30/70 Kibble & Fresh Food Diet

Feeding a growing German Shepherd requires special care, especially during the critical bone and joint development stage. A 30% fresh / 70% kibble diet is one of the safest and most effective ways to add fresh nutrition while still protecting proper vitamin, mineral, and calcium balance.

This guide is built specifically for an 8-month-old male German Shepherd, approximately 60–75 pounds, using a Large Breed Puppy or All Life Stages AAFCO-approved kibble.

Why a 30/70 Diet Is Ideal for Large-Breed Puppies

At 8 months old, your German Shepherd is still developing:

• Growth plates are still open

• Calcium balance is critical

• Too much fat or improperly balanced fresh food can damage joints long-term

The kibble (70%) provides complete and balanced nutrition for growth.

The fresh food (30%) supports digestion, immune health, muscle development, and coat quality.

Daily Feeding Amount (30/70 Split)

Per Day:

• Kibble: 3 to 3½ cups

• Fresh Food: 1¼ cups

• Feed in two meals per day (morning & evening)

Always adjust slightly based on body condition, activity level, and weight changes.

Fresh Food Recipe 1 (Weeks 1–2)

Chicken, Rice & Green Beans

Daily Fresh Portion: 1¼ cups total

• ¾ cup cooked chicken

• ¼ cup cooked white rice

• ¼ cup green beans

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

• ½ teaspoon finely ground eggshell powder (daily calcium)

This recipe is gentle on the stomach and supports lean muscle growth and healthy digestion.

Fresh Food Recipe 2 (Weeks 3–4)

Turkey, Sweet Potato & Broccoli

Daily Fresh Portion: 1¼ cups total

• ¾ cup cooked turkey

• ¼ cup cooked sweet potato

• ¼ cup steamed broccoli

• 2 tablespoons carrots

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

• ½ teaspoon finely ground eggshell powder (daily calcium)

This recipe supports joint health, immune function, and coat quality.

How to Rotate Recipes

• Weeks 1–2: Chicken Recipe

• Weeks 3–4: Turkey Recipe

• Continue rotating monthly

You can safely use the same vegetables for the full two weeks without any nutritional issues.

Safe Add-Ins (1–2x Weekly)

• 1 whole egg

• Sardines in water (no salt)

• Beef liver (1–2 tablespoons only)

These add extra nutrients without disrupting balance when used sparingly.

What to Avoid at This Age

• No raw bones

• No skipping calcium

• No excessive fat

• No grain-free puppy diets

• No unbalanced homemade feeding without kibble

Mistakes at this stage can lead to permanent joint and bone damage.

Final Thoughts:

A 30/70 diet is one of the safest fresh-feeding options for a growing German Shepherd. The kibble protects proper growth and mineral balance, while the fresh portion boosts gut health, immune function, muscle tone, and coat condition.

When done correctly with daily calcium and proper portions, this feeding style supports long-term health without risking developmental issues.