Best Diet For German Shepherd

How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat

So, what about puppies, you may ask. How much should you feed a German Shepherd puppy?

A German Shepherd puppy needs about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult German Shepherd. Therefore a mature puppy weighing 45lbs needs around 2100 calories, the same as an active adult twice its weight.

Heres a rough guide on how much dry food to feed your German Shepherd puppy.

If you are feeding dry dog food, your brand choice should have the recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging for puppies . In addition, most brands display helpful tables or calculators on their websites.

Pro Tip: When my German Shepherd was a growing puppy, I visited my vet every month to weigh her and get a quick overall check of her general health.

What Type Of Dog Food Is Best For German Shepherds

We all want the best for our pets and want to feed our German Shepherd the best diet. But, there are so many different types of dog food it can get confusing, and its difficult to know where to start.

So, heres the thing.

The best dog food for German Shepherds is dry food, which is more practical for large breeds. It is also the least expensive, even if you choose a high-quality brand. Of course, you can choose to feed other diets, such as wet, a mix of dry and wet, raw, home-produced, dehydrated, or freeze-dried.

Most owners feed their dogs a diet of commercial dry food or wet canned food. However, these are the main types of diet that you can feed your German Shepherd:

• Complete dry foods

If you opt for commercial dog food, it must be complete and balanced according to the strict guidelines of the AAFCO. Complete means the food must contain all the nutrients required, and balanced means the nutrients present must be in the correct ratios.

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The AAFCO also provides information on understanding dog food labels. Its a pretty heavy read, but it essentially means that manufacturers will nutritionally label dog food depending on the dogs life stage.

Learn More About The Different Dog Food Types In This Video

What To Do If My German Shepherd Has A Sensitive Stomach

German shepherds are known for their sensitive stomach and gastrointestinal issues. A sensitive stomach can be caused by a range of issues such as parasites, warm weather, the food they are eating, or genetics.

Symptoms of the sensitive stomach include hyper-salivation, vomiting, excessive gas, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

The following ways will help soothe your puppys sensitive stomach:

• Feeding him real food Commercial food like kibble can upset your puppys stomach and most people choose to move away from kibble to natural foods like fresh meat.
• Buy high-quality food Cheap food may contain poor ingredients, therefore, consider premium brands but first check the ingredients before your purchase.
• Consider grain-free food because food with grains can agitate sensitive stomachs.
• Speak with your vet to diagnose the problem causing a sensitive stomach in your puppy.

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Best Foods For German Shepherd Dogs

Looking for the best food for your German Shepherd Dog? German Shepherds are large breed dogs known for their loyalty, confidence, and ability to be trained. Keep in mind that German Shepherd Dogs usually arent ready for an adult food until around 12 to 14 months. Here are the top-rated foods for German Shepherd Dogs based on owner reviews.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

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Dogs have long been called a mans best friend, and German Shepherds have always been considered the most popular choice of dog lovers because of the varied finer qualities they exhibit. They are the most loyal, confident, steady, intelligent, and capable working dogs ever known to mankind.

German Shepherds embody some of the best traits of a dog, but they also need special care and a proper diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Owning a dog is not just a privilege its a responsibility. They depend on us for food, attention, shelter, and more.

Product

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain

• Special Diet: Chicken Free

• Special Diet: No Corn No Wheat
• Weight: 30 Pound

• Flavor: Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
• Weight: 28 Pound

• Special Diet: No Corn No Wheat
• Weight: 28 pounds

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food

• Flavor: Chicken

Blue Buffalo Large-Breed Dog Chicken Dinner

• Flavor: Chicken

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach

• Flavor: Salmon & Rice

Lamb & Peas Grain Free Recipe

CANIDAE Grain-Free

Being large breed dogs, their calorie intake requirement will inevitably be greater than a normal dogs intake.

To help you make a safe choice, we have selected, reviewed, and evaluated the eight best dog food for German Shepherds that cater to all your needs while deciding which formula works best for your high-energy dog.

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Tips For Feeding A German Shepherd Dog

You can find a ton of dog feeding guides online, and while they each hold merit, its best to talk to your vet about your dogs specific feeding needs.

Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. That said, there is still plenty of good information in this article that should give you an idea of your dogs nutritional needs at each stage of life.

Its likely that your vet will give you plenty of options, including suggesting you follow this guide and make small adjustments as needed.

Should You Feed Homemade Food To German Shepherds Alternatives

Many dog owners think dog food is the same for all dogs, but thats not the case. Every dog has different nutritional requirements based on several factors, and GSDs are no exception.

We hope you found the best homemade dog food recipes for German Shepherds and learned about proper nutrition and what to look for when cooking for German Shepherds. Remember to work alongside your vet to ensure the diet maintains nutritional adequacy and before adding or changing your dogs diet.

If you are the owner of a GSD with meat food allergies, digestive issues, or any other food-related health issue, vegan dog food might be an excellent alternative for your dog.

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Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food

Rating:

Puppy Large Breed is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

A classic, field-tested formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios making this option ideal for German shepherd puppies.

Recommended with confidence.

Sample buyer reviewMy puppy absolutely loves this food! She can never wait to get her next meal! Her coat is soft & shiny! Highly recommend this product!

Purina Pro Bright Mind

Purina Pro is well known for their higher quality grain-inclusive kibbles. This pro formula is in the Bright Minds line of dog foods. It includes botanical oils which can improve mental clarity and sharpness for older pups. As mentioned, this formula includes grain, so its best to avoid if your aging German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach thats intolerant to grains.

This senior-appropriate dog food also contains additional glucosamine support to help prevent joint deterioration. The additional probiotics do support gut health, which is also important for aging dogs. Purina pro rounds out this formal with additional fatty acids to keep your seniors coat and skin soft and nourished.

We love most of Purina Pros recipes, despite their higher price tag. The added botanical oils in this formula will keep your aging pups mind bright and agile for the long term.

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Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

High protein content with moderate fat and calories is a recipe for balanced nutrition for your German Shepherd. We like this Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe because it provides 26% protein with just 12% fat and 340 calories per cup. With fresh chicken as the first ingredient, it is a lean source of protein to support your dogs lean muscle mass but not so high in fat or calories that your dog will gain too much weight. It contains digestible whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice, barley, and oats with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants as well as key nutrients. This recipe features probiotic supplements for healthy and regular digestion with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption. Plus, it comes in a larger kibble size and contains the unique nutrient ratios large breeds need for optimal health.

• Pros: Formulated for large breeds, rich in lean protein, moderate fat and calories, digestible whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
• Cons: Not a grain-free recipe

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food

Image courtesy Purina

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious wet dog food. It’s made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit.

This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

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Best Foods For German Shepherd Puppies

Below are five of our natural dry dog kibble recommendations that are made from natural ingredients, and all have the best overall nutritional content as guided by the AAFCO.

We have also considered the overall product rating given by dog owners across the world, as well as the reputation of each brand, so that you know you are choosing the best products from expert companies.

Skip The Fancy Brands: A German Shepherd Diet You Can Afford

Feeding a well-balanced diet is an important part of your German Shepherds overall healthcare. However, that doesnt mean you have to break the bank by feeding food marketed as premium or super-premium. According to nutritionists at Tufts Universitys Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, less expensive food that meets your dogs nutritional needs is often a better option, provided its produced by companies with years of experience and knowledge in the pet food industry. These companies usually test their products more thoroughly, making them just as good as premium brands.

• What is the healthiest food for a German Shepherd puppy?

Also Check: Potty Training My German Shepherd Puppy

Why Should You Feed The Best Dog Food To Your German Shepherd

Health conditions like diabetes, hip dysplasia, and cancer are common in German Shepherds. Mostly due to poor breeding practices, the health conditions of German Shepherds pass as hereditary diseases.

Dogs from high-quality breeders are less likely to suffer from these health issues. However, all dogs face a chance of developing a health condition as they age.

Luckily, that’s not the end all be all. We can take preventative measures such as exercising and feeding our dogs the best diet to protect them and reducing common health problems with the proper diet.

How Often Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy

Puppies receive all the relevant nutrients from birth by feeding on their mother. However, its safe to begin the weaning process onto a new diet for your German Shepherd after three to four weeks.

As previously mentioned, a growing German Shepherd puppy has different nutritional needs than an adult dog. But did you know puppies also need feeding more frequently at various stages of growth?

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Why Raw Food Is Best For My German Shepherd

A dog’s stomach is not anatomically designed to digest and ferment carbohydrates . Even grain-free kibble often contains high levels of starchy carbs, including legumes, peas and lentils. Feeding this to a dog puts their system under pressure, creating metabolically stressful insulin, glucagon and cortisol spikes throughout the day as well as causing inflammation and putting strain on vital organs, leading, in some cases, to a host of serious health conditions.

There’s no doubt the canine species is resilient, and despite eating a diet which isn’t providing the natural components they may need, they will adapt and survive for some time. Still, there’s a world of difference between surviving and thriving.

Whether you choose ProDog Raw’s no fuss, no-nonsense, natural raw dog food or raw puppy food, or you decide to create your own DIY raw food recipes at home, you can be sure that the move to a wholesome, species-specific diet will fuel your dog’s well-being, regardless of thier breed.

Read on to find out what the benefits of raw dog food are for your German Shepherd.

Read on to find out more of why raw food is the best food for your German Shepherd

German Shepherd Diets: The Basics

Many dogs which come into rescue shelters have owners who did not know how to look after them. It is important for dog owners, whether experienced or not, to know the particular feeding requirements of their breed. This is just as important with German Shepherds as any other breed. With the right, well balanced diet, your German Shepherd can go on to live a long, happy and active life.

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About The German Shepherd

When well trained German Shepherds can be even tempered, self-assured, vigilant, docile and highly intelligent. This long list of qualities makes them good companions and protectors, and excellent guarding and herding dogs.

German Shepherds are driven by their motivation to work. They can become a dominant figure in their owners lives but German Shepherd training is easy, given the time and attention they need. This breed should receive significant daily mental and physical stimulation, with its high exercise requirement and need to learn.

The Importance Of High

It is especially important to feed a German Shepherd of any age food that is made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Less expensive brands of dog chow may not be worth the savings in the long run. Lower quality brands tend to use lots of additives, preservatives, filler ingredients, artificial colors, and other ingredients that do not add any nutritional value.

These foods may be low in nutrient value and will not offer enough protein. While these may save owners a few dollars, cheaper brands are not worth the risk of poor nutritional health for a dog. The best diet choices for a German Shepherd depend on size, age, health, and specific break. Remember, adult dogs will need fewer calories than puppies. Active adults will still need high protein, nutrient-rich diets.

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How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Depending on your puppys current weight, activity level, and metabolism, you should plan to feed your puppy 3 or 4 times each day.

Older puppies can be fed fewer times per day, but be sure not to limit the caloric intake below the recommended amount.

Smaller, more frequent meals will help prevent bloatgastric dilatation volvulus is a potentially life-threatening condition.

Frequent meals will also help stabilize your puppys blood sugar and energy level to help them grow steadily, not in fits and starts.

Puppies need two or three times the number of calories as adult dogs do. This may seem strange considering puppies are much smaller than adults.

However, German Shepherd puppies grow extraordinarily fast, so their caloric intake needs to support that.

To figure out how much to feed your German Shepherd puppy, look at his or her weight. Females will be slightly smaller and lighter than males.

Using the weight chart above, the general food chart in the previous section, and considering the gender and activity level of your puppy, you can calculate the approximate amount of food to feed daily.

Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day.

If he is eating 4 times per day, that would be ½ a cup of food at each of 4 meals.

Supplements For German Shepherds

The vast majority of commercially available dry kibble is complete and balanced for your dog, assuming its a high-quality food.

That means there is almost never a reason to supplement your dogs diet with additives, vitamins, or herbal supplements. In fact, adding these things to a healthy dogs diet can cause a lot of harm.

Never supplement your dogs diet unless directed by a veterinarian. In those cases, they will prescribe or suggest canine-safe products to cover your GSDs special needs.

Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd.

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Month Old German Shepherd

At 4 months old, you can begin introducing more live animal products into their diet. Ingredients like actual bone, pieces of liver, and raw eggs are great to help your dog pick up the nutrients that may be lacking in their dry dog food.

Avoid giving them too much, though, by following the guidelines weve given you above.