What Do German Shepherds Eat
What do German Shepherds eat? Although the answer to this question may be obvious, not all pet owners are aware of their pets nutritional needs.
Store-bought food is the easy path to take when feeding this dog breed, but your pet needs more than the same bland food day in and day out.
Take time out to read this article and inform yourself about what German Shepherds eat.
While your pet probably enjoys a high-quality manufactured product, they will enjoy their lives more if you give them safe human food as well.
Learn what peoples food is safe for the German Shepherd and which foods are life-threatening. Then go to the kitchen to see whether your lifestyle caters to your German Shepherds tastebuds.
Contents
German Shepherd Feeding Guide: Adult Years
Once your German Shepherd has ended his puppy stage and transitioned into adulthood, hes ready to eat a balanced adult diet.
Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does.
Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences.
That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then.
Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. They can get by on once per day, but its always better to split daily caloric intake between smaller meals instead of feeding it all at once.
Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this.
If youre not home for twice-daily feedings, you can use an automatic feeder. These will dispense the proper amount of food at set times each day so your dog isnt left waiting for meals.
Throughout the years, Ive fed a number of different high-quality dog foods to my German Shepherds.
One of my consistent go-tos is Royal Canin Adult Breed German Shepherd dry dog food. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons.
In addition, this blend also uses optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to make a GSDs coat pop, so to speak. You really can see the difference.
What Food Should A German Shepherd Never Eat
As stated before, you should never feed your German Shepherd animal by-products, fillers, preservatives, grains, soy, or wheat. These ingredients will make your dog sick or develop allergies. Do not feed your dog a formula with bone meal or corn syrup, either.
Check to make sure you are not feeding him expired meat, animal innards, or protein not fit for human consumption. This is especially important in a raw frozen diet.
Be wary of untrustworthy companies! Check your brand for a history of food recalls. Additionally, some companies break down bad ingredients into multiple groups to make them look healthier. Ask a veterinarian to be sure your choice of dog food is acceptable.
Lastly, if you notice any digestive issues such as hair loss, itchy skin, or lack of appetite, check for bad ingredient or possible allergens. Always consult a veterinarian, too.
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Are German Shepherd Dogs Good Around Kids
Contrary to their aggressive looks, German Shepherds are incredibly loyal with children and they act as great playmates too. However, it doesn’t mean that the dogs shouldn’t be socialised from a young age. They need to be effectively trained to ensure that they don’t become suddenly hostile when they are around guests.
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Best Dog Food For German Shepherd
German Shepherds are dogs who needs a protein rich diet consisting of 18-22% protein. They can also derive nutrients from grains, fruits and vegetables. Yet, owners need to ensure that these dogs have the right balance of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibre for optimal health. The amount of calories which German Shepherds consume depends completely upon their activity level and life stage. For newborn German Shepherd puppies, mother’s milk is absolutely essential for getting their nutrients for proper growth. If by any chance mother’s milk is not available, German Shepherds can be fed powdered milk every 2-3 hours of day or nearly 8 feedings a day. For puppies having an age between 2 months to 2 years, their diet should primarily consists of high protein and decent carbohydrate and fat content. This is because puppies exhibit high curiosity levels and hence they have a high energy requirement. For adults, they need a protein rich diet as they too lead an active lifestyle. Besides, their diet should contain Omega fatty acids for supporting excellent bone and joint function. As for Senior German Shepherd Dogs, it is advisable to feed them a diet having low protein and fat content as they are little exposed to obesity.
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What Vegetables Can German Shepherds Eat
Vegetables are valuable sources of many nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, folate, and potassium. Many vegetables give your German shepherd carbohydrates, which is a good energy booster. Most every vegetable is okay for your dog to eat. Here are some of my favorite examples of vegetables that German Shepherds can eat.
Carrots
Carrots are one of the most healthiest foods for a human, and even dogs! They are an excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. They also have numerous health benefits. Theyre a helpful weight-loss food and have been related to lower cholesterol levels and even can improve eye health. Another plus is that carrots are low in calories and fat.
Carrots are not the easiest for dogs to digest, so to be safe you might want to boil them slightly before serving.
Green Beans
This vegetable is such a healthy snack for your German Shepherd. Vitamin A, K, and C are all present in green beans along with iron. Vitamin K is very important for the blood clotting process. It will keep a healthy blood balance in your German Shepherd. Vitamin C aids in immune system support. Iron is essential for blood health. While iron is found in meats, fish, and liver it is also found in green beans! Making it one of the healthiest vegetables for your dog.
Green Peas
Kale
Spinach
Other Vegetables your German Shepherd can eat
Can Dogs Eat Ham
Can Dogs Eat Ham? 1 Yes, its a protein, and dogs need protein. But there are much better sources of protein in other types of meat. 2 Store-bought ham, which is what most of us use, contains a great deal of sodium, which isnt good for people or dogs. 3 Ham has a higher fat content than many other types of meat.
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Specifically Designed For Adult German Shepherds: Royal Canin
Pros:
- Lots of fiber and easily digestible proteins
- Vitamins and nutrients to support a healthy coat
- Includes DHA and EPA for joints and bone health
Cons:
- A 30 lb bag costs over $75
Royal Canin designed this particular food for the German Shepherd breed, particularly those over fifteen months of age. This food is perfect for German Shepherds who have shown signs of digestive issues, such as bloating or recurring upset stomachs. The Royal Canin for German Shepherds is even formulated to promote skin and coat health! The only real downside to the Royal Canin choice is the price a 30 lb bag is between $75 and $80, depending upon if you order it and have it shipped . However, this food is not only designed specifically for German Shepherds, it addresses some specific nutritional needs of the breed. If your dog is prone to health issues, then spending the extra dough for this special formula food may be well worth it!
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Macadamia Nuts: Cant Eat
Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that may lead to vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia and depression when dogs consume them, even in small amounts .
Additionally, macadamia nuts have a high fat content, which may elevate your dogs triglyceride levels and potentially lead to pancreatitis.
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Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food
Image courtesy Purina
Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious wet dog food. It’s made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit.
This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
What Are The Benefits Of Raw Eggs For Dogs
There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog’s energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs.
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Benefits Of German Shepherd Raw Diet
So, what are the benefits of a BARF diet for german shepherd?
Among the benefits of raw dog food, according to veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst and other proponents of raw feeding dogs, are:
- Increased agility
In the largest study to date on the effects of raw food on dogs, Belgian researchers Dr. Gerard Lippert and Bruno Sapy examined more than 500 dogs over a period spanning five years concluded that raw feeding dogs could add as much as 32 months to a dogs life5.
Dr. Peter Dobias, who has 30 years of veterinary experience and has advocated for raw pet diets since 1995, agrees with the study and says,From my experience, if people feed a raw diet, they will increase their dogs lifespan by 25 percent, Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound.7
Are White Potatoes Bad For Dogs
White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes. Like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. If you do feed your dog a potato, it should be baked or boiled, with nothing added to it.
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What Your German Shepherd Should Be Eating
Your German Shepherd should be getting a balanced diet and it needs to contain all the nutrients they require. If youre feeding them an unbalanced diet and theyre eating unhealthy foods, youre going down a path that will lead to health problems and expensive vet bills.
Do what you can now to make sure that your German Shepherds diet is the best it can be so you dont have to worry about certain dietary health problems popping up in the future.
There are plenty of different foods you can feed your German Shepherd, but you should keep their diet consistent and avoid too much variation in the foods they eat.
Identifying which kind of foods you want to feed your German Shepherd is important so you can adjust their diet accordingly.
Fruit Consumption Of German Shepherd:
As dogs do not require fruits, giving them in a small amount like treats is better for their health. Some fruits dogs can eat more, while others not even a single bite.
Experts have suggested that no matter what fruit you are giving your beloved German shepherd make, these fruits make up less than 10% of their total diet.
As aforementioned, dogs do not need fruits to carry out their daily tasks they will be healthy even if they do not consume fruits.
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Pedigree Choice Cuts In Gravy With Beef Canned Dog Food
Image courtesy Pedigree
Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy with Beef Canned Dog Food is a delicious, high-protein wet dog food. It’s made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit.
This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
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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Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Puppy Large Breed is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A classic, field-tested formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios making this option ideal for German shepherd puppies.
Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer reviewMy puppy absolutely loves this food! She can never wait to get her next meal! Her coat is soft & shiny! Highly recommend this product!
Are German Shepherds Poisonous To Dogs
Some human foods are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, seizures and other neurological effects, severe vomiting and other problems. If you German Shepherd ingests any of these potentially toxic foods, contact your vet or the ASPCA poison control center at -426-4435 immediately. Some examples of toxic foods are:
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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 |
What Are Some Common Health Problems German Shepherds Face
Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight.
German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog.
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Taste Of The Wild Wetlands Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Wetlands made our top favorites because of the wild game proteins in the recipe. Roasted quail, roasted duck, and smoked turkey provide rich flavor and highly digestible protein. K9 Strain Probiotics are developed specifically for dogs and added after the cooking process to ensure viability. Dried chicory root provides the prebiotic fiber to fuel your German Shepherds energy supply.
The analysis of Taste of the Wild Wetlands breaks down to 32% crude protein, 18% crude fat, and 4% crude fiber. This food contains 375 kcal/cup.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands hits many of our strong points for an adult German Shepherd food.
Pear Can German Shepherds Eat Pears
German Shepherds can eat Pears. Pears contain fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C, which is beneficial for your dog to consume.
Nothing consumed in an extensive amount is suitable for your beloved dogs well-being, and you should avoid it.
What to avoid and how to feed:
The core of the pears contains a toxin that is not suitable for your beloved dog. Peeling the pear should be done in order to avoid nausea or choking.
Giving pear as a whole is not right, as the German shepherd can choke on it and you should cut it in small bite-size portions.
Doctors recommend only 10% of the total intake of food should contain pear, not more.
As with other canned fruits, canned pear also contains an abundance of sugar, which, upon consumption, causes obesity and other digestive problems.
Whenever you decide to give new treats to your pet, you should consult your vet.
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