Feeding German Shepherd Great Dane Mix Puppy

Question
I have a Great Dane/Shepherd mix,he is a year and 3 months old and my vet says he is 15 pounds under weight.I also have a full bred Lab.My question is,What is the best brand dog food to bye for both?My Lab. is 4 years old.

Answer
A Great Dane is a very large dog and it is not in the best interests of the dog be on the same food as a 4 year old adult or vice versa. A Large dog like a great dane  - shepherd mix should be on a Premium "Large Breed Puppy" Food until 15 months of age.  When adults you can feed the same food

The 4 year old lab will eat approx. 1 large bag of dog food per month.  Your puppy will be eating a full bag very soon.

I recommend feeding your dogs a "premium" dog food.  The Following Link will help you pick a Royal Canin Product that's right for your dogs. When both adults you might want them on the same food but it is not recommended to do so before your puppy is full grown.  http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/canine_en.php

It is much better not to free feed your dogs but to place them on a schedule. Removing the bowl after mealtime. Always keep water available for your dogs.

If you are concerned about them eating each other's food you can try placing their food in different rooms until they learn not to eat from each other's bowl.  Or if they have crates, feed them in their crates.  

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PUPPY FOOD When choosing a food for your dog keep in mind that German Shepherds increase their birth weight by approx. 70 times by 15 months of age.  As pups, they tend to double their weight each month.  

Your pup will require a puppy food made especially for the needs of a growing large breed puppy and for the special needs of your German Shepherd who have issues with joints and the digestive system.  There are many large breed puppy foods on the market today.  Find a premium one you can trust to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients it requires.

I feed Royal Canin Premium Dog food.  It is a good Premium dog food.  I use it with my dogs and they all have beautiful shiny coats and good weight.  With the premium dog food, your dog will absorb more of the nutrients.  

It comes in 40 pound bags and is a little more expensive than others, but my dogs absorb more of the food they eat thus eating less than many other brands. They offer the 40 lb bag rather than the 35 lb.  A small puppy may go through 1 bag in 2 months.

Royal Canin also offers buy nine bags get the 10th free at retail outlets.  Ask Your retail Outlet About this.  (You will need to keep your receipts and the bar codes from the bags you have purchased.)  In the end I find this dog food well worth the price, a very good deal and provides peace of mind.

A Video Clip Regarding German Shepherd Special Dietary Needs http://www.royalcanin.ca/library/files/dog/gs.wmv

For Info on Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy (under 15 Months) Designed specifically for the growing needs of the Large Breed Dog.

http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/maxi/puppy_en.php; and
Feeding Guidelines For Pups on Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/maxi/puppy_feeding_en.php

For Info German Shepherd (Over 15 Months)- Royal Canin makes a dog food designed specifically for the special needs of the adult German Shepherd.
http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/breed/german_en.php


WHAT TO DO IF SWITCHING FOODS
When switching dog foods, puppies do not tolerate a sudden switch and this usually causes diarrhea.  In order to avoid this make the switch gradually.

Feed 75% old food and 25% new food for a few days, then 50% Old and 50% New for another few days then 25% old 75% new another few days Then finally 100% New.

Dogs do well when walked in the morning prior to meals.

You will find very helpful resources and information on my GSD INFO and GSD HELP PAGES.

Glad to be of assistance

Sincerely

Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com