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Proper Diet For German Shepherd

Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd

What Can German Shepherds Not Eat: Never Feed These 12 Foods to Your GSD

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.

German Shepherd Diet Chart

Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion.

When choosing the best food to feed a German Shepherd, look for the following ingredients in your selection. These items listed are all good foods for a German Shepherds diet when mixed in the appropriate amounts in a premium dry kibble.

Proteins

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.

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German Shepherd Raw Diet

Like homemade diets, formulating a raw diet for German Shepherds requires lots of effort and planning. There is more risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance due to its raw nature.

Raw dog food usually consists of uncooked and unprocessed animal-based products. These include raw meat, bones, vegetables, fruits, eggs with shells , and dairy products such as butter and cheese made from raw milk without pasteurization or homogenizing. A raw dog diet resembles the diet that dogs ate in the wild millions of years ago.

Raw dog food is a growing trend These diets provide canines with more nutrients than cooked foods and help them protect their teeth, coat, digestive functions, among other health benefits. Read our German Shepherd Raw Diet Guide to learn about raw feeding GSDs and their benefits. We also recommend visiting our best raw dog food article to find the best brands to feed your dog.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken And Rice

Food Guide For German Shepherd

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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Monitor Weight & Health

You must monitor your German Shepherds weight as you transition to a homemade food diet.

Follow your GSDs weight and health closely for about a month to ensure that she is not adversely affected by this new diet.

An unbalanced diet can lead to excessive energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, or obesity. If you notice these symptoms, stop feeding your GSD this food immediately and consult a professional dog nutritionist.

Be sure to work alongside your vet to ensure the diet maintains nutritional adequacy.

Why Should You Feed The Best Dog Food To Your German Shepherd

Health conditions like diabetes, hip dysplasia, and cancer are common in German Shepherds. Mostly due to poor breeding practices, the health conditions of German Shepherds pass as hereditary diseases.

Dogs from high-quality breeders are less likely to suffer from these health issues. However, all dogs face a chance of developing a health condition as they age.

Luckily, that’s not the end all be all. We can take preventative measures such as exercising and feeding our dogs the best diet to protect them and reducing common health problems with the proper diet.

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Blue Freedom Puppy Grain Free Chicken Wet Dog Food

Also from Blue Buffalo is the Freedom formula. Its a grain-free formula that can do wonders for your puppys overall health. Real chicken is used as the primary protein source.

Its accompanied by chicken liver and chicken broth. When you open the can, youll notice the visible vegetables. The food has carrots and peas, which provide plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Theres also sweet potato. It acts as the source of carbs to keep your dogs energy levels consistent throughout the day. The potatoes also provide a dose of fiber for better digestive health.

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The Best Supplements For German Shepherds

3 German Shepherds Try Different Foods

One of the best ways to address your German shepherd’s unique nutritional needs is to add all-natural, air-dried supplements to their diet. Supplements can fill in nutritional gaps and help support your GSD’s overall health.

Here are some of the best supplements for German shepherds:

Fish Oil

Hip dysplasia and joint pain are common health issues for German Shepherds. Adding a fish oilsupplement can help you get more omega-3s into your dog’s diet, which can help protect their joint health.

In a meta-analysis of studies on osteoarthritis in pets, omega-3s for dogs were found to have the highest amount of evidence to support their effectiveness. For the highest concentration of omega-3s, choose a fish oilsupplement made from wild-caught pollock and salmon, like this Omega Oil.

Joint Relief Supplement

Inflammation can contribute to joint pain and deterioration. A Relief Supplement is made with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, like turmeric, antioxidants, and green-lipped mussels . It can help keep your German shepherd feeling good into their golden years.

Probiotics

A probioticsupplement helps support German shepherds digestion, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Probiotics can promote digestive health by adding beneficial bacteria to your dog’s digestive system. In veterinary studies, probiotics showed promise for addressing a variety of doggy digestive issues.

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What Are The Best Meats For My German Shepherd

Here are the best meats for a German Shepherd:

Additionally, muscle meat and by-products such as hearts, livers, lungs, and kidneys are all good sources of protein, as well as the meat-meals made from them.

While you might turn your nose up at the thought of these animal organs, they contain essential nutrients your German Shepherd loves.

Week Old German Shepherd

At 6 weeks old, your job as a new owner is to make sure that your puppy is receiving the same level of nutrition that they were getting from their mothers milk.

Ideally, your puppy should still be nursing from their mother, because most foods are going to have a hard time replacing the needed micro and macronutrients, along with the natural antibodies that are found inside of the mothers milk.

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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!

Raw Dog Food Delivery Service

German Shepherd Diet

If you are a German Shepherd owner with a busy lifestyle and dont have much time to cook for your pet and wish your GSD could enjoy the benefits of eating raw food, a raw dog food delivery service is for you.

BARF World is one of our favorite options and the best raw food for German Shepherds available in the market.

This raw dog food company is the pioneer of raw diets for dogs. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bone. Plus, its supplemented with 4 other key ingredients.

BARF World states their food has helped generations of dogs become free of allergies, itchy skin and coats, digestive problems, obesity, and weight problems, among other issues.

All of their ingredients are USDA sourced, and their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines for dog food.

The best part of feeding BARF World is that you never have to worry about balancing ingredients, portion sizing,grinding, chopping, measuring, mixing, potential pathogens in raw ingredients, and all the risks and hassles involved in cooking raw dog food on your own.

In our experience, its a huge time-saver, and you can spend time on more important things like walks or training. We think its worth the cost after you add up the prices of all the ingredients youll need to cook a recipe and the convenience of it.

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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.

Best Homemade Food For German Shepherd

The best homemade food for GSD is a balanced diet that provides the optimal amount of nutrients for proper function in your pet while considering your dogs nutritional goals and health. We highly recommend Nom Nom as the best fresh home-cooked food for adult and puppy GSDs.

Dont feel like cooking for your GSD? Here is the most comprehensive guide to help you find the best commercial kibble for your GSD.

Chapter 2

Recipes & how-to cook guide

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How About German Shepherd Puppies

German shepherd puppies also need the same consideration as to their dad and moms. They grow fast so they also need high quality proteins. As much as possible, avoid exposing them to common irritants and allergens.

Watch out for labels with chicken, bison and beef as the main ingredients. Do not fed them foods with labels such as by-products as their initial offering. Preferably, pick products with good reputation and no any history of recall-free pet dog food production.

Go for products with consumer advocacy.

What About The Puppies

Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds

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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Should You Give Your German Shepherd Supplements

As a general guideline, do not provide your dog with supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. And for the most part, if youre feeding your German Shepherd with high-quality dog food, then it will most likely already have all the nutrients it needs, and you shouldnt have to worry about giving it supplements in the first place.

German Shepherd Feeding Guide: What And How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat

As German Shepherd owners, we strive to provide our dogs with the best care. And so we consider a lot of their needs, such as exercise, mental stimulation, and even social needs. But probably the most important one we have to address is their nutrition. But just what and how much should we feed a German Shepherd for it to be healthy?

Well, lets find out as we look further into a German Shepherds nutrition. In this article well discuss how much a German Shepherd should eat, its nutritional requirements, and Ill also provide a German Shepherd feeding guide to try and make the whole feeding process easier for you.

  • Final Thoughts
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    Raw Diet For German Shepherd Puppy

    A German Shepherd puppy raw diet plan is not the same as an adult GSD.

    Puppies need to eat more protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus than adult dogs. So, feed puppies 15% bone and less than 20% fat to ensure they get enough nutrients and minerals. Raw food for German Shepherd puppies should include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins per AAFCO guidelines.

    For proper growth and development, it is not advised to skip meals while your puppy is growing and developing.

    German Shepherd Puppy Diet

    Pin on GERMAN SHEPHERD DIET

    Early in life, puppies must eat often.

    Find out why German Shepherd puppies have different calorie and diet requirements that you need to know. You must feed a puppy food specially formulated for large-breed puppies to avoid an imbalance in their diets.

    Due to their rapid growth, any diet mistakes made during puppyhood will have more severe, even irreversible and lifelong, consequences.

    Good puppy food has advantages over adult dog food because it has been specially formulated for a puppys demanding nutritional requirements. More importantly, puppy foods contain the appropriate amount of calcium.

    A great recommendation for German Shepherd puppies that has the ideal protein and DHA is:

    Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    If you need to introduce a new diet do so over the course of a week, starting with replacing only a small amount of the current food with the new food. Then, gradually, increase the proportion of the new food daily until you give your dog only the new food.

    Daily food quantities are best divided out across the number of meals you feed per day.

    Heres a quick overview of feeding a German Shepherd puppy.

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    German Shepherd Puppy: Dog Food And Water Bowl Hygiene

    Your puppy’s food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If there are insects in your dogs water, it could cause your German Shepherd puppy to suffer from intestinal parasites.

    If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don’t forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality.

    Why Is A Raw Meat Diet Best For German Shepherds

    Raw meat is not only a great protein source for German Shepherds it’s 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 dog’s 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 dog’s 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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