Last Updated: 4 months ago
Is the food you feed your dog not providing it with enough nutrition and energy? Is your dog’s health not improving after you feed it a certain type of food? Do you doubt the food you are giving your GS?
Questions like these occur in every dog owner’s mind. It is absolutely normal to be concerned about your pet. Many German Shepherd owners buy food that attracts them the most. This is not the best strategy to pick out dog food for your beloved GS.
A German Shepherd’s body demands high-quality food that is rich in protein and good fats. The energy that comes from proteins is what makes them so strong and active. However, if you feed an inappropriate diet to your GS, your dog will become weak and develop many illnesses.
Know What Is Bad
As an owner, one should be very selective and picky about the food that they feed your dog. There are several dog food brands that attract many people through massive advertising campaigns. It is not necessary that such foods are healthy and provide the nutrition required by your dog. This is a huge problem that many owners face. They buy the most attractive and expensive dog food and are still not getting the desired results.
To feed the right food to your German Shepherd, you first need to know a GS’s nutritional requirements. Unless you know what your dog needs, you cannot tell the difference between good and bad dog food. However, there are certain factors that separate the good from the bad. The signs of bad dog food are:
- Bad dog food will have fillers like corn syrup.
- Bad dog food will make your dog’s coat and fur dull and flaky.
- Feeding poor-quality dog food to your GS will make it weak and lethargic.
- A bad dog food will not meet your aged GS’s nutritional requirements.
- A bad dog food will cause your GS to lose belly fat.
- Bad dog food will create stomach problems for your GS.
- Bad dog food will cause skin allergies in your GS.
- Bad dog food contains preservatives.
- Bad dog food contains colouring and flavouring agents.
Recommended Brands For German Shepherds
When you are out in the market to pick food for your dog, make sure you are not buying bad dog food. Every GS has different diet requirements, which depend on their age, weight, sex, and much more. There are certain dog food brands that are healthier than others. Below are some high-quality brands recommended for GSs and other dog breeds.
- Innova EVO dog food
- Royal Canin German Shepherd 24
- Eukanuba for German Shepherds
- Canidae large-breed adult
- Nutro is a natural choice.
Can I Feed My Dog Home-Cooked Food?
Undoubtedly, the best and most complete meal for a dog is a home-cooked meal. Many GS owners rely on commercial wet and dry food. However, these foods are not always in the best interest of their dogs. A German Shepherd will grow strong and healthy if you feed it a home-cooked meal with all of its favourite ingredients.
Proteins
Make use of poultry, meat, and fish to cook your dog’s delicious meal. Remember, the meat will be the main ingredient in your dog’s meal. A complete meal for a GSD is one that has a high content of protein and fulfills theGSD’s nutritional needs. Other ingredients that contain protein are eggs, yoghurt, and cheese. You can either bake the meat or feed it in its raw form to your GS.
Fruits And vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are also important for a GS. However, there are only certain foods that your GS can eat. Make sure you know the fruits and vegetables that can harm your dog’s health. GSs love green leafy vegetables but cannot eat them in higher amounts. You can also feed berries to your dog that are rich in antioxidants. Steamed vegetables and fruits will be easier for your GS to digest. Keep them as treats for your dogs.
Home-cooked food is healthier for GSs in a variety of ways. A dog that feeds on home-cooked meals has a shinier coat, stronger bones, an active mind, less gas, and much more.
Read on for the best home-cooked dog food recipes.
Rice With Vegetables And Meat
This recipe will make enough to serve three times a day.
- 1kg rice
- 300gram beef
- 250gram carrots
- 250 grammes of green veggies, including parsley, celery, and parsnips.
- very little salt for taste.
For this recipe, you will need to boil the beef until it is tender. Add vegetables and salt to the beef pot and let them cook in steam. Prepare rice in another pot and add it to the beef pot when ready.
Meal For German Shepherds With Digestive Issues
This meal is ideal for GSs who have a weak digestive system.
- 1 sweet potato
- 8 ounces of chicken breast
- Vitamin E capsule
- 1 cup of rice
Cook the rice and potato separately. Boil the chicken in a separate pot and cut it into little pieces. Mix all the ingredients together.
Meaty Meal
This home-made meal for your GS is packed with proteins and fats that are essential for a GS.
- 1 lb. raw beef liver
- 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
- 2 raw eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon cod liver oil
- 3 to 4 cups beef broth
Add raw beef, flaxseed oil, beef broth, and cod liver oil to a pot and cook. When it is almost cooked, add cheese and raw eggs and serve it to your GS.
There are several advantages to choosing home-cooked food for your GS. This way, you can keep track of what goes into your GS’s stomach. If you want to go for commercial food for your GS, we recommend you feed a mixture of dry and wet dog food.
