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Best Dog For For German Shepherd

Best Beds For German Shepherd Dogs And Puppies

German Shepherd Rumor wins Best in Show | Westminster Dog Show (2017) | FOX SPORTS

Your dog spends most of its day sleeping, so buying the best dog bed for your German Shepherd is critical to their health.

Did you know that your German Shepherd sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day ?

Thats a lot of time to spend on a cold, hard floor especially given your breeds propensity to joint and hip issues.

In fact, dogs exert 2 to 3 times their body weight per limb when they move and impact the ground surface .

This is a dramatic amount of pressure and force on their paws!

But, you can help your dog take the stress off their bodies by providing them with a cushioned bed that keeps them off the hard surface and allows their limbs a rest.

Here are the top picks for the best German Shepherd dog beds, chosen because theyre from one of the largest and most trusted online retailers, have unique features, and received the best reviews from dozens of happy pet owners .

Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken

Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp

Caloric Content: 3,323 kcal/kg

The Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food is a veterinarian-approved dry dog food mix with a huge range of ingredients. It contains a great blend of farm-raised chicken, oatmeal and rice, as well as fruit and vegetables such as blueberries, carrots, apples and tomatoes.

This mix is suited to all stages of a German Shepherds life, from puppy to senior, and is a natural formula that contains both prebiotics and probiotics to assist with digestion and the absorption of food in your dogs stomach.

Vitamins A and B12 are included, as well as Taurine for optimal health. Although there arent any genetically modified inclusions in this food, some dogs who are very picky eaters have not enjoyed it. It is generally a quality choice for your German Shepherd though.

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy

Image courtesy Royal Canin

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy is a dry dog food that’s specifically designed for puppies up to 15 months old.

This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

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American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

Caloric Content: 3,740 kcal/kg

Feeding Instructions: 3 2/3 4 ½ cups a day for an adult dog

Key Features

Most Inexpensive If you are searching for a dry dog food for your German Shepherd that isnt super expensive, then American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice for you.

It is on the lower end of the price spectrum however, it is still a good dry dog food from a reputable brand that is manufactured in Kansas, USA.

This mix comes in a 4lb, 12lb or 24lb bag, offering the option to choose a smaller bag to begin with to see if your furry friend likes it and then move on to a bigger bag later on.

A 4-pound bag holds about 17 cups, a 12-pound bag holds about 52 cups and a 24-pound bag holds about 104 cups that should last for a while! It can have a strange smell though, which can be off-putting to humans and dogs alike, and can be a little hard for senior dogs to digest sometimes.

This Salmon & Sweet Potato blend offers protein and amino acids through real, deboned salmon, ensuring leaner muscles while still tasting great.

The addition of both chickpeas and sweet potato allow for slow-release energy, which means your best friend will have endless energy all day long.

And lets not forget everything is grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free and soy-free, which is perfect for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

How Much Dog Food To Feed A German Shepherd

Best German Shepherd Dog Dog Food

Since German Shepherds are a larger breed of dogs, they require a large amount of food to fill their tummy. For adult German Shepherds, you can feed them about 2.5 to 3.5 cups of quality kibble a day and slowly feed it twice a day. Modify the feed according to your dogs size, weight, age, and day-to-day activity involvement. Feeding your dog high protein food will build its muscle mass. If accompanied by vitamins and minerals, then that will improve your fuzz mates mental health. Feeding our pets with the right food will influence their physical growth only if you have blended in vitamins and minerals in a sufficient amount.

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What To Look For In A Good Toy For German Shepherd

As a breed, German shepherds are most relaxed when it comes to everyday life. They enjoy regular playing and activity, but theyre not inherently aggressive. As a larger breed, they can be tough chewers with their healthy bite, and not all toys will last. A German shepherd will be protective of their owners if necessary, but when it comes to playtime, they enjoy a variety of games.

To start, youre going to want any toys for your German shepherd to be durable. As mentioned, these dogs have strong jaws, which means theyll likely chew through a toy, even if they do not intend to be rough. The tougher a toy is, the more playtime your dog will get out of it without needing to hunt down a replacement.

Lastly, you want to think about your dogs preferences. While you can make some generalizations about breeds, each pup likes different things. Be ready to try out different toys until you find the ones your dog will love. Additionally, make sure youre getting a toy suitable for their life stage , so you dont cause damage to your pups teeth.

Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft Dog Crate

Sizes Available: 21 inch, 26 inch, 30 inch, 36 inch and 40 inch

Best Soft Sided German Shepherd Crate Another Frisco model on the list with their Indoor & Outdoor Soft Dog Crate. If your dog loved the enclosed type of crates with a softer material, then this is definitely the model for you. Every size model of this crate is lightweight and easy to transport so its safe to take on family days out!

Pros:

  • Easy to set up and fold down
  • Super comfortable for your dog

Cons:

  • Has to be hand washed and this can take time
  • Especially destructive dogs may be able to tear the material

From soft-sided, lets move on to Plastic Crates.

Plastic crates can be the perfect way to crate dogs who are rowdy and need something a little more enclosed than wires. Our top pick for the best plastic crate on the market for German Shepherds is:

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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs

If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato.

Ollie Fresh Dog Food Best Overall

Best of Breed Minute: The German Shepherd Dog

Our favorite dog food for German Shepherds is Ollie Dog Food. Having an eager, active breed like the German Shepherd means finding an adequate diet that supports and satisfies their busy lifestyle. Ollies recipes do just that. Each fresh and baked recipe uses whole, locally sourced ingredients and lists hardy, real meat proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb, as the first. Whichever meal you decide on, you can be sure that your dog is getting the essential nutrients they need to grow up strong and stay in tip-top shape.

With Ollie, you customize your dogs meal plans according to their weight, age, and dietary needs. You can also choose how frequent shipments are sent so you never run out of food.

Although some dog owners may be reluctant to sign up for a subscription, we highly recommend it for the convenience and knowing were feeding our dogs top-of-the-line dog food.

Several customers report that the food gave their dogs bloat and gas, likely due to the inclusion of grains in the recipe. Some also said the food gave their dogs loose stools, again likely due to the grains, which are an unnecessary addition. This keeps Iams from the top position.

While this food is ideal for German Shepherds, it is comparatively expensive food. The kibble also has a high-fat content, around 17%, so be sure to not overfeed this food to your Shepherd.

  • Kibble is too small for large breeds

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Holistic Select Large And Giant Breed Adult

Rating:

Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry kibbles included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for:Adult shepherds only

Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

This grain-inclusive, large breed formula boasts above-average protein content yet still free of any plant-based protein boosters. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewMy 4 Great Danes absolutely love this food. They are all very healthy, coats are wonderful, and it helps with their teeth. I would recommend this to anyone with Giant Breed dogs. The nutrition information is comparable to what the needs are for Giant Breed . Nothing in this thats bad for your dog. If you decide to get this, your dog will enjoy it!

What Personalities Best Suit A German Shepherd

There are many more breeds that suit German Shepherds aside from the list above.

Any breed that has the following personalities will likely get along well with your GSD. But please understand, all dogs are individual and as I mentioned earlier, even GSDs can change greatly from one another.

The best companion breeds for German Shepherds will have the following personality traits:

  • Desire to be worked, have a job to fulfill
  • Enjoys occasional rough play
  • Requires medium to high exercise
  • Not territorial

Breeds that display most of the above qualities will likely get on well with a German Shepherd.

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Can I Buy Something Similar Cheaper Elsewhere

One of the most common questions that a lot of customers ask is, Can I buy something similar cheaper elsewhere? The short answer is no. When you are looking for a quality cheap dog food for german shepherd, the most important thing to know is that cheap is not always better. You should carefully research the best cheap dog food for german shepherd before buying and consult the prices on some online sales websites to make the best decision.

Are German Shepherds Good Pets

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, loyal dogs who love to learn. They are very social dogs who love being with their family pack. Being so intelligent, they require a high level of mental and physical exercise, and it is necessary to ensure they have plenty of space to move and play. German Shepherds can tend to be aloof with strangers, and make excellent guard dogs.

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Tips For Naming Your German Shepherd

Choosing the right name for your German shepherd is no small task. You want a name that matches your dogs persona and power but isnt too lengthy or complicated. Remember, youll need to give this name to the vet, tell it to all your friends, or shout it in the dog park.

You already know you have a big dog on your hands with a GSD, but is your dog more rough-and-tumble or sweet-as-sugar? Thinking about your dogs personality can help you find a just-right name that will suit your pooch for the years to come. You can also play on popular German exportslike beer or automobiles, or name your GSD after a famous German, such as Einstein or Bach.

Frisco Rope With Squeaking Ball Toy

Best Rope Toy

Theres no better bonding activity for you and your German Shepherd than a tough game of tug-of-war. Unfortunately, not all rope toys may be able to survive the activity, but that isnt an issue with the durable Frisco Rope with Squeaking Ball Toy.

Not only is there a built-in handle for you to easily grab onto, but you can also use the handle to turn this product into a fetch toy. With the polyester rope, youll also find a thermoplastic rubber ball that contains an extra-loud squeaker to excite your dog.

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German Shepherds Are Healthy

German Shepherd are one of the healthiest dog breed. They can live to up to 13 years if they are properly cared for. German Shepherds love to exercise, thus they are free from weight problems. German Shepherds are prone to several health risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia which later lead to arthritis, degenerative myelopathy and others diseases, but the risk of suffering from these diseases is greatly reduced if proper nutrition and veterinary care are given.

How To Measure Your Dog For A Bed

Best Companion Dog for German Shepherd: Which Breeds Top the List?

Its better to measure your dog for a perfect fit.

Its better to choose a slightly larger dog bed when youre in doubt about the size. A larger resting pad not only gives your dog room to grow if theyre still a puppy but provides your dog with more choices for their sleeping positions.

Its best to measure your dog when theyre lying down with their paws completely stretched out so you have the full picture of their dimensions.

Next, do the following:

  • Take your measuring tape and measure from the end of their nose to the tip of their tail.
  • Remember to take measurements of your dogs height while lying down, too.
  • Run your tape measure from the tip of their ears to the end of their paws.
  • For comfort, make sure you have a few extra inches around your dog so they can fully spread out add 8 to 12 inches for a large German Shepherd to give them room to sprawl.
  • When in doubt, order the larger size if youre debating.

Its also worth remembering two important facts when choosing a dog bed for your German Shepherd:

  • Younger puppies and dogs will grow
  • Its easier to train a new habit than to break an old one
  • This means that if your puppy or dog outgrows its bed theres a high chance theyll be so used to it theyll keep using it even if they dont fit!

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    Buying The Best Crate For Your German Shepherd What To Really Know

    Dog crates are widely available and provide an open den area that many German Shepherds like to use as a safe place. Crates are also useful training aids to help puppies learn to be left alone or to encourage house training but crates should never be used as a punishment.

    Because a crate will become your dogs very own private bedroom, dont skimp on quality with the safety and comfort of your dog.

    My top 3 picks for crates for a German Shepherd include the following:

    Determine the strength of the crate you need for your German Shepherds disposition and energy level. Most importantly, train your German Shepherd to not just like their crate

    But to love it!

    Crates provide your dog with a strong, secure, escape-proof enclosure while giving them their own private den. Buy the most suitable crate that you can afford, keeping your dogs personality in mind.

    Remember, the best crate for a German Shepherd is one that you and your dog are both happy and comfortable to use with safety at the forefront.

    Follow these useful crate buying tips and you and your German Shepherd will be a happy team!

    Found this helpful?

    Midwest Quiet Time Fleece Reversible Dog Crate Mat

    A simple, but comfortable, fleece pad keeps your GSD comfortable in their crate.

    Who said your GSD cant have a soft dog bed in their crate, too?

    If your dog enjoys lying in its crate youll need to get them a softer surface to avoid body aches and pains. Placing a soft mat inside a crate keeps your dog more comfortable and helps them stay rested.

    But thick dog beds wont always fit inside a crate and can take up too much height, making it difficult for your GSD to stand up fully.

    Instead, get a dog pad for their bed to allow them room to stand while the plush surface reduces pressure points and foot discomfort. Keep in mind its better to have a thicker and deeper mattress for your GSD if its their full-time bed.

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    What To Look For In A Good Toy For German Shepherds

    Although it may be easy to tell what makes a bad toy, identifying a good toy can be trickier. Generally, there are a few key elements to look for: high-quality materials, durability, and activity needs.

    Some toys are specifically designed to meet the activity needs of large breeds like the German Shepherd. A good toy is one that can provide your pup with plenty of stimulation while also helping them burn off excess energy too. Keep in mind, however, that while puppies will need the most stimulation, a less active senior German Shepherd might not need much at all.

    Finding a durable toy is crucial. While many brands might promise durability, you can usually spot a long-lasting toy by the materials its made of. If the toy uses sturdy rubber or tear-resistant fabric, you can usually count on it lasting longer than a week. Some toys may even specifically indicate whether or not theyre for aggressive chewers.

    Theres another reason to find toys with high-quality materials. Besides durability, a toy thats designed with high-quality fabric or material is less likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritate your dogs skin.

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