German Shepherd Raw Food Diet: Unlock Your Dog’s Optimal Health & Vitality (2024)

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You’re wise to consider a raw food diet for your German Shepherd – it can unlock optimal health and vitality.

Raw, human-grade proteins like chicken and beef provide critical nutrients for muscle maintenance and growth.

Omega fatty acids from raw eggs and fermented dairy promote a healthy skin and coat.

With a balanced blend of organ meats, vegetables, and supplements like We Feed Raw offers, you’ll reduce allergies while improving digestion and gut health.

Proper handling, variety, and veterinary guidance are key to avoiding common raw feeding mistakes.

Discover how transitioning to a species-appropriate raw diet can nourish your German Shepherd’s ancestral needs.

German Shepherd Nutritional Needs

As a responsible and knowledgeable dog owner, you understand the importance of providing your German Shepherd with a balanced and nutritious diet. The first step in ensuring your furry friend’s optimal health is understanding their specific nutritional needs.

German Shepherds, known for their intelligence, strength, and versatility, require a diet that supports their energy needs and promotes good health. Their diet must include a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance, repair, and growth in German Shepherds. High-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish should form the bulk of their diet. The protein content should be adjusted according to their life stage, activity level, and health status.

Fats are a concentrated source of energy and are essential for a healthy coat and skin. Sources of good fats for German Shepherds include fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat. The diet should have a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Carbohydrates provide sustained energy release, preventing energy spikes and crashes. Whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats offer sustained energy release, while vegetables and fruits provide essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in German Shepherds’ health, from bone health to immune function. Calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong bones and teeth, especially for puppies who are still growing.

When it comes to feeding your German Shepherd, it’s important to avoid low-quality, inexpensive food sources. Instead, focus on high-quality ingredients and balanced formulations to cater to their specific needs. Additionally, ensure your dog always has access to fresh and clean water, as hydration is vital for their energy levels and bodily functions.

Benefits of a Raw Diet for German Shepherds

By feeding your German Shepherd a raw, species-appropriate diet, you’ll promote a healthier skin and coat while potentially alleviating allergy symptoms. The natural, bioavailable nutrients in raw meats, bones, organs, and produce allow for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing inflammation and the risk of conditions exacerbated by poor diet.

Healthy Skin and Coat

German Shepherds are known for their shiny fur and robust health, but they can also suffer from skin allergies and coat issues. A raw diet can help address these problems by providing essential nutrients that support skin health and coat shine.

1. Omega Fatty Acids: Raw diets are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to skin allergies and coat problems.
2. Essential Fatty Acids: Foods like beef liver and flaxseed oil are high in essential fatty acids, which are vital for skin health and coat shine.
3. Raw Coat: A raw diet ensures your dog is getting a balanced intake of nutrients, including those that support a healthy coat.
4. Skin Supplements: If your German Shepherd has specific skin issues, you can consider adding supplements to their diet, such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil.

Reduced Allergies

Reducing Allergies: A Key Benefit of a Raw Diet for German Shepherds

If your German Shepherd is prone to allergies, a raw diet could be the solution you’ve been seeking. Raw food diets can help alleviate allergy symptoms by addressing the root causes. Allergy causes often stem from processed foods, which can contain allergens and irritants. By switching to a raw diet, you’ll be eliminating these problematic ingredients.

Raw food diets are rich in essential nutrients, such as organ meats and vegetables, which can support a healthy immune system. This can help your dog better cope with allergens and reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions. Additionally, raw food diets can provide a more balanced intake of vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for maintaining overall health.

For instance, a lamb patty recipe made with cage-free chicken and veggie scraps can be a great option. It’s not only nutritious but also tailored to your dog’s needs. By incorporating a variety of ingredients, you’ll be ensuring your dog receives a well-rounded diet that can help prevent allergies.

Improved Digestion

Improved digestion is a significant benefit of a raw diet for German Shepherds.

Their gut health is enhanced, leading to better meal frequency and stool quality.

Raw food contains digestive enzymes that help break down food more efficiently, reducing the risk of food sensitivities.

Cooked vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes provide fiber.

Raw eggs and fermented dairy like cottage cheese and yogurt offer essential nutrients.

Meaty soup bones and bone broth are also beneficial for gut health.

Best Raw Dog Food for German Shepherds: We Feed Raw

When it comes to feeding your German Shepherd a raw diet, We Feed Raw is a top-notch choice that offers a variety of high-quality, human-grade protein options. They tailor their meals to your pet’s dietary needs, ensuring they receive all the proper nutrients. With a range of proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef, you can choose the best option for your furry friend.

We Feed Raw’s meal plans are designed to be easy to feed, with portioned meals that can be thawed and served in seconds. They also offer a significant amount of named meats and organs as their dominant source of animal protein, earning them a 5-star rating from dog food reviewers. Their strict food safety program includes a cold-pressure process to eliminate harmful pathogens in raw meat, giving you peace of mind about your pet’s health.

In terms of pricing, We Feed Raw starts at around $2.25 per day for the smallest dogs, with larger dogs costing more due to their increased food requirements. They offer discounts for first-time customers who opt for autoship and for bulk orders of single recipes. Additionally, they provide discounted pricing for bulk boxes for those with plenty of freezer space or feeding multiple dogs.

If you’re considering transitioning your German Shepherd to a raw diet, We Feed Raw is a reliable and trusted choice. Their customized meal plans and high-quality ingredients make it easy to provide your dog with the nutrition they need to thrive.

Tips for Saving Money to Feed Your Dog Raw/Real Food

Unlock the Secrets to Affordable Raw Dog Food: Tips for Saving Money

Feeding your dog a raw diet can be a game-changer, providing them with a balanced and species-appropriate nutrition that supports their overall health and well-being. However, the cost of raw dog food can be a significant concern for many pet parents. To help you navigate this realm and ensure your furry friend gets the best possible diet, we’ve compiled a list of tips to save money while feeding raw.

1. Join a Local Raw Food Co-op: Connect with other raw feeders in your area to share resources and save on bulk orders. This can be a great way to access wholesale options and discounts that aren’t available to the general public.
2. Shop Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales at your local grocery store, Walmart, or discounted grocery stores. These can be an excellent opportunity to stock up on raw meat at a lower cost.
3. Contact Local Butchers and Pet Stores: Reach out to local butchers and pet stores to inquire about discounts on bulk orders. They may have access to inexpensive cuts of raw meat that can be used in your dog’s diet.
4. Save Veggie Scraps: Instead of throwing away vegetable scraps, freeze them for later use. Cooked vegetables like carrots, celery, turnips, fennel, potatoes, kale, spinach, and parsley can be added to your dog’s meals, providing essential nutrients and fiber.
5. Visit Local Mexican Markets and Meat Lockers: These establishments often sell a variety of meats at lower prices than traditional grocery stores. You can find raw chicken, beef, and other meats that are perfect for your dog’s diet.
6. Order in Bulk: When possible, order raw dog food in bulk. This can help you save money in the long run, as you’ll get a better price per pound.
7. Combine Raw Feeding with Kibble: If you’re struggling to afford 100% raw dog food, consider combining it with kibble. A little fresh, raw dog food is better than none, and your dog will still benefit from the nutrients in the raw food.
8. Fast Your Dog One Day a Week: Fasting can help detox your dog and save you a day’s worth of raw dog food.

Common Mistakes in Feeding Raw Dog Food

Feeding raw dog food can be a great way to provide your furry friend with a species-appropriate diet. However, there are some common mistakes that pet owners make when transitioning to a raw diet.

1. Not Storing Food Properly: Raw food should be stored in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. Thaw a portion of the raw dog food in the fridge prior to serving, and refrigerate the leftovers for a few days before they go bad. Store the frozen dog food away from other foods in your freezer to protect them from bacterial contamination.
2. Improper Handling: Raw meat can contain bacteria that can be harmful to both you and your dog. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food, clean all work surfaces, and run any dishes or utensils through the dishwasher. Don’t let your dog’s raw meal sit on the counter for an extended period, and avoid feeding raw food to toddlers.
3. Whole Bones: Feeding whole bones can be dangerous for dogs. They can choke on them, break their teeth, or cause internal punctures. Stick to ground bones or bone meal.
4. Lack of Nutritional Balance: A raw diet should include a variety of muscle meat, organ meats, vegetables, and fruits. Make sure your dog’s diet is balanced and complete, with the appropriate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins.
5. Avoiding Supplements: Some pet owners believe that raw food is all their dog needs, but supplements can be crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. Consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Transitioning Your German Shepherd to a Raw Diet

Transitioning your German Shepherd to a raw diet can be a crucial but rewarding process. It’s important to remember that the transition period can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your dog’s individual needs.

1. Choose raw food brands carefully: Look for brands that offer high-quality, balanced raw diets. We Feed Raw is a great option, as their diets are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist and meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines for dogs of all life stages.
2. Transition slowly: Gradually introduce your dog to raw food, starting with lean white muscle meat like chicken or turkey breast, and gradually adding in other ingredients like red meat, veggies, and eventually organs.
3. Overcome picky eating: If your dog is initially resistant to raw food, try mixing it with their current kibble or offering it as a treat. Gradually increase the proportion of raw food over time.
4. Find local meat sources: Consider visiting local farmers, butchers, or even hunting for game meat to provide fresh, locally sourced ingredients for your dog’s meals.
5. Prepare homemade meals: If you’re comfortable with it, you can prepare your dog’s raw meals at home using whole, fresh ingredients. This allows you to tailor the diet to your dog’s specific needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)