Common German Shepherd health problems
Here are the most common health issues you can experience with German Shepherds:
Mobility issues – Why is your dog limping?
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, causing the ball at the top of the thigh bone to fit badly into the socket of the hip. This causes instability in the joint, leading to a limp, pain, and eventually to arthritis. It impacts your German Shepherd’s mobility, and can result in lameness.
Treatments can include pain medication, weight management, physiotherapy, and severe cases may require surgery.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition and testing is available to ‘score’ parents hips before mating [1]. Please check this with your breeder when choosing a puppy. If you have any concerns about your dog, please speak to your vet who will examine them and may also X-ray them to check their hips before putting in place a suitable treatment plan.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia is usually a genetic condition, but other factors can influence it, such as how a puppy grows, its diet, and how much exercise they get while still growing.
Elbow Dysplasia means the elbow is developing abnormally, affecting how the joint’s bones fit and work together. There is a screening process for elbow dysplasia [2], but it’s not as commonly used as the hip dysplasia screening.
If your German Shepherd seems to be limping on one of both front legs, please speak to your vet, who may recommend an X-ray to help develop a treatment plan.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy (Canine Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy – CDRM) is an inherited condition that affects the nerves in the lower spine. It causes weakness leading to gradual paralysis of the hind legs causing the dog to drag his back legs. It also leads to incontinence (both faecal and urinary) and occasionally also affects the front legs.
Symptoms worsen over time, and while it isn’t a painful condition, in the later stages, it does lead to a greatly reduced quality of life. Most dogs with this condition will, sadly, completely lose control of their legs, bowel and bladder. Eventually, euthanasia can be the kindest option.
If you’re concerned about any symptoms your dog is displaying, please speak with your vet who will run some tests, including blood work and X-rays. Your vet should work with you to keep your dog as comfortable for as long as possible.
How raw food can support a German Shepherd with mobility issues
Introducing your German Shepherd puppy to a raw food diet as early as possible may help protect against hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Although these are usually genetic conditions, a 2014 study by Helsinki University suggested that feeding a diet of raw food and bone showed a protective effect against canine hip dysplasia [3].
If your German Shepherd has been diagnosed with any of these conditions then a species appropriate raw food diet provides natural glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen to support healthy joint structures. Higher omega-3 fatty acids content have a natural anti-inflammatory effect if optimised against a reduced ratio to omega 6 fatty acids found in plant oils.
A raw diet containing vegetables and berries also provides antioxidants, which help to neutralise the free radicals that can lead to cell damage.
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Get Your Personalised PlanDigestive or tummy issues
Bloat/GDV
Bloat or Gastric Dilation happens when the stomach fills with gas (or in some cases liquid) and becomes distended. In the majority of cases releasing gas relieves it, however, in some cases the stomach can become severely distended, which then puts pressure on the surrounding organs.
In severe cases, the condition can progress to Gastric Dilation with Volvulus (GDV) also known as gastric torsion. This is when the stomach flips between 90 and 360 degrees, and is a much more serious condition.
Flipping causes the entrance and exit to the stomach to be sealed, meaning that gas and liquid can no longer exit. GDV is a medical emergency and, if you suspect it in your dog, you should get them to a vet as a matter of urgency. While bloat often leads to GDV, some cases of GDV will occur without any bloat being noted.
Affected dogs may initially stand motionless or you may notice they go into the praying position (head down and bottom up), this isn’t to be confused with the “play bow” which would be the same accompanied with a waggy tail and happy barks! You may hear gurgling coming from their stomach which will feel very hard and make a hollow, drum like sound when tapped. As it progresses your dog may become restless, with excessive panting and salivating. They may also try, unsuccessfully, to vomit or poo.
If you suspect bloat in your dog, do not wait. Transport them to the vet immediately, calling on the way to let them know that you’re coming in with a suspected case of bloat.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Also known as EPI, this is a genetic disorder of the pancreas, which means the dog isn’t able to produce the normal amount of enzymes that it needs to digest and absorb the nutrients from its food. Evidence shows that German Shepherds do seem to be genetically prone to this condition [4].
Symptoms include excessive flatulence, increased appetite along with weight loss (although some dogs lose their appetite), and changes to the colour and consistency of their stools.
EPI is diagnosed with a blood test and most dogs make a full recovery, but will require their diet to be supplemented with pancreatic digestive enzymes and cobalamin (also known as Vitamin B12) [5].
How raw food can support a german shepherd with digestive issues
Raw food consists of high quality, highly digestible protein without ingredients that can cause inflammation. Dogs are natural carnivores and this means that their digestive systems are set up to digest raw meat. A raw diet is easier for them to digest and it’s also easier for them to absorb the nutrients from their food [6].
Food Allergies
German Shepherds can be prone to allergies and, more commonly, intolerances. These may be environmental like pollens, dander, dust mites, storage mites, perfume, fungal spores, and more. Or, they may be food intolerances.
Symptoms of allergies and intolerances can be varied and can include recurring ear infections, itchy skin, recurring anal gland issues, itchy paws, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea.
It can be difficult to determine what your dog is reacting to, and while allergy tests can provide a helpful starting point, they aren’t foolproof and are limited by what they test for. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from allergies, it can be helpful to start a daily diary noting their:
- Symptoms and how bad they are on a scale of one to ten
- What they ate, including any treats and extras
- Where your dog walked/played
- If you cleaned the house/washed bedding/bathed them and products used
- If they had a flea or worm treatment
This process will help you track changes in symptoms and spot potential patterns for environmental triggers and food intolerances.
If you suspect your dog has allergies, speak with a vet who will decide if allergy testing is appropriate and what treatment may be needed. Many owners of allergic dogs have had success working with a holistic vet, who will use a variety of both conventional and complementary treatments to deal with the root cause.
How raw food can support a dog with allergies
How raw food supports an individual dog with allergies and how long that takes will depend on what they’re reacting to. In the case of environmental allergies, a nutritious raw food diet can help them by supporting their immune system. An allergic reaction is a malfunctioning immune system, and a healthy immune system is less likely to overreact. However, for dogs with environmental allergies, a raw food diet may not be enough, and you should also, as far as possible, avoid known triggers and manage your dog’s symptoms.
As our food is frozen, it’s ideal for dogs with an allergy to storage mites, provided your dog isn’t also getting other types of food or treats that may contain storage mites.
In the case of food intolerances, depending on what your dog reacts to, you may see a positive response to switching to raw food. For example, we don’t use grains in our food so it can support a dog with an intolerance to grains. The beauty of raw food is that, with a bit of effort, it is possible to identify and avoid foods that your pet reacts.
Obesity
German Shepherds have a bit of a reputation for being foodie dogs, and their appetites can mean that they’re prone to gaining the pounds. An overweight dog is classed as clinically obese when their body condition is “5”.
Our vet, Dr. Brendan, explains more about Body Condition Score. As obesity has implications for a host of health conditions, from joint issues to diabetes, it’s important that German Shepherd owners are particularly aware of any potential weight gain and take steps to avoid it/reduce weight where needed.
How raw food can support a German Shepherd with obesity
Raw food consists of high-quality, highly digestible protein. Dogs are natural carnivores, and their digestive systems are set up to digest raw meat, making it easier for them to absorb the nutrients from their food.
If you think your dog is overweight, adjusting portion sizes and daily intake to suit the individual dog is simple when you’re raw feeding. Raw feeding enables you to feed either more or less as required. This is explained more in our guide You can read more about this in our “How Much Should My Dog Weigh?”.
Eye Issues
German Shepherds can suffer from a number of eye issues, including cataracts, pannus, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). As some of the eye conditions affecting German Shepherds are hereditary it’s important to speak with your breeder before selecting a puppy.
Ask about any family history, and ask to see the results of any genetic testing that has been carried out on the parents. A good breeder will have carried out all the recommended testing for the breed and will be happy to discuss the results with you.
Cataracts
Cataracts are among the most common causes of sight loss in German Shepherds and are more commonly seen in older dogs. You may notice cloudiness in the eye, which leads to blurred vision. There are various causes of cataracts, including old age, but they may also be caused by conditions such as diabetes and some hereditary conditions.
If you notice signs of cataracts in your dog’s eyes, it’s important to have your vet check them over. They will also check for eye conditions such as glaucoma, which can occur alongside cataracts.
While cataract surgery is available, it is expensive and may not be suitable for your German Shepherd. Often, treatment consists of learning to adapt to and supporting your dog’s reduced vision. Dogs don’t rely on their eyesight to the same extent that we do, and most are able to adjust and live a full life with limited sight.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This degenerative eye condition affects the photoreceptor cells in the eyes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually leading to blindness. The condition isn’t painful for your German Shepherd. However, you may notice that they appear to have trouble seeing things in low light, at night, and in bright conditions, and you may become aware that they’re bumping into things, especially in unfamiliar areas and when familiar objects have been moved.
It’s important that your vet checks your German Shepherd if you have any concerns about their sight. There is no cure, but your vet may recommend some vitamins and antioxidants to help reduce the stress on your dog’s lens.
Managing their condition by keeping them on lead in unfamiliar areas, using your voice to let them know when you’re close so as not to startle them, avoiding moving furniture as much as possible, and using a ‘halo collar (a flexible collar that extends round the head to avoid bumps) can help.
Pannus
Pannus, also known as chronic superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated condition usually found in middle-aged German Shepherds and German Shepherd crosses.
A raised pink lesion will appear on the corneal surface of the eye and may look like it’s spreading. It can affect one or both eyes at the same time. It isn’t painful but if it’s left untreated then it can lead to blindness.
Treatment can include topical eye drops or an injection under the conjunctiva layer of the eye. Sometimes, the vet will recommend sunglasses to provide extra protection. Treatment won’t cure the disease, but it can slow down its progression and reverse some of the changes.
How raw food can support a German Shepherd with an eye condition
As some of the eye conditions affecting German Shepherds are genetic, diet can only provide so much support if your dog is affected.
A raw diet doesn’t contain inflammatory ingredients, and reducing inflammation may be beneficial for some eye conditions. Easily digested and highly bioavailable vitamins are important for overall eye health, and they are found in abundance in raw food. Antioxidants, which are also important for eye health, are provided by the vegetables and berries in complete raw meals. Some of our raw food contains additional antioxidant-rich superfoods, such as spirulina.
Skin Problems
Anal Furunculosis
Anal furunculosis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the tissue surrounding the anus and sometimes the rectum too. The actual cause is unknown, but it seems to affect German shepherds more than other breeds of dogs.
Symptoms of this condition include difficulty and pain when trying to pass poo, a bad smell from the skin in this area, and pus-filled holes that seem to tunnel deep into the skin (fistula).
Treatment for this is usually immunosuppressant drugs, steroids, and sometimes surgery to flush out the areas to allow for healing.
Itchy skin
German Shepherds, like other dog breeds, can suffer from various skin problems, such as dryness, dandruff, itchiness, redness, hair loss, and “hot spots.” These can be caused by various factors, from environmental allergies to food intolerances.
These symptoms can also be caused by bacterial or yeast infections. German Shepherds have thick coats, which can make it difficult to see what may be going on. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to check with the vet for a diagnosis before making any dietary changes.
How raw food can help a German Shepherd with skin problems
How much raw food helps an individual dog with allergies and how long that takes will depend on what they’re reacting to. In the case of environmental allergies, a healthy raw food diet can help by supporting the immune system. However, for dogs with environmental allergies, a raw food diet may offer some support, but you should also avoid known triggers as far as possible.
A raw diet can make it easier to identify and eliminate any foods your German Shepherd might be intolerant to. This makes managing skin conditions caused by food intolerances easier. Raw food provides your dog with high-quality and easily digested nutrients, helping to contribute to their overall health and to support the immune system. It also reduces inflammation, all of which aid your dog in the fight against skin infections.
Genetic Abnormalities
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that affects approximately 1 in 130 dogs in the UK. Some dogs may only suffer from occasional seizures, while others may have seizures several times each day. Seizures are the result of sudden abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain and may affect the whole body or one specific area. The dog may or may not lose consciousness.
There are various causes of epilepsy in dogs, including genetic abnormalities, brain trauma, toxins, low blood sugar, and some infectious diseases. When no cause can be identified, your dog will be diagnosed with idiopathic or primary epilepsy, which is often genetic.
Some breeds may have a higher risk of developing epilepsy than others. German Shepherds are one of those more prone to the condition [7]. If your dog has a seizure, you should speak with your vet for a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
How raw food can support a German Shepherd with epilepsy
A raw food diet may support epileptic dogs as a natural diet lowers the carbohydrates (sugars) the dog is eating, which has been shown to help reduce seizure frequency. The Keto diet, which severely restricts carbohydrate intake, was initially developed to help control seizures in children [8].
Restricting carbohydrates while increasing medium-chain triglycerides may also support epileptic dogs [9] by changing the gut flora, resulting in parasympathetic dominance through the gut-brain axis. This is known to have a calming effect on brain activity.
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition in people but it’s never been diagnosed in dogs. There are other congenital or developmental conditions that dogs can have that may have similar symptoms but Down Syndrome itself has never been reported.
Pituitary Dwarfism
This is a very rare congenital growth hormone deficiency that seems to be caused by a gene mutation [10]. Dogs with this condition will be smaller than their littermates by the time they reach 2 to 3 months of age. They may have poor-quality coats, and most develop skin problems like scaling, bacterial infections, and hyperpigmentation.
Sadly, most of these dogs don’t live past 5 years old due to kidney disease and a generally poor quality of life.
Shortened Spine Syndrome
This very rare condition makes fully grown adult dogs look like they have a shortened body and no neck. It can cause some mobility issues, but most dogs with this condition live a normal lifespan.
There are thought to be less than 15 dogs worldwide that currently have this condition. One of these dogs is a German Shepherd rescue dog called Quasi.
How raw food can support Dwarfism and Short Spine Syndrome
As these conditions are congenital, so there’s very little that food can do to prevent or treat the conditions but a good quality, species appropriate raw diet will provide natural glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen to support healthy joint structures.
Higher omega-3 fatty acids content have a natural anti-inflammatory effect if optimised against a reduced ratio to omega 6 fatty acids found in plant oils. A raw diet containing vegetables and berries also provides antioxidants, which help to neutralise the free radicals that can lead to cell damage.
When to seek vet advice
Bella & Duke works proactively with the veterinary professions to support pet-centred wellness and recommend discussing any health concerns with your vet.
The best food and diet for German Shepherds
If you already have a German Shepherd, or are thinking of welcoming one into your family, you’ll want to know what the most nutritious food is for them. Here we explain it all.
The healthiest diet for German Shepherds
The best kind of diet for German Shepherds is both balanced and nutritious. It should also be adapted and changed to suit their requirements throughout their life.
Feeding a natural, healthy diet will make it easier for German Shepherds to maintain a suitable weight for the breed, thereby reducing the chances of your dog developing common health conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. Carrying excess weight often exacerbates these conditions.
The best food for German Shepherds in the UK
The best dog food for German Shepherds is free of unnecessary fillers. This refers to things such as glutens, grains or other additives that offer very little nutritional value. Some brands of dog food do contain these fillers, which can hinder a dog’s ability to absorb all nutrients from their food. A natural and raw diet supports maintenance, growth and health at all stages as it contains beneficial ingredients only.
A puppy’s dietary needs differ from adult dogs as well as senior dogs. This is why Bella+Duke have a range of meals best suited to support a puppy’s growth.
As they reach adulthood, dietary requirements change again, which is why it is recommended to swap from puppy meals to adult meals. Bella+Duke’s adult dog food is available in a wide range of different kinds and types.
Benefits of raw feeding German Shepherds
Raw feeding can be a great option for German Shepherds as the food is full of nutrients. A study by the University of Helsinki has indicated how raw feeding can help reduce the risk of your German Shepherd developing hip dysplasia.
It can also help keep potential hyperactivity under control as the breed is prone to this. Feeding a raw, natural diet that omits unnecessary additions such as fillers and sugars, can be a great way to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.
Raw feeding amount and cost calculator
A balanced and complete diet contributes to your best friend’s health and wellbeing, but how much raw food do they need? This table gives a guide to how much raw food a male German Shepherd needs each day based on age in months and weight.
| Age (months) | Weight range (kilos) | Raw food per day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 – 4 | 160g – 320g |
| 2 | 7 – 9 | 560g – 720g |
| 3 | 9 – 13 | 720g – 1040g |
| 4 | 15 – 18 | 1200g – 1440g |
| 5 | 18 – 22 | 810g – 990g |
| 6 | 22 – 25 | 990g – 1125g |
| 7 | 25 – 28 | 1125g – 1260g |
| 8 | 28 – 29 | 980g – 1015g |
| 9 | 29 – 32 | 1015g – 1120g |
| 10 | 29 – 33 | 1015g – 1155g |
| 11 | 32 – 34 | 1120g – 1190g |
| 12 | 32 – 35 | 1120g – 1225g |
If you’re interested in feeding your German Shepherd raw food. Use our puppy calculator and adult dog calculator to see how much they need.
Foods to avoid for German Shepherds
Like all breeds, there are certain foods you shouldn’t feed to your German Shepherd, because they are either toxic to them or they cause digestive issues.
Some of these foods are:
- Chocolate
- Foods containing xylitol (artificial sweeteners)
- Onions
- Large amounts of garlic
- Citrus fruits
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Grapes
- Grains (including buckwheat, brown rice, barley, bulgar, and oats)
References
- British Veterinary Association Hip Scheme https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/hip-scheme/
- British Veterinary Association Canine Health Schemes Elbow Dysplasia https://www.bva.co.uk/media/2791/chs-elbow-dysplasia-2019-v2-web-170419.pdf
- Influence of Nutrition at Young Age on Canine Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs by Helsinki University 2014 https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/e2cf2ac9-8b4f-434b-9009-77f1d11420f4
- “Two-thirds of cases were German shepherd dogs, in which EPI was found equally in males and females” A survey of the diagnosis and treatment of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1991.tb00903.x
- Role of Serum Folate and Vitamin B12 Concentrations in the Differentiation of Small Intestinal Abnormalities in the Dog https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528818324305
- The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-27866-z
- PDSA Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/epilepsy-in-dogs#:~:text=in%20many%20breeds.-,Breeds%20prone%20to%20idiopathic%20epilepsy,German%20Shepherd%20Dog
- Long Term Clinical Outcomes and Economic Evaluation of the Ketogenic Diet versus Care as Usual in Children and Adolescents with Intractable Epilepsy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28364726/?dopt=Abstract and Mechanisms of Action for the Medium Chain Triglyceride Ketogenic Diet in Neurological and Metabolic Disorders https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(17)30408-8/fulltext and Ketogenic Diet https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/treatment/ketogenic-diet
- Effect of a Ketogenic Multi Chain Triglyceride-Enriched Diet on the Fecal Microbiota in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: A Pilot Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10144861/
- A Contracted DNA Repeat in LHX3 Intron 5 Is Associated with Aberrant Splicing and Pituitary Dwarfism in German Shepherd Dogs https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0027940
- The Kennel Club Breed Watch https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/dog-showing/judging-dog-shows/breed-watch/#:~:text=Category%203%3A%20breeds%20where%20some,and%20group%20shows%20are%20required
- Demography and Disorders of German Shepherd Dogs Under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-017-0046-4
- Breed Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs https://downloads.hindawi.com/archive/2013/941275.pdf
- New Research Reveals Secrets of the Demographics and Disorders of the German Shepherd Dogs https://www.rvc.ac.uk/news-and-events/rvc-news/new-research-reveals-secrets-of-the-demographics-and-disorders-in-german-shepherd-dogs#:~:text=Female%20German%20Shepherd%20Dogs%20lived,lived%20pet%20is%20a%20priority.
FAQs
What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd?
You can expect a healthy German Shepherd will live until they are around 12 to 14 years old.
Are German Shepherds healthy dogs?
German Shepherds are not considered to be a particularly unhealthy breed, but they do belong to a group of breeds classed as “Category Three” by the Kennel Club, which is the highest category of health concerns due to the fact they are bred to look a certain way. [11].
What is the most common health issue in German Shepherds?
The health issues most commonly affecting German Shepherds are mobility problems, tummy upsets like vomiting and diarrhoea (for various reasons), allergies, itchy skin and hair loss, eye conditions, and epilepsy.
Why are German Shepherds prone to health problems?
German Shepherds are carefully bred to have certain characteristics, which puts them at a higher risk of certain health issues that cause symptoms like lameness, tummy problems, and eye conditions [11].
What is the most common cause of death in German Shepherds?
A paper published in 2017 showed the most common cause of death in German Shepherds in the UK was musculoskeletal and the inability to stand [12].
Are German Shepherds high risk dogs?
German Shepherds are at risk of developing certain illnesses, and it’s sensible for prospective new owners to research these thoroughly before deciding on the right breed of dog to bring into the family. Most reputable German Shepherd breeders will be aware of the risks and will screen their dogs for genetic conditions before breeding from them.
German Shepherds are considered to be high-risk dogs due to their tendency towards aggression and the size of their bites. A bite from one of these dogs can cause serious harm to a human.
How do I know if my German Shepherd is healthy?
Common signs that your German Shepherd is healthy are a shiny coat, bright eyes, happy demeanour, fresh breath, and healthy looking stools.
What cancers are German Shepherds prone to?
German Shepherds seem to be more prone to hemangiosarcoma (usually found in the spleen and liver of these dogs), lymphoma/leukaemia, and mammary tumours in unneutered females [13].
What are the symptoms of hemangiosarcoma in German Shepherds?
This type of cancer can appear in the skin but more commonly it’s found attached to the spleen or liver. A mass felt in the abdomen or under the skin would be one of the symptoms discovered before diagnosis. The dog may also be feeling lethargic, anorexic, have a distended abdomen and respiratory symptoms.
Do female German Shepherds live longer?
A recent study showed that female German Shepherds lived around 1.4 years longer than males [14].
At what age do German Shepherds hips go bad?
Some German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia and symptoms can present as early as a few months old.
What are the early signs of hip dysplasia in German Shepherds?
You may see a sway or a wobble when they walk, there can be pain and stiffness in the back legs, limping, difficulty going up and down stairs, or jumping onto the couch. If the pain is bad then their demeanour can change and they can get depressed or even show aggression.
Is 7 old for a German Shepherd?
7 years old is when a German Shepherd is heading into the start of their senior years.
How can I tell if my German Shepherd is in pain?
Signs of pain in a German Shepherd can be limping, crying/whining, barking, hiding, depression, lethargy, aggression, and a reduced appetite.
Should I feed my German Shepherd wet or dry food?
We think German Shepherds should be fed a balanced and nutritious diet that is adapted and changed to suit their requirements throughout their lives. Feeding a more natural diet, like good quality raw food (such as Bella & Duke), will help your dog maintain a suitable weight and can support them against developing hip dysplasia [3].
What should you not feed a German Shepherd?
Avoiding giving foods that are known as being toxic to dogs or those that they are allergic or intolerant to.
Is raw meat good for German Shepherds?
A balanced raw meat diet v a kibble diet has shown to have many benefits for German Shepherds.
What is the best raw food for German Shepherds?
The best raw food for a German Shepherd is a species and life stage appropriate, nutritionally complete raw food such as Bella & Duke.
Should I feed my German Shepherd raw eggs?
Raw eggs are full of nutritious goodness for your dog! The shell contains calcium while the egg membrane is a source of collage, chondroitin, and glucosamine. If your dog has never had eggs before you should start off with a small amount at a time just in case they may be allergic (this is more likely if they’re allergic to chicken or poultry).
Is it OK for German Shepherds to eat raw chicken?
Yes, raw chicken is rich in protein and relatively low in calories. Raw chicken needs to be prepared safely so if you’re buying it from a supermarket or butcher, pop it in the freezer for about 3 days. This is a precaution against any parasites that may be present. It also prevents bacterial growth. Meat from reputable sources is low risk for parasites, but it’s always better to be cautious.
What do German Shepherds like to eat?
German Shepherds can be foodies or sometimes they can be fussy with food! Most dogs will like beef, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, eggs and vegetables.
How can I bulk up my German Shepherd?
If your German Shepherd is underweight it’s a good idea to check with a vet in case there’s anything clinical going on to cause this. If all is fine, then your German Shepherd will need a high quality protein diet along with healthy fats and balanced vitamins and minerals.
How much raw food should a German Shepherd eat per day?
The average dog should be fed 2-3% of its body weight in raw food but this will depend on the weight, breed and how much exercise your dog gets. Use our pet food calculator to see what your German Shepherd needs.
Should I feed my German Shepherd once or twice a day?
There are no rules on how often you should feed your German Shepherd. When they’re puppies they do need smaller meals more often as their tummies are only very small but adult dogs can vary. Most adult dogs do better on 2 meals a day as this helps to balance out the energy they use but some dogs will prefer one bigger meal a day.
