The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a high-energy, large-sized breed of dog that needs regular exercise and a healthy diet to live a long and healthy life.
It’s not hard to feed them, but you should know how much to feed a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy if you want to cater to his needs throughout development.
Every GSP parent worries about providing enough nutrition for their pet. Is your GSP getting the right amount of food?
Moreover, what is the greatest way to guarantee that your GSP is eating properly? A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy feeding chart will be able to clear these questions up for you!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you enter a pet supply shop. You have complete control over your dog’s diet, which is why it is so important.
So, let’s have a look at what’s out there so you can feed your GSP the best diet possible.
How Much Should A German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Eat?
The quantity of food your GSP puppy should consume will vary based on the type of food.
If you’re using a diet that is suitable for all age groups, your puppy may need to consume more food than adult dogs to acquire the necessary calories depending on his age.
Prior to six months old, your puppy should be fed 3 times daily. After six months, breakfast and dinner will suffice.
The dietary demands of a German Shorthaired Pointer will vary based on variables like life stage, nutritional requirements, and product quality.
As GSPs develop, their feeding schedules and quantities are modified until they achieve maturity, and then again when they reach old age.
German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding Chart
The reference sheet in this article will help you to understand the amount of food your puppy should eat, how frequently, what to watch out for, and what to anticipate while feeding your pup.
Since pups require a lot of calories, it’ll also vary based on the food you feed them. Keep in mind that these working dogs consume a lot of calories during the daylight hours and need to eat to compensate.
Weight and activity level are needed to compute a GSP ‘s RER. The RER measures a dog’s resting energy requirements in calories. RER=(70 x body weight in kg)^(3/4) x 70.
A 10-kg German Shorthaired Pointer puppy has an RER of 430 calories per day. This is an estimate, since the dog’s activity level, metabolism, and health may change the energy required. Puppies need more energy.
Energy needs decrease as they mature. If you are still not sure about your dog’s energy demands, see a vet or nutritionist.
4 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
By 4 weeks of age, the pup will continue to be staying with and reliant on his mom.
At this moment, the pups will begin to mill around and put some space between each other and their mother, although they are unlikely to go through weaning.
If the mom is avoiding the pups, you may attempt to give a very little quantity of puppy chow to the dog, but it’s too early to presume that your dog will be capable of eating anything solid so soon.
6 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
By 6 weeks, the GSP puppy will usually be active and moving away from the protection of his mom. The mom is most likely moving away from the pups as the litter prepares to be weaned.
They may still depend on their mother’s milk to some extent, but this will be a perfect time to introduce puppy food of you choice.
They won’t require a considerable amount at this time, so simply give them a quarter cup every day. Monitor the puppy to see if he ats it all, and then you may gradually increase the quantity.
8 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
Puppies should be entirely weaned and no longer dependent on their moms by 8 weeks of age, since this is when they’ll be taken into care in new homes.
Because the puppy will no longer be reliant on milk, you will be required to feed him three times each day.
The volume might vary, but you should give your puppy 1/4 to 1/2 cup at every meal. This will partly be determined by the food, as well as your puppy’s hunger.
10 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
When your GSP reaches the age of ten weeks, he is preparing for a rapid growth surge. You should continue feeding him three times per day, close to 1/2 cup for every meal.
If the GSP appears to be underweight, you may raise it a little; if your puppy appears to be overweight, you can reduce it slightly.
Make certain that you’re feeding your puppy the same type of food every time, and that it’s puppy food.
12 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
By 12 weeks old, the GSP has a massive growth surge. Don’t be shocked if your puppy’s weight begins to skyrocket. Along with fast development, the puppy will want food to replenish used up calories.
You should continue to feed your puppy three times each day, however increase the quantity slightly to ensure that he gets enough calories.
At this stage, your puppy’s body form will be more visible, making it simpler to keep track of his weight.
1.5 – 2 cups of food is normally plenty, but continue to check to ensure that this is appropriate for your GSP.
14 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy at this age should be given 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food every day, split into three equal meals.
Avoid overfeeding your puppy, since this may lead to obesity. At this age, socialization and basic obedience training should begin.
16 Week Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
Your puppy’s food consumption may be raised to 3-3.5 cups per day at this age.
Education and training should continue to emphasize sociability and obedience, as well as fundamental commands like sit, remain, and come.
6 Months – 12 Months Old German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy
As your puppy matures, its food consumption should be progressively reduced.
Feed them roughly 3.5 -4 cups of food per day at 6 months, and by 12 months, this should be lowered to 2-3 cups per day. This is also the time to offer more advanced training and exercise to your dog.
12 Months & Above German Shorthaired Pointers
A German Shorthaired Pointer should be given 2-3 cups of food each day as an adult, depending on their activity level.
Your dog will have a lot of energy and a strong drive to hunt and retrieve. Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation to avoid harmful conduct.
To preserve excellent conduct, training should be sustained.
Understanding German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Nutritional Needs
Understand that German Shorthaired Pointers work and they make terrific family pets.
Thus, your dog needs a high-protein, high-fat diet. To replace the energy he burns, your dog should eat 22% protein and 10% fat at least.
Protein, calcium, fat, and digestible carbohydrates help dogs grow. Grow and gain weight naturally. Protein supports growth, immune system, organ strength, and cell repair in puppies.
Animal protein contains all 20 amino acids. Beef and eggs are complete proteins. Vegetable proteins lack essential amino acids.
Fat quality varies. Puppies require healthy fat to keep their hair shiny, eyes bright, skin smooth, and joints supple. Your dog absorbs fat-soluble vitamins from meals.
Insufficient calcium in a puppy’s diet may cause bone deformities that cause lameness, reduced stature, and infertility.
Healthy puppies also require digestible carbohydrates.
How Many Times A Day To Feed A German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy?
GSP puppy feedings should be done 2–3 times a day. Since their tummies are small, puppies require many little meals a day. Puppy feeding depends on many things.
Puppy size and age determine feeding frequency. A 14-week-old German Shorthaired Pointer puppy should be given 2-3 cups of high-quality puppy chow each day in three equal meals. They may eat less as they mature.
This is a broad guideline, and the puppy’s demands and preferences may change the feeding schedule.
Adjust the feeding schedule as your puppy develops. To ensure your dog gets enough food, assess their weight and bodily health. If you’re unsure, ask a vet or nutritionist.
Kibble Vs Wet Food For German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies
The most practical and cost-effective choice is dry food, such as kibble. Kibble aids with oral hygiene, which is important for your German Shorthaired Pointer.
Look for kibble that has been made with nutrients that adhere to the guidelines set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, since the composition of each brand varies (AAFCO).
If your German Shorthaired Pointer is a fussy eater, you may want to consider investing in wet food or canned dog food, which is more costly than dry food but has a greater moisture content and is tastier.
The proportion of fresh items like fish, meat, and poultry is also increased.
Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food
You can’t feed your dog puppy food indefinitely. You’ll need to prepare for the transition by converting your dog to adult food since it shouldn’t have as many calories as the puppy food he has been consuming.
Around the age of one year, the majority of canines will begin the transition. If the dog is still developing, there is no need to feed him puppy food.
Make the transition to the new kibble slowly, by gradually increasing the quantity of the new food while decreasing the quantity of food. You ought to manage to transition off the old puppy food within a few weeks.
What If My German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Won’t Eat?
You may be worried if your pup is not putting on as much weight as you believe he should.
The first thing to check is if your puppy has completely stopped eating or is just eating less. It’s possible that he’s already reached his height potential and hence has less of a need for food.
Your dog may be a fussy eater or you may have just switched his diet. However, if your puppy suddenly stops eating, you should contact your vet to make absolutely sure all is well.
Can You Freefeed A German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy?
A GSP puppy should not be allowed to eat at will. These dogs have a reputation for being hyperactive and having powerful hunting instincts, which might backfire if they are constantly allowed access to food.
Instead, it’s better to give them their food at regular intervals throughout the day and to give them just a certain quantity at each meal.
Keeping pups physically and intellectually fit also requires lots of opportunities for active play and intellectual challenge.
Best Puppy Dog Food For German Shorthaired Pointer
1. Wellness Natural Pet Food
Editor’s Choice
This natural, high-quality big breed puppy food made our list for a number of good reasons. Your dog will love Wellness Complete Health!
To meet your dog’s nutritional demands, this dry dog food contains chicken, rice, and omega fatty acids.
This kibble is also meat-free, filler-free, and preservative-free. Wellness Complete Health, formulated by veterinarians and scientists in the US using worldwide components, provides nourishment for life. Give it a try!
Pros
- Chicken protein helps build and maintain muscle.
- Energy-rich cereals like rice.
- No fillers, or chemical preservatives
- Nutrient-rich whole food components for bigger dogs.
- Contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Prepare your puppy for a meat-rich, nutrient-rich diet. Introduce BLUE Life Protection Formula Puppy Food! It builds and maintains muscle in dogs using genuine chicken as the primary component.
It also contains mother’s milk DHA and ARA to boost cognitive function and retinal health.
The LifeSource Bits antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals boost immune system health and oxidative balance.
BLUE, a natural dog food without chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, gives your puppy the greatest start.
Pros
- High-quality protein for muscular growth Larger bags have packaging issues
- Supports cognitive function and retinal health antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, for oxidative balance.
- No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
- Puppy-specific nutrition.
3. Purina Pro Plan Lamb & Rice Formula
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food is a terrific start! Its high-quality protein from lamb helps your pet create lean muscles.
Omega-3 fish oil DHA supports brain and eyesight development. Live probiotics and antioxidants enhance a puppy’s digestive and immune systems in our formula.
This kibble offers everything your pup needs for a healthy start, including calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals for strong bones and teeth, vitamin A, and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and hair.
No artificial colors or flavors mean each component has a nutritious function.
Pros
- Protein-rich lamb is the first component.
- Omega-3 fish oil DHA for the brain and eyesight.
- Live probiotics aid digestion and immunity.
- Antioxidants boost puppy immunity.
- Minerals and vitamins for healthy bones, teeth, skin, and coat.
Cons
- May contain chicken by-product
4. Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Large Puppy Dog Food is designed for large breed pups. This diet supports healthy bones and joints with a mineral combination.
A distinctive kibble shape promotes complete chewing, while a proprietary antioxidant and vitamin combination stimulates immunological development.
High-digestible proteins and prebiotics improve digestion and stool quality. These formulations promise 100% satisfaction.
Pros
- Supports big-breed dogs’ bones and joints.
- Encourages pups to chew fully
- Improves digestion and stool quality.
- Supports healthy development of immune systems
Cons
- Not the best packaging
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dry Dog Food
BLUE Wilderness Grain-Free Puppy Dog Food has more chicken than ever! This high-protein recipe with genuine chicken fulfills your dog’s meat cravings and promotes muscular building.
DHA and ARA in this meal encourage healthy growth.
The LifeSource Bits combination also supports immune system health with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s natural for your pet since it doesn’t include chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. BLUE Wilderness will improve your dog’s nutrition.
Pros
- Chicken-packed for muscular building.
- Real chicken to fulfill a puppy’s meat need.
- DHA and ARA from mother’s milk
- Antioxidant-rich for life stage, and oxidative balance.
- No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Is A Raw Diet Healthy For A German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy?
You may give your German Shorthaired Pointer raw meat, raw eggs, raw vegetables such as green beans, and raw dairy products as part of a raw feeding or raw food diet.
Raw eating has several advantages, including better digestive health, clearer skin, more stamina, and fresher breath.
It’s a reasonable question to inquire whether German Shorthaired Pointers can digest bones. A German Shorthaired Pointer is able to digest bone.
However, your GSP should never be given soft, cooked, or tiny bones. Your GSP’s digestive tract, throat, and mouth might be seriously injured by ingesting them.
Only offer your GSP raw meaty bones, or pulverized bones if it is on a raw diet, to prevent any illness.
How Much Do German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies Grow Each Week?
German Shorthaired Pointer pups, like any puppies, may develop quite a bit each week.
Your puppy’s growth rate will be determined in large part by his or her birth weight and by whether you get a male or female.
Puppies, depending on their stage of development, may gain half a pound to a whole pound in a week.
Should You Feed A German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Supplements?
Even while supplements are widely available, for both people and canines, you may be unsure about whether or not to take one.
In reality, you shouldn’t feed your dog any kind of supplement unless your physician says to. The food you’re giving your puppy should provide all the nourishment it needs.
How Much Water Should A German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Drink?
Your puppy needs to be able to drink whenever he or she needs to.
Typically, a puppy will require a quarter cup of water every 2 hours. Puppy nutrition is something you’ll need to keep an eye on.
For mature canines, the quantity required is best determined by your pet’s weight. Nighttime removal of the water dish is acceptable while housetraining a puppy.
