I adore my dogs! Like most pet parents, my German Shepherds are family. Ensuring they live long, healthy, and joyful lives is paramount. Beyond ample exercise and mental enrichment, their diet is my top priority. Having lost two beloved dogs to cancer around the age of fourteen, I’m deeply committed to preventative health measures. It’s a sobering fact that cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. While often considered ‘normal,’ this is far from acceptable. The culprits are likely multifaceted, but scrutinizing dog food ingredients has solidified my suspicion: subpar dog food is a major contributing factor.
The Dog Food Dilemma: Navigating Nutritional Challenges
No one intentionally seeks out “crappy” dog food, but deciphering what constitutes truly nutritious food is a maze. Dog food manufacturers don’t simplify this for us, and frankly, they aren’t obligated to. Many commercial dog foods are loaded with questionable components: by-products of uncertain origin, meats potentially raised with growth hormones and antibiotics, and cheap fillers like brewer’s yeast, tapioca starch, and pea protein. The result? Carbohydrates often dominate, making up 50% or more of the formula. These carbs convert to sugars upon digestion, offering minimal nutritional value and potential health drawbacks.
In essence, much of what’s marketed as dog food is akin to a fast-food diet of burgers and fries for humans – far from optimal. And let’s not even delve into the concept of vegan dog food. While dogs are classified as omnivores, their biology leans heavily towards carnivore. If you believe the dog food peddled by your veterinarian is inherently superior, prepare for more disappointing news. These options often fall short of being the best food for a German Shepherd.
Just as our own grocery store aisles are filled with processed foods from mega-corporations that compromise our health, the same pitfalls plague the pet food industry. Don’t just take my word for it—examine the labels yourself. Consider the parallels with human health trends, including rising cancer rates. For a deeper understanding of the metabolic roots of cancer, I recommend exploring “Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer” by Thomas Seyfried, a former Associate Professor in Biology at Boston College. This book provides a compelling perspective on the link between diet and disease.
Breed-Specific Nutrition: Why German Shepherds Have Unique Dietary Needs
The same dietary challenges we face apply directly to our canine companions. My goal is to provide my German Shepherds with the absolute best nutrition tailored to their specific needs, while also being mindful of budget. My philosophy is to feed the highest quality food you can afford, and strive to improve as you’re able. Recognizing that breed-specific nutrition is crucial is a key step. What benefit do “superfood” ingredients like organic blueberries offer if they provide negligible nutritional value for your particular dog breed? The foundational principle when selecting the right dog food is this: BREED MATTERS!
This article is dedicated to outlining the fundamental nutritional requirements of German Shepherds and directing you to resources for understanding the needs of other breeds. The information is based on extensive research, my years of experience feeding German Shepherds, and the invaluable insights of the late William D. Cusick, a respected canine nutritionist and animal advocate. Mr. Cusick authored breed-specific nutritional guides, complete with recipes, which form the cornerstone of my approach to feeding the best food for a German Shepherd. His publications are incredibly informative, and you can access a free copy of his influential dog nutrition guide here: Canine Nutrition.
Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified canine nutritionist (distinct from a veterinarian, who may have limited specialized nutrition training) before making significant dietary changes or addressing specific health concerns. For in-depth guidance and custom raw food recipes for any breed, I recommend Raw, Fed and Nerdy, a resource dedicated to science-backed raw feeding for dogs.
Let’s now delve into the specifics of what I feed my German Shepherd Dogs and the rationale behind it.
William D. Cusick’s Breed-Specific Insights: “Canine Nutrition & Choosing The Best Food For Your Breed Of Dog”
According to William D. Cusick’s research, “The German Shepherd originated in the Alsatian Region of Germany. The official breed name is German Shepherd Dog, though commonly shortened to German Shepherd or simply Shepherd. A key characteristic of the German Shepherd is its relatively short colon compared to other breeds of similar size. This anatomical feature dictates the need for a high-fiber diet. Fiber slows down the passage of food through the digestive tract, maximizing nutrient absorption. While a high-fiber diet may result in larger stools, it ensures better utilization of the food.”
Cusick continues, “The natural environment of the Alsatian Region provided the German Shepherd with primary food sources: beef, wheat, and leafy green vegetables such as cabbage and alfalfa. Therefore, I recommend a dietary foundation built upon these food groups as ideal for German Shepherds. Conversely, I believe commercial dog foods containing fish, soy, or rice are the least suitable for this breed.”
The Rationale Behind Breed-Specific Food Choices
My German Shepherds’ diet is therefore centered around beef, wheat, and cabbage, while intentionally excluding fish, soy, and rice. However, knowing the ideal components and practically creating palatable meals are two separate challenges. In their ancestral environment, German Shepherds would naturally encounter and consume these food types. Of course, they wouldn’t graze on a cabbage patch. They are dogs, and their biology dictates a need for meat – they are omnivores with strong carnivorous tendencies. In the wild, they would hunt and consume prey animals, gaining vital nutrients by eating the stomach and its partially digested contents – a less-than-appetizing image for us, but nature’s way of providing dogs with their vegetable matter.
This natural approach isn’t directly replicable in our modern pet-keeping context. To bridge this gap, I acquired William D. Cusick’s manuscript, “The Best Diet for a German Shepherd Dog,” and for seven years, I diligently prepared my German Shepherds’ food according to his recipes. Later, I transitioned to raw feeding, which I’ll discuss further below. My German Shepherds thrive on this diet, exhibiting robust energy levels, healthy muscle mass, and overall excellent health. An added benefit is that they don’t require flea or tick medications – the garlic in their food acts as a natural pest repellent. My dogs are undeniably healthy! Clearly, feeding the best food for a German Shepherd yields significant positive results. Food truly matters!
A healthy German Shepherd enjoying a nutritious meal, highlighting the importance of proper dog food for this breed.
The Commitment to Homemade Dog Food
While raw feeding is my current approach, for years I committed to weekly cooking sessions. Preparing 14 portions and packaging them took about 2 hours each week, including cleanup. We even have a dedicated refrigerator in the garage solely for their food. My dogs were on a twice-daily feeding schedule. In my experience, the effort is entirely justified, costing approximately $40 per week to provide healthy, nutritious, and palatable (from a canine perspective) dog food.
Important Disclaimer: The table below is for informational purposes only. Do NOT attempt to create homemade dog food without a precise, balanced recipe. The correct proportions of each ingredient are critical for nutritional completeness and safety. For instance, a small amount of garlic is beneficial for natural pest control, but excessive amounts are toxic to dogs. If you are serious about providing the best food for your German Shepherd by making it yourself, obtain a reputable, breed-specific recipe like the one I referenced from William D. Cusick.
German Shepherd Nutritional Needs & Key Food Sources
| German Shepherd Dog Nutritional Needs | Best Food Sources |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A Palmitate Source: WH Foods | cabbage, carrot, broccoli, squash |
| Vitamin B-1 Source: WH Foods | cabbage, carrot, yellow corn, squash, broccoli |
| Vitamin B-2 Source: WH Foods | broccoli, cabbage, squash, beef |
| Vitamin B-6 Source: WH Foods | chicken, beef, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, carrot, squash, potato |
| Vitamin B-12 Source: WH Foods | beef |
| Vitamin D Source: WH Foods | cheese |
| Vitamin E Source: WH Foods | broccoli |
| Niacinamide (B3) Source: WH Foods | broccoli, chicken, squash, carrot, beef |
| Biotin Source: WH Foods | carrot (raw) |
| Folic Acid Source: WH Foods | broccoli |
| d-Calcium Pantothenate (B5) Source: WH Foods | yellow corn, broccoli, squash |
| Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) Source: RX List | whole-grain wheat |
| Calcium Source: WH Foods | cheese, broccoli, cabbage, squash, garlic |
| Copper Source: WH Foods | squash, cheese, potato, garlic |
| Iodine Source: WH Foods | cheese |
| Iron Source: WH Foods | cheese, broccoli, squash, beef |
| Magnesium Source: WH Foods | cheese, squash, broccoli, whole grain wheat, cabbage |
| Manganese Source: WH Foods | garlic, squash, whole grain wheat, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, yellow corn |
| Phosphorus Source: WH Foods | cheese |
| Potassium Source: WH Foods | broccoli, squash, carrots, cabbage, potato |
| Zinc Source: WH Foods | beef, squash, broccoli |
This nutritional framework ensures my German Shepherds receive the essential nutrients for optimal health. Over the years, I’ve also incorporated specific supplements with remarkable results. For further insights into beneficial nutritional supplements that go beyond standard food, explore our Dog Health page. These targeted supplements can be invaluable additions to creating the best food for a German Shepherd.
Embracing Raw Feeding: The Next Level in German Shepherd Nutrition
Having witnessed the positive impact of this dietary approach for years, and continuously seeking to optimize my dogs’ health, I transitioned my German Shepherds to a raw food diet starting in August 2016. My inspiration stemmed from observing the vitality of another German Shepherd who was part of our family for several years. Despite a spinal injury sustained before his rescue at age seven, and subsequent surgery, Neko thrived until the age of eleven. Neko was the first dog I transitioned to a raw diet.
Initially, I opted for a commercial raw food formulated for German Shepherds, although not specifically breed-tailored. Neko’s remarkable response convinced me of the superiority of raw feeding. However, I was committed to maintaining the precise nutritional balance I had achieved with the cooked diet. My goal was to recreate the best food for a German Shepherd in a raw food format, preserving its nutritional integrity.
Crafting a Breed-Specific Raw Food Recipe
Over four meticulous weeks, I embarked on a detailed analysis of the nutritional profile of my cooked, breed-specific German Shepherd recipe. My aim was to replicate this exact profile in a raw food version. My spreadsheets were quite extensive! I utilized the book “Unlocking the Ancestral Diet” as a guide to translate “The Best Diet for a German Shepherd” into a raw food format. It’s worth noting that Mr. Cusick initially expressed reservations about raw feeding, primarily due to concerns about meat quality and safety – valid points that need careful consideration.
Neko, already accustomed to raw food, seamlessly transitioned to the new recipe. Within two weeks, Sylvester and all my other German Shepherds were also enjoying the new raw food. The results have been outstanding. This raw food approach truly represents the best food for German Shepherds in my experience.
Addressing Raw Food Safety Concerns
A common concern surrounding raw feeding is the potential for bacterial contamination, such as e-Coli, salmonella, and Campylobacter. While it’s true that dogs can contract illness from these bacteria, the risk is minimal when dogs are consistently fed a raw diet. Naturally, dogs are scavengers, biologically equipped to handle foods that would be hazardous to humans. Their natural diet includes carrion, buried meat, and other less-than-sterile items. In wild dogs, stomach acidity (pH) is remarkably low, around 2.0 – highly acidic. A dog with a stomach pH of 2.0 can effectively neutralize and eliminate bacteria like salmonella. This robust stomach acid acts as a powerful defense mechanism. However, dogs fed commercial kibble or cooked diets do not maintain this level of stomach acidity and therefore lack this natural protection.
Fortunately, within approximately two weeks of transitioning to a raw diet, a dog’s stomach acid reverts to its naturally acidic pH of 2.0, restoring their inherent protection against harmful bacteria in their food. In my six years of raw feeding, I have never encountered any issues related to bacterial contamination. For a more detailed scientific perspective, the veterinary article “Gastric Acidity, Digesting Bones, Gut Transit Time, and Salmonella” provides valuable insights.
Regarding meat quality, sourcing from a reputable meat farm is crucial. Harmony Farms, a local supplier for me, provides all the meat for my dogs. They deliver to my freezer bi-monthly. I have consistently been impressed with the quality of their meat, which is free from growth hormones and antibiotics – a critical factor when formulating the best food for a German Shepherd.
Since 2020, I have made my raw version of the Best Food for a German Shepherd recipe available for purchase for those seeking a convenient, breed-specific raw feeding solution.
A bowl of raw meat, representing a biologically appropriate and nutritious food option for German Shepherds.
Category: Health & Nutrition
Tags: animal welfare, breed nutrition, dog care, dog food, dog health, dog nutrition, dog welfare, dog well-being, german shepherd, shepherd nutrition
