Taste Of The Wild Southwest Canyon
Rating:
Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:Adult shepherds and puppies
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Its nice to find a recipe containing natural source preservatives which means Southwest Canyon contains no BHA, BHT or other toxic additives. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. Easily recommended.
Sample buyer reviewMy dog loves this food! He eats it enthusiastically and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals!
For More Choices:Visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Food page
Orijen Puppy Large derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Ever since its founding, Champion Petfoods, the well-respected maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, biologically appropriate diet. This is a proven, balanced design which makes this particular recipe a top option for growing Shepherd puppies.
Hereditary Digestive Disorders In German Shepherd Dogs
According to the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital, German Shepherds as a dog breed tend to be more prone to certain hereditary digestive issues, including the sensitive stomach.
Some of these digestive issues can send out warning signs in the form of chronic vomiting episodes.
Each of these health issues is known to occur with greater frequency in the German Shepherd dog breed and could potentially cause vomiting.
He Has Underlying Health Issues
Unfortunately, not eating or a lack of appetite can be caused by a very wide range of health issues. This doesnt mean to say this is the case for your GSD, but it should certainly be considered and if you have noticed any other accompanying unusual behavior then be ready to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.Its said that no healthy dog would voluntarily starve themself so if your GSD doesnt have a health condition then he should be eating by the end of the second day. This changes when health issues are present. If your German Shepherd hasnt eaten anything in 2 days, you must go to your local veterinarian for further assistance.
This is original content produced and published by The Puppy Mag | www.thepuppymag.com
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Holistic Select Natural Grain Free
Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food* is another good choice. This food is grain-free and contains no filler materials.
The product also has a number of ingredients to encourage digestion like enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics.
For dogs without other health problems, this is one of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs in German Shepherds in the twilight years.
However, a hypoallergenic food might be required if your dog has a serious ailment.
Make sure to work with your veterinarian to choose the best food to make sure that your canine receives the fat, calories, and essential nutrients that every senior dog needs.
How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Is Too Skinny
They are lean, athletic dogs with a strong, firm figure and you should avoid learning how to make a German Shepherd fat. Instead, you want to bulk-up your German Shepherd to make them fit. But if you see their ribs protruding or their hip bones raised and easily felt when petting, this is a sign of being underweight.
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What Should I Feed My Gsp
Because they are very high-energy dogs, the GSP benefits from a diet rich in protein with carbohydrates for long-lasting energy.
The huge variety of dog foods available can be overwhelming. Check our Ultimate Guide to the Best Dog Foods and Treats to eliminate all the confusion and make a wise choice.
You want your GSP to have a silky, shiny coat, so youll likely want to put him on a diet that is rich in healthy oils, but make sure that the oil content is not too high in the diet, as it may contribute to bloat.
Best Dog Food For German Shepherd At Walmart
The best dog food for German Shepherds we found at Walmart is NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Dry Dog Food.
This formula has all the ingredients your GSD needs to grow up strong and healthy.
Made with farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato, this recipe contains all the ingredients your GSD needs to grow up strong and healthy.
It has natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints in your GSD. It tastes good and is crafted with essential antioxidants for healthy immunity.
Next time you are at Walmart looking for the best dog food option for your GSD, you know what to pick. Amazon & Chewy carry this dog food.
Cons
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Preventing Bloat Based On Genetics And Gender
If you are buying and not rescuing your German Shepherd, you should get a puppy from a reputable breeder.
You should be able to ask this breeder about the medical history of both your dogs parents as well as their siblings or half-siblings.
If there seems to be a history of GDV, you can ask for a puppy from a different litter, or you can explain to the breeder your concerns and try to locate a different breeder.
It should be noted that a responsible breeder will not breed with a dog that has a history of GDV.
Responsible breeders often stay in touch with their puppies buyers, or they encourage the buyers to let them know of any major medical or behavioral issues that their German Shepherds develop or display.
The serious nature of GDV in German Shepherds means that this will definitely make the list of major medical issues.
If you are extremely nervous about GDV or have had a traumatic experience involving GDV in the past, you may want to consider getting a different breed of dog.
If you want a German Shepherd specifically , you can consider getting a female instead of a male to reduce the risk.
Symptoms Of Bloat In German Shepherds
The early stages of bloat or GDV in German Shepherds are symptomized by:
- Discomfort. Your German Shepherd may shift from foot to foot, trying to find a comfortable position. They may whimper and moan when moving or lying down. They might turn to look at or bite at their sides. The discomfort may also cause your German Shepherd to pace.
- Visible or palpable distention: You may be able to see that your German Shepherd is bloated, or you may be able to feel it their abdomen will be hard, and touching it will cause a pain reaction in your dog.
- Hypersalivation: Pain and nausea can make your German Shepherd drool.
- Retching without emesis: Your German Shepherd may retch as if they are going to vomit. However, the block in the esophagus will prevent actual vomiting.
- Tachycardia: The distress, pain, and hypotension may cause your German Shepherds heart rate to increase. You can usually see or feel this increased heart rate.
Symptoms of advanced GDV in German Shepherds:
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Why Do German Shepherds Get Diarrhea
Causes of German Shepherd diarrhea include eating rotten food, eating something that causes irritation or is toxic, changing diet, food allergy or intolerance, and overeating. Other reasons are parasites, viruses, bacterial infections, illness, stress, or medication. The breed is prone to a sensitive stomach.
The German Shepherd breed is well known for having a sensitive stomach and can relatively quickly get diarrhea. But dont worry, as your dog may have just eaten something they shouldnt or may have caught a mild stomach bug.
Even if you always keep a watchful eye on your German Shepherd, its amazing how they sometimes manage to get hold of something they shouldnt!
Learn More on The Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
As described in the above video by veterinary expert Dr. Katy Nelson, it is important to recognize whether your German Shepherd has a common stomach upset or something more serious. These are the common causes of diarrhea in dogs:
- Overeating
- Medications
- Pancreatitis
So, now we know the causes of diarrhea in German Shepherds, lets look at how to treat this unpleasant stuff
Why Does My German Shepherd Puppy Eat His Own Poop
Medical Reasons That Cause Poop Eating in Dogs Malabsorption diseases Such as EPI, will cause your dog to slowly starve since they cant absorb nutrients from their food. Medical conditions causing increased appetite Diabetes or Cushings disease are health problems that can drive your dog to become a poop eater.
Why does my dog eat his own poop? The behavioral condition where dogs eat their own poop is called Coprophagia, and it is actually a lot more common than you may think. There is not one specific reason why your dog eats poop, but most cases can be narrowed down to a few.
Do German Shepherds eat their poop?
How to stop my German Shepherd Dog from eating his poop? How to Stop My German Shepherd Dog from Eating His Poop Make sure your dog eats a high quality, complete dog food at least twice daily as recommended by your vet. Keep your dogs living environment clean and free of feces. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and attention.
Why do mother dogs clean their puppies? For the first month, the mother dog will clean by licking the feces residue off the puppies. So in this case, it is not a psychological or physiological issue that is causing this temporary coprophagia. It is animal instincts inherited through all the years of evolution.
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Bone And Joint Problems
A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in German Shepherd Dogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.
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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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.
If you found this article useful, please share it on social media and dog forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more content like this.
Routine Care Diet And Exercise
Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.
- Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
- She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair daily brushing is recommended during this time.
- German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
- Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
- She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must.
- She’s a large, smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she’ll get bored. That’s when the naughty stuff starts.
- Naturally a bit wary, she’s distrustful of strangers bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors.
- Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
- Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.
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Eliminate Extra Food Items
Not all dogs are walking garbage disposals. Some dogs, just like some people, suffer from sensitive stomachs that are easily irritated or upset. This can be challenging for owners struggling to find a way to make their dogs more comfortable at mealtimes. One possible cause of your dogs sensitive stomach is his diet. Sometimes, finding the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs can reduce your dogs symptoms and get his GI tract back on track.
Finding out if your dogs food is the issue is easy, although it might require some willpower on your part. Start by eliminating any extra food items from his diet. This includes table scraps, treats, and anything else your dog might enjoy nibbling on throughout the day. You should also check to see if your dog is sneaking into the trash, litter box, or any other forbidden treasure trove of things that make dogs sick. Not only will this help his stomach, it could also save him from a trip to the veterinary emergency room. If your dogs stomach is still upset after a few days without treats and scraps, and you are positive that he is not breaking into the trash while you are away, then it is time to examine the food itself.
Important Factors For German Shepherd Dog Foods
In addition to selecting a product that possesses the characteristics youd want in any good dog food, there are a few additional factors you should consider when purchasing food for your German shepherd. This will help you address the specific needs of your dog.
Some of the most important things to look for in a food include:
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When To Call The Vet If Your Puppy Has Diarrhea
You should also call your vet if your puppy has not received all of her vaccinations and is having diarrhea. The parvovirus causes diarrhea in puppies and is a potentially lethal infection that requires immediate veterinary attention. The treatment for your puppys diarrhea depends on the cause.
What Is Best Food To Feed German Shepherds
German shepherd dog food with salmon and trout is recommended as it contains omega 6 fatty acids, great sources of EPA and DHA. These fatty acids will help your GSD have a smooth and shiny coat. Consequently, Omega 6 has a strong anti-inflammatory activity and immune-boosting ability, all critical for the health of your German shepherd.
Also, when choosing the best dog food for German shepherds, consider one with ingredients like glucosamine and chrondotoin. Both of these ingredients are helpful for big dogs like German shepherds susceptible to joint issues. These ingredients help in reducing the rate at which your dogs joints wear out.
Though controversial, you should use grain-free dog food for German Shepherds as it wont trigger any allergic reaction. Such grain-free food lacks grains like wheat, rye, oat, corn, and maize, which cause tummy issues. In return, dog food brands use other sources of carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and potatoes.
However, before you subject your German shepherd to grain-free dog food, first consult your veterinary.
Note the below highlights:
- When you look for the best dog food for German shepherds, ensure it adheres to all guidelines from the association of American food control officials
- Purchase dog foods manufactured in the USA, Canada, Western Europes Australia, and New Zealand- Food brands manufactured in these places undergo stringent measures before they are released to the market.
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Study Your Gsds Environment And Habits
Your first step will be to thoroughly examine your dogs immediate environment. You want to know if your German Shepherd got into anything or ate anything that might be indigestible, toxic, or poisonous.
If you are witnessing an isolated vomiting incident, this becomes especially important because it is more likely your dog is reacting to a toxin in the environment or a non-food item they have ingested.
If the throwing up is recurrent, notice when each incident happens and write down what happened just before your dog threw up. Your veterinarian will ask you these types of questions to get a sense of why your dog is vomiting repeatedly.