I have two german shepherds who are kinda skinny. I want to make sure i am feeding them enough. I am feeding them EACH 2 scoops (3 cups) of "dry" food and 1 can (13.2 oz) of "wet" dog food. Is this enough, how does this vary according to weight and exercise? I would love it if you could give me a web link to visit too.
Thank you and Merry christmas!!
2006-12-21 13:43:56 · 19 answers · asked by YaYa 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
i feed them once a day and they run and play like crazy for 45mim to sometimes11/2 hours
2006-12-21 14:17:14 · update #1
try spreading their feeding times out.....maybe 1 and 1/2 cups at nite, and in the morning.....do they excersize alot?...if they look too skinny, increase the food amount gradually...does that help?
2006-12-21 14:23:37 · answer #1 · answered by quadqueen93 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take your dog to the vet and weigh them. It doesnt cost anything. A heathy dog does actually look kind of like its underweight. It's just because of ther rib cages.
Try feeding them a high quality food that they can actually get all the protiens and nutrients from. Most commercial foods just pass through quickly without giving enough nutrition. The best I have found by far is NUTRO. You have to go to the pet store. The big bags are between 30 and $40 but it is worth it. You dog well pass less stool because their bodies are using more of the food, so you wont be feeding them as much. Their fur will be in excellent condition because of thr oils in the food. You (and your dogs) will win all around with that stuff!
2006-12-21 13:49:40 · answer #2 · answered by .. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It varies individually as well. You need to adjust individually for each dog until they maintain at the size you want them to. My Boxer is on Eukanuba (good quality food), and eats almost 7 cups of food a day to maintain his weight. He's got a high metabolism. You want to add weight very slowly, so I would talk to your vet first and make sure they are healthy first, then ask them what they recommend to add "bulk" based on their check up. Also, you may think you dog is skinny, but they may be healthy and normal. Many people don't realize how to assess a dogs build. You want to be able to feel but not see their ribs, without too much fat layer over them. They should have a waist when viewed from the top, and a tuck when viewed from the side. Hope this helps... Best of luck :)
2006-12-21 13:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 10 month old Shepherd and the vet recommended 2.5 - 3.5 cups of food per day...in smaller increment though. I'll feed her at breakfast, lunch and dinner..it adds up to about 3 cups. My dog gets about the same amount of exercise a day as well. She is healthy and happy. Every dog is different though. Try looking on the bag of food..it should tell you how much to feed your dog for their age.
2006-12-21 14:39:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no exact measurement for proper amounts. The best way to tell is to look at their stomach and ribs. The ribs should be lightly visible, but not to the point each rib is seen. The stomach should not be even with the ribs, that would show obesity. They just need the standard form, very similar to that of a healthy horse.
Also, you didn't mention how often you feed them, or how active they are. Without that viatal information, there's no way to get a fantastically accurate answer.
2006-12-21 13:48:58 · answer #5 · answered by Gray 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That isn't enough food for German Shepherds. Look at the feeding guide on the dog food for your dogs weights and also speak with your vet who can give you the best advice.
2006-12-21 13:57:39 · answer #6 · answered by Erica M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a German Shepherd...he gets fed twice daily morning and night....1cup & 1/2cup each feeding is good....if you want you can mix in some wet food too. German Shepherds are usually pretty thin until they hit 3-5 years then they start to bulk up.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/feeding.htm
2006-12-21 13:53:39 · answer #7 · answered by Ruby 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is really something best suited for your vet to answer. Some dogs need more than the bag suggests and some need less. It really depends on the dog and their activity level. Our vet made a suggestion for our Border Collie and I'm sure yours would do the same.
Without seeing your dogs, knowing their weight and what food you have them on, it's kind of hard to help your question here.
2006-12-21 13:46:37 · answer #8 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to call your neighborhood vet to get their recommendation.
If you are seeing their ribs, Hon.....sounds like they need more food. But there would be other questions that need to be answered. Are their bowel movements regular? Are they getting plenty of water? etc. Call your vet for professional answers that can be received on the phone. Good luck.
2006-12-21 13:48:29 · answer #9 · answered by COOKIE 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your shepherds are still young they might just look skinny. It takes them until they are about three to fully fill out.
2006-12-21 14:03:50 · answer #10 · answered by Leigh S. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋