What Is A Good Diet For A German Shepherd

Natural Balance Lid Lamb & Brown Rice Formula

Best Lamb Single-Sourced Protein

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About: Natural Balance Lamb and Brown Rice Formula is a limited ingredient diet, based on easy-to-digest lamb protein and brown rice.

Limited ingredient diets are ideal for dogs that suffer from food allergies, and they may also be a good proactive strategy for avoiding them entirely, for breeds that frequently suffer from food allergies.

Features

• Made without unnecessary ingredients like artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
• Fortified with canola oil, which is an excellent source of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
• Formulated for dogs of all life stages, making it a suitable selection for German shepherds of all ages
• Natural Balance is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee

PROS

Natural Balance is a high-quality food that is rated as a 4- or 5-star product by 88% of reviewers. Most dogs appear to find the food tasty, and owners appreciate the use of high-quality ingredients. Additionally, because of their tendency to suffer from food allergies, German shepherds often benefit from limited ingredient diets, like Natural Balance.

CONS

Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran…,

Brewers Dried Yeast, Sunflower Oil , Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins , Minerals , Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

How About Human Food

I am the primary dog custodian in my household, and once a week, I cook lean chicken or beef in a slow cooker to add to their dry food. Otherwise, I have had my share of dogs who turned their nose up to dry food and not touching it until they were literally starving.

One of my previous German shepherds refused to eat dry food if there were no additives in it. So, as much as I think I trained them, they taught me equally. But giving them human food is not wrong. It makes your bond with your dog stronger.

Fun Tip: Mix the dry kibble and meat with your bare hands so that your dog senses your scent while eating.

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

For German Shepherds with allergies or sensitive stomachs, this limited-ingredient lamb meal and brown rice dry dog food could be a good choice.

This recipe comes in a larger kibble size for those larger teeth and 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.

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A Meaty Meal For German Shepherds

This meal is packed with proteins and fats that are important to your German Shepherd.

• 3 to 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
• 1 lb raw beef liver
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon cod liver oil

To make the recipe, first add raw beef liver, beef broth, flaxseed oil, and cod liver oil in a pot and cook. When it is almost finished, add the cheese and raw eggs and give it to your German Shepherd.

In conclusion, the best food for German Shepherd is one that offers them all the nutrition requirements that they need. There are important tips to help keep your dog healthy and not suffering from the effects of bad food.

What Should Be In Your Dogs Diet

German Shepherds are carnivores by nature. They require a high amount of protein in their diet. This protein provides them with energy and keeps them strong and healthy. It is recommended that your German Shepherd gets about 22% of their needed protein in the diet.

They also require taking fat. Fat is burnt for energy and gives a taste to your dogs meals. Its recommended that an adult German Shepherd stays on diets that are 8-10% fats.

Fat also keeps your German Shepherds coat healthy. A German Shepherd sheds a lot throughout the year so it is important to give them the right amount of fat in their food.

As a rule of thumb, the more active your dog is, the more fats and proteins do they need. However, you still need to keep it limited because too much of a good thing turns it into a bad thing, and too much protein or fat intake is bad for your dog. For example, if you feed them a lot of fat, your German Shepherd will develop hip dyslexia.

Please keep in mind that in this article, Im not going to discuss the topic of dry food, because Its a topic that needs to go into in great depth. Fortunately, I have already done that in another article, so make sure to check out the best dog food for german shepherd puppies here.

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Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food

Royal Canin is one of the worlds largest and most popular dog food manufacturers. This kibble is tailor-made for German Shepherd puppies* and contains everything your dog will need during his growth period.

The formula is balanced to avoid digestive sensitivity, and also contains calcium and phosphorus for healthy joints and bones. Vitamins E and C, together with taurine and lutein help to maintain your pups vulnerable immune system. The diet is designed for pure bred German Shepherd puppies from age 8 weeks to 15 months.

German Shepherd Feeding Guide: Adult Years

Once your German Shepherd has ended his puppy stage and transitioned into adulthood, hes ready to eat a balanced adult diet.

Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does.

Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences.

That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then.

Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. They can get by on once per day, but its always better to split daily caloric intake between smaller meals instead of feeding it all at once.

Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this.

If youre not home for twice-daily feedings, you can use an automatic feeder. These will dispense the proper amount of food at set times each day so your dog isnt left waiting for meals.

Throughout the years, Ive fed a number of different high-quality dog foods to my German Shepherds.

One of my consistent go-tos is Royal Canin Adult Breed German Shepherd dry dog food. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons.

In addition, this blend also uses optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to make a GSDs coat pop, so to speak. You really can see the difference.

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How Much Raw Food Should German Shepherd Puppies Get

Pound for pound, puppies need more calories than adult dogs.

Puppies should eat about 5% to 10% of their current weight to support their growth. As a general guide, feed:

Puppies 2 to 3 months: 8% to 10% of body weight dailyPuppies 4 to 5 months: 6% to 8% of body weight dailyPuppies 6 to 8 months: 4% to 6% of body weight dailyPuppies 9 to 12 months: 3% to 4% of body weight daily

Puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day. When they reach 12 months, you should feed twice a day.

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.

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German Shepherd Puppy Food

German Shepherds grow quickly, so they should only be fed a puppy-specific formula for about six months before they start eating an adult dog food. Feeding them a puppy food for too long can cause rapid growth in the bones and joints, which can cause developmental orthopedic disease down the line.

Plan on feeding your German Shepherd puppy three to four meals a day, depending on the formula you choose.

Orijen Puppy

Orijen Puppy food prides itself on providing a formula that aligns with nature serving puppies a biologically appropriate amount of protein and nutrients to best nourish their growing bodies. This food contains quality protein sources, is low-glycemic, and is USA-made in Kentucky kitchens with fresh regional ingredients.

Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Boneless Turkey

• Protein: 40%

The German Shepherd Care Guide: Personality History Food And More

Whether onscreen or in the White House, the German shepherd dog is the canine equivalent of the class valedictorian and star jock rolled into one. The uber-popular breed is smart, athletic, hardworking, and no stranger to public service.

With all of that star power packed into one dog, you might expect that German shepherds also require a lot from their owners. And youd be exactly right.

Here, go beyond the rugged good looks to discover what makes German shepherds so special, and how to live happily with this big canine energy.

German shepherd breed profile

Rin Tin Tin, the first canine film and TV star, captivated mid-century audiences with his bravery and charisma. Rintys real story was no less dramatiche was rescued by an American soldier in Germany during WWI and brought to the U.S. . The character also boosted the breeds popularityGerman shepherds have been among the top three most popular breeds in the United States for many years. GSDs have also shared the spotlight with Roy Rogers , the Bionic Woman , and Will Smith in I Am Legend.

The breeds high profile and popularity are down to a unique combination of intelligence and athleticism. GSDs rank among the smartest dogs, along with other herding dogs, and are known especially for their all-round learning ability and sensitivity to their people.

Double trouble: Ellie and her brother, Oliver

Former escape artist, Evie

German shepherd breed history

Healthy lifestyles for German shepherds

Gentle Sam

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Blackwood 3000 Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Everyday Diet Dry Dog Food

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb Meal, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Oat Groats, 4. Millet, 5. Chicken Meal

Your shepherd needs much more than the regular nutrients. This Blackwood 3000 recipe is nutritionally balanced for adult, large-breed dogs and therefore, serves as a perfect diet for your German Shepherd. The supreme-quality protein is derived from animal-based sources, mainly lamb. So if your dog is fond of a special flavor diet, hes surely going to fall for this one!

Raw Paws Signature Blend Food

I really like the Signature Blend from Raw Paws. It’s great to serve as the main part of a raw food diet for dogs. And it offers balanced nourishment for your dog.

The meat they source is human-grade, high quality, and sourced from family-owned farms in Indiana. In fact, it’s probably healthier than the meat you eat every day.

Many commercial farms use growth hormones in their herds. And some even use genetically modified growth hormones.

In humans, these can cause all kinds of problems from developmental disabilities, reproductive issues, to breast and colon cancer.

And the same can be said for the problems caused in our dogs.

Antibiotics that are regularly used on commercial farms trickle up the food chain and contribute to antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

But Raw Paws only use meats that are:

• Grass-fed.
• Preservative-free.
• Antibiotic-free and hormone-free.

Their foods also contain no fillers or additives. And they are minimally processed. All of the beef used in Raw Paws products are locally sourced from farms in Indiana.

Earlier I mentioned that mixing up the meats equals a healthy diet. So I like that the Signature Blend comes in a variety of proteins like:

• Chicken.
• Turkey.
• Duck.

Raw Paws has also taken great care to ensure the proper ratio of meat, bone, and offal. I can’t stress how important these ratios are to optimal nourishment.

Getting this wrong can cause problems so it’s great that Raw Paws have taken the guesswork out of it.

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Health Dietary Changes In German Shepherds

If the following health conditions are present in your GSD, a fresh homemade food diet coupled with these recommendations can help remedy them.

Chart Source: NomNomNow.com

Pro Tip: German Shepherds are a high-risk breed for skin allergies and coat problems. Adding a couple of fish oil squirts to their meals will provide relief and nourishment to keep skin and coats in tip-top condition. Also, probiotics are an affordable way to reduce your dogs inflammatory responses to food allergens.

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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Instinct Raw Boost With Real Duck

Rating:

Real Duck is one of 14 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Duck, chicken meal, peas, egg product, turkey meal
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:Adult shepherds and puppies

Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh duck and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 23% fat and 31% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 61%.

This formula also gets its antioxidants from natural fruits and veggies for healthy immunity and thus, greater resistance to disease. A top pick for German shepherds and other large breeds.

Sample buyer reviewI recently switched from a dehydrated raw product to Instinct Raw Boost. This is a great quality grain- free food and my guys are loving it. I have a multi dog house hold and most of them have allergies of one kind or another. This food is working well for all..

Can You Add Vegetables Into Your German Shepherds Diet

Vegetables are slightly more clear cut as to which ones are and arent safe to add to your German Shepherds diet.

They dont need a lot of vegetables in their diet, and moderation is a key component to feeding them any at all.

Its a good idea to vary the vegetables you feed your dog because some have different vitamins and nutrients than others.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, all members of the Allium family like leaks, chives, onions, and garlic are very dangerous for your dog to eat.

These vegetables have something called thiosulphate, and this can cause your dog to become anemic. Anemia can cause your dog to feel weak, have vomiting or diarrhea, elevate their heart rate, and cause them to collapse.

Keep any and all onions away from places your dog can reach. They could be okay with a tiny amount of onion if they accidentally get into it, but its better to avoid them. Also, avoid feeding your German Shepherd anything seasoned with onion or garlic.

Ripe and red tomatoes are generally considered safe for German Shepherds to eat, but they cant eat the leaves, stems, or any green parts of the plant because it contains solanine.

Solanine can cause your dog to experience seizures, tremors, or problems with their heart. Always give your dog small amounts and monitor them after to ensure they dont have a reaction to it.

Potatoes are another vegetable that falls into the same family as tomatoes, so you shouldnt feed them to your dog raw.

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