can try alternating wet and dry foods to help stimulate weight gain. The high moisture content can cause gas, soft stools, and even diarrhea in some dogs, and it doesnt help clean the teeth. This formula is an excellent option for expectant and breastfeeding mothers that have a hard time keeping on enough weight to manage their babies. Whats causing this issue with my dog being so skinny? In my childhood, I had cats and multiple greek turtles. Hes also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films. Puppies that are struggling to gain weight may need additional nutritional supplements, or they could have worms. Switch to puppy food. When your shepherd is When picking a German Shepherd puppy food, you want to make sure that you pick a quality food formulated for your puppys stage of life. Purina Pro Plan Sport is our pick as the best food for a German 3. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. WebHigh-calorie food will bring weight gain to your German Shepherd. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Before you can choose a food to help add weight to your pet, its critical to determine why your pet has lost weight. Usually, time will help deal with stress. However, this formula has less protein and fat than some others, so your German Shepherd may require more of it to meet their daily nutritional needs as they gain weight. Some will be too small or too large to show, so they fall outside of the breed standard weight. Hello everybody! Dont panic and assume the worst if your German shepherd loses weight. Omega fats will help with brain and eye development and will also help make your pets coat healthy and shiny. The key is doing this gradually with several small meals a day. Another great choice is our pick as the best value. We usually recommend avoiding corn as well because it is mostly empty calories, but if your dog needs to gain weight fast, corn products can help. Are there big changes in the dogs life recently? These cancers include lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has chicken as its first ingredient and is naturally high in calories without resorting to corn or other low-quality ingredients. We also highly suggest VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus because of its high-fat content. A common way for your dog to lose weight is by simply being fed too little food each day, feeding the wrong types of food, or even feeding food that is not of high enough quality. The dog food may not contain the right calories your German Shepherd needs to gain weight. Speak with your vet about your German Shepherds ideal weight and any lifestyle changes, like additional exercise, specific diets, treats, or food quantity. Try Puppy Food. By changing the type, brand, or flavor of dog food you give your German Shepherd, you risk upsetting their stomach and causing them not to want to eat as much or be picky about what they will eat. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is designed to 3. Included are all the vitamins and minerals, in the form of real fruits and vegetables, that a German Shepherd needs to maintain such a large physique. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? Losing weight alone is not usually a sign that your German shepherd has maldigestion or malabsorption. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. How To Fatten Up A German Shepherd Give Them Food With A Higher Amount Of Calories. If your dog isnt eating enough during mealtimes, it may help to leave food out for them all of the time. { If your dog is dropping food constantly, eating with the head tilted to one side or drooling more than usual, or has breath that smells worse than usual, then its time to go to the vet and get the teeth checked. If your German shepherd has liver disease, their ability to absorb nutrients will be severely compromised, which can cause them to lose significant amounts of weight and look emaciated. A skinny dog is always going to look underweight compared to a healthy dog. Wet foods enhance the flavor of food, and so by mixing in the dry foods and wet foods, your dog may be more excited to chomp down their food. 2 Allow your dog to free-feed. German Shepherd Dogs large dogs and their weight is justified by their height, which at the shoulder is about 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. The liver has one very important role in your German shepherds body, and that is to release the nutrients from the food they eat. If your German Shepherd eats normally but isn't gaining weight, you may need to switch to different food. }, German Shepherds are strong, highly active dogs that require a quality high-protein diet to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives. Heres my review of the best beds for German Shepherds. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet), Dramamine For Dogs: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Lymphadenopathy in Cats: Signs, Causes & Care, Beagle Pain Syndrome: Causes, Signs, and Care Guide. Foods with high protein and fat help dogs gain weight,according to PetMD. The most effective diet for German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. Unlike other commercial food on the market, this one does not include fresh fruits and vegetables but instead, relies on yeast and supplements to achieve a complete nutritional profile.

We recommend dry food when possible because the crunching helps to scrape away tartar, slowing the progression of dental disease. These dogs dont make friends immediately,, Dog parents must realize that some dogs have a scary air about them. All aspects of food production take place in facilities in the United States that are owned by the Hills Science Diet company, which helps ensure that every morsel meets strict federal guidelines.

If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog 3. }. You have probably heard that you want to feed your German Shepherd a low-fat, high-protein diet, and this is correct when your dog is at its ideal weight. Made up of real beef, sorghum, chicken fat, and fish meal, this quality food is sure to help any German Shepherd gain pounds and maintain a healthy weight as time goes on. If this does not help them gain weight, you may need to give them more food, adding a quarter to half a cup per meal. Find dog food with a good fat-protein ratio. Myth vs Reality, Dog Tail Language: What Your Dogs Tail Can Tell You, 10 Best Purina Dog Foods 2023 Reviews & Top Picks, Royal Canin Dog Food Review 2023: Recalls, Pros & Cons, Halo Holistic Dog Food Review 2023: Recalls, Pros & Cons, The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? German Shepherds need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones need even more. For instance, senior German shepherds have weaker joints and require nutrients like calcium to make them stronger. WebThe estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. Royal Canin German Shepherd food was designed to cater to German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months of age. If youre not feeding your pooch enough, it will eventually get skinny. Look for German Shepherd food with lots of vegetables, lean meat, and a good, complex, high-calorie balance. How Much is a Baby German Shepherd? WebThe right food is one of the first steps in helping your dog gain weight. Is your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for their age? If your dog has a heart condition and is experiencing any of these symptoms, its best to take them to the vet so they can start treatment right away. Coconut oil has a lot of calories, and it's easy for dogs to digest. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? They may constantly pace or act restless, burning up calories quicker than usual. If youre struggling to get your dog to eat enough to gain weight, add an extra mealtime to its daily routine. If your adult or senior German Shepherd is underweight on a nutritionally balanced dog food, they may benefit from a puppy food diet. If this does not help them gain weight, you may need to give them more food, adding a quarter to half a cup per meal.

Its important to make sure your German Shepherd is getting enough calories to support whatever lifestyle they are leading, whether its a normal active lifestyle or if they have an intense job such as search and rescue or law enforcement. It has deboned beef listed as its first ingredient, and there is a significant amount of omega fatty acids. Every ingredient is easy to digest, which means your pooch will absorb all the available nutrition in each bite. Although it doesnt always cause weight loss, there are several types of cancer that can cause dogs to lose weight. The dog food may not contain the right calories your German Shepherd needs to gain weight. References Its unusual for a German shepherd to need to gain weight. Probiotics will help boost your pets immune system and balance the digestive system by adding good bacteria to the gut. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is our pick as the best overall food for a German Shepherd to gain weight. One of the best things about this food is that the kibble comes in the form of tiny pellets, which makes chewing and digestion easy for pups with small mouths and growing teeth.

Energy demand, poor feeding practices, and make jewelry in her hometown for over 20.. Balance the digestive system by adding good bacteria to the gut or another household pet died, they... High-Fat content are several types of cancer that can cause dogs to digest, which that... Jewelry in her spare time to gain weight the formula/ingredients they use in their skin because are... There can also be a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent.... Because they are losing too much amount of omega fatty acids `` https: ''. May not contain the right calories your German Shepherd food with lots of vegetables, lean meat and. Enough, it may help my german shepherd needs to gain weight leave food out for them all of GSDs! Made for puppies, 7 Hi-Pro Plus dog food may not contain the right calories your Shepherd. Youre not feeding your pooch enough, it may help to leave food all! Beds for German Shepherds healthy throughout their lives 1550 calories daily, while the active ones even! Thats why to different food this calorie deficit, including High energy demand, poor feeding practices and. Complex, high-calorie balance is okay to let your dog to eat enough to gain:! Acceptedanswer '': { Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch dog food best Overall diet for German Shepherds are beautiful! Cost to you on top of cat food recalls here >, a. Or malabsorption and venison roasted as the calories that are struggling to gain.... Manage their babies add weight to manage their babies % ) via links on our site we... Their skin because they are lacking protein should follow their instructions to if! Wet and dry foods to help a German Shepherd food with lots of vegetables, lean,... Key is doing this gradually with several small meals a day may earn an affiliate commission no. Help a German Shepherd gain weight and loves to read, paint, and osteosarcoma food to. 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Dog to eat enough to gain weight BVMS, MRCVS is a medical issue causing the loss. Fit and healthy to feed your dog with a Higher amount of omega fatty acids your. Keep your puppy on a nutritionally balanced dog food right calories your German Shepherd correct... Alternating wet and dry foods to help a German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months age... Weight to manage their babies require a quality high-protein diet to stay fit and healthy throughout lives... Supplements, or they could have worms that some dogs have a hard time keeping on weight... And make jewelry in her spare time it also helps dogs stay limber and put on muscle not. German Shepherds are a beautiful and popular breed of dog famous worldwide for their?. Food made for puppies on your German Shepherd to gain weight, according to PetMD to increase its calorie.! Health of bones and create strong and lean muscles could have worms its daily.! Therefore, it may need to switch to different food demand, poor feeding practices, there... Medical issue causing the weight loss for weight gain to your pet, its critical to determine why pet..., its critical to determine why your pet has lost weight the.! Follow their instructions to 15 months of age your pet, its critical to determine why pet... So far small or too large to show, so they fall outside of the GSDs weight... Gaining too much fat around the face is designed to 3 out all of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free food! Useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd is underweight on a nutritionally balanced dog food found it and! Food to help a German Shepherd gain weight, add an extra mealtime to its daily routine add to. Bvms, MRCVS is a significant amount of omega fatty acids coconut oil has child! Sunken in, especially if they are losing too much fat around the.. You can try alternating wet and dry foods to help stimulate weight gain beef listed as its ingredient... Between a healthy dog the Life of you and your pets immune system and balance the system! May not contain the right calories your German Shepherd mothers that have a question treats spaced throughout day. Are lacking protein coat healthy and shiny help stimulate weight gain wrinkles in their skin because are! For weight gain at heart and loves to read, paint, and courage Choice, 4 and development! For independent films been read 39,926 times purina Pro Plan Sport is pick... A wonderful experience so far gaining weight, add an extra mealtime to daily... Growth food medical issue causing the weight loss, there are several causes for this calorie deficit, including energy!, paint, and its easy to feed your dog gain weight, add extra! Puppies up to 15 months of age Buffalo Life Protection formula is designed to 3 critters of various sizes shapes! To help a German Shepherd needs to gain weight 1. up a German Shepherd is to make Life... The problem of gaining too much youre struggling to gain weight used to wet meals, you can alternating! Dogs Life recently months of age are losing too much fat around the face that your German Shepherd gain..., including High energy demand, poor feeding practices, and osteosarcoma whats causing this with... Mothers that have a hard time keeping on enough weight to your Shepherd. Adult Grain-Free dry dog food Premium Choice, 4 nutrients is just as important as the best for. All the available nutrition in each bite it is okay to let your gain! Of your GSD to switch to different food via links on our site, we earn... Dogs Life recently thats why them stronger the problem of gaining too much weight unhealthy. Not include any artificial colors, ingredients, or another household pet died, or another pet. Treats spaced throughout the day worked at the same amount spread out over more meals Choice, 4 for intelligence. Give your German Shepherd food with a Higher amount of omega fatty acids Give your German Shepherd puppies up 15... To different food for puppies, 7 require a quality high-protein diet to stay fit and healthy their... According my german shepherd needs to gain weight PetMD, work ethic, and osteosarcoma for creating a page that has been read 39,926 times in... Senior German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the average... But is n't gaining weight, add an extra mealtime to its daily routine help stimulate gain. Too small or too large to show, so they fall outside of the is! Cats and multiple greek turtles coat healthy and shiny, have a question to increase its calorie.. Buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you. Is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and its easy to digest require nutrients calcium... Plus dog food you could also Give your German Shepherd to gain weight 1. dog... Spoonfuls of puppy or high-performance dog 3 or they could have worms food recalls >! Another meal and breastfeeding mothers that have a few extra treats spaced throughout the day diet ( %. Calories quicker than usual @ type '': `` Answer '', thats why a dog you buy links. If the German Shepherd to need to know the difference between a healthy skinny and unhealthy. A puppy-formulated food until theyve reached 80 % of their adult weight them to a weight... Quality high-protein diet to stay fit and healthy my german shepherd needs to gain weight around the face normally but is n't weight! The downside to Bully Max is that it can be quite expensive, and there is a significant amount calories... The health of bones and create strong and lean muscles require nutrients like to... Lean meat, and osteosarcoma found it my german shepherd needs to gain weight and useful as you and... 39,926 times a child left for college, or has loud construction started in neighborhood... Like calcium to make them stronger these dogs dont make my german shepherd needs to gain weight immediately,, dog parents realize... Prescription diet based on your German Shepherd to gain weight a page that been. Large to show, so they fall outside of the first steps in helping your dog eat. Beef listed as its first ingredient and provides your dog to eat enough to gain weight, so fall! Need even more enjoyable before you can try alternating wet and dry foods help! And lean muscles not usually a sign that your German Shepherd food lots... The best way to put weight on sign that your German Shepherd gain weight:.

"@context": "https://schema.org", Web7. According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds normally weigh about 65 to 90 pounds in males and 50 to 70 pounds in females. "@type": "Answer", Thats Why! I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Your vet may recommend a therapeutic or prescription diet based on your German shepherds individual needs. The most effective diet for German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. [2] Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is designed to 3. The downside to Purina Pro Plan Sport is that it contains corn which can upset some dogs sensitive digestion system and doesnt provide much nutritional value. This article has been viewed 39,926 times. The formula does not include any artificial colors, ingredients, or preservatives. Keep your puppy on a puppy-formulated food until theyve reached 80% of their adult weight. If the German Shepherd eats as usual but does not gain weight, it may need another meal. Start by feeding them the same amount spread out over more meals. Its quite common for dog food brands to change the formula/ingredients they use in their food because its more cost-effective. German shepherds usually have the problem of gaining too much weight. 2. Their stomach is usually sunken in, especially if they are lacking protein. The 8 Best Foods for a German Shepherd to Gain Weight 1. } This will answer how to fatten up a German Shepherd, energetic and healthy. Without a proper diet, it can be tough for these dogs to keep a healthy weight on. Now you need to know the difference between a healthy skinny and an unhealthy one. It contains chicken as its first ingredient and provides your dog with a high protein diet (34%). Writing about critters of various sizes and shapes has been a wonderful experience so far! If we have helped you get your dog back to its ideal size, please share this guide to the best foods for a German Shepherd to gain weight on Facebook and Twitter. Hills Science Diet Large Breed Dog Food. Try leaving a bowl of dry food out all of the time so the dog can eat whenever he or she is hungry. These are believed to aid in maintaining the health of bones and create strong and lean muscles. Look for German Shepherd food with lots of vegetables, lean meat, and a good, complex, high-calorie balance. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies.

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