Gundog group · Breed guide
German Wirehaired Pointer: weight, routine and daily dose
The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed from several wire-coated pointing breeds that were popular in Germany in the 19th century, and the Royal Kennel Club notes that French Griffon blood may also have been used. It is a larger, more rugged version of its smooth-haired cousin, with a harsh, bristly coat that protects it in rough cover and rough weather.
The RKC calls it a rugged and indefatigable worker, suggests more than two hours of exercise a day and sees it as a country dog. Under the breed standard it weighs 20.5–34 kg, which spans two bands of the feeding guide — so the routine for a GWP starts with knowing what your own dog weighs, and then fitting meals around long days outdoors, after exercise rather than before.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 20.5–34 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2–3 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 40–60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4–6 weeks
Weight: Royal Kennel Club, “Weight: dogs: 25-34 kgs (55-75 lbs); bitches: 20.5-29 kgs (45-64 lbs).” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a German Wirehaired Pointer need?
A typical adult German Wirehaired Pointer weighs 20.5–34 kg, which crosses 2 rows of the DIGEST+ feeding guide. Weigh your own dog and use the row for its current weight — the table shows each case.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days | Every 4 weeks |
The bottle label prints 25 kg in two rows (11–25 kg and 25–40 kg). We use the 11–25 kg row at exactly 25 kg; if your dog is heavier than 25 kg, use the 25–40 kg row.
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a German Wirehaired Pointer
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
| 3 tablets/day | 40 days | 80 days | 120 days | from £0.50 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for German Wirehaired Pointer owners
- The breed standard range crosses the 25 kg point where the feeding guide changes: a bitch at the lighter end and a dog at the heavier end can fall into different bands.
- With long days in the field, feed after the main outing once your dog has cooled down. The PDSA advises avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times.
- On hard working days, keep the supplement tied to a meal that still happens at a predictable time.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
German Wirehaired Pointer: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a German Wirehaired Pointer have a day?
Typical adult German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 20.5–34 kg, which crosses more than one row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 11–25 kg: 2 tablets/day; 25–40 kg: 3 tablets/day. Weigh your dog and use the row for its current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a German Wirehaired Pointer?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days; At 3 tablets/day one bottle lasts 40 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Why might two German Wirehaired Pointers need different amounts from the feeding guide?
The breed standard allows 20.5–29 kg for bitches and 25–34 kg for dogs, and the feeding guide changes at 25 kg. Weigh your own dog to see which band applies, and recheck every few months. Speak to your vet about any weight change you cannot explain.
How do I keep a GWP’s routine steady through the shooting season?
Mealtimes often move on working days, so tie DIGEST+ to whichever meal still happens reliably, and avoid a large meal just before hard work. Make any change of food gradually over several days. If your dog’s digestion changes during a busy spell, speak to your vet.
Can every German Wirehaired Pointer have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your German Wirehaired Pointer is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- German Wirehaired Pointer | Breed Standards | Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- German Wirehaired Pointer | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated