How much food should I feed my 55 lb, 18 month old female German Shepherd?

Question

We just adopted her, and I think she's a little underweight. She was in a shelter, and then a rescue organization boarded her. If you have opinions about the best food for her, and other feeding tips, I'd appreciate those, too.

Answer 1

You will get lots of opinions on food, but just think about these rules and you will be OK.

Feed a premium quality, name brand food. Look at the ingredient list. Look for whole ingredients, not a lot of fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Feed one specifically for your type of dog (small dogs should be fed food for small dog, large dogs get large dog food). German Shepherd Dogs tend to have lots of hip and joint problems, so feeding a food specifically for dogs with arthritis or other joint problems will be a great help to her in the long run.

My top brands of dog food are Eagle Pack, Wellness, Nutro, and Royal Canin, but there are many others that are also good. The rule "You get what you pay for" should be in the back of your mind (the cheaper foods tend to be of poorer quality) but there are some exceptions to the rule. She should be on an adult dog food, not puppy. The amount depends on the type of food and her metabolism. Look at the guidelines on the bag of the food that you choose. Usually, feeding whatever is recommended at the lower end of the range for her weight is a good starting point. If she doesn't finish it all in a short period of time (about 15 minutes) or she's putting on too much weight, she is getting too much. If she doesn't put on ANY weight, loses weight or is always acting like she's starving, she needs more. You can adjust it for her. Just like people, all dogs have different metabolism so you will have to adjust for her specific needs.

Also, remember this. ALL dogs live longer healthier lives if they are kept at a good weight, and dogs with joint problems have a much easier time if they don't have to lug around a lot of extra weight, so keep her a little on the thin side. Studies have shown that dogs who are kept thin, live an average of 3 years longer than dogs that are allowed to free feed and get fat. You shouldn't be able to see her ribs, but you should be able to feel them easily without pushing through a layer of fat, she should have a distinct waist (hourglass figure) and her tummy should tuck up, instead of pooch out. If you have any cocnerns about her weight, let her vet take a peek.

Answer 2

I have a 2-1/2 year old male German Shepard and before him I had another male that my ex kept. In both cases the dogs self regulated how much food they ate. I fill the bowl and keep it full.
I switched from a puppy growthy formula to Royal Canin made especially for German Shepards over 18 months in age. My present dog, the Shadow, is spoiled. At supper time I give him a fresh beef marrow bone about 3" long. I also exercise him every day. He is a healthy 85 pounds. If your Shepard has not already developed hip problems you are probably safe. You can use treats like liv a snaps to train your dog. I took the Shadow to a professional German Shepard trainer, he quickly learned all the obedience he needs through the use of treats. It seemed he was shedding more than last year and while I was grooming him a new member of his fan club told me to try adding Linatone to his diet. It seems to have stopped the fur flurry. The Shadow is very hard on his toys and I have found that the only ones that can stand up to his jaws for any length of time are the hard rubber ones. Good Luck with your girl, her story is very sad and I hope you are able to turn her life around. Feel free to write me direct with any other questions.

Answer 3

Most dogs can be switched to adult food at about 12 months. The package for the food you buy should give the recommended age range for feeding it to your dog, or your vet should also be able to provide a good recommendation. I'd check the label for the food first, then contact your vet if you're not satisfied. Some larger breed dogs can also be switched to adult dog food earlier, but this is again something you probably want to discuss with your vet. When you switch, make sure to mix in the new food with the old to avoid the dogs getting sick. The change in food is quite an adjustment so it should be gradual.

Answer 4

Innova evo, solid gold, california natural, wellness

These are excellant dog foods. They may cost a bit more than your grocery store or farm supply brands but you can actually feed less and they also poop less. These foods you actually can follow the recommended feeding amounts on the bag and they will be happy and healthy.

If you feed those grocery store or farm supply brands like pedigree, purina, eukanuba, iams, etc... very high over advertised foods they really are over priced and have nothing but fillers in them. There is also ingrediants in these foods that can cause cancer, allergies and etc. If you want a healthy dog feed a natural healthy food.
people recommend science diet. This food from experience is high priced and over rated. The dogs i have ever fed this food either hated the food or it caused allergies and more problems. Science diet is promoted by the vets not because of the nutritional factors but because they get 40 percent profit on what they sell.

You want a healthy dog, feed healthy natural food.

Answer 5

We have a German Shepherd also, we feed her a cup of dry food, which is Canadae and we shred the Natural Balance sausage about a half cup with it twice a day. It is very healthy for them. You can also buy her Natural Balance Biscuits for treats. We have tried so many, and this one was the best because she was allergic to corn. Once we tried it we never changed because she is really healthy. When you change food alot they will get the runs and not feel well, so try to stay with the same food.

Answer 6

The best dog food I found is food that you can only buy from your vet. It is made by Hills, not the Prescription brand, but the other Hills that vets sell. It has no byproducts in it. It'll tell you how much to feed her and also ask your vet to be sure. If she is underweight you don't want to make her sick and over feed her, so increase her food slowly.

Answer 7

if u buy a bag of dog food it should have an amount on the back! it does work it is a good helper for me i had the same problem.....hope i was a good help

Answer 8

i give mine about a cup and a half of food a day.

Answer 9

take her to the vet for a check up. they will tell you exactly what she needs.