German Shepherds are intelligent and athletic dogs that require a well-structured diet to support their active lifestyle and breed-specific needs. Now when you finally have a German Shepherd puppy, or you plan to get one very soon, you may wonder “what actually they are eating and which food is safe for them?”. This is a very important step in becoming a dog owner, do understand how you should feed properly your dog. This article provides a comprehensive guide to feeding your German Shepherd puppy, covering everything from nutritional requirements to choosing the right food and addressing potential health concerns.
Nutritional Needs of German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds have a high energy level and require a high protein diet to support their active lifestyle. The best diet for a German Shepherd puppy includes high-quality puppy food rich in protein and fat. Protein supports muscle growth, while fat provides energy. These attributes have been rated by dog trainers, expert vets and pet behaviourists.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for the healthy development of German Shepherd puppies. Commercial puppy food, specifically formulated for German Shepherds or large breeds, is designed to provide a balanced diet with the right nutrients in the correct proportions. It’s important what food your German Shepherd eat, and how much he eats in one day.
Key Nutrients
- Protein: Essential for muscle development and overall growth.
- Fat: Provides energy and supports the absorption of certain vitamins.
- Essential Fatty Acids: German Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires a diet which includes essential fatty acids to keep them healthy and shiny.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Important for various bodily functions and overall health.
Feeding Schedule and Portion Sizes
German Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are six months old. After six months, you can reduce feeding to twice daily. Puppy feeding guidelines are different from adult dogs and change as your young dog grows.
Adjusting Portions
To manage a German Shepherd puppy's weight, ensure a balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes for their age and activity level. Usually, this depends on how much your dog is active.
Read also: Dog Diet and Fistulas
The Importance of Consistency
Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule can help regulate your puppy's digestive system and prevent overeating.
Commercial vs. Homemade Food
When it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing between commercial and homemade food. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Commercial Puppy Food
Commercial puppy food, specifically formulated for German Shepherds or large breeds, is designed to provide a balanced diet with the right nutrients in the correct proportions.
- Pros: Convenient, balanced, and readily available.
- Cons: Can be expensive, may contain fillers or artificial ingredients.
Homemade Dog Food
Homemade dog food means preparing your puppy's meals from scratch.
- Pros: Allows control over ingredients, can be tailored to specific needs.
- Cons: Requires thorough knowledge of canine nutrition, time-consuming, and potentially more expensive.
If you opt for homemade meals, remember that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They require more protein and specific nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. If you have the time and knowledge to prepare balanced, homemade meals, this can be a good option. If you want to make things easier, then we recommend you create your food chart, and organize every meal of your German Shepherd.
Read also: German Shepherd Nutrition
Recommended Foods and Ingredients
German Shepherd dogs most enjoy and like to eat chicken, fish, beef, dry dog food (granules), eggs, carrot, and turkey. Deboned Chicken and Chicken Meal are good options. Vegetables and fruits are also a very important part of the German Shepherd puppy diet. While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's generally recommended to avoid feeding your German Shepherd a predominantly human diet. Human food may not provide the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive issues.
Safe Human Foods in Moderation
While occasional treats of human food are okay, it's important to avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions. Stick to healthy options like lean meats, carrots, and apples in small amounts. Fruits are also important as vegetables. This isn’t a simple question, but yes, a German Shepherd can eat Human foods, but not all.
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate
- Grapes and Raisins
- Onions and Garlic
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
Addressing Picky Eating Habits
There is no doubt that German Shepherds enjoy food, but we must have some limits and responsibilities. No, German Shepherds are not picky eaters at all, but if they become picky eats, this is probably because of you. Every one of us has our own favorite food, and the same case is with German Shepherds. By giving him the same food and treats all the time, your German Shepherd can become “addicted” to that food, and refuse to eat other types of food. There is no secret that every one of us will rather eat his favorite food for dinner instead of some random food.
Possible Causes of Picky Eating
- Overfeeding: Giving too much food can reduce appetite.
- Treats: Excessive treats can make a puppy less interested in their regular food. Limit Treats: Keep treats to less than 10% of your puppy's total daily caloric intake.
- Medical Issues: Underlying health problems can affect appetite.
- Mood: When we are sad, nervous, or stressed, we are not really hungry, right? If your German shepherd doesn’t want to eat, check his mood. Sometimes, they need your help. If your German Shepherd is extremely nervous, try to help him in the eating. Always make nice and slow movements, if you don’t have to scare your German Shepherd.
Tips for Encouraging Eating
- Establish a Routine: Feed at the same times each day.
- Limit Treats: Reduce the number of treats given between meals.
- Make Mealtime Enjoyable: Add a small amount of warm water or broth to the food to enhance its aroma.
- Consult a Vet: If picky eating persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. If your German Shepherd doesn’t want to eat the right amount of food, or he refuses to eat at all, then you should have a consultation with your veterinarian and bring your dog to him.
Dealing with Digestive Issues
“Diarrhea is unformed or loose stools, usually occurring in larger amounts and/or more often. Diarrhea is not a disease but rather a sign of many different diseases. Eating poop is also known as “coprophagia” and is seen in roughly 25% of dogs.
Common Digestive Problems
- Diarrhea: Can be caused by food intolerances, infections, or stress.
- Vomiting: May result from eating too quickly, dietary changes, or illness.
- Gas: Often caused by certain foods or eating too rapidly.
Management Strategies
- Identify and Eliminate Triggers: Determine if a specific food is causing the issue and remove it from the diet.
- Small, Frequent Meals: Feeding smaller meals more frequently can help reduce digestive upset.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria.
- Veterinary Consultation: Seek veterinary advice for persistent or severe digestive problems. When you notice that your German Shepherd puppy has diarrhea, you should call your veterinarian. First what we recommend you to do is to remember what poop looks like, and check on the chart below what this means and to clean that. Right after that, the recommendation of the veterinarians is to not feed your German Shepherd for the next 24 hours.
Breed-Specific Health Considerations
German Shepherds are intelligent and athletic, but they can be susceptible to breed-specific health conditions.
Read also: Delightful German Dishes
Common Health Issues
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Around 19-20% of German Shepherds are affected by hip or elbow dysplasia. Consider targeted supplements like ProDog’s Flexx, joint support supplement for dogs, formulated with glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, and turmeric to promote mobility and ease inflammation.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): German Shepherds account for around two-thirds of canine EPI cases.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat: As a large, deep-chested breed, German Shepherds are at increased risk of GDV (bloat) - a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Prevention is key, and a well-balanced diet can play a significant role in reducing the risk.
Nutritional Strategies to Mitigate Risks
- Joint Support: Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health.
- Digestive Enzymes: May aid in digestion for dogs with EPI.
- Proper Feeding Practices: Feeding multiple small meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can reduce the risk of bloat.
The Benefits of a Raw Diet
Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. Let’s be honest: you don’t see wolves in the wild rummaging in wheat fields or sniffing out dried biscuits.
What is a Raw Diet?
A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries. Contrast that with ultra-processed commercial dog food. While convenient, it’s the exact opposite of raw.
Benefits of Raw Feeding
- Better Digestion: Raw food is easier for dogs to digest.
- More Vitality: Dogs on raw diets often exhibit increased energy levels.
- Shinier Coats: The high fat content in raw food promotes a healthy, glossy coat.
- Healthier Teeth: Chewing on raw bones helps to clean teeth and prevent dental issues.
Transitioning to a Raw Diet
Switching your German Shepherd from processed food to a raw, biologically aligned diet is one of the most impactful health decisions you can make.
- Start Slowly: Gradually introduce raw food into your puppy's diet over a period of 7-10 days.
- Monitor Your Puppy: During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite. Digest, our dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food.
- Consult with a Nutritionist: Work with a canine nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and meets your puppy's specific needs.
Safety Considerations
One concern people have with raw feeding is contaminants like e-Coli, salmonella, or Campylobacter, to name a few. Dogs can indeed get sick from those bacteria. But, this is only a risk if the dog does not eat raw food consistently. Luckily, after two weeks of raw feeding, your dog’s stomach acid will return to its natural 2.0 PH state, and your dog will be fully protected should a bad bacteria find its way into their food.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
German Shepherds thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Physical Exercise
German Shepherds require regular physical exercise.
Mental Stimulation
German Shepherds require mental stimulation to keep their minds active.
The Impact of Diet on Activity Levels
A proper diet can significantly impact a German Shepherd puppy's energy levels and overall performance during exercise and training.
Additional Tips for German Shepherd Puppy Care
German Shepherds are deeply loyal to their families and develop strong bonds with their owners. German Shepherds have relatively low grooming needs despite having dense and medium-length coats.
Grooming
German Shepherds should be regularly brushed to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils.
Training and Socialization
Training German Shepherds involves positive reinforcement techniques, consistency, and patience. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come, gradually progressing to more advanced training. German Shepherds, like any breed, can show aggression if not properly trained, socialised, or treated.
Climate Considerations
While German Shepherds can adapt to various climates, they are more suited to moderate or cooler environments.