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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Natural Balance Lid Large
If your German Shepherd suffers from food allergies, a limited-ingredient diet like this lamb meal and brown rice formula might be a good option. It contains only a single type of animal protein. And brown rice provides the grains and fiber, so its gluten-free!
Natural Balance L.I.D. Large-Breed Formula Dog Food
Great for German Shepherds with allergies or sensitive stomachs, this limited-ingredient recipe has lamb meal and brown rice, making it gluten-free.
This recipe comes in a larger kibble size for bigger teeth. It features premium ingredients like chicken, oatmeal, pumpkin, and cranberries. Its available in 15- and 30-pound bags.
Holistic Select Natural Large- and Giant-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
With a larger kibble size and premium chicken protein, this holistic recipe is a great choice for larger breeds like German Shepherds.
Important Factors For Selecting The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds Specifically
In addition to selecting a product that possesses the characteristics youd want in any good dog food, there are a few additional factors you should consider when purchasing the very best dog food for German shepherds. This will help you address the specific needs of your dog.
Some of the most important things to look for in a dog food for German shepherds include:
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The Best Dog Treats For German Shepherds
We think that the best treats are all-natural, whole foods like carrots or homemade peanut butter oatmeal balls. Its simply, really, just take some all-natural peanut butter, mix it with oat and freeze it.
If youre a no-grain family, you can replace it with a pumpkin.
However, if youre looking for a convenient treat to give during training, heres a favorite of ours.
Best Grain Free Food For German Shepherd
Does your German Shepherd dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, VICTOR Purpose Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food is your best bet.
This dog food is made to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO. Its multi-protein, nutrient-dense recipe is developed for German Shepherds with allergies to grains.
Its made with premium-quality beef, pork, and fish meals and is ideal for highly active adult dogs susceptible to joint issues later in life. This diet also has glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health. Keeps your GSD friend going strong and free of grain allergies
- Grain-free recipe for pups with allergies or sensitivity to grain
- Composed of 79% meat protein
- Premium-quality beef, fish and pork meal
- Ideal for active adult dogs susceptible to joint issues
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, amino acids & proteins
Cons
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What To Look For In A Good German Shepherd Dog Food
When it comes to choosing the best German Shepherd dog food, you need to make sure it is complete and balanced for your dogs minimum nutritional requirements. Look for a recipe that is protein-rich with moderate fat and calorie content, unless your dog is highly active in which case, he may need more calories. Digestible carbohydrates provide fiber and essential nutrients with vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure nutritional balance.
Here are some things to look for in a good German Shepherd dog food:
Now that you know more about your German Shepherds nutritional needs, youre ready to start shopping for the best food for German Shepherd dogs. Keep reading to see our top 10 picks.
Taste Of The Wild Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe
Top ingredients: Beef, Peas, Garbanzo BeansType: Dry
A high-quality dog food made in the USA. No list of best dog foods is complete without a mention of Taste of the Wild.
It contains natural ingredients and sources its protein from lamb, boar, and beef, with the intention of feeding our domesticated buddies what their wild ancestors would eat.
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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:
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Food
When it comes to quality nutrition, raw food is at the top of the spectrum with fresh food close behind. Unfortunately, raw food can be very expensive, and it is more difficult to store than dry food. Thats why we love this Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Food it provides the ideal blend of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw bites to give your dog a boost of nutrition without compromising on convenience. This recipe features fresh chicken as the first ingredient with freeze-dried chicken bites for taste, texture, and nutrition. It contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and potatoes with fresh fruits and vegetables for supplemental fiber as well as natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe provides a full 38% protein with 17% fat and 389 calories per cup. It is balanced with vitamins and chelated mineral supplements as well.
- Pros: High-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bites, real chicken first ingredient, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics for digestion, chelated minerals
- Cons: Contains some plant protein , not grain-free
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Fresh Food For German Shepherds
The smart, sensitive, athletic German shepherd can frequently be seen working with law enforcement, in search-and-rescue, and as a service dogin fact, a German shepherd was Americas first seeing-eye dog. German shepherds thrive with owners who can give them the considerable physical activity and mental stimulation they need every day.
A diet of fresh dog food for your German shepherd is the best way to support their health and happiness along with daily exercise, regular vet care, and a challenging job to do.
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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The Modern German Shepherd
When you think of a German Shepherd, a canine with a wolf-like appearance comes to mind. Most people find German shepherds to be an intimidating breed, fierce in looks and personality. In truth, there are many different types of German Shepherds and make for very faithful companions that love to lead. They are a very zealous and energetic breed. Your German shepherd pup will play, bounce, run and fetch all day long if you will allow it.
Its a breed of dogs that starts with being a little over one pound. But, by the first year, they can gain weight up to 60 pounds. They are not a breed prone to obesity, either. They are a very active breed of dogs. Besides, GSDs have such a superior aptitude for training and are so intelligent that you will find them performing many different jobs.
German Shepherds make superb search and rescue dogs. Youll find them providing disability help as well as working with the police and in military roles.
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Diy Dog Food Seasoning
While dogs cant have all of the same aromatics as humans can they can have a small variety of dried or fresh herbs and spices that contain great nutrients and help flavor their meals. Use a few teaspoons sprinkled on top or mixed into the food. These are some easily digestible herbs and spices to try:
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Now Lets Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We
The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omegas. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, Ive found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pups ideal dog food flavor profile.
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Iams ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This classic, grain-inclusive large breed design has been made by Iams for years and is a nutritious fit for adult German shepherds. Calcium levels are a bit high for shepherd puppies. Easily recommended.
Sample buyer reviewIAMS is a product that I have turned to for complete nutrition for my dog as well as my cats! In fact, I have been feeding IAMS to my cats for over 20 years! Sure there are higher priced pet foods, but why would you want to pay more when you get the proper nutrition and a quality product at a reasonable price!
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A Quick Comparison Of The Winners In 2022
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| Good for: | Adults & puppies |
Nom Nom is the 1st best overall food you can get for German Shepherds. Like all large dogs, they thrive well on high-quality diets with a good amount of protein. Nom Noms foods are made with natural, human-grade ingredients that pet parents could eat on their own plates if they desire!
German Shepherds will do best on the Turkey Fare recipe since it has the highest protein content amongst their recipes. Nom Noms Turkey Fare recipe features 10% crude protein, 5% crude fat, 1% crude fiber, and 72% moisture. This recipe is excellent for dogs who need a higher-protein diet like German Shepherds.Additionally, Nom Noms foods are fortified with extra vitamins and minerals that German Shepherds need to thrive. The nutrition offered by Nom Nom is a nutritious, veterinarian-recommended choice for pet parents who want to give their dogs a fresh, human-grade diet.
Since this food is of premium quality, the overall cost is higher. It might be too much for some pet parents however, people have been happy to pay for this food because of the quality.
| Good for: | Adults and puppies |
| Good for: | Adults and puppies |
| Good for: | Adults |
| Good for: | Adults and puppies |
The Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds
German Shepherds contribute A LOT to our world. And they deserve the best health we can offer them. That means finding them the best dog foods. It may take a little more research , but its worth the effort. These dog foods for German Shepherds will keep your pup as active, sleek, and shiny as you could wish. Best of all, they get a paws up from dogs on flavor approval!
Diamond Naturals is an awesome dog food for German Shepherds. You have puppy and large breed options, and they come in different flavors, including chicken and lamb. Then they add in superfoods like blueberries, papaya, and kale to give your dog a kick of nutrients. And every pound of kibble contains 80 million CFU of live probiotic cultures. Not to mention omegas, glucosamine, AND chondroitin. It checks all of the GSD boxes, and it comes in three handy sizes.
Downsides? Its a little high in the fat department . Youll want to oversee those calories when you measure your food amounts. Also, the 23% protein is high for even puppies.
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Where Do You Find A Blue Heeler Gsd Mix For Sale Or Adoption
There are many possible ways to find a Blue Heeler GSD mix for sale and adoption. You can search the internet and have your thorough research for legitimate breeders that sell the breed.
If you adopt one, Cattle Shepherd is available in rescues and shelters.
Here are some of the websites to look to buy a Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix:
- Greenfield Puppies
At The End Of 2019 During Our Yearly Vet Check We Received The Devastating News That Our 11 Year Old Dog’s Blood Work Showed That He Was In Stage 4 Kidney Failure
Honestly, I was a basket case, how on earth did we miss this? He seemed like he was just dealing with some symptoms of getting older – frequent urination, sometimes excessive water drinking. It definitely didn’t feel like life-threatening symptoms. As much as the diagnosis was a shock, the price tag of the prescription diet he would need to eat for the remainder of his life was pretty horrifying too!
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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Joint Problems
If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you’ll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain.
Now let’s chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend.
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Guide: 6 Months To 12 Months
At this stage in your German Shepherds development, growth will be considerably slower. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day.
Youll still want to watch her weight, health, and activity level, but now you can split her daily total calories over fewer meals.
While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula.
You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture.
Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow.
Again, its imperative that you speak with your vet before making any changes to your GSDs diet.
Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food.
Some GSDs stay on puppy food for a whopping two years! So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog.
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How To Care For A German Shepherd With A Sensitive Stomach
Caring for your dog goes a long way in preventing any stomach flare-ups, especially if they already have a sensitive stomach. Some of the things you can do include:
- Sticking to the dogs diet and only making gradual changes when transitioning
- Changing the ratio of the old food to the new food slowly over the course of 10 days while observing for any changes
- Avoid feeding them one large meal instead, dividing it into two or three meals.
- Feeding grain-free foods
- Maintaining a diet with probiotics and prebiotic supplements
- Buying the right feeding bowl if your dog is the kind that scarfs down all their food quickly
- Keeping off inexpensive treats and foods and instead opting for high-quality ones with real ingredients.
- Staying up to date with the dogs vaccination and parasite prevention to minimize infections and illness.