How much should I be feeding my German Shorthaired Pointer? That question has stumped almost every new pup parent at some point. One of the most common challenges for new owners is figuring out just how much food to provide each day.
Generally, German Shorthaired Pointer puppies require around 2 ¼ to 4 cups of dog food per day. Adults require around 2 ¾ to 3 ¾ cups, while senior dogs need around 2 to 3 cups daily. The amount of food you feed your dog also depends on its weight and size.
This article will discuss all the details about feeding your German Shorthaired Pointer. Read on to become a portion pro and set your pup up for a healthy, happy life!
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Several factors can determine your German Shorthaired Pointer’s diet. All dogs have varying weights, sizes, and health conditions. Therefore, your pup’s diet should be planned based on these factors.
Below are some of the common factors that can affect how much to feed your German Shorthaired Pointer:
- Age: How much food you feed your German Shorthaired Pointer can depend on its age. Puppies may require more amounts of puppy food to contribute to their overall growth, while senior dogs may require slightly less food as they slow down with age.
- Weight: German Shorthaired Pointers are large dogs that typically need big portions of dog food. How much you feed your pup will also depend on whether it needs to lose, maintain, or gain weight.
- Metabolism: It is important to feed your German Shorthaired Pointer an amount of food that is proportionate to its metabolism. Owners must observe whether their dog’s metabolism is slow or fast and adjust its diet accordingly.
- Activity level: How much exercise your German Shorthaired Pointer gets also affects how much it should eat. Active dogs that exercise regularly may need more food to meet their activity levels. If your dog is the opposite, it may need less food and a stricter feeding plan to prevent extra weight gain.
- Health status: Having health conditions can impact the amount of food you feed your German Shorthaired Pointer. Since this breed is prone to bloating and heart disease, the correct amount of food, as well as a high-quality diet, is required.
When approaching German Shorthaired Pointer feeding, you must consider all these factors beforehand. Planning the best diet along with proper dog training is essential in keeping your dog happy and healthy.
How Much to Feed Your German Shorthaired Pointer?
The following sections contain feeding charts that will guide you on how much to feed your dog during different life stages. These charts are estimations based on the average healthy German Shorthaired Pointer.
German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
A newborn German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is required to stay with the mother dog during its first eight weeks. This is because only the mother can provide her puppy with the antibodies and nutrients it needs.
Once the puppy is around four weeks old, it will start to wean, and the transition from breast milk to soft puppy food begins. During this stage, owners must be very vigilant, as puppies may be prone to choking.
The feeding chart below will guide you on how much puppy food is needed for a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 4 months | 2 ¼ – 2 ½ | 999 – 1,109 |
| 5 – 7 months | 2 – 3 ½ | 947 – 1,556 |
| 8 – 10 months | 2 ¾ – 4 | 1,182 – 1,759 |
| 11 – 12 months | 2 ¾ – 4 | 1,274 – 1,830 |
It is also highly recommended to have your puppy fully vet-checked regularly. If you acquired your puppy from a reputable breeder, you could also ask about the kind of diet that is most suitable for your dog.
Adult German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)
Once German Shorthaired Pointers cross their one-year mark, they finally pass their growth spurt. They are now adult dogs, and their puppy food may be replaced with appropriate adult food.
It is essential to keep an eye on their weight during this stage. Male dogs are typically larger than females. Since this breed grows into a muscular dog, it will need a proper diet to meet its energy levels.
Below is a simple chart indicating how much dry food an adult German Shorthaired Pointer will need:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 7 years | 2 ¾ – 3 ¾ | 1,059 – 1,507 |
I used to handle my uncle’s 4-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Bullet, who was his regular companion whenever he went out hunting.
Like many working German Shorthaired Pointers, Bullet was also highly motivated by food and treats, so I used this to take advantage of training him as an effective hunting companion for my uncle.
Due to Bullet’s high energy needs based on his activity level, I always ensured that I coordinated with his vet to check for his additional energy requirements specific to his breed.
To ensure good gut health, you may also consider providing your dog with a raw diet. A raw food diet can have benefits for your dog’s health. However, always consult a vet before switching your Pointer to a different diet.
Senior German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding Chart (8 years and above)
A dog typically reaches its senior years by the age of eight. At this age, dogs tend to slow down in terms of physical activity. Likewise, their digestive system and metabolism also dip down gradually.
That said, it is very crucial for senior dogs to maintain a healthy weight throughout their remaining years. This will not only keep them happy but will also prolong their life.
Below is a simple feeding chart that will guide you on how much dry food a senior Shorthaired German Pointer needs:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 8 years and above | 2 – 3 | 847 – 1,206 |
German Shorthaired Pointers are also prone to several diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip dysplasia. These issues can affect the eating habits of your dog, so having your dog checked regularly is crucial.
It is also important to select dog foods that contribute to your dog’s coat health. Adding omega-rich fish oil to their dog food can help avoid itchy skin, keep their coats healthy, and boost their immune systems.
How Often Should You Feed Your German Shorthaired Pointer?
Generally, German Shorthaired Pointer puppies must be fed at least 3 to 4 times daily. Meanwhile, adults only require two meals per day. Lastly, although seniors can also be fed twice, they can do well with just a single meal daily.
Aside from feeding your dog the right food, it is also necessary to set proper meal times. More often than not, puppies usually eat more frequently than adult and senior dogs.
Below is a table summarizing the ideal feeding frequency for German Shorthaired Pointers:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| 2 – 6 months | Three to four times a day |
| 7 – 12 months | Two to three times a day |
| 1 – 7 years | Two times a day |
| 8 years and above | Once or twice a day |
Dog owners can decide between setting a regular eating schedule and opting for free feeding. While free-feeding can be an effective practice for other breeds, it may not be the best option for German Shorthaired Pointers.
Free feeding may be detrimental to German Shorthaired Pointers since they are prone to bloat. Leaving an entire day’s worth of food out for their consumption may lead to overeating and result in serious issues.
That said, it is recommended to stick to a schedule when feeding your German Shepherd Pointer. This will not only teach discipline to your dog, but it will also help keep their health in check.
How to Transition Your German Shorthaired Pointer to a New Food
As your German Shorthaired Pointer gets older, you will need to replace its food to cater to its changing needs. Unfortunately, transitioning your dog’s old food to new food is not as simple as pouring it all into a bowl.
You must gradually transition to the new diet to give your dog time to adjust to the change and avoid upsetting its stomach. This can take around 5 to 7 days, depending on your dog’s reaction to the new food.
Below is a table summarizing the appropriate food ratios when transitioning your German Shorthaired Pointer to a new diet:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
Since German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to bloat, it is important to keep them under close observation as they transition to their new diet. They may take slightly longer to adjust, but it is better not to rush the change.
If your dog reacts negatively to the transition and exhibits any symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, or diarrhea, have your pup checked by a veterinarian immediately.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight German Shorthaired Pointer
Although obesity is not common in this breed, feeding them the wrong diet may cause them to become overweight.
If your German Shorthaired Pointer is overweight, here are a few tips on how to feed it and how to manage its weight:
- Measure and monitor your dog’s diet. Overweight dogs should have a closely monitored and well-managed diet. Use a proper measuring cup when serving dog food to ensure your portions are consistent and appropriate. Consulting your vet for a weight-reduction plan is also recommended.
- Limit treats and table scraps. Although treats are an effective tool in training your dog, you must avoid rewarding them too much. You can also select healthier options such as apples, carrots, and green beans. These are good replacements for typical store-bought treats.
- Keep your dog active. It is crucial to ensure your dog gets enough exercise daily. Taking your German Shorthaired Pointer on regular walks, hikes, or other activities can help your pup lose weight and become healthier.
What I realized with my uncle’s German Shorthaired Pointer was that his slim build made it very easy for me to observe if I was already overfeeding him.
However, I was always very critical in terms of making sure that he was familiar with the amount of food that was given to him and his feeding time. I also used the help of the body conditioning score system to monitor his weight.
Transforming your overweight dog’s lifestyle into a healthier one may not be simple. Patience, dedication, and lots of love must be provided in order for your pup to transition with more ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My German Shorthaired Pointer Enough?
One of the best ways to determine if you are feeding your German Shorthaired Pointer enough is by checking if they have the ideal weight for their size and age.
Moreover, well-fed dogs typically have great dispositions. They exhibit unrestricted mobility, reduced anxiety, and less bad behavior. They are also more eager to play and do physical activities.
Why Is My German Shorthaired Pointer Not Eating?
There are a few reasons why your German Shorthaired Pointer is not eating. It could be feeling under the weather, bored of its food, or simply not hungry.
Changing its food or adding something new to its meal could encourage your dog to eat. If your pup still refuses to eat and starts exhibiting concerning symptoms, contact your vet for a check-up.
Can I Feed My German Shorthaired Pointer Human Food?
Like many other dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers are allowed to eat certain human foods. However, owners must be cautious and avoid feeding their dogs any human foods that are toxic to dogs.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Eat a Lot?
Since German Shorthaired Pointers are classified as large and muscular hunting dogs, they have the tendency to eat a lot. Hence, a well-balanced diet with proper exercise is needed to keep them lean and healthy.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Eat Bones?
A German Shorthaired puppy must never be fed cooked bones. Meanwhile, adults may chew on raw meaty bones. This can help in keeping their teeth clean and strong.
That said, however, dogs must always be supervised while chewing bones. Make sure to give appropriately sized bones to your dog to avoid choking.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand your dog’s feeding requirements. If you have any other questions about feeding your Pointer dog, please leave a comment below.
