Is your German Shepherd Dog too thin or overweight? Let us categorise this under 3 conditions to help you understand where your German Shepherd currently stands.

Ideal Condition

Can you feel your dog’s ribs, but they aren’t visibly pronounced? Can you see the waist when viewed from above, and is the belly slightly tucked when viewed from the side? If you answered “YES” to both questions, you’re in good shape. However, it’s crucial to remain cautious to avoid your dog falling into one of the categories below.

Under-nutrition – Too Thin

Are your dog’s ribs prominently visible? Can you easily see the vertebrae?

While it’s important to keep your dog fit and healthy, an overly thin dog is not a healthy dog. There may be several reasons for your GSD becoming too thin. The most common reason is malnutrition or underfeeding, but sometimes your German Shepherd Dog may lose weight despite being fed the correct quantity of food. In such cases, consider the quality of the food, not just the quantity.

Overly Fed – Overweight and Obese

Is your dog’s waistline not visible from above? Does their belly appear rounded or bulging from the side? If your dog is overweight, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, many pet owners overlook this issue. According to the 2013 pet obesity survey, 43.8 million dogs in the U.S. were marked as overweight or obese. German Shepherds, like other breeds, face serious health risks if they become overweight. Therefore, maintaining your dog’s ideal weight is vital to ensuring healthy blood pressure, heart function, and blood sugar levels, which in turn promote a longer, healthier life.

How to Keep Your German Shepherd Thin, Fit, and Healthy

Proper exercise, combined with a balanced diet, is key to success. The best strategies to combat obesity and maintain your dog’s health involve a careful blend of three elements:

1. a) Portion Control – Regulate your dog’s food intake. Overfeeding is as dangerous as underfeeding.
   b) Balanced Diet – A balanced diet should include appropriate proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, and B complex), and minerals. These proportions may differ for obese or older dogs compared to younger, healthier dogs.
   c) Correct Type and Amount of Exercise – German Shepherd Dogs need adequate exercise to stay mentally stimulated and physically fit.

Type and Amount of Exercise for Your German Shepherd Dog

The type and amount of exercise vary depending on the breed, age, and overall health. Here’s how to adjust exercise based on your dog’s specific needs:

1. Overweight Dogs: If your GSD is already overweight, you should not subject them to intense exercise sessions right away. Begin with light heel walks, followed by short trots, and eventually incorporate swimming. The duration of each exercise should be tailored to your dog’s health condition. Hydrotherapy is an excellent option for managing obesity in conjunction with a vet-recommended diet plan.
2. Young Dogs: A common misconception is that young GSD puppies need extensive exercise. GSDs are a fast-growing breed, and over-exercising can cause irreversible skeletal damage. Strains on joints and ligaments can lead to issues in adulthood. Puppies under 12-18 months should not engage in prolonged trotting or intense activities. Instead, focus on light exercises, such as short heel walks or medium trots. “Natural free running” or chasing a ball off-leash is ideal for young puppies. After 12 months, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise.
3. Adult Dogs (18 months and older): Even after 12 months, exercise should be moderated based on your dog’s health. If their joints have not fully matured, avoid strenuous activities. At this age, your GSD may be able to handle prolonged trotting. Balanced nutrition and proper exercise will enable your GSD to build stamina for long-distance trotting, which is essential for the breed. However, achieving stamina involves not just diet and exercise, but also the dog’s build, including angulation, size, and proportion.

Quality food, in the right quantity, plays a crucial role in keeping your GSD in excellent shape.

‘Plenty’ vs ‘Adequate’ in Feeding and Exercising Your GSD

This principle applies equally to both food and exercise. German Shepherds are a working breed that thrives on the right balance of both. Overfeeding and over-exercising are just as harmful as underfeeding and under-exercising. Many novice owners mistakenly believe that plenty of food and exercise will promote good health, but this is not the case. Adequate food and exercise, adjusted according to your dog’s health, age, and condition, are essential for overall well-being—whether your GSD is a companion, show dog, or agility competitor. The key is moderation: “Plenty” is a myth, while “Adequate” is the golden rule for feeding and exercising your German Shepherd Dog.