Puppies of a German shepherd are looking for owners at the age of 1.5-2 months. At this point, they have already undergone primary vaccination and worm protection procedures and are branded. Prior to this, a German shepherd puppy is 1 month old, or rather the first 2 weeks is under the supervision of a mother, receiving all necessary and eating her milk. After this period, complementary foods begin, foods such as low-fat cottage cheese, minced meat and various vitamins are added to the diet. When the puppy gets to the new owners, he is deprived of the care of the mother and the professional care of the breeder, so the owner needs to keep in touch with the breeder for at least a year, in order to get advice or relevant recommendations.
German Shepherd puppy feeding
When buying a puppy, he should be provided with a painless transition from one house to another, it is good if his usual diet is maintained for several days or a week . A German shepherd puppy must be fed at least 6 times a day for up to 3 months, then this amount gradually decreases to 2 times, but not earlier than after 9 months. There is a huge amount of ready-made dog food, and the owner often has to decide what to feed the dog with, whether it is worth moving from natural, home-cooked food to dry prepared food.
Dry feed
There are three classes of dry feed: economy, premium and super premium. The first includes low-cost feeds, they include low-grade cereals, soybeans, and meat by-products. Their digestibility and nutritional properties are very low, so they require a larger amount compared to premium feeds. A German shepherd puppy will gladly eat such food, but the poor quality raw materials used can lead to allergies and metabolic disturbances. In the premium class, low-grade raw materials are not allowed, and the nutritional value of such a substitute for natural food is much higher, the same applies to digestibility. But super premium class food is prepared from high quality products, it does not use cheap ingredients, preservatives and dyes. Their composition is balanced and includes everything necessary for the growth and development of the puppy and the normal functioning of his body. In addition, the manufacture of feed takes into account the breed, weight, physical activity, age and susceptibility to dog diseases. You can find such food in a veterinary clinic or in specialized stores.
Natural food
In order to properly feed your puppy with natural homemade food, you need to have sufficient knowledge so that the diet is balanced and contains the necessary amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. In the first months of growth, a German shepherd puppy especially needs protein, because this is the main element for the dog’s growing body, therefore, meat products must be included in its daily diet. They can be given both raw and boiled, too fatty meat or pork is not recommended, the latter may contain the distemper virus. With a lack of fat in food, growth retardation may be observed, a sign that a sufficient amount of fat is present in the diet is a smooth, shiny coat. The main source of energy is carbohydrates, that is, all kinds of sugars and fiber. The main products rich in carbohydrates are various cereals and legumes, the German Shepherd puppy will not refuse berries, fruits and vegetables.