How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy
German Shepherds are one of the fastest-growing large breeds. A GSD puppy can go from 8 pounds at 8 weeks to 80+ pounds by 18 months. That kind of growth rate means nutrition during the first year and a half has an outsized impact on long-term health — especially their hips and joints.
If you have read conflicting advice about how much to feed, you are not alone. Breeders say one thing, the bag says another, and every forum has a different opinion. Here is what the actual numbers look like.
Daily feeding amounts by age
| Age | Weight Range | Daily Calories | Cups/Day (est.) | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 8-25 lbs | 500-900 | 1.5-2.5 | 4 |
| 3-6 months | 25-50 lbs | 900-1,500 | 2.5-4 | 3 |
| 6-9 months | 50-70 lbs | 1,400-1,800 | 3.5-4.5 | 2 |
| 9-12 months | 60-80 lbs | 1,600-2,000 | 4-5 | 2 |
| 12-18 months | 65-85 lbs | 1,600-2,200 | 4-5.5 | 2 |
Cup estimates assume 380-420 kcal per cup. German Shepherds tend to be lean and active, so they often land on the higher end of calorie ranges compared to other breeds of similar weight.
Large breed puppy food is not optional
This is one breed where skipping large breed-specific puppy food is genuinely risky. German Shepherds are already predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia. Excess calcium during growth accelerates these problems. Large breed puppy formulas restrict calcium to 0.7-1.2% dry matter and manage the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Regular puppy food or all-life-stages food can have calcium levels above 1.5%. For a breed already at risk, that is playing with fire.
The GSD stomach issue
German Shepherds are known for sensitive digestive systems. Many GSD owners cycle through multiple foods before finding one their dog tolerates well. A few things help:
- Avoid foods with lots of fillers — corn, wheat, and soy tend to cause more GI issues in this breed
- Feed multiple smaller meals rather than one large one (reduces bloat risk too)
- Introduce any new food gradually over 10-14 days, slower than the typical 7-day transition
- If your puppy has chronic loose stools, try a limited ingredient diet before assuming something is seriously wrong
Growth rate monitoring
A GSD puppy should gain roughly 5-10% of body weight per week during the first 4 months, then 2-5% weekly from 4-12 months. If your puppy is gaining faster than that, you are probably overfeeding. Slower than that, and they may need more calories or a vet check.
German Shepherds go through a lanky, awkward phase around 5-8 months where they look too thin. This is normal. Do not panic and start overfeeding. They fill out between 12-24 months.
Exercise and feeding timing
This breed is prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which can be fatal. Do not feed your GSD right before or after heavy exercise. Wait at least 30 minutes before feeding after activity, and avoid vigorous play for an hour after meals. Using a slow-feeder bowl can help too — GSDs tend to inhale their food.
Calculate exact portions for your German Shepherd with our free feeding calculator — just enter weight, age, and activity level.
Transitioning to adult food
German Shepherds mature slower than medium breeds. Most vets recommend keeping them on large breed puppy food until 15-18 months. Some very large males benefit from staying on puppy food until 24 months. Ask your vet to check growth plate closure before switching.
When you do switch, plan for a two-week transition. GSDs and sudden food changes do not mix well.
For a broader look at puppy feeding timelines, read our puppy feeding schedule by age. Wondering what this will cost month to month? Check out our dog food cost breakdown by breed size.