German Shepherds are muscular, high-energy working dogs with hearty appetites. To keep them healthy and avoid obesity, it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise and a high-quality diet. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your German Shepherd.
Nutritional Needs of German Shepherds
German Shepherds need a diet that supports their energy levels and overall health. The best diet is nutritionally balanced for their life stage and energy needs. This includes high-quality proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber from vegetables and berries.
- Protein: Protein is the most critical nutrient for German Shepherds and is essential for all body cells, systems, and functions. Good sources of protein include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. The optimum amount of protein is 18%-22% of their diet.
- Fat: Fat is the second most important nutrient and provides energy. Balanced fats are essential for optimal health.
- Carbohydrates: Small amounts of carbohydrates from vegetables, herbs, and berries are beneficial.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These should come from natural sources like bone and plants.
- Water: Water is vital for all cells, systems, and functions. A raw diet can help keep your German Shepherd hydrated because it contains about 70% moisture.
What to Include in Your German Shepherd’s Diet
- Quality Meat Sources: Choose high-quality animal-based protein sources like beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb.
- Essential Fatty Acids and Omegas: These are important for overall health.
- Vegetables, Herbs, and Berries: These provide small amounts of carbohydrates. Examples include cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and squash.
- Bone: Ground bone or recreational bones add nutrients that support digestion, skin, bone, and dental health.
- Offal: Offal is a natural multivitamin for dogs due to its density of macronutrients and micronutrients.
What to Avoid
- Excessive Carbohydrates: A dog’s stomach isn’t designed to digest and ferment large amounts of carbohydrates, which are often found in kibble.
- Kibble: Kibble can contain high levels of starchy carbs like rice, potatoes, legumes, and lentils. It can put pressure on the digestive system and cause spikes in insulin, glucagon, and cortisol. The intense heat used to make kibble can also denature the nutrients, leading to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that can cause inflammation.
Feeding Recommendations
- Caloric Intake: German Shepherds usually weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. Inactive or older dogs need between 1,272 and 1,540 calories per day, while active dogs need between 1,740 and 2,100 calories per day.
- High-Quality Diet: Look for foods that help maintain a healthy coat and are easy to digest. This helps prevent gastrointestinal upset and ensures your dog properly metabolizes the vitamins and minerals in the food.
- Raw Food Diet: A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. It includes meat, bone, offal, and a small amount of plant ingredients.
By providing a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients, you can help your German Shepherd thrive.