German Shepherd Raw Food Diet Recipes

Kibble Vs Wet Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Kibble or dry food is good for puppies. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar.

Dry foods are also good to pre-portion and they dont go bad if the puppy leaves out their meal. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer.

Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake.

Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated.

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Keeptrack Of Weight Gain And Loss

Begin a schedule of weekly weigh-ins to keep track of your German Shepherds weight when looking to bulk-up your dogs body. You want to know if they are gaining weight, losing weight, or remaining the same.

This helps you to decide if your weight gain plan is working or if you need to adjust your plan. If your dog continues losing weight or if you see a lack of progress, take your dog back to your veterinarian.

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Based On Dr Ian Billinghurst ‘give Your Dog A Bone’ & raw & Natural Nutrition For Dogs Lew Olson Phd

All these pictures of happy healthy dogs were taken by Mark Watkinson at GSD Northern Walk Group

A picture of health

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FIRST

It is unlikely for any dog to suffer food poisoning from raw meat, their bodies are equipped to process meat and bones fast, due to how nature designed them, with a particularly short gut. Salmonella is very rarely a factor, but when some dogs first take raw chicken, the Camphylobacter Bacteria can cause diarrhea, easily treated and once they recover, unlikely to reoccur. It is widely acknowledged by the raw food experts that some dogs have a reaction to this bacteria, but their systems soon become used to it. There is the exception, when dogs have auto-immune disease and then they do require specialist dog nutritionist advice, in some cases they are advised not to have raw chicken, as a result.

It is certainly advisable not to feed dogs weight bearing beef bones, it is true that these can cause chipped teeth, thus causing periodontal issues later in life. When dogs are gradually introduced to raw bones, it should be a process. Start with smaller bones and let them just have a a short time with a bone and gradually build up. Like us, they need to learn…

There are occasions when dogs swallow large pieces of bone, BUT due to the extreme acid environment in their stomachs, they are able to digest bones into a powder.

I quote from Tom Lonsdale:

Playtime

N A T U R A L R A W D I E T for Y O U R D O G

1.Vegetables/Fruit to include:

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Are Dog Supplements Good For My German Shepherd

Switching to a natural good quality raw dog food diet will be the single best thing you can do for your dog’s well-being. Whether you DIY recipes at home, or choose one of ProDog’s no-nonsense foods, like Complete Raw Dog Food or Pure 80:10:10 Raw Dog Food, there is no disputing dog science dogs predominantly benefit from eating meat, organ and bone, with a handful of natural ingredients from time to time. Check out our comprehensive guide on what dogs can eat for more information on the foods you can add to your dog’s diet for these benefits.

Where To Find The Best Raw Food For German Shepherds

Okay, so you’re convinced that raw feeding is the way to go for you and your German Shepherd.

Now what?

You’ll be happy to know that you can get high-quality, healthy meals delivered to your door.

If you’d like to explore other non-raw food options that are still packed with nutrition, check out the Spot and Tango Reviews I wrote.

Although, there are very few companies out there that can be trusted with the nutrition of your dog.

Raw Paws is one of those companies

I’ve checked them out from tip to toe and reviewed them for your convenience.

As a raw feeder myself I think there are a few must-haves when it comes to creating a nutritional meal plan for your dog

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Raw Dog Food Diet: Concerns Overblown

Supporters of raw dog food diets are quick to point out that commercially processed pet foods can contain harmful bacteria, as can raw meat offered for human consumption.

The whole concern about bad bacteria is overblown, Knueven says. When people are feeding a raw diet they know its not sterile, and theyre more careful about washing their hands. Feeding a raw meat diet is no different than cooking chicken for the family … you have to clean up the counter and your knife.

Continued

The FDA guidance document also suggested that manufacturers address typical nutrition problems in a raw-meat diet, including making sure it contained enough calcium and phosphorous, important for bone health. Raw-meat diets high in liver also may supply too much vitamin A, which can lead to vitamin A toxicity if fed for an extended period.

Even veterinarians like Knueven who support raw dog food diets say that theyre not appropriate for all dogs. Because the diets are typically high in protein, they arent appropriate for dogs with late-stage kidney or severe liver failure.

He recommends that dogs with pancreatitis or other digestive issues start with a cooked, homemade diet and clear up problems before switching to raw. Dogs with cancer, on chemotherapy, or dogs with other immunosuppressive diseases also should not eat raw food. And puppies arent good candidates, either.

Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd

Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog.

But really, it shouldnt be. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age.

And so the only thing you have to do is confirm whether or not a specific dog food brand satisfies a German Shepherds nutritional requirement.

That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. So if youre ever unsure of what to feed your German Shepherd, feel free to ask a veterinarian for recommendations.

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What About The Puppies

Usually, German Shepherd puppies consume more food than an adult GSD.

The little ones are extremely curious and because they are exploring their environment most of the time, they need a high-energy diet, that too several times a day.

One additional note: Always keep your puppy food away from their dog beds. And if you are in need of one, our friends from calmingdog.com will help you with finding the most comfortable solution for your pup.

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How To Transition Your German Shepherd To A Raw Diet

Raw feeding a German Shepherd for the first time takes time.

A transition to a new diet for your dog is a slow process. This allows for your GSDs digestive tract to adjust, preventing stomach issues. Below is a general schedule you can use for this dietary change.

Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old foodWeek 2: 50% new food and 50% old foodWeek 3: 25% new food and 75% old foodWeek 4: 100% new food

Only proceed to increment your dogs new food percentage per week if he seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor weight and health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, you should go back a week in the transition plan and proceed at a slower pace.

Never change your dogs food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

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German Shepherd Puppies Dietary Needs

Curious, confident, courageous, and vastly cuddly, these canines will gladly risk their lives to save yours. But, German shepherds usually need proper care and attention as they undergo drastic growth in the initial year of their life. Any neglect of nutritional needs results in serious health complications in their adulthood.

To begin with, you have to understand that GSDs are a large breed of dogs. So, it would be best if you gave them a large breed formula. You see, GSDs need extra minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and calcium. These nutrients support a healthy joint structure, promote buccal growth and a shiny coat. They also need a higher calorie intake as they tend to burn off the energy quickly. The German shepherd puppy sprouts super fast in the first eight months of their lives. That is when they need you to give them extra TLC.

On average, the GSD puppy requires 500 calories a day. And, by the time the puppy is 15 months, it needs 1600 calories. The protein intake should be around 18% to 22%. Moreover, there should be about 8-12% fat content in the diet to sustain the growth of your doggy.

You should initially feed the same diet the puppy was eating before you adopted them.

Consider continuing with this diet and then with the equivalent adult dog formulation.

If you plan to change to a different food do not do so in the first few weeks.

Then gradually include increasing proportions of the new food over a period of two to four weeks.

Your German Shepherds Gastrointestinal System

A lot of todays German Shepherds behaviors, tendencies, and preferences were actually imprinted in the breed a long time ago. Not by the way that they have been bred, but instead through their ancestry.

German Shepherds are descendants of wolves, and a wolves diet consists exclusively of raw meat. Its all they eat from the day that they are born, and their gastrointestinal systems are set up to do so without causing any health issues to the animal.

In fact, the GI system of a wolf is so resilient that when fresh meat is scarce, a wolf can scavenge and consume aging and rotting meet as well and it will do them no harm.

A wolf can do this because compared to a human, its GI system is shorter in length, and this allows food to pass through it quickly and efficiently. If consumed food lingers in a GI system, then bacteria and viruses have a chance to set up shop, so to speak, and this is how illness occurs.

Wolves also have very strong stomach acids which allows them to quickly break down food that a human could never even consider eating. These strong stomach acids, working in tandem with a short GI system, allows a wolf to consume just about anything that it pleases without the risk of illness. This is essential for a wolf living in the wild, because sickness can often mean certain death.

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Recommended Supplements For German Shepherds

Here are the best breed-specific supplements GSDs may benefit from.

• Hip & Joint: German Shepherds are prone to bone and joint problems like osteoarthritis. To prevent or alleviate these problems, its wise to supplement their diet with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help maintain an active lifestyle and support joint tissue. Finn Hip & Joint is an excellent choice.
• Digestive health: Giving dog probiotics can help with issues like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and EPI, both common in this breed. It can also help reduce your dogs inflammatory responses to food allergens.
• Immune system: GSDs are more susceptible to cancers than most dogs, particularly as they age. Adding dog immune system supplementation may help boost your dogs defenses. Cannabidiol products like CBD for dogs have also been shown to can anti-carcinogenic properties and promote immune health.

Because of the risk of bloating in GSDs, you should avoid raised dog bowls, give small frequent meals, invest in a slow feeder, and avoid vigorous exercise after meals. You may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your GSD pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.

Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dogs diet.

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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Diet Of German Shepherd Puppies

How much should a German shepherd eat a day

During the period of growing up, the gastrointestinal system of German Shepherd puppies is particularly vulnerable. Therefore, their diet should be well thought out and balanced regarding the need for vitamins and nutrients necessary for development.

The process of feeding puppies requires compliance with several rules:

• The puppys feeding time takes no more than 20 minutes. Next, the bowl of food from the young pet should take away.
• The break between feeding the puppy should not be longer than 8 hours.
• The place for feeding the animal is determined in advance and does not change throughout the pets life.
• The puppy should always have water. Changing it at least 3-4 times a day is advisable.
• Feeding is carried out at certain hours at the same time.
• Germans under the age of 1 month are also fed at night.
• The pet is not allowed to eat from the floor otherwise, it will have a habit of picking up food from the ground.

Note!!! The fastest growth rate is shown in the first six months of a puppys life. Therefore, during this period, the quality of food and the balance of the diet plays an important role.

Can I Add Rice To My Dog’s Raw Food

Many raw feeders do not include foods like rice even oats in their dog’s meal. But, it’s up to the owners and dogs’ preference if they feed rice together with raw dog food.

Raw feeding with rice is not inadequate because the only thing that matters is the quality of the food your dog can acquire.

However, most feeders do not recommend rice because it’s rich in carbohydrates which will be converted to sugar. This sugar is usually the cause of some cancers in dogs. So, reducing rice would also reduce health risks.

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Best Homemade Cooking Practices

With these tips, you can ensure that your German Shepherds meals are safe and nutritious.

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
• Use only boneless meats
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed
• Add supplements to their diet if needed
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

NOTE: When in doubt, ALWAYS research an ingredient. You dont want to add food that is toxic to dogs.

Why Is A Raw Meat Diet Best For German Shepherds

Raw meat is not only a great protein source for German Shepherds its an optimal diet.

Raw meat to dogs is like a keto diet to humans, allowing them to reach their total capacity and excellent health. In nature, dogs are a carnivorous species holistic raw dog food aligns most with their natural needs.

Dogs digestive systems are very different from our own. Their stomach is much more acidic, with an average pH of 1. Common bacteria in meat, such as Salmonella and E. Coli , cannot survive in a dogs short acidic digestive tract.

Many owners are intimidated by raw food, worried that the pathogens and bacteria could harm their dogs.

However, when feeding your German Shepherd dry dog food like kibble, you deprive them of vital nutrients and hydration.Most kibble brands lack essential components to your dogs health, such as protein, Vitamin D, biotin, water, and trace minerals. Feeding your dog aBARF diet is the best diet because it will provide them with all the needed nutrients. With a balanced BARF diet provided by a reliable source, your German Shepherd will be healthier than ever.

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Should I Feed Wet Food Dry Food Or A Combination Of

Dry food and wet food are both considered suitable for German Shepherd puppies. You can combine them both. But you need to start with wet food once the German Shepherd puppy is weaned from its mother. The digestive system is used to milk. So, dry food can cause digestive issues initially. Start with wet foods, and then you can gradually move to dry food. You can start offering dry food when your puppy becomes 12 weeks old, which is about the age a puppy is when you bring it home. Once you introduce dry food, you can make it the prime source of food since dry food ensures better energy and strength.

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.

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