German Shepherd puppies should receive all of their necessary nutrients from a balanced diet, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals. All these components play an essential part in their nutrition.
Provide your German Shepherd puppy with raw bones to promote dental and gum health. Chewable and digestible, raw bones provide essential vitamins and minerals into his diet.
Contents
Protein
German Shepherds require a diet with at least 18% protein content; optimally, this figure should be higher.
Dogs need proteins for muscle repair, skin growth and maintaining a strong immune system. Therefore, the protein in their diet should come from high quality sources that are easily digested.
Protein can be easily found in poultry, lamb, fish, eggs and legumes; all these sources provide energy-rich sources to provide energy to your German Shepherd’s digestive system and give him or her energy boosts!
Avoid feeding your German Shepherd food that contains low-quality, highly processed proteins such as wheat gluten that could potentially cause digestive issues and allergies in some. In addition, these ingredients could hinder their body from absorbing essential vitamins resulting in long-term health complications for them.
Carbohydrates
Your German Shepherd should receive most of its nutrition from animal protein sources, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Fats and carbohydrates should also be present, but should not dominate its diet.
Ideal German Shepherd food should include high levels of meat-based proteins that promote healthy development and muscular strength, with a low glycemic index to minimize insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
German Shepherd puppies may develop picky eating habits, making it essential to provide them with a variety of food and treats to encourage optimal nutrition. Carrots – both raw and cooked – make for excellent foods because they contain potassium, fiber and beta-carotene – an antioxidant which produces vitamin A. Frozen berries make an interesting treat but should only be fed sparingly due to being high in sugar content.
Fat
German Shepherds need high-quality dry dog food that supports their large breed size and body type. Their diet should contain high levels of protein for strength and endurance, plus omega fatty acids to promote skin health and eye health.
When shopping for German Shepherd food, always read through the ingredient list carefully and avoid foods containing low-grade meats or byproducts like livers, lungs and hearts as these may provide inadequate nutrition and potentially cause digestive issues.
Look for a kibble designed specifically for large breed dogs and designed to encourage chewing. A crusty texture will help remove tartar and plaque build-up. Look for one containing high-quality chicken as well as grains like barley, rice, or oats.
Fiber
Premium German Shepherd diets should contain ample fiber to aid their digestive health, and may include added glucosamine to provide joint support.
Avoid foods high in sugars as these may lead to dental issues in German Shepherd dogs. Instead, offer fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy treats.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula will ensure your German Shepherd puppy receives a nutritious and balanced diet. Packed with bison, venison, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, and canola oil to provide protein-rich nourishment – not forgetting fatty acids to support cognitive development and DHA to promote retinal health – this food is grain-free with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives for maximum pet wellness! It’s great for both puppies and adult dogs!
Treats
German Shepherds need high-quality food in order to remain at their optimal health, strength and endurance. A diet rich in proteins, fats and carbohydrates will also help reduce hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis risk factors.
Avoid treats containing corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup as these ingredients may contribute to weight gain and obesity in German Shepherds, as well as diabetes or insulin resistance in dogs. Artificial preservatives such as BHA and BHT may damage organs and cause long-term health issues in German Shepherds. Instead, consider treating your dog to treats made from fruits, vegetables and herbs naturally preserved to create tasty and healthy treats that are both delicious and beneficial to their wellbeing. Kabob-shaped snacks are an ideal solution for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Made of nutritious ingredients and featuring flavors such as salmon, bison, red meat, duck and turkey – they make for delicious rewards that promote chewing while cleaning teeth and gums – ideal for rewarding your German Shepherd!
