- Water. As very active dogs, German Shepherds tend to lose a lot of water pretty quickly. ...
- Proteins. Proteins play a crucial role in the well-being of your German Shepherd. ...
- Fats. Sourced from meats and oils (such as olive oil, fish oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil), fats provide your German Shepherd with high-quality energy.
- Carbohydrates. Carbs are the main source of energy for dogs. Foods rich in carbohydrates (for example, potatoes, oats, and brown rice) supply their bodies with glucose.
- Vitamins. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K have many benefits to offer when it comes to the general health of your German Shepherd.
- Minerals. Minerals (such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium) are involved in vast functions inside your dog’s body including the formation of bone and cartilage, workings of nerves ...
What kind of food should I Feed my German Shepherd?
- Protein: Look for puppy food that has a dry matter protein content of at least 31%. ...
- Fat: A lean diet is important for German Shepherd puppies. ...
- Carbohydrates: Your GSD puppy’s food should be comprised of between 40% and 50% carbohydrates. ...
- Fat-To-Protein Ratio: The right balance is essential for your puppy’s optimal development. ...
What happens if you feed a German Shepherd to much?
- Your German Shepherd’s Gastrointestinal System
- Is All Raw Meat Safe for Dogs?
- What Are the Benefits of Feeding a German Shepherd Raw Meat?
- What Are the Dangers of Feeding a German Shepherd Raw Meat? Salmonella Trichinosis Toxoplasmosis Salmon Poisoning GI Parasites Food Poisoning
- Alternative to Store-Bought Raw Meat
- Final Thoughts
How much does it cost to feed a German Shepherd?
If a grown-up, healthy German Shepherd eats 4 cups of food per day, it means that a food bag of 30 pounds will last for 30 days. This food ratio costs a German Shepherd owner about $55 per month and $660 per year. A bag of treats is also included in the food of your German Shepherd. A bag of treats cost $5-$10 and last for a month. Vet Expenses
How much do you feed a German Shepherd?
If you have an adult German Shepherd, how much you should feed him or her between 2 and 4 lbs. 5 and 3. Kibbles in moderation are enough for five cups per day. An active male dog should be consuming 3.5 g of animal feed daily on this scale, which is upper end. The recommended quantity for active and older dogs is 5 cups per day. 5 cups.
What human 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.
What should a German Shepherd eat in a day?
How Much to Feed an Adult German Shepherd. Feed your adult GSD between 2.5 and 3.5 cups of dry kibble per day. Active male dogs should be eating at the upper end of this scale, so should be getting 3.5 cups. Inactive and older dogs, who need less food, should be eating 2.5 cups.
What food should German Shepherd avoid?
What foods should your German Shepherd avoid? Foods your German Shepherd should avoid include avocados, chocolates, onion and garlic, artificial sweeteners, and raw potatoes. Some more toxic foods are grapes and raisins, bones, yeast dough, moldy food, and raw tomatoes. In severe cases, these foods can prove fatal.
What nutrition does a German Shepherd need?
For optimum nutrition, a healthy, full-grown adult German Shepherd's diet should have a guaranteed analysis of 20% – 25% protein, 10% – 15% fat, and 3% – 7% fiber. Calorie intake can range from 1,272 for a lower-activity German Shepherd to 2,100 or more for a highly active German Shepherd.
How many times a day should a German Shepherd eat?
In summary, for adult dogs, feeding German Shepherds about 2.5 to 3.5 cups of quality kibble per day, twice a day, is a good starting point. Modify amount fed as required based on your dogs size, weight, age and overall daily activity.
Can German Shepherd eat fruits?
German Shepherds can eat a wide variety of fruits, including strawberries, apples, bananas, raspberries, peaches, mango, pears, blueberries, plums, melon, pineapple, oranges, and kiwi fruit. Some fruits are also toxic, such as grapes, avocados, and cherries, and dogs must not eat them.
Is Milk OK for German Shepherds?
German Shepherds can drink milk as long as they are not lactose intolerant. Milk is high in calcium, vitamin D, and potassium and as a rich source of high-quality protein, contains all the essential amino acids. However, milk is high in fat and natural sugars, so you should give your dog a small amount.
Can German Shepherds have eggs?
Eggs are perfectly safe for your German Shepherd. While there are some safety concerns about feeding raw eggs to your dog, the fact remains that they are a practical option for people who prefer fresh or raw feeding. Always opt for reliably-sourced eggs and store them in a cool, dry place.
What is poisonous to German Shepherds?
German Shepherds can not eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, garlic, onions, leeks, wild mushrooms, macadamia nuts, walnuts, alcohol, and salty foods. Other poisonous foods include xylitol, yeast dough, raw potatoes, hops, green tomatoes, moldy food, and high-fat foods.
Is rice good for German Shepherd?
It is a mild food that suits the weak stomach of the German Shepherd helping it keep its digestion-related problems under control. You can even serve it boiled rice which is easy to chew and digest; white rice is better than red or brown rice.
Should I feed My German Shepherd raw meat?
German Shepherds can definitely eat raw meat. Although choosing it over high-quality kibble is a matter of your personal preference, raw feeding is not necessarily detrimental to your GSD's health. You just need to be aware of how to do it properly to ensure adequate nutrition and to avoid potential hazards.
Can dogs eat raw chicken?
No, dogs should not eat raw chicken. The only exception to this rule would be raw chicken contained in a high-quality raw dog food that follows AAFCO standards and has gone through a pathogen reduction treatment. Never feed your pet raw chicken from the grocery store.
How old should a German Shepherd be to feed?
6-Week Old: German shepherd puppies of this age are likely to have not adapted yet. They will still require nutrients equal to that of what they get from their mother’s milk. 10-Week Old: At this point, you can feed other types of food to your German shepherd puppy besides their mother’s milk.
How many calories should a German Shepherd eat a day?
An average weighted German shepherd (35 kilograms) will then need 1400 calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or inactive.
How much water should a German Shepherd drink?
So if your German shepherd weighs around 35 kilograms, he’ll need to drink an average of 60 ounces of water every day. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase.
Can you take care of a German Shepherd without knowing?
So you’ve got yourself a German shepherd, and you think you can take care of them just fine without any knowledge. However, this will be your undoing. You’ll come to a realization that you can’t get by without studying about German shepherds.
Do German Shepherds eat humans?
German shepherds are similar to humans in the sense that they need to eat consistently. And just like us, they, too, have a specific feeding amount and nutrient requirements. You can’t just make them eat whatever you lay your eyes on. However, as their owner, you can’t always rely on your keen observation.
When And How To Change The Feeding Of Puppy To Adult
Many owners would like to know what is the best age to switch their German Shepherd puppy to adult food. The best way to shift your German Shepherd from puppy food to adult dog food is to look at his age and size.
Nutritional Requirements For Senior German Shepherd
The fact that your German shepherd is growing older doesnt mean he is getting any less hungry. On the contrary, because older dogs tend to lose body mass, they need as much, if not more, protein than younger adult dogs to repair the muscle tissue.
Complete And Balanced Dog Foods
One of the first things you should look for on a dog food label is the statement is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. This isnt just an advertising slogan.
Now You Know What You Need For Your German Shepherd
As you can see, German Shepherds might be giant, but they are very delicate dogs. They would need a lot of care and support to grow strong and healthy. This nature is also the reason why you need to be very picky about what they eat. Dont be afraid to try something new, especially if the dog food you have been giving them is lacking.
German Shepherd Weight Chart
For current and soon-to-be owners of a German shepherd of any age, it can be informative to compare your dog to a German shepherd growth chart. This can give you a general idea of whether your German shepherds weight is typical for a dog of their age.
Ground Beef Chicken Liver Veggies Mix
This one is among our favorite German Shepherd raw diet recipes. Easy to digest and packed with all the essential nutrients GSDs need.
Week Old German Shepherd
At 6 weeks old, your job as a new owner is to make sure that your puppy is receiving the same level of nutrition that they were getting from their mothers milk.
How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat?
On average, adult German Shepherds should eat at least 1,272 calories to 2,100 calories daily, depending on factors such as age and activity level. Older and less active German Shepherds tend to require around 1300 calories daily, while the active and energetic ones typically need at least 1700 calories a day.
What Affects How Much Your German Shepherd Should Eat?
As previously mentioned, your German Shepherd’s food intake depends on its activity level. The more active a German Shepherd the more calories and food it needs to eat to replace lost energy.
German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements
Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides.
Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd
Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog.
German Shepherd Feeding Guide
Now that we understand your German Shepherd’s caloric and nutritional needs let’s now look into the feeding process, particularly the specific feeding amounts, frequency, and mealtime length.
Feeding A German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies need more care and supervision than adults. So, let’s look further into how to feed them.
Feeding A Senior German Shepherd
Your German Shepherd’s diet will then again change as it turns into a senior. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion.
Quick Checklist To Judge A Premade Raw Dog Food And Company
You can safely use this short checklist to find the best raw food for German Shepherds.
German Shepherd Feeding Guide: Senior Years
Large breed dogs, such as the German Shepherd, age faster than most smaller breed dogs. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds.
Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn Meal, 3. Brewers Rice, 4. Dried Beet Pulp, 5. Fish Oil
German Shepherd Feeding Guide By Age
As mentioned above, the age and development stage of your German Shepherd will play a big part in what foods are best suited for him.
Taste Of The Wild Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe
The Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe by Taste of the Wild is best for active dogs because it has some of the highest protein and calorie content amongst premium dry dog food brands.
Holistic Select Large And Giant Breed Puppy Food
Holistic Select offers a dry puppy food formula in lamb flavor or lamb and chicken flavor. Both flavors are grain-free. The formula includes DHA from salmon oil, prebiotics and probiotics, live yogurt cultures, digestive enzymes, fruits and vegetables, and antioxidant-rich superfoods.
Does Raw Wild Meet Minimum Standards To Be A Complete And Balanced Food
Yes, Raw Wild formulates its food to meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials .
What is the best dry food for German Shepherds?
Most Popular – A common dry food choice for German Shepherds is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Coming in 5lb, 14lb and 28lb bags, this mixture allows you to buy a smaller bag for your dog to try before buying a larger amount.
What are the nutritional needs of a German Shepherd?
There are 5 key nutritional needs that a German Shepherd puppy has, including: A protein-rich diet. Plenty of calcium.
How old is a puppy when it starts eating wet food?
12 Weeks Old. Around 12 weeks of age, the transition from wet to dry food begins. Ensure the transition is in small steps, to avoid causing any upset to the puppy (e.g. diarrhea and/or vomiting) As a guide, start with a 10% dry food, 90% wet food mix and increase the dry food by 10-15% each week after that.
How to transition a puppy from mother's milk to puppy food?
To help their little bodies with the transition from mother’s milk to puppy food, it is best to start with wet food (as it contains around 85% moisture) Using wet food helps to prepare their digestive systems for whole food, which will be introduced to a puppy’s diet in time.
Why is it important for German Shepherds to have a working dog?
Due to German Shepherds being large dogs with a working dog history, it is important that they meet certain dietary and nutritional standards including a diet that is rich in:
Is there gluten in Gentle Giants dry dog food?
There aren’t any grains, corn, wheat or gluten in this dry food, nor is there any artificial colors of flavors. Due to the digestion aids in this blend though, you may find your dog goes to the bathroom a little more than usual! 6. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken.
Nutrition Basics
The nutritional content of commercial pet foods must follow regulated guidelines that meet the dietary needs of your dog’s lifestyle if they carry the official AAFCO statement. By these standards, the minimum protein percent for adult German Shepherd maintenance is 18%, with 5% minimum fat.
How much should a German Shepherd eat per day?
Depending on your dog’s weight and activity level, adjust their calories per day.
How many cups of food does a German Shepherd need?
Knowing how many cups of food to feed your German Shepherd becomes a bit trickier when you consider the vast differences in calories and energy-dense foods from each manufacturer.
Best Food to Feed a German Shepherd
The best food to feed a German Shepherd is dry kibble dog food that uses traditional muscle meat as one of the top ingredients. Muscle meats are listed on the label simply as beef, chicken, fish, or any number of meat-based proteins. Meat-meals are an important source of high protein and are perfectly healthy.
Dog Foods for German Shepherds with Sensitive Stomachs
Many German Shepherd Dogs have digestive issues—either a sensitive stomach or a digestive tract that easily reacts to a change in diet or even mental stress. They may even end up developing gastroenteritis or colitis.
German Shepherd Diet Chart
Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion.
What type of food should I feed my German Shepherd?
Dry commercial kibble is the most popular diet to feed German Shepherds.
When can German Shepherd puppies eat adult food?
Keep in mind, German shepherd puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult dog food… until they reach 12 to 24 months of age. 3. The dog foods below are listed in random order. Each was chosen because it meets specific selection criteria.
Why are German Shepherds considered large breed dogs?
However…. German shepherd puppies have a higher risk of developing a crippling form of canine hip dysplasia … if they’re fed a dog food that contains too much calcium for their larger breed type. 1.
Can German Shepherds eat dog food?
That depends on the age of your dog. Adult German shepherds can eat just about ANY brand of quality dog food. But to help lower the risk of crippling hip disease, shepherd puppies should eat a diet that’s safe for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.
How many calories should a German Shepherd eat a day?
On average, a 30-pound German shepherd puppy needs somewhere between 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day. However, the actual amount can vary for each individual puppy.
How much kibble should a 90 lb German Shepherd eat?
A 90-pound German shepherd should eat 4 1/4 cups of kibble per day. Even though these numbers serve as a good starting point, you might still need to make an adjustment based on how active and how obese your dog is.
How to get puppy to eat more?
Pick up the bowl after your puppy is full and measure how much kibble is left in the dog bowl. Do this for several days to get the right amount of food. As your puppy enters growth spurts, you’ll find that his appetite increases drastically. At this point, observe your pup carefully.
Why is my German Shepherd getting older?
On the contrary, because older dogs tend to lose body mass, they need as much, if not more, protein than younger adult dogs to repair the muscle tissue.
Why are semi-moist dog food so expensive?
Semi-moist foods are the less favorable option because many dogs have difficulty digesting these foods. They contain high levels of sugars to keep the morsels soft.
How much moisture is in dry dog food?
Commercial dry dog foods normally contain about 10 percent moisture. They have a longer shelf and are the least expensive option than other forms of dog food. Not forget to mention they also promote healthy teeth and gums. In the past, there were many complaints about the palatability of dry foods.
What is the ratio of dry to wet food for a shepherd?
The ratio of dry to wet food itself can be varied depending on your dog’s age, activity, weight, and health, but generally, the ratio is 3 to 1. To be sure, check with your vet for the exact balance.
German Shepherd Dog Feeding Chart
Below is the typical feed chart for the German Shepherd Dog. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your German Shepherd Dog.
How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your German Shepherd Dog
Research has shown that most owners over-measure a cup of dog food. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs.
How Much Food to Feed the German Shepherd Dog
You should feed your 13-week-old German Shepherd Dog puppy 3.6 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Best Food for German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Guide
The German Shepherd Dog has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your German Shepherd Dog at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.
Feeding Guide for the German Shepherd Dog Puppy: 12 weeks to one year
The dog food that you feed your puppy should have the nutrients that will boost a puppy`s immune system since puppies easily get infected with the disease at this age.
Feeding Guide for the Young Adult German Shepherd Dog: Ages 1 year to 6 years
The dog food that you feed a young adult German Shepherd Dog should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.
Feeding Guide for Mature Adult German Shepherd Dogs: 6 years and older
You should feed the mature adult German Shepherd Dog food that has been formulated to improve their quality of life, increase their life expectancy, and increase their overall health.
