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Best Raw Food For German Shepherds

German Shepherd Raw Food Risks

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS AND A RAW FOOD DIET

Generally, dogs can eat raw meat without getting poisoned or sick. Their bodies are built to process meat and bones fast.

Though there are potential upsides to BARF and some veterinarians recommend it, there are some disadvantages.

  • Uncooked or feeding raw poses a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans.
  • Feeding whole bones to dogs present a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.
  • Cooking a nutritionally unbalanced raw food diet can jeopardize your dogs health.

To minimize these risks, you need to:

1. Thoroughly wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients.

2. Getting raw products from reputable grocery stores/butchers with high sanitary standards is recommended.

3. Feeding only raw bones that are small with a lot of joints or ground bones. NEVER feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are at greater risk of splintering when chewed. Avoid big bones.

You should feed raw under the guidance of a vet nutritionist. He or she can provide nutritional guidance and/or recommend a raw food delivery service for your GSD.

German Shepherd Puppy Diet

Early in life, puppies must eat often.

Find out why German Shepherd puppies have different calorie and diet requirements that you need to know. You must feed a puppy food specially formulated for large-breed puppies to avoid an imbalance in their diets.

Due to their rapid growth, any diet mistakes made during puppyhood will have more severe, even irreversible and lifelong, consequences.

Good puppy food has advantages over adult dog food because it has been specially formulated for a puppys demanding nutritional requirements. More importantly, puppy foods contain the appropriate amount of calcium.

A great recommendation for German Shepherd puppies that has the ideal protein and DHA is:

Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

If you need to introduce a new diet do so over the course of a week, starting with replacing only a small amount of the current food with the new food. Then, gradually, increase the proportion of the new food daily until you give your dog only the new food.

Daily food quantities are best divided out across the number of meals you feed per day.

Heres a quick overview of feeding a German Shepherd puppy.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe

Rating:

Wilderness Salmon is one of 18 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for:Adult shepherds only

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Fairly priced and highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewI have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. Ive got her every flavor if not almost every flavor, and this salmon one is the one she has loved the most! Ieave her food bowl full at all times she so can eat whenever she wants. And she eats this salmon one more than every other flavor. Now i know salmon is her favorite protein (:

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Transitioning To The Raw Paws Diet

  • Are you on a budget?
  • Do you want to feed a mix of raw and kibble?
  • Are you unsure of how to create a nutritional raw diet for your GSD?
  • Does your dog have food allergies?
  • No problem!

    Raw Paws offer a free meal planning service where they will create a meal plan for you based on the needs of you and your dog.

    Raw Paws also has some great advice on transitioning your dog to a raw food diet.

    Making it super easy for both you and your dog. Start with a mixture of 75% of current food and 25% raw food.

    If your dog is particularly sensitive to food changes, you should start with a 90% to 10% ratio and increase incrementally.

    It could take several weeks to transition your dog to their new raw food diet, so be patient!

    Although, here I have a different approach. I believe in fasting a dog for 12 hours and then transitioning 100% to raw.

    Many dogs vomit up their first raw meal, but that’s totally normal. This is because they’re so stunned and excited about the raw meat.

    Making them gulp down the meal. But at the next go, they take to it like a duck to water.

    How To Serve Raw Paws Pet Food

    Raw Food Diet For German Shepherds ~ cremodesign

    Raw Paws suggests serving a raw food diet out of stainless steel bowls rather than plastic or ceramic. Stainless is non-porous and will never trap food or bacteria.

    You should feed your dogs on a floor or solid surface that is easy to clean and disinfect.

    Once a portion is served, return any remaining food to the refrigerator. If your pet leaves any food over, place it back into the fridge.

    If any food sits out for more than two hours, toss it.

    Wash your dogs bowl after every feeding, and disinfect any surfaces that have come in contact with raw food.

    Wash your hands often during the preparation and clean-up of raw food.

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    What Raw Food Should I Feed My German Shepherd

    According to the recommended guidelines as specified for the BARF raw diet, it should consist of 70 percent raw muscle meat, 10 percent edible bone, and 10 percent vegetables and fruit. The raw meat diet must also follow the AAFCO guidelines to make a balanced meal supporting life and proper functions.

    How Much To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy Per Day

    Once you have decided what dog food to feed your GSD, the next step is to determine how much you should feed your German shepherd puppy. To figure this out, let your German shepherd puppy eat as much as he wants in a thirty-minute period. Pick up the bowl after your puppy is full and measure how much kibble is left in the dog bowl. Do this for several days to get the right amount of food.

    As your puppy enters growth spurts, youll find that his appetite increases drastically. At this point, observe your pup carefully. If he always seems hungry and looks thin, you may need to put more food into his bowl. If he appears to be chubby or has diarrhea, you should slightly cut back on the amount of food he eats.

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    German Shepherd Raw Diet Plan

    German shepherds are naturally carnivores. They should be eating a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

    A raw diet is closer to what the dog would normally eat in the wild, which involves catching and eating prey such as small mammals or hunting for their food. A raw food plan typically consists of 60-80% meat and 20-40% vegetables and fruits.

    German shepherd raw food is seen as a good way to feed your dog because it can benefit their health and provide them with much-needed nutrients that are not found in commercial foods. It also helps keep teeth clean by providing natural enzymes that help work away food particles.

    Possible benefits of German shepherd raw food include the following:

    • Prevention of allergies and intolerances, such as colitis and skin problems
    • Improved muscle tone and stamina
    • Weight loss in overweight dogs and weight gain in underweight dogs
    • Control over medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease

    This type of diet has some possible disadvantages as well, including the following:

    • A higher cost to feed your dog, compared to commercial diets
    • Dangers of feeding raw meat, such as salmonella food poisoning or E Coli infections
    • Skeletal problems, such as bone fractures
    • Greater chance of food allergies
    • A more complicated diet plan that takes up more time and effort. This type of dog food is also usually fresh and not stored for long periods, whereas most commercial diets can be stored for months.

    How Much Raw Food To Feed German Shepherds

    Feeding RAW Food To A German Shepherd – K9 Mukbang

    You can determine how much raw food to feed your GSD based on calories needed by his weight. The only downside is that you need to know how many calories ingredient contains and add them up. Quite a cumbersome process if you ask me.

    The body weight percentage option is the method of choice for many raw feeders . Its simple, and it works with any raw diet.

    As a general rule, raw feed your dog about 2% to 4% of his ideal adult weight.

    However, a dogs food intake will vary depending on his weight, metabolism, activity level, lifestyle or other factors. Use the guidelines below as a German Shepherd raw diet calculator.

    You have a 4 scenarios to determine how much to feed your dog.

    • Weight maintenance: Feed 2% 2.5% of their current weight in pounds per day.
    • Active dogs : Feed 3% 4% of their current weight in pounds per day.
    • Senior, less active, or overweight dogs : Feed 1.5% 2% of their current weight in pounds per day.
    • Underweight dogs : Feed 3% 3.5% % of their current weight in pounds per day.

    For instance, if your GSD weights 65 pounds and you want to maintain his weigh, you would multiply the 65 pounds by either 2% 2.5%.

    But, which one do you use?

    If your GSD is inactive, but his weight is ideal, then use 2%. For an average activity level dog that receives anywhere from an hour to several hours of exercise a day, a middle ground like 2.25% is recommeded. If you feel your dog is more active, you may need to feed 2.5% or more to maintain a healthy weight.

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    What Is The Best Food To Feed German Shepherds

    Want to know what the 8 best dog foods for German Shepherds are?

    Understanding how to pick an excellent canine diet will assist your German Shepherd friend in living his or her most fulfilling existence.

    Luckily, there is a fantastic community of dedicated German Shepherd parents who are experts in canine nutrition!

    Im a former veterinary technician who spent months learning about the finest dog foods for German Shepherds.

    Whether you are searching for the best canned dog food for German shepherds or the best dog food for German shepherd puppies, we have compiled a list of the 8 best dog food brands for German Shepherds in order to assist you.

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    But first, lets examine a few health conditions that German Shepherds may be prone to.

    Best Food To Feed German Shepherds

    German Shepherds are working dogs, so they have very specific nutritional needs. As they are often more active than most breeds, they require more protein and fat to thrive.

    German Shepherds are quite active dogs, and feeding guidelines are generally written for moderately active dogs.

    Make sure your dogs weight is under control and adjust their food intake as needed. On the back of the bag, there are sometimes recommendations that you need to double check.

    A few health problems are also associated with German Shepherds, such as hip dysplasia. Some of these disorders can be influenced by their diet.

    When choosing food for your dog, you need to take several factors into account, as highlighted below.

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    Dr Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet

    Rating:

    German Dog Diet is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Dr. Garys Best Breed product line.

    • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
    • Type: Grain-inclusive
    • Profile: All life stages
    • Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

    Dr. Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    We like the fact the formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals which provides superior absorption and nutrition. Highly recommended.

    Sample buyer reviewOur german shepherd has had a lot of itching problems since she was about 1 year old. We have tried different foods, supplements, sprays and shampoos. Nothing has seems to work as well as when we switched to this food. Scabs that were on her for months due to her itching them open all the time have finally healed over. She is still a little itchy, but significantly better than before. And she loves the food too! We used to leave her food bowl full all day because she would only pick throughout the day. With this food we are only doing 2-3 cups morning and night because she scarfs it all down in minutes! Glad we finally found something that she loves and works so well!

    Do German Shepherds Need Vitamins Or Supplements

    Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Meat

    You may choose to take vitamins and supplements, but do German Shepherds really need them?

    Healthy German Shepherds dont need to add vitamins or supplements to their diet if they eat a good quality, complete, and balanced pet food.

    You should only give your dog vitamins or supplements if your veterinarian recommends them, as in my case.

    My German Shepherd has been recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the spine. In addition to her prescribed medication, she takes YuMove Joint Supplements from Amazon. Her vet recommended these, and they contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint support and easing stiffness.

    I have to say Ive been pleased with how she is doing on them, so if your dog has a similar condition, Id advise you to consult your vet.

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    What Is The Healthiest Diet For A German Shepherd

    This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds.

    You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals.

    Precisely What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food

    Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergy symptoms. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will occur.

    Usually there is merely one way to obtain proteins in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergies. This kind of happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot endure.

    In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.

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    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?

    Big Difference Between Extruded And Cold

    Best dog food to build muscle | Raw Fed Diet German Shepherd Kelpie Cross

    Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:

    1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and blending them. A painting tool presses this mass through the opportunities of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperatures of around 90 levels Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.

    2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These must be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.

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