Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
German Shepherds’ are a modern German breed of large-sized dogs. They are strong and intelligent as they learn faster and are more accessible to train than other dogs. They are also very loyal and protective of their owners and their territory. Like many other dogs, German shepherd breeding is for companionship. Still, today they are bred for work which includes search and rescue, disability assistance, and police work mainly because of their obedient, curious and intelligent nature.
But caring for a Shepherd means maintaining those thick coats, meeting their fairly high exercise needs, and finding the right food—they thrive on a protein-rich diet. So what exactly should you feed them?
Dog Nutrition for German Shepherds
Perhaps one of the most frequent questions German shepherd owners ask is: “What is the best food for German shepherds?” There are variations in metabolism and nutrient requirements in different breeds of dogs. Having the right food, especially for your German shepherd, promotes good health, weight, and enough energy for your dog. A German shepherd should contain a high-quality protein-rich diet with good carbohydrates and vitamins.
German Shepherds are a unique breed of dogs, and thus, knowing that is the essential step that guides the nutritional requirements. Dog owners can meet their dietary needs by taking clean, fresh water and a combination of plant and animal food.
Key Elements To Look For When Selecting German Shepherds Food
Energy requirements or calories requirement of your dog- Indoor dogs generally require fewer calories as they spend most of their time lying around. If your dog is more active, it will need more carbohydrates and animal protein to meet its energy.
Life stage feeding/ age of your dog- German shepherd puppies, teens, adults, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. For example, adult dogs feed once or twice a day, while puppies feed up to six times. Therefore, puppies need more calories than the elder German Shepherds.
Health conditions- sick dogs will require different nutritional needs with the help of a veterinary officer depending on deficiency levels. The dog may require a small amount of food and transition slowly into its regular feeding habits.
How to choose the best food for German Shepherds
As a German shepherd owner, some of the things that you should look for when choosing the best food for a German shepherd include;
Protein-rich foods since German shepherds thrive on protein-rich foods which are high in animal protein.
Choose wholesome, nutritionally balanced food that meets the dog’s dietary needs.
Opt for whole foods higher in essential nutrients and naturally free from additives and coloring.
Best Food For German Shepherd Puppy
Puppies and older dogs have different nutrition requirements. An adult German shepherd will require more calcium-rich foods in their diet, while a German shepherd puppy will require less. The reason for regulating calcium in puppies is to control the muscle growth rate in puppies to avoid disorders. Like human children, German shepherd puppies typically take some time before they can eat adult food until they are 12 months old or older. In addition, feeding is more frequent, about six times a day. The best food for a German shepherd puppy contains higher amounts of calories because German shepherds are large high-energy breeds and have the right balance of nutrients.
Conclusion
German shepherd’s food should have all the required nutrients for a healthy dog. Including regular exercise and play with the German shepherds is crucial for the proper development of your German shepherd. Since the dog’s dietary needs will change at different life stages as they grow, it is essential to keep up with this with the help of a veterinary officer to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.