How To Decide On The Finest German Shepherd Puppy Food As A Consumer
Consider the following advice when you shop for puppy food for your German Shepherd.
Calories
To meet the energy demands of a developing puppy, puppy food is often fairly calorically dense.
Protein content tends to be high as well. A high-protein, high-calorie diet will sustain your puppy’s growth and development, providing the energy they require.
DHA
Because of its beneficial effects on the brain and eyes, DHA is typically specified as an added ingredient in puppy food.
Supporting the puppy’s central nervous system with this vital ingredient generated from omega-3 fatty acids will promote better eye function and brain development.
Vitamins and Minerals
Your puppy will get a lot of the nutrients he needs from the food you feed him. Bone and tooth development are supported by the vitamin and mineral supplements often found in puppy diet.
You need to find the sweet spot since rapid growth in large breed puppies might cause deformities in the bones. If you want to make sure you’re giving your puppy the appropriate kind of food and the right amount of it, you should see a veterinarian.
Always Work With A Vet/vet Nutritionist
Working with a vet or a vet nutritionist is a must-follow guideline!
Whether you feed your dog with commercial diets or homemade food, the most important thing to remember is that the meal should include all the nutritional ingredients needed to keep your dog healthy.
Unfortunately, studies on the nutritional completeness of homemade dog food have suggested that most dog owners dont feed their dogs with a nutritionally complete diet. For example, a study that assessed homemade dog food recipes reported that all had one or more nutrient deficiencies, and none included all the required nutrients.
Considering the risk of giving your dog a meal that lacks essential nutrients, the first thing to bear in mind is, thatwhen feeding your GSD with a homemade diet, the recipe should be created in consultation with a vet or a vet nutritionist. Doing this ensures that the diet is sound for your GSDs wellness.
This also means that you should be wary of the readily available homemade dog food recipes on the internet or in other sources like magazines and books. Before using these recipes, run them through your dogs vet first.
Worst Dog Food For German Shepherd
The following foods should be avoided by your German Shepherd: avocados, chocolates, onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners, and uncooked potatoes.
Grapes and raisins, bones, yeast bread, moldy food, and unripe tomatoes are some additional harmful foods. These foods can prove lethal under extreme circumstances.
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Common Health Issues In German Shepherd Dogs
Unfortunately, being a popular dog breed always comes at a price. And for the German shepherd, unethical breeding through the years has led to a host of medical issues. Some of the top conditions to plague the beautiful German shepherd that may potentially be helped by nutrition include:
- Hip dysplasia Poor structure of the hip socket leads to loose hips, as well as debilitating and painful arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia An elbow joint malformation creates friction and cartilage damage, making weight bearing painful, and causing progressive deterioration.
- Degenerative disc disease or lumbosacral disease The shepherds iconic long back can be weak along the lumbar spine, making them prone to disc herniation and narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Bloat Gastric dilatation or gastric dilatation volvulus, or bloat, is an emergency, life-threatening situation that occurs when the stomach distends and can potentially rotate , cutting off blood flow and stomach contents from the small intestine. The cause is not fully known, but a preventive procedure is available.
- Skin allergiesGerman shepherd dogs may suffer from environmental, food, or flea allergies that can impact the skin barrier integrity, and lead to discomfort and a poor hair coat.
German shepherdsheroes with hearts of gold
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Help My German Shepherd Has Diarrhea What Should I Do
Diarrhea is a common health problem among dogs that clearly indicates gastrointestinal distress. Thats why it is no surprise that German Shepherd diarrhea issues have been a common matter owners often worry about. So if your German Shepherd also suffers diarrhea and you are wondering why this happens, you are not alone.
Although diarrhea can be an alarming sign, identifying the common causes is not difficult. Fortunately, treatment options are available and your German Shepherd will likely recover as soon as you take an immediate action.
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Best Raw: We Feed Raw Beef Patty Recipe
This raw beef diet contains everything a growing German Shepherd puppy needs. Its one of the best German Shepherd puppy foods because its a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and promotes a healthy heart and immune system.
This raw food has beef as its primary ingredient. Raw meat is highly digestible for puppies, and this high-quality diet is low in carbohydrates but high in protein and fat for the best possible puppy nutrition.
| 12.2 % Protein 10% Fat 1% Fiber 68.8% Moisture | |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 2% of ideal adult weight per day a healthy adult German Shepherd male weighs 79 to 88 pounds, while a healthy adult German Shepherd female weighs 66 to 70 pounds. This means that boy puppies should get about 1.67 pounds of this food per day, while girl puppies should get about 1.36 pounds per day. |
| Cost Per Meal | This food costs approximately $6.60 per pound, so 1 meal for a male puppy costs $5.54. |
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Food & german Shepherd Helth Concerns & Risks
So, why is it important to feed your German Shepherd the right food and understand the breeds specific nutritional requirements and health risks associated with poor nutrition?
According to a study on nutritional risks of large-breed dogs, large dogs like German Shepherds have a higher risk of developing skeletal diseases such as hip dysplasia due to improper nutrition. Over time, skeletal disorders and obesity can lead to osteoarthritis.
GSDs tend to suffer from Gastric dilatation and volvulus bloat. Monitor your GSDs eating habits. Fast eating and gulping can increase the risk of these health problems. Feeding 3 smaller meals a day instead of one large one can also prevent this problem. Making sure your GSD does not do any strenuous physical activity after eating is also necessary. A slow-down dog bowl can also help.
Furthermore, a study published in BMC Veterinary Research Journal found that German Shepherds are at a high risk of developing cutaneous adverse food reactions 1, or in simpler terms, dog food allergies.
Because GSDs are prone to food allergies, we highly recommend doing an at-home food allergy test like 5Strands food allergy test. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and tell you which ones may cause allergies or sensitivities in your dog. After receiving the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas with these potential allergens.
Other significant German Shepherddog foodhealth-related risks to be aware of include:
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Best Overall Dog Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs
Purina is a premium brand with a name that you can trust. Their sensitive skin and stomach formula is fully researched using food trials and their formulas and backed by veterinary nutritionists.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon Adult Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food helps protect your dogs sensitive stomach with easily digestible ingredients. Crafted with real salmon and easy on the tummy oats, this research-backed formula contains no soy, wheat, or artificial colors or flavors that can cause belly upsets or skin flare-ups.
Alongside stomach-loving antioxidants for your dogs immune support, the nutritious bounty is crafted using EPA and glucosamine for joint health.
And, if that wasnt enough
The dry kibble is strengthened with both prebiotics and probiotics for beneficial digestion.
How Much Does Special Diet Dog Food Cost
Theres no getting around it specialized dog food can be expensive. This is in part because they are made from specialized formulas. But its also because there are a limited number of prescription foods, sold exclusively with veterinarian approval. This creates less competition, and both vets and food manufacturers can benefit from high mark-ups.
Prescription dog food prices, therefore, are partially a marketing scheme. For a small bag of prescription dog food, for example, youre likely to pay over $30. Essentially, youre paying the same price as you would for premium high-quality food , but often without those same high-quality ingredients.
However, depending on your dogs health needs, you may have little choice, and a higher monthly bill for dog food will still be less than large vet bills down the line. If in doubt about whether you truly need prescription food, you can always get a second opinion. Or talk to your vet about whether homemade dog food might be an option.
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Can You Free Feed A German Shepherd Puppy
Free feeding is leaving food out for your German Shepherd puppy to eat at whatever time they want. The following are reasons why free-feeding is not good for your puppy:
- It puts your puppy at risk of becoming overweight Puppies typically cannot control their eating. When they are bored, they can overeat which leads to obesity causing serious health issues.
- Free feeding allows the dog to access food all the time, making him find the food less appealing.
- Free feeding prevents you from keeping track of the amount of food you are feeding your dog.
Us Vet: This Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
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Picking the best dog food for your German Shepherd can be a challenging task. You want to keep your âGerminatorâ happy and healthy. As a large-active breed, you need to keep his diet balanced and packed with high-quality protein. Therefore, you have to make plenty of decisions, from considering Fidoâs life stage and health requirements to ensure that she gets all the proper nutrients from the highest quality sources. All of this with the abundance of information might be overwhelming.
I used my 12 years of Veterinary experience and reviewed over 100 dog food products to find the best dog food for German Shepherds.
After considering the nutritional needs along with genetic health conditions that German Shepherds tend to have, I found that âNutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dog Foodâ is the best overall food for adult German Shepherds. In addition to meeting my dietary criteria for German Shepherds, it has the best combination of nutrients and quality sources.
But I understand that no two German Shepherds are alike, and your German Shepherd might have a different life stage or have different needs. Thatâs why I prepared a shortlist of the best German Shepherd foods that address the most common German Shepherd needs.
Top 5 Picks For The Best German Shepherd Dog Food
Letâs get started.
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How To Treat German Shepherd Dogs With A Sensitive Stomach
The first course of action to take when you realize your canine friend has a sensitive stomach is to identify the cause. To do this, observe everything that the dog is taking in. While at it, ensure your dog is not feeding from bins or litter trays.
Start by eliminating the usual culprits we already mentioned- meat, fish, chicken, and other sources of proteins. Proteins are the main cause of stomach upsets in German Shepherds. Also, check for high-fat foods and low-quality ingredients these are also common culprits. Once the main cause is identified, finding remedies and treatment options is easier.
If the symptoms are not severe, you can help soothe your dog by:
How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Has A Sensitive Stomach
What signs and symptoms does your German Shepherd have with their stomach problems?
You might wonder, How do I know if my German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach?
A sensitive stomach is when a German Shepherd eats a particular food and this causes a digestive upset.
Common signs and symptoms that your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach include:
- Signs of abdominal pain or avoiding your touch when they usually accept petting
The most common symptom seen in a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach is diarrhea.
Diarrhea can result if one of the normal digestion processes goes wrong. You might even find that you frequently change their food in order to find the right one to suit their stomach issues and prevent their frequent bouts of gastrointestinal upset.
Its stressful for both your German Shepherd!
Your dog is uncomfortable and feels ill, and youre desperate to help.
When your German Shepherd seems to react poorly to their regular food its best to get a formal vets diagnosis to get to the bottom of the matter as quickly as possible. This is especially true if your dog has had continued symptoms despite your good efforts.
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Do You Have A Favorite German Shepherd Puppy Food
Once youve found the perfect food for your German Shepherd puppy, why not tell us about it in the comments section below? Wed be particularly interested to hear if you chose one of our top products!
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
Your German Shepherd might have skin allergies along with a sensitive stomach.
A German Shepherd that suffers from sensitive stomach issues might also show signs of skin allergies. Its possible even that the sensitive stomach is actually a sign of an unknown food or environmental allergy.
In this case, you should also consider food for German Shepherds with skin allergies to keep their skin healthy and reduce itching and scratching. While the dog foods listed in this guide can help reduce tummy troubles, there are several other choices to feed your GSD when considering a change to their diet.
Dont give up helping your German Shepherds stomach problems. A change in diet may not solve the problem immediately, but in many cases, it can help.
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Our Top Pick For The Best Puppy Food For German Shepherds
The best overall German Shepherd puppy food is the Royal Canin Large Puppy Dry Dog Food. It has an impressive ingredient list with whole foods that provide well-balanced nutrition for growing pups. The high-quality ingredients make it easy to digest. It has a balance in nutrition and contains antioxidants that are good for your puppy.
Whats The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs
Finding the right food to suit your dogs sensitive stomach can become confusing.
The best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs contains highly digestible ingredients and is low in fat. Highly digestible ingredients are easier for German Shepherds to digest and provide more nutrients. The food should avoid the most common known allergens, such as dairy and beef. The right levels of proteins, fats, and fiber will help ensure your German Shepherd gets the nutrition they need while dealing with her stomach issues.
Supplementing with probiotics shows promise for managing digestion problems in German Shepherds and a daily regimen is advised.
The only problem?
Finding the exact dog foods that meet these requirements in an aisle full of fancy packaging and flashy marketing. Here are the top picks laid out for you, along with even more delicious options for your dogs dinner and a sensitive stomach guide for keeping your dog healthy and active.
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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs
If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato.
German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherds 8 weeks to 15 months old< br> < br> As a result of increased demand, you may experience difficulty purchasing certain products in the coming months. If you need an alternative diet recommendation or help locating a product, please contact our Nutritional Advisors at 800-592-6687 or via < a href=”https://www.royalcanin.com/us/contact-us”> Live Chat< /a>
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Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dog Food Best Value
| Ingredients: | |
| Calories: | 355 kcal/cup |
In order to accommodate dogs with food sensitivities, Blue Buffalo Basics Skin and Stomach Care Dog Food has a nutrient-rich recipe with few ingredients.
Real turkey is the first ingredient, adding protein, and pumpkin and potatoes ease digestion. This recipe is a wonderful choice for people with sensitivities because it doesnt contain dairy, eggs, or wheat.
In order to maintain a strong immune system, Blue Buffalo is brimming with anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, and a special mixture called LifeSource bits. This recipe is the greatest dog chow for the money because of the benefits of the formula and the reasonable pricing.
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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