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What Foods Are Good For German Shepherds

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food For German Shepherds

Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds

This Royal Canin formula is designed exclusively for purebred German Shepherds over 15 months old. German Shepherds can have finicky digestive systems. This recipe is intended to combat that with highly digestible proteins including chicken and a selection of specific fibers. It contains brewers rice and oat groats to aid digestion and prevent soft stools. Its available in 17- and 30-pound bags.

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food for German Shepherds

This dry dog food is tailored exclusively for purebred German Shepherds and includes easy-to-digest ingredients to help support their digestive system.

German Shepherds Nutritional Guidelines To Follow

The Association of American Feed Control Officials , the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food, states there are six indispensable nutrients that all dog meals require to support life and function in dogs and provide a balanced and healthy diet.

A proper homemade diet should consider your pups weight, health conditions, size, and activity level. Your German Shepherd will grow strong and healthy if these six components are present and you consider these factors.

Below is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas

Heres a power-packed meal to provide antioxidants, probiotics, essential vitamins, and added minerals. The superfoods in the meal promote a long and hearty life for your fluffball. Diamond Naturals formula is specifically for large breed puppies. They need more nourishment to sustain their bone development.

GSDs tend to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. So, it is imperative to fortify their immune systems as well as ossein buildout. That will make sure that your pooch does not suffer from joint pains in their adult life.

Furthermore, the antioxidants in the blend prevent cancer. The probiotics in the mix keep the gut flora flourishing, and the omega fatty-acids keep the skin, coat, and vision healthy.Diamond tops it all up with a great price tag to give you the ultimate value for your money.

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Dr Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet

Rating:

German Dog Diet is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Dr. Garys Best Breed product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Dr. Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

We like the fact the formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals which provides superior absorption and nutrition. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewOur german shepherd has had a lot of itching problems since she was about 1 year old. We have tried different foods, supplements, sprays and shampoos. Nothing has seems to work as well as when we switched to this food. Scabs that were on her for months due to her itching them open all the time have finally healed over. She is still a little itchy, but significantly better than before. And she loves the food too! We used to leave her food bowl full all day because she would only pick throughout the day. With this food we are only doing 2-3 cups morning and night because she scarfs it all down in minutes! Glad we finally found something that she loves and works so well!

Human Foods German Shepherds Can Eat

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: Top 4 Picks (2017)

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Categories German Shepherds

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Most German Shepherd owners like to give their dogs human food now and again. But have you ever picked something up from the refrigerator or your plate to give to your dog, only to stop and wonder whether its safe, or even healthy, for him to eat? So, what foods can German Shepherds eat?

German Shepherds can eat a range of human foods such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, peas, pumpkins, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter.

Although most top-quality commercial dog food is optimized for dogs needs, adding human food is an excellent supplement to your German Shepherds diet. You may also want to feed a homemade diet. In this article, youll learn:

  • Human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
  • Feeding tips and advice.
  • Human foods your German Shepherd cant eat.

Want to see the latest dog supplies that are popular right now? You can find them on Amazon. You can also click the button below.

Welcome to my complete guide on the human foods your German Shepherd can eat. Lets dive in!

Contents

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German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Guide: 6 Months To 12 Months

At this stage in your German Shepherds development, growth will be considerably slower. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day.

Youll still want to watch her weight, health, and activity level, but now you can split her daily total calories over fewer meals.

While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula.

You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture.

Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow.

Again, its imperative that you speak with your vet before making any changes to your GSDs diet.

Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food.

Some GSDs stay on puppy food for a whopping two years! So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog.

Instinct Original Recipe With Real Chicken

Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca

Caloric Content: 4,406 kcal/kg

Finally, the Instinct by Nature Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd in all life stages.

From its raw nutrition base to its balanced approach to a high protein food, this dry food is a positive addition to your dogs diet. Full of real chicken, vegetables, antioxidants, natural omegas and probiotics and without any grains, corn, potato, soy or wheat, there is great digestive support, as well as a healthy coast, skin and immune health.

The bag can be a little tricky to open though, so it can take a little getting used to, and some dogs may find they get gas after eating. Overall however, this food is a positive choice for German Shepherds.

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Why Should You Feed The Best Dog Food To Your German Shepherd

Health conditions like diabetes, hip dysplasia, and cancer are common in German Shepherds. Mostly due to poor breeding practices, the health conditions of German Shepherds pass as hereditary diseases.

Dogs from high-quality breeders are less likely to suffer from these health issues. However, all dogs face a chance of developing a health condition as they age.

Luckily, that’s not the end all be all. We can take preventative measures such as exercising and feeding our dogs the best diet to protect them and reducing common health problems with the proper diet.

German Shepherd Diet And Nutrition

3 German Shepherds Try Different Foods

German Shepherds need a diet high in meat-based protein to support muscle strength as well as healthy fats to sustain energy. Active German Shepherds need roughly 1,740 to 2,100 calories, according to the NRCNA. However, individual dietary needs depend on activity level, metabolism, health, and sensitivities.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe

Rating:

Wilderness Salmon is one of 18 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for:Adult shepherds only

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Fairly priced and highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewI have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. Ive got her every flavor if not almost every flavor, and this salmon one is the one she has loved the most! Ieave her food bowl full at all times she so can eat whenever she wants. And she eats this salmon one more than every other flavor. Now i know salmon is her favorite protein (:

For Those Families Seeking A Purebred Dog It Is Important To See The Parents Of The Puppy And To Understand The Breed Standard & Breed Conformation In A World Of Dog Shows A Dogs Conformation Is Not What I Think Looks Good It Is A Professional Objective Given By A Judge Based On The Breed Standard & Breed Requirements While A Dog Show May Look Like A Beauty Pageant Its Not Dogs Are Not Being Compared To Each Other Theyre Being Measured By How Closely They Conform To The Standard Of Their Particular Breed And Given A Grade When It Comes To It When You Look At Parents Do They Look Like The Dog You Dream To Own

For a German Shepherd, we must see SG, V or VA a title earned at a Conformation ring.What do the titles mean?VA Vorzuglich Auslese- Excellent Select. Given only to a group of outstanding German shepherds at a Sieger show.V Vorzuglich- Excellent. Outstanding German shepherds with full dentition and good character.SG- Sehr Gut- Very Good, Highest grade possible for dogs under 24 months of age or dogs outstanding merit missing a premolar.

Other rating may include:G Gut- Good. Really about average, given to typical but not exceptional animals.A Ausreichend- Satisfactory. Given to below average dogs.M Mangelhaft- Poor. Poor quality dogs but of tolerable character.U Ungenugend- Unsatisfactory. Given to dogs with faulty character or serious faults, ungraded.

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Feeding And Exercise Warning

Give your dog the time to digest its food after hes had a meal.

Never let your pup play hard right after you feed them.

Wait 2 hours before and after feeding your dog its meal before heaving exercise or playing hard with them to avoid any gastric problems.

A light, slow walk is fine after eating if its not long and doesnt stress your dog.

Be sure to use these best exercises for a growing German Shepherd puppy to avoid injury and teach your dog valuable coordination and balance skills.

These gentle exercises keep your puppys joints healthy and help them learn confidence skills while getting to bond with their favorite person

YOU!

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What Food Do German Shepherds Need

Best dog food for german shepherd

The German Shepherd is an Olympic athlete at heart!

They love to exercise, play, run, and generally stay in motion most of the time. Giving them the best food is essential to their natural drive.

Due to its convenience and ease of feeding, dry kibble is the most common way to give a German Shepherd her dietary requirements. Common commercial foods are made with chicken, beef, lamb, or fish products and by-products, grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, or oats. They contain added vitamins and minerals to ensure that the final diet is balanced.

These foods may be formulated for specific life stages such as puppy, adult, senior, or for all life stages.

Some owners prefer to mix dry kibble with wet food, make their own homemade food, and only serve a raw diet, or any combination they feel is the right fit for their dog and lifestyle.

Any mixture of food you feed your GSD must meet their dietary requirements.

Its vital to understand your German Shepherds diet, as this is the main fuel for your dog and the foundation of her health.

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Peanuts And Peanut Butter

Benefits

Peanuts are packed with nutrition and form an excellent source of Vitamin B6, vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, and niacin. They are protein-rich and are a good source of healthy fat, especially for underweight dogs.

Ideal quantity per day

WagWalking says Do not exceed 4-6 peanuts a couple times a week for your German Shepherd. When it comes to peanut butter, 1 tea spoon a day is considered safe as a treat.

Which Food Are Good For Chihuahua

Chihuahua needs 30% protein in their food. The other nutrients and minerals that are important for, maintaining their health are- sodium, taurine, l-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. Here is the list of foods that are good for them: Chicken, turkey, bison, beef, lamb, fish, bone dust, kibble, canned wet food, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and edible chews.

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Nutritional Needs Of German Shepherds

All dogs deserve healthy, nutritious, and satisfying food, but generic dog food isnt going to be right for most of them. Every breed has its own special dietary needs.

Small dogs, for example, need something totally different than our big, hard-working GSDs. For maximum health and energy, keep these things in mind when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Select The Best German Shepherd Dog Food

Dog Reviews Food with German Shepherd Brother – Part 2

What to Look for in German Shepherd Dog Food

Every dog food manufacturer claims to be the finest choice for your pet. If you know what to look for, you can look past marketing ploys and focus on the most critical factors when selecting the dog food that’s best for your German Shepherd.

Protein

Make sure to choose foods with a high amount of protein from fish, meat, or poultry. Puppies require at least 22 percent protein in their meals, while adults can reduce the quantity to 18 percent.

While protein is necessary for your dog, be skeptical of “high protein” dog food items. Protein is high in calories and might lead your dog to gain weight quickly. As you are undoubtedly aware, gaining too much excess weight might lead to health issues for your dog in the future.

Essential Fatty Acids

Choose a dog food with fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3. These all help to a healthy coat and skin.

Fiber

Look for fiber-rich goods made from natural, readily digested carbs like vegetables and whole grains.

AAFCO Standards

The AAFCO acronym stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. While this group lacks the capacity to regulate or approve dog food, it does establish the standard for pet food quality.

Why Choose Grain-Free or Not?

In actuality, grains, particularly whole grains, may be highly beneficial to your dog’s diet. They supply your dog with essential nutrients as well as fiber and energy.

How Much Food Should I Feed My German Shepherd?

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How To Make Satin Balls

These are the recipe steps and photos of the process for making the treats. I hope they help you make this healthy dog treats recipe!

You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.

  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Use your hands to mix everything together until it is well combined.
  • Pinch out a small amount and use your hands to roll and form it into a 1-inch ball.
  • Repeat making balls with the remaining mixture.
  • Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe

    Jump to RecipeMy easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs

    ***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian’s careful supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when considering transitioning to a 100% human-grade food diet for your pup. This post was updated with video August 16, 2020, updated with additional recipe links 9/14/2020, updated 1/7/2021 with metric measurements, updated 1/3/2022 with recipe links for hydrating meals.***

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    How To Read Dog Food Labels

    Understanding the nutritional info on the back of a bag of dog food can get confusing. However, to confirm that your GSD is getting the diverse nutrients it needs at appropriate levels, being able to decipher these text-saturated labels is a valuable skill.

    Pet food labels list ingredients in descending order by weight prior to cooking. It is important to remember that no single ingredient is the most important. Some people try to only focus on the first ingredient or the first four ingredients. While these may comprise the highest percentage, it is critical to understand that your dog digests the entire kibble, not just certain ingredients. Therefore read the entire ingredient label to see what is in the full formula.

    Chicken Spinach & Quinoa German Shepherd Food

    Best Dog Food for German Shepherds (2020)

    Quinoa is known as a superfood for us humans, but did you know you can also feed it to your German Shepherd? Collect this list of ingredients for a protein-packed dog meal:

    • 3 cups organic quinoa
    • 1 teaspoon parsley
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil or fish oil

    Start by cooking the quinoa according to the packages instructions. If you dont have the instructions on hand, you can use 1.5 cups of water per cup of dry quinoa.

    Boil your chicken in a large pot until cooked all the way through. Using two forks or a food processor, shred the chicken.

    Place a large pot on the stove and drizzle the oil over the bottom, heating it over medium-high heat. Add your chicken and heat until golden brown. Reduce your heat to medium and add in your cooked quinoa, stirring well to combine.

    Mix in the carrots, peas, apples, spinach, and parsley and cook until everything is heated throughjust a few minutes.

    Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down. Store it in air-tight containers and serve according to serving recommendations from your vet.

    You can also freeze this meal in large portions to thaw later when needed, making it an excellent recipe for cooking in bulk.

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