Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
Why do we like it? Eukanuba works very well for GSD puppies. It also features a formula with specific calcium and phosphorous target levels to avoid skeletal issues when growing.
Features
- Medium puppy dry dog food formulated with complete and balanced nutrition for medium breed puppies up to 12 months old with an expected adult weight between 24 to 54 lb.
- Supports muscle growth and bone health in athletic pups with high-quality animal protein and optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous.
- Supports healthy dog brain development with clinically proven levels of DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies.
- Provides concentrated energy from fat and carbohydrate levels beneficial for growing puppies.
Best Homemade Cooking Practices
When making homemade food for a German Shepherd , make sure you are diligent and adhere to your veterinarians recommendations.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking homemade dog food for your German Shepherd:
- Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for your dog
- Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
- Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
- Research every ingredient before using it for safety
- Follow the recipe as instructed
- Add supplements to their diet as needed
- Understand the impact of dietary changes
- Run any questions by a veterinary nutritionist
NOTE: When in doubt, ALWAYS research an ingredient. You dont want to add food that is toxic to dogs.
We strongly advise discussing your dogs nutritional needs and concerns with your vet before adding or changing your dogs diet.
Ingredients To Avoid Feeding German Shepherd
Chocolate
Keep chocolate bars and cocoa powder always out of your hounds reach. Weve studied that the toxic ingredient in chocolate is methylxanthines that could cause harm to your dog. At times if German Shepherds consume chocolate, it may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or low blood pressure.
Grapes
Both types of grapes -fresh and dried ones are toxic to German Shepherds. Researchers have not yet concluded as to why so. But they have witnessed dogs having severe kidney failure symptoms, abdominal pain, and vomiting when consumed too many grapes.
Avocado
Avocado is not highly toxic for canines but is mildly harmful to German Shepherds bodies. Theres a toxic ingredient in avocado that is called persin, which increases the obesity of pets. The fat content can lead to pancreatitis that can malfunction the whelps pancreas and affect its digestive system.
Caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine or alcohol, also in small quantities, can harm your German Shepherd Dogs internal system. Consuming it may lead to dangerous complications in your dogs body such as increased hyper activeness and restlessness. Avoid foods such as raw yeast dough and baked goods with liquor.
Read Also: Working Line German Shepherds For Sale
What Should I Feed My 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy
When theyre about 6 to 8 weeks old, owners should start giving their German Shepherd puppies a little dry dog food with water or unseasoned chicken stock when theyre not nursing.
When theyve reached their eighth week onwards, German Shepherds should be weaned and be fed solid food with a special puppy feed.
Its ideal to feed your German Shepherd puppy a breed specific dry or wet food. However, availability could be an issue.
In such cases, ask your veterinarian to come up with a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. They will take into consideration your puppys feeding pattern, size and health condition.
You should remove milk from your puppys diet at this life stage as it can cause diarrhea.
Can German Shepherds Eat Regular Dog Food
Yes, GSDs can eat a wide range of foods that are generic in nature.
However, because of their large size and their activity levels, they might require a special diet. For instance, they need 18%-22% protein in their meals, with their caloric levels ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 calories per day. This also depends on your dogs activity levels and overall health.
Read Also: How Do German Shepherds Get Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherd Dog Daily Feeding Guide
Muscular large-breed dogs like German Shepherds have some particular feeding guidelines to follow.
Although the number of cups per day will vary slightly depending on what brand of dog food you pick, these dog food feeding guidelines for German Shepherds are reasonable estimates for how much food you should be feeding your GSD.
For a more accurate estimate, simply look at the back of your dogs kibble bag.
Note that these are daily suggestions, not per meal. You should split the number of cups per day into as many meals as you need.
| Body Weight |
|---|
| Increase amino acids which can be found in protein | |
| Concurrent GI Signs | Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil add a dog probiotic try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Dull Coat and Scaling | Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet try a food that has added zinc |
| Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
Pro Tip: If your German Shepherds develop coat or skin problems such as dry skin, a dull shedding coat, hot spots, or itching and irritation, you can add a couple of squirts of fish oil to their food. Doing this will provide relief and nourishment to keep skin and coats healthy.
Also, never supplement extra calcium into a large breed puppys diet. Too much calcium encourages hip dysplasia earlier in life.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken is made up of chicken as the first ingredient and has no corn, wheat or soy. This means it should be easy for your german shepherd puppy to digest. The formula is also free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
Its important to note that this product can be used with puppies from 8 weeks old through 12 months old, but you should talk to your vet before switching your furry friend over to a new diet.
Don’t Miss: How Often Do German Shepherds Shed
Things To Look For In A Dry Dog Food For German Shepherds
Although German Shepherds can live on almost any kibble, their large and agile bodies thrive on high protein formulas. These allow them to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Generally, you should avoid any brand that doesnt have an animal source of protein listed at the top of its ingredients list.
The needs of every GSD will be different but, generally, this is the nutritional content you should look for in dry dog food:
| Lifestage | |
|---|---|
| > 25 | > 23 |
Additionally, you should look for a brand that doesnt have any filler carbohydrates. Deciding on whether or not you should feed your German Shepherd a grain-free diet is up to you. Generally, dry dog food containing digestible carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains is sufficient.
When youre looking for a kibble brand for your GSD, take the time to look at the additional ingredients. Some variants contain supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your dogs skin and coat. Others have probiotics for a healthy gut while several contain glucosamine for optimum joint health.
Of course, your German Shepherds specific health conditions will affect the type of food they need as well. If they have food allergies, make sure you scrutinize the label to keep your dog safe.
If theyre not hitting their weight milestones, they might need to consume high-calorie kibble to gain weight. If your dog has a health condition that might require a special diet, its always best to get dry dog food recommendations from your vet.
Top 10 Best Puppy Food For German Shepherd Puppy Picks For 2021
Many customers find it difficult to decide which puppy food for german shepherd puppy product to buy. The dilemma is brought about by the many types of puppy food for german shepherd puppys in the market. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a clear understanding of how you may choose the most suitable puppy food for german shepherd puppys available in the market.
Disclaimer: We are using Amazon affiliate Product Advertising API to fetch products from Amazon, include: price, content, image, logo, brand, feature of products which are trademarks of Amazon.com. So, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.. Read more.
| # |
|---|
| 7 |
Also Check: Can German Shepherds Live With Cats
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food
The Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry food has delicious chicken as its first ingredient to help fuel your German Shepherd puppys active life. It also features other natural ingredients such as superfood veggies and fruits.
The real meat that your puppy loves is a healthy protein and has an irresistible taste. The blueberries in this formula are a natural source of vitamin C as well as fiber and healthy carbs.
The carrots are rich in vitamin K, beta-carotene, and fiber to provide essential nutrients and naturally good flavor in your puppys food.
Finally, the cranberries are tasty and high in healthy compounds that improve the urinary tract of your German Shepherd puppy.
This dry food also features taurine, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids, phosphorus, calcium, chondroitin, glucosamine, antioxidants, and chelated minerals to support the overall wellbeing of your growing German Shepherd puppy.
Pros
- Supports healthy development of strong muscles.
- Help to support renal health and cognitive development.
- Supports a healthy immune system.
- Meets all the life stage requirements for your puppy.
- Promotes a naturally lustrous coat and healthy skin.
- Promotes strong, healthy teeth and bones.
Cons
- Can cause loose stool in some puppies.
The Best Supplements For German Shepherds
One of the best ways to address your German shepherds unique nutritional needs is to add all-natural, air-dried supplements to their diet. Supplements can fill in nutritional gaps and help support your GSDs overall health.
Here are some of the best supplements for German shepherds:
Fish Oil
Hip dysplasia and joint pain are common health issues for German Shepherds. Adding a fish oilsupplement can help you get more omega-3s into your dogs diet, which can help protect their joint health.
In a meta-analysis of studies on osteoarthritis in pets, omega-3s for dogs were found to have the highest amount of evidence to support their effectiveness. For the highest concentration of omega-3s, choose a fish oilsupplement made from wild-caught pollock and salmon, like this Omega Oil.
Joint Relief Supplement
Inflammation can contribute to joint pain and deterioration. A Relief Supplement is made with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, like turmeric, antioxidants, and green-lipped mussels . It can help keep your German shepherd feeling good into their golden years.
Probiotics
A probioticsupplement helps support German shepherds digestion, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Probiotics can promote digestive health by adding beneficial bacteria to your dogs digestive system. In veterinary studies, probiotics showed promise for addressing a variety of doggy digestive issues.
Read Also: How To Stop A German Shepherd From Shedding So Much
You May Like: Are German Shepherds Good With Small Dogs
Our 2022 German Shepherds Feeding Guide
Puppy
Average Weight Approximately 10lb to 30lb
Recommended Daily Food Intake 1-2 cups a day
Adult Dog
Average Weight Approximately 60lb to 90lb
Recommended Daily Food Intake 3-5 cups a day
Senior Dog
Average Weight Approximately 60lb to 90lb
Recommended Daily Food Intake When it comes to feeding your senior German Shepherd , you must consult your vet as to the suggested amount and type of food. There are a range of factors that can affect feeding, so ensure you have spoken to a professional.
Our Criteria: How We Chose The Best
Your beautiful German Shepherd needs fuel for its active lifestyle. Thats why we chose dog foods that contain all the key nutrients for a well-balanced diet. In our top choices, we included food packed with high-quality proteins derived from animals, such as chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and fish. These provide additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fats.
In our list, we also included special dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies and sensitive stomachs. Hypoallergenic food are grain-free and use alternative protein sources or limited ingredients that are easy to digest.
Many German Shepherd owners find it difficult to purchase dog food that is safe enough for their fur babies and tasty enough to keep them interested. The trick is to study your puppy, as each dog has a unique personality. This comprehensive review can help dog owners narrow down their list of dog foods to buy and try, as many options are out there.
Recommended Reading: Is A German Shepherd A Good Family Pet
How Do I Know My Dog Is Getting The Right Amount
Amanda J. Hawthorne encourages feeding your dog according to the manufacturers nutritional guidelines. These guidelines may vary depending on the brand and formulation.
Make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight. The spine, ribs, and pelvic bones should be easy to lightly feel. All GSDs should have a visible waistline.
If the food your puppy is eating seems to be leaving them unsatisfied or they do not appear to be gaining healthy weight levels, you may need to consider following up with your veterinarian.
Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Dry Dog Food
The most apparent reason why most dog owners prefer kibble to their canned and fresh counterparts is convenience.
Dry dog food is easier to store, prepare, and serve. Plus, it doesnt require any refrigeration, and it doesnt spoil easily or become infested with bacteria. Dry dog food is also generally less expensive per serving, and there are more varieties to choose from.
Apart from costs and convenience, dry dog food is also generally better for your German Shepherds dental health. Through friction, kibble reduces plaque and tartar. That leads to cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and fresher breath. Plus, they tend to love the crunch.
Read Also: How Much To Train A German Shepherd
How Long Does A Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Dog Grow
It will take about 15 to 18 months for Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix to grow in its complete form. The American Kennel Club provides this period for medium to large-size dogs.
However, the same is not absolute since each dogs growth and development depend on other factors such as diet and exercise.
How Much Should You Feed A German Shepherd Puppy
The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from.
If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods.
Its good for pups to get used to eating dry food while they are still young. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps:
Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older.
Also Check: Is German Shepherd A Good First Dog
Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken Meal is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Growth
- Best for:German Shepherd Puppies
This classic Science Diet formula gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 53% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
A fully-balanced, large-breed puppy diet. Contains just the right amount of calcium for controlled skeletal growth to help lower the risk of canine hip dysplasia in shepherd puppies. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewAfter doing research, I found that many large boned puppy foods had much more calcium than recommended by the Veterinary Council. Science Diet is much stricter about the ingredients. I switched and feel much better about my German Shepherds food! My dog loves it!
Food For German Shepherd Puppies: Faq
There is always the possibility that pet guardians have misconceptions about their canines diet. Do not fret, as those misgivings will be cleared here.
How many calories does a puppy German Shepherd need?
An intake of 500 calories per day is suitable for German Shepherd puppies. Yet, as the pup grows older, the number of meals is fewer, and the calorie intake increased to 1600 calories around fifteen months of age. Overfeeding your Shepherd can lead to obesity while being underfed can affect its growth thats why you should always consult with your local vet about your pets nutritional intake.
How often should you feed my German Shepherd puppy?
Your sweet little fluff ball needs to be fed three to four times a day until four months of age. But, it is a good idea to practice restraint. Overfeeding German Shepherds can lead to indigestion and diarrhea.And dont forget to increase your puppys calorie intake as it grows older. Remember, your GSD loves to sweat it all off with much-needed physical exertion.
What types of food are good for German Shepherds?What diseases are German Shepherds prone to?
German Shepherds are susceptible to joint problems. Youll find that malnutrition in puppyhood can lead to elbow or hip dysplasia in adult dogs. Also, GSDs have specific allergies indicating weaker tummies, so keep that in mind when you pick out their dry food.
Are German Shepherds hypoallergenic?
Read next
You May Like: What Can Baby German Shepherds Eat