Feed Your German Shepherd Like Nature Intended
Introduction
German Shepherds are beautiful, intelligent, and energetic companions, but their strength and stamina strongly depend on a very crucial factor: their diet. Keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight through proper nutrition is essential for their well-being and longevity. Unlike us humans, who occasionally surrender to the siren call of junk food, our dogs count on us to serve up meals that keep them fit and happy. Let’s explore how dogs were meant to eat, how to maintain your pup’s waistline, and why you hold all the “shopping power” in this relationship.Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.
How Dogs Ate in the Wild: Nature’s Menu
Before German Shepherds were chasing frisbees in the backyard, their ancestors hunted for survival. Wild canines ate a diet rich in protein and fat, sourced mostly from prey animals. Their meals consisted of muscle meat, organs, bones, and very little carbohydrate. Occasional berries or roots were eaten, but the bulk of their calories came from animal sources. This natural diet fueled their high energy needs and kept them lean and agile.
Today, many commercial dog foods are highly processed and packed with fillers and grains that can lead to weight gain and health issues. Mimicking the ancestral diet with high-quality protein, moderate fat, and very limited carbohydrates is a great way to keep your German Shepherd healthy and fit.
Before
After
Raisin was badly malnourished when first rescued. In one year, he was brought back to good health with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Feeding Your German Shepherd: The Modern Guide
It’s best to feed fresh food. Feeding dogs fresh food is one of the most impactful ways to improve their health and longevity. A fresh food diet should include:
· 85% lean meat protein -venison, beef, turkey, chicken, duck, lamb, fish.
· 5% organ meat-liver, spleen, heart, kidney, tripe.
· 5% bone (chicken or turkey necks-RAW).
· And a small amount of fresh vegetables (and sometimes fruit); maybe choose what’s in season!
Dogs do need some fat too so a mixture of beef and poultry, for example, may be a good combination or you can alternate proteins which is actually recommended to ensure a complete nutrient profile, prevent nutritional imbalances, and reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities.
The next best is a combination of fresh and high quality kibble, canned or freeze-dried food.
Our adopters and fosters ask us all the time, “What’s the best dog food?” And honestly, we get it — everyone wants the very best for their pup. While we believe fresh, wholesome food is a wonderful option (and that’s what inspired the info we’re sharing here), we also know that not everyone can or wants to prepare a homemade balanced diet. If you’ve ever searched online, you’ve probably seen tons of “Top 10 Best Dog Foods” lists. But when you really think about it, how could one food - or even ten - possibly be the perfect fit for every dog? Just like people, every pup is different and deserves what works best for them. We believe the website listed below can help you choose.
**www.dogfoodadvisor.com has reliable dog food reviews and ratings.
Remember this though. Choose high-quality food. The first ingredient should be a specific, high-quality animal protein (chicken, lamb, fish, beef) rather than a vague "meat meal" or grain. Avoid fillers & artificial additives. Steer clear of corn, soy, and wheat, which provide low nutritional value. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
In addition, add fresh raw or cooked foods to kibble or other commercially prepared foods if possible. Adding meats, vegetables, and limited fruit, can boost nutrition.
Watch Portion Sizes. Use a measuring cup or scale for portion size and adjust as necessary based on your dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism. Whether feeding fresh, kibble, or a combination, do not solely rely on the feeding instructions on the package. Remember, every dog is different! Watch your dog’s waistline and adjust portions accordingly.
Limit and/or be cognizant of the amount of treats your pup gets. Treats are great for training but keep in mind that if you use lots of training treats on a given day, reduce your dog’s evening meal. Some dogs in intensive training, confidence building activities or obedience/sport hobbies, may eat two-thirds or more of their meals as “treats”. So an evening meal may be very small or nonexistent. And, don’t forget, training treats should also be high quality tidbits. Choose treats the same way you choose foods. Limit processed treats and look for treats that have healthy ingredients without fillers.
Why It’s Up to Us: Humans vs. Hounds
We all know that self-control is tough—especially when someone brings donuts to the office. But your German Shepherd isn’t sneaking out to the grocery store or ordering pizza online. They eat what you provide, so every decision you make at mealtime has a big impact on their health. Consider yourself their personal “nutritionist,” with the power to keep them fit (and maybe a little jealous of your midnight snack runs).
Monitor Weight Regularly: Feel your dog’s ribs—if you can’t, it may be time to cut back. And, weigh your dog monthly to catch changes early.
Remember, when it comes to food, your dog relies on you. So while you may wrestle with your own cravings, you can be confident that a little discipline at the dog bowl goes a long way.
Supplements
Your dog may also benefit from nutritional supplements to address nutritional gaps in their diet, support specific health conditions, and boost overall wellness. Here is a list of some commonly recommended supplements:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil):
Highly recommended for skin, coat, joint inflammation, and cognitive health.
Joint Support (Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM): Essential for senior dogs or breeds prone to arthritis and joint deterioration.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: Crucial for digestive health.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms for immune support.
There are many other supplements that may benefit your dog depending on his age, activity level, diet, etc.
Resources for a Healthy Diet
The Forever Dog, a book by Rodney Habib & Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
The Forever Dog is a pathbreaking guide to teach us how to delay aging and provide a long, happy, healthy life for our beloved canine companions.
The Forever Dog, LIFE, a book by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib
A guide to canine longevity, offering over 120 recipes for homemade dog food, treats, and broths, alongside science-backed tips for improving a dog's health from the inside out
For common sense veterinary medicine
A popular, independent website that provides reviews, ratings, and recall alerts for various dog food brands, helping owners make informed purchasing decisions
Conclusion
Your German Shepherd’s healthy weight and diet start and end with you. By feeding them as nature intended—high quality, protein-rich foods, and appropriate portions—you set them up for a lifetime of health and adventure. And while controlling your own cravings may be an uphill battle, at least your dog won’t be raiding the fridge anytime soon!
Note for fosters: The BAGSR team can help you select and purchase an appropriate diet for your foster dog. Also, before purchasing, please advise your BAGSR contact if for some reason a vet recommends a prescription diet for your foster dog.