The importance of proper nutrition in the early months

At Shiraz German Shepherds, we believe that the first few months of a puppy’s life are absolutely crucial for their growth and health. As breeders of West German Showline German Shepherds, we know that giving our puppies the right nutrition during this early stage sets them up for a happy, healthy life ahead.
Puppies grow fast, especially in those first few months! Proper nutrition is essential to support that rapid growth. It helps them build strong bones, muscles, and joints — and prevents future health issues. We make sure our puppies get a balanced diet that supports their development without overloading them with unnecessary calories. Puppies must not be overfed with too much protein in these formative months. Doing so can throw off the growth process and in the short term cause panosteitis (growing pains) or in the long term health issues due to a irregular and expedited bone growth. Growth should be slow and steady. 
It’s not just about their bodies — it’s also about their brains! German Shepherds are super smart, and a well-balanced diet with key nutrients like DHA (found in fish oils) helps their cognitive development. This is what helps them learn quickly and stay focused during training, making them even more amazing companions.
Good nutrition is also the foundation for a strong immune system, which is so important for puppies who are still developing. We make sure our puppies get the right mix of vitamins and antioxidants to help them stay healthy and fight off common illnesses, especially when they’re making the big transition into their new homes.
We feed our puppies high-quality food designed for large-breed pups, which means they get the right balance of protein, fats, and vitamins. This helps them grow at a healthy pace and avoid issues like joint problems down the road. You can also provide fresh fruits and veggies for your growing pups! We give our pups cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, apples, and blueberries--be sure to give them sparingly as too much can cause an upset stomach. 
At Shiraz German Shepherds, we’re all about giving our puppies the best start in life. By focusing on the right nutrition, we help set them up for a long, happy, and healthy future. Whether you're looking for a working dog, show dog, or family companion, the proper nutrition in those early months makes all the difference!

We feed our puppies:
*Farmina Ancestral Grain Blueberry and Lamb puppy food medium/maxi                   
*Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food