Why Won’t My German Shepherd Puppy Eat? (Explained)

Taking care of a German Shepherd puppy is tricky, but it is definitely worth it! When your puppy starts acting up, it can be challenging to know what to do. This is particularly true when your German Shepherd puppy doesn’t eat, which can be incredibly worrying.

There could be various reasons that your puppy stops eating, from illness to stress to simple boredom. Feeding a puppy can be tricky, and any food aversions can most likely be solved quickly. The most important thing to remember is to be patient and try new things to encourage them to eat.

If you’re wondering why your German Shepherd puppy isn’t eating, don’t worry! There could be many reasons, and we will help uncover everything you need to know. Keep reading to answer the question of why your German Shepherd puppy won’t eat.

Why is my German shepherd puppy not eating?

Food is a huge part of raising a dog: ensuring they have a proper diet, portion size and get all the nutrients they need. So when your puppy stops eating, it is natural to worry!

But there are many different reasons to explain a decrease in appetite, and most of them can be solved relatively easily with nothing more than a quick Google or a trip to the vet. 

· Illness

Becoming ill or feeling sick is the most common reason puppies temporarily stop eating. Typically, it can be due to intestinal distress or a temporary illness. However, a more serious condition could be occurring.

As soon as you notice your puppy’s disinterest in food, try to make it more interesting with some canned broth or treats sprinkled in.

If these attempts don’t work, illness or another issue is possible. Check for other signs of distress, such as avoiding people and general sluggishness. If possible, see your vet for a check-up if your dog still refuses food after a few days. Medicine or treatment will clear up the issue or reveal a long-term problem.

· Sensitive stomach

Image of German Shepherd Puppy playing with a brush

Sometimes, puppies are picky eaters with sensitive stomachs. This can make picking the right food tricky but not impossible.

Digestion or strange eating habits can come from simple genetics, eating too fast, or even unknown allergies. If your puppy often throws up after eating, they might be eating too fast for their stomach and need to slow down. 

A specialty bowl or smaller portion sizes given out more frequently can cure this issue. In addition, if your German Shepherd puppy avoids some foods but not others, check for any ingredients that might be causing the avoidance.

You can also get them tested for any allergies that might be causing their stomach issues. 

· Stress

It can be hard to imagine a puppy getting stressed out, but it happens! Changes in routine such as a move, the introduction of a new family member or dog, or even picking up on the nerves of their owner can cause a loyal German Shepherd to feel stress.

Stress commonly manifests in stomach problems or reduced appetite

If you feel your puppy could be stressed out, try to figure out what changes in pattern or behavior could have led to it. Perhaps rottweilers have separation anxiety, and more close attention could help.

If a change in routine is causing stress, work to make your dog used to the change. Consider asking your vet for ways to help your dog calm down and return to normal appetite levels. 

· Dental pain

Sometimes, a decrease in appetite has nothing to do with illness or emotional distress. Dental pain or toothaches are also common symptoms of not eating simply because it hurts the puppy.

They might have pain when they eat, a missing or broken tooth, or another oral issue interrupting their eating habits.

Dental issues are commonly shown through signs such as sudden bad breath, bleeding gums, or an increase in drooling. Checking your dog’s teeth once they show a decreased appetite is an easy way to check that nothing is wrong.

If you notice an issue, schedule an appointment with your vet at once to solve the dental problem and return their appetite to normal.

· Boredom with current food

German Shepherd dog sitting on grass with food in front of him

Not eating can seem like a big issue, but perhaps your German Shepherd puppy is bored with their current food. This is particularly noticeable if your dog refuses their usual food but eagerly eats treats and snacks without issue.

Pain or illness do not stop them from eating, but they refuse their current food. This points to boredom instead of a more serious problem.

Try dressing up their food with meat broth, rice, or treats to make it more appealing. If possible, use a mix of wet and dry food to make the overall meal easier.

Seek out another type of food with a different texture or different ingredients while still being nutritious. This should help their boredom issues and get their appetite back to normal!

What should I do if my German shepherd puppy is not eating?

Once you notice that your puppy has a decreased appetite, it is time to figure out why. However, determining the exact issue can take time, and getting some food into your puppy to keep them healthy should be a top priority.

So, here are a few things to try to increase the chances of getting your German Shepherd puppy to eat! 

  1. Put their food into an interactive toy or game. This makes getting the food more challenging and heightens your dog’s interest in the overall process. Making eating fun is a great way to bypass a decreased appetite. 
  2. Use canned food or flavored meat broth. These treats make food more appealing, and can help increase your dog’s interest until you can get to the root of the issue.
  3. Personally encourage your dog! Using treats, affection, and personal attention, there is a chance you will be able to help your dog eat more. If the issue is stress or anxiety rather than illness, personal encouragement can help solve the problem.

These are some of the options you have. However, remember to consult a vet as soon as possible to find a more permanent solution!

How much food should a German Shepherd puppy eat?

German Shepherd dog sitting on grass with food in front of him

Feeding a puppy can be tricky, but keep in mind that you want them to eat enough to grow strong without getting fat. From two to three months old, vary between 1-2 cups with an average of about 1.5 cups per day.

Double that to about 3 cups once they are six months, transitioning to about 3.5 cups a day by the time they are a year old. 

What should I feed my eight-week-old German Shepherd puppy?

Going by this same math, a four-month or eight-week-old puppy should be eating no more than 2 cups a day. Ensure they get at least 1.5 cups a day, and anything between those two will satisfy the puppy. 

How long can a German Shepherd go without eating?

Unlike adult dogs, puppies do not have reserves of fat. They need to grow! Don’t let your puppy go longer than five hours between meals. Older dogs can last a few hours longer, but puppies need careful attention to grow.

How many times a day should a German Shepherd puppy eat?

Puppies need to eat more frequently, so it is recommended that you feed your puppy at least three or four times a day for their first four months. After this, you can switch to two large meals a day. 

Are German Shepherds picky eaters?

Don’t worry! German shepherds are not generally fussy eaters if you do not overindulge them. Too many treats or specialty meals can make them picky, but ordinarily, you will not have an issue getting them to eat.

What do German Shepherds like to eat?

German Shepherds will gravitate towards high-protein items containing beef, lamb, chicken, and other meats like most big and athletic dogs. Non-meat items like vegetables and grains should also be included. And of course, don’t forget the treats!

How do I get my German Shepherd puppy to eat more?

If you’re concerned about getting your puppy to eat more, consider the tips we’ve outlined. Some dogs have smaller appetites but treats like broth and canned food encourage them to eat more.

However, you don’t want that to become the norm. Switch to new food and make mealtime more personal and entertaining to ensure that your dog eats more!

Final thoughts

Feeding your puppy usually is easy, so any issues can be upsetting. But consider all the potential causes, and don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian for help, and you should not have any problems! Your German Shepherd puppy will eat like normal in no time!