What Can German Shepherds Eat? Best Food & Feeding Guide

The Best Diet for Your German Shepherd: What You Should Know

If you’re anything like me, you want the best for your German Shepherd, and that includes feeding them healthfully. When I first got my German Shepherd, Max, I recall feeling overwhelmed by the variety of foods available and the advice on what to give and what not to give him.

What Should Be in a German Shepherd’s Diet?

Make sure your German Shepherd gets enough high-quality protein in their diet. Foods like chicken, meat, and sheep appear to work really well, in my experience. Protein supports their muscles growth, levels of energy, and overall health.

It’s important to add these kinds of proteins, but I also always make sure to add some vegetables, like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas. They are extremely popular with Max and provide an excellent supply of vitamins and minerals. Meat and fruits and vegetables should be balanced in a German Shepherd’s diet.

How Much Should You Feed Your German Shepherd?

Just as important as what you feed your German Shepherd is knowing how much of it to give them. While under feeding may result in hunger, overeating can cause weight gain, which can strain their joints. Based on your dog’s weight, use this helpful feeding chart to figure out the correct serving size:

Dry Food Feeding Amount for German Shepherds (in pounds)

Dry Food Feeding Amount for German Shepherds (in kilograms)

The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Skin Allergies

One issue I ran into was Max developing skin allergies. After a visit to the vet, I realized I needed to look into the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies. Foods with few or no ingredients or those without grains are excellent for dogs with sensitive skin. The moment I moved Max to a diet high in salmon, the changes were visible. His coat improved, and his itch reduced a bit.

Foods with chemical changes or fillers, such as corn, soy, or wheat, may be something to stay away from. German Shepherds commonly have allergic reactions to this. Choose a replacement that is natural and made especially for people with sensitive skin.

Foods German Shepherds Should Avoid

When thinking about what German Shepherds cannot eat, a few common foods are big no-nos. I’ve made the mistake of giving Max grapes before I knew how dangerous they were! Grapes, chocolate, onions, and anything with caffeine are toxic to dogs. Make a list and keep it close at hand to avoid giving your dog something harmful by mistake.

A Personal German Shepherd Dog Food List

Here’s a list of foods that Max thrives on:

• Proteins: Chicken, beef, lamb, salmon
• Veggies: Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes
• Fruits: Apples (without seeds), blueberries
• Healthy grains: Brown rice, oatmeal (if your dog can tolerate grains)

Creating a balanced German Shepherd dog food list helped me figure out what works best for Max. The secret is to find out what your dog enjoys and change according to their sensitive levels.

Finding the Best Food for Your German Shepherd

If you’re on the hunt for the best food for your German Shepherd, you’ll want to consider their age, size, and any allergies they might have. Puppies need different nutrition compared to adults, so always read the labels on commercial dog foods. I found that higher-end brands with fewer ingredients are often better for digestive health.

Faq’s