Daily Life Style

 German Shepherd food

German Shepherd food is crucial for their development. German Shepherds grow into a large breed weighing between 30 and 50 kilograms (66 and 110 pounds) that is well-muscled, slightly tapered, and hardworking when fed a breed-appropriate diet.

Adult German Shepherds need 1,300 to 1,600 calories per day of high-quality dog food for senior or less active dogs, and 1,700 to 2,400 calories per day for active or working dogs. In this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about finding the right food for your German Shepherd. 

Nutritional values ​​German Shepherd food

If you choose a dry kibble diet for your German Shepherd, choose a quality formula with a protein content of around 24% and a fat content of around 14%. Shepherds require quality protein, which should come from a specified meat source. 

Grain-free kibble is also an option, but it is very high in calories and protein. This should be approached with caution, as some German Shepherds seem to have difficulty tolerating grain-free kibble and end up with soft, runny stools. For excellent insight into choosing a quality kibble for your German Shepherd.

Help prevent bloating

Like many large breeds, German Shepherds are particularly at risk for bloating (gastric dilation-volvulus) after eating German Shepherd food. 

While scientific data hasn't established a specific link between what we feed German Shepherds and bloating, it's generally agreed that grains and grain-based foods can contribute to the condition. 

Specifically, inexpensive commercial kibbles loaded with carbohydrates and formulated with grains like corn, wheat, oats, and rice can cause excessive gas in the dog's stomach, which can lead to bloating. 

Grain-free kibble uses alternative plant-based protein and carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, beans, and lentils and is therefore theoretically safer if you can find a food formula that's right for your German Shepherd.

Food for the active German Shepherd?

Carbohydrate and fat levels in high-quality German Shepherd foods are less important for active shepherds, but low-carb diets should be fed to dogs who are overweight, inactive, elderly, or have arthritis to keep them lighter on their feet. 

German Shepherds, like many active large breed dogs, benefit from a diet that includes supplements that provide additional assurance for their overall health and well-being.

Omega-3 helps control inflammation, reduce arthritis pain, improve mood, increase trainability, and is good for the heart and kidneys. Omega-3 fatty acids in German Shepherd foods promote healthy skin and a shiny coat and help dogs fight infections.

Amount of food German Shepherd

Adjust the amount of kibble as needed based on your German Shepherd's size, weight, age, and daily activity level. 

If you're feeding high-calorie, high-protein, grain-free kibble like Origen, you'll need to feed your German Shepherd slightly less kibble.

German Shepherd Puppy Food

German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly during the first six to eight months. For large breed puppies prone to bone growth problems, such as hip dysplasia, feeding a quality all-life-stage diet, large breed puppy food, or raw dog food is the best way to regulate growth. 

You should not feed a German Shepherd puppy, or a large breed puppy, kibble designed for medium or small breed puppies. Most puppy kibble is high in calories, carbohydrates, and has a high calcium content to help "non-large breed" dogs reach adult size within six months. 

Shop for kibble specifically formulated for large breed German Shepherd puppies, or quality formulated all-life-stage dog food, such as the brands we recommend here. It's important to let our German Shepherds grow slowly to preven.

German Shepherd Collar: Buying Guide

            Choosing a collar for a German Shepherd is not only a matter of style, but also of functionality, comfort, and safety. These hardy dogs, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength, require a collar that is appropriate for their size and temperament. 

This article will guide you through the essential aspects to consider when choosing a collar for your German Shepherd, as well as tips for getting them used to wearing it.

Know the German Shepherd

Origins and Characteristics

The German Shepherd, hailing from Germany, was initially developed to guard and herd livestock. This breed is renowned for its intelligence, versatility, and trainability. It is a medium to large-sized dog with a well-developed muscular structure.

Morphology and Appearance

The German Shepherd has a dense coat, usually in shades of black and brown, and a strong, agile body structure. Their neck is sturdy and muscular, which is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a collar.

Temperament

These dogs are protective, loyal, and have a strong guarding instinct. Their energetic nature and strength will require a collar that can withstand frequent pulling and provide adequate control during walks.

Choosing a German Shepherd's Perfect Collar

Importance of choosing the right necklace

A well-chosen collar is essential for the comfort, safety, and control of your German Shepherd. It must be strong enough to handle the strength of a powerful and active dog, yet comfortable enough to prevent chafing or injury.

Measurements for the German Shepherd Collar

For German Shepherds, collar size is crucial. On average, their neck circumference ranges from 45 to 65 centimeters, but this can vary depending on the dog's age, gender, and individual stature. Accurately measure your dog's neck circumference with a soft measuring tape, allowing two fingers to slip under it for a comfortable fit.

Types of Necklaces

Standard collars are suitable for everyday use and should be made of durable materials like leather or reinforced nylon, capable of enduring pulling.

• Training Collars: These collars are useful for dogs that pull or are in the training phase. It is crucial to choose a training collar that will not harm your dog, such as a martingale collar or a soft prong collar.
• Specialty Collars: Options such as reflective collars for increased visibility at night, or collars with space for ID tags and GPS devices, can be useful for specific needs.

• Size and Fit: In addition to neck circumference, consider the width of the collar. A wider collar may provide better control and be more comfortable for a large dog.
• Materials: Leather is a classic and durable option, while nylon is lightweight and available in a variety of colors. Make sure the materials are hypoallergenic and water-resistant for added durability.
• Additional Features: Features such as quick-release buckles, built-in ID tags, and reflective strips can enhance the functionality and safety of the collar.

Getting used to the necklace

Introduce the collar to your German Shepherd gradually. Start with short sessions at home, rewarding him for his calm and cooperative behavior. Gradually increase the length of time he wears the collar, ensuring that your dog is always comfortable and secure.

Conclusion

The ideal collar for a German Shepherd should be a blend of comfort, durability, and functionality. By considering your dog's specific dimensions and choosing a collar that suits their lifestyle, you can ensure their well-being while maintaining effective control during walks and training sessions.