Choosing the right food for your dog can seem daunting, especially when considering the many breeds of dogs and their unique nutritional needs. However, there are guidelines and suggestions, like this one on Reebok’s blog, which can help you navigate the best foods for your German Shepherd.
An in-depth understanding of German Shepherd nutrition requirements can assist in selecting whether kibble-based, raw, homemade, or even vegetarian diets are suitable for your dog. Regarding the ongoing debate between grain and grain-free diets, it’s crucial to know that the difference lies more in the quality of ingredients used than in the presence or absence of grain. Whether you’re feeding grain or grain-free recipes, high-quality ingredients should always be the priority.
Feeding your German Shepherd a balanced diet might seem difficult initially. Still, with patience and a basic understanding of canine nutrition, you can feel confident in your choices for your dog’s health.
Simplifying the Selection Process
When evaluating canine meals in your German Shepherd, it is critical to remember the dog’s lifestyle, monetary reputation, age, and fitness. While digesting incredible types of meals, the comfort stage performs a crucial role in this option-making procedure. When your food desire method begins, you will be overwhelmed with alternatives that embody kibble, canned, dry, moist, or uncooked ingredients.
Some commercially prepared alternatives come as frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried, after which homemade alternatives may be cooked. There are grain or grain-loose options and even natural, holistic, or veterinarian-formulated ones.
The flavor is also essential, particularly for picky eaters, and the choice additionally relies carefully on the canine’s age, any hypersensitive reactions, or health issues that impose dietary rules. The dog’s way of life, whether it’s for an operating canine, an opposition canine, or an indoor accomplice, also impacts the choice of food regimen.
Preparation time and value are other significant worries while narrowing down your alternatives. Some of the most significant troubles involve price, as puppy substances may be exorbitantly high-priced, particularly for proprietors of huge-breed dogs like German Shepherds.
Homemade and raw diets may be time-consuming, even as large volumes of meals are prepared. Premade, raw, or fresh enterprise food can be feasible options if the rate becomes an issue.
If your German Shepherd is to be fed raw but cannot prepare the meals, you’ll likely want to consider joining a nearby dog food co-op in your area. Large-scale, uncooked puppy meal manufacturers often offer transport.
Make a List and Prioritize
When deciding what to feed your German Shepherd, your first point of contact, whether a puppy or an adult dog, should ideally be the breeder or the person you acquired the dog from. They will have a good understanding of the dog’s dietary history and any potential nutritional intolerances.
If you’re moving forward from this advice or didn’t receive any, your local veterinarian can provide solid recommendations. Veterinary practitioners have a wealth of knowledge regarding dog ownership and diet.
Local dog professionals, such as trainers, handlers, and other dog owners, can also provide practical insight and recommendations based on their experiences. These resources can be an excellent place to start understanding what diets could work for your German Shepherd.
Online resources like DogFoodAdvisor are also valuable for learning about the ingredients in name-brand pet foods. Knowledge is power when selecting foods, and understanding the ingredients in different brands will help you choose high-quality foods for your German Shepherd. Always prioritize quality ingredients over price or convenience for your pet’s overall health.
Deciding on the Best Dog Food for Your German Shepherd: The Raw Food Approach
An herbal, whole-food eating regimen is a key contender when considering exceptional dog food for your German Shepherd. Raw food diets have won good-sized interest for their capacity to preserve your dog wholesome and satisfied and even prevent everyday fitness situations that this breed may face, including weight problems, joint and dental issues, digestive troubles, and commonplace allergy signs, including itching and pores and skin lawsuits.
The selection to feed your German Shepherd an uncooked food weight-reduction plan is essential to remember to recognize dog anatomy and digestive gadgets. Although dogs were domesticated, their digestive tracts have not substantially evolved from those of their undomesticated wolf ancestors.
As such, they’re excellent, perfect for sparkling, high-protein-based diets, predominantly along with meat, bones, and offal—a principle of species-suitable nutrition that an uncooked weight loss plan seeks to replicate.
A powerful, uncooked weight loss program is balanced and appropriate for your German Shepherd’s life stage and electricity needs. It usually entails a combination of excellent protein, healthy fats, nutrients, minerals, and fiber sourced from several meats, vegetables, and berries.
While the dog species is resilient and may adapt to eating a food regimen that doesn’t offer these herbal additives for a while, there may be a significant distinction between surviving and thriving. By deciding on a diet that intently mirrors what nature intended, you can ensure your German Shepherd isn’t simply surviving but thriving.
Nutritional requirements of a German Shepherd
German Shepherd Nutrition requires a balanced diet, which is critical to achieving optimal health for your German Shepherd. Protein should form the core of their nutrition, sourced from high-quality meat like chicken, beef, or fish. These provide essential amino acids and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that support brain development, immune function, and a shiny, healthy coat.
Carbohydrates should be included in small amounts, preferably from vegetables, herbs, and berries rather than grains. These natural food sources provide an array of vitamins and minerals beneficial for your dog’s overall health. Bone content in the diet provides calcium and other minerals essential for strong bones and teeth. Plant sources can also contribute vital nutrients, like dietary fiber, for good digestive health.
Hydration is another critical component of your German Shepherd’s diet. High-moisture foods like fresh or frozen meats, fruits, and vegetables contribute to hydration. However, free access to fresh drinking water is also essential. With these pointers in mind, you can ensure your German Shepherd’s diet caters to all their nutritional needs for a long, healthy life.
Daily Caloric Requirements
German Shepherd dogs are large, typically weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. The National Research Council of the National Academies suggests inactive or older dogs within this weight range require between 1,272 and 1,540 calories daily. Meanwhile, active dogs need between 1,740 and 2,100 calories per day. For high-energy working German Shepherds, these caloric requirements may be even higher.
However, some German Shepherds may be less active due to arthritis or hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia. In such cases, these dogs may benefit from a reduced-calorie diet. This helps to keep their weight and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on their painful joints. Ensuring your German Shepherd’s daily caloric intake aligns with their activity level and health status will contribute significantly to their overall well-being.
- Protein and Growth
Commercial dog foods such as Purina Pro Plan Savor Lamb and Purina Beyond Simply 9 Ranch Raised Lamb, when labeled as meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, should meet the basic nutritional requirements for a German Shepherd dog. These standards indicate that the food should contain at least 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat for adult dogs and 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat for growing puppies and lactating mothers.
Most dog breeds can be fed puppy-specific dog food until they reach 1 year of age. However, German Shepherds should only be fed a puppy diet for the first 6 months. An early switch to an adult diet is recommended for large dog breeds to prevent too-rapid growth that could lead to bone and joint issues. Puppy foods explicitly labeled for large breeds are formulated to address these issues.
- Ingredients
The primary ingredient in your dog’s food should be whole meat protein such as poultry, fish, or beef. Ingredients are listed in decreasing order by weight, as mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The first listed ingredients are the most significant in the food and should be substantial protein sources. Carbohydrates sourced from grains such as barley, rice, or rolled oats are easily digestible energy sources.
However, grains such as corn, wheat, and soy are less easy to digest and should be avoided in dog foods. Foods that contain vegetable or fish oils provide healthy fats and Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to keeping your German Shepherd’s coat shiny. Both carbohydrates and fats provide the energy needed by this active breed.
Natural preservatives like vitamins E and C are preferable to synthetic food preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. These artificial preservatives are controversial, as they could potentially cause health issues according to some research, although approved by the FDA.
- Obesity
Obesity is a common issue for German Shepherds, and it can exacerbate conditions they are prone to, such as arthritis, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Excess weight puts undue pressure on your dog’s joints, drastically reducing mobility. Therefore, your German Shepherd must stay fit and trim.
An important note is that if you can’t feel your dog’s ribs, your dog is likely overweight. If this is the case, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet to control your dog’s weight.
Exercise also plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s weight. German Shepherds should not be overfed; if they don’t get the exercise they need, they can quickly become obese. To decrease your dog’s caloric intake without making your dog feel hungry, consider adding healthy vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes to a reduced portion of your dog’s regular food.
These vegetables provide fewer calories but add extra fiber, keeping your dog full and satisfied. Remember, maintaining a healthy weight in your German Shepherd is not merely about aesthetics but ensuring longevity and quality of life.
- Bloat
German Shepherd dogs, like other large, deep-chested dogs, are prone to a condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly referred to as bloat. When left untreated, bloat can cause death quickly. The exact cause of bloating is unknown, but it is often associated with factors such as rapid ingestion of food or strenuous exercise within an hour after eating.
In bloat, the stomach expands like a balloon filling with gas. In severe cases, the gas-filled stomach rotates, cutting off circulation to the body’s stomach and other vital organs. This also blocks the usual escape routes for the gas.
Signs of bloat include unsuccessful attempts to vomit (usually shortly after eating), excessive salivation, an extended stomach, lethargy, and in severe cases, collapse. If you see any of these signs in your German Shepherd, immediately take your dog to a veterinarian. Early detection and treatment of this condition are crucial to your dog’s survival.
German Shepherd raw feeding guide
Creating homemade raw food meals for your German Shepherd is a daunting task. As dog owners interested in raw feeding, making your natural dog food meals can pose complications, such as formulating meals with appropriate ratios and critical ingredients to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients.
However, there is a more straightforward approach to raw feeding. Opting for a reputable pre-prepared natural dog food supplier allows you to stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button.
By choosing FEDIAF* approved recipes, such as ProDog’s Complete raw dog food and primary puppy food formula ranges, you can rest assured that your dog receives nutritionally balanced meals daily. FEDIAF is an agency that sets nutritional standards for pet food across Europe. ProDog Raw’s no-fuss, no-nonsense, ready-prepared raw food for dogs is an excellent choice.
If you decide to create DIY raw food recipes at home, be sure you understand the move towards a natural, species-appropriate diet to fuel the well-being of your dog, regardless of breed. Here, we can help you work out how to feed your German Shepherd effectively.
German Shepherd weight management
Maintaining an appropriate and healthy weight is essential for your dog, regardless of the breed. A diet with biologically relevant ingredients can help your dog shed excess pounds or gain a healthy weight.
Expertly balanced ratios of quality protein, healthy fats, ground bone, offal, and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals are essential for optimum health and performance.
Change in diet is an essential step, but it’s equally important to pay specific attention to your dog’s weight and physical appearance. The amount you feed your dog daily depends on several factors, including your dog’s metabolism, the quality of food you’re providing them, how much exercise your dog gets, how much they weigh, their age, and their breed.
Determining whether you want your dog to gain, maintain, or lose weight is pivotal in ensuring the correct ratios of ingredients when creating raw feeding recipes. You can buy from ProDog’s “Pure” meat and ground bone 80-10-10 natural dog food range or the “Economy Core” lower-cost raw dog food range, throw in some additional ingredients, or opt for Complete Formula meals for ease.
Using a raw food calculator to check the correct feeding quantities and assessing your dog’s weight regularly could help your German Shepherd achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
Overall German Shepherd well-being
A diet made from species-appropriate ingredients is undoubtedly the best German Shepherd food to fuel their overall health and happiness. After switching to raw dog food, you will notice quickly that your four-legged friend will start to look, feel, look, and even smell better.
The benefits of this diet, rich in nutrients and devoid of artificial additives, are abundant and palpable, reinforcing the vital role nutrition plays in the well-being of your German Shepherd.
Primary Health Conditions of the German Shepherd
German Shepherd nutrition is essential in preventing and managing several health conditions. This breed is particularly prone to hip dysplasia, a painful joint abnormality. Though the condition is hereditary and can’t be wholly prevented through diet, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to gastric bloating and torsion, a severe, life-threatening condition. A diet high in quality proteins and low in grains can help prevent this condition. German Shepherds also frequently experience von Willebrand’s disease, a hereditary blood clotting disorder.
While this condition is untreatable, proper nutrition can support overall health and well-being in dogs with this condition. Meticulous breeding practices are essential for preventing these conditions and ensuring the health of future generations of German Shepherds.
Secondary Health Conditions of the German Shepherd
German Shepherds are particularly susceptible to a form of cancer that affects the spleen and heart — hemangiosarcoma. Signs of this disease can range from nosebleeds to an increased respiratory rate, abdominal swelling, or even sudden collapse.
If caught early, tumor extraction through surgery is possible. However, the prognosis for this condition is usually not favorable due to the aggressive nature of this cancer.
Degenerative myelopathy, a relatively frequent autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its nervous system, is another condition to which German Shepherds are prone. This condition is progressive, and there is no known cure.
German Shepherd Nutritional Needs
Being large dogs, German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, also known as gastric torsion. This serious problem can be managed through careful feeding practices. For instance, foods high in fiber are often suggested as they promote regular digestion and help prevent gas build-up, a primary contributor to bloat.
However, it’s essential to note that certain grains, including corn and soy, can exacerbate conditions like bloat. Therefore, foods containing these ingredients should be avoided. Less expensive foods often use these grains as filler, and while they might be economically attractive, their impact on a German Shepherd’s health can be detrimental.
Best dog supplements for a German Shepherd
Switching to a natural, good-quality raw food diet is the best thing you can do for your dog’s well-being. While DIY recipes can be made at home, consider choosing from ProDog’s food bundles to make life simpler. Dog nutritional science shows that dogs are designed to predominantly eat meat, organs, bones, and a little vegetation. This brings us to the question: why use supplements?
Dietary supplementation can take your dog’s nutrition to the next level. You can provide preventative support for German Shepherd-related conditions by making certain additions. Your supplements should align with your dog’s needs and life stage. These supplements complement the dog food, providing added support to bolster, fuel, and nourish your faithful friend.
German Shepherd Feeding Tips
1. Hydration is critical.
Fresh, clean water is vital for maintaining the function of biological systems. Mainly, if your German Shepherd eats a diet primarily of kibble, which has a low moisture content, it’s essential to ensure your dog drinks sufficient water.
2. Scheduled Feeding:
Feed your German Shepherd at least twice daily. As this large, deep-chested breed is predisposed to life-threatening bloat or gastric torsion, feeding at regularly scheduled times can decrease the risks. Avoid late-night feeding and ensure plenty of exercise to avoid stomach problems, including flatulence and other digestive issues. Wait at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours before and after exercise to feed your dog.
3. Be aware of food allergies.
More German Shepherds react poorly to commercial dog food, negatively reacting to ingredients such as grains, beef, and chicken. Do research and consider alternative-quality foods or homemade meals if something other than store-bought foods is optional.
4. Avoid the “free feed” practice:
Free feeding, where you fill a bowl with food and leave it out all day, may seem convenient, but it’s never a good option. It can lead to over- or under-eating and stale food, making housetraining a puppy nearly impossible. Also, left-out dog food attracts bugs and can collect moisture, making it prone to mold, especially in regions of high humidity.
5. Incorporate Fresh Foods:
Feeding your German Shepherd fresh foods like meat, cheese products, fruits, and vegetables can be great, as they contain natural enzymes lost in commercial dog foods. However, ensure these don’t account for more than 10% of your German Shepherd’s diet to avoid nutrient imbalances.
6. Monitor weight and adjust the diet accordingly:
Metabolism, level of activity, and overall health are significant contributors to your dog’s nutritional needs. If you feel your German Shepherd is underweight, seek advice from a veterinarian who might recommend supplements or tests for underlying conditions.
7. Gradual Diet Changes:
If you change your German Shepherd’s diet, avoid doing it all at once. Add a small percentage of the new food to the existing food and gradually increase the amount over 2-3 weeks to reduce the chances of digestive upset.
8. Offer raw bones occasionally.
Raw bones are great for dogs, adding bulk to their diet and providing a good source of nutrients. However, they should be given in moderation, adequately supervised, and chosen based on the dog’s chewing habits.
9. Be discerning about commercial dog food.
Manufacturers have profits in mind, and an ingredient list that leads with a “meat by-product” indicates the product primarily consists of low-quality ingredients. Even if a commercial dog food is labeled as “complete and balanced,” it doesn’t mean it’s without risk.
Remember, the health changes that occur with diet adjustments take time. Constantly monitor your German Shepherd’s response to diet changes and consult with a veterinarian.
FAQs
What is the proper nutrition for a German Shepherd?
The proper nutrition for a German Shepherd includes a balanced diet of meat, organs, bones, and a small amount of vegetation. The diet should be complemented with natural, whole-food supplements to fill any nutritional gaps. It’s also crucial to monitor the dog’s health and adjust the diet accordingly, always considering individual needs and life stages.
German Shepherds should eat a certain amount of food every day?
A German Shepherd should typically consume about 1,300 to 1,600 calories per day. However, this amount can vary based on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Always consult a veterinarian to determine your dog’s most appropriate feeding amount.
What are the German Shepherd’s favorite foods?
German Shepherds particularly enjoy foods such as chicken, beef, and fish. They also often take to veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots and fruits like apples and blueberries. Of course, each dog’s preferences may vary, so it’s essential to find out what your particular German Shepherd enjoys the most.
What do German Shepherds need to be healthy?
German Shepherds require a balanced diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, and mental stimulation to maintain their health. Adequate socialization, training, and plenty of love are also crucial to their overall well-being.
