Food for German Shepherds: types and features of choice

The famous phrase reads: "We are responsible for those who tamed." That is why, if you decide to have a pet or already have a beloved pet, it is very important to follow the rules of its maintenance and principles of care. Thus, nutrition is an integral part of the content of any animal.

The diet of some dog breeds, in particular, German shepherds, deserves special attention. At the choice of the owner of the German shepherd it can consist of both natural food and dry or wet prepared food. Today, an increasing number of pet holders give preference to ready-made feeds mainly due to convenience and time saving.

That’s what we’ll talk about in our material today.

Generally speaking, proper nutrition of a pet is the key to its health. That is why it is especially important to pay attention to the choice of a specific type of finished feed. To date, 2 options are presented on the zoological market: dry and wet feed. Consider the difference between these varieties.

Dry food is one of the most popular ways to feed domestic German shepherds. A specific brand and variety should be chosen depending on the individual characteristics of the dogs, and before buying it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Today in the zoological market you can find dry food of several classes. The most common classification includes the following varieties:

• Economy class;
• regular;
• premium.

Economy class feeds are ready-made dry mixes, which consist of the simplest and cheapest ingredients (offal, cereal and soy). Accordingly, their price is low. Buying such food and feeding them your pet is not recommended. The thing is that its basis is meat products that belong to category 4D (sick, aging and dying animals).

Regular is a food that is intended for constant nutrition. In their production, products of higher quality and more beneficial for the body of the German Shepherd are used. However, even this class of feed contains some chemical impurities. So, in the composition you can find dyes, sweeteners and flavor enhancers. At the same time, the energy value of Regular fodder is higher than that of economy class mixtures.

The best dry mix for feeding German Shepherds is feed, super premium. It is this option that meets all the requirements for a healthy diet for an animal. This mixture consists of fresh and high-quality animal meat (beef, poultry or lamb). In addition, cereals and even eggs may also be present.

However, in addition to these groups, there are other categories: for example, feed-holistic, which have high nutritional properties, respectively, the price is very high.

At its core, moist dog food is a kind of alternative to ordinary canned foods that people eat. Although this type of dog food is universal, It is not recommended that you feed your German-born pet with wet food on an ongoing basis.. Dog canned food for German shepherds can only act as a kind of delicacy, which they receive with a certain frequency.

There are many characteristics of wet food for German Shepherds that have a positive effect on the animal. Among them are:

• the presence of a large amount of protein;
• the wet version contains less carbohydrates (in the first place, this applies to feeds that belong to the premium and luxury classes);
• during the production of wet canned dog food, additional chemical and artificially synthesized substances (for example, stabilizers) are not used;
• the wet variety is an ideal food for aging animals, as well as for those German shepherds that suffer from diseases of the digestive system, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary system.

Today, a wide variety of feeds for German Shepherds are on the market and in stores. Some of them are produced by well-known companies that have already managed to win the love and recognition of customers, while others are the products of little-known and just entered the market firms.

Many buyers are primarily attracted to dog food, which has a low cost. Among the economy-class feeds, such brands are common.

• Happy dog There are both dry and wet varieties, the meat base can consist of buffalo, game, duck, lamb and turkey, the mixture can be eaten even for those dogs that are prone to various kinds of food allergies.
• Chappi. This food is considered complete, in some individual varieties may include brewer's yeast, which regulate the metabolic processes in the dog's body.
• Purina One. This variety is in great demand among buyers, the composition includes useful substances that positively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract of the animal.
• Pedigree. German Shepherd feeds from this brand are considered quite balanced and contain all the necessary vitamins and trace elements that are necessary for the full growth and development of the animal.

Another category of pet owners includes people who believe that pets should be provided with just the very best. That is why they prefer dry mixes of a higher class, in particular holistic. Generally speaking, it is believed that this particular class of feed is the most suitable for feeding domestic German shepherds. Among the high-class feeds, several of the most popular manufacturers should be distinguished.

• Royal Canin. This trademark has existed in the zoological market for more than 50 years. During this time, the company managed to gain a reputation as a brand that cares about the health of pets. The assortment of the company includes more than 100 options for dry and wet dog food produced in accordance with the most modern scientific developments. Royal Canin brand food is recommended not only by pet owners, but also by veterinarians as the basis of nutrition for German Shepherds.
• Grandorf. Grandorf has an impeccable reputation among consumers, as it produces and sells feed, rich not only in fresh and high-quality meat, but also in other ingredients that help to avoid intolerance or allergies. For example, the composition of the mixtures includes probiotics that support and restore the intestines of the German Shepherd, as well as strengthen the animal's immunity.
• Acana The motto of this company is the production of feed that meets the biological needs of dogs, which are predators by nature. All the lines and series included in the Acana brand range are carefully thought out and saturated with the necessary nutritional components.

Thus, today in the zoological market you can find a huge variety of feed for German shepherds. In accordance with the individual physiological characteristics of your animal, as well as your financial capabilities, you can choose the most optimal option.

The choice of food for the German Shepherd is a responsible task. In order to purchase the most successful option, you should adhere to some principles.

• First of all, pay attention to the country and the manufacturer. Choose only licensed brands and brands that have established themselves well.
• Carefully read the composition indicated on the package with the feed. Try to avoid products that contain large amounts of chemical impurities and artificial ingredients.
• The physiological characteristics of your animal play an important role in the selection of food. For example, if your shepherd is prone to food allergies, it is best to choose a hypoallergenic, harmless food.

Among other things, it is important to observe some of the features of feeding your pet. Moreover, this rule applies to both adult dogs and German shepherd puppies.

If we talk about adult and mature animals, then they need to be given about 700 grams of dry mix per day. However, this amount of food is not recommended to be given at a time, it must be divided into 2 meals.

The consumption rate in each case may be different - usually it is indicated on the package. In the first few days of feeding the baby "drying" it is permissible to soak it in warm water - so it will be easier for the puppy to chew.

For Royal Canin German Shepherd feed, see below.