The Best Canned Dog Food For German Shepherds
Canned dog food or as commonly referred to as wet dog food, is another food form other than dry dog food. Compared to dry dog food canned food has benefits which include:
- Contains more protein content
- Has fewer carbohydrates and preservatives
- It is easier to chew making it good for both puppies, adults, and senior dogs
- Has a higher content of moisture which supports healthy digestion and hydration
The German Shepherd as a large breed dog requires different nutrient requirements compared to a small breed dog such as a Beagle. Therefore canned food formulations are also made specifically for large breeds for this purpose.
High-quality canned dog food for German shepherds must contain the basic food requirements such as protein, fiber, fat as well as vitamins and minerals. The food contains enough protein for the development of strong muscles, fat content provides a source of energy, healthy skin and coat while fiber, vitamins, and minerals support optimal digestion and immunity for the German Shepherd.
In addition to this, the food should also be formulated to cater to specific requirements of individual German shepherds such as being grain-free, limited ingredient diet or food for sensitive stomach and skin to cater to sensitive dogs as well as also puppy and senior dogs diet requirements.
Best Overall – Wellness Complete Health Canned Dog Food Best Grain-Free for Allergies– Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein
Common Health Conditions Of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are not considered to be unhealthy breeds. There are, however, a number of medical conditions that German Shepherds are susceptible to:
Hip dysplasia where hip joint that doesnt fit together perfectly, which will eventually lead to arthritis. Before breeding, dogs should be screened by x-rays through the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia a condition where a dogs elbow socket doesnt form properly, leading to pain and problems. There is a screening test for this.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy also known as Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyopathy causes weakness to back legs leading to paralysis. There is a screening test.
Best Senior Dog Food For Less Poop
1. Merrick Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet PotatoesType: Dry
Improve your senior dogs health with Merricks grain-free formula for older canines.
Its crafted with 77% protein from animal sources and designed to have lower fat and calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Pros:
- Has chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health and L-carnitine to help dogs with digestive issues to have healthier metabolism
- Made with omega fatty acids for a shinier coat and healthy skin
- Contains probiotic and prebiotic fiber
Cons:
- Some dogs dont even want to try this formula so other pet parents recommend getting a smaller bag first
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What Are The Dog Foods To Be Avoided
Once youve learned what is the best food for your dog, its also very important to be aware of the three worst ingredients you can find in dog food which you should avoid as much as possible.
And according to Dr. Marty, who coined these ingredients as dog health disruptors, can cause poor digestion, irregular stool habits, overweight, skin problems, joint pain, and even depression in dogs.
And they are:
They deter digestion and prevent your dog from getting the proper nutrients from their food.
Pros: Good Things About Pedigree Dog Foods
The biggest benefit when it comes to Pedigree is the brands notably affordable price point. While you get what you pay for in many ways, Pedigree does meet AAFCO guidelines, while saving you plenty of cash.
Another benefit is that the Healthy Weight, Large Breed, and Small Breed formulas include joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin.
Pedigree is also readily available in most major pet retailers, so you wont have any trouble getting your hands on Fidos food. The food options within the same formula are also very similar, so you can switch between flavors every now and then to give your dog some variety, so long as it doesnt upset his stomach.
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Which Dog Food Is Best For German Shepherds
- Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months old
- Unique kibble shape is designed for a German Shepherds long, strong muzzle to encourage chewing
- An exclusive complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E, helps protect puppy development of the immune system
Disadvantages Of Soft Dry Dog Food
While soft dry dog foods are known to be more nutrient-dense than regular kibble, not all brands can boast about having this quality. A lot of brands of semi-moist dog food might fall back when it comes to supplying the right quantity and quality of nutrition. In fact, a few kibble varieties may pack more health than semi-moist dog food. So research is very important before shifting to soft dry dog food.
Soft dry dog food is made from both dry kibble and wet dog food. So it is possible that there are a lot of additives and preservatives in semi-moist dog food. Because soft dry dog food tries to increase the shelf life of the food by making it only slightly dry, it may contain a lot of harmful preservatives that are used to lengthen its shelf life.
The ingredients in semi-moist dog food or soft dry dog food could be far from natural. To maintain its chewable quality and soft textures, there are additives and more added to the food. While most companies, of course, take care to not add food additives that may be harmful to dogs in general, you never know what your dog might be allergic to.
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Is A Canned Tuna Good For German Shepherd
Naturally, dogs in general shouldnt be fed often with tuna whether its canned or home cooked. Tuna is just not part of their natural diet.
Not feeding them with tuna at all wont harm them, our dogs tummies cant digest tuna as much as we do, thus it shouldnt be part of their consistent diet.
Another one negative factor about feeding our shepherd pups with canned tuna is the risk that we are giving them from mercury levels.
Tunas are known to be long-living species and as they grow, they gradually capture mercury levels from the ocean and when eaten consistently, they tend to slowly danger your dogs health.
German shepherds can eat tuna but you need to make sure you do it just on the right timing. You need to consider your dogs size to assess how much canned tuna should you feed your dogs.
For example, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, they can have it once every nine days or if yours is bigger, then once every 7 days will be enough. The amount of tuna that you feed them solely depends on the size of your German shepherd dog.
Do German Shepherds Have Food Allergies
It is very common for German shepherds to have allergies to grains. Also, dogs with a sensitive digestive system can be intolerable to a number of foods. It is best to always pick a grain-free food option and visit a vet to have comprehensive detail about what you can feed your German shepherd.
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Top 5 Picks For Best Dog Food For Less Poop
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Choosing The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: What To Look For
German Shepherds are some of the most brilliant and lively dogs youll ever meet. However, German Shepherds are also known for having weak stomachs, and introducing new dog foods to their diets must be done as carefully as possible. Here are a few things to consider when buying dog food for German Shepherds.
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German Shepherd Health Risks
German Shepherds are prone to specific illnesses that can sometimes be prevented with the right diet. When choosing the best dog food for German Shepherds, you must take into account their susceptibility to certain medical conditions. A proper diet can substantially reduce the likelihood of these medical issues occurring or becoming worse.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, so a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin is recommended. Digestive issues and pancreatic failure are also common among German Shepherds, so they need an easy to digest food that is high in fiber and contains probiotics.
Another health concern for German Shepherds are neurological diseases, specifically degenerative myelopathy, so the best dog food for German Shepherds should have a vitamin-rich diet of unprocessed foods that are loaded with fruits and vegetables to support brain health. Finally,
German Shepherds are likely to develop ear infections so they need a lot of antioxidants to keep their immune system strong to ward off any bacteria.
What To Consider While Buying Best Food For German Shepherds
We have pinned down some important factors that you must look for before choosing best food for german shepherds. Your requirements may vary from your dogs weight and age, but no worries, we have covered them all for you. Make sure to get your German Shepherd checked with your vet and note down all ingredients which may not be suitable for consumption by your pet.
Calorie Requirements
As weve said before, German Shepherds are dog breeds that grow huge within 8 months. At their growing stage, they are vulnerable to bone-related issues. So at this time, we have to feed them a low-calorie diet that will lead to their slow growth process. Get a pack of high fiber dog food that is low in calories and feed them about 4 small meals throughout the day rather than 1 big meal.
Meat as 1st Ingredient
At their growing stage, it is crucial to keep the muscle and bone structure healthy. Your fur buddys food must contain at least 24% of protein and 8% of fat to help its physical development. Ensure including meat such as pork, beef, duck, chicken, fish, and lamb in their meals. High protein meat will build your dogs muscle structure by increasing its mass and making your pet look bulky.
Carbohydrates
Fatty Acids
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Reviews Of Wet Dog Food For German Shepherds
GSDs have robust bodies that require plenty of protein to support proper growth and muscle maintenance. Theyre also quite picky with food, not just in terms of taste but also compatibility with their sensitive digestive systems.
To help you out, here are some of the best wet dog food options for German Shepherds:
Ingredients To Look For In A Healthy Dog Food For German Shepherds
When picking out the best dog food for German Shepherds, look for these ingredients on the ingredients panel:
- Unprocessed protein sources like deboned chicken, beef, or fish
- Fish oil and flaxseed oil for omega fatty acids
- Grain-free or whole grain
- Blueberries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and beets for antioxidants
- Easily digestible carbohydrates like barley, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes
You should also read the guaranteed analysis panel for a crude protein content of 30% or higher, a crude fiber content of 6% or higher, a crude fat content of 20% or higher, and amino acids like arginine, leucine, and carnitine.
Check Out This Dog Food Finder!
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Additional Ingredients Suitable For German Shepherds
There are essential food elements that support the health of a German Shepherd as a dog breed. German Shepherds are prone to joint and bone health problems and it is essential to have food elements that support joint and bone health.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential elements that benefit German Shepherds in this regard. They are found in meat and poultry protein sources and support joints and mobility in dogs. Look out for them in the canned dog food.
Controlled levels of phosphorus and calcium are also essential for bone health as well as probiotic inclusive foods which are also beneficial because they promote good digestive health of dogs.
Important Factors For Selecting The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds Specifically
In addition to selecting a product that possesses the characteristics youd want in any good dog food, there are a few additional factors you should consider when purchasing the very best dog food for German shepherds. This will help you address the specific needs of your dog.
Some of the most important things to look for in a dog food for German shepherds include:
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Best Puppy Food For Less Poop
1. ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
This grain-free food gives your pup the right start in life with lots of real chicken and turkey, along with whole fruits and vegetables, and some salmon oil for lots of healthy fat.
No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors, and no meat by-products.
Pros:
- Contains antioxidants and Omega fatty acids like DHA
- Has carrots, parsley, apples, spinach, blueberries, and kale
- Contains probiotics for a healthy digestive system
Cons:
Nutritional Requirements Of German Shepherds
Like most canines, German Shepherds require a high amount of fat and protein in their diets. Studies have shown that this is mostly what our pets should eat.
The high level of activity of German Shepherd dogs requires an especially high protein and fat diet.
The correct food can have a profound positive effect on many aspects of your pets life, from their energy levels and general happiness, right through to how long they live. Check our our expert guide on canine nutrition.
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What Should I Look For In High
Any time you pick up a bag of dog food, immediately flip it over and look at the list of ingredients. One of the first things you should do is look at the first ingredient. High-quality dog food will list real meat as its first ingredient.
Next, look at the remaining ingredients to make sure you get your dog all the essential nutrients. Do you see the term by-product anywhere on the list? If so, you might want to look for another food. Words like chicken by-product mean that youre not getting real meat. Truthfully, you could be getting leftover meat products that would be thrown away otherwise. These are often very unhealthy for your dog.
Because German Shepherds are so active, they need a lot of protein to maintain lean muscle mass. But, at the same time, they have somewhat sensitive stomachs. So, finding a source of highly digestible proteins is really important.
Look for grains in the list of ingredients. You want to avoid corn and wheat products in just about any brand. Soy is also often an ingredient in dog food, but dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies often have difficulty digesting soy. Look for natural grains, such as rice. Again, some dogs cant eat grains at all, so keep that in mind as well.
Finally, if you cant pronounce a lot of the names on the list of ingredients, then you know you have a food with preservatives, chemicals, and artificial ingredients. Avoid these for the health of your dog.
Food & german Shepherd Helth Concerns & Risks
So, why is it important to feed your German Shepherd the right food and understand the breeds specific nutritional requirements and health risks associated with poor nutrition?
According to a study on nutritional risks of large-breed dogs, large dogs like German Shepherds have a higher risk of developing skeletal diseases such as hip dysplasia due to improper nutrition. Over time, skeletal disorders and obesity can lead to osteoarthritis.
GSDs tend to suffer from Gastric dilatation and volvulus bloat. Monitor your GSDs eating habits. Fast eating and gulping can increase the risk of these health problems. Feeding 3 smaller meals a day instead of one large one can also prevent this problem. Making sure your GSD does not do any strenuous physical activity after eating is also necessary. A slow-down dog bowl can also help.
Furthermore, a study published in BMC Veterinary Research Journal found that German Shepherds are at a high risk of developing cutaneous adverse food reactions 1, or in simpler terms, dog food allergies.
Because GSDs are prone to food allergies, we highly recommend doing an at-home food allergy test like 5Strands food allergy test. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and tell you which ones may cause allergies or sensitivities in your dog. After receiving the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas with these potential allergens.
Other significant German Shepherddog foodhealth-related risks to be aware of include:
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