Gallant Edge German Shepherds

I get a lot of questions about underweight german shepherds both adults and puppies.  When puppies are underweight it is very normal for owners to be concerned.  German Shepherds do have a tendency to be thin and fill out more when growing slows however, there are many things you can to to help your pup.  

Consult Your Vet
When concerned about weight it is a good idea to consult your vet to ensure your pup is free of worms and parasites that prevent your pup from absorbing nutrients in food and that there is no other  medical reason why your pup is losing weight.  Also be sure that your pup has received the appropriate puppy vaccinations.

If Your Pup Refuses to Eat
If your pup refuses a meal don't make a big fuss about it and follow the suggestions listed on this page.  If not eating after a few days consult with your vet.   Do not feed treats in between meals except if the dog has earned a treat by first doing obedience commands.  Wait a while after the meal.  You might want to do at least 2 five minute obedience sessions per day but not directly after meals.  Praising your dog when sitting, laying down, standing, staying, etc.  Be sure that your dog works for his treats by completing a command before getting the treat, like sit, down, stand, stay etc.  Treating, praising and giving your dog extra attention at the wrong times can teach your dog not to eat at meals. For training I give dehydrated liver, Charlie Bears and Rollover or cut up meat.  I provide milk bones as treats for other times.  If feeding treats don't let the treats replace or spoil mealtimes (the kibble has better nutrients).  There are many good treats on the market today.  Try to find ones that are not too processed and natural.

Place Your Pup on A Schedule and Feed One Food
The best thing to do for an underweight pup is to first put the the pup on a Schedule.  Just like children, dogs do best when on a schedule and routine.  Imagine letting your children eat when they want how much they want without proper mealtimes? Do you think they'd make healthy choices?  If your dog learns the schedule he will look forward to mealtimes. The dogs learn fast that they better eat when the food goes out or they won't get any.  He may need to miss a couple of meals but it will be better in the long run at least until his weight is up.  Even though you are concerned and want your dog to gain weight, your dog also needs balance and a healthy routine.  You will essentially need to rehabilitate the whole dog while trying to get him to gain weight at the same time. By placing your dog on a schedule, you can also know exactly when your dog is eating and how much.  You can also tell when he'll need his Bowel movements (within one hour after eating) and they quite often have more than one movement.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Puppy Food
German Shepherd Puppies increase in size by 70 times their birth weight within 15 months and double their weight each month as a young pup.  This dramatic growth requires special nutritional  needs (for strong bones and joints, sensitive digestive system, immunization boosters) that are only met with a "premium large breed puppy food".

Your pup will require a puppy food made especially for the needs of a growing large breed puppy and for the special needs of your German Shepherd where there are concerns about  joints and sensitive digestive system.  There are many large breed puppy foods on the market today.

Be Informed About Dog Food When caring for any new animal in your household, it is important to ensure that you are using the best food for your animal. It costs just as much to feed a mixed breed as it does a show champion, and the nutritional requirements will be the same! In the long run it does not pay to feed a lesser quality food, as usually the dog will have to eat more to get the nutrients he/she will instinctively crave. Your veterinarian and breeder or breed rescue representative will be able to discuss what is best, and still affordable. Most will recommend staying away from the grocery store brands, including the big name brands. They simply do not use consistent quality ingredients, but rather those that are cheapest at the time the lot is being manufactured (the equivalent of junk food).

There are several good brands offered at local vet clinics, feed stores and pet supply houses that are only slightly higher in price. Because the dog will eat less (absorbing more and satisfying his nutritional needs with a smaller amount), use more of his food for fuel (and produce less manure!), it is more economically sound to purchase a higher quality food, supplementing with a small amount of meat at least 2-3 times per week. Offer the dog the recommended amount on the dog food bag and remove uneaten portions after 30 minutes. Amounts will vary with each animal and levels of activity.   Find a premium one you can trust to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients it requires.

At Gallant Edge German Shepherds we use only the Best!  We use premium dog food from Royal Canin and Eukanuba made specifically for the Large Breed Puppy and Adult German Shepherd to ensure the special dietary needs of the german shepherd puppy and adult dog are met.

Both Royal Canin and Eukanuba offer a Large Breed Puppy Dog Food and a "Breed Specific Adult German Shepherd dog food" made specifically for the special dietary needs of the German Shepherd Dog.  It comes in 36-40 pound bags and is a little more expensive than others, but the dogs absorb more of the food they eat thus eating less than many other store brands.  A small puppy may go through 1 bag in 2 months and as the puppy grows will be eating one bag per month.

Both Eukanuba and Royal Canin offer buy 10 bags get the 11th free at retail outlets.  Ask Your retail outlet about this.  (You will need to keep your receipts and the bar codes from the bags you have purchased at some outlets.)  Some stores track your purchases with a member card and then send you a coupon for the free bag.  You can also contact both companies to be made aware of specials deals they offer.  In the end I find this premium dog food well worth the price, a very good deal and provides peace of mind that my dogs are getting all the nutrients they need with shiny healthy coats too.

What To Do If Switching Foods
When switching dog foods, puppies do not tolerate a sudden switch and this usually causes diarrhea.  In order to avoid this make the switch gradually.

Feed 75% old food and 25% new food for a few days, then 50% Old and 50% New for another few days then 25% old 75% new another few days Then finally 100% New.

Remember - Do not feed table scraps.  Never allow your dog to eat your food quite often our food is not healthy for the dog.  In a Pack, the pack leader eats first and the pack stays at a distance  The pack is never allowed to eat the pack leader's choice food.  


How Much and When To Feed My Underweight Puppy
Every dog food is different in their feeding requirements due to the amount of food that can absorbed by the pup.  Feed according to the instructions on your dog food bag.  If your dog is eating well, feed the required amount and add more until your dog has had enough.  If your dog has not been eating at all you might need to start with smaller portions, and feed more feedings(3-5) throughout the day, on a schedule, until eating the recommended amounts.  For very thin dogs try adding an additional feeding each day until you notice weight gain (3-4).  Keep in mind that kibble expands in the puppy's stomach. Always remove the bowl after your dog eats.  Water is a different story.   Never let your dog run out of water.  Always keep plenty of water available for your dog.
 
When I'm trying to fatten up underweight pups I recommend adding a little warm water to the kibble, mixing it up to make a gravy. I add water, wait approx 30 seconds to a minute, mix it with my hands to add my scent.  You can drain access water but keep enough gravy to entice your dog.  Do not make it too watery, or the kibble gets too soft.  You'll learn how much to give after a few feedings.  It will help encourage him to eat when you put the bowl down. (he may like it and you might want to continue for a while). The puppies seem to love it and are more willing to eat the food with the gravy, do this until he gets on a schedule or until after the pup is 10-12 weeks old.  Leave the water a little longer for pups under 8 weeks that may require the softer kibble.  It will also help the pup with his sensitive digestive system.   Keep in mind that kibble expands in the pup's stomach. So adding water to the kibble will help. 

The general rule is to remove the bowl after 15-20 minutes. You should stay with him while he eats to encourage him to eat his food.  If he's still eating at the 15 minute mark and wants more, give him more (that's what I do with underweight pups).  The idea then would be to make sure he gets all he can eat at meal times. (If your dog does not eat it after you've made a gravy, drain excess water and place in the fridge.  The kibble will be a little soft so mix 1/2 with each next meal. That way you won't waste any) 

Adopt a Verbal Command and Praise
It is a good idea to say something like "Eat Your Food" when giving the puppy his bowl.  When eating at meal time say "Good Eat Your Food" in a happy baby one of voice"  This will give your pup a word to relate to meal time and your praise tells your dog his behavior is appropriate.

The Importance of Exercise
Exercise is very important for your dog and not only helps increase your dog's appetite but also helps your dog stay mentally balanced.  German Shepherds are high energy dogs Shepherds are known to be able to go all day long as adults.  Dogs who are exercised regularly are much happier, are better behaved, less aggressive and calmer around the house. The the exercise I am suggesting is minimal and should help your pup's appetite and your bonding process. Never exercise your dog directly after a meal.  It is much better to take your dog for a walk or get exercise before you feed your dog.

Exercise - Walks
Walking is a must.  Preferably a morning walk.  I recommend walking in the morning for about 1/2 hour to 45 Minutes. The walk mimics their migration for food in the wild where they walk all day sometimes before getting food.  It will help your dog feel that he's worked for his meals and will be more likely to eat.  Walks don't really utilize calories too much for a German shepherd; the exercise is more mental than physical.  Not only will your dog get an appetite and feel like he has earned his food but it will keep him emotionally sound.  Dogs are more happy when they get regular daily walks and fed afterwards (Its good for you too).

Exercise - Retrieve
I like to stop after the walk and throw a ball for a while also to get rid of some of the pup's extra energy.  This allows the dog to spend quality time with you. Retrieving a ball is fun for the pup and they consider it play time, it also allows the dog to feel free and to run at his own pace. Done regularly your dog will look forward to it.  Playing retrieve is also helpful to assist to assist with bowel movements.   Most importantly, it also helps you and your dog bond.

Other Ways to Get Exercise As Your Pup Grows
Consider purchasing a bike attachment to attach the dog to your bike without pulling you over.  I take my dogs for bike rides often.  It allows the dog to get a better workout.  Going with a bike for 15 - 20 minutes is not much for a shepherd.  Mine trotts much of the way and walks when I ride slow.  Utilizing a bike burns off the excess energy in the shepherd and helps to exercise your dog faster than a walk.  My dogs love the bike.  If I choose I can go fast. My dogs loves it (sometimes I think it impresses her that I can keep up).  Dogs under a year should not be run for long lengths of time.  Puppies should only go on short jaunts until after one year to allow proper joint strengthening and growth.  It may take a little practice walking with your bike to get your dog used to staying close.  Be cautious the first few times until your dog gets the hang of it.

Weigh Your Dog
Weigh your dog once per week (don't weigh too often once per week is good enough).  You can do this by weighing yourself first, then picking your dog up and weighing yourself again.  A little math and you have the weight.

Chewing
Your dog will love things to chew on.  Only give your dog large bones that don't splinter. I purchase bully's (bull Penises) at the pet store. They are 100 percent natural, last along time and are good for your dogs teeth.  I Also purchase the large bones filled with Roll over. And Kongs filled with treats.  My dogs love them.

Learn More About Your Dog
I strongly recommend getting further educated about raising your pup and learning how to deal with behavior issues as they arise.  Many behavior and health issues can be prevented when the owner is educated on what to do. I offer further assistance with behaviors by helping you take on the Pack Leader role.

More Resources To Assist You
Check out our Help and Info pages and our Bookstore for more assistance.  .

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