Essential Guide to Raising a Border Collie: Tips & Care

Important Considerations for Raising a German Shepherd

1. Feeding Quantity and Schedule

Here's a general guideline for feeding your German Shepherd:

Puppies (from weaning to 3 months): Feed 3 to 4 times a day

Puppies (3 to 6 months old): Feed 2 to 3 times a day

Puppies (6 months to 1 year): Feed twice a day

Dogs over 1 year: Feed once or twice a day

Puppies should be fed to about 70% of their capacity, with small, frequent meals. For puppies between 2 and 4 months, it's best to offer soft foods. Start by soaking the puppy food in warm water to soften it before serving. Since puppies have delicate digestive systems, adjust their portions based on their stool consistency. Soft stools indicate overeating, while hard stools might require a bit more food.

2. Synchronize Feeding Times with Your Routine

While it's important to feed your dog, remember that exercise is equally crucial. Ensure you take your dog for at least one walk a day to keep them active and healthy.

3. Clean Bowls Immediately After Meals

Washing your dog's bowls promptly after feeding helps prevent pests like mice, cockroaches, and ants from being attracted to leftover food.

4. Avoid Feeding Dogs SunExposureHeated Kibble or Leftovers

Do not feed your dog kibble that has been left out in the sun or any leftover food. These can be harmful to your pet's health.

5. Nutritional Supplements and Raw Meat

German Shepherds are large breeds with rapid growth. You can add nutritional supplements to their meals, such as calcium and other nutrients, but only under a veterinarian's guidance. Some people prefer to feed their large German Shepherds raw meat to get them accustomed to the taste, but this can be dangerous. Raw meat can contain parasites, and if your dog becomes accustomed to eating raw meat, they might pose a risk to humans if you forget to feed them or if you abandon them. Many attacks by German Shepherds on humans are due to this very reason.

6. Be Mindful of Bones

Contrary to popular belief, bones can block a German Shepherd's digestive system, leading to constipation and reduced appetite. Chicken bones, in particular, are a nogo, as they are small and brittle, easily causing esophageal blockages or piercing the gastrointestinal tract.

7. Provide Clean Water

Ensure your dog always has access to clean water. While distilled water or boiled water isn't necessary, their digestive systems won't be affected by the type of water they drink.

8. Transitioning to New Dog Food

When switching your dog's food, use the sevenday transition method to allow your German Shepherd's digestive system to adjust gradually. This helps prevent diarrhea.

Tip: Click here to learn about training methods for German Shepherds.