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Best Raw Meat For German Shepherd

How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Eat

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS AND A RAW FOOD DIET

The amount of food your German Shepherd needs will largely depend on your pets size, activity level, age, and overall health. The key is to ensure you dont overfeed or underfeed your dog. So, how much food should a German Shepherd eat?

An active adult German Shepherd weighing 70lbs needs 1740 calories a day, whereas an active, larger sized German Shepherd weighing 90lbs needs 2100 calories a day. In contrast, inactive GSDs of similar weights only need 1272 calories and 1540 calories, respectively.

You also need to assess your dogs activity level. German Shepherds who get minimal exercise may need 10% less than whats recommended on the food label, whereas an active dog that regularly exercises may need 20% to 40% more.

I have certainly noticed that if my German Shepherd has a lot of exercise in a day, she will eat more. I suppose thats a bit like you and me!

Working German Shepherds, such as police dogs, may need foods designed for working or performance dogs. These foods have a higher fat content to provide extra calories for their needs.

Additionally, you may need to make adjustments based on your dogs health or body condition. Serious illness, pregnancy, or nursing can also increase a dogs energy needs.

All commercial dog food will have recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging. I also found this helpful dog calorie calculator you can use.

Should I Feed My German Shepherd Raw Meat

Meat is popular among humans but as a German shepherd am a bit taken aback as to whether I should feed my German shepherd raw meat. I decided to conduct my own research.

So should I feed my German shepherd raw meat? Yes, German shepherds can eat raw meat. However, you introduce them gradually. The risk of contamination must be taken into account when preparing raw meat. Proper handwashing and disinfecting of your dishes should be taken seriously.

The idea of feeding your German Shepherd raw meat may be controversial for some individuals, but not for the domesticated dog itself. You may wonder.

Nowadays, raw diets are becoming increasingly popular at a rapid rate. We can even find pre-made raw dog food in pet supply and grocery stores today. If you are unsure whether to transition your pet to a raw diet or not, this article will help you decide by discussing everything you need to know.

Contents

  • Final Thoughts
  • Wellness Complete Health Puppy

    The Complete Health Puppy dog food variant by Wellness uses deboned chicken and chicken meal as its main source of protein. It also contains salmon, which is not just a good source of protein but also various vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. These ingredients support your GSDs bone and muscle growth as well as their brain and eye development.

    For carbohydrates and fiber, this kibble uses whole grains like oatmeal and barley. It is enriched with probiotics that dont just support a healthy gut but also a strong immune system.

    Additionally, it has potent antioxidant properties, thanks to its use of fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and blueberries.

    Nutrition Facts – Wellness Complete Health Puppy
    Top Ingredient

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    Why I Feed My Dogs A Raw Diet

    That’s an easy question to answer

    • Simply because I want to control the ingredients that are going into my dog’s bodies.
    • Ingredients I can eat too not that I’ll ever eat green tripe though!
    • I want ingredients that promote the optimal health of my dogs.

    And unfortunately, as you’ve seen, with kibble, that’s not always the case.

    Now I want to move on to a positive note

    Food & Health In Gsd: Why Feed Raw To German Shepherds

    Raw Fed German Shepherd Mix

    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.

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    Trudog Feed Me Crunchy Munchy Freeze

    TruDog comes in two flavors and is AAFCO-certified as a complete and balanced diet. That means you can feed TruDog as your dogs food exclusively. You can also use it as a mix-in or meal topper. No chemicals, grains, or filler, and no rendered or meal products can be found in the recipes. All formulas are USA-made and sourced.

    TruDog Feed Me Crunchy Munchy Beef Bonanza Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

    This dog food comes in a 14-oz bag filled with high-quality ingredients like beef and herring oil for digestion. It is freeze-dried to lock in nutrients. Plus, its hypoallergenic and easily digestible for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

    Fruits That German Shepherds Can Eat

    German Shepherds are not carnivores they are omnivores this means that you should include a certain amount of non-meat foods in their diet. You can add a portion of this in the form of fruits.

    Fruits should only be given to your German Shepherd in small amounts and should be introduced slowly.

    Fruits contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are great for the overall health of your German Shepherd. They can also be used as treats, either fresh or frozen.

    Dried or canned fruits are missing the most beneficial vitamins and nutrients and have high sugar concentrations, so avoid giving your German Shepherd dried or canned fruits.

    Fruits are high in fiber, so they can benefit your German Shepherds digestive tract in small amounts, but larger amounts will cause diarrhea and other gastric disorders. Fruits are also packed with natural sugars. You can use them as energy boosters on long walks.

    However, even though these sugars are natural, they can cause problems for your German Shepherd. Avoid feeding fruits to German Shepherds with diabetes, pancreatitis, excess weight issues, etc. Certain berries have low sugar counts and can be given in larger amounts.

    It is safe for your German Shepherd to eat the flesh of most pitted and seeded fruits. However, the pits and seeds themselves are choking hazards, potential intestinal blockers, and can also be toxic.

    Fruit
    • Kidney failure

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    Raw Paws Signature Blend Food

    I really like the Signature Blend from Raw Paws. It’s great to serve as the main part of a raw food diet for dogs. And it offers balanced nourishment for your dog.

    The meat they source is human-grade, high quality, and sourced from family-owned farms in Indiana. In fact, it’s probably healthier than the meat you eat every day.

    Many commercial farms use growth hormones in their herds. And some even use genetically modified growth hormones.

    In humans, these can cause all kinds of problems from developmental disabilities, reproductive issues, to breast and colon cancer.

    And the same can be said for the problems caused in our dogs.

    Antibiotics that are regularly used on commercial farms trickle up the food chain and contribute to antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

    But Raw Paws only use meats that are:

    • Grass-fed.
    • Preservative-free.
    • Antibiotic-free and hormone-free.

    Their foods also contain no fillers or additives. And they are minimally processed. All of the beef used in Raw Paws products are locally sourced from farms in Indiana.

    Earlier I mentioned that mixing up the meats equals a healthy diet. So I like that the Signature Blend comes in a variety of proteins like:

    • Chicken.
    • Turkey.
    • Duck.

    Raw Paws has also taken great care to ensure the proper ratio of meat, bone, and offal. I can’t stress how important these ratios are to optimal nourishment.

    Getting this wrong can cause problems so it’s great that Raw Paws have taken the guesswork out of it.

    Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula

    Raw Dog Food Recipe: Making Raw Food for my German Shepherd Dog

    The Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula by Diamond Naturals uses pasture-raised beef as its main protein source. This is enhanced by superfoods like quinoa and chia seeds, which are not only rich in protein but also offer several health benefits.

    Additionally, it is enriched with the proprietary K9 Strain probiotics, which is incredibly beneficial to your German Shepherds gut health and immune system.

    This dry dog food is also rich in omega fatty acids, thanks to its addition of flaxseeds and coconut. These help your dog maintain healthy skin and a shiny, luxurious coat.

    Lastly, it is rich in fruits and vegetables like blueberries, papaya, spinach, and kale. These arent just a healthy source of fiber but are also powerful antioxidants that keep your dog young and energetic.

    Nutrition Facts Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula
    Top Ingredient
    • Maintains healthy skin and coat

    Potential Cons:

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    Can German Shepherd Puppies Eat Raw Meat

    German Shepherd puppies can eat raw meat. Many raw-fed breeders wean their puppies directly onto raw from their mothers milk. You can begin feeding raw the day you bring your puppy home.

    You can also do a combination of both worlds until your puppies reach 12 months of age. After 12 months, you can transition to full raw dog food.

    What Nutrients Do German Shepherds Need

    The nutritional requirements of German Shepherds are a minimum of 22% protein during growth stages and 18% protein for adult dogs. Puppies need 8% fat, and adults require 5% fat to meet their energy needs. Carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water are also necessary for survival.

    You must include these essential nutrients in a German Shepherds daily diet as they are involved in all of the bodys vital functions.

    The nutritional content of all commercial pet foods has to follow the guidelines developed by the AAFCO .

    The MSD Vet Manual also publishes dog nutrient profiles which contain a ton of detail listing all the individual vitamins and minerals a German Shepherds diet needs.

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    Can You Feed A German Shepherd Raw Meat

    As much as you may want to feed your German Shepherd the raw meat that he is so desperately wanting, you care too much about his health to just do so without knowing if it is safe.

    Can you feed a German Sheperd raw meat? It is safe to feed a dog raw meat as long as it is fresh and has been thoroughly washed. A dogs gastrointestinal system is evolved to eat raw meat. This allows them to safely consume it and remain unaffected by the bacteria contained in it.

    Picture yourself standing in your kitchen preparing meat to cook, you feel a presence, and when you turn to look you notice your German Shepherd staring intently into your eyes then at the meat, then back into your eyes. Sound familiar? Your dog doesnt care if the meat is raw or cooked, he just wants some. Though if given the choice, he would prefer take it as is, no need for cooking.

    But before you feed your German Shepherd raw meat, please make sure that you are following proper precautions. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits and potential hazards of feeding raw meat to your dog, as well as explore an alternative.

    Preparation Of Our Homemade Diet

    German Shepherd Eating Big Chunk of RAW Meat

    All of the information above might seem intimidating, but I assure you that making the actual meals for our dogs takes no more than 20 minutes of actual hands-on time.

    First, we cook our complex carbs, whether theyre grains, legumes, or starchy vegetables.

    While that pot is simmering on the stove, we cook the meat in a separate pan in coconut oil and ground turmeric. After its cooled a bit, we add chunks of meat to our food processor and pulse until theyre broken down into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces.

    Then, we gather whatever vegetables or fruits we have in the kitchen , chop them up as needed, and toss them into the food processor.

    We also add a few clean, crushed eggshells to the mix. A few pulses turns all this food into smaller pieces, making them more digestible for our dogs.

    Finally, we add the cooled, cooked carbs to the food processor and do a couple more pulses to combine. Everything should have a finely crumbled texture by this point.

    Since dogs have short digestive tracts, its crucial that you break down the food to increase its bioavailability that is, making all the nutrients in those wholesome ingredients more digestible in a dogs system.

    I prepare enough food to last my two pugs an entire week. Its unbelievably easy, and I like knowing exactly what goes into their food. Friends will watch us feed our pugs and remark that it looks good enough for them to eat!

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    Help From The Experts

    The food we give our dogs makes a huge difference in their health and well-being. So it makes sense to let the experts help us determine what is best.

    Ollies veterinary nutritionists use the latest advancements in research to develop the best recipes for your dog recipes that include fresh ingredients to keep your pups brain function healthy, address allergies and gastrointestinal sensitivities, are proportioned for ideal weight, and use Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. All that delivered right to your door, for free.

    Ollie has received rave reviews from both customers and industry leaders. Ollies customers have reported better weight management, shinier coats, and more. Ollie has received a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor and has named one of the best dog food brands by Forbes, and Readers Digest.

    Starting at just $2 a day, Ollie is offering 50% off your first trial box for AKC readers, plus it always ships free. .

    Starting at just $2 a day, Ollie is offering 60% off your first trial box for AKC readers, plus it always ships free. .

    Is Raw Dog Food Better

    Many dog owners choose to feed raw dog food to their canines because they see it as more natural. Still, there are no studies to support that raw feeding is better than traditional dog food.

    But those who try it find it healthier because of its benefits by just making sure it is balanced.

    Everyone has the right to choose what kind of food they’re feeding to their pup. Because their healthy growth doesn’t depend on what type of food, it depends on the nutritional benefits.

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    Natures Logic Raw Frozen Patties

    Available in five protein choices, including rabbit and venison, these raw frozen patties are made with whole-food ingredients including single-source animal proteins and grain-free carbohydrates. There are no grains, gluten, corn, wheat, soy, or manufactured nutrients included in the recipes, and the raw patties can be served to dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. Plus, some varieties note that they were produced with 100% renewable energy, making this an eco-friendly choice for your dog as well.

    Natures Logic recommends thawing the patties in the refrigerator. Some reviewers note that thawing can take a while, so be sure to plan ahead for your pups meal.

    Natures Logic Raw Frozen Patties

    Natures Logic frozen chicken patties include all whole food ingredients, 90% of which are poultry. Fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, pumpkin, and artichokes help to fill the rest, and ground eggshells add a boost of calcium to your dogs diet. The patties come in 3.2 oz and 8 oz sizes, both of which are sold in a 6-pound bag.

    German Shepherd Raw Diet Cost

    Raw Food for Dogs: German Shepherd eats Raw Beef for Breakfast

    According to Statista, the average price of traditional kibble cost 1.97 U.S. dollars per pound while high-end kibble was $3.466 per pounds6.

    We calculated the average price per pound for the most popular, high-end raw commercial foods in the market to be $6.4, with lower-end raw options costing $3.8 per pound.

    We also looked into the price per pound of the most popular meats. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, beef, chicken, and turkey have an average price per pound of $3.9, $1.5, and $1.28, respectively.

    If you were to cook raw homemade meals, dog food expenses shouldnt vary much when comparing kibble prices per pound against the price of meats at grocery stores.

    On the other hand, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble results in a slightly higher price per pound but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price.

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    Vegetables That German Shepherds Can Eat

    As mentioned previously, German Shepherds are not carnivores they are omnivores this means that a certain amount of non-meat foods, including vegetables, should form part of their diet. Vegetables provide your German Shepherd with important minerals and vitamins which they cant get from meat.

    German Shepherds can eat most vegetables. They should never eat large quantities of these vegetables, and you need to make sure that you serve them correctly. Some are better raw, and others are better cooked. If you cook vegetables for your German Shepherd, or you want to share your own with your dog, you have to remember to cook them without fats or seasonings.

    Most vegetables are high in fiber, which is beneficial to your German Shepherds digestive tract. However, the high fiber content also means that vegetables will cause diarrhea in your German Shepherd if the quantities are not moderated.

    Additionally, some individual German Shepherds can be intolerant or allergic to vegetables that are supposed to be safe for them to eat. Introduce each vegetable to your dog slowly and always watch them for an hour or so after they try a vegetable for the first time to make sure it is not adversely affecting them.

    Nightshade vegetables should be treated carefully as they contain a chemical called solanine, which is toxic in high doses.

    Vegetable

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