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My healthy German Shepherd eats a lot but stays thin. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 22 days old | 59 lbs

My dog weight is ideal with every german weight chart she eats dry food and fresh food like chicken she eats 1.5 kg per day she dont have worms or any ticks or bugs she is very active playing all the time every thing is perfect with her she eats all of her meals her urine and stool are perfect but after all of this her shape is not fat as other dogs and there are other german dogs weight less than her but shape is fater every thing is perfect are dogs like us some of us eat alot but stay thin?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily Luisana DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2017

Yes, some dogs are just thin! It is good you noted her stool is normal and that she is eating well. Before I chalk it up to being naturally thin, there are a few things I would want to make sure of including parasites, disease and nutrition. It is always a good idea to rule out parasites with a stool sample to the lab since they can be microscopic. GSD are also prone to a disease that can make it very hard for them to gain weight but typically these dogs have 'greasy' looking stools. There are tests to rule this out. I would also make sure she is on a high protein food- your vet may recommend a prescription working dog food if she is thin to the point of concern. But if all this checks out and she is naturally thin- then I would be glad to have a dog that watches her weight:) I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 17th, 2017

    Yes I would have Rhonda's stool checked for parasites and any other abnormalities. I also recommend a blood panel to check for chronic pancreatitis, anemia, and kidney and liver function. You should increase the feeding amount at each feeding so she's not very hungry at each meal and just finishes it. You may also go to three feedings a day to make sure she's getting enough calories. Very active dogs can eat two to three times the amount of food you would expect. As she gets enough food she will start to leave some at each feeding. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rhonda.

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