Just a picky eater?

[Laurenxc]

Hi everyone. I’m new here and a new GSD owner. My boy is 11 mo not fixed, and is the light of my life. Since August/September we’ve been struggling with food. He was on purina pro plan up until he was about 5 months, with wet food. After beginning training, wet food was cut out and a new kibble, Kinetic 28k puppy formula was introduced. After the above months, I noticed he had lost weight, and skipping meals. Since then I’ve tried as much as I can to get it back, but nothing is giving. The only thing I haven’t done, is completely switch the kibble or try raw hybrid diet. Has anyone else experienced this? I will attach pictures. I want what’s best for him, and hate feeling like he’s too skinny and receiving comments that he’s too thin. He is an active dog, but I’m wondering if it’s not enough. Thank you for any insight!!! View attachment 230

 

[Malakai The Great]

Welcome! Sounds like you’re really tuned in to your boy, it’s great that you’re watching his condition closely instead of just the number on the bag.

It’s actually pretty common for shepherds around that age to go through a lean phase. Between 10–14 months, they hit a big growth transition where muscle and bone development shift, and they can look skinnier even when they’re perfectly healthy.

If he’s active, bright-eyed, and maintaining good energy, it’s usually not a crisis, just the awkward teenage stage. That said, if you’re seeing ribs more sharply or he’s skipping meals often, it might be worth experimenting with a different kibble protein or even adding a bit of lightly cooked or raw topper for palatability.

I haven’t used Kinetic myself, but I know some dogs do better on slightly higher-fat formulas like Orijen Puppy or Acana Sport & Agility. Sometimes it’s less about calories and more about digestibility.

In the picture you sent, he looks healthy weight-wise.