German Shepherd (GSD) is classified as a working dog breed (originally, this breed was created for herding purpose) and not picky. As active as they are, it is unlikely that they will have obesity even if their diet contains a lot of carbohydrates. However, you need to ensure that they are given sufficient nutrition as these carnivores have a digestive system suitable for protein-rich diets. You should ensure that their diets contain the following nutrients.
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Protein
This is the main nutrient in the GSD’s daily diet. Because German Shepherds are highly active, the protein content must account for at least 22 – 26% of the daily diet. Dogs trained under advanced programs should consume 26 – 30% protein. Although they are not picky eaters and will eat everything you give, you need to provide them with enough protein for their strength and muscle growth.
Protein is abundant in meat, including beef, chicken, fish, pork. Eggs such as balut eggs or normal eggs are all good, but balut eggs are slightly better as they contain less fat. Organs, including liver, heart, kidney, lung, brain, … are all favorite foods of the German Shepherd. You can also feed them sausages (puppies like sausage), or low-fat canned pate.
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Fat
The daily fat content for German Shepherds should be between 10% and 16% to ensure that their coat is smooth and that they can well absorb all vitamins (many vitamins are only dissolved in fatty acids). Protein sources mentioned above contain sufficient daily fat for GSDs. On the other hand, if they feed on ready-to-eat foods, which do not provide enough fat (if the packaging shows the foods have less than 10 – 16% fat content), you should add different types of oil or fat to their diet, such as fish oil, fish fat or chicken fat.
Vitamins, fiber và carbohydrates
Vitamins, fiber and carbs are found in vegetables, rice or bread. Vegetables should be chopped or minced. Rice should be mixed with soup or sauce, then mix well with meat.
How should we feed German Shepherds?
For German Shepherds aged 5 months or older, 2 meals per day should be enough. For ones of three to five months old, three to five meals a day should be given. After weaning to 3 months, GSD puppies should be fed 4 meals per day. The daily food volume is around 3 – 4% of the dog’s weight, depending on its activity intensity.
>> German Shepherd temperament & characteristics. GSD history & origin