German shepherd puppies need a diet rich in essential nutrients and calories in order to grow properly, with several small meals spread out throughout the day rather than one large one.
Select food designed specifically for large breeds with high levels of protein and low-glycemic carbohydrates to provide sustained energy and support bone and joint health through ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids.
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Dry Food
Before leaving their breeder or shelter, German Shepherd puppies should be introduced to solid food from their mothers in order to develop sound tooth structure and chewing abilities. This allows for proper development.
German Shepherds can be fed dry food specifically formulated for large breeds at many pet stores. Look for puppy formulas containing chicken protein and whole grains as a source of nutrition, plus omega fatty acids and vitamin D which helps strengthen bones and maintain shiny coats.
Some owners feed their German Shepherds a raw diet or mix of cooked and raw food, however you should consult your veterinarian and research this diet thoroughly so as to provide your pup with a well-rounded meal that provides essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. It is also important to avoid giving too much calcium or phosphorus at once.
Wet Food
German Shepherd puppies require nutritious fats for energy purposes, as well as healthy carbohydrates to aid digestion and support their active lifestyles.
Make sure that the food has the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) seal to ensure that it has been tested and meets nutritional standards.
Check for high-quality proteins as the first few ingredients of their food kibble. A good protein source would include chicken, lamb, duck or fish; single vegetable ingredients may have less usable nutrients. Also be wary of wet foods containing too much fat as this can lead to bloat and gas in young dogs; look for foods containing no more than 8%.
Dehydrated Food
German Shepherds need a balanced diet in order to live long and healthy lives, including essential protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for their wellbeing.
GSD puppies should be fed high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large breeds in their early months, providing them with a source of protein rich in omega fatty acids. This food will also support optimal brain development.
GSDs require a nutritious diet rich in carbohydrates to provide them with energy and promote growth. When feeding GSDs foods that contain excessively unhealthy fats – like those containing trans fatty acids that can lead to health issues such as bloat, heart disease, arthritis, obesity or diabetes – make sure these treats are given in moderation so as to prevent overfeeding. GSDs should also receive treats full of nutrients occasionally to avoid overeating.
Home Cooked Food
Some owners opt to make homemade meals for their German Shepherd puppies at home, which can be an excellent solution, provided the recipe adheres strictly to what’s appropriate for larger breed puppies without ingredients like onions that could potentially poison the dog.
Homemade diets should include foods rich in proteins, complex carbs (such as brown rice), fresh fruits and vegetables for maximum vitamin and mineral absorption. This will provide your body with essential nutrition.
Vitamins are vitally important to the health and well-being of a German Shepherd puppy, helping their body function and supporting strong bones. Puppies require lots of vitamin C, B and E in their diet as well as calcium and phosphorus supplements – which naturally occur in animal fat as well as commercial dog food containing targeted levels of these essential nutrients.
Raw Food
Raw food supporters claim that German Shepherds fed a diet consisting of raw meat, bones, and organs experience healthier skin and coat, stronger teeth, reduced disease incidence and live longer, more active lives. You can prepare a raw diet yourself at home or purchase commercial raw foods.
Raw foods come both as complete meals and freeze dried raw pieces that can be added as food toppers. Instinct is a popular brand offering both full raw diets for different age groups as well as “Raw Boost” recipes that combine kibble with freeze dried raw ingredients.
When purchasing raw food for your pup, choose meat that has been humanely raised. Avoid products containing meat by-products as the primary low-grade source of protein. Also monitor weight changes as too much weight loss could indicate malnutrition or disease.
