As with any dog owner, it’s essential to know the best tips for German Shorthaired Pointer feeding, and this guide will go over all you need to know and provide some information on some of the best dog food for this breed.
If you get your dog as a puppy or adopt an old soul, you must cater to their dietary requirements. Here’s how much you should feed your pointer per age.
You should feed your German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) puppy three to four times a day, feeding ⅓ cup of dog food each time. Wet food can supplement dry kibble, but working out how many calories you give your puppy will be necessary to avoid weight gain. Your puppy needs approximately 1250 kcal per day in total.
Once over six months old, you should change to feeding your adult dog two meals per day. One gram of protein for every two kilograms of dog weight is a good rule for including raw food and protein in their diets. An active adult will need around 3-3,500 kcal daily, provided they have no health issues.
Senior dogs might need more regular feeding than in their prime; as they get older and weaker, they require more nutrients to supplement them. If your dog is moving less in old age, consider lowering the calories consumed daily to maintain a healthy weight.
Always feed your pregnant dog high-quality proteins, and increase her caloric intake by 2-4 times her normal amount. The best way to ensure both needs are met is by feeding good quality meats like chicken, red meat, and vegetables or high-quality puppy food. Encourage your girl to eat as much as she wants, it’s highly unlikely that she will overindulge when providing for her pups.
Many dog lovers boast the benefits of a raw food diet. While these benefits haven’t been scientifically backed, the decision is up to you. Using quality commercial food has its benefits, too. Your GSP dietary requirements will differ significantly depending on the activity levels, their DNA, and the preference of each animal.
Absolutely! Treats are a brilliant way to train high-energy dogs and show them a little bit of extra love throughout the day.
Avoid giving your GSP anything with spices on it – dogs cannot digest spices like humans; the same goes for onions and garlic. Also, make sure, if you’re giving them any human food, that there is never any xylitol in it, especially in products like peanut butter.
Not usually, GSPs are not picky eaters. If you notice their appetite has decreased, there might be an underlying cause. If this prolongs, then consulting a vet is suggested.
Most dogs should drink ¼ of a cup of water for every kilogram they weigh, whereas an active dog might need more. GSPs are pretty active, so keeping their water bowl full would be suggested.
A GSP is not a fussy dog, but, as a working dog, it is essential to ensure that your dog food meets the nutritional needs to ensure you have a healthy dog. Keep them on a balanced, healthy diet, and they should live a long, happy life.
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