my german shepherd needs to gain weight

There is no corn, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives to upset your puppys digestive tract. "@type": "Question", Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Let us know about your favorite picks in our comments section. VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus is nutrient-dense and high in fat, which is essential for dogs that need to gain weight. } If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog 3. There are several causes for this calorie deficit, including high energy demand, poor feeding practices, and a number of health issues. If your German shepherd loses weight but seems to be eating a lot, it may be due to health problems associated with their digestive systems, such as maldigestion and malabsorption. When choosing dog food for a German Shepherd to gain weight, we highly recommend a brand with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. The best overall food for German Shepherds for weight gain is Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. The early symptoms include shortness of breath, tiredness, coughing, and restlessness. WebThe right food is one of the first steps in helping your dog 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. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food. Before you do, take time to note when the weight loss started or any other symptoms such as hair loss or diarrhea, or a sudden increase in thirst. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. my review of the best dog crates for German Shepherds and what you should know before buying one. Then, look at the type and amount of food you are feeding your dog to make sure their nutritional needs are being met. [2] Inflammatory bowel disease is one of the most common causes of malabsorption in dogs. Learn more. It uses a herring meal to provide your pet with 32% protein, so it will have plenty of energy and the building blocks for strong muscle. 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. A sudden change in your German shepherds environment, such as remodeling the house, moving to a new location, or even bringing a new baby into the family home, can cause stress and anxiety, which can decrease their appetites. Web7. If your dog is used to wet meals, you can try alternating wet and dry foods to help stimulate weight gain. A dog that is too skinny is usually unwell and needs a vet check-up. Health issues also occur when the food isnt of the right quality. According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds normally weigh about 65 to 90 pounds in males and 50 to 70 pounds in females. They may constantly pace or act restless, burning up calories quicker than usual. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. VICTOR made this formula with the growing and high-performance dog in mind, so it is sure to fulfill the appetite of your German Shepherd while helping them put on needed weight. Feeding more often and using high-protein and fat foods helps German shepherds gain weight. Several medical conditions can cause your dog to be underweight, so its important to rule them out first. The downside to the Natures Logic brand is that it can cause gas in your dog, and it may also have loose stools. It also helps dogs stay limber and put on muscle and not just fat." It contains real fruit and vegetables that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals that will help boost your pets health, including probiotics, which help improve the gut bacteria in your dog. Look for foods high in protein for a healthy weight gain program. WebHow to Help a German Shepherd Gain Weight: 3 Methods #1: Change the diet of your GSD. Ed Malaker. This formula contains Bison and venison roasted as the major protein sources. The ingredients in this food are sourced in the United States and include multiple types of animal protein to optimize muscle and weight growth. "name": "Should I Exercise my German Shepherd if He or She Needs to Gain Weight? WebHigh-calorie food will bring weight gain to your German Shepherd. It provides your pet with plenty of vitamins and minerals that supply the antioxidants and omega fats your puppy needs to grow healthy and strong. If the hip bones, backbones, bones at the base of the tail or ribs are showing, then the dog is too skinny." Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! Look for German Shepherd food with lots of vegetables, lean meat, and a good, complex, high-calorie balance. However, the real problem occurs when your dog does not have the body fat they need for normal functioning. The key is doing this gradually with several small meals a day. If your dog isnt eating enough during mealtimes, it may help to leave food out for them all of the time. Without a proper diet, it can be tough for these dogs to keep a healthy weight on. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Luckily, intestinal parasites are easy to diagnose and treat. The Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food is our top recommendation for German Shepherds seeking to gain weight. If your German Shepherd needs to gain weight, you must figure out what commercial foods are the best to help them do so in a healthy way. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Web7. Heres my review of the best beds for German Shepherds. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is 2. Try leaving a bowl of dry food out all of the time so the dog can eat whenever he or she is hungry. Unlike humans, dogs dont grow bored of their food, and switching their food often can have negative results. 2. These are believed to aid in maintaining the health of bones and create strong and lean muscles. Web7. German Shepherds need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones need even more. 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. When your shepherd is While less common than being overweight, an underweight German Shepherd could be even more at risk. Its unusual for a German shepherd to need to gain weight. WebThe estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. Other symptoms besides weight loss include vomiting and diarrhea. Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover pets, tools, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. ", 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. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Your vet will want to see a stool sample from your German shepherd to make sure he or she is not suffering from internal parasites. Omega fats will help with brain and eye development and will also help make your pets coat healthy and shiny. Talk to your vet about the right choice for your dog and have your puppy regularly dewormed. Look for foods high in protein for a healthy weight gain program. The texture is crunchy, but not so hard that little teeth cant break through each piece of kibble. The most effective diet for German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. We recommend using brands that use high-quality ingredients and are naturally higher in calories instead of doubling portions or feeding your pet more frequently. "name": "What is the Best Food to Help My German Shepherd Gain Weight? This can help determine whether they are suffering from any health problems that may prevent them from gaining weight. How to Fatten Up a German Shepherd (15 Bulk-Up Tips) 1. Alternatively, consider letting your dog free feed by keeping its food bowl filled and out at all times. That way, youll give it time to digest its food so it can consume more. Change their diet gradually so as not to give the dog diarrhea or an upset stomach. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is 2. A few of our dogs would not eat it, and it took us several weeks of transitioning before it became a regular part of their diet. Not all German shepherds will have the average weight described in the breed standard. How To Fatten Up A German Shepherd Give Them Food With A Higher Amount Of Calories. It could be that very old dogs just cant absorb the calories from their food as efficiently. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. It is normal for a German shepherd to be skinny at a younger age since they are still growing. Therefore, it is okay to let your dog have a few extra treats spaced throughout the day. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food. If the hip bones, backbones, bones at the base of the tail or ribs are showing, then the dog is too skinny. Before you try to make your German shepherd gain weight, make an appointment with your vet for a medical checkup. 2. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food. The most effective diet for German Shepherds that will aid in weight growth includes Taste of the Wild Prairie grain-free dog food. Crave High Protein Chicken Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is 2. Crave High Protein Chicken Dry Dog Food Best Overall. Today, it is relatively rare for dogs to be infested with worms in the US, but it is still possible. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures), Why Chocolate Is Toxic To Dogs (Vet Answer). "@type": "Answer", These dogs may also have diarrhea or constipation due to problems with their digestion. The 8 Best Foods for a German Shepherd to Gain Weight 1. Not suspecting that a change has been made to their food, most dog owners just continue feeding the same food to their dogs without realizing that the new formula has a lower amount of calories. 2 Allow your dog to free-feed. A male adult German Shepherd should weigh around 79 88 lbs (36 40 kg) when fully grown, whereas females will be about 66 70 lbs (29 31 kg). They range from tooth problems, making it difficult to chew, to cancer. 8. You may think, but I havent changed my dogs food in years! You should give them between 1,272 to 2,100 calories a day. With a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife: Conservation and Management from Humboldt State University. Talk to your vet first to make sure it's safe for your dog to be eating a puppy food that's high in protein. Omega fats will help with brain and eye development, and they help create a shiny coat. The good news is that most parasite infestations can be cleared up fairly quickly. A medical condition is more serious and will likely require the advice of a veterinarian. WebThe right food is one of the first steps in helping your dog gain weight. The dog food may not contain the right calories your German Shepherd needs to gain weight. A high-protein, low-fat diet is perfect for helping your dog maintain his weight, giving him the nutrients he needs to be energized and build muscle. Its high moisture content can help relieve constipation, and its limited ingredients make it less likely your pet will have an allergic reaction. Losing weight alone is not usually a sign that your German shepherd has maldigestion or malabsorption. I have always loved animals. A dog that is too skinny is usually unwell and needs a vet check-up. When kidney disease reaches this stage, your German shepherd will begin experiencing weight loss and look gaunt. Talk to your veterinarian about a safe exercise program for your German shepherd. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food Best Overall, 2. This will prevent your dog from being too underweight while also giving them the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy weight. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. It contains 32% protein from herring meal, so your pet will have lots of energy and the building blocks for powerful muscles. [] German Shepherds are a beautiful and popular breed of dog famous worldwide for their intelligence, work ethic, and courage. Their teeth and gums might be more yellow than usual and more prominent because of the lack of fat around the face. 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. Thank you for reading this article. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? Hes also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films. Keep in mind that free-feeding may not work for your dog. WebHigh-calorie food will bring weight gain to your German Shepherd. It contains chicken as its first ingredient and provides your pet with 30% protein without any corn, soy, or wheat to your pets diet. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found a few brands you would like to try out. Writing about animals is something I love and enjoy. This will answer how to fatten up a German Shepherd, energetic and healthy. It has limited ingredients, so there is less risk of an allergic reaction, and problems are easier to track down. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg\/aid9243574-v4-728px-Make-Your-German-Shepherd-Gain-Weight-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"