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How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

If we want to learn anything about their offspring, we must review certain genetic facts and statistics beforehand. This is the dog that carries it. The Bichon Frise looks like a vanilla cupcake or cream puff with a height of 9 — 12 inches 23 — 30 cm and a weight of 6. It has an affectionate, playful, and cheerful temperament, with a slice of feistiness and sensitivity on the side. The primary health concerns to look out for are epilepsy, White Shaker Syndrome which causes the dog to shake uncontrollably , and dyskinesia — a type of movement disorder. But the vet will be able to make a proper diagnosis. A healthy Bichon Frise has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Brief Overview Of The Poodle Poodles of all sizes toy , mini, and standard have two universal crowd-pleasing traits. The height and weight of a Poodle can be broken down into three categories. Across the mini, toy, and standard growth charts, the height fluctuates between 9 — 24 inches 21 — 61 cm. The weight between 6 — 60 pounds 3 — 27 kg. All sizes are intelligent, active, and faithful, and live between 12 years. Like the Bichon Frise, the Poodle may suffer from epilepsy at some point in its life. It may also experience the following health issues. The Poodle and the Bichon Frise have identical lifespans, so their offspring are predicted to live between 12 — 15 years as well. A full-grown Bichon Poodle should be about 9 to 15 inches cm tall at the withers with a weight of 6 — 17 pounds 3 — 8 kg. The Bichpoo can also be found in cream, black, blue, and apricot. There are certain arguments in life that will never be settled. Blonde vs. When it comes to dogs, there is no definitive, black and white answer. There will always be at least one exception. Although, the point of cross-breeding is to eliminate certain health concerns. So, what predictions can we make about hybrid dogs? The first generation of the Bichon Poodle Mix is healthier than its parent breeds. The second generation is not as healthy as the first, and any issues that arise in round two will most likely carry on in round three and so forth. With alert and active parents, the Poochon will be no different. This mix needs daily exercise preferably outside for at least 30 minutes. It has a lot of energy to burn. Keep in mind that mental and physical stimulation are different, and the Bichon Poodle Mix needs both. A bored Bichpoo will bark and whine or turn your shoes into a chew toy of its own with your permission. OK, we get it. The Bichpoo is smart, but can it be taught to play dead? Or roll over? Or give a high-5? And Yes. This breed is capable of learning a solid amount of tricks. Just make sure to have plenty of treats on-hand for positive reinforcement. Watch how well this Bichpoo gives its owner a high-5 and pay attention to how she rewards her dog! Every breed comes with at least one trait we wish we could alter. This comes from the Poodle side. If your Bichon Poodle Mix is not socialized at an early age, it can develop separation anxiety when left alone for hours. The Bichpoo can show moments of mild aggression around unfamiliar dogs. The Bichon Poodle is a loving companion for adults, children, and strangers, which makes it one of the best family dogs. Haircuts every two months are a necessity to keep its coat tame. If that sounds like too much responsibility or money, you can shave your Bichpoo in the summertime. Its coat causes minimal shedding, which makes it a good option for owners with allergies or who want a clean house. The last part of grooming requires occasional teeth brushing to keep mouth infections at bay. Bichon Poodle owner Sandy Rothra recommends feeding your mix canned dog food because it contains a higher percentage of meat protein. This counts for all dog breeds: if your pup gets sick with a kidney or heart issue, you will need to change its diet. You should never feed any dog chocolate, onions, grapes, and raisins. The difference between these variants lies in their size, when full-grown. While the former weighs about 6 to 12 pounds, the weight of the latter is 13 to 18 pounds. By height, they stand between 9 and 14 inches. Temperament Respectively, both the cheerful, cuddly, loving personality and the playful, intelligent and charismatic characteristics of the Bichon Frise and the Poodle have been inherited by this Poodle Bichon mix. Care Exercise The moderately active, very small bichon poo do not need vigorous exercise, but taking them to a regular walk and allowing them to play, especially being crazy about reflections in the mirror, is enough. But increase the session-time if your pet lives mostly indoors. Grooming Although not much maintenance is necessary for their very little hair loss, but their hair being long and curly gets entangled easily, hence they need regular brushing to retain a smooth coat, just like a haircut is, if it is too long, but by experienced hands approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. Bathe them if only needed, but do keep an eye for ear infections and brush their teeth few times weekly to avoid tooth decay. Health Problems As a cross, bichon poo does not have much health issues, except genetic disorders and common dog diseases like ear problems and infections, PRA, epilepsy, diabetes, cataracts, allergies and other skin disorders. Training Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle, the Bichon Poodle puppies would be difficult to housetrain. You should also impart socialization and obedience training to your pets without being harsh and intolerant. In order to make the learning process interesting and fulfilling, you can incorporate positive reinforcement tricks. Feeding Do not feed your dog with chocolate, grapes, raisins or onions. Feed them with the correct proportions of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, vegetables and fats. They also need vitamins, calcium and other minerals in their diet chart. Eliminate harmful additives or preservatives. Homemade dog foods that are cooked can contain brown rice, chicken or other types of red meats and a variety of green, yellow and orange vegetables. If you want to include raw foods, give your bichon poo skinless chicken or other lean meats, green and orange vegetables and bones as a part of their meals. Dry dog food is also readily available in the market, but that has to be high-quality, meant for small-size, moderately active dogs. Interesting Facts Bichon Poos are tolerant with other animals. They make a good companion dog and love to be around its owner and his family. Bichpoos possess double coat. The inner coat is soft and silky but the outer coat is bigger and curly. Temperament: Jolly, smart and affectionate. Bichon Poodle Mix Appearance There is no true breed standard for this dog as they are a mix. However with luck, it will have the best features of both the Bichon and the Poodle. These merry souls have dark gentle eyes, a black button nose and a friendly face that is always smiling. They have small bodies with short, stubby legs. Height and Weight These small dogs stand between inches tall. Weight should range from pounds, with Teacup Bichon Poodles weighing pounds. There is no major difference in size between males and females. Breed Colors and Coat Bichon Poodles are usually brown, white or tan colored. However, they can occur in cream or even ginger colors. Darker colored ones can have white markings on their undersides. The Bichon Poo has a medium length, curly single coat. They need plenty of care and grooming to keep looking clean and neat. This pooch hardly sheds at all and does not produce a lot of dander. Now those with dog allergies can have a furry friend too. Despite their low shed frequency they must be brushed daily to keep their fur from becoming matted. They will also need a haircut every month or two. Smaller dogs usually have smaller litter sizes — this dog can have a litter of up to 5 puppies. They are one of the best possible first puppies for children of all ages, and a great opportunity to teach kids about how to care for a dog. Since its parent breeds are so highly intelligent, it excels at brain games and learning tricks. The word Bichon refers to a variety of different toy dogs , including the more well-known Maltese. They are are social butterflies that love to make new friends. Their natural friendliness makes them one of the easier breeds to socialize. Bichon Poos are very smart and playful and love games that keep their minds working. They will love a trip to the park or a run around the yard. Their high intelligence means that they learn quickly, but also means that they are easily bored. They can be very annoying when under-stimulated. Unfortunately this breed can be loud and yappy. They may yap or whine if they are bored, and may bark excitably when they see a new friend. These dogs will actively engage their owners by bringing them their favorite toys or showing off their favorite new tricks. Every owner of any age and skill level can take care of one. All in all they are natural people dogs who want nothing more than to keep you amused and happy. This breed is one of the very best family dogs around. Caring for a Bichon Poodle A Bichon Frise Poodle mix is easy to care for which makes them great for first time owners. They do not need much beyond the basics that any dog needs. Keeping them clean and well groomed is the most important and intensive part of their care. Exercise Requirements This mix has sudden energy bursts. They will want to be on their feet one moment and all curled up the next. You can take them on up to 3 short 10 minute walks a day. A walk through the dog park or around the yard is just fine for distance. They can be trained to walk off leash but be sure to watch them carefully. In addition to their walks they should have at least 10 minutes of off leash play. They enjoy all of the classic doggie games, including fetch and Frisbee. Number of Walks Per Day: 3. Grooming and Shedding Grooming is the most demanding aspect of caring for this breed. Without regular grooming their fur will become a tangled mess. Keeping their fur neat and trimmed will be entirely up to you. They will need monthly trips to a professional groomer in addition to their daily brushing. They will also need shampooing and a haircut at least every 2 months. Small dog breeds are especially prone to dental health problems. Feeding and Diet Many owners will make the mistake of feeding this small dog the same kind of food as a larger and more active breed. These dogs have different caloric needs for their small bodies. Bichon Poodles should be given kibble made specifically for small and toy breeds. You can give them up to 3 meals a day, at a half-cup of kibble per meal. Foods for toy dog breeds contain less fat and carbs than those for larger dogs. However, they are much more calorie dense. This makes eating very painful, and it can even lead to heart disease. Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye problem inherited from both parent breeds. It usually occurs when the dog reaches middle age. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Poochons have high energy and are prone to weight gain. Make sure your dog gets frequent walks and play sessions through out the day. If you keep a hanky near by to wipe their eyes when they get moist, it can help minimize the tear stains that their breed is prone to getting. Multiple dogs sometimes clean each others eyes, but dogs typically do not clean their own eyes. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Poochon Feeding An ideal Poochon diet should be formulated for a small breed with moderate to high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. The main colors of Poochons are cream, tan, and apricot. Usually their coats are solid, and sometimes they have blend of colors. Less common colors are black or grey. Both parent breeds are high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and you can expect the same from the Poochon. These pups will most likely require daily brushing along with shampooing every few weeks with a mild product and monthly grooming. Poochons are prone to tear stains. If you decide to adopt a Poochon, keep a cloth tissue on hand to dab their eyes regularly. It helps manage the tear staining quite a bit. Poochon Children And Other Pets Poochons adore kids and families and the endless noise and commotion that comes with them. However, because the Poochon is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Poochon enjoys the company of other dogs, as long as they receive their fair share of attention from their owner. Since Poochons have a social nature, a family with lots of animals could be ideal. For an active, social person, the Poochon could be your perfect co-pilot for life. Poochon Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Poochons because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Poodle or Bichon Frise breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. What Is the History of Bichon Poodles? In order to understand what a poochon might be like, we need to know more about the history of the bichon frise and the poodle. The bichon frise hails from Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was popular among the nobility of France, Spain, and Italy from about the 13th century onward. After the French Revolution in , these little dogs lost their noble benefactors. They ended up performing tricks, first as street performers, then in circuses. Just like bichon frises, poodles found popularity amongst French nobility and even spent some time in European circuses. However, their roots have nothing to do with luxury or the performing arts. Instead, poodles were duck hunters that originated in Germany. Even today, standard poodles are used for hunting fowl. As for the bichon poodle, this mix cropped up around the late s in Australia. It is believed that breeders were attempting to create an active but affectionate pet that would make a wonderful companion for families with kids. Though poodles come in three sizes, only miniature and toy poodles are typically chosen to mate with bichon frises. Poochons are small dogs with long curly hair often clipped short , fluffy tails, and cute button noses. They can come in various colors, but some of the most popular are apricot, cream, white, and red. Most bichpoos will be toy to miniature sized. What Size Is a Bichon Poodle? Bichon poodles are 9 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 17 pounds on average. Bichpoos with a toy poodle parent are more likely to be on the smaller side of this scale, whereas those with a miniature poodle parent may be on the larger end of this range. Both bichon frises and poodles have hair that is curly and grows long. Therefore, you can expect the same from a bichon poodle mix. Bichon poodles are happy-go-lucky dogs that see everyone as their friend. They make lovely family pets as they are great with children and enjoy activity and play. Bichpoos are very affectionate with their families and enjoy cuddling and being petted. Are Bichon Poodles Affectionate? Bichon frises were bred to be companion dogs, and poodles are known to be affectionate toward their families. Therefore, you can expect a mix of the two to be an absolutely loving dog. If you want a dog you can cuddle with; there is a high chance that a bichpoo will want to cuddle with you, too. They are wonderful little lapdogs who welcome physical touch. Bichon poodles are also quite friendly toward strangers. In fact, they tend to view everyone as friends and are quick to warm up to new people. This mixed breed is both gentle and playful. That said, it is important to always supervise kids and dogs. Because the bichon poodle is diminutive, children must be taught how to safely handle and respect this breed so as not to cause injury. While bichon frises have a low prey drive, the same cannot be said of the poodle, who was originally bred for hunting. So it would not be a total surprise should they enjoy chasing squirrels in the yard. If you have small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or the like, be aware of the possibility that a bichpoo may see them as prey. Socializing a bichon poodle mix puppy with small animals can help, but it is recommended that you exercise caution if you decide to keep small pets in a home with a bichpoo. Though small animals may be out, other dogs are not. Bichon poodles tend to be quite friendly toward fellow dogs. Are Bichon Poodles Aggressive? Though it is possible for any dog of any breed to become aggressive, this is definitely not the norm for the bichon poodle. This breed is generally very friendly and happy-go-lucky toward everyone they meet. Fear can be a cause of aggression. Do Bichon Poodles Bark a Lot? Bichon poodles are not known for being quiet. How much a dog barks will vary by individual, but it is not uncommon for bichpoos to bark a lot. This may not make them the best option if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions. However, if you are dedicated to putting in the effort, you can teach them to bark less. This training can work especially well if you start it during puppyhood, but training at any age can still be effective. Are Bichon Poodles Intelligent? Bichon Poodles are very smart little dogs. Poodles themselves are considered one of the smartest dog breeds, and we know that bichons frises are more than capable of learning complex tricks — after all, they did spend time in the circus! So a dog born of these two intelligent breeds is likely to be a smarty-pants. Are Bichon Poodles Easy to Train? Training is a joy when you have an intelligent dog that enjoys learning. This is definitely true of the bichon poodle. These little dogs are eager to please as they love receiving praise and treats from their favorite people. Because they are smart, they can also learn a plethora of interesting cues, including complicated tricks. We always recommend that dog owners take their pups to a training class of some sort because it keeps you on task with your training, allows you to ask questions, provides socialization, and offers a new or distracting environment for your dog to learn in. However, the bichon poodle is relatively easy to train, so hiring a professional trainer, while helpful, is not necessary. Similarly, you do not need to be an experienced trainer to successfully teach your bichon poodle new skills. Do your research, be clear and consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Respect your dog and remember that training should be fun, and your bichpoo will be trained before you know it. Are Bichon Poodles Energetic? The bichon poodle is considered a high-energy breed, which is no surprise since one of their parents, the poodle, was originally bred for hunting. You should definitely walk a poochon daily as well as engage in play. Bichon poodles will enjoy a romp around a yard but are also happy to play indoors. Most bichon poodles are satisfied with about an hour of exercise per day. If your poochon seems bored, then you may need to provide even more exercise. Aside from their barking habits, bichon poodles can be a great option for apartment living. They can easily get their exercise via walks or even indoor games on rainy days. Are Bichon Poodles Good Watchdogs? A bichon poodle will alert you to the presence of someone at the door or anything else they find out of place. For this reason, they can be considered good watchdogs. However, they are very friendly toward strangers and, of course, are quite small, so they cannot offer you much more than a four-legged alarm system. Bichon poodles are too small to fit every service niche for instance, they could not guide the blind , but they can make for talented service dogs in general. Their loving, affectionate nature would also make them a great option for someone who is looking to get an emotional support animal. For those who want to bring joy to others, a bichon poodle would likely excel as a therapy dog because they tend to be quite friendly and do well with children and adults. How to Care for a Bichon Poodle The bichon poodle usually requires visits to a groomer every four to six weeks to have their coat clipped. Otherwise, they require brushing at least weekly and should have their ears checked for infection regularly. Perhaps the most vital care for a bichon poodle is dental care. You must brush their teeth every single day. This is because the bichon poodle is predisposed to periodontal disease, and it is not uncommon for this breed to lose teeth because of it. This is because the bacteria growing in an unhealthy mouth can spread, often leading to systemic issues in the heart, kidneys, or liver. As their hair grows back out, you should brush even more frequently to prevent matting. Mats make it difficult for groomers to give the dog a neat clip, and severe matting is painful. Bathing once a month is enough for a poochon, but you can also choose to bathe as needed. Do Bichon Poodles Shed? The bichon poodle mix is a minimal shedder. This is because their hair grows long and continuously. This cycle of growth can take years, which is why the breed is considered low shedding and hypoallergenic. What Should a Bichon Poodle Eat? Bichon poodles should eat the highest quality small breed dog food you can afford. The best dog foods meet AAFCO guidelines, are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and undergo feeding trials. To determine how much to feed your bichon poodle, check the guidelines on your preferred dog food. Bichon poodles are at risk for all the same diseases for which poodles and bichon frises are at risk. Though these health risks may seem scary, there are ways to increase your chances of getting a healthy pup who will live a long, happy life. The best option is to get your bichon poodle puppy from a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. These health tests ensure that the parent dogs do not have any identifiable diseases that could be passed on to the offspring. Responsible breeders not only health test their dogs but are also more than willing to share the results with potential adopters. Poodles live between 10 and 18 years whereas bichon frises live about 14 to 15 years. Therefore, you can expect a bichpoo to have a similar lifespan. Are Bichon Poodles Expensive? Your recurring monthly expenses for a bichpoo will mostly consist of grooming and food. How to Find a Bichon Poodle Breeder? What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business and how familiar they are with bichon poodles. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parent? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid irresponsible breeders. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. Can You Adopt a Bichon Poodle? These shelters typically rescue mixes of their designated breeds. You should also keep an eye on small breed rescues. Are Bichon Poodles Purebred? Bichon poodles are not purebred. Rather, they are the offspring of two purebred dogs: the poodle and the bichon frise. Some bichon poodles may also have two bichon poodle parents. Can You Show Bichon Poodles? Unfortunately, only purebred dogs are allowed to be shown. This is partly because purebreds have a set standard for how each breed should look and be proportioned. No such standard exists for mixed breeds like the bichon poodle, so they cannot participate in dog shows. The bichon poodle would make a great first dog for a new dog owner. The bichon poodle is a wonderful dog with many desirable traits. The Bichon poodle may be right for you if: You want a dog you can cuddle with. You have children and want a family dog. You want a dog that has low-maintenance grooming needs. Finding a Bichon Poodle puppy The History The Bichpoo originated in Australia during the s, as a loving household pet that would do well with children and other pets. This hybrid has quickly grown in popularity in recent years, as more people discover their benefits as companion animals. But their history goes way further back than that. The Bichon Frise is thought to be descendant from the Bichon Tenerife, a member of the Barbichon breed family. The Bichon got its start on the Canary Islands, specifically on the island of Tenerife. The breed has roots dating back to at least the 13th century, when they grew quite popular with European royalty as lapdogs. Eventually the breed made its way to the Americas, where it was officially recognized by the AKC in the early s. The Poodle has a storied history dating back at least years. It is thought to have originated in Germany, where it was bred for retrieving waterfowl for hunters. The Standard Poodle, the original breed, was bred down to the Miniature, which was then bred down again to the Toy variety. Today, all three versions of the Poodle — as well as their various cross-breeds — remain popular. What is the temperament of the Bich Poo? The Bich Poo typically takes on many of the characteristics of its parent breeds. Most Bichon Poodle mixes will have a lively, affectionate and active disposition. They are also quite intelligent. Typically a Bichon Toy Poodle will have an accommodating, patient nature. This makes them a good choice for households with children or other pets. They are prone to sudden bursts of energy, so you will commonly see them zooming around for short periods of time. They also tend to bark a lot. This can make them good watchdogs. But it also means that if they are not trained properly at a young age, barking can become excessive. Poochons typically do not do well if left alone. They are prone to separation anxiety and tend to bark continuously when left by themselves. Bichon Poodle puppies could take on more characteristics from one parent breed or the other. Physical Characteristics The physical characteristics and appearance of this breed can vary, just as the behavioral tendencies can differ. It depends which parent breed comes through stronger. With that said, the bulk of these dogs are small, at 6 to 12 pounds on average. They typically have a height of 9 to 14 inches when fully grown. The size of a Bichpoo dog will also vary depending on the size of the parents, and whether the Poodle parent was of the Miniature or Toy variety. Their cute button nose is the only feature to emerge from the thick curls. Their coats are typically quite soft, as long as they are properly maintained and cared for. They also inherit the Poodle tendency for very minimal shedding. The Bichon Poodle coat is typically white or apricot, with various other light shades being possible, but not common. The Bichon Poo requires frequent brushing to keep their coat soft and prevent matting. Ideally, you should brush its coat daily. Frequent Bichon Poo haircuts are a necessity. Coats should be trimmed every two months or so to maintain a manageable length and prevent matting. Shedding is very minimal with this breed, but routine brushing is still essential. Dental care is also important for this breed, as they can be susceptible to gum infections and related dental problems. They have a moderate to high energy level, and enjoy frequent walks and playtime. Because of their small size, they do better with frequent shorter walks, instead of long ventures once a day. They also tend to have quick bursts of energy, during which time they love to run around and play. As for training, this mix is typically eager to please. This is particularly true with problem behaviors like excessive barking. Health Concerns Bichon Poodle mixes are prone to many of the health concerns that are prevalent in their parent breeds. Eye problems are common, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Dental concerns are another common issue. Bichons, in particular, are prone to gum infections and tooth loss. Other concerns like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, and Von Willebrand disease are also common. Many of these health concerns can be tested for. Reputable breeders will conduct health tests on their breeding stock to help minimize the risk of complications. Interestingly, there is some evidence to suggest that first generation mixes i. Second generations and beyond the offspring of two Bichon Poodle mixes are more likely to show health concerns common in Poodle and Bichon Frise dogs. Thus, some experts recommend specifically seeking out reputable breeders that offer first-generation puppies. As with any breed, frequent veterinary checkups are important and should be scheduled at least once a year. A good breeder will conduct health tests on their breeding stock to help reduce the risk of various inherited health concerns. To locate breeders, search the web for resources in your area. Before settling on a breeder, be sure to do some research into the background and reputation of the company or individual. Reputable breeders will not hesitate to show you health records and test results. It is considered a designer dog breed. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late s. The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog. Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold. With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs. A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat. You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing. Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark. This designer dog breed usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between pounds. A Bichpoo will generally live between years. Featured Bich-poo Article.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Meet Luna, the epic pug with a fiery spirit and a heart full of love! Lune, a pint-sized dynamo, is the embodiment of personality and charm. This little pug packs a punch and is ready to find her forever home, where she can unleash her infectious energy and fill your life with joy. No obstacle is too big for Luna - she fearlessly tackles then head-on with a wagging tail and a wagging tongue. Get ready for some serious laughter as Luna showcases her hilarious antics and leaves you in stitches. Beneath that mischievous glimmer in her eyes lies a heart of pure gold. Luna is a loyal companion who craves human affection and will shower her lucky adopters with endless love and cuddles. She adores the company of humans of all ages and gets along very well with other furry friends. A home that appreciates her spirited nature and is willing to provide consistent training and mental stimulation will be the perfect fit for this pugtastic dynamo. So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Luna? Fill out our application here. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 5, , am. Wyoming Pug Rescue Be patient! It might take months to find the perfect pug for you. Be patient with the process. Do your research. Before agreeing to work with a rescue, read their reviews, their policies, and check their c 3 status. You can do a search for their records here. The adoption process can take anywhere from days, to weeks, to months. Does the rescue adopt out of state? What is the adoption fee? Is the application open or do you have to apply for a specific dog? Are you allowed to meet available dogs before adopting? Be Kind Pug rescues are run by dedicated volunteers who spend their free time helping needy pugs. Always be kind and respectful. They work hard so that you can bring home your new pup. Common Pug Rescue Questions Are there pug puppies for adoption? Pug puppies are incredibly popular, so getting your hands on one available for adoption might be difficult. The best way to have a chance at adopting a pug puppy is to turn in an adoption application and become approved for adoption early, if possible. Then wait for a puppy to become available. Is there a pug shelter? Are there black pugs for adoption? Pug rescues rescue pugs of all sizes, ages, mixes, and colors. There tend to be more fawn pugs available, but there are also black pugs, apricot pugs, and more. No pug rescue in your area? Use Petfinder to locate an adoptable pug near you. They are also a registered c3 non profit organization dedicated to aid pugs needing love and care. Their partner animal doctors provide vet treatments for all their abused pugs. Starting from small numbers, now they have many volunteers for the rescue, care, and placement of a homeless pug. They also offer support for other groups who have the same mission as them. Because they are solely not for profit, they organize annual fundraising events. They also have an online shop where you can buy items for your pets. All their revenue will be used to finance their operations. All your donations are tax deductible and they will be used to help these pets get a comfortable and loving place they can call home. Instead of buying a pug from a breeder or puppy mill, you can join their pug adoption event every month. They have it every third and fourth Sunday of the month. For the former, they have it at Los Gatos, CA. For their pug adoption process, you need to visit their site to complete an online application. On their pug adoption page, you will a list of adoptable pugs. They connect shelters and rescue groups in the city. They also have a specific group doing events for adoption and fundraising activities. Their office is available from Mondays through Fridays, between 12 noon to 4 pm. They do Strut Your Mutt for their adoption program. This group have two adoption centers in LA. Their humble beginnings started by offering support and mentorships for different animal shelters. They teach them how to properly care and breed dogs. Are you determined to adopt a dog? If yes, you have to complete their adoption survey so that they get an idea of your lifestyle. If you pass the pre-screening, an adoption coordinator will call or email you within 48 hours. Visit their website to know more about it. No Kill Los Angeles. We Are In Need of Newspapers! If you have any to donate, please call us at Rescue a Local Animal in Need c 3. As an animal rescue organization, we find homes for dogs and cats in need of adoption. Our goal is to find loving homes for all the animals we take in. We also seek foster parents who are interested in providing temporary care for rescued animals until we can find forever homes. Make a donation to help us rescue more pets! With more than a decade of experience working at a veterinary clinic, our founder has the skills and experience required to care for animals. We believe that all should live secure, healthy lives and we work hard in our attempts to find the right homes with people who will love their pets forever. We receive no public funding and count on the generosity of fellow animal lovers to help pay for our costs, which include vet bills and other medical expenses for the many animals who come to us sick or in need of special care, as well as food, supplies and other items needed for the safety and comfort of our rescues. It is our belief that the killing of adoptable shelter pets is wrong, and we fight every day to save as many as we can. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. However, some adult German Shepherds will have floppy ears. There are several causes for this. There is also a genetic trait in some German Shepherds to have floppy ears. When one or both of the parents has floppy ears, there is a strong chance that the offspring will inherit this trait. If this is the case with your dog, there is not much you can do about his floppy ears. Rough play. GSD puppies play rough , and a lot of times, this can affect their ears through nips and bites. Cartilage is not like the skin because it is not highly vascularized. You can support the healing times by offering him a healthy, balanced diet. You may even consider food specially formulated for German Shepherds. Ear infections. Because they have such dense fur, German Shepherds are highly susceptible to ear infections. The coat interferes with the air circulation of the ear canals, setting up the perfect circumstances for infections and mites. Signs of these problems include shaking the head and pawing the ears. The ears may go up for a bit during the teething process and then return to the floppy position. After more time passes, the ears should return to the upward position again. However, even after nine months, there are several methods that you can try that will assist in training his ears to stand. When your puppy reaches eight months old and still has floppy ears, you can try giving him chew toys to work out his jaw muscles. Chewing on toys will work his temporalis muscle, which is one of the muscles involved in supporting upright ears. Ear taping can be done at home, while surgical implants will need to be administered by a veterinarian in a sterile environment. The ear may be set in its position at this stage, and the procedure may not have much effect. Discard the hard plastic clip from the inside of each roller and only keep the spongy foam parts. Steps to Follow The first step is to insert the pencil into one of the rollers roughly one inch to create a handhold. Ensure it is well-covered, but do not use it so much that it oozes or drips off the roller. Then tape the ear into a fairly firm roll in an upright position. The roller must be placed inside and near the bottom of the ear flap. Remove the pencil from the roller. You will have to keep your puppy distracted for a few minutes until the glue has time to dry. The rollers will fall out on their own in roughly a week. You can remove them before this if you need to. Taping is intended to provide support to the cartilage of the ears so that it can form adequately and be strong enough to make the ears stand up. It is a painless procedure, but it can cause some discomfort for your dog. Additionally, if your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to having floppy ears, no amount of taping will override his genes. His ears may perk up and flop back down during teething, which begins around 3 months old. Once teething is over, his ears will once again perk up. At this stage, they may be somewhere in the middle. One ear may be standing while the other is floppy, or both may be half-standing. You may even have a German Shepherd who has both ears fully upright at this age! If they are not, you will have to visit your veterinarian or breeder for advice on what to do. German Shepherd Ear Positions There are several German Shepherd ear positions that you will observe as your puppy grows from a newborn to 8 months old. First, he will have teensy ears from birth to 7 weeks of age. This is when his ears will flop to both sides. His ears will experience the flying nun position from 10 to 14 weeks. For this position, his ears will still be flopped to the sides but will be slightly lifted. Starting at around 14 weeks, his ears will be in the comb-over position where both ears will flop to one side of his head or the other. Anywhere from 15 weeks on, his ears will go into the seashell position. This position has the ears mostly upright but not quite all the way. At some point, one ear may flop over while one is upright in the one-up ear position. This position may be concerning because an ear that was previously upright suddenly flops over. However, it is temporary, and the ear will return to normal. Finally, once these stages have been cycled through, the ears will go into the perfect upright position. Note that not all stages will be experienced by every dog. Age in weeks. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article.

Some Final Words In this situation, how short you cut the nails on your French Bulldog will depend on you and your ability to cut nails, as well as how long you want them to be. You can cut them short, almost to the quick, or you can just trim a little off each time. The recommended time is once every 3 weeks maximum. In other words, you should not trim them any sooner than that. If you do cut them shorter than average, then you would have to trim those nails every 2 weeks or even sooner. If you are confident in your abilities to trim nails to the right length, then cut them close to the quick. That will give you a few extra weeks off from doing this duty. But keep your ears open as you will need to hear those tiny clicks on the floor or concrete sidewalks. Those sounds tell you it is time to clip again. You are always free to clip those nails before you hear those sounds. Use your best judgment on this issue. How to Cut Those Nails Find a safe, secure, and relaxing spot where both of you can be comfortable Make sure you have all the tools you are going to use next to you and within easy reach Cut carefully. If you are taking a lot off do so in short cuts and not one big one unless you are very experienced at clipping nails. Make sure to stop before you cut the quick. Use a file to help smooth out those sharp edges. This will protect your dog from scratching itself and causing some bleeding Cut one nail at a time taking your time to make sure you cut properly. Also, go one paw at a time. Give a reward to your dog and a few words of praise when they do not cause you a lot of hassle during this process. Some French Bulldog Nail Cutting Tips Here are a few tips you need to listen to as they will help guide your work: Make nail clipping a normal activity so your dog does not stress out Keep calm and do not let your dog pick up on your nervousness Always use the right tool for the job and keep those blades nice and sharp Never cut the nail to the base. You will hurt your pet if you do Never panic if you happen to cut the quick. The reason for this is said to be that French Bulldogs are not as active as other dogs. Like other dog breeds, you need to trim those nails regularly or they can curve and become ingrown nails requiring the aid of a vet. Make sure to use the best nail clippers, scissors, or grinders. The better the equipment the better the experience for you and your pet. If you do not have any confidence in trimming those nails, go to a professional groomer to get it done. Also, if you are not confident enough to clip those nails in one shot, trim off tiny pieces and make 2 or 3 cuts instead. If you are not sure about the first two keys, go to your local groomer and have them do it for you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. This will not incur additional cost to you. Unfortunately, dogs must have their nails trimmed at regular intervals to prevent painful injuries. Overgrown nails tend to curl under and if left untrimmed, while begin to grow back into the skin. This can be very painful and also risk infection. For most of us, dogs with long nails are unsightly. No dog wants to be seen with overgrown claws! Keeping your Frenchie on a regular nail trimming routine will prevent accidental scratches during play sessions. Your vet will also appreciate it when your Frenchie goes for his vaccinations. There are several risks to long nails: 1. Limping Overgrowth nails mean your dog cannot comfortably place his paw on the ground. To relieve the discomfort, they will put less weight on their paw. This causes them to limp. Although this will stop the pain from the overgrown claws, limping puts pressure on other parts of the body which are now carrying more weight than normal. This can lead to further medical issues such as joint pain. Eventually, the nail will start to curl back towards the paw. If left untreated, the nail will penetrate the skin. This can lead to infections. For Frenchies, infections are dangerous, as their short face makes breathing difficult. Infections also raise body temperature. To try and combat this, dogs will pant to lose heat. Frenchies are not able to lose heat as quickly as other breeds, so catching infections can be a serious medical problem. Not only are these infections dangerous, but they are also painful. Twisting This occurs when a dog with overly long nails gets them caught on something. By catching the nail, the momentum of this sudden stop causes the toe to twist. This will cause trauma to the tissue and also risks dislocating or fracturing of the bones in the toe. How do I know if my dogs nail is infected? While limping might be the most obvious symptom of a nail infection, there are other signs you can look out for. Excessively licking of the paw Redness around the nail bed Swelling of the skin around the nail Change in colour of the nail Difficulty walking If you suspect that your dog may have a nail infection, it is best to check each of his nails and the skin around them. Signs of infection on multiple toes could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. An infection due to overgrown nails is easily treated if done so promptly. You must seek veterinary advice. How often should you cut a French bulldogs nails? French Bulldogs were not bred to be active dogs. Usually, a dog will naturally file down their nails by walking and running on a variety of different surfaces. Leaving them longer than this will result in your Frenchie not being able to place his paw flat on the ground. French bulldog nail length To ensure your Frenchie is not at risk of suffering nicks or catching his nails, they should be kept to a short length. It is important to remember not to cut off a large section of nail in one go. The centre of the nail contains nerves and blood vessels, known as the quick. It is better to cut just the end of each nail to begin with and take off a little more each week until you reach the required length. This will make subsequent trimming much more effective and far easier to manage. Once you have the nails at a short length, you will only need to trim them every 3 weeks. If your Frenchie has never had his nails cut before, or finds the procedure uncomfortable, you will definitely need some tasty treats. You will also need to purchase a pair of dog nail clippers. Human clippers are not strong enough to break through the nail and can cause more damage. If you are interested in purchasing Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer, then there is an excellent selection on Amazon with thousands of customer reviews. It is best to do this in a quiet room that your dog feels safe and relaxed. Step 2: Position is everything If you are sitting on the floor or on the couch, have your dog laying across your lap. If you have a table or counter for him, have him lying down. A wriggly Frenchie does not make for easy nail trimming! Step 3: Have your tools organized Make sure you have everything you need before you begin and keep them within easy reach. You will need clippers, treats, and cotton wool balls. You may also want to have a file handy and some styptic powder in case the nail bleeds. For dogs, this is harder. Start by cutting just 1mm each time. This makes it less likely for you to cut the quick by mistake. If your dog has clear or pale nails, you will be able to see the quick. It will be the pinkish part in the centre of the nail. Darker nails are harder to see, so you will have to be careful. Some dogs have a few pale nails and a few darker ones. You can use the length of the paler nails to guess how much to clip off the darker nails. Step 5:Get the file If you are unsure how close to the quick you are, or if your dog does not like the clippers, you can use a file with a rough grit instead. Step 6:One at a time: Focus just on one nail until you get the length right. You can then use this nail as a guide for the remaining nails. This reduces the risk of you accidentally cutting the quick on the other nails. Step 7:Front and back Generally, the quick on the front paws will be slightly longer than the back paws. You will probably notice that the back paws do not take as long to trim. Removing the nail filings and dust will prevent bacteria and also stops the skin from becoming irritated. Step 9:Praise and reward Remember to gently praise your dog whenever he is being calm. You can also give him a treat as a reward. This will help him relax and see the experience as a positive one. You can use styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Simply press a small pea-size amount onto the end of the nail. If you do not have any styptic powder, corn starch is a good alternative. Prolonged bleeding increases the risk of infection setting in. Try selecting a brand that has a nail guard. This will help prevent cutting too close to the quick. The clipper head should be stainless steel. This will make for a clean-cut and reduce the risk of crushing the nail some nail clippers come with a file included. If you are purchasing them separately, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need a file with a rough grit. The too soft file will not be strong enough to have any effect on the nail. The file should have a sturdy handle. This makes the file easier to hold and also easier to move across the nail. They have a cylindrical handle which houses the batteries. The head of the gadget will have a small circular file that spins at high speed. You can purchase replacements of these files online or from your local pet store. Rather than using old-fashioned cotton wool and warm water. There are several benefits to these. The wipes are antiseptic, so they help to remove bacteria from the nail and skin. They also contain dog-safe fragrance to keep your dog smelling fresh. Many brands of grooming wipes are now hypoallergenic, so they are suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. Things To Remember Dogs are sensitive to our emotions. If you are tense or anxious, your dog will pick up on this. For nail trimming to be a pleasant experience, you need to be confident. Never restrain your dog or scold him for trying to getaway. This will only make him more nervous the next time you try to trim his nails. Allow him to sniff the clippers and file before you start and only use gentle motions, to begin with. Not all nail clippers will be suitable for French Bulldogs. Do your own research and choose a nail clipper that is specifically designed for small breeds. The blades of the clippers will be thinner to ensure a clean cut. Blunt blades or those that are too thick may crush the nail rather than cutting it. This can be very painful for your Frenchie and may cause medical problems requiring veterinary treatment. Fish Oil vs. Disclaimer : FrenchieBuddy. You can also pick up a couple of really quick tips that will make the process easier with time. This is very helpful, but you have to remember and stay on top of your trimming and grooming schedule. Most people just pay a groomer to handle these things once or twice every month-and-a-half, or so. We like to bond with our frenchie babies, so we take up the task on our own. Below, you can see a frenchie whose claws are way too long and are beginning to curl under. This is very uncomfortable for your companion and you should immediately begin trimming back their nails a little bit at a time. You just need a couple of things and lots of treats. The key to getting your french bulldog to cooperate with you is to provide a ridiculous amount of praise while you trim their nails, lots of treats, and lots of regularity in the routine. The quick will grow deeper into the nail the longer you allow it to grow. It is very painful and can cause bleeding. We like to use these nail trimmers. They have a back-stop guide that prevents you from cutting too much off. We use them in our nail-trimming video. You want to focus on stopping the bleeding, quickly. The easiest way is to use some styptic powder: Styptic powder is a clotting agent that will essentially stop the bleeding nail immediately. It works fast and is the best solution.

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. Are you looking for a medium sized doodley looking and acting dog? Then the moyen poodle is a great fit. Many times people ask us if our poodles are goldendoodles. We have found that allergy sufferers appreciate our moyen poodles and yet can take their poodle with them to soccer, parks, and other events and experience that same level of doodle companionship. Be prepared to be stopped and asked about your dog! If you are shy, your moyen poodle will do all the talking for you. What we mean is, they are a great conversation piece because they are friendly, cute, and easily win the hearts of perfect strangers. Scroll down and click on the photo galleries below to see photos, video clips and information about our current and last litter of Moyen Poodle puppies. They are ready to go home as early as October 14th. We have an older male available, who is being retired from being a dad here at Sunshine Acres, and he is ready to go home now. We have found the Moyen Poodle to be a wonderful dog for our family. Larger than a miniature poodle, but smaller than a standard poodle, the moyen size is the perfect, medium size dog. They are large enough to have fun romping with the kids in the back yard, but still small enough to care for easily and take with us anywhere we go. With a very trainable, willing nature and non-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, what more could we ask for? As reputable breeders for over 20 years, we are committed to superior health puppies! The Sunshine Acres Moyen Poodle is kept natural meaning we do not shave the coat nor do we dock the tail. Their wavy puppy coats will change to curly coats as the grow to adults. Ready to be a friendly and sweet natured companion for you, our happy puppies are not only from healthy lines, but also from very trainable lines. We are ready to help you add the right poodle puppy to your family. Contact us today! Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

We have puppies available to reserve! Apply now! Versatile sporting dogs with beauty, style, and smarts. Occasionally selling Standard Poodle puppies in blue, silver, black, and white. Healthy, stable, versatile, and beautiful family companions that you will be proud to own. Raised in an enriched environment in my home in Northfield, Minnesota. We do not have a large scale kennel, our dogs are also our pets. AKC registered with Champion parents. We have 4 generations in our home. Not every pup is great for every job or family, so we professionally temperament test each pup, and place them accordingly. We breed for the invested, educated buyer that wants an exceptional performance dog, pet, service dog, hunting companion, and more. We have produced many dogs for all venues of sport, and our buyers are not disappointed. This is no accident, we purposefully breed and raise them to be the best of the best. Our breeding dogs actively compete in breed shows, agility, lure coursing, weight pull,and obedience competitions and have the titles to prove it! Some also compete in hunt tests, and are certified therapy dogs. We breed only a few litters a year since we are having too much fun with them to take time off for puppies! Information Poodle Sense breeds, trains and sells Standard Poodles for hunting, pets, diabetic alert and mobility assist. We breed our standard poodles to be healthy, loving, and gentle. Each litter will produce a mix of personalities from the laid back couch potato to the energetic working dog. One of the most rewarding things I find as a breeder is to be able to place a puppy in a home where I know their owners will love and care for them and make them part of their family. Paul in Harris, MN. The dogs get plenty of exercise and have room to play. Our standard poodles are health tested prior to breeding to make sure the dogs will produce quality healthy puppies. You can view our standard poodle family on their informational pages. Our Standard Poodles Please visit my Facebook page at www. You can view our honey bee products at www. Sandy insisted that she keep the puppies for longer than usual. I am so glad she did. She completed a combination of group and individual feedings as well as completely weaning them and giving some basic training. We are grateful for the time she put in with him. Sandy is knowledgeable and willing to share her wisdom making our transition to proud poodle parents a delightful experience! I love our past friends but she has an eagerness to please and intelligence that have made me a poodle girl for life. Sandy thank you for letting us have one of your pups! I would highly recommend this breeder to anyone that wants a standard of high caliber both physically and emotionally. Thank you Sandy, for the time and care that you put into raising your puppies. She loves to snuggle and play.

Actually, you can, when it comes to vegetables. Feeding vegetables is a great way to keep your dog healthy while also reducing costs and extra trips to the store to buy pet food. Just like us, dogs require a variety of organic foods and nutrients for a balanced diet. Veggies are rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and phyto-nutrients not found in meat. It's important to feed your dog different kinds of vegetables, as each type offers its own array of nutrients. How to Prepare Vegetables for Dogs The way you prep the vegetables is just as important as the vegetables themselves-chop small enough so your dog can't choke. For optimal benefits, the veggies will be pureed - see below. Here are some simple prep methods: Blanching Submerging vegetables quickly in boiling hot water and then very cold water, also known as blanching, is a great option for preparing vegetables. Blanching cleanses the surface of vegetables of dirt and retains both vitamins and flavor. It's also a healthy alternative for humans because no cooking oil is needed. For more information on different types of blanching, check out these instructions. Steaming Steam is an excellent method for cooking veggies that doesn't require submerging them in boiling water. Steaming cooks the vegetables through, while still preserving the bright color and flavor, and much of the nutrient content. Use these straightforward instructions for help properly steaming your veggies. Pureeing For maximum benefits and digestibility, veggies can be blended to a raw puree. Some vegetables, such as celery and spinach, do not need to be cooked before blending. Root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes should be blanched or steamed to make blending possible. Pureeing the vegetables breaks down the cell walls of the plant material, making them easier for dogs to digest. Freezing Cooking vegetables in large batches and storing them in the freezer is a great way to save time and effort. After pureeing, put the veggies in an ice cube tray, and just grab a cube when you're in a hurry! Simple, and healthy. Tip: Even though vegetables are great for your pet, keep veggie content to less than 25 percent of your dog's diet. Each of our recipes contain less than 15 percent, for example. Too many vegetables can create issues, such as negatively changing the gut flora, or increasing alkalinity, which would cause kidney issues. When it comes to healthy diets, moderation and balance are key. Dog-Friendly Vegetables Now you're ready to get cookin'! Next time you're at the store, try picking up these 10 dog-friendly vegetables to feed both your family and your pet: 1. Kale Benefits: Kale's key vitamins like K, A and Iron provide bone health, proper vision and immune function, fetal development and energy metabolism. Read more about kale for dogs. Spinach Read more about spinach for dogs. Carrots Read more about carrots for dogs. Green beans are also low-calorie and rich in fiber, which can help dogs feel full. Read more about green beans for dogs. Broccoli Benefits: Broccoli contains a huge variety of vitamins, including vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, which improve bone density, battle diseases and improve heart health in dogs. Learn more about broccoli for dogs. Beets Benefits: Beets provide vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium. These nutrients help your dog's digestion and immune system and supports a healthy skin and coat. Celery Benefits: Celery offers many vitamins including A and C, which are antioxidants that will help keep your dog young and healthy. Read more about celery for dogs. Cucumber Read more about cucumbers for dogs. They contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese, plus they are rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene. Butternut Squash Benefits: Butternut squash contains lots of vitamins and minerals like A, C, B6 and more which help your dog's immune system, vision and cardiovascular function. Read more about squash for dogs. Avoid giving your dog any of these: 1. Grapes, raisins, and currants Even a few of these fruits can cause severe kidney damage in your pooch. Keep the grapes far away. Aromatics like onions, garlic and chives These can wreak havoc on your dog's blood cells, which could cause low iron levels and harm to their kidneys. Persimmons, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries The seeds in persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine if consumed by your dog. Similarly, the seeds or pits in peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries contain cyanide, which is poisonous for both humans and dogs. Note: The meat of the fruit itself is not harmful as long as it contains no toxic seeds see above. If you decide to cut bits of fruit for your dog, it should be fine. Mushrooms Store-bought mushrooms are fine for dogs to consume, but avoid feeding wild mushrooms as they may be toxic. If your dog has eaten a toxic mushroom , they may begin to exhibit symptoms such as wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in heartbeat. At its most severe, ingesting toxic mushrooms can cause organ failure, seizures, and comas in dogs. Rhubarb can also reduce the calcium in your dog, causing renal failure and other health issues. If your dog has eaten any of these foods, take them to the vet or emergency clinic immediately. Healthy for Us, Healthy for Dogs Vegetables can be a tasty treat for both you and your dog. Test out some of the approved veggies to see the health benefits for the whole family, including your pup. And if you're interested in more healthy food options for your dog, Raw Bistro's products are made from recipes designed to both fuel and delight your pup: Our frozen raw dog food is available in 4 pack and 6 pack quantities. For a shelf-stable alternative to raw with the same healthy ingredients, check out our dehydrated entrees. There are lots of fruit and veg that are safe some are even healthy! After all, there are a lot of human foods that can make our dogs very poorly , or even kill them. Alcohol, chocolate and foods containing the sweetener xylitol can all be deadly to our four-legged friends. This way you know your dog will get the right balance of nutrients and it will only contain safe ingredients. However, if you want to give them a treat, your dog may love some safe fruit and veg as a healthy snack. Complete dog foods contain all the nutrients your dog needs to keep them happy and healthy. Some fruit and veg, on the other hand, make great treats! Just like our favourite snacks, commercial treats from the pet shop or supermarket can sometimes be quite fattening and contain a lot of additives. Which vegetables can my dog eat? There are a few different vegetables our dogs are fine eating but remember, a little for us is a lot to our dogs so keep treat sizes small! Always cut it into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking and feed in moderation, especially if your dog isn't used to eating fresh veg. Dog-safe vegetables include: Broccoli — in small amounts, raw or steamed Brussel Sprouts Carrots — many dogs enjoy them raw, but they can be given steamed or boiled Celery Green beans — steamed, boiled or raw Peas — sugar snap peas, garden peas and mangetout, but avoid tinned peas Sweet potatoes and potatoes — plain, boiled or steamed not raw Sweetcorn — fresh cooked corn with nothing added can be given to dogs but it must be cut off the cob first! Click to enlarge Which fruit can my dog eat? Just like veg, there are a number of fruits our dogs can eat safely. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. Washington recognizes the importance of education and also works as a freelance veterinary writer. They also serve as fantastic low-fat and healthy meal toppers and treat replacements for dogs on weight loss programs. Some veggies especially favored by dogs include carrots, green beans, peas, and cucumber. Remember that even though some veggies and safe and enjoyable for your dog, no treat should make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet. Not all vegetables are equally great for our pups, and others think garlic, onions, and leeks can be downright harmful. Feed them fresh, cooked, or frozen, but do be sure to cut them down to a proper size for Fido or blend them to make sure they are easy to digest and don't present a choking hazard. Serve baked, roasted, or pureed. Raw sweet potatoes are poorly digestible and risk causing obstruction if large pieced are swallowed. Many pooches enjoy pea pods right off the vine, but you can also feed your dog frozen thaw them out first peas, as well. Just avoid canned varieties, since they may have added sodium or preservatives. You can serve it raw or cooked so long as you skip any seasoning, or simply give some frozen broccoli as a quick and easy snack. Be aware that there is a risk associated with this cruciferous veggie as it contains compounds called isothiocyanates. These can cause gastric irritation in some dogs when too much is fed, ranging from mild to severe. Moderation is definitely the key when it comes to offering broccoli. Benefits: Broccoli is low in fat, which makes it an excellent treat for dogs who need to lose a few pounds This green vegetable is rich in vitamin K, which improves bone strength and density Continue to 5 of 11 below. For an extra-special treat, smear a little bit of unsalted peanut butter onto the celery stalk before offering it to your pooch. Do keep in mind though that not all dogs tolerate celery well, so you'll want to avoid it if your dog develops stomach issues or urinary changes after eating. If your dog is overweight—far too many are—you can reduce calories by replacing some of your dog's kibble with unsalted green beans, whether canned or frozen. Your pooch will enjoy his meal just as much without realizing that it's helping him slim down and improve health. Cut the cucumber into slices or small chunks before offering it to your dog to reduce the risk of choking. Benefits: Cucumbers contain phytochemicals that may be able to fight against bad breath Cucumbers make an excellent snack for dogs who need to avoid excess calories, fat, or sugar. Dogs can safely eat cauliflower in many preparations—including raw, steamed, roasted, and riced. Benefits: Has a low calorie count, so may be a good choice for dogs in need of low-calorie treats for weight loss, especially dogs who suffer from joint pain Chockful of fiber to promote healthy gut activities Continue to 9 of 11 below. It's no different for dogs, but if your pooch enjoys this healthy cruciferous vegetable, it's fine to serve a small helping of steamed or boiled Brussels sprouts. Not too much though; like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts tends to cause gas in large amounts. Tear the lettuce leaf into pieces for a small dog to prevent choking. Mash the beets or offer them in small chunks. Stay away from canned beets, however, unless you find a brand without any added salt or other ingredients. Be aware that beets can turn your dog's urine red for a few hours after consumption, but this is not harmful. To keep them safe, avoid feeding them any of these veggie varieties known for being toxic for canines:. You can try feeding them both regular and dried cranberries. Remember to practice moderation as too many cranberries can cause upset stomachs for dogs. Grapefruit - NO Grapefruit contains essential oils and psoralens that are toxic to dogs. If a dog consumes grapefruit it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other issues. So, grapefruit is a NO. Grapes - NO As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, you should never let your dogs have grapes. Grapes are extremely toxic to dogs. This also includes raisins. If your dog eats any grapes, call your vet. Grape seed extract is actually beneficial to your pup, whereas grapes are extremely poisonous. The acidic nature of lemons can cause some seriously upset stomachs, vomiting, and other issues. BUT with that being said, small amounts of lemon juice is found in some treats and foods and is safe for your dog's consumption. BUT with that being said, small amounts of lime juice is found in some treats and foods and is safe for your dog's consumption. This sweet fruit is loved by most pups, just be sure to get rid of the hard pit as it can be a choking hazard and can contain some cyanide which is poisonous for dogs. Another thing to be aware of is the high sugar content in mangoes. Sugar can cause weight gain and potentially diabetes when consumed regularly. So the final word, mangoes are safe for dogs in moderation and be sure to not give your dog access to the pit. So, as long as you just give your pup the fruit and leave the pit out, you are safe to feed your dog nectarines. Orange peels can be difficult for dogs to digest and should be avoided. Some orange benefits are below. High in Vitamin C Potassium Fiber for digestion help Just remember to limit the quantities of oranges for your dog. And like always, monitor your pup when they start eating a new fruit or vegetable. Peach pits are a choking hazard and contain cyanide, which is poisonous for dogs. Also, be sure to steer clear of canned peaches as they typically contain extremely high amounts of sugary syrups. Small amounts of cut-up peaches have some great benefits for dogs. Here are some peach benefits. High in fiber to aid in digestion Rich in Vitamin A Most dogs love the taste of peaches, again, just be sure to remove the pit. Just like other fruits though, be sure to remove the seeds and pit as they contain cyanide which can be poisonous for dogs. Pears can be a great snack because of the following benefits. And a second reminder, remove all seeds and pits before giving your dog any pears. One of the main advantages of pineapple for dogs is bromelain, an enzyme that helps dogs to absorb protein. Pineapples can be a fantastic choice for a sweet treat for your pup. Again, practice moderation and monitor your pup when he or she first try pineapple. Plums are much more difficult to remove the pit and some people get lazy and try to give their dog plums with the pit still intact. This is a big no-no. So, play it safe and just stay away from plums for your pup. Raspberries have loads of benefits for your four-legged friend. Here are some good reasons to feed your dog raspberries again, in moderation. Strawberries - YES Dogs can eat strawberries in moderation. Strawberries contain lots of sugar, so be sure to not overfeed them to your pup. Nothing says summertime quite like strawberries, and most dogs love the taste of this sweet fruit. Some benefits include: Fiber for digestion Vitamin C Teeth whitening properties not like Crest White Strips, but still better than nothing! Go ahead and add strawberries to the list of fruits dogs can eat, just remember to practice moderation. Tomatoes - NO Although the red flesh of a ripe tomato is fine for dogs, the green parts are toxic. With that being said, we recommend playing it safe and just avoiding tomatoes all-together. If you have tomatoes in your garden, we recommend fencing it off or closely supervising your pup around these plants. Some signs of a dog ingesting the green parts of a tomato include: Upset stomach. What they may not be sure about, however, is exactly which fruits and vegetables are good for Golden Retrievers to eat? Spinach and carrots are good for Golden Retrievers. Carrots are perfect substitutes for dog treats, especially for overweight dogs. For fruits, apples are great substitutes for dental treats and contain essential vitamins and fiber. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Treats like fruits and veggies are best used sparingly to minimize potential health risks caused by some ingredients in them. Fruits are best given sparingly, or not at all. Many vegetables, including leafy greens, are high in fiber. Fiber can be a great supplement for your Golden Retrievers digestive system, but too much can lead to vomiting. Consult a vet if you observe any concerning reactions. In order to keep your Golden happy and healthy for many years to come, scrutinizing any food you give them is a good rule of thumb to adhere to. While you know that eating fruits and vegetables is a benefit to your health, you may be unsure as to exactly how fruits and veggies can help your dog? Golden Retrievers in particular have a higher risk of cancer compared to other dogs, making watching what you feed them of critical importance. Also, keep in mind that Goldens often have to learn to eat these items. Spinach and Golden Retrievers The king of leafy greens, spinach is not only good for you but great for your Golden Retriever! Spinach has a list of nutrients a mile long. Potassium, iron, fiber, and folate are some other great additions as well. To serve, you can peel and serve no more than half a banana to a medium-sized Golden Retriever. Either whole or sliced is fine, and even better are frozen bananas packed into a Kong toy Amazon for your Golden to puzzle out on a scorching hot day. A couple Golden Retrievers taste testing fruits and vegetables. Other nutrients like minerals and antioxidants make this an even better idea, but make sure to portion correctly — a tablespoon is enough. Instead, look for regular canned pumpkin. Apples and Golden Retrievers Apples keep the doctor away for both humans and their best friends! High in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, apples are a wonderful and healthy way to reward your Golden Retriever. To serve your dog apples, slice them up and remove the core and seeds which contain cyanide. Some Goldens are reluctant to try them, which is where your secret weapon comes into play — peanut butter! Golden Retrievers Love Carrots Carrots are a good substitution for traditional dog treats. You should always slice carrots before you offer them to your Golden Retriever we like to use pre-packaged, organic baby carrots — both raw and cooked are fine no butter, salt, or spices if cooked to use as treats or in addition to dog food. Full of fiber and essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, green beans can be served in numerous ways. Dogs enjoy both cooked and fresh green beans, as either a treat or mixed with wet food. If your Golden always seems hungry, try giving them some green beans with their next meal. Brussel Sprouts and Golden Retrievers Brussel sprouts are full of vitamins, but the antioxidants and fiber help promote healthy blood circulation and heart health. Cook these plain, cut off the woody stem, and serve up to three sprouts to your Golden at a time. Broccoli For Golden Retrievers Broccoli stalks help fight inflammation from arthritis, cancer and boost your Golden Retrievers immune system. Too much broccoli can cause noxious gas, so only feed a few small pieces to your Golden at any given time. Vegetables should always be a supplement! Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! As long as you serve and portion correctly, your pup will remain healthy and happy for a long time. Therefore, you must feed sparingly. Instead, remove the kernels and feed them separately. Cucumber Golden Retrievers can eat cucumber. Although cucumbers are mostly water, they are high in nutrients such as vitamin K, which is good for bone health and blood clotting. They also contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory qualities to help reduce chronic conditions. Cucumbers make a great crunchy snack for your Golden Retriever and are low in calories. Give them to your dog after removing the peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. As they are a great source of hydration, they are super cool to feed in warm weather. Eggplant Golden Retrievers can eat eggplant, and they are an essential source of fiber. Eggplant also contains vitamins B6, K, folate, potassium, niacin, and phytonutrients that help protect your Golden Retriever from chronic disease. Some dogs may not like the taste of eggplant, so if this vegetable is a fan of yours, you may want to experiment with giving your dog a little flavor to see how he handles it. It would be best if you cooked eggplant before giving it to your Golden as he may have difficulty digesting it raw. It can be grilled, baked, or boiled. Please do not feed your dog eggplant leaves as they contain solanine. This compound is poisonous to dogs when eaten in large quantities. Green Beans Golden Retrievers can eat green beans. They are an excellent vegetable for dogs because they are so nutritious. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are low in calories. My dog enjoys a handful of chopped green beans that I add to her bowl — they are gone in a flash! Kale Golden Retrievers can eat kale — in moderation. As one of the cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, you must feed kale sparingly! Cons: Too many cruciferous veggies can cause hypothyroidism in animals. However, a study on humans found that eating g 5 oz a day of cooked Brussels sprouts for four weeks did not adversely affect thyroid function. So, can dogs eat kale and the other cruciferous veggies? Lettuce Golden Retrievers can eat lettuce. However, lettuce contains very little nutritional value due to its high water content, but it does contain beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A. Other nutrients include vitamin C, iron, calcium, and fiber. Mushrooms store-bought Golden Retrievers can eat mushrooms. They are low in calories and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Other benefits include preventing heart disease, strengthening the immune system, sustaining liver and kidney function, and fighting cancer. Mushrooms purchased in stores are generally safe for dogs, but wild mushrooms can be toxic and extremely dangerous or prove fatal depending on the amount and species ingested. Like most vegetables for dogs, you should serve them cooked. They are very safe to feed your dog and contain many vitamins C and B6, folic acid, and potassium. They also have antioxidants that help fight cancer. Since parsnips are quite starchy like other root vegetables , only feed sparingly. You can give them raw as long as you slice them up into small digestible pieces, or you can cook them, which is preferred. Peas Peas are safe for Golden Retrievers to eat and contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, and K. They also have fiber, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and lutein an antioxidant good for the skin, heart, and eyes. Peas are starchy carbohydrates that are great for increasing energy levels. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid the canned varieties, as they contain a lot of sodium and additives. Potatoes cooked Golden Retrievers can eat potatoes. They contain vitamins C and B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and many other nutrients, which are good for dogs. However, as they are high in carbs, feed them sparingly, especially if your dog is already struggling to control his weight. Do not let your Golden Retriever eat raw potatoes or if the potatoes are green as they contain solanine, a toxic compound if consumed in high amounts. However, cooking potatoes reduces the amount of solanine, making them safe. You can feed your Golden mashed, baked, or boiled potatoes without salt or butter. French fries and potato chips are absolutely off the menu as they are not healthy, either for you, me, or your doggo! Sweet potatoes are a superior option as they are way more nutritious. Pumpkin Golden Retrievers can eat pumpkins. They are excellent for your dog because they are rich in fiber, vitamins A, E, C, potassium, iron, magnesium, beta carotene, and antioxidants that help promote overall heart health. They are also low in calories and sugar. Pumpkin is one of the best vegetables recommended for digestion. The abundance of fiber absorbs water like a sponge and helps relieve diarrhea. It also helps if your dog is constipated because it contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. They contain a lot of healthy nutrients. They also act as a helpful insect deworming agent, as they have cucurbitin. Both raw and cooked pumpkin is okay for your Golden Retriever. However, cooking is better for easier consumption. Rhubarb stalks Golden Retrievers can eat rhubarb but not the leaves. It is an excellent source of vitamin K which helps blood clot , vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous to dogs. The leaves contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals and oxalic acid. When consumed in large enough doses, it can result in hypocalcemia, tremors, drooling, upset stomach, and renal failure. As a child, I remember eating peeled pieces of rhubarb soaked in a pile of sugar to get rid of the sour taste! Fun fact! So, does rhubarb belong in the veggie section? Although you often see rhubarb in jams and fruit pies, it is theoretically a vegetable! They are nutritious, low in calories, and are an excellent overall disease-fighting vegetable. They can be eaten raw or cooked. If feeding these veggies raw to your Golden Retriever, ensure you thoroughly wash them first to eliminate any leftover traces of bacteria or pesticides. Spinach Golden Retrievers can eat spinach. This super nutritious food has lots of good qualities to benefit your dog. It is high in iron and provides fiber, vitamins A, B, C, and K, beta-carotene, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. It fights disease and is a known cancer fighter. Although the food of Popeye, there is a little controversy about whether you should feed your dog spinach — a high dose of oxalic acid. Healthy dogs can efficiently process small amounts of dissolvable oxalates. I recommend steaming the spinach first as this is the healthiest way of cooking to preserve all the goodness. Sweet Potatoes Golden Retrievers can eat sweet potatoes. In addition to vitamins A, B6, and C, they are also rich in calcium, copper, thiamine, iron, folate, potassium, copper, and thiamine. Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A for healthy skin and strong eye health. They are great for the overall health of your Golden Retriever, support the immune system, and reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. Because sweet potatoes are primarily starchy carbohydrates, if your dog is overweight, under-active, or diabetic, they are best avoided unless you give him very little. However, they are a healthier option than cooked white potatoes and are a popular vegetable in many dog foods. You should peel and cook them first before feeding them to your dog. Sweet potatoes also hold their nutritional value better when steamed or boiled rather than baking. Squash All varieties of squash are safe for your Golden Retriever to eat. Squash is very nutritious and has many health benefits for dogs. It contains beta-carotene, fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, C, and K. It is excellent for the eyes, skin, bones, and immune system and helps fight certain diseases. If your dog suffers from diarrhea, a small amount of cooked pumpkin mixed into his regular food can help. Zucchini Golden Retrievers can eat zucchini. This veggie is nutrient-rich and includes fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Zucchini also belongs to the squash family, but it is generally easier to digest than most squashes. An excellent idea for the summer is to give your dog a thin slice of frozen zucchini. Too much can cause excess gas! Can Golden Retrievers Eat Vegetables? So now you have the list of all the vegetables your dog can surely eat; you might also be wondering, should Golden Retrievers actually eat vegetables? Are they not just carnivores? Golden Retrievers can eat vegetables and benefit from them in their diet. They provide an additional source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Although dogs fall into the taxonomical order of Carnivora, they are deemed omnivores. But why? So they are not just carnivores. Other main physiological factors that support the idea that your Golden Retriever can eat vegetables include dogs with broad flat molars capable of grinding up fibrous plants and smaller intestines than other known omnivores. Vegetables can be a significant health boost for your Golden Retriever. They also contain no cholesterol and have less sugar than fruits. Generally, a few small pieces a day will be just fine for your Golden. Do you want to know what to feed your Retriever? Can Golden Retrievers be Vegetarian? Vegetarianism in dogs is a controversial topic. There are strong views for either side and a wide range of opinions in between. But what are the facts? Can Golden Retrievers be vegetarian? Golden Retrievers can be vegetarian as they are omnivores capable of digesting a meat-free diet. Most dogs can eat a vegetarian diet and thrive. However, careful planning with an expert canine nutritionist is essential to ensure your dog receives the proper nutrition to keep healthy. How to Feed Vegetables to Dogs Here are some guidelines on how to give your Retriever vegetables: Introduce vegetables slowly to avoid an upset stomach. Wash the vegetables first to eliminate dirt, bacteria, or residual pesticides. Cook veggies to aid digestion. I like to use a steamer. Give in small bite-sized pieces to prevent choking or stomach issues. You can feed frozen vegetables for convenience. Be vigilant of canned vegetables as many are high in sodium and other additives. They are allium family members, and the intake of toxic portions of these vegetables can damage red blood cells, making them more likely to burst and cause anemia. Garlic is five times more poisonous than leeks and onions. If your Golden swallows a toxic dose, he may show vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, weakness, difficulty breathing, and collapse can occur. Raw or green Potato Raw or green potatoes contain solanine that can affect the nervous system of your Golden Retriever. This poison can also induce blurred vision, disrupt digestion, and slow heart rate. Peeled cooked potatoes are okay as the amount of solanine is substantially reduced during cooking. Green tomatoes are also in this category. Rhubarb Leaves Although rhubarb plant stems are safe for your Golden Retriever, the leaves contain soluble oxalic acid, which is poisonous if ingested in sufficient quantities. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, shaking, and, in severe cases, kidney failure can occur. If you grow rhubarb at home, keep it enclosed and ensure your Golden is always accompanied in the garden area. Mushrooms There are thousands of species of wild mushrooms, and many are deadly to dogs. Mushroom poisoning in dogs can have serious consequences, including liver and kidney failure, confusion, convulsions, and in severe cases, death. Mushrooms purchased in grocery stores are primarily safe if they are plain, without butter, garlic, or seasoning. We all love treating our dogs and trying something new, and veggies are a great option. Many veggies are safe, but some are better than others. Experiment by feeding sparingly and little by little. Most vegetables are better served cooked to support digestion. Know the vegetables that are toxic to dogs. Related Posts You May Like:. This is especially true for vegetables. After all, vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Most of us could stand to get more of these healthy veggies, so why not our Golden Retriever, right? But, considering dogs are carnivores, and their natural diets do not include the need for vegetables, one might wonder if Golden Retrievers can or should eat vegetables? Golden Retrievers can eat some vegetables as a rare treat or snack. While they can eat some vegetables on occasion, moderation is essential. Certain vegetables should be avoided due to the potential for gastric issues or toxicity concerns. We discussed whether Golden Retrievers could eat fruit yes and good fruit options versus bad fruit options in a previous post. Unfortunately, we discovered that some fruits were outright toxic to Golden Retrievers, while other fruits were safe to eat in moderation. Others are not harmful, but they can cause digestive distress, resulting in gas, bloating, diarrhea or vomiting. The toxic vegetables need to be avoided outright, and you should ensure your Golden Retriever does not have access to those. Much like fruits, the occasional veggie indulgence is acceptable. However, any vegetables provided to your Golden Retriever should only be from the healthy list and in moderation. Some are outright toxic to your Golden Retriever, while others have the potential for some issues. Asparagus is not toxic to your dog. However, it can cause stomach issues — gas, bloating, indigestion — especially in its raw form. Cooked asparagus is more comfortable for your dog to chew. Cooking breaks down the vegetable making it less likely to cause stomach issues, but it also depletes many nutrients. There are better options for your dog, however. Garlic Garlic, like onions, is part of the Allium family and is toxic to dogs. In addition, garlic contains thiosulfate, which is a very toxic substance to canines. Thiosulfate can cause damage to red blood cells resulting in hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include rapid breathing, dark urine, lethargy, jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting, and gastric upset. Keep garlic and garlic-laden foods away from your Golden Retriever. Also, be mindful of garlic pills, which can be dropped on the floor and ingested by your Golden. Kale contains a few substances that are unhealthy for your Golden Retriever and potentially toxic at higher levels. Kale contains Isothiocyanate and calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate is especially concerning because it can cause kidney and bladder stones. Isothiocyanate can cause gastric issues, specifically severe gastric irritation in large quantities. Avoid kale due to the nasty double combo of calcium oxalate and Isothiocyanate. Onions Like garlic discussed above, onions also are part of the Allium family and contain thiosulfate. Same toxicity, the same potential for hemolytic anemia, and other severe symptoms. Keep onions away from your Golden Retriever. Peas and Potatoes While peas and cooked potatoes raw is never an option for your dog were long considered healthy and may still be, this may not be the case after all. According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients. This alert is specifically concerning for the Golden Retriever owner. Stern also found the diagnosed Goldens were all eating the same grain-free diet that included potatoes and peas, among others, as the main ingredients. While at this time, the link between diet and DCM seems to be a correlation only, peas and potatoes make the unhealthy list as a precaution. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions. Wild Mushrooms Avoid wild mushrooms. Some can be very toxic and even deadly to your dogs. Yes, deadly. Mushrooms provide very little nutritional value to your dog. They are often prepared in combination with onions or garlic, which is highly toxic to your Golden Retriever. There are better, more nutritious options on the list for your Golden to enjoy, should you choose to make vegetables a part of its diet. These vegetables can make good snacks for your Golden Retriever in smaller quantities. Raw peppers might be difficult for your Golden Retriever to digest, so cooked peppers are better for digestion. If you choose to cook the peppers, be wary of any added sauces or spices such as garlic or onions. Also, peppers apply to bell peppers only — not chili or other varieties. Peppers are a good source of beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid, iron, and fiber. Bell peppers also contain vitamin B6 and are low in calories. Broccoli Broccoli could be on both the healthy and unhealthy list. Golden Retrievers can safely eat broccoli florets. However, the stocks can cause intestinal obstruction or choking concerns, so avoid those. Cooked broccoli without any sauces or seasoning is more comfortable for your dog to chew and swallow. Broccoli as well as cauliflower and kale contain isothiocyanate. This substance can cause stomach upset in your Golden Retriever. Because of this, you should only feed broccoli to your dog in minimal quantities. Large quantities can cause gas, bloating, and even significant health problems. However, provided owners feed the florets to their dog and keep the amounts very small and infrequent, there should be little issues with broccoli as an occasional snack. However, there are much safer options if you choose to feed your Golden Retriever vegetables. Brussel Sprouts Brussel sprouts are safe for your Golden Retriever. Brussel sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Yes, Brussel sprouts are healthy for humans and dogs alike. Similar to us as well, Brussel sprouts can cause gas and flatulence in our Golden Retrievers. So, be forewarned that your Golden Retriever may gas you out of the house after eating Brussel sprouts. Carrots Carrots are an excellent snack for your dog and are most definitely Golden Retriever approved. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber. While carrots can be eaten raw, cooked, or steamed is best. With raw carrots, much of the nutrients are lost due to cellulose. Cellulose makes it challenging to digest the vegetable and absorb the nutrients. Cooking breaks down the cellulose, making digestion and nutrient absorption easier for your dog. However, raw carrots are great for your Golden Retrievers teeth, and they like the crunch. So, consider mixing it up with raw and cooked to get both benefits. A full carrot can even be frozen to help a teething puppy with sore gums. Cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins K and C, calcium, potassium, and folate. However, like broccoli, you need to go easy on the amount given due to its Isothiocyanate content. Isothiocyanate can cause gas, bloating, or significant health problems if given in large quantities. Celery Celery is a safe snack for your Golden Retriever. Low in calories and fat and high in fiber, this crunchy snack is packed with nutrients. Celery is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K and contains manganese, folate, and potassium. Celery is excellent diet food for dogs struggling with weight issues or obesity. But, like all vegetables and fruits, keep portion sizes small. Corn Yes, this vegetable some classify it as a grain is perfectly safe for dogs. The corn kernels are safe for dogs, not the cob. Corn gets a bad rap at times for being void of nutritional value. In truth, corn has protein, fiber, vitamin E and beta carotene, omega-six fatty acids, and linoleic acid which dogs cannot make on their own. Cooked corn is best for your Golden Retriever. Corn kernels are fine, but avoid feeding the cob. Green Beans Greens beans are a safe vegetable for your dog. Green beans can be eaten by your Golden Retriever raw or cooked. This vegetable is low in fat and calories, high in fiber, and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, folate, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains omega-three fatty acids. As with any extreme dietary changes, talk to your vet first before considering this if your dog has weight issues. Cucumbers The water-packed cucumber is a great summer snack for your Golden Retriever. A medium cucumber contains about eight calories in a half-cup of slices. Although this crunchy vegetable is packed with water, it also includes some excellent vitamins and minerals. Cucumber contains vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. Lettuce: Iceberg, Romaine, and Arugula Lettuce, including romaine, iceberg, and arugula, are safe for your Golden Retriever. Lettuce is mostly water, and there is not much in it that should pose any safety issues for your dog. The high water content and low calories make lettuce a good snack for your Golden Retriever, especially in the hot summer months. Iceberg lettuce provides nutrients such as vitamins K and C and calcium, potassium, vitamin C, and folate. Romaine is high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Unfortunately, both iceberg and romaine are low in fiber. Arugula is incredibly healthy and nutrient-dense lettuce. Arugula is high in fiber and phytonutrients. Arugula also provides a healthy dose of vitamin A, calcium, folate, and potassium. Arugula is a cruciferous vegetable in the same family that includes broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Arugula has many of the high antioxidants and phytonutrients found in the cruciferous family. Also, wash all lettuce before feeding it to your Golden Retriever to prevent contamination with E. Spinach Spinach is one of those maybe vegetables like broccoli. In the case of spinach, that substance is oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can lead to kidney damage in your dog. However, your Golden Retriever would have to eat large quantities for that to be an issue. Feeding spinach to your Golden Retriever is a personal choice, but if you do, keep it in small quantities only to be safe. As for health benefits, spinach is packed with nutrients. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, and K. Spinach also contains iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and fiber. Squash including Zucchini and Pumpkin Squashes such as butternut, zucchini, and pumpkin are all safe for your dog to eat if cooked. Technically, zucchini and pumpkin are part of the squash family, which is why I have included them together. While technically, all squashes are botanically a fruit, they seem better suited to the vegetable list. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Zucchini is low in calories and a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and manganese. Pumpkin is best steamed and mashed. Pumpkins are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, carotenoids, potassium, and Vitamin C; it also has some calcium and B-complex vitamins. In addition, pumpkin is high in fiber and low in sodium. Like fruits, the key is moderation, and the same rule applies. Gardeners should be mindful if your Golden Retriever has easy access to your garden. Your Golden Retriever may help itself to some of the vegetable varieties that are less than optimal or downright toxic to your dog. While small amounts of vegetables are okay, large quantities of vegetables — even healthy ones — can potentially cause gastric issues. For example, consider erecting a fence around your garden to ensure your Golden Retriever cannot help himself to vegetables in your garden. Our pup Bailey up on the garden boxes. Another concern is digestive issues. Some vegetables can cause your Golden Retriever some stomach issues, while others not so much. Vegetables in their raw form can be tough to digest for dogs. Provided your Golden Retriever is only getting a small amount, there should be little issues with vegetables, provided your choices come from the healthy list discussed. An older or senior Golden Retriever might not do well with certain vegetables that it tolerated well as a younger dog. Final Thoughts Vegetables, while healthy for us, can potentially cause issues with your Golden Retriever. However, veggies should pose little issues as an occasional treat or snack and often make a better alternative to commercial treats.