This guide will provide you with tips and strategies for ensuring your German Shepherd is well-fed and reaches a healthy weight.
Best Food for a German Shepherd To Gain Weight
| Image | Name | Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bully Max Boost |  | |
 | Blue Mountain Bark | | |
 | ProPlan Performance Formula | |
Bully Max Boost
If you’re looking for the best food to help your German Shepherd gain weight, I highly recommend checking out Bully Max Pro 2X High Calorie & High Protein Dry Dog Food. With an impressive 600 calories per cup, this high-calorie dog food is packed with protein and fat to support healthy weight gain and muscle building in both small and large breeds.
This premium dog food delivers an optimal blend of high-quality nutrients that’s easy on their digestive system. The natural ingredients and carefully balanced formula ensure superior nutrient absorption, promoting a healthy and energetic lifestyle for your German Shepherd. Plus, it’s free from corn, soy, and artificial flavors, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. With its delicious chicken flavor and zero recalls, Bully Max Pro 2X is an excellent option to support your dog’s overall well-being.
Blue Mountain Bark
If you’re a German Shepherd owner looking for a high-quality dog food to help your furry friend gain weight in a healthy way, I’d strongly recommend considering Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural High-Protein Dry Food for Adult Dogs, Salmon Recipe. This dry food is packed with real salmon as the #1 ingredient, which provides an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that will not only support muscle growth but also promote a shiny coat.
This adult dog food is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of active dogs like German Shepherds. With its high-protein formula and nutrient-rich LifeSource Bits, this food helps support immune system health while avoiding allergens like chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. A 28-lb bag will provide your German Shepherd with a generous supply of delicious, nutritious kibble to help them achieve their ideal weight in no time.
ProPlan Performance Formula
If you’re looking to put some extra pounds on your German Shepherd, Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken and Rice Formula High Protein Dog Food is definitely worth considering. As a high protein formula with real chicken as the first ingredient, this food is designed to fuel active dogs like German Shepherds who need to maintain lean muscle.
This dog food is packed with goodness including amino acids that nourish muscles, EPA which supports joint health and mobility, and 30% protein to keep your dog’s energy up. Since you’re looking for a weight gain option, take note of the high calorie content which will help put some extra pounds on your German Shepherd in no time. With over 37.5 pounds of food per pack, this option is certainly convenient if you have multiple dogs or need to feed multiple times a day
Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Bite
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food to help your German Shepherd gain weight, I highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain High-Protein Adult Dry Dog Food Wholesome Grains Red Meat. With real, high-quality beef as the #1 ingredient, this food is packed with essential proteins and carbs that will support an active lifestyle.
This dog food also boasts exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to help boost your German Shepherd’s immune system, while avoiding fillers like chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. The result is a nutrient-dense meal that will actually help your dog gain and maintain weight in a healthy way. Trust Blue Buffalo for their commitment to natural ingredients and wholesome goodness – give this red meat recipe a try!
DyneBite
If your German Shepherd is struggling to gain weight, you might want to consider Pet-Ag Dyne High Calorie Liquid Nutritional Supplement. This product is specifically designed for dogs over 8 weeks old and provides all the necessary calories they need to maintain or gain weight.
One of the things that sets Dyne apart from other supplements is its concentrated formula, which doesn’t compromise a dog’s stomach capacity for their normal diet. It’s also quite palatable, with a sweet vanilla flavor that most dogs seem to love. The product supports performance and endurance in active breeds like German Shepherds and provides pregnant or lactating dogs with essential nutrients. By adding a teaspoon of Dyne per meal, you can give your dog the extra boost they need to thrive.
CalPower
If you’re looking to help your German Shepherd gain weight, I highly recommend giving Under the Weather Ready Cal Powder for Dogs a try! This amazing powder is designed to be a healthy addition to their diet, which can be especially helpful if they’re not eating properly due to illness or medical procedures. It’s made with nutritious ingredients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and omega fatty acids that will help stimulate your dog’s appetite and boost their energy.
The best part is, it’s ridiculously easy to use – simply sprinkle it over their food once or twice a day, or mix it with warm water to create a gravy flavor they’ll love. And don’t worry about artificial flavors or dyes – this product is proudly manufactured in the USA and vet-formulated specifically for dogs. The savory rotisserie chicken flavor is a real winner too! Trust me, your German Shepherd will thank you for giving them this extra nutritional boost to help keep them healthy and strong.
PawGain
If you’re looking to introduce your German Shepherd puppy or adult dog into weight gainer supplements, this
‘Dog Weight Gainer’ product stands out as an excellent option. What sets it apart is the HMB (beta-Hydroxy beta-Methylbutyrate) powered formula – proven to aid in muscle health and recovery.
This supplement aims at rejuvenating vitality for older dogs particularly those recovering from injury or surgery. Also noteworthy are comments about the taste – senior German Shepherd owners who’ve reviewed it confirm even pickiest eaters enjoy it! For an adult dog looking to regain lost weight and muscle mass due to age or health issues, ‘Dog Weight Gainer’ should definitely be under consideration for healthy weight gain.
NutriBoost
If your German Shepherd is struggling to gain weight, I highly recommend giving them the 2-Pack Nutri-Cal High Calorie Dietary Supplement. This oral gel supplement provides extra calories and vitamins that will help stimulate their appetite and give them the energy boost they need.
I’ve heard from several pet owners who have had success with this product in getting their dogs to gain weight. The fact that it’s veterinarian recommended gives me even more confidence in its effectiveness. Plus, it contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids to support healthy joints and skin. The palatable gel formula is easy to administer and digest too – even picky eaters will love it! As a bonus, this product is perfect for working dogs or those who need an extra calorie boost after hunting trips.
How to Feed Your German Shepherd to Help It Gain Weight
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong physique. However, maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge for some owners, especially if their dogs are naturally lean or have medical issues that affect their appetite. If you are looking for ways to help your German Shepherd gain weight, it’s essential to approach their diet with care and consideration.
Understanding Your German Shepherd’s Needs
Before diving into the specifics of feeding, it’s important to understand your German Shepherd’s individual needs. Factors such as age, activity level, metabolism, health status, and reproductive status (i.e., if your dog is intact or spayed/neutered) can significantly influence their dietary requirements.
1. Ideal Weight for German Shepherds
First, it’s crucial to establish a target weight for your German Shepherd. The average weight for an adult German Shepherd ranges from 50 to 90 pounds depending on their gender, size, and genetics. You can assess your dog’s weight by observing their body condition. Ribs should be palpable but not visibly protruding, and your dog should have a defined waist when viewed from above.
2. Consultation with a Veterinarian
Before you make any significant changes to your dog’s diet, consult with a veterinarian. They can help diagnose any medical conditions that might be contributing to weight loss and assist you in formulating an appropriate feeding plan based on your dog’s unique needs.
Choosing the Right Food
When it comes to helping your German Shepherd gain weight, the right food plays a pivotal role. Here are several dietary considerations:
1. High-Quality Dog Food
Select a high-quality commercial dog food that provides a balanced diet. Look for foods that have a high protein content (at least 20-30%) and healthy fats (at least 8-20%). Protein is crucial for building muscle mass, while fats provide a calorie-dense source of energy that can help your dog gain weight.
Recommended Ingredients:
Meat and Meat Meals: Look for real meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Meat meals (rendered products from meat) contain a higher concentration of protein.
Fats: Sources like chicken fat or fish oil are healthy and beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat, in addition to providing extra calories.
Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains like brown rice or sweet potatoes can add calories and provide fiber, while vegetables can offer essential vitamins and minerals.
2. High-Calorie Dog Food
Consider switching to a high-calorie dog food specifically formulated for weight gain or active dogs. These foods typically contain more calories per cup than standard dog foods, allowing your dog to consume more energy without increasing their portion size significantly.
3. Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive
Depending on your German Shepherd’s digestive health and any allergies, you may opt for grain-free or grain-inclusive formulations. Some dogs do better on a grain-free diet; however, grains can also provide valuable calories, so choose based on what works best for your pet.
Feeding Strategies to Encourage Weight Gain
1. Increase Meal Frequency
Instead of feeding your dog two large meals a day, divide their food into three or four smaller meals. This can help increase caloric intake without overwhelming their stomach.
2. Add Caloric Supplements
Adding calorie-dense supplements or mixers can also help boost your dog’s overall caloric intake. Consider:
Canned wet food: Mixing in wet food with dry kibble can increase palatability and caloric density.
High-calorie dog treats: Look for treats that are high in protein and fat.
Fish Oil or Coconut Oil: Adding healthy oils can increase calorie content and help improve the texture and flavor of their food.
3. Prepare Homemade Meals
If you have the time and knowledge, consider preparing homemade meals that are balanced and tailored to your German Shepherd’s needs. However, be sure to include necessary nutrients. Consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist before making this change.
4. Monitor Treats
While it’s tempting to spoil your pet, be mindful of the quantity and quality of treats you give. Opt for nutritious, high-calorie treats that contribute to their daily caloric intake. Aim to keep treat calories to about 10% of their total daily intake.
5. Maintain Consistency
Changes in diet should be made gradually to prevent digestive upset. Be consistent with the feeding schedule and monitor your dog’s response to dietary changes.
