When dogs get very old, they often stop gaining weight and start losing it. You can also add some low-sodium chicken or beef broth to the wet food, so it mixes with the dry dog food to give your dog more liquid as well. If you are not comfortable with commercial dog food or want to add in a little more substance, try adding in some healthy homemade meals. "acceptedAnswer": { ] Not all dog food is created equal. "text": "Foods with high protein and fat help dogs gain weight, according to PetMD. Which of the commercial food options on our reviews list interests you the most? Purina Pro Plan Sport is our pick as the best food for a German 3.

Is your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for their age? 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. Let us know about your favorite picks in our comments section. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. In order to help your dog gain weight, you will need to take the time to understand what is causing their calorie deficit to ensure that you are able to fix the issue. This formula contains Bison and venison roasted as the major protein sources. 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. Thank you for reading this article. Your dog may be underweight if they have a drastic curve from their chest to their back legs, or if you can see their rib cage showing through their skin. This formula contains Bison and venison roasted as the major protein sources. Every ingredient is easy to digest, which means your pooch will absorb all the available nutrition in each bite. No fillers such as grains, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients are included. They may also prefer to rest rather than playing with other dogs or chasing toys since they dont have the energy to do so. If the German Shepherd eats as usual but does not gain weight, it may need another meal.

"@type": "Question", A full-grown German Shepherd should be fed about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 of a cup of food each day. talk to a vet online for advice >. Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Dog Food, 8. Find dog food with a good fat-protein ratio.

If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog 3. According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds normally weigh about 65 to 90 pounds in males and 50 to 70 pounds in females. Is your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for their age?

Several medical conditions can cause your dog to be underweight, so its important to rule them out first. Writing about animals is something I love and enjoy. Web7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food Best for Puppies, 7. If there isnt a physical cause for weight loss in a German shepherd, then the cause might be stress. This usually happens after a period where the dog was thirsty all of the time and then has to urinate more frequently because of drinking so much. Omega fats will help with brain and eye development and will also help make your pets coat healthy and shiny. Initially, dogs with kidney disease dont lose weight, but over time, their kidneys become less efficient at processing nutrients from the food they eat. This way, there will be no drastic changes, and that will allow their bodies to adjust more easily. 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. Over time, your dog may have been conditioned only to eat what they can get from humans rather than their own food. Skinny German Shepherds often have dark circles under their eyes, an indication that they are lacking energy. Purina Pro Plan Sport Dry Dog Food Best Value, 3. However, most dogs like corn and the empty calories will help your German Shepherd gain weight. This article has been viewed 39,926 times. Its unusual for a German shepherd to need to gain weight.

This can cause a wide range of health problems, like a weak immune system and irregular organ function. This is why puppy food has much higher protein levels than for adult dogs.

Royal Canin German Shepherd food was designed to cater to German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months of age. Therefore, it is okay to let your dog have a few extra treats spaced throughout the day.

Foods with high protein and fat help dogs gain weight,according to PetMD. If they are puppies, they need puppy food, and adult active dogs may need an active formula that contains higher protein and other nutrients to help them recover after an intense workout. Your vet may recommend a therapeutic or prescription diet based on your German shepherds individual needs. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Dog Food. Approved. Inflammatory bowel disease is one of the most common causes of malabsorption in dogs. 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. Learn more.

German Shepherds need 1272 to 1550 calories daily, while the active ones need even more. If you have two or more dogs, start feeding them in a separate room or they may gobble all of the old dogs food if he or she is slow to finish it. Made with nutritionally dense ingredients, Dr. Garys Best Breed Holistic German food is just for large breed dogs like the German Shepherd.