What Do German Shepherds Eat and Why

German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that require a balanced diet to maintain their overall health and well-being.

A German Shepherd's ideal diet consists of high-quality protein from animal sources, such as chicken, beef, or lamb.

They also need complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and brown rice to provide sustained energy.

As a breed, German Shepherds have a high metabolism, which means they burn calories quickly.

Their diet should reflect this by including nutrient-dense foods that support their energy needs.

In addition to their high protein and complex carbohydrate requirements, German Shepherds also need essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy.

German Shepherds are omnivores, which means they can eat both meat and plants. This includes vegetables, which are a great source of natural vitamins and minerals.

Many dog food companies use vegetables in their recipes, and adding them to your German Shepherd's diet can have numerous health benefits. These benefits include improving their overall health, boosting their immune system, and even protecting their teeth.

For more insights, see: Dogs Eating Vegetables

Some of the most beneficial vegetables for German Shepherds include sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, and bell peppers. These vegetables are low in calories and can be a great addition to their diet, especially for overweight dogs.

You should be careful not to give your German Shepherd too many vegetables, as this can lead to an imbalance in their diet. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 90-10 rule, where 90% of their calories come from a complete and balanced diet, and 10% come from treats, vegetables, and fruits.

Here are some vegetables that are safe for German Shepherds to eat:

Remember to always check with your veterinarian before introducing new vegetables into your German Shepherd's diet, especially if they have any food allergies or sensitivities.

German Shepherds have a unique digestive system that requires a high-fiber diet to slow down food movement and allow for better nutrient absorption.

This means they need a diet rich in fiber, which is essential for keeping their digestive tract healthy.

The ideal base diet for German Shepherds should include a blend of beef, wheat, and leafy greens like cabbage and alfalfa, which are their primary food sources in the wild.

Feeding a German Shepherd a food that contains fish, soy, or rice is not ideal, as it can be detrimental to their health.

German Shepherds are considered large breed dogs, which means they have a higher risk of developing certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, if they're fed the wrong diet.

To prevent this, it's essential to choose a dog food that meets safe calcium levels for their breed type.

German Shepherd puppies, in particular, need to be fed a puppy-specific food until they reach 12 to 24 months of age, as they require different nutritional needs than adult dogs.

A high-protein and high-fat wet food can be beneficial for German Shepherds, as it can help prevent GDV and keep them hydrated.

However, it's essential to check the ingredients and ensure that the food meets the minimum nutrient requirements for adult dogs.

Ultimately, the best food for a German Shepherd will depend on their individual needs and health status, so it's always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to their diet.

A German Shepherd's diet is crucial to their overall health and well-being. They require a high protein diet to support their active lifestyle, with at least 18-25% protein for adult dogs and even more for growing puppies.

To ensure your German Shepherd gets the necessary nutrients, consider adding essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 to their diet. This will help keep their thick double coat healthy and shiny.

A balanced diet should include a mix of protein sources, such as beef and chicken, as well as a variety of vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. These vegetables are low in calories and can be given as treats or added to their regular meals.

Here is a list of essential nutrients and their corresponding food sources for German Shepherds:

It's also essential to note that German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, with their daily allotment of food split between these two meals.

I painstakingly analyzed the nutritional profile of my breed-specific, cooked German Shepherd recipe and rebuilt the same nutritional profile as a raw recipe. This involved using the book Unlocking the Ancestral Diet to convert the recipe.

The key to a successful raw diet is ensuring your German Shepherd gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A is crucial, and it can be found in cabbage, carrot, broccoli, and squash. Vitamin B-1 is also essential, and it's found in cabbage, carrot, yellow corn, squash, and broccoli.

To create a balanced raw diet, you'll need to include a variety of foods that provide different nutrients. For example, Vitamin B-6 is found in chicken, beef, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, carrot, squash, and potato. Vitamin B-12 is found in beef, which is also a good source of iron.

Here's a breakdown of some of the essential nutrients your German Shepherd needs:

Neko, my first German Shepherd to transition to the new raw recipe, did so without any issues. Over the following two weeks, my other German Shepherds, including Sylvester, transitioned to the new raw food recipe. My dogs are thriving on this food, which is truly the best food for German Shepherds.

For German Shepherds, a diet rich in protein is essential to support their high energy levels. Adult German Shepherds require at least 18-25% protein in their diet, with growing puppies needing even more.

A high-quality protein source is crucial for German Shepherds. Look for foods with protein-rich ingredients like chicken, beef, and fish.

To ensure your German Shepherd gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals, consider adding foods rich in these nutrients to their diet. Vitamin A palmitate can be found in cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and squash.

Here's a list of essential vitamins and minerals your German Shepherd needs, along with their corresponding food sources:

By incorporating these essential vitamins and minerals into your German Shepherd's diet, you'll be giving them the best possible start in life.

German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach, so it's best to avoid food with fillers like wheat and soy that are difficult to digest and may cause allergies.

These fillers can lead to digestive issues and allergic reactions, making it essential to choose a balanced diet for your German Shepherd.

Food that includes wheat and soy may cause stomach upset and discomfort, so it's crucial to read labels carefully and opt for additive-free options.

A well-balanced diet is key to maintaining your German Shepherd's overall health and well-being, and limiting additives is a great place to start.

Feeding your dog a balanced diet is crucial to preventing hip disease.

Overfeeding your puppy can contribute to canine hip disease, so be mindful of their calorie intake.

Choosing dog foods with a safe amount of calcium for large breed puppies is essential.

You can find our recommendations for large breed puppy foods here.

Expand your knowledge: Types of Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds require a balanced diet to stay healthy, with adult dogs needing between 1,435 to 1,780 calories per day, depending on their weight, energy levels, age, and reproductive status.

To determine the right amount of food for your German Shepherd, consider their weight, with female dogs typically needing less food due to their smaller size.

German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, with their daily allotment of food split between these two meals.

If your German Shepherd is less active or older, they may need less food, but still require around 1,300 to 1,780 calories per day.

Here's a table to help you determine the best feeding schedule for your German Shepherd:

Remember to exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training, and avoid exercising them within 2 hours of eating to prevent digestive issues.

Feeding your German Shepherd the right amount of food is crucial for their overall health and well-being. The ideal calorie intake for most adult German Shepherds is between 1,435 to 1,780 calories per day.

For adult German Shepherds on a maintenance diet, the calorie requirements are determined by their weight, energy levels, age, and reproductive status. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food.

German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split between these two meals.

For most dogs, it's recommended to exercise them before meal times to assist with potty training. This helps create a routine and can make mealtimes less stressful for both you and your dog.

Dogs who are at risk of GDV should not exercise for at least 2 hours after a meal. This is a crucial safety precaution to prevent any potential health issues.

German Shepherds require high-quality food that is designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. This type of food will help meet their nutritional needs and support their overall health.

Remember, treats should only be given in moderation, with no more than 10% of your dog's total caloric intake coming from treats.

Feeding German Shepherds requires a consistent schedule to monitor their food intake and detect any changes in behavior around food. This can signal illness or physiological stress.

No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it's essential to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. This helps with house and obedience training.

For puppies under 8 weeks, feeding four times a day is recommended. This frequency helps ensure they're getting enough nutrients.

As your German Shepherd grows, their feeding schedule changes. From 8 weeks to 9 months, three meals a day are suitable. After that, two meals a day are sufficient.

Adult German Shepherds should be fed once in the morning and once in the evening. This allows them to digest their food and have time to burn off energy before bedtime.

Switching to a new food can be a challenge, especially if you want to avoid making your German Shepherd sick. Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your dog's risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.

To minimize the risk of digestive upset, it's essential to introduce the new food gradually. Dr. Gary Richter recommends starting with a small amount of the new food mixed with their current food, and gradually increasing the proportion of new food over a period of 7-10 days.

You'll want to switch your German shepherd puppy to adult food at the right time to avoid any potential issues. German shepherd puppies don't stop growing until they reach 12 to 24 months of age.

Switching your puppy to adult food too soon may increase your dog's risk of permanent hip and joint damage. This is because German shepherd puppies have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia if they're fed adult food too early.

Recommended read: American German Shepherd Puppy

German shepherd puppies are considered large breed dogs, and their bones need time to develop properly. Adult dog food is formulated for fully grown dogs, and it may not meet the nutritional needs of a still-growing puppy.

So, be patient and wait until your puppy is ready for adult food.

Switching to a new food can be a bit of a challenge, but Dr. Gary Richter has a simple feeding tip that can help lower your dog's risk of getting sick. This tip involves introducing the new food gradually to prevent digestive upset.

Dr. Richter recommends starting with a small amount of the new food, mixed with the old food, to help your dog's digestive system adjust. This can help prevent stomach upset and diarrhea.

By introducing the new food gradually, you can help your dog's digestive system adjust to the new ingredients and reduce the risk of getting sick.

For more insights, see: Is My Dog Trying to Tell Me Something?

German Shepherds are a large active breed with a lot of energy, so they need plenty of exercise.

The right amount of food is crucial for your German Shepherd's overall wellbeing, and it depends on their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size.

Too much food can increase your dog's risk of developing a serious chronic illness, so don't fall for those puppy dog eyes!

You should also be careful about the type of food you give your German Shepherd, as any meals prepared for them need to contain the right balance of nutrients.

As your dog grows and develops, you'll need to adjust these nutrients in their food to keep them healthy.

Some foods are toxic to dogs, including nuts, artificial sweeteners, and onions, which can cause serious illness and even death.

On a similar theme: Dog Eats Glass