German Shepherds are large, energetic dogs that need proper nutrition to stay healthy. Determining how much and how often to feed them is an important part of caring for a German Shepherd. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding how many meals per day is best for your German Shepherd.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that most experts recommend feeding adult German Shepherds two meals per day. Puppies may need three or four meals depending on age. Feed puppies more frequently to aid development and prevent hypoglycemia. Adult German Shepherds, once fully grown, are generally best suited to two daily feedings.
German Shepherd Nutritional Needs
German Shepherds are large, active dogs with high energy levels. They require a nutritious diet to fuel their active lifestyles and maintain their health. Here are some key nutritional needs for German Shepherds:
- High-quality sources of protein – Protein should make up about 20-25% of their diet. Meat, eggs, and dairy are excellent sources.
- Moderate fat intake – About 8-15% of their diet. Helps maintain skin/coat health.
- Carbohydrates – Whole grains and vegetables should make up the bulk of their diet.
- Essential fatty acids – Found in fish, flaxseed, etc. Important for skin, coat, joints, brain, and heart health.
- Vitamins & minerals – Such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, calcium, and iron. Needed for immune function, energy, vision, bone health, and more.
Feeding them high-quality commercial dog food designed for large breeds is the easiest way to meet their nutritional requirements. Homemade diets can also be nutritionally balanced with some effort.
Puppy Feeding Schedule
Puppies have faster metabolisms and higher energy needs than adult dogs. They also need nutrients for proper growth and development. For these reasons, puppies need to eat more frequently than adult German Shepherds.
Here are some general puppy feeding guidelines:
- 8-12 weeks old – 3-4 meals per day
- 3-6 months old – 3 meals per day
- 6-12 months old – 2-3 meals per day
The exact schedule will depend on the individual puppy’s age, weight, activity level, and preferences. Make sure to monitor their growth and adjust portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Feeding puppies smaller meals more frequently accomplishes several things:
- Keeps up with their fast metabolism
- Provides nutrients needed for growth and development
- Prevents gorging at one meal
- Reduces risk of gastric torsion (bloat)
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
Puppies should transition to an adult feeding schedule when their growth starts to taper off, around 12 months old. Consult your veterinarian on the ideal time to switch based on your individual puppy.
Adult Feeding Schedule
Most sources recommend feeding adult German Shepherds twice per day. Here are some of the benefits of two daily meals:
- Synchronizes with their natural feeding patterns
- Keeps their metabolic rate up
- Avoids gastrointestinal issues from large meals
- Prevents gorging at one meal
- Reduces risk of gastric torsion (bloat)
- Regulates digestion
- Provides structured routine
Divide their total daily food intake into two meals fed about 8-12 hours apart. For example, breakfast at 7am and dinner at 5pm. To start, follow label feeding guidelines for their ideal weight range.
Monitor your dog’s body condition and energy levels. Increase or decrease portions as needed to maintain optimal health and weight. Make gradual adjustments over a week, not all at once.
One Meal Per Day
While most German Shepherds do best with two daily meals, some may do fine eating just once per day. This is more common in less active senior dogs. There’s no harm in feeding an adult German Shepherd just one meal daily, as long as they maintain a healthy weight and normal energy. Monitor them closely when transitioning to once daily meals.
Three Meals Per Day
In some cases, adult German Shepherds may benefit from three spaced out meals instead of two. For example, dogs prone to gastric torsion or with medical conditions may do better with three smaller meals.
Additionally, very active German Shepherds with high metabolisms may need the extra meal to meet their energy demands. For instance, dogs training for competitive sports or working dogs on long duty shifts.
If your adult German Shepherd seems too thin or lethargic on two meals per day, discuss adding a third meal with your veterinarian.
Meal Timing Example Schedules
Here are two sample schedules showing how to spread out two and three meals over the day for an adult German Shepherd:
Two Meals Per Day
| Meal | Time |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7am |
| Dinner | 5pm |
Three Meals Per Day
| Meal | Time |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7am |
| Lunch | 12pm |
| Dinner | 5pm |
These are just examples. Adjust meal times as needed to accommodate your schedule. Just be sure to space meals evenly every 4-8 hours.
Tips for Feeding Adult German Shepherds
Here are some helpful tips for feeding adult German Shepherds twice per day:
- Stick to a consistent schedule – Feed roughly the same times every day.
- Allow rest before and after meals – No strenuous exercise within 1 hour before/after eating.
- Separate dogs at meal times – If multiple dogs to prevent resource guarding.
- Use puzzle toys/slow feed bowls – Makes them “work” for food and slow down eating.
- Provide fresh water always – Especially refill after meals.
- Measure portion sizes – Don’t free feed. Watch for weight gain/loss.
- Divide daily food evenly – Into two meals, don’t starve them for first meal.
- Store unused food properly – To avoid spoilage. Only leave out at meal times.
How Much Should German Shepherds Eat?
The exact amount a German Shepherd should eat daily depends on several factors:
- Age – Puppies need more food for growth. Senior dogs less due to slowing metabolisms.
- Size – Larger German Shepherds need more calories than smaller ones.
- Activity level – Active dogs expend more energy and need more food.
- Metabolism – Every dog’s metabolism works a little differently.
- Quality of food – Higher quality foods are more calorie dense.
Most adult German Shepherds should eat between 1500-3000 calories per day split into two meals. Use these general guidelines based on activity level:
| Activity Level | Calories Per Day |
|---|---|
| Sedentary | 1500-1900 |
| Moderately Active | 1800-2200 |
| Highly Active | 2000-3000 |
These are just rough estimates. To determine the ideal amount for your individual German Shepherd:
- Start with label feeding guidelines for their weight range.
- Monitor body condition and adjust as needed.
- Have your vet assess their weight at annual visits.
Keeping your German Shepherd fit and trim, but not too thin, should be your goal. Obesity is unfortunately common in the breed and leads to many health issues.
Things to Avoid in German Shepherd Diet
When caring for a German Shepherd, it’s important to know what foods and ingredients to avoid. Here are some things to keep out of a German Shepherd’s diet:
- Excess fat – Can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.
- Excess calcium – Risk for bone/joint issues.
- Too much vitamin D – Can cause vitamin D toxicity.
- Too much salt – May lead to electrolyte imbalances.
- Excessive treats – Lead to weight gain and unbalanced diet.
- Sugar and sweets – Risk of diabetes, weight gain, dental issues.
- Caffeine and alcohol – Extremely toxic for dogs.
- Raw eggs – Potential for salmonella. Cook eggs fully.
- Raw meat and fish – Contain bacteria and parasites.
- Avocados – Contain persin, toxic to dogs.
- Grapes/Raisins – Contain unknown toxins, damage kidneys.
- Chocolate – Contains theobromine, toxic to dogs.
- Onions and garlic – Damage red blood cells in dogs.
There are many human foods that can be dangerous for German Shepherds and should be avoided. When in doubt, do not feed people food or table scraps.
Conclusion
Most adult German Shepherds do best eating two meals per day, spaced about 8-12 hours apart. Puppies should be fed more frequently, with 3-4 meals a day. Feed puppies more often for proper growth and development.
When your German Shepherd reaches adulthood around 12 months old, transition to an adult schedule of two meals daily. This fits their natural feeding patterns. Just be sure to choose an appropriate food and amount based on their unique lifestyle and needs.
With the proper diet consisting of two daily feedings, you can help keep your German Shepherd healthy, fit, and full of energy!
