What Kind Of Diet Does The German Shepherd Need
German Shepherds are large dogs, and they need a high-protein diet, at least 1822% protein. Meaning, if chicken, turkey, beef, venison, fish, lamb, pork, or other animal proteins are the first ingredients, that dog kibble is suitable for German Shepherds.
Animal meals or meat by products and fat content should not be listed as the first ingredients. Instead, they make good supplements. Speaking of supplements, they too provide excellent nutrients for your dog.
Such supplements contain a significant amount of chondroitin, glucosamine, fish oil, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and more for good bone and joint development, a shiny coat, healthy skin, and a well-functioning brain.
The best dog food for German Shepherds is well-balanced with no grains but with plenty of fiber for proper digestion. For example, brewers rice is a poor choice. Instead, go with brown rice or other whole grains if you really must.
Whats In Raw Wild Dogs Food
Raw Wild specializes in dog food made from Elk and Deer. The source of their protein is from the forests of the western Rocky Mountains.
These animals are wild, spending their lives grazing on pesticide-free grasses and plants. And they drink from clean springs and other water sources.
This kind of meat is healthy, fresh, and toxin-free, which is vital for the health of our dogs.
Raw Wild works with hunters who ethically source and hunt healthy animals for their own families.
So you can be sure they use no dead, dying, diseased, or disabled animals. Yes, all their meat is human-grade.
This also means you dont have to be concerned about Chronic Wasting Disease .
And their food is prepared in a human-grade facility that prepares wild game meat for the human food chain too.
Their food consists of 99.4% Elk and Deer meat and .06% proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals.
Now, you might be wondering
I was curious about this myself, so I went digging for the answers
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Premium Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Chicken flavor, 5. Fish Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Caloric content : 3,771 kcal
A diet thats designed for a specific breed is much more fulfilling than a regular one. Keeping that in mind, Royal Canin has created a special formula especially for German Shepherds and their dietary needs. Some noteworthy features of the breed-specific diet include special dietary fibers that cater to the sensitive digestive system of German Shepherds and a mix of nutrients that nourish and support their skin and coat.
The recipe is designed with highly-digestible proteins to encourage muscle growth and nourishment. Moreover, it contains both EPA and DHA to support bone and joint health, which is a common issue with most adult and senior German Shepherds.
Analysis: Protein min. 22% | Fat min. 17%, | Fiber max. 5.5% | Moisture max. 10%
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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.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Select The Best German Shepherd Dog Food
What to Look for in German Shepherd Dog Food
Every dog food manufacturer claims to be the finest choice for your pet. If you know what to look for, you can look past marketing ploys and focus on the most critical factors when selecting the dog food that’s best for your German Shepherd.
Protein
Make sure to choose foods with a high amount of protein from fish, meat, or poultry. Puppies require at least 22 percent protein in their meals, while adults can reduce the quantity to 18 percent.
While protein is necessary for your dog, be skeptical of “high protein” dog food items. Protein is high in calories and might lead your dog to gain weight quickly. As you are undoubtedly aware, gaining too much excess weight might lead to health issues for your dog in the future.
Essential Fatty Acids
Choose a dog food with fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3. These all help to a healthy coat and skin.
Fiber
Look for fiber-rich goods made from natural, readily digested carbs like vegetables and whole grains.
AAFCO Standards
The AAFCO acronym stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. While this group lacks the capacity to regulate or approve dog food, it does establish the standard for pet food quality.
Why Choose Grain-Free or Not?
In actuality, grains, particularly whole grains, may be highly beneficial to your dog’s diet. They supply your dog with essential nutrients as well as fiber and energy.
How Much Food Should I Feed My German Shepherd?
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Food & Health In Gsd: Why Feed Raw To German Shepherds
Unfortunately, a lot of German Shepherd allergies arise from commercial dog food. German Shepherds are at a high risk of developing cutaneous adverse food reactions , or in simpler terms, dog food allergies.
Other common health problems in GSDs include degenerative myelopathy, elbow, and hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritis. High levels of starchy carbs and bad carbs found in kibble can put your GSD at risk of becoming overweight. An obese GSD can aggravate these conditions as the extra weight puts more strain on their joints, bone structure, and back .
German Shepherds are also prone to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency , Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Perianal Fistulas. A low-fat diet and highly digestible food are key to prevent irritation, inflammation of the digestive system, which helps avoid these conditions.
Can A German Shepherd Eat A Raw Diet
Yes, a german shepherd can eat a raw diet.
Please keep in mind that if you are making changes to your dogs food plan, it usually takes them about a month before they will start feeling the benefits of feeding raw. A gradual transition is recommended over trying to make too many changes at once. Transitioning to this type of diet may require some extra effort on behalf of the owner.
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The Ins And Outs Of Dog Food
Regardless of the breed youre buying for, finding the best dog food is personal. There’s some science that can guide you, but there are also a lot of ongoing debates in the pet food industry from which type of dog food is best to whether grain-free is better than whole-grain food. We’ll give you the facts so you can find the right food for your German shepherd.
Is It Safe To Feed All Kinds Of Raw Meat To Your German Shepherd
So, knowing that German shepherds have a tolerant stomach thanks to their wolf ancestors and genetic build, is it safe for them to eat all types of raw meat?
The answer is, yes, for the most part.
While most raw meat is safe for a German shepherd to consume, we advise you not to feed your pet any raw meat that you wouldnt cook and eat yourself.
We suggest following the same guidelines you would use when choosing and cooking meat for you and your family.
Yes, a German shepherd may have stronger stomach acids than us but they are not wolves.
Domesticated animals can sometimes have weaker gastrointestinal systems due to various factors such as genetics.
Ensure that you inspect the expiration date of any meat you are considering feeding your dog. If the date has passed, do not feed it to your pooch.
This can cause stomach upsets and a messy floor.
Lets take a look at some of the risks associated with raw meat when its fed to a German shepherd.
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Do Adult German Shepherd Dogs Need Special Nutrients
German Shepherds often develop digestive problems due to a shorter colon. This can lead to a sensitive stomach. Therefore, it is important to give a very precise diet to avoid triggering sensitivities and also contribute to optimal health maintenance. Provide your adult German Shepherd a balance of meat protein, fiber, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, and vitamins.
Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Dog
This recipe will make 11 pounds of raw food, which is 6-7 days worth of food for a 50-pound dog. The amount you feed will depend on your dogs weight and exercise level.
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon kelp
Directions
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Dog Weight And Raw Food
Maintaining appropriate healthy weight is essential for your dog, no matter what breed. German Shepherds are known to piling on the pounds, however, so their diet should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats, ground bones and vegetables – which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals – for optimum health and performance.
As with any change in diet, you should pay specific attention to your dog’s weight and physical appearance as they adapt to their diet. How much you feed your dog every day depends on several factors, including:
- your dog’s metabolism
- the age and breed of your dog and whether
- you want your dog to gain, maintain or lose weight
Ensuring the correct ratios of ingredients when creating your own raw feeding recipes is essential. Our frozen raw dog food range features our pure 80:10:10 raw minces made from meat and ground bone with additional ingredients thrown in. Our complete formula raw minces and our raw puppy food minces are both no fuss, no-nonsense, and all you need in one pot. You can also check correct feeding guidelines using our raw dog food calculator.
Weighing a German Shepherd is likely best at the vets due to their size, no vet will object to you visiting for a weigh-in.
If you can lift your German Shepherd, you can use a home weigh-in method, using three simple steps :
Alternatively pop into your vets for a weigh-in.
Is A Raw Diet Good For German Shepherds
Raw meat is not just a good source of protein for German Shepherds, but it is an optimal diet alternative. Raw food is like the keto diet for people, allowing them to reduce excess fat and reach their peak health. In the wild, dogs are typically carnivorous, so a raw food diet would be what aligns the most with their needs.
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Quick Checklist To Judge A Premade Raw Dog Food And Company
You can safely use this short checklist to find the best raw food for German Shepherds.
Im passionate about canine nutrition and Im constantly studying new research and development in the field. Id like to help you if you have any doubts or questions. So feel free to drop them in the comments below.
Hi GabriellaI am enjoying reading through every link, page and article on your site. I recently lost my GSD, she was a very healthy 11 ½ year old who died suddenly from Hemangiosarcoma. We rescued her at 6 years old, so dont have much of her history, but I fed her a combination of Raw and Cooked meals. She had Raw for breakfast, mostly the Fish mixes from Tuckers and then I prepared her dinner meal by using the Just Food For Dogs Lamb or Beef Recipes.We will be getting a 4 month old puppy from a VERY reputable breeder in August and I want to make sure I feed him the best right from the start! What are your thoughts on a Raw/Cooked combo like before? Have you heard of Tuckers and Just food for dogs?
Really informativeMy GSD is 2 yes old and weighs 105 lbs. She gets fed 4 cups of Iams a day and is ALWAYS still hungry.
What To Feed Your German Shepherd Dog
Most experts and organizations such as AAFCO will recommend feeding the German shepherd a balanced and complete diet. This is what Houston Raw Pet Food specializes in. However, it is important to ensure that the meals you give your dog match or go beyond their nutrient profile needs. You may want to consider a Bones and Raw diet for your German shepherd fog, to be sure.
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Do German Shepherd Puppies Need Special Nutrients
To keep up with the rapid growth of German Shepherd puppies, it is important to offer them a diet that is specifically designed with large-breed puppies in mind. German Shepherd pups require an appropriate combination of calories, calcium, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to ensure maximum nourishment.
The Best Supplements For German Shepherds
One of the best ways to address your German shepherd’s unique nutritional needs is to add all-natural, air-dried supplements to their diet. Supplements can fill in nutritional gaps and help support your GSD’s 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 dog’s 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 dog’s digestive system. In veterinary studies, probiotics showed promise for addressing a variety of doggy digestive issues.
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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!
Monitor Weight & Health
You can determine whether you are feeding the right amount by running your hands over your dogs ribs. Fido is at a good weight if you can feel your dogs ribs but not see them.
Weighing your GSD on a scale regularly is the best way to keep an eye out for a healthy weight.
Monitoring your German Shepherds weight is key as you transition to a raw food diet. An unbalanced diet can lead to excessive energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, or obesity.
Follow your GSDs weight and health closely for about a month to ensure that he is not adversely affected by this new diet. If you notice these symptoms, immediately stop feeding your dog this food and consult with a professional dog nutritionist.
Its important to work alongside your vet to ensure the diet maintains nutritional adequacy.
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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Joint Problems
If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you’ll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain.
Now let’s chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend.