Top 10 Best Food for German Shepherd Nutrition Guide

August 07, 2023

Of course! German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs that make great companions. Here are some tips and advice for caring for a German Shepherd, brought to you by Pets On Point:

Early socialization: Start socializing your German Shepherd puppy as early as possible. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments to help them develop into well-adjusted and confident dogs.

Training: German Shepherds are highly trainable and love to learn. Enroll your pup in obedience classes or work with a professional trainer to teach them basic commands and good manners.

Exercise: These dogs have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through interactive toys or puzzles are essential.

Mental stimulation: Keep your German Shepherd's mind engaged with training sessions, puzzle toys, and games like fetch or hide-and-seek. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior.

Grooming: German Shepherds have a dense double coat that sheds year-round. Regular brushing helps control shedding and keeps their coat clean and healthy.

Proper nutrition: Feed your German Shepherd a balanced diet with high-quality dog food. Buy Royal Canin Dog Food & ensure you meet their specific nutritional needs. Also, you can Buy wheat free Dog food for your pets health.

Health care: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor your dog's health and catch any potential issues early on. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm medication.

Mental health: German Shepherds are emotionally sensitive dogs, so treat them with kindness and avoid harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement works best with this breed.

Secured environment: Ensure your home and yard are safe and secure, as German Shepherds are known to be curious and may try to explore or escape if given the chance.

Bonding time: Spend quality time with your German Shepherd to strengthen your bond. They thrive on companionship and will be happier when they are included in family activities.

Consider their job heritage: German Shepherds have a strong work ethic and excel in various activities like obedience, agility, and scent work. Engaging them in these activities can help satisfy their natural instincts.

Patience and consistency: Training a German Shepherd takes time and consistency. Be patient and reinforce positive behaviors consistently.

here are some top-rated options that you might consider for your German Shepherd:

Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food: Pedigree is a well-known brand offering a variety of dog food options. Their adult dry dog food has balanced nutrition to support your German Shepherd's overall health, including the maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
Buy Royal Canin Dog Food German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food: This breed-specific formula is designed for German Shepherd puppies up to 15 months old. It's designed to support digestive health, immune system development, and joint health, all of which are especially important for this large breed.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness offers grain-free recipes rich in protein, which is beneficial for a muscular and active breed like the German Shepherd.
Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food: Formulated specifically for large breeds, this food is made with high-quality protein for lean muscles and contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Dog Food: This food is packed with a blend of high-quality proteins, whole grains, and seeds, providing balanced nutrition and promoting overall health in your German Shepherd.
Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Dry Dog Food: Eukanuba's breed-specific formula has a specialized fiber system for digestive health, as well as essential nutrients for skin and coat health.
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula: For German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs or skin, this food is a great choice. It has salmon as its first ingredient, providing a protein source that's easier on the stomach, and doesn't contain corn, wheat, or soy.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dry Dog Food: This recipe supports the unique health needs of larger dogs through nutrient-rich whole foods. Buy Cesar Dog Food to offers a good balance of protein and healthy carbs.
Orijen Original Dry Dog Food: Known for its high protein content and quality ingredients, Buy Iams Dry Dog Food for help maintain lean muscle mass in active German Shepherds.

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Dry Dog Food: This grain-free food is based on the diet of dogs' wild ancestors and includes high-quality protein sources like bison and venison.

Another important factor you should know about German Shepherds

German Shepherds are large and active dogs with specific dietary needs. The following sections provide more detail on their nutritional requirements, potential health risks, and how to prevent and manage them through a well-balanced diet.

Caloric Requirements

Given their size, German Shepherds need a significant number of calories to fuel their energy. Inactive or older dogs, weighing between 60-90 pounds, require 1,272-1,540 calories per day. Active dogs within the same weight range need more, between 1,740-2,100 calories per day. Dogs with conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia should have a reduced-calorie diet to avoid unnecessary strain on their joints.

Protein and Growth

Commercial dog foods like Purina Pro Plan Savor Lamb or Purina Beyond Simply 9 Ranch Raised Lamb meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials standards, providing at least 18% protein and 5% fat for adult dogs, or 22% protein and 8% fat for puppies or lactating mothers. In contrast to other breeds, German Shepherds often switch from a puppy to an adult diet after six months to prevent rapid growth, which can cause bone and joint issues.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in dog food should be whole meat protein (poultry, fish, or beef). Ingredients in dog food are listed by weight, so the first few listed should be sources of protein, followed by carbohydrates, grains, fats, and vegetables. Barley, rice, and rolled oats are easily digestible sources of grains and carbohydrates. Foods with vegetable and fish oils provide healthy fats and Omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat.

Health Concerns

German Shepherds can face certain health risks, including obesity, bloat, and conditions leading to improper nutrient absorption. Overweight dogs can suffer from arthritis, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Weight control can be achieved by a proper diet that includes healthy vegetables like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes that are low in calories but high in fiber.

The breed is prone to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat, a medical emergency that can cause death if untreated. To prevent bloat, divide your German Shepherd's daily ration into at least two meals and avoid exercising your dog an hour before or after meals.

Certain conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and small-intestine disease can cause weight loss, even as your dog shows an increased appetite. In such cases, the dog might require a diet overseen by a veterinarian that is low in fiber and fat, and contains a high-quality, unusual protein.

Primary and Secondary Health Conditions

Hip dysplasia, gastric bloating and torsion, von Willebrand’s disease, hemangiosarcoma, degenerative myelopathy, and dermatitis are some of the primary and secondary health conditions German Shepherds can face.

Exercise and Walking Needs

The breed requires a significant amount of daily exercise, both for physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise can help mitigate problems such as hip dysplasia.

Nutritional Needs

Given the Shepherd's propensity for bloat, a high fiber diet is suggested. Grains like corn and soy can exacerbate bloat, and thus foods containing these ingredients should be avoided. Additionally, foods with good levels of vitamins A and E can be beneficial due to the breed's susceptibility to dermatitis.

Remember that each dog is unique, so understanding your German Shepherd's individual needs and temperament is essential for providing the best care and companionship. Enjoy your time with your loyal and intelligent furry friend!