How to Care for German Shorthaired Pointers
Choose a food for active dogs., Consider your GSP’s age., Develop a regular feeding schedule., Provide plenty of fresh clean water., Give your GSP a few treats., Steer clear of foods that are toxic to your GSP.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a food for active dogs.
German short-haired pointers are active, high-energy dogs, so they require a high-quality dog food that provides plenty of protein and fat.
A good way to determine if a food is high-quality is to read the ingredients.
If the first two ingredients listed are meat (not meat by-products), then the food is most likely a high quality food.
Some dog food companies make dog food that is formulated for medium-sized dogs.
This might be a good option for your GSP.Check with your dog’s veterinarian or ask your breeder for suggestions if you are not sure what to feed your GSP.
If the breeder was using a specific brand of food, then it is a good idea to stick with that brand. -
Step 2: Consider your GSP’s age.
Depending on the age of your GSP, you may need to choose a special age-specific food.
For example, if you have a GSP puppy, then you will need a puppy food.
If you have an older adult dog, then you will need to choose a senior food.Your dog’s age may also affect the number of times that you need to feed him.
Adult GSPs will need to be fed twice per day, but puppies may need to be fed more often.If your puppy is: eight to 12 weeks, then do four feedings per day three to six months, then do three feedings per day six months to one year old, then do two feedings per day, Some people choose to free-feed their dogs, which can result in the dog becoming overweight or obese.
Therefore, it is better to maintain a regular feeding schedule for your GSP and to measure his food portions.
To determine how much to feed your dog, you will need to consider his weight and activity level.
Check your dog’s food package for a basic guideline on how much to feed your dog according to his weight.
If you are still not sure if you are feeding the right amount of food to your GSP, then check with your dog’s veterinarian.
Most GSPs require between two to five cups of dry food per day.
The more active your GSP is, the more food he will need.
For example, a dog that is mostly sedentary would probably only need two cups per day, while a GSP that is very active will probably need closer to five cups of food per day.Divide your dog’s daily food intake into two meals.
For example, if your dog needs two cups of food per day, then you could give him one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening. , GSPs get thirsty from all of their physical activity, so they need to have access to a bowl of fresh, clean water at all times.
Stainless steel bowls are ideal because these are less bacteria-friendly.Keep the bowl of water somewhere that is easy for your GSP to access.
Clean the water dish and change out the water it at least once per day. , Treats are a great way to reward your GSP, but try to keep treats to a minimum to avoid the chance of your GSP becoming overweight.
If you want to feed treats try these nutritious, low-calorie foods: baby carrots rinsed canned green beans cooked sweet potatoes, sliced a few frozen peas or blueberries , You will need to avoid feeding your GSP certain human foods that can make them ill or kill them.
These foods include:avocados alcohol chocolate grapes and raisins macadamia nuts, almonds, pecans, and walnuts onions, garlic, and chives yeast dough xylitol (often found in sugar free foods) -
Step 3: Develop a regular feeding schedule.
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Step 4: Provide plenty of fresh clean water.
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Step 5: Give your GSP a few treats.
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Step 6: Steer clear of foods that are toxic to your GSP.
Detailed Guide
German short-haired pointers are active, high-energy dogs, so they require a high-quality dog food that provides plenty of protein and fat.
A good way to determine if a food is high-quality is to read the ingredients.
If the first two ingredients listed are meat (not meat by-products), then the food is most likely a high quality food.
Some dog food companies make dog food that is formulated for medium-sized dogs.
This might be a good option for your GSP.Check with your dog’s veterinarian or ask your breeder for suggestions if you are not sure what to feed your GSP.
If the breeder was using a specific brand of food, then it is a good idea to stick with that brand.
Depending on the age of your GSP, you may need to choose a special age-specific food.
For example, if you have a GSP puppy, then you will need a puppy food.
If you have an older adult dog, then you will need to choose a senior food.Your dog’s age may also affect the number of times that you need to feed him.
Adult GSPs will need to be fed twice per day, but puppies may need to be fed more often.If your puppy is: eight to 12 weeks, then do four feedings per day three to six months, then do three feedings per day six months to one year old, then do two feedings per day, Some people choose to free-feed their dogs, which can result in the dog becoming overweight or obese.
Therefore, it is better to maintain a regular feeding schedule for your GSP and to measure his food portions.
To determine how much to feed your dog, you will need to consider his weight and activity level.
Check your dog’s food package for a basic guideline on how much to feed your dog according to his weight.
If you are still not sure if you are feeding the right amount of food to your GSP, then check with your dog’s veterinarian.
Most GSPs require between two to five cups of dry food per day.
The more active your GSP is, the more food he will need.
For example, a dog that is mostly sedentary would probably only need two cups per day, while a GSP that is very active will probably need closer to five cups of food per day.Divide your dog’s daily food intake into two meals.
For example, if your dog needs two cups of food per day, then you could give him one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening. , GSPs get thirsty from all of their physical activity, so they need to have access to a bowl of fresh, clean water at all times.
Stainless steel bowls are ideal because these are less bacteria-friendly.Keep the bowl of water somewhere that is easy for your GSP to access.
Clean the water dish and change out the water it at least once per day. , Treats are a great way to reward your GSP, but try to keep treats to a minimum to avoid the chance of your GSP becoming overweight.
If you want to feed treats try these nutritious, low-calorie foods: baby carrots rinsed canned green beans cooked sweet potatoes, sliced a few frozen peas or blueberries , You will need to avoid feeding your GSP certain human foods that can make them ill or kill them.
These foods include:avocados alcohol chocolate grapes and raisins macadamia nuts, almonds, pecans, and walnuts onions, garlic, and chives yeast dough xylitol (often found in sugar free foods)
About the Author
Daniel Chavez
Writer and educator with a focus on practical pet care knowledge.
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