Growing Strong: Nutrition & Exercise for Your GSP Puppy
TTR’s Tips & Pointers Blog
Nutrition & Exercise for Your GSP Puppy
Proper Diet: Build from the Inside Out
What your puppy eats during their first 12–24 months plays a major role in their long-term orthopedic health.
DO:
Feed a balanced, high-quality puppy food designed for active, medium-to-large breed dogs.
Look for brands with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support proper bone development.
Stick with puppy food until at least 12–18 months to support steady, appropriate growth.
Monitor body condition — For GSPs, it's typical to feel the ribs easily without pressing hard, and a slight rib visibility can be normal. However, if multiple ribs are prominently visible, or if the hip bones and spine are sharply protruding, your dog may be underweight.
Feed 3 meals a day until 6 months of age, then transition to 2 meals a day.
Feed for lean muscle growth, not bulk. Overweight puppies = overworked joints.
DON’T:
Don’t switch to adult food too soon — it lacks support for bone development.
Avoid supplements unless advised by your vet.
Don’t feed grain-free diets without medical necessity — some have been linked to canine heart disease.
What We Feed at The Tipsy Rabbit
We trust Next Level Pet Food to fuel our dogs' growth and performance:
Hi-Pro Puppy: Formulated specifically for puppies under one year, this diet provides a scientifically balanced blend of high-quality protein, fat, and nutrients to support healthy growth and development.
Hi-Pro 30 LS: Designed for active dogs of all life stages, this nutrient-rich formula offers sustained energy and endurance, making it ideal for sporting and active dogs, including growing puppies and pregnant or lactating females.
Both formulas are crafted to support optimal health, ensuring our puppies and adult dogs receive the nutrition they need to thrive.
Age-Appropriate Exercise: Protecting Growing Joints
GSPs are built for performance, but puppies must develop gradually to avoid injury or joint damage. Think smart movement, not more movement.
By Age:
8–12 Weeks
- Soft-surface play and gentle exploration5–10 minute leash walks.
- If they can’t jump up to a surface, they shouldn’t jump down from it. Lift down from couches, cars, or stairs to prevent joint strain.
3–6 Months
- Increase walks to 15–20 minutes.
- Free play encouraged—but avoid fetch on concrete or excessive repetition
- Begin leash manners and basic commands.
- No running next to bikes, no agility jumps or weaves yet.
6–12 Months
- Introduce confidence-building activities like wobble boards, water play, or very low obstacles.
- Continue low-impact strengthening like hill walks.
- Avoid jumping sports until growth plates close.
12–24 Months
- Gradually introduce structured endurance training.
- Begin agility foundation work (body awareness, focus, balance).
- Full-height agility training, jump work, and weaving should wait until at least 18–24 months, once growth plates are confirmed closed by your vet.
Why It Matters: Growth Plates & Lifelong Structure
Puppy bones grow from soft cartilage zones called growth plates, which don’t fully close until around 18–24 months of age. High-impact exercise or jumping during this time can lead to joint injuries, alignment issues, or early-onset dysplasia.
Routine Care Tips:
Keep nails short to prevent posture issues
Use non-slip rugs or mats on slick floors
Rotate enrichment toys to keep pups mentally and physically engaged
Balance activity with rest — growing pups need naps to rebuild muscle and bone tissue
At The Tipsy Rabbit...
We breed for health, performance, endurance, and longevity — and that journey continues with you. By supporting your pup with the right nutrition and movement from the start, you’re setting them up to thrive for years to come!
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