The Best Food For German Shepherd Nutrition
When looking for the best food for German Shepherds health, nutrition and life, you have many choices. Most breeders claim to offer the best dog food. German Shepherd nutrition and health is a huge topic and information is available all over the Internet. This article aims to help you in choosing the best food for German Shepherds nutrition.
German Shepherds are small dogs they need a very low amount of protein. Typical German Shepherd food contains a minimum of twenty-two percent protein, which is okay for them. Best Dog Food for German Sheptons By category are three of the best picks for best food for german shepherds! To go directly to the recommended protein source, you can visit the website link below.
German Shepherd puppy food should be low in fat and calories. The ideal puppy food contains ten percent crude protein, twenty percent crude fat and ten percent fiber. Adult food should contain ten percent protein, twenty percent crude fat and fifteen percent fiber. So as you can see, the key to finding the best food for German Shepherd puppies is providing a balance of the right ingredients.
Best Diet Food For German Shepherd
Diet food may be necessary if your German Shepherd becomes overweight. Extra weight must be lost as soon as possible to avoid complications from hip dysplasia. A special weight management formula is a good idea, along with close monitoring of other foods being consumed by your dog. If you feed him excessive amounts of treats or people food he will gain weight. In order to effectively lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, your German Shepherd must not eat too many treats or table scraps.
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food could solve the issue of excess pounds on your German Shepherd. Not only is this food designed with protein for energy, but it is also designed with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support as your dog loses the weight. Typically, large breed dog food contains a few extra calories for energy to burn. But this formula cut out the extra calories so your dog burns fat faster.
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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Transitioning To The Raw Paws Diet
No problem!
Raw Paws offer a free meal planning service where they will create a meal plan for you based on the needs of you and your dog.
Raw Paws also has some great advice on transitioning your dog to a raw food diet.
Making it super easy for both you and your dog. Start with a mixture of 75% of current food and 25% raw food.
If your dog is particularly sensitive to food changes, you should start with a 90% to 10% ratio and increase incrementally.
It could take several weeks to transition your dog to their new raw food diet, so be patient!
Although, here I have a different approach. I believe in fasting a dog for 12 hours and then transitioning 100% to raw.
Many dogs vomit up their first raw meal, but that’s totally normal. This is because they’re so stunned and excited about the raw meat.
Making them gulp down the meal. But at the next go, they take to it like a duck to water.
Merrick Dry Puppy Food With Healthy Grains
With all the recent concern about grain-free dog foods, how could we not recommend this healthy grains formula? It has no potatoes and lists deboned chicken as the first ingredient. Guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 should help your German Shepherd puppy have a healthy skin and coat.
Standout Features:
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this formula
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat , Pea Protein, Quinoa, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Apples, Salmon Oil , Blueberries, Chia Seed, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal
Customer Reviews: While some puppies got diarrhea after eating this food, most dogs thrive and have plenty of energy with healthy skin and coats.
Verdict: If youre concerned about grain-free diets, this could be the perfect with-grains food for your German Shepherd puppy.
This food not only supports a healthy immune system, but its easy to digest. Its formulated specifically for large and giant breed dogs, and salmon oil provides DHA for healthy brain and eye development.
Standout Features:
- Digestive support with prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Has antioxidant-rich superfoods
Customer Reviews: Some puppies didnt care for the taste of this food. However, this formula is super gentle on a puppys tummy, and most puppies had better digestion after switching to this food.
Standout Features:
Standout Features:
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Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food
Rating:
Eagle Pack Power is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Power Adult derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A time-proven, grain-inclusive design free of any legume concentrates. Contains safe, natural antioxidant preservatives. No BHT or ethoxyquin. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewIf you have a dog that is extremely active this is a GREAT dog food. My Shepherd and Retrievers were skinny because they are highly active dogs. I switched to this food because of the nutrition and calories that it intails. My dogs are bulked backed up and love the taste!
Should My German Shepherd Eat A Grain Free Diet
As German Shepherds are a breed that are known to be quite sensitive when it comes to food, it is generally recommended that a grain free diet will assist in avoiding a lot of irritants and allergens that can generally cause stomach and skin problems. Additionally, they are prone to bloat and hip dysplasia, which a precise grain free diet can positively help with.
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Fromm Gold Large Breed Puppy Recipe
Fromm is one of the lesser-known dog food manufacturers. However, they take great care to make the best dog food possible and make everything in small batches. Their USA-based kitchens produce some of the best-tasting and most nutritious food products around.Standout Features:
- Contains delicious proteins and fats like duck and cheese
- Real duck is the first ingredient in this formula
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb, Potatoes, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whole Egg, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil, Cheese, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Carrots, Lettuce, Celery, Chicken Cartilage.
User Reviews: Many owners reported that their dogs health improved after switching to this large breed puppy food. Their puppies love the taste, too.
Verdict: Fromm is an ultra-premium food with a price tag to match. However, they use some of the best ingredients in the industry, and most dogs thrive on this formula.
What To Do If My German Shepherd Does Not Want To Eat
You are used to your German shepherd running to the kitchen upon hearing their food poured into the bowl but lately, they seem not interested or even not finish their food.
There are a few reasons that may be making your German Shepherd puppy not eat their food. These include dental problems, health conditions, or does not like the food.
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Quick Checklist To Judge A Premade Raw Dog Food And Company
You can safely use this short checklist to find the best raw food for German Shepherds.
I’m passionate about canine nutrition and I’m constantly studying new research and development in the field. I’d like to help you if you have any doubts or questions. So feel free to drop them in the comments below.
Hi GabriellaI am enjoying reading through every link, page and article on your site. I recently lost my GSD, she was a very healthy 11 ½ year old who died suddenly from Hemangiosarcoma. We rescued her at 6 years old, so dont have much of her history, but I fed her a combination of Raw and Cooked meals. She had Raw for breakfast, mostly the Fish mixes from Tuckers and then I prepared her dinner meal by using the Just Food For Dogs Lamb or Beef Recipes.We will be getting a 4 month old puppy from a VERY reputable breeder in August and I want to make sure I feed him the best right from the start! What are your thoughts on a Raw/Cooked combo like before? Have you heard of Tuckers and Just food for dogs?
Really informativeMy GSD is 2 yes old and weighs 105 lbs. She gets fed 4 cups of Iams a day and is ALWAYS still hungry.
What Nutrients Do Adult German Shepherds Need
German Shepherds have a shorter colon than other large breed dogs, meaning it is more difficult to digest food. Therefore, German Shepherds need a precise diet to avoid sensitive stomach, allergies, hip dysplasia, or bloat. Adult German Shepherds should eat a balance of meat protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A high-quality dog food regardless of type will have the necessary balance of each nutrient.
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German Shepherd Nutritional Requirement: What To Look For In The Label
Look at the German Shepherd. What do you see? Large, powerful, muscular.
They need large amounts of high-quality protein sourced from real meat to maintain that figure.
Not only does protein keep them strong, it also gives them energy and the nutrients to make their coats shiny.
Adult dogs will need 18% of protein in their diets. A working dog will require 30 40% in order for it to be sufficient.
Fat is another crucial ingredient.
Omega-6 fatty acids aid in your dogs brain development, keep the coat in tip top condition, and also it provides them with twice the energy than what they can get from protein or carbohydrates.
When feeding an active dog, you probably want to strive for 12% fat. This doesnt mean that the more fat the better. If your dog doesnt need the additional energy, stick to 5% or 8% for puppies.
With the latest trend of grain-free formula, carbs have been getting a bad rep. But are they important? Yep, they are!
Some dogs might have grain sensitivities, but if not, its entirely okay to feed them a grain-inclusive kibble. However, carbs should not make up of more than 40 50% of the recipe.
Any antioxidants, vitamins, or minerals are all a great addition.
Most large breed dog food will have the appropriate amounts of L-carnitine, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, and EPA & DHA for their joint health.
Supplementing is not necessary unless advised by a vet.
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, Rice, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Oats, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Pork Meal
This extraordinary chicken meal and oatmeal recipe for your German Shepherd dog is special for a number of reasons. First, its made by Holistic Select, a brand known for offering one of the best ranges of high-quality dog foods, and second, it includes natural L-Carnitine and taurine, nutrients that are rarely present in the variety available in the market. The high-quality protein does not only guarantee great flavors but supports the maintenance of your active dogs muscle mass.
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Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Adults
Adult GSDs often have digestive problems and might have sensitive stomachs. To prevent this, they will need a well-balanced diet.
They are also built for hard work and have certain caloric requirements to keep their minds and bodies fit and healthy.
An inactive GSD might only need 1,200 cals per day, whereas an average adult will need 1,500 cals. For working dogs or those that are always on the go, youre looking at close to 2,000 calories a day.
Take a look at Sniper trying out some raw dishes and veggies:
9. Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
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 their protein from lamb, boar, and beef, with the intention of feeding our domesticated buddies what their wild ancestors would eat.
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, PeasType: Dry
Another wolf-inspired formula, this also boasts grain-free ingredients as well as protein-rich kibble.
Their kibbles are enriched with antioxidants as well as LifeSource Bits which will offer support to their immunity.
11. Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
12. Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
German Shepherd At A Glance
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal companions that are affectionate with their families but sometimes aloof toward strangers. Sheepherders in the past, they are now well known for their role as police dogs.
Considered a large breed, GSDs weigh between 50 and 90 pounds.
Unfortunately, they are prone to suffering from hip dysplasia and arthritis, especially in old age.
Because of this, its important to take extra care with their exercise and nutrition while they are growing.
You should talk with your vet about your German Shepherds diet to ensure she remains healthy throughout her life.
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Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Food
Instinct has created a highly nutritional dry food for large breed puppies with all the right ingredients and nutrients. The formula boasts high animal protein with freeze-dried bites of real chicken. Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient on the list. The recipe is strictly grain-free for the well-being of your German Shepherd puppy. It does have a good balance of poultry, fish, and meat proteins for healthy exposure, as well as DHA from chicken eggs for brain and eye development.
This food contains 495 kcal/cup with 33.5% crude protein, 15.5% crude fat, and 4.5% crude fiber. Calcium is at 1.2% and phosphorus is at 1% exactly where it should be.
Overall, this food is an extremely good choice for your German Shepherd puppy.
Solid Gold Barking At The Moon High Protein Duck Peas & Egg Recipe
If your German Shepherd is a working dog, both protein and fat are of the utmost importance. We like this Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High Protein Duck, Peas & Egg Recipe because it is specifically formulated to be loaded with these nutrients. It contains multiple sources of quality animal protein to provide a full 41% crude protein with 20% crude fat for energy. Youll also be glad to know that it is a holistic recipe made with all-natural ingredients to maximize nutrition and digestibility. It contains grain-free carbohydrates like peas and chickpeas with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients. It also contains probiotic supplements for digestion with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Simply put, if you want to provide your dog with a high-quality, digestible source of balanced nutrition with a focus on protein and energy, this is a great option.
- Pros: High in animal protein , holistic natural recipe, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
- Cons: Contains some plant protein , not a large-breed recipe
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