What Do German Shepherd Dogs Eat

Complete Guide To What German Shepherds Can & Cant Eat

German Shepherds are never far away when you are cooking and eating. As such, you may often be tempted to share a bit of whatever you are cooking or eating with your German Shepherd.

But what can you safely share? What foods can and cant a German Shepherd eat?

In this article, we have compiled as comprehensive a list as possible of the foods that your German Shepherd can eat and those that it cannot.

The lists are divided into food groups for ease of reference the can eats of each food group are listed first, immediately followed by the cant eats of that group.

Why Do German Shepherds Get Diarrhea

Causes of German Shepherd diarrhea include eating rotten food, eating something that causes irritation or is toxic, changing diet, food allergy or intolerance, and overeating. Other reasons are parasites, viruses, bacterial infections, illness, stress, or medication. The breed is prone to a sensitive stomach.

The German Shepherd breed is well known for having a sensitive stomach and can relatively quickly get diarrhea. But dont worry, as your dog may have just eaten something they shouldnt or may have caught a mild stomach bug.

Even if you always keep a watchful eye on your German Shepherd, its amazing how they sometimes manage to get hold of something they shouldnt!

Learn More on The Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

As described in the above video by veterinary expert Dr. Katy Nelson, it is important to recognize whether your German Shepherd has a common stomach upset or something more serious. These are the common causes of diarrhea in dogs:

• Overeating

• Medications
• Pancreatitis

So, now we know the causes of diarrhea in German Shepherds, lets look at how to treat this unpleasant stuff

Favorite Food Of German Shepherds

What do German Shepherds eat? Practically, German Shepherds are carnivorous. Any dog in the wild will hunt for its food.

Dogs in the wild will chase anything that moves and is small enough for them to take down in packs or individually. In other words, a German Shepherds favorite food is meat.

German Shepherds will love any form of meat, be it beef, pork, mutton, lamb, or poultry. The GSD will probably also enjoy a tasty fish dish on occasion.

A quick sniff of what is on offer will assure them of whether the food will be palatable or not.

When thinking about what German Shepherds eat, pet owners should consider feeding their pets high-quality store-bought foods.

Store-bought foods offer the best convenience for feeding hungry German Shepherds, but it is vital to support your pets health with fresh food.

If youre a pet owner who enjoys giving their German Shepherd human food, then read further. The question is always whether it is safe for your pet to eat certain human food.

Like people, German Shepherds also enjoy variety in their food. Even if you only give your German Shepherd store-bought food, it is best to purchase assorted flavors every time to ensure your dog stays interested in its food.

Pet owners also wonder what German Shepherd puppies should eat and whether this breeds nutritional needs change as they grow.

The best decision is to do your homework so that you support your pet at every phase of its growth.

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Promoting Gastrointestinal Health In A Sensitive German Shepherd

Some German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach that can be easily aggravated. These pups often require special care when it comes to their diet, and often benefit from extra support from probiotics and other dietary supplements.

So how can you promote digestive health in your German Shepherd? Here are a few of our favorite tips!

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Large Breed Dry Puppy Food

This recipe from Blue Buffalo is a great option that has everything your puppy needs to stay healthy. Its protein content is 35 percent, which is well above the recommended amount.

Most of that protein comes from wholesome meat sources like deboned chicken and fish. While the kibble has more fat than your pup needs, its all good fat. The omega fatty acids will keep your dogs fur healthy while also supporting ocular health.

When it comes to minerals, youll be happy to know that this kibble offers the recommended calcium and phosphorus ratio of 1.2:1.

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Dog Eating Poop Their Own Or Another Dogs Poop

Why dogs eat their own stool is a little bit more of a mystery, but there are several theories.

A lot of dogs will eat poop as puppies. Mother dogs may instinctively eat their puppies poop to keep a whelping area clean and free of parasite infestation. Puppies may mimic this behavior, but the majority will grow out of this.

Some believe dogs eat their poop because there are nutrition and vitamin deficiencies in their diet. There is no scientific evidence this is true.

It doesnt hurt to reassess your dogs food or make an appointment with your vet to rule out the possibility of a condition where your dogs food is passing through them before being digested.

The most conclusive theory of why dogs eat their poop is behavioral:

• Dogs that are kept in a confined area may eat their poop to clean-up after themselves.
• Dogs that are punished or scolded for pooping in the house, or the wrong place, may eat their poop to hide the evidence.
• A dog that is fed where they relieve themselves may associate the smell of poop with food.
• Last but not least is attention. A typical reaction to seeing your dog eat poop is to yell and discourage the behavior verbally. Even though this reaction is negative attention, it is still attention. Try not to overreact. Be firm with displeasure but stay calm so you dont encourage this unwanted behavior.

Some dogs eat poop only during the winter months when the stool is firmer or frozen compared to warmer months. Other dogs arent as selective.

How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat

Until the age of about 6 months, young puppies should have 3 to 4 small meals during the day. Dish these out into bowls at the start of the day, and use these rations as their training treats too. Reward them every time they do something youd like to see more of. Like laying calmly at your feet, or not jumping up your guests.

Using their daily kibble as training treats removes the potential for over feeding, and the issues that come along with it. Follow the manufacturers recommended feeding amount guidelines on the product packaging. But dont be afraid to adjust it if you think they are looking too skinny or are carrying a bit too much weight.

Wet Food vs Dry Food for German Shepherd Puppies

Feeding dry food has the advantage that it is convenient and usually more affordable than canned wet food. Kibble is also very good at removing plaque from your puppys teeth as he eats. Helping to prevent the formation of tartar and the onset of periodontal disease. Its also much easier to use as training treats.

However, dry food contains negligible water content. To avoid liver and kidney problems in your pup, always ensure that plenty of clean fresh water is available to him. Wet food contains around 80% water, which keeps your puppy hydrated.

Best Diet Plan for German Shepherd Puppy

How Long to Feed Puppy Food to German Shepherd Puppies?

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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies

The best food for a young GSD is one that supports healthy development, and tastes great too. Fortunately, there are lots of good options on the market right now that will give your dog a great start in life.

German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs

Dogs are carnivores. Although they will eat vegetables and fruits, their natural diet is meat based. This means that their food should contain high protein and fat levels. German Shepherds also have thick fur, and tend to shed continually throughout the year. The fat content in your dogs diet helps to keep his skin and coat in good condition.

Best Food for German Shepherd Puppy Energy Levels

In general, German Shepherd puppies eat more food than adult dogs. They are curious, extremely busy little creatures who spend much of their day exploring their environment and playing. Such high activity levels coupled with rapid growth demand plenty of fuel to keep them going! As a large breed of dog, your pups growing body needs a particular blend of nutrients in order to reach their full size properly and remain healthy.

The Best German Shepherd Puppy Food for Health

German Shepherds are especially prone to certain health problems, including skin conditions, hip dysplasia, and bloat. These conditions are common to a lot of large breeds of dog, and many manufacturers take them into account. Look for puppy food designed for large, active breeds. The right food might help to prevent these conditions from affecting your pup in later life.

German Shepherd Puppy Diet: Newborn

For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother’s milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy’s immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk.

Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a puppys first milk, as it provides them with 90% of its natural defenses. In addition, a puppys first feeding contributes to proper blood flow and helps oxygenate the puppy’s organs.

If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don’t give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy’s mother’s milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy.

A dogs breed type does however influence this feed. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy.

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Why My German Shepherd Dog Eat Poop

Why my dog eats his poop? Whether it is a natural occurrence and is it healthy for my dog? In fact, eating your own poop is a natural occurrence in a dog . There is also a scientific term for it: Coprophagia.

What is Coprophagia?

Coprophagiais a scientific term for eating feces. Although coprophagia is upsetting and revolting to us it is a common problem in dogs and puppies.

What causes Coprophagia?

Any medical problem that leads to a decrease in absorption of nutrients, causes gastrointestinal upset or causes an increase in the appeal of the dogs stool, could lead to coprophagia.

For us it is simply unimaginable, but not for dogs, especially puppies. This behavior is most commonly occurs in puppies and young dogs. The good news is Coprophagia isnt a permanent problem and they usually go away as your pup grows older.

The most common reasons why your dog eats poopWe have singled out the main reasons why a German Shepherd eats poop. Your German Shepherd eats his own poop because its tasty?

Yes, this doesnt sound very good. How can they eat something that doesnt smell nice and is disgusting? Because it tastes good to them and smells nice. After several scientific studies, scientists have found that dogs love the taste and smell of poop. They eat poop because they enjoy the taste and smell. Some say that dogs smell the last food they ate in their feces. Your German Shepherd often eats his poop because your dog eats you too fast

How Much Should A German Shepherd Puppy Eat

You need to be careful when feeding your German Shepherd puppy. They should not be left to their own devices when it comes to food. Instead, feed your puppy 3 meals a day.

The amount of food your puppy needs depends on your puppys hunger, weight, and the type of food that you are feeding him. Stick to the German Shepherd puppy feeding chart below.

Watch your puppys waistline to see if there seems to be any excess weight hanging out that will be hard to lose later.

A puppy that is too thin will have visible ribs. If that is the case, monitor how much your puppy eats and, if concerning, call your veterinarian.

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What Are The Best Types Of Foodfor German Shepherds

Our dogs are very dear to us. And as our pets, we certainly want to get the best food that will enable them to grow and maintain a healthy profile. There are different types of dog foods out there, and choosing the right one can be difficult.

Most German Shepherd owners prefer to feed their dogs with commercial dry foods and canned wet foods. Others prefer to try out a combination of both dry and wet foods. However, some owners choose to go with raw diets or spend time cooking home-made diets for their pets.

Regardless of the type of food you choose, it is essential to balance and have all the nutrients required in the right ratios. If you select commercial dog food, please check the packaging for the list of ingredients and the food’s dietary content.

As earlier mentioned, protein should be top of your list. You should consider foods with high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins, such as grains, vegetables, and legumes. Moreso, the food should also be rich in fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Let’s take a look at the different types of dog food that are suitable for your pet. We will also review the pros and cons of each food type.

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Feeding Length Of Your German Shepherd Puppy

You need to observe your German shepherd in order to determine his mealtime lengths. Take note of how long he takes to finish a normal portion of food.

You also need to observe how long he takes to be full and pay careful attention to if he is still hungry after eating his portion.

Usually, German shepherds will take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete a meal, providing that you adhered to the customary feeding instructions. If you notice that your dog is displaying signs of eating slowly, you should pay a visit to your vet.

On the other hand, if you notice that your German Shepherd is still hungry after completing a meal, you should also pay a visit to your vet.

German Shepherds And Children

Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children.

Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds can be nervous of strangers so make sure theyre never left unsupervised. Be careful if you are introducing a German Shepherd to younger children or adults unfamiliar with the breed as they often dont know their own strength.

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German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart

Split up the total cups of dry dog food listed. Dont feed this amount at every meal or your dog might get sick. Instead, use the chart found below called How Often Should You Feed a German Shepherd Puppy? to determine how many meals throughout the day your GSD needs.

Keep in mind, these are guidelines and you should adjust them based on your dogs energy needs.

How Much Should a German Shepherd Puppy Eat *Guidlines only.

Offer your dog their food and if they dont eat their meal in 10 to 15 minutes remove their dish. Wait an hour and offer them the same meal to see if theyve changed their mind about eating.

If they refuse to eat 2 or 3 of their meals take them to your vet for a health checkup as refusing to eat could be a sign of sickness.

Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area they eat in calm and dont pester them while they eat.

I find sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond.

German Shepherd Puppy Food Requirements

Puppies have seemingly endless energy stores. This means they need a constant supply of calories the right types of calories to keep their energy levels high and help them develop into happy, healthy adult dogs.

As a new German Shepherd puppy owner, youre probably going to have a few questions that need specific answers. Feeding a puppy is a lot different than feeding an adult dog because youre usually housebreaking them so youll need to stay on a regular feeding schedule and their growing bodies require more nutrients from their food than adult dogs do.

Questions like

• How much food should I feed my puppy?
• How many times a day should I feed my puppy?
• How much should a puppy eat?

Theyre all legitimate concerns, and were glad youre taking matters into your own hands, instead of just giving them a constant supply of food all day or, worse, potentially starving them of vital nutrients and minerals because youre not feeding them enough.

As a general rule, you can tell that youre feeding your puppy too often if you can not see or feel their rib cage.

While, for humans, this is considered a sign of malnutrition, its actually a guideline you can use to help figure out if your puppy is getting enough calories from their diet.

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