Is my German Shepherd pup growing too fast? Can cause joint problems later.?

Question

My German Shepherd pup is 25kgs @ 5 mths old, a recent mag article stated @ 5 mths on average should be no more than 20 kgs, he doesn't seem to be over weight, I have been feeding him expensive large breed puppy dry food (Hills SCience Diet) as recommended by the breeder plus all the usual extras a spoilt puppy gets.
Is my pup growing to fast/ in danger of future joint problems or like human kids do they simply have growth spurts that average out over time?

Answer 1

I've had large breed dogs all my life,and have had two shepherds and have one now.I would start feeding your puppy a good adult maintenance dog food,and not too much of it.A fat German shepherd will end up with bad joints,which can shorten their lifespan.My current shepherd is six,and has been on adult dog food since she was 6 months old,and she is in perfect health.She weighs just 65 lbs,and has no joint problems at all. I feed her Diamond adult maintenance,and Pro-Pac adult dry foods and Bil-Jac frozen.She has a beautiful coat and is very active.A lot of breeders of large breed dogs are doing this now,feeding puppy food until about the fourth month,and then slowly switching over to adult food,until,at six months,the puppy is on an all adult food diet.Puppies who grow too fast and put on too much weight stress their joints,tendons and ligaments.I would gradually change her over to a diet lower in fat(but protein is OK).and lay off the treats;give only a few a day,and gentle exercise.Never let a pup under a year old participate in too vigorous of exercise,as their joints are not fully developed and it can cause problems in the future.Good luck with your pup,and may he live a long,healthy life.

Answer 2

It's just normal growth. I'm assuming he is a male. It also depends on his genetics. Some Shepherds come from larger bloodlines and some from smaller.

My Male Shepherd went through some fast growth sperts also, and although he limped at times, it is because the ligaments and tendons don't keep up with the bone growth as fast. The Vet gave me Rimadyl to help him through this phase, and he did fine. He however comes from a bloodline of large big boned Shepherds that were working dog/K-9 Police Dogs, and he is a big fella now.

If your dog was way to heavy and fat for his age and size, I'd be worried then, as obviously too much weight on any dog is not good especially for a growing pup. However; just being 5 kgs, over is nothing to be alarmed about. Even GSDs that are normal weight or even light in structure and weight like my 5 y/o Female GSD that weighs 83 lbs. could have hip and structure problems based more on genetics, however; her OFA tests scored an A-2 which is excellent.

It's more in the genetics and the inherited problems that one has to worry about.

Answer 3

If you are feeding at the correct ratio then you shouldn't have a problem. Do remember that treats are food and should be taken into account when feeding.
Call your vet and ask if he feels this is to heavy. Dogs are bigger than bit*hes, and yes they have growth spurts like children.
I have a 18 month old and shes great, they are lovely dogs, but at the moment she looks 1/2 starved as she's just grown upwards a couple of inches. They don't really balance out in body proportion until they are 2 1/2 years.

Answer 4

Please...no table scraps!! Yes, if a large breed puppy grows to fast, they can & will have joint problems, along with hip & back trouble. Keep feeding a good quality large breed puppy food. This will slow their growth & they'll reach full size in 2 yrs instead of 10 months.. Also another very important fact...when playing fetch...throw the object out & away ,where they have to run after, not up above where they have to jump & twist...this will prevent pinched nerves & hip problems. Good luck with your Puppy & many years of enjoyment!

Answer 5

like all the other have said gsd s wont balance out until they are 2ish. my gs pup is 3 and bit month old and weighs in now at 13kgs she was thin when we got her and we are trying to buff her up. bear in mind this article is only an average and every dog is different its only a guideline. if you feel concerned id speak to your vet and definetly speak to your vet before changing any foods as people advised on here. you will know when your pup is overweight. but get prof help if you get to concerned

Answer 6

i have two GSD's. they are the greatest dogs in the world. I've raised all my dogs from puppy's. quit giving them the extras. that is what is going to make them over weight and hurt them. the food your using is good food but stick to only it. no extra vitamins are needed as the food has everything that the dog needs at this time to grow up.

Answer 7

they need vitamins