Ensuring that your German Shepherd receives the correct kind of food and nutrition in their diet is key to keeping them happy and healthy for the long haul. Being such a large and unique breed, you may be wondering whether your GSD needs special food. So what exactly should your dog be eating?
German Shepherds don’t need special food but they require a certain amount of protein, fats, and nutrients in their food in order to keep them fit and healthy. When it comes to German Shepherd puppies, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re feeding them, such as too much calcium can hurt them down the line.
We’ll discuss what kind of food your German Shepherd should be eating as well as factors you should avoid or be mindful of when feeding your GSD. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep on reading.
What Does Your German Shepherd Require In Their Diet?
The food your German Shepherd eats must meet certain criteria. Seeing how this is a large and energetic breed, there are strict requirements that need to be addressed to provide them with proper nutrition.
Below, we’ll explore what your dog’s diet should consist of and how that differs for both puppies and adult German Shepherds.
Food Rich In Protein
Both young and old German Shepherds thrive on a diet that is full of protein, so it’s important to be mindful of that when picking out the right dog food for your pet.
When it comes to young German Shepherds, their food should be made up of 22% protein. As for adults, their food should be made up of 18% protein. While all breeds would do well to have a diet that consists of food rich in protein, it’s even more so the case for a large and active breed like the German Shepherd.
It’s important to include an appropriate amount of protein in your dog’s diet for various reasons. For one, the protein will ensure your GSD develops healthy skin, hair, and nails. Protein is also crucial in support of your pet’s immune system.
When deciding which dog food to purchase your GSD, it’s important to check the nutritional facts to ensure your dog consumes enough protein. Healthy protein sources include beef, chicken, turkey, and fish.
Food Rich In Healthy Fats
German Shepherd puppies should be intaking at least 8% of healthy fats with their food, while adults should meet the 5% mark. Healthy fats give your dog the energy they need to be active and healthy throughout the day.
Fats in your German Shepherd’s food are actually responsible for producing 2x as much energy as protein is, so it’s important to factor it into your pet’s dietary needs. Fats and oils are also the reasons why your dog’s food tastes and smells good, which encourages them to eat enough of their food.
Ensuring the food you’re feeding your dog meets up to these standards is key to keeping them healthy and happy as they continue to grow and thrive under your care.
Food Rich In Fatty Acids
Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 will keep your German Shepherd healthy in many different ways. Fatty acids such as these will keep your dog’s skin and furry coat shiny and healthy.
Omega-3 is known to reduce any kind of inflammation that your German Shepherd may have on their body, which includes their joints and skin. These fatty acids are instrumental for your dog’s health and should be implemented in their diet.
Omega-3 is also known to assist puppies in forming proper brain development and aiding older dogs who struggle with arthritis. It’s clear there are many pros to having your dog intake healthy fatty acids.
The only time your German Shepherd should cut back on the number of fatty acids they consume is when they have some sort of allergy. If your pup is unable to consume fish and fish oils, it’s best to put them on a low-fat diet.
Best Food For Your German Shepherd
Now that we’ve gone over what exactly you should find in your German Shepherd’s diet, below we’ll explore some of the most trusted and popular brands that cater to the health and well-being of breeds such as your GSD.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe
This is one of the most popular recipes on the markets for German Shepherds for many reasons. For one, the recipe is engineered to mimic what your dog’s ancestors ate, making it a unique option for your GSD.
This formula is also rich in protein, making it an ideal choice for your large and active breed. Aside from all the healthy proteins that this formula holds, there’s plenty of added vitamins and minerals that your dog requires in order to stay strong and healthy.
If you’re looking for one of the healthiest dog foods on the market that is marketed specifically to German Shepherds, this will make a perfect addition to your dog’s diet.
Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health Dry Food
This is another protein-rich option that is specifically targeted towards keeping large dogs in good health. This brand is also packed with ingredients that will assist your dog with their digestive health.
Holistic Select is also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which will keep your German Shepherd’s coat and skin healthy and shiny. This brand offers numerous flavors that your dog will be sure to enjoy, all while supporting the full-body health of your dog.
This is an ideal choice for dogs over 1 year or older, so it’s best to wait until your puppy has grown a bit before feeding them this option. If you want to keep your adult dog happy by supporting their full-body health, this is a great option for you.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Looking for an ideal option for your German Shepherd puppy? Blue Buffalo lacks artificial flavors and preservatives and offers your pet a delicious meal packed with real chicken.
This brand also provides your German Shepherd with wholesome fruits and veggies that will help your pet build strong muscles. This Blue Buffalo formula is engineered specifically for large-breed puppies. It’s packed with high-quality protein that will ensure your young GSD will grow into a healthy and vibrant adult.
This formula is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will help your puppy’s overall health as they continue to grow bigger and stronger. If you’re looking for the ideal dog food for your young German Shepherd that will help them become strong and healthy adults, this is the perfect dog food for your pup.
Best Breed All Breed Dog Diet
This brand is popular amongst German Shepherd owners, and with its protein-rich recipe, it’s clear why. As for what your pet will think, they’ll definitely enjoy this delicious all-natural dry food.
This is a great recipe that’s ideal for all ages and is free of wheat and soy, making it a great option for dogs with allergies. The Best Breed brand comes in 13 different flavors, with this one being chicken, which will have plenty of benefits for your active GSD.
Enhanced with both vitamins and minerals, this all-natural formula will keep your pet happy and healthy. This dry dog food also contains 36% protein and 22% healthy fats. This brand is not only transparent about their ingredients but what’s inside the bag will keep your growing GSD strong.
Victor Classic Professional Dry Dog Food
Another dog food that’s highly recommended for your German Shepherd is the Victor Classic recipe. Packed with quality beef and pork, this brand is a great choice for German Shepherds of all ages.
This is another dry dog food that’s ideal for dogs that are allergic to other meat products. Packed with 26% protein and plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep your GSD in great shape, investing in a brand such as Victor Classic is a smart choice.
If you’re searching for a healthy dry food recipe for your GSD that’s scientifically proven to boost your pet’s immune system, this is a great option.
Diamond Naturals Premium Dry Dog Food Formula
Diamond Naturals formula offers those with adult German Shepherds the perfect protein-packed option. The high-quality ingredients you’ll find in this recipe is full of hardworking nutrients and superfoods that will keep any adult GSD healthy and strong.
Another factor that separates Diamond Naturals from other dog foods is the lack of artificial flavors or preservatives. When investing in a quality adult dog food recipe such as this, you’ll know exactly what your German Shepherd is receiving in their diet.
Packed with 23% protein and 14% healthy fats, this all-natural lamb and rice recipe will make a delicious addition to your large and active German Shepherd. If you’re looking for a well-trusted brand that’s full of beneficial nutrients that will support your dog’s immune system, this is a great option as well.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food
Another highly rated brand recommended for your German Shepherd is this dry food recipe by Wellness Complete. This grain-free formula comes in 3 different flavors, which include chicken, lamb, and whitefish.
This recipe is crafted with your dog’s whole body health in mind, ensuring that your pet has a healthy immune system while also having plenty of energy to burn throughout the day. Packed with 24% protein, this brand will provide your growing German Shepherd all their necessary dietary needs to stay healthy and strong.
This product is also absent of any unnatural preservatives or meat by-products, making it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivity. Wellness Complete is a well-trusted brand.
What To Be Mindful Of When Feeding Your German Shepherd
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best dog foods for your German Shepherd, below we’ll explore what you should be mindful of before adding new components to your dog’s diet.
To ensure that your GSD remains happy and healthy, it’s important to educate yourself on what’s beneficial to them, as well as what may hurt them in the long run.
Too Much Calcium For Your GSD Puppy Can Be Harmful
German Shepherd puppies are at risk of multiple health problems if their diet contains too much calcium. It’s clear to see that there can be too much of a good thing, seeing how too much calcium can cause hip dysplasia in your dog.
While you don’t have to avoid calcium altogether when it comes to feeding your GSD puppy, it’s crucial to feed them only the appropriate amount. An overwhelming amount of calcium can potentially hurt adult German Shepherds as well, so it’s important to be mindful of this.
While too much calcium can clearly be a problem, a lack of calcium can also cause health issues for your pet. When your German Shepherd doesn’t safely consume enough calcium in their diet, their body will begin drawing it from their bones and teeth, which can be detrimental to their health.
Calcium deficiency in your animal can manifest in several ways, such as stiff joints, a lack of energy, and even seizures. For this reason, many GSD owners invest in calcium supplements for their animals to ensure they are receiving enough from their diet.
When measuring out how much calcium your German Shepherd should be receiving, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian in order to make sure your pet is receiving just the right amount for their age, size, and activity level.
Certain Foods Are Toxic To Your GSD
On top of consuming too much calcium, there’s plenty of human food that can be potentially toxic to your German Shepherd if they come in contact with them.
For example, avocados contain a certain toxin known as persin, so it’s best to keep your dog away from this food at all costs. Chocolate is also another human food that all dogs should steer clear of, as it contains plenty of toxins that may hurt your dog.
Another component you’ll find in chocolate is caffeine, a toxic substance to dogs. Introducing your German Shepherd to caffeine can cause rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death, so it’s best to avoid anything containing caffeine altogether.
It’s also best to avoid some human fruits, such as cherries and grapes, as they are extremely dangerous for your dog and are seen as poison to your pet.
Feed Your Pet The Appropriate Caloric Requirements
Depending on your German Shepherd’s age, size, and activity level, their daily caloric requirements may differ, and it’s important to be mindful of that.
If you have an older dog that’s less active and ranges anywhere from 60-90 pounds (27-41 kg), it’s best to keep their daily caloric intake at around 1300 calories, seeing how they are less likely to burn most of their calories off.
As for an active German Shepherd of the same size, it’s best to increase their caloric intake to around 1800 calories a day. Doing so will ensure your dog has plenty of energy to burn throughout the day. It’s important to follow these guidelines for the health and betterment of your pet.
Dogs with health problems such as hip dysplasia, which is common in this breed, will also do well in receiving a smaller caloric intake. Taking the time to measure out your dog’s food daily to ensure they receive enough food is crucial to their health and wellness.
It’s Not Ideal To Mix Raw Meat With Dry Food
While your GSD can safely consume raw meat occasionally, it’s not ideal for mixing both raw portions of meat with their regular dry food diet. Seeing how both these foods digest differently for your dog, consuming them simultaneously can cause issues.
It’s recommended that both these foods are consumed separately to save your pet from any discomfort. While most raw meats are perfectly fine to give your dog, pet owners should avoid things such as raw fish, which may contain salmonella.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds require a diet that consists of a certain amount of protein and healthy fats. It’s important to check your dog’s food packaging to ensure they are consuming everything they should be.
There are some popular dog food brands that are made specifically for a large breed like the German Shepherd, and they provide all the necessary nutrients to keep your pet healthy and happy.