Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs

What Should I Feed My German Shepherd

You can feed your dog dry or wet food or a combination of both. And if you dont like the idea of giving commercial foods, you can also opt to put your dog on a raw diet. Each has its own pros and cons.

Dry food is convenient and affordable, but it contains very little quantity of water. If you choose to feed your dog only dry food, make sure to provide plenty of water.

Canned dog food is delicious and healthier. It also contains more water than their dry counterpart, so your dog wont get dehydrated. But it is expensive and can only be used within a short time.

Homemade raw diets offer many benefits, but you have to be careful with how theyre cooked, stored, given to your German shepherds. Some of the benefits of a raw food diet are cleaner teeth and fresh breath, better weight control, improved digestion, more energy and stamina, and strengthened immune system.

However, preparing a raw diet is tricky. One of the main concerns when feeding a raw diet is the lack of appropriate nutrition and incorrect feeding practice. If youre not sure, its wise to consult with your vet first before feeding your dog a raw diet.

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.

Our Test Dogs Went Crazy For The Iheartdogs Nutrition Boost Beef Food Topper

This food topper will add high-value ingredients to your regular dog food by introducing proteins, probiotics, and antioxidants. Its flavor can also make meals more appealing to picky pups.

Often, cooking burns the necessary nutrients in dog food, which may also contain essential proteins. By introducing this topper to your dogs diet, you will make sure that your puppy is not missing out on proteins.

Since the topper contains probiotics, its a good defender against miserable digestive problems. If your dog is eating this topper, they may not need a probiotic supplement.

Benefits for Protein Toppers German Shepherd Pups:

• Improves the immune system.
• Contains protein that helps with tissue development and repairs broken tissues.
• Contains protein that helps make antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.
• Makes meals more appealing to puppies.
• Contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut.

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What To Look For In A High

Before discussing the specific characteristics that are desirable in a German shepherd food, it is important to outline some of the ingredients and traits that characterize all high-quality dog foods and are desirable when selecting a food for any breed.

Select dog foods made in the USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as dog food made in these countries are usually subject to stricter dog food safety protocols than those made in other places. By purchasing foods from these western countries, youre less likely to see it show up on a recall list or make your dog ill.

Look for a high-quality protein as the first listed ingredient. A few high-quality dog foods list a carbohydrate as the first ingredient, but most of the best dog foods for German shepherds feature a whole-protein source first.

Its always a good idea to avoid dog food with unnecessary and potentially harmful additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, but it is especially important to avoid feeding such foods to breeds prone to food allergies and intolerances, such as German shepherds.

Meat-meals are not necessarily poor ingredients, despite the claims of some. Many of the products used to make meat-meals provide great nutrition for your dog even if some of them seem gross to humans. However, it is important to avoid dog foods that do not indicate the species from which the meal was obtained.

What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Allergies

If your German Shepherd has allergies, it’s important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison.

These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies.

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Watching Calories: How Much To Feed Your German Shepherd

The amount of food you should feed your German shepherd is based on their daily calorie requirement. Calorie needs are calculated based on a multitude of factors, such as the dogs age, reproductive status, health, activity level, size, body condition, and the caloric density of the diet, which should be listed on the bag or on the manufacturers website.

Knowing precisely how many calories your German shepherd requiresand that the amount may vary in growing dogs. Is critical to ensuring they receive the appropriate amount of nutrition without deficiency or excess. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the right daily calorie amount for your German shepherd.

What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs

Everybody loves their dog very much. Its important to provide them with the best possible nutrients for overall health. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are prone to food allergies and other issues.

Dogs like German Shepherds often have problems with their digestive systems. They can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients in their food. This can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea. Many people believe that there is no such thing as a perfect dog food formula. But one product stands out from the competition:

This formula is designed specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs so it is easy to digest for them.

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Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food

Rating:

Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, chicken fat, yeast culture
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Victor Purpose Nutra Pro derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 46% protein, 24% fat and 22% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Nutra Pro is also rich in low-glycemic carbohydrates for sustained energy and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewThis formulation is new to the rotation for my 2 Australian Shepherds. Magic happily gave it 4 paws up after her first bowl. Loki, my fussy eater, was a bit skeptical at first, til he had the experience of eating this food being dispensed by a moving toy. Now his review is also 4 paws up. // I was able to transition to this food with no GI upset or poop changes. If you regularly change food brands or formulations, consider adding this food for your energetic canine partners. Highly recommended!

Food Allergy Or Intolerance

All dogs can develop allergies, but some breeds are more prone to specific allergies than others, and the German Shepherd falls into that category. They can be allergic to fleas, food, or chemicals.

Other allergens are pollens, molds, house dust mites, or mildew. When your dog comes into contact with an allergen, a harmful reaction can irritate their skin.

Other symptoms are coughing, sneezing, wheezing, ear infections, or a runny discharge from the eyes or nose. Sometimes the digestive system is affected, which causes a sensitive stomach, and vomiting and diarrhea can occur.

So, whats the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, you might be wondering?

A food allergy involves the immune system and is usually triggered by an over-response to a protein. In contrast, food intolerance does not affect the immune system and reacts to an ingredient.

Dont just think of meats as the only protein source as there are also proteins in grains and vegetables. The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, wheat, and dairy.

An example of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, where your German Shepherd is either missing or has low lactase levels. Both symptoms are very similar, and an elimination diet is the only way to determine the food causing the problem.

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Best Dog Food For German Shepherds W/ Allergies Or Skin Problems

Does your German Shepherd suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin? Whether theyre brought on through the food that theyre eating or some other cause, here are the top five dog foods for German Shepherds with allergies or sensitive skin based on our experience.

Note: If you click some of the links in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What Alternative Diets Could I Consider To Help My Dog

The most convenient option for owners is store-bought dog food for sensitive stomachs. But some people might want to consider a homemade sensitivity diet.

While its possible to make your own sensitive food at home, its essential to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of energy, protein, and nutrients for her breed, age, life stage, and life cycle. A sensitive homemade diet should contain protein , fiber , fats, fatty acids, along with the right balance of vitamins and minerals.

There are also companies that sell fresh, gently cooked foods made to suit your dogs diet. These formulas are another option for those looking for options to the kibble at pet supply stores.

Always talk to your veterinarian or qualified canine nutritionist to ensure you are given a healthy and balanced diet and meal plan if you choose to cook your German Shepherds food at home yourself. Any improperly cooked or unbalanced food can cause long-term damage to your dog unintentionally.

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How To Treat German Shepherd Dogs With A Sensitive Stomach

The first course of action to take when you realize your canine friend has a sensitive stomach is to identify the cause. To do this, observe everything that the dog is taking in. While at it, ensure your dog is not feeding from bins or litter trays.

Start by eliminating the usual culprits we already mentioned- meat, fish, chicken, and other sources of proteins. Proteins are the main cause of stomach upsets in German Shepherds. Also, check for high-fat foods and low-quality ingredients these are also common culprits. Once the main cause is identified, finding remedies and treatment options is easier.

If the symptoms are not severe, you can help soothe your dog by:

Nutrition For German Shepherd Puppies

German shepherd puppies grow like weeds, and their nutrition must be carefully selected to ensure those long bones develop at the proper rate. Follow these recommendations:

• Always purchase puppy food labeled specifically for large-breed puppies. Regular puppy food contains an excessive amount of calcium, which can impact proper bone growth.
• Ensure that the label states including large-breed puppies. Stating only all life stages is not sufficient.
• Never supplement additional calcium to your growing puppy.
• Dont jump to the latest trendy food, or a high protein, high fat diet, because a puppys developing digestive system needs gentle food. Maintain consistent nutrition with a well-balanced large-breed puppy food until your veterinarian recommends a switch.
• Maintain your German shepherd puppy on puppy food until their growth plates close, which may be as late as 12 to 18 months of age.

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What Should I Look For In A German Shepherd Dog Food

When looking for the best dog food for German Shepherds, you should consider several factors:

• Ingredients. Make sure that the constituent ingredients are obtained from a reliable source. Additionally, there should not be any fillers, additives, dyes, and flavors that have been added artificially. The food can also contain beneficial ingredients, including sweet potatoes, blueberries, and carrots, among others.
• Nutritional Needs. German Shepherds are large dogs that have specific nutritional needs. Make sure that the food you opt for offers these dietary supplements. You can also consult a vet for the best results.
• Shelf Life. Make sure that the brand you opt for has a decent shelf life. Otherwise, your food might expire early, and you will be left buying it over and over again. It should, however, be kept in mind that too much of a shelf life could indicate the presence of preservatives that are not considered healthy.
• Cost. Since food is a lifelong commitment, make sure that the product is cost-effective and easy on your pocket. Most premium brands will have cheaper counterparts that you can opt for.

Dog Food & German Shepherds

We hope you were able to find the best dog food for your German Shepherd and learn a little bit about GSD nutrition and the relationship between dog food and raising a healthy German Shepherd.

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Best Raw Food For German Shepherd

Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula emulates a dogs carnivorous ancestral diet. Satisfy your German Shepherds instinctual cravings with this raw dog food.

It is believed that raw dog food is beneficial for a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool.

This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, so you can give your GSD friend the nutrition her ancestors intended.

Its minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. With this commercial raw dog food, you can feed your German Shepherd just as nature intended.

Raw dog food companies like this one state that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and keep your pup energized. They also say it can help promote healthy teeth and gums.

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Recipe Natural Wet Canned Dog Food by Natures Variety is one popular option that comes in a unique rabbit formula.

Duck, Turkey, and lamb products are available as well, depending on your dogs needs. But you can be sure that each can of Natures Variety food contains only one single protein source.

It also contains no gluten or grain.

This is ideal if you are working with your veterinarian to exclude certain ingredients to see which ones your canine can and cannot tolerate.

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Can You Free Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Free feeding is leaving food out for your German Shepherd puppy to eat at whatever time they want. The following are reasons why free-feeding is not good for your puppy:

• It puts your puppy at risk of becoming overweight Puppies typically cannot control their eating. When they are bored, they can overeat which leads to obesity causing serious health issues.
• Free feeding allows the dog to access food all the time, making him find the food less appealing.
• Free feeding prevents you from keeping track of the amount of food you are feeding your dog.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken And Rice

Rating:

Large Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for:Adult shepherds only

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

The recipe contains multiple probiotics for better digestion and chelated minerals for improved absorption and healthy nutrition. Affordably priced and easy to recommend.

Sample buyer reviewWe have had our dogs on this food for some time and the vet is constantly saying how healthy they are . We searched for some time to find a quality food at an affordable price as we have 4 dogs . Have never had any issues with them or their digestive systems while on Diamond!

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Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy

Exclusive dry dog food for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months, with a patented antioxidant complex and vitamin E, along with highly-digestible proteins and prebiotics in a tailored kibble.further information

• Product description

Exclusive dry dog food for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months, with a patented antioxidant complex and vitamin E, along with highly-digestible proteins and prebiotics in a tailored kibble.

bodily defencesbalanced gut floraoptimum growthRoyal Canin German Shepherd Puppy at a glance:

• High-quality dry food for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months
• For a great start in life: An exclusive recipe for German Shepherd puppies, helping to support the immune system, digestion, bones and joints
• High digestibility: highly digestible L.I.P. proteins and prebiotics can support balanced gut flora and improved stool quality
• Natural immune system strength: antioxidant complex with vitamin E to promote a strong immune system
• Joint protection and controlled growth: chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can support healthy bone growth and strong joints
• Optimum musculature: tailored protein content for ideal muscle tone

Tailored kibble: Royal Canin Quality Guarantee