Today, I am going to discuss the best diet for German Shepherds or how to feed a German Shepherd properly.
The German Shepherd is known for being a brave and faithful dog. This breed requires a lot of daily exercise, but as they get older, they reduce their activities. The nutritional needs of the German Shepherd vary over time.
To design a nutritional diet for your pet, you must take into account the general needs of the breed and the specific needs of your dog.
Energy and caloric needs
Large dogs need more exercise than small dogs, but in the case of German Shepherd dogs, they need less exercise than other dogs of a similar size.
They maintain a healthy weight with daily walks and occasional runs in the park. They have energy to spare and need a diet rich in protein and calories.
To adjust the dog’s diet based on its activity level, the total calories must be taken into account.
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Feeding a dog solely based on the exercises he does is not the right way to keep him healthy. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to prepare a diet suitable for your dog and adjust it as he gets older.
Regardless of age or activity, the German Shepherd needs a high-protein diet, as proteins provide energy and are necessary for the production of hormones.
Protein quality is critical when choosing food. Whenever possible, use animal protein.
Keep your German Shepherd’s skin and coat healthy
The coat is double, with fur over fur. A dense coat and a deeper undercoat protect the animal from insects, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
The last layer of fur can be straight or slightly wavy. The animals shed their fur throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn, when they shed their entire coat.
It is recommended that the German Shepherd’s coat be brushed once a week. In times of shedding, it is recommended that the frequency of brushing increase. Regular brushing will help control excessive shedding.
It is not easy to detect the reasons for excessive hair loss, but food is the most likely cause. Natural fats and oils from the diet help keep the skin and coat healthy and clean. So, you can see why you need to learn the best diet for German Shepherds.
Dogs on a low-fat diet have many skin problems. Choose food rich in vitamin E and omega to maintain the coat quality and keep them healthy.
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Food-related health risks
The German Shepherd has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. They are prone to certain health problems like allergies, Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, and epilepsy.
Because they are large animals, arthritis and hip dysplasia are also common. These diseases cannot be prevented or cured, but they can be controlled by feeding them a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.
Always control their caloric intake to avoid obesity.
Recommendations
The specific needs of each German Shepherd vary according to their age, physical activity, and health. This breed requires a diet rich in protein, vitamin A, D, E and K, omega 3 and omega 6.
The German Shepherd is considered a large breed with a lot of health problems in old age, especially in the joints. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential for their health.
Don’t forget to take your pet to the vet for regular check-ups and to keep the vaccinations up to date.