Diet Recommendation for a Pinscher Puppy

The Doberman Pinscher is an intelligent, quick-witted dog bred in Germany in the 1900s. The breed gets its name from a tax collector named Louis Doberman who wanted a medium-sized dog to act as a guard and companion. Today Doberman Pinschers are still used as guard dogs and police dogs due to their cunning, loyalty and ability to learn commands quickly. The Doberman Pinscher puppy needs quality nourishment at the correct age and well-timed feedings in order to grow into a healthy adult.

  1. Dietary Needs

    • Pinschers need a high amount of protein in their diets to maintain their energetic way of life. Pinscher puppies also need the protein to gain muscle as they grow. Look at the packaging of the dog food you are selecting. A source of protein such as meat should be one of the first ingredients listed. Quality foods are available at veterinarian offices, pet supply stores and online. Pinscher puppies require more fat than adult Pinschers, so stick to puppy food as it will give your puppy the correct fat to protein ratio.

    Age

    • If your Pinscher puppy is under the age of 5 weeks, its diet will need to be supplemented with milk powder replacement available at pet supply stores. Also feed it a weaning food for the transition period to solid food. Wean the puppy slowly to give its digestive tract enough time to adjust to the new food. When it has transitioned from milk to the new food and is eating well for a few weeks, you can transition to a high quality dry puppy food.

    Timing

    • Pinscher puppies should be fed on a schedule. Free feeding, or leaving food around at all times, isn't good for the developing Pinscher. Puppies do not know when they are full and they will often eat everything in front of them. They also have very small intestines and will need to eliminate soon after eating, so keeping them on an eating schedule helps with potty training as well. Better quality foods use complete grain as filler such as brown rice or oatmeal. Cereal and overly processed ingredients are not good nutrition for your Pinscher.

    Quantity

    • At first, it can be hard to know what your Pinscher puppy needs. The package of food will tell you a recommended amount for the age of your puppy. Pinschers are high energy and may need more food than the average amount listed on the packaging, but the amount recommended is a good starting point. After a few weeks of the recommended amount, check the sides of your Pinscher pup. You should be able to feel the ribs and a thin layer of fat around them. A thick layer of fat means they are eating too much and ribs that are clearly felt with little to no layer means they are not eating enough.

    Vitamin C Supplement

    • The Pinscher puppy benefits from vitamin C supplements given between the ages of 3 and 6 months. Vitamin C is important for the formation of collagen and therefore helps with proper joint development. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your puppy any supplement.