
Getting Ready for Your Puppy
Welcoming a German Shepherd puppy into your home is exciting, and a little preparation goes a long way toward making the transition smooth for both you and your new companion.
This list is meant to cover the basic essentials—food, supplements, grooming tools, and a few household must-haves to get you started. It’s not all-inclusive: as we learn what works best for our puppies and families, we’ll continue to add or adjust recommendations. Think of it as your starter guide to be “puppy-ready” before your new best friend arrives.
Note on Recommendations: Some of the products we list come from brands we trust and use ourselves. At times, we may receive special discounts, promotional credits, or small referral bonuses from these sponsors. These partnerships help us keep our program sustainable, but we only share items we genuinely believe in and use for our own dogs.
FEED AS RECOMMENDED BY BREEDER
When bringing a new puppy home, it’s very important to continue feeding the same food the breeder has been using. This helps ease the transition into a new home and prevents stomach upset during an already big adjustment.
If you decide to switch to a different kibble later on, do so gradually over several days or even weeks by mixing the new food in with the old, slowly increasing the amount until the transition is complete.
In our program, all puppies go home eating Blue Buffalo Puppy Feed. Starting with the same diet ensures a smooth transition and a healthy start.
NuVet Plus
We have trusted NuVet supplements for many years and confidently start all of our puppies on them early in life. These supplements provide essential nutrients that support growth, strengthen the immune system, and promote lifelong health.
To make it easy and affordable for families, NuVet offers an Auto Ship Program. By signing up, you’ll save 15%—bringing the cost of your puppy’s supplements down to just $16 per month. They ship directly to your door, and you can choose the delivery date that works best for you.
How to Order:
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Call 800-474-7044 and use Order Code: 83752, or
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Order online at www.nuvet.com/83752
Starting your puppy on NuVet now will help set the foundation for a strong, healthy future.
Probiotics & Prebiotics
A strong digestive system is the key to a strong, healthy puppy. That’s why prebiotics and probiotics are so important during the early stages of life.
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Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut, improve digestion, and support nutrient absorption.
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Prebiotics act as “food” for those good bacteria, helping them thrive and do their job effectively.
Together, they create a healthier gut environment, which leads to better immunity, fewer tummy upsets, and a puppy that feels and grows at their best.
We’ve trusted MaxiFlora for years as our go-to probiotic supplement. It’s gentle enough for puppies yet powerful enough to provide consistent results. By starting puppies early, we help them develop a balanced digestive system that supports long-term health and resilience.
Place an order today! and use our referral code: 00567 for special rates!
SEA KELP
Sea kelp is one of nature’s powerhouse supplements for dogs, offering a wide range of health benefits:
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Supports Thyroid Health: Rich in natural iodine, kelp helps regulate thyroid function, which plays a key role in metabolism, energy levels, and overall vitality.
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Boosts Immunity: Packed with trace minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, kelp strengthens your dog’s immune system and helps them stay resilient against illness.
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Reduces Dental Plaque: Kelp’s natural enzymes work from the inside out to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promoting fresher breath and healthier teeth.
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Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat: With its nutrient-rich profile, kelp supports skin health and gives your dog a shiny, glossy coat.
You can find sea kelp in most pet supply stores or natural food shops.
For convenience, here’s our trusted brand we recommend for our dogs!

PUMPKIN PUREE
When bringing a new puppy home, it’s a good idea to keep plain pumpkin purée on hand. Puppies often experience loose stools during transitions—whether from the stress of a new environment, diet changes, or travel. Adding just a tablespoon of plain pumpkin purée can help firm up stools naturally and gently.
A few important notes:
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Always use plain pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugars and spices that can be harmful to dogs).
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You can make your own by cooking and processing fresh pumpkins when in season, or simply pick up a can from your local grocery store.
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For convenience, here is a trusted source we recommend!
Pumpkin purée is a simple, safe, and effective way to support your puppy’s digestion during the big transition into their new home.
FISH OIL
Fish oil is one of the most valuable supplements you can add to your dog’s diet, especially during puppyhood. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, it supports healthy brain and eye development in growing puppies and helps improve trainability and focus. For both puppies and adult dogs, fish oil promotes a glossy, soft coat and soothes dry or itchy skin, which is particularly helpful for breeds prone to seasonal shedding such as German Shepherds. Its anti-inflammatory properties benefit joint health and mobility, making it a smart choice for large breeds that are more susceptible to joint issues as they age. In addition, fish oil helps strengthen the immune system and supports heart and kidney health. For best results, always use a high-quality fish oil formulated for pets, follow the dosage recommended by your veterinarian, and store it properly to maintain freshness.
GATES & PUPPY PEN
At Vom Geliebten Haus, we believe that a puppy’s first space should feel open, safe, and part of the family.
That’s why we use a pen instead of a crate:
More spacious & comfortable – your pup can stretch, play, and rest naturally.
Feels included in the family – no closed box, they can see everyone and stay connected.
Better for German Shepherd ears!
Open-top pens let young GSDs move freely without bending or pressing their ears against low crate ceilings during those important ear-perking months.
Here’s the pen we’re currently using (and absolutely loving!)
Use Coupon Code: VGH15 for extra 15% OFF your order!








