When my German Shepherd started experiencing diarrhea, I knew it was critical to adjust their diet and find the best dog food for a German Shepherd with diarrhea. I learned that a gentle and easily digestible diet alleviates the symptoms. Consulting with a veterinarian was my first step, and they suggested a prescription diet formulated explicitly for digestive issues.
I also looked for dog foods with limited ingredients to minimize the risk of triggering food sensitivities or allergies. One of the best approaches I found was opting for diets with a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates like chicken, oats, or sweet potatoes. Moreover, introducing probiotics to their diet helped promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and resolve the digestive upset. I was also advised that probiotics and high-soluble fiber foods like canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potatoes could help form the stools and regulate bowel movements.
Starting with a temporary diet option, I introduced the new food gradually to monitor my dog’s response. If the condition persists or worsens, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan recommended by the vet. I also learned about the best foods through frequently asked questions by other pet owners facing the same issue.
What to Feed Your German Shepherd When Diarrhea Strikes
When a German Shepherd is struck with the unpleasant experience of runny stools, it’s challenging for the dog and the owner. Diarrhea is a common health issue among dogs, and it’s essential to understand what to feed them when they can’t eat their usual food.
The best dog food for a German Shepherd with diarrhea should consist of a bland diet, including boiled chicken and white rice, avoiding any spices or oils that could further upset the stomach. Plain canned pumpkin, high in fiber content, can also be beneficial, along with a healthy dose of probiotics to enhance gut health.
During this time, ensuring adequate water intake is crucial to prevent dehydration. Feeding small, frequent meals can also be less taxing on your dog’s digestive system when experiencing diarrhea. It requires patience and a strategic approach to diet and care, utilizing the best dietary practices to help your German Shepherd recover. Always remember the importance of easily digestible meals and seek veterinary advice to guide you through managing digestive upset.
Causes of Diarrhea in German Shepherds
Diarrhea in German Shepherds can be a symptom of a multitude of underlying issues, ranging from the benign to the more serious. Common causes of such digestive upset in GSDs may include parasites, such as intestinal worms, or infections caused by viruses or bacteria leading to conditions like gastroenteritis.
Stress, a sudden change in diet, food allergies, or intolerances can also disrupt a dog’s digestive system. Some German Shepherds have particularly sensitive stomachs, and consuming moldy or toxic food can lead to severe stomach upsets.
Overeating or ingesting substances not meant for consumption—like toys, plastic bags, or socks—could result in a foreign body blockage. In contrast, more serious medical conditions such as liver failure, thyroid problems, IBS, or even cancer might manifest as diarrhea.
Other potential causes include heatstroke, dehydration, or side effects from certain medications. Pancreatitis, often due to a high-fat diet, is another possible cause. Finding the best dog food for a German Shepherd with diarrhea is key when treating these conditions. It’s essential to watch your dog’s health and consult with a vet to identify the cause, as the best food choice may vary depending on the underlying issue.
What Do You Feed a German Shepherd With Diarrhea?
When your German Shepherd suffers from diarrhea, the first step is often to pause feeding for about 12 hours while keeping them well-hydrated. During this time, ensuring your dog has constant access to clean water to prevent dehydration is key. After fasting, they introduce bland, binding foods to their diet; plain white cooked rice is optimal, served in small amounts but often. If your dog has also vomited or shown other mild symptoms, this approach can soothe their stomach and begin treatment.
As vets recommend, slowly feeding your German Shepherd cooked lean chicken meat along with the rice can be beneficial. It’s important to remember to boil the rice and chicken without any salt or seasonings to prevent further irritation. Dr. Mike Paul, a DVM at the Pet Health Network, also suggests bland foods as part of the best treatment practices. If diarrhea persists, always consult with your vet for guidance. To ensure the food is appropriate, you can also cook pasta, potatoes (excluding the skins due to solanine, which can be toxic to dogs), sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
Adding beneficial bacteria through foods like yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese can help restore balance to your dog’s tummy and firm up stools as the stool consistency returns to normal. When gradually mixing their regular food with the rice meals, increase the standard diet proportion if the symptoms pass quickly, usually within a few days.
Moreover, offer frequent small amounts of water to prevent dehydration, ensuring your dog can flush out his system. Consider using ice cubes in their bowl or investing in a dog water fountain to entice hydration. Using the best dog food for a German Shepherd with diarrhea as part of a carefully managed diet can help return your loyal companion to health.
The 20 Best Foods for German Shepherds with Diarrhea
1. Diamond Naturals:
With natural ingredients and a focus on digestive health, Diamond Naturals is ideal for shepherds with sensitive tummies. It avoids common irritants and supports overall health.
2. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal:
This specialized formula contains easily digestible proteins, a balanced fiber content, and a blend of probiotics that can help manage and improve your dog’s digestive health.
3. Skin- and stomach-sensitive salmon, large breed adult Purina Pro Plan:
High in protein and crafted for adult dogs, this food also supports skin and coat health, which can be an added concern for shepherds.
4. Honest Kitchen:
Known for using dehydrated natural ingredients, Honest Kitchen offers a formula suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs that may be allergic to more common dog food ingredients.
5. Instinctive Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Dry Food:
This food is designed to be gentle on the stomach and is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with intestinal issues.
6. Fromm Dog Food:
With high-quality ingredients like duck and oats, Fromm’s dog food helps maintain a healthy digestive system while promoting a shiny coat and skin.
7. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets:
Keeping ingredient lists short, this diet helps identify and avoid allergens that can upset your dog’s stomach.
8. With smoked salmon, you can taste the wild Pacific Stream:
A grain-free formula with real smoked salmon for Shepherds experiencing allergic reactions to more conventional dog foods.
9. Canidae Pure Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Limited Ingredient Diet:
High-quality salmon provides a rich protein source, and sweet potatoes offer easily digestible carbohydrates, making them a top choice for dogs with dietary sensitivities.
10. L.F. Gastrointestinal Diet from Royal Canin:
Low in fat but high in fiber, this diet is designed for dogs with conditions like pancreatitis, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea.
11. Purina EN Gastroenteric Formula:
This diet is formulated with a low-fat and high-complex carbohydrate formula that is easy to digest and has been proven to support intestinal health.
12. Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato by Blue Buffalo:
A simple diet has a limited number of ingredients to minimize the risk of food sensitivities, and it also includes pumpkin and peas for added fiber.
13. FirstMate Limited Ingredient Diet:
With a single meat protein source like a duck, this food is excellent for shepherds with specific meat allergies.
14. The Chicken Flavor of Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care:
Scientifically formulated to help with digestive health issues, this diet offers a clinically proven blend of ingredients.
15. Salmon and Vegetable Recipe: Leaping Waters and Solid Gold:
Its blend of 20 superfoods, like carrots and green beans, provides a rich supply of nutrients while being gentle on the digestive system.
16. Ollie Fresh Pet Food:
As a homemade-style brand, Ollie offers gently cooked meals with wholesome ingredients, including beef, chicken, and turkey, formulated for optimal digestion.
17. Meyer Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe:
A high-protein formula with real deboned chicken that provides complete nutrition while being gentle on your GSD’s gastrointestinal system.
18. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet:
Acana offers a range of single-protein foods that can benefit dogs with severe allergies or sensitivities.
19. Dry dog food made with only natural ingredients and no grains:
They are designed for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, using a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates.
20. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken:
It is made using cage-free chicken without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Emergencies such as persistent diarrhea should always be checked with an emergency vet, as they can suggest specific diets, prescribe anti-diarrheal drugs like metronidazole, or recommend further investigative measures like a stool sample to get to the root of the issue. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, especially if your German Shepherd has a history of intestinal problems or allergies.
When To Consult Your Vet
When your German Shepherd encounters severe or persistent diarrhea beyond 24 hours, consulting your vet becomes imperative—especially if your dog is a puppy, elderly, or has an underlying health condition, making them more susceptible to infections. Even the best dog food for a German Shepherd with diarrhea may not be enough if they become dehydrated or if the diarrhea is a symptom of a more severe condition.
Dehydrated dogs may fast or lack the typical size and vigor associated with their breed; this can be particularly concerning for small breeds, which can decline quickly. Symptoms that require urgent veterinary attention include loss of appetite, changes in thirst or urination, conspicuous pain or discomfort, lethargy, vomiting, increased thirst, seizures, the presence of blood in the poop, or visible worms.
Your vet may recommend specific treatments and investigations to pinpoint the cause of your German Shepherd’s digestive issues, ranging from changing their diet to prescribing anti-diarrhea medications. While some over-the-counter options like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium might be safe for dogs in certain situations, they should only be given with explicit dosage instructions from your vet, as the wrong dose can be harmful. Remember, the priority is to treat the cause, not just the symptoms, to ensure your loyal companion returns to health as quickly and safely as possible.
Tips and Tricks to Prevent Diarrhea
Preventing diarrhea in German Shepherds involves more than choosing the right dog food; it requires a holistic approach to their diet and environment.
- Avoid Human Foods: Do not feed your German Shepherd table scraps or human foods that might be toxic or harmful, such as grapes, chocolate, and certain bones.
2. Temptations: Ensure that guests do not feed your dog treats or leftovers, and avoid giving your pet fatty scraps or raw meat that can upset their stomach.
3. Gradual Food Transitions: If you change your dog’s food brand or type, gradually avoid shocking their digestive system.
4. Keep Harmful Substances Away: Secure garbage lids and watch your dog in areas where they might scavenge, like the park or woods, to prevent ingestion of dangerous items.
5. Immediate Action for Toxins: If your dog ingests something toxic, immediately contact the Pet Poison Helpline for assistance.
6. Regular Worming and Vaccinations: Keep up with worming treatments and vaccinations to prevent parasitic and viral causes of diarrhea.
7. Exercise Considerations: Avoid exercising your German Shepherd right before or after meals to reduce the risk of bloating.
8. Worming Treatments: Stick to a regular schedule for worming treatments, which typically includes a dose every three months.
9. Proper Feeding Practices: Keep the feeding area clean and quiet, and use a muzzle if necessary to prevent ingesting harmful substances.
10. Garden and Trash Security: Ensure your backyard is protected from poisonous plants, and your trash cans are secured to eliminate potential hazards.
FAQs
Diarrhea in German Shepherds: How Long Does It Last?
Diarrhea in German Shepherds can last anywhere from a day to a few weeks, depending on the underlying cause. If symptoms persist longer than 24 hours or worsen, it is essential to consult your veterinarian.
Is Switching My German Shepherd’s Food Safe if They Have Diarrhea?
Switching your German Shepherd’s food might help if diarrhea is due to a current diet; however, introducing new food should always be done gradually and with veterinary guidance to avoid further gastrointestinal upset.
Can I feed my German Shepherd boiled chicken during diarrhea?
Boiled chicken can be a good option for a German Shepherd with diarrhea as it is easily digestible and low in fat. However, it should be given in small portions and paired with plain white rice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes to ensure they suit your dog’s specific health condition.
Can you tell me how much water I should give my German Shepherd, who is experiencing diarrhea?
A German Shepherd with diarrhea must maintain hydration, so always offer fresh water. However, be cautious of overdrinking as it may lead to vomiting or exacerbate symptoms. Always monitor water intake and consult your vet if you notice any changes in drinking behavior.
Final Thoughts on German Shepherd with Diarrhea
Addressing diarrhea in German Shepherds requires a thoughtful approach to nutrition. The best dog food for a German Shepherd with diarrhea supports digestive health with highly digestible proteins, adequate fiber, and probiotics. While quality commercial diets are designed to meet these needs, consulting your vet for a tailored recommendation is always advised.
A gentle diet on the stomach, with proper hydration and veterinary supervision, will provide the most significant benefit in your pet’s recovery and overall well-being. Remember, a patient and attentive approach to dietary management can make all the difference in safeguarding your companion’s health.
