They are one of the most favourite breeds all over the globe, which are smart, devoted, and in addition are rather versatile. Another factor that must be taken into consideration so that these magnificent dogs can be healthy, active and foremost live a good life! Is the diet.

In this article, we’re going to look at their diet; we will be discussing on the ingredients a German Shepherd’s diet should consist of, what they should not take, and whether or not human foods are safe for them.

So, if you own a black and tan German Shepherd dog, a brown German Shepherd, a white German Shepherd, or any of the varieties of German Shepherd that exists, then this ultimate German Shepherd feeding guide is what you need.

What Food Should be Given a German Shepherd?

There is usually no general diet that is good for any German Shepherd because this depends on factors like age, weight, activity levels, and existing medical conditions. However, there are certain general factors that one needs to consider in order to find the right diet for his/her dog.

1. High-Quality Commercial Dog Food

There are Dog Foods that are prepared well to meet the nutritional needs of a dog and can times be easier to get for your German Shepherd. 

Search for the brands that put real meat at the first list of the ingredients and don’t contain corn, wheat, and soy as fillers. Reduced-grain foods can be useful for those affected by skin and or digestive sensitivities.

German Shephards are known working dogs, which means they require amount of energy to stay active. you can check

What is Special About German Shepherds?

Additionally What is Special About German Shepherds? .

2. Raw Diet

A few owners of the black and tan German Shepherd dog like to feed their pet raw meat, this diet regime is referred to as the BARF diet which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. This diet includes under cooked meats, meat bones, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables.

Raw diet enthusiasts claim that this kind of diet is similar to what the natural diet of a dog would be in nature and may also enhance the quality of the coat, reduce Tartar build-up, and increase the general well-being of the dog.

3. Home-Cooked Meals

Feeding your brown German Shepherd homemade food might guarantee that he gets fresh, healthy food to eat. 

Still, it is advisable to talk to a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to confirm that the diet strategy being implemented is nutritional adequate to satisfy the needs of your dog.

4. Specialized Diets

If owned a peculiar type of a German Shepherd with special sort of a medical condition influencing its health in terms of allergies, digestion problems or joint pain, special diets are also available. 

These diets are normally specially designed for certain diseases and can be prescribed by your vet.

Which Foods Should Not Be Given to German Shepherds?

There are some foods that are not good for the consumption of German Shepherds as they can result to a toxic effect on the canine.

At least for anyone who is concerned with his or her health, it is always good to know foods that can cause some problems.

Chocolate

They obtain theobromine from chocolates and this is very toxic to dogs. Some of the signs you may experience include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures even if the amount ingested is little.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in dogs, it is recommended that they be given sparingly, if at all. These are some of the emergent signs of toxic poisoning which include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic have substances which are toxic to the red blood cells hence causing anemia to the dogs. Signs and symptoms embrace fatigue, vomiting, and breathless manners.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be commonly observed on the labels of non-sugar chewing gum and sweets. It can also provoke a sharp increase of insulin production in dogs and consequently hypoglycaemia, seizures and liver failure.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one toxic substance that a dog should not get near and its consumption results in vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, CNS depression, and perhaps death.

Caffeine

Caffeine is awakeness producing and has side effects of restlessness, tachypnea, tachycardia, muscle twitching, and bleeding. It is present in coffee, tee and some soft drinks such as coca cola.

Is rice good for your dog?

Yes, rice can be a good companion to the dog’s diet depending on how it is prepared. It is rich in carbohydrates so the energy of active dogs is provided. White rice is safe for dogs and should be used particularly when preparing food for dogs with stomach problems; it makes their stool firm.

Brown rice is also a good choice- it has much more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Nevertheless, it is advised that rice should be served in small portions and it should be provided in combination with other foods.

What Foods Should Not Be Included in Dog’s Diet?

When choosing food for your black and tan German Shepherd dog or any other types of German Shepherd, there are certain things that you should not look for in the manufactured foods for your dog.

Fillers

‘Junk’ such as corn, wheat and soy is not very nutritious and can make some dogs break out in rashes mainly because of intolerance. Select products that have real meat or listed as the first on the list of ingredients.

Artificial Additives

Do not feed your dog foods which contain added colours, Flavors, and preservatives. Such substances are capable of producing allergic reactions and other dangerous effects on the health of the consumers.

Meat By-Products

Meat by-products are physical components that are usually of low standard and may contain organs that are usually not consumed by men.

These include avoiding foods with general terms such as ‘meat by-products’ and rather, go for a dog food that lists the type of meat to be used. ”. Both Fat and Sugar are found to be at higher levels in the food items.

Eating meals that contain fats and sugars they may develop obesity and other complications in German Shepherds. Select the dog foods with moderate fat and ensure that the product does not contain any sugar.

What Human Food is Safe for Dogs?

In general, there are many foods which are toxic to the German Shepherds, however, there are some that do not harm and even can be useful if provided in the right amount.

Lean Meats

Chicken, turkey and lean beef that has been cooked is easy to digest and must be a part of the diet because it is a source of protein. Make sure the meat is unadulterated, no seasoning, onions, or garlic should be mixing with the meat.

Fruits and Vegetables

Some fruits and vegetables are suitable for dogs and will offer the dog important nutrients in its diet. Safe choices are apple without seeds, blueberries, carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes.

Plain Yogurt

Most plain yogurt is very beneficial for the consumption of the dog’s probiotics and calcium nutritional content. Select natural varieties of such products that do not contain artificial sweetening products.

Peanut Butter

Dogs fawn for peanut butter and this makes it as one of the most recommended foods to give dogs.

This is rich in healthy fats, protein but should be incorporated in small portions into the diet. Check the ingredients; the peanut butter should not contain any xylitol.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is beneficial for a dog’s gastrointestinal health especially if it has diarrhea. That is rich in fiber and can be used to address both diarrhea and constipation. Offer it simply prepared and hot.

What is the Safest Food Dish for Dogs?

The kind of food dish you feed your brown German Shepherd or any other kind of German Shepherd should also be of importance in health and safety.

Stainless Steel Bowls

In regards to the feeding bowls plastic ones are always preferred, specifically stainless-steel ones. 

First, boast a long cycle of usage, stiffness for easy washing, and they are not Breast friendly since they encourage bacterial growth. They are more preferred than the plastic bowls since they do not attract odors or stain on them.

Ceramic Bowls

Ceramic bowls are also recommended but only if we discard the bowls that are chipped or cracked. Such bowls do not allow formation of film or ring which acts as breeding place for bacteria and are easy to clean. But they are not as stiff as stainless steel and can crack fairly easily.

Elevated Feeders

Raised feeders are useful to Giant breeds as well as the German Shepherds. They can relieve some stress on the neck and joints; beneficial especially for ageing dogs, or dogs with arthritis.

Caution

Plastic bowls are unfortunate in the sense that they may become scratched and prove to be generally unhygienic. It can also be stained and may have the ability of retaining smells and such chemical produce which may include BPA.

Conclusion

The kind of foods you feed your German Shepherd should be appropriate and provide nutrition to your pet.

Irrespective of the color of your german shepherd dog; black and tan German Shepherd dog, brown German Shepherd, white German Shepherd, or any of the different types of German Shepherd, it is crucial to give them balanced and quality nutrition.

So to be safe, do not feed your dog foods that are poisonous to them and instead feed him some human foods but in acceptable measures.

Thus to avoid exposing your pet to bacteria and other germs, use only stainless steel or ceramic food dishes. So, by offering your dog’s appropriate meals, it is possible to make his/her lifestyle healthy and happy and control the food your German Shepherd takes.

FAQs

1. What dog food should I feed my German Shepherd?

The best type of commercial dog food is the one which is made from natural and actual meat at the beginning of the list of ingredients. Specific grains may be adverse for the digestive tract of your pet so check for product brands that contain grain-free products for allergic dogs.

2. Can German Shepherds eat rice?

Yes, rice is good for German Shepherds. It is confirmed that white rice is better to be eaten especially for those people who are suffering from gastroscopy but brown rice has more fiber and nutrient.

3. What foods should German Shepherds avoid?

Breed- German Shepherds should not be given chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol and caffeine.

4. Are there any safe human foods for German Shepherds?

Sure, these are: lean meats, apples and blueberries, carrots and green beans, plain yogurt, peanut butter without xylitol, pumpkins.

5. What is the least dangerous dish that a German Shepherd can be fed on?

For the bowls, if you’re getting a new one It is recommended that you get stainless steel bowls as they are safe for the puppies. They are long lasting, hygienically easy to clean and are not breeding grounds for bacteria hence reduce the number of infection prone persons or objects.