Human Food Treats That Are Good For Your Dog
It is sometimes entirely too tempting to give your dog a piece of your lunch. We all have probably done it at some point or another, but did you know there are actually human foods that are good substitutes for those store-bought treats? Here are nine human foods that can double as healthy treats.
Peanut Butter. Peanut butter is a favorite of many dogs. It has lots of protein for your dog, but be sure to buy raw, unsalted peanut butter. Your dog does not need the extra salt.
Chicken . While some swear by raw chicken, it is safer for you and your family to give your dog cooked chicken, as dogs can act as carriers for salmonella. Chicken is great as a treat. Cut it up into little pieces to reward your dog or add it to your dogs food for more protein in their diet.
Carrots. Carrots can actually be very good for your dog. They have lots of fibers and vitamin A, and they are low on calories. They can also be used to clean and strengthen your dogs teeth.
Pasta . Raw pasta can be sharp and hard. It can cause serious damage to your dogs mouth, throat, and digestive system. Cooked pasta can be a great way to add on weight to your dog if they are having weight issues. Vets often suggest adding pasta to a dogs normal food to put some meat on their bones, so to speak.
Cheese. Make sure your dog isnt lactose intolerant, but most arent and can enjoy a bit of cheese. If you decide on cheese for your doggy, be sure to get the low-fat kind. Use moderation.
What Are The Healthiest Dogs Treats
Experts indicate commercial products such as cookies or bars contribute about 4 kcal per gram. If this seems too much, you can choose a homemade reward with which we can more easily calculate the calories we give our pets. These are healthy and tasty altogether.For example, if our dog can take a daily maximum of 100 kcal, he can take 200 grams of apple but only a couple of bars for dog food. There are also certain supplements that have health benefits such as fatty acids or Omega 3.
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Blue Buffalo Health Bars With Pumpkin & Cinnamon
This treat has many delicious ingredients that not only taste good but are healthy. Blue Buffalo Health Bars With Pumpkin and Cinnamon are great for canines with food allergies because they have no wheat, soy, or corn. Instead they are made from fine ingredients including cinnamon and real pumpkin.
They contain fatty acids such as omega-3 and vitamins that are good for a dogs diet. These treats are nutritious and are fun to chew. And as an added bonus this treat works for dogs of all sizes!
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My Choice For The Best German Shepherd Treat
The decision is not an easy one, as you may have seen, each product has its own advantage. However, most likable treats for me are Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Treats. Their excellent quality, softness, and taste make them the best training and everyday treats for German Shepherds.
to get one from Amazon
And here to get one from Chewy
The Best Crates For A German Shepherd Puppy
Your GSD puppy is going to grow fast, but that doesnt mean youre better off with an adult-sized crate right from the start. Puppies learn good potty habits when introduced to a properly-sized crate early on.
On the flip side, you can save some money by purchasing a crate large enough for your dogs adult size and simply blocking off a portion of it while shes still a pup. You have options!
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Are Cheap Dog Treats Unsafe
Some people avoid the cheaper brands of dog treats, saying that they are unsafe. While this is usually not true, these people are not totally wrong.
There have been times at which tainted dog treats have caused problems.
For instance, just last year, there was a serious problem with pig ear treats. Many of them were found to be contaminated with salmonella, so you should keep your eye on those recalls.
Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food
Image courtesy Orijen
The Orijen Puppy Large contains the most animal protein from chicken, which is fresh. The label analysis revealed that the recipe has 43% protein, 18% fat, and 31% carbohydrates… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 42 percent.
Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based “biologically appropriate” diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups.
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Specific Dietary Needs Of German Shepherds
Lets not forget that we are talking about a specific breed here, and German Shepherds do have some specific dietary needs. The German Shepherd is a large and active breed, and they are known for their energetic nature.
As such, you always want to choose food that gives them plenty of energy. When choosing treats, the same logic applies.
It is a good idea to give your dog plenty of protein, as this will help them to stay active all day long. It will also promote good lean muscle growth, and that indicates a healthy animal.
A diet high in protein will also keep your dogs feeling full and sated, just as it does for humans. At the same time, many good sources of protein are also quite high in fat. When a German Shepherd gets fat, it is not a good thing at all.
Large dogs like this one are more susceptible to heart problems than smaller breeds. This is because their heart has to pump a larger amount of blood, and it has to be moved a greater distance to reach the limbs.
A tougher job requires a stronger machine, and being overweight will put unnecessary strain on that machine. As you can see, large-breed dogs are more susceptible to a condition called DCM . Thats a heart condition in which the heart is enlarged and weakened.
We would generally recommend that you feed your German Shepherd a high-protein diet, but you should look for one that is derived from fish or poultry sources.
What Do You Consider While Buying The Best Treats For German Shepherd Puppies
You may already know when it is perfect time to give treats to the dog. The time which is best for the other dog is also best for the German shepherd dog. So, based on those timing and health-related issue we enlist some of the criteria you may pay attention during purchasing German shepherd dog treats. So, give your full attention below.
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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 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.
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What Makes Some Treats Softer Than Others
Treats that stay soft have probably been treated with glycerin, which is a natural component of fats and oils.
When raw animal fat is processed, it separates into glycerin and lard. Glycerin naturally helps substances to stay soft and resist drying.
Because of this, it is added to many foods to keep them from hardening with time, including many brands of dog treats.
Is Corn Ok To Feed My German Shepherd
The answer is yes. Corn isnt just a filler in dog foods. It also has several nutritional benefits. Corn isnt bad when added to balanced dog food, with even top nutritional research institutes supporting the findings .
Corn is a rich source of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid for dogs. It also adds vitamins and minerals to your dogs diet. And lets not forget the needed fiber that corn in dog food contributes.
Despite the fact that carbohydrates get a bad rap, certain sources of carbs also provide essential nutrients.
Corn contains healthy fat, fiber, and even vitamins. Carbohydrates are also a source of fiber, which promotes gut health and motility in your dog and helps keep their movements more regular.
But dont take my word for it
You can read the AKCs stance on corn here.
In fact, whole ground corn cooked is around 97 percent digestible by dogs . So, dont dismiss the benefits of corn in your German Shepherds food.
However, corn shouldnt be the main source of protein for your German Shepherd. Although corn is beneficial, its best to buy food with another protein source along with the corn. This creates a complete and balanced meal.
I can hear the screams of the blogosphere already when they read the next statement:
Rest assured, corn isnt just a cheap filler as an ingredient in your dogs food.
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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!
Best Dog Treats For Training Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds have traditionally been working dogs. They also make nice family pets because they can be quite gentle and are fiercely loyal.
They are excellent guard dogs, both in family and commercial environments, and of course, we all know they work for the police. Because the dogs are so smart and highly skilled, youll want the best dog treats for training your german shepherd to keep her motivated and on track.
Beef Liver Treats
Liver treats and sweet potato work nicely, as most dogs love the tastes. This container of liver snippets is nice, though, because they are each tiny.
When giving treats for good behavior, as in teaching a dog a specific task, you dont want to be feeding them a lot. The idea is to give a tiny reward, so he keeps on learning. Also, teaching and learning are very repetitive.
You would go through a lot of treats real fast if you didnt monitor and portion out what you give.
The nuggets are made in the USA from USDA Certified ingredients at a company that is over forty years old. They use one ingredient only for this product, and it is one hundred percent beef liver.
There are no additives, fillers, or chemicals to worry about. I cant imagine there being too many dogs that wouldnt snap these up in a jiffy!
So if you want to give your dog something natural and know that he will keep coming back for more, the best dog treats for training German Shepherd are small or breakable liver snippets.
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What Treats Are Good For A Puppy German Shepherd
Some good treats for German Shepherd puppies include soft chews, training treats, and meat-based treats.
When choosing a treat, its important to consider your puppys age, size, and activity level.
Puppies have small tummies and need food that is easy to digest. Avoid giving your puppy hard bones or large chunks of food that could cause an upset stomach.
Some popular brands of dog treats that are good for German Shepherds include Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Treats, Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Puppy Treats, and Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Puppy Plate.
You can also give your puppy healthy human foods as treats, such as cooked chicken, cottage cheese, and peanut butter.
Just be sure to avoid foods that are high in fat or salt, or that contain chocolate, grapes, or raisins, which can be poisonous to dogs.
German Shepherd Feeding Chart
So youve got yourself a German shepherd, and you think you can take care of them just fine without any knowledge. However, this will be your undoing. Youll realize that you cant get by without studying German shepherds.
German shepherds are similar to humans in the sense that they need to eat consistently. And just like us, they, too, have specific feeding amounts and nutrient requirements. You cant just make them eat whatever you lay your eyes on. However, as their owner, you cant always rely on your keen observation.
They can be a bit dishonest sometimes. They may even hide their hunger. Thats why you wont figure out their needs by simply observing. Thats why you need to have clear standards, especially on how you feed them. Overeating can cause sugar levels to spike. The opposite can cause malnutrition.
Either way, this German shepherd feeding chart will be a helpful asset when taking care of these dogs.
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Different Types Of Dog Treats
Dog treats come with multiple varieties so, here you need to pick the right one to ensure your dogs good health and happiness. One important rule you should follow like dont exceed 10% of dog treats on your dogs regular food intake even though treats assured a healthy diet. In the following, we enlist different types of available dog treats to assist in your perfect choice.
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food
Rating:
Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, chicken fat, yeast culture
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 46% protein, 24% fat and 22% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Nutra Pro is also rich in low-glycemic carbohydrates for sustained energy and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewThis formulation is new to the rotation for my 2 Australian Shepherds. Magic happily gave it 4 paws up after her first bowl. Loki, my fussy eater, was a bit skeptical at first, til he had the experience of eating this food being dispensed by a moving toy. Now his review is also 4 paws up. // I was able to transition to this food with no GI upset or poop changes. If you regularly change food brands or formulations, consider adding this food for your energetic canine partners. Highly recommended!
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What Is The Healthiest Food For A German Shepherd Puppy
Its important to choose specially formulated puppy food to support your young pups growth. Experts at the German Shepherd Dog Club of America advise looking for food that lists good protein, such as beef, chicken, or turkey, as the first ingredient. They also recommend avoiding foods that list chicken by-product meal, meat meal, or corn products as the main source of protein. Once youve narrowed down your options, seek advice from your veterinarian on which food will work best for your puppy.
Finally, according to a 2019 report by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56 percent of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Its a serious problem that can lead to a variety of health issues in dogs, including diabetes, osteoarthritis pain, and hypertension. Being a responsible pet parent means feeding your German Shepherd the appropriate amount of high-quality food for a well-balanced diet. When you do, youll have a happy, healthy dog eager to join his family on outdoor adventures.
Editorsâ Recommendations
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Wellness Wellbites Dog Treats
This is because it will be useful for those whose dogs have sensitive stomachs or are on a grain-free diet.
In addition, these treats are small, soft, and contain real meat. You can choose from eight flavors. If you are not sure which one is right for your pup, choose the three-flavor variety pack.
I will list some of the many flavor combinations: beef & turkey, chicken & lamb, chicken & venison, lamb & salmon, turkey & duck, and more. There will definitely be no complaints about the quality as the product is made in the USA.
Pros
Youve probably noticed, too, that Im trying to put together a list where every product is a little different.
This one will be a good choice for those whose dogs like crunchy treats.
As before, this product is grain-free and even gluten-free. It contains natural ingredients and real meat. Because of this, it is good for almost any dog who has some kind of sensitivity or allergy.
There are six flavors to choose from, which are bison, duck, turkey, salmon, red meat, and salmon & venison. If you have a hard time deciding, you can buy a three-flavor variety pack. In addition, this treat contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which are responsible for the health and beauty of the skin and coat.
Pros
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