What Foods Are German Shepherds Allergic To

Taste Of The Wild: High Prairie Canine Formula With Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison

This dog food is packed with a variety of high-quality protein sources , making it a brilliant choice for active dogs like German Shepherds. In total, it contains 32% protein.

It is also grain-free, so no worries when it comes to grain allergies. The carbohydrates come in the form of potato, sweet potato, and yucca, and there is a variety of fruit and other vegetables including berries, tomatoes, and peas to provide high levels of vitamins and minerals.

Taste of the Wild uses only natural preservatives, and they steam dry their food with purified water to ensure it is free from chemicals. Pretty fancy, eh?

When it comes to price, it is more affordable than Orijen, which makes its overall rating just that bit higher.

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German Shepherd Weight Gain

Why is letting my German Shepherd gain weight a bad thing? Letting a German Shepherd gain weight can be a very bad thing, largely because of how large these dogs are and how prone they are to arthritis and conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, even without excess weight. Keeping him trim and active will help to prolong his healthy life and prevent these conditions from developing, or at the very least, keep from exacerbating them.

Tips For Making Your Own Dog Food At Home

PETA

Making your own food from scratch is hands-down the;most reliable way;to ensure your dogs diet has not come into contact with anything theyre allergic to. Weve got some;healthy dog food recipes;to share with you and some great;dog food recipe hacks;to make cooking for your dog less of a chore.

We hope this guide to dog food allergies helps you find a solution to your dogs symptoms. As a reminder, please always talk to your vet before introducing your dog to a new food.

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Food Allergy Testing For Dogs

If you suspect your dog is suffering from a food allergy, the first thing to do is talk to your vet about how to pinpoint the allergen. There are commercial skin and blood allergy tests on the market, and your vet may recommend starting there. You can read about;one owners experience;of;this testing here.

However, theres no evidence yet to show that these tests are accurate, so the most thorough way to discover which foods your pet is allergic to is an elimination diet.

The process goes like this, according to;Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinary nutritionist, in an interview with;PetMD.

What we do is take the dog off all the foods its eating and we put him on a food that hes never had before. Ive sent people out for alligator and yak. Once the dog has improved, we start reintroducing the old foods that we think caused the problems in the first place. If he has a reaction, which usually takes a few days to a few weeks, then we know he has a food allergy.

Controlled Fat And Calorie

Even though German Shepherds are from the active breed, they tend to have slower metabolisms than other dogs. This is due to the fact that they are large breed dogs potentially weighing from 50 to 90 pounds. Too many fatty foods may lead to diseases that you dont want your dog to suffer from.

Based on the studies of the National Research Council of the National Academies, inactive or older dogs require 1,272 to 1,540 calories per day. On the other hand, active dogs need 1,740 to 2,100 calories per day.

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How Often Should I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy

You now know that a growing German Shepherd puppy has different nutritional needs than an adult dog. But did you know they also need feeding more frequently at different stages as they are growing? So how often should you feed your German Shepherd puppy?

German Shepherd puppies should be fed four meals a day between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. Puppies aged between 12 and 24 weeks require three meals a day, and from 24 weeks onwards, German Shepherd puppies should be fed twice per day.

Puppies receive all the relevant nutrients from birth by feeding on their mother. However, its safe to begin the weaning process onto a new diet after three to four weeks.

Growing German Shepherd puppies need to take in enough calories, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet their rapid growth and development that will set them on the right path to a healthy life.

They should continue on a puppy diet until adulthood, which is defined as between 812 months of age in small and medium breeds and between 1016 months in large and giant breeds, according to the MSD Vet Manual.

An adult dog diet, or maintenance diet, contains nutrients suited for pets that have passed their growth stage.

Related:Do German Shepherds Need Large Breed Food?

My German Shepherd was transitioned from her puppy food at just two months old. However, I fed her high-quality food suitable for this.

Heres where you can learn more about bloat in German Shepherds.

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food

• Budget-friendly formula.

Blue Buffalo have created this recipe inspired by the German Shepherds ancestor, the wolf, and his protein rich diet which promotes strong muscle growth. It is 100% grain-free for dogs who suffer with grain allergies. This dog food also contains healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potato and peas that will keep his energy up throughout the day.

Blue Buffalos Wilderness recipe also includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which promote a healthy and shiny coat. Also included is their exclusive Lifesource Bits that provide your dog with a precise blend of antioxidants and minerals to provide a healthy oxidative balance.

We love that the Bison, Rabbit and Red Meat recipes are chicken and poultry free, and grain free, as some German Shepherds can be intolerant of chicken which is regularly found in dog food.

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Eliminating The Source Of The Allergy:

The ideal and often simplest way to treat an allergy is to remove the cause, for example by modifying the diet or using flea control products regularly.; Insect allergies are probably the simplest to treat; a good flea prevention strategy including treating the dog and household environment should be sufficient to keep these pests away from your pet.;

Eliminating the trigger in food allergies can also be simple; the hard work lies in the initial detective work to identify the source of the allergic response.; There are many diets available for dogs with allergies.; These may be marketed as hypoallergenic, meaning the proteins have been modified to reduce the allergic response; or other diets are available which contain just a single source of protein and carbohydrate, such as turkey and potato.

Environmental sources of allergens can be much trickier to eliminate, even if the source can be identified.; Veterinary tests may show that your German Shepherd is allergic to specific types of pollen, such as grass or flowers.;

Even if you could limit direct contact to these allergens you may find it almost impossible to eliminate airborne particles.; Consider modifying your exercise routes or areas to avoid allergen hotspots, and avoid walking your dog at times of day when the pollen count will be higher, such as early morning.

Taking Care Of Your German Shepherd Dog At Home

Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Shepherds. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.

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How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Eat

The amount of food your German Shepherd needs will largely depend on your pets size, activity level, age, and overall health. The key is to make sure you dont overfeed or underfeed your dog. So, how much food should a German Shepherd eat?

On average, an active adult German Shepherd weighing 70lbs needs 1740 calories a day, whereas an active, larger sized German Shepherd weighing 90lbs needs 2100 calories a day. In contrast, inactive GSDs of similar weights only need 1272 calories and 1540 calories, respectively.

I would always recommend seeking the advice of your vet if you are ever unsure of what to feed or how much to feed your dog, but you can always refer to the National Research Councils science-based guide for your dogs nutritional needs. So, what about puppies, you may ask. How much food should a German Shepherd puppy eat?

On average, a German Shepherd puppy needs about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult German Shepherd. Therefore a mature puppy weighing 45lbs needs around 2100 calories, the same as an active adult twice its weight.

When my German Shepherd was a growing puppy, I visited my vet once a month to weigh her and get a quick overall check of her general health.

You also need to assess your dogs activity level. Lapdogs who get minimal exercise may need 10% less than whats recommended on the food label, whereas an active dog that regularly exercises may need 20% to 40% more.

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German Shepherd Allergies Are Quite Common This May Come As A Surprise To Many People Even Dogs Are Prone To Allergic Reactions This Is More Common Than You Think

What kind of allergies do German shepherds develop? What symptoms do they show and how to control their allergy?

One in seven dogs suffers from one type of allergy or the other has common allergies. As in humans, allergies in dogs occur when the immune system is exposed to a daily substance similar to certain pollen or food.

The best way to care for a German Shepherd with allergies is to avoid irritation completely. Understanding how your dog responds to certain allergens is the first step.

How To Treat The Different Types Of Allergies In German Shepherds

Before thinking about treating an allergic reaction in a German Shepherd, youll first of all want to find out the causes of the allergy. You can visit your vet to help you with this.

If your German Shepherds allergy is caused by fleas, youll have to begin a routine flea control program. This program should begin with your dog, then with its immediate environment: its bed.

Also, if the dog does sit on a couch, you may want to cover the couch with a blanket. This way you can easily remove and wash the blanket to keep fleas away from the couch.

Minimize contact with other dogs and ensure your dog only plays with other dogs which are free from fleas or are already on a flea control program.

For pollen-related allergy, you may want to avoid walking your dog early in the morning or at evening, since that is the period when pollen levels in the air is especially high.

Also, after every walk, you should wipe your dogs limbs and body with a clean cloth. This will help keep pollen grains off its body.

Food allergies are quite tricky and will require a longer time to figure out the particular diet causing the allergy. However, you may want to start with a neutral diet.;

A neutral diet will help prevent food allergies since it does not contain any of the substances known to cause allergic reactions in German Shepherds.;

One solid example of a neutral diet for German shepherds is the Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food.

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What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

One of the most important things you need to remember for German Shepherd puppies is that they need to be protected from growing too fast. A dog that weighs 90 pounds or more at maturity will take somewhere between 18 and 24 months to reach its adult size and, during that time, growth needs to be controlled because if the puppy grows too fast it will put excess strain on the bones and joints, predisposing the dog to musculoskeletal issues as an adult. The simplest way to prevent this from happening is to start your German Shepherd with a large-breed puppy formula. Below you will find reviews for several high-quality dog food formulas that could be a good choice to consider for your German Shepherd puppy:

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic MackerelKey Features :

Healthy Ingredients : Lamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet PulpKey Features :

Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food

Natural Ultramix is a dog food made in the United States, Ultramix makes a great choice for adult German Shepherds, and you can rest assured it meets standards since it is produced in the US.

This formula has moderate protein levels, and it will sustain your dogs high level of activity. The phosphorous and calcium levels keeps your dogs bones healthy and strong, and it ensures hardness well into old age.

Pros:

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Orijen Adult Dog Grain

Orijen offers a grain free food that uses lamb meal and lamb rather than a chicken. Dogs that are allergic to chicken should do great on this unique food because it has neither chicken or chicken meal.

Sitting on the no. 2 spot on our ranking of best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, Orijen is also a limited ingredient food to reduce the number of allergens your dog is exposed to. It satisfies the high protein requirements of a German Shepherd through the lamb formula. It is a great source of omega fatty acids doe your dogs. Plus, it helps heal skin irritations.

It does not come with probiotics, but is a dry food which helps control plaque and tartar and guarantees good dental health. The brown rice and veggies are also excellent sources of vitamins for further coat and skin support.

It provides nutrition for all stages of life, so your feeding arrangements for the life of your German Shepherd are simplified. This cuts down the risk of irritations from switching foods if you start your shepherd from the earlier stages of life.

Most dogs love the taste compared to other limited ingredient foods produced. The high quality ingredients make sure that your dog receives balanced nutrition without having to supplement with anything except a good probiotic.

Can German Shepherds Eat Bones

Do you remember the saying give a dog a bone? But can GermanShepherds eat bones?

German Shepherds can eat bones. They are a good source of nutrients, especially calcium and phosphorus. However, never feed a cooked bone as the cooking causes it to soften and splinter as your dog chews it and can cause injuries or choking. Choose a large raw bone larger than your dogs muzzle.

Beef or lamb bones are better than chicken or pork bones as they are stronger and wont easily splinter. Bones can also help to clean your dogs teeth and keep them strong. Always supervise your GSD when giving him a bone.

The best bone to give to your dog is one that matches their size, as dogs will try to swallow them. Bones should be larger than the length of the muzzle, making them impossible to swallow whole. For example, a large beef shank bone would be just the thing for my German Shepherd, and she certainly thinks so!

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Choosing A Quality Diet For Your Gsd

So how do you know if youre feeding the best German shepherd food to your GSD? There are some things you can look for.

First, German shepherds are high energy dogs that require a high-protein diet to stay healthy. The average dog food contains around 20% protein, so look for a high-protein diet with closer to 30% protein.

How much fat the diet needs to include will depend on your dogs activity level as well. Most shepherds will do fine on a diet with average fat , while very active dogs need more and dogs with pancreatic problems need much less.

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Has Allergies

The diagnosis of flea, environmental, or food allergy in dogs can be difficult and lengthy as many symptoms will overlap. Approximately 30% of pets with food allergies also have seasonal or flea allergies.

Besides, some dog allergies, for example, seasonal pollen allergies, can temporarily go away. Some symptoms can also be a sign of a completely separate condition.

Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet.;

Getting to the root of your German Shepherds allergy can take a bit of detective work! However, heres a general list of signs and symptoms that may indicate your GSD is suffering from an allergy:

• Dry, itchy skin, skin rashes
• Red, inflamed skin, hot spots
• Thickened, dark skin
• Excessive scratching, biting, or licking
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids
• Ear infections and itchy ears
• Bacteria or yeast skin infections
• Itchy, red, watery eyes, sneezing, pink nose
• Loss of fur
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Check out this short video from veterinarian Dr. Greenway from Healthcare for Pets. He describes the challenges vets face in diagnosing allergies in dogs:

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