How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Has A Sensitive Stomach
What signs and symptoms does your German Shepherd have with their stomach problems?
A sensitive stomach is when a dog eats a particular food and this causes a digestive upset.
Common signs and symptoms that your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach include:
- Diarrhea
- Signs of abdominal pain or avoiding your touch when they usually accept petting
The most common symptom seen in a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach is diarrhea.
Diarrhea can result if one of the normal digestion processes goes wrong. You might even find that you frequently change their food in order to find the right one to suit their stomach issues and prevent their frequent bouts of gastrointestinal upset.
Its stressful for both your German Shepherd!
Your dog is uncomfortable and feels ill, and youre desperate to help.
When your German Shepherd seems to react poorly to their regular food its best to get a formal vets diagnosis to get to the bottom of the matter as quickly as possible. This is especially true if your dog has had continued symptoms despite your good efforts.
Dry Dog Food Or Wet Dog Food
Dry food or wet food? Because there are many great dry foods and wet food options for German Shepherd owners, many have difficulty picking between these two types of food or knowing whether they can be mixed. While wet food might seem like the best option, especially because it sometimes contains raw pieces of meat or other nutritional draws.
Dry food is usually a decent option, unless you have an elderly shepherd who has lost teeth, has bladder or kidney issues or is having trouble chewing crunchy bits of food. Dry food has some dental health benefits, is overall more convenient, as well as being nutritionally stable for German Shepherds. The texture can help to remove and prevent plaque from forming on teeth, and especially in early life, chewing dry food can help to build strong jaw bones and muscles.
We combine dry and wet food at times. Especially with our last dog who was a fairly difficult eater. Wet food and raw food make him happy. If you buy a decent brand youll also get all the nutritional value you need. Its also easier to digest. Just make sure it doesnt expire or go bad in the bowl during the summer.
The truth is that high-quality German Shepherd dog food is going to be more expensive than low-quality food.
The Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds
German Shepherds contribute A LOT to our world. And they deserve the best health we can offer them. That means finding them the best dog foods. It may take a little more research , but its worth the effort. These dog foods for German Shepherds will keep your pup as active, sleek, and shiny as you could wish. Best of all, they get a paws up from dogs on flavor approval!
Diamond Naturals is an awesome dog food for German Shepherds. You have puppy and large breed options, and they come in different flavors, including chicken and lamb. Then they add in superfoods like blueberries, papaya, and kale to give your dog a kick of nutrients. And every pound of kibble contains 80 million CFU of live probiotic cultures. Not to mention omegas, glucosamine, AND chondroitin. It checks all of the GSD boxes, and it comes in three handy sizes.
Downsides? Its a little high in the fat department . Youll want to oversee those calories when you measure your food amounts. Also, the 23% protein is high for even puppies.
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Merrick Grain Free For Large Breed Adult Dogs
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
With the first ingredient as deboned chicken, you know youre getting a high-quality feed.
Their recipe touts a 60% protein and fat inclusion, with the remaining 40% for fat, fiber, and other necessary ingredients which are both natural and beneficial to your adult dogs health.
The 8 Best Dog Food For German Shepherds In 2022
- OnApril 10, 2022
PS: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
This is our review of the best dog food for German Shepherds in 2022.
German Shepherds are among my favorite patients, I have a special love for this breed. They are smart and loyal, and they can be easily trained.
Sadly, they are prone to some health problems such as hip dysplasia, crippling at an early age if they were fed dog food that contains more calcium than they need, plus you need to take care of that thick coat.
All this means that youll need to be more careful with what you feed your furry friend. Thats why I reviewed 8 dog foods I believe are the best dog food for German Shepherds.
My favorite dog food and the one I always recommend for most German Shepherds is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, it contains high-quality protein, Glucosamine to support the hips and joints health, and the Omega-fatty acids necessary for German Shepherds to maintain a healthy thick coat.
But, every dogs condition is different, thats why Ive included 7 more dog food that I believe can be the best pick for a German Shepherd.
Keep reading.
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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Allergies
If your German Shepherd has allergies, it’s important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison.
These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies.
Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Food
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
Fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and Glucosamine, this formula will ensure that your puppy grows steadily and healthily.
The large kibble encourages proper chewing, which can minimize risk of bloat. The downside is that it can get slightly pricey.
Recommended Reading: Do Dogs Prefer Wet Or Dry Food
Choosing The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: What To Look For
German Shepherds are some of the most brilliant and lively dogs youll ever meet. However, German Shepherds are also known for having weak stomachs, and introducing new dog foods to their diets must be done as carefully as possible. Here are a few things to consider when buying dog food for German Shepherds.
Dr Garys Best Breed Holistic German Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Dried Beet Pulp, 5. Chicken Fat
This nutritionally dense kibble is specially crafted for your German Shepherd and include highly digestible ingredients that support maximum nutrient absorption. This wholesome diet is not only a delicious blend that your dog will crave, but includes high-quality proteins that come from eggs, chicken, and menhaden fish to promoted health maintenance and muscle development for maximum activity.
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German Shepherd Weight Gain
Why is letting my German Shepherd gain weight a bad thing? Letting a German Shepherd gain weight can be a very bad thing, largely because of how large these dogs are and how prone they are to arthritis and conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, even without excess weight. Keeping him trim and active will help to prolong his healthy life and prevent these conditions from developing, or at the very least, keep from exacerbating them.
Foods Toxic To German Shepherds
Poisoning episodes in dogs are usually due to a lack of knowledge by the owner. So, while we learn what human foods German Shepherds can eat, we should also look at what foods they cant eat.
Below you will find a list of the human foods your German Shepherd cant eat due to their toxicity. Some of the poisonings could result in severe illness or even the death of your dog. It depends on the quantity of the food consumed and the level of toxicity.
You can find out loads more about these poisonous foods in my top article here.
- Alcohol
- Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives
- Potato
- Yeast dough
- Walnuts
The above list covers the main foods that you German Shepherd cant eat. However, if you are unsure about anything your dog has accidentally consumed, the Pet Poison Helpline not only lists foods but also includes plants, medicines, and household items.
Alternatively, if you suspect your dog has consumed something toxic, consult your veterinarian immediately, as timing can mean life or death in serious cases of dog poisoning. The sooner its treated, the better chance your dog has of a full recovery.
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Also Check: How To Get Your Dogs To Eat Their Food
Choosing A Dog Food For German Shepherds With Health Problems
When choosing a brand or product for your sick dog, there are multiple factors to consider. What can exacerbate their problem and what can help them?
Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia will benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin.
For dogs with a sensitive gut, you can try formulas that feature limited ingredients and have probiotics that promote gut health and can boost your dogs immune system.
Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds
The Association of American Feed Control Officials says different quantities and ratios of nutrients and different feeding rates are ideal for different life stages. However, choosing the right dog food for a German Shepherd requires more consideration. These include the dogs age or life stage, activity level, health, and more. Although some people regard dogs as pure carnivores, dogs eat grass and other plants too. Over the years, domestication and dogs treated as family members and companions have led to dogs thriving on meat and vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin, and more. The modern dog has adapted to protein- and starch-rich diets.
While protein makes up most of a dogs diet the domesticated dog also obtains nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These are valuable sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Therefore dogs have evolved to become omnivores and have proved that they can thrive on various foods. Aggression and hyperactivity are often associated with the ingredients in a dogs food, too. Both grain-inclusive and grain-free diets for dogs have many additional benefits like the variety of available products and the range of prices. Depending on the kibble brand used, dry dog food costs can vary between $0.20 $13 per day.
The best dog foods for German Shepherds are listed below.
Victor dog food is a Mid-America Pet Food LLC product based in Mount Pleasant, TX.
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Food For German Shepherd Puppies: Faq
There is always the possibility that pet guardians have misconceptions about their canines diet. Do not fret, as those misgivings will be cleared here.
How many calories does a puppy German Shepherd need?
An intake of 500 calories per day is suitable for German Shepherd puppies. Yet, as the pup grows older, the number of meals is fewer, and the calorie intake increased to 1600 calories around fifteen months of age. Overfeeding your Shepherd can lead to obesity while being underfed can affect its growth thats why you should always consult with your local vet about your pets nutritional intake.
How often should you feed my German Shepherd puppy?
Your sweet little fluff ball needs to be fed three to four times a day until four months of age. But, it is a good idea to practice restraint. Overfeeding German Shepherds can lead to indigestion and diarrhea.And dont forget to increase your puppys calorie intake as it grows older. Remember, your GSD loves to sweat it all off with much-needed physical exertion.
What types of food are good for German Shepherds?What diseases are German Shepherds prone to?
German Shepherds are susceptible to joint problems. Youll find that malnutrition in puppyhood can lead to elbow or hip dysplasia in adult dogs. Also, GSDs have specific allergies indicating weaker tummies, so keep that in mind when you pick out their dry food.
Are German Shepherds hypoallergenic?
Read next
What Are The Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Allergies
Allergies to grains exist, but allergies to protein sources are more likely to occur. The most common allergy reported in one study of 278 dogs was beef, which accounted for 95 cases. Next in line was dairy, with 55 cases reportedonly 7 of the cases involved corn. In most cases, grain-free diets are not healthier for your dog unless it has a grain allergy.
One of the following ways might mitigate any allergic reactions in dogs.
- Limited ingredients: Natural Balance L.I.D. Diets Dry Dog Food Grain Free
Free from grains, potatoes, filler, and chicken ingredients, this True L.I.D. features one animal protein source and two primary carbohydrate sources, helping you avoid ingredients commonly associated with food sensitivities.
- Hypoallergenic recipes: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Moderate Calorie Dry Dog Food. Hydrolyzed proteins are proteins that have been chemically split into their basic amino acid building blocks, making the original allergen virtually invisible to your dogs immune system. Therefore your dog is less likely to experience an allergic reaction to the food. Veterinarians and Nutritionists have developed clinical nutrition specially formulated to help dogs with discomfort and various skin conditions due to food sensitivity.
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What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
The best dog food is a trick question and a slippery slope. There are no clear-cut, hands down best dog foods for German Shepherds or any breed for that matter.
The best dog food and diet are going to vary from dog to dog. Your German Shepherds food may need to be tweaked or changed as your dog transitions from a puppy to an adult to a senior or if your German Shepherd develops allergies or other health ailments as they age.
One of the essential things for German Shepherd puppies is a safe food for their age and development.
German Shepherds need calcium, but too much calcium in a German Shepherd puppies diet causes a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia.
German Shepherd puppies are growing until 12 to 24 months. These large breed pups arent ready for adult dog food until they have reached maturity.
There is a vast range of dog foods and brands which can be overwhelming and confusing for owners.
Options include dry food, wet food, raw food, organic food, fresh food, all-natural food, holistic food, low carbohydrate food, high protein food, grain-free food, puppy food, senior food, all life stages food, and the list goes on and on.
The bottom line is, though, German Shepherds need a specific balance of nutrients and ingredients.
Best Vet Recommended Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe is specifically designed for adult, large breed dogs over 50 pounds.
Featuring real chicken first the veterinarian recommended diet contains prebiotic fiber to support a healthy microbiome for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Added beet pulp increases the fiber and encourages firmer, more regular stools.
For those who cant afford prescription diets, this research-backed dog food is an inexpensive quality alternative for German Shepherds.
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The 10 Best German Shepherd Dog Foods
The best German Shepherd food will be rich in protein from high-quality animal sources with moderate fat and calorie content for energy. Make sure it is highly digestible, featuring whole-food ingredients, and free from fillers, byproducts, and artificial additives. If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, a limited ingredient diet may be best.
Heres our top pick for the best German Shepherd dog food:
| Our 2022 Picks: Best Adult and Puppy Food for German Shepherds |
How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat
The average shepherd should eat between three and five cups of dog food every day. If you are not sure how much he needs to eat, refer to the dog food bags caloric content. You need to feed your dog enough food to make sure he gets at least daily 1700 calories. Most adult dogs require more calories than 1700 calories.
In general, the best and only way to know if your dog is getting enough to eat is to feel his sides. You should be able to feel his ribs a little, but not see them. If you can both feel and see them, he needs more food. If they can be neither seen nor felt, he needs less food.
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Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: Top Yummy Choices Your Gsd Will Adore
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This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Were used to seeing brands like Purina or Royal Canin advertised all over the place. But, with so much publicity, we cant help but wonder: Are they really THAT good?
Chances are, many of them are not even close to being good. The best dog food for German Shepherds must contain high-quality proteins without much fat content, grains, and by-products. Sadly, a lot of advertised dog kibble contains only by-products and no real proteins at all.
Were here to put an end to it. German Shepherds need protein to grow up and function normally. These large dogs are highly active, so they need a full energy bar. What better way to get that than with a bowl full of delicious, nutritious kibble?
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- Rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, ARA, and DHA acids
- No fillers or artificial flavors
- Only nutrient-dense ingredients used in the process
A good start is always important. Thats why we suggest investing in good dog gear and high-quality dog food to all future German Shepherd owners. Puppies are growing creatures. They need nutrients to become the mighty German Shepherds we all know. What better kick start than with the American Journey Active Life formula?
American Journey kibble is rich in antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. Omega fatty acids are also added, ensuring good coat and skin health.