Jeffrey Salazar
German Shepherds are energetic, curious, large, athletic, and intelligent dogs that require plenty of attention and exercise to stay healthy and happy. To fuel their active lifestyle, they need a nutritious diet that's high in protein and animal-derived ingredients. While a raw diet may not be suitable for every German Shepherd, many owners prefer it over traditional commercial dog food. Raw food can provide a range of health benefits, such as improved dental health, joint health, and allergy relief. It also contains fewer carbohydrates, helping to keep your dog's teeth cleaner for longer. When transitioning your German Shepherd to a raw diet, it's important to introduce different types of raw meat, such as beef, poultry, and fish, gradually and maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Additionally, supplements can be added to ensure your dog receives a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protein amount | 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight |
| Ingredients | Muscle meat, organ, and bone |
| Muscle meat percentage | 80% |
| Organ percentage | 10% (liver, brain, pancreas, kidney, spleen) |
| Bone percentage | 10% (edible raw poultry bones) |
| Feeding amount | 2-3% of the dog's ideal target weight |
| Food sources | Grocery stores, butchers, local farmers, restaurant supply companies |
| Recommended food brand | We Feed Raw |
| Additional ingredients | Raw eggs, coconut oil, calcium iodate, niacin |
| Benefits | Improved skin, teeth, eyes, ears, joint health, allergy relief, dental health |
| Considerations | Expense, availability, dog's preference, parasite risk, shots and vaccinations |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended protein sources
German Shepherds, or GSDs, are large, athletic, and intelligent dogs that require plenty of attention, exercise, and a nutritious diet to keep them healthy and happy. A raw diet is a popular choice for GSD owners, as it can provide numerous health benefits.
When it comes to recommended protein sources for a raw diet, there are several options available. Here are some guidelines and suggestions:
Prey Model Raw Diet (PMR): This diet mimics the nutritional composition of a prey animal, including its meat, organ, and bone content. The PMR diet typically consists of 80% muscle meat (including heart), 10% organ meat (such as liver, brain, pancreas, kidney, and spleen), and 10% edible bone. Chicken necks, backs, and quarters are inexpensive sources of raw poultry bones, which are essential for this diet. You can also feed your GSD raw chicken, which is a good starting point when transitioning to a raw diet.
Other Meat Sources: GSDs can thrive on a variety of animal proteins, including beef, turkey, pork, salmon, venison, duck, and lamb. When choosing the type of raw meat, consider your dog's preference, price, and availability. For example, pork necks are a good source of edible bone, while certain cuts of beef, such as sirloin tri-tip roast and top chuck roast, are inexpensive and lean.
Eggs: Raw eggs are a great addition to your GSD's diet, providing a good source of protein. It is important to remove the eggs from their shells to ensure your dog can fully benefit from them.
Commercial Raw Food: Commercial raw dog food brands, such as We Feed Raw, offer convenient options that are formulated specifically for dogs. These recipes typically contain nearly 100% animal protein and include a blend of vitamins and minerals. They also often feature ingredients like calcium iodate and niacin, which can support your GSD's overall health and wellbeing.
It is important to note that the recommended protein intake for GSDs is approximately 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight. For example, a 74-pound GSD would require about 74 grams of protein per day.
When introducing a raw diet, it is normal to feel nervous, but it is important to exercise common sense and gradually transition your GSD to their new diet. Always consult with a trusted veterinarian to ensure that your dog's nutritional needs are being met and to address any specific concerns or health considerations.
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Benefits of a raw diet
While a raw diet may not be suitable for every German Shepherd, some owners prefer to feed their dogs raw food instead of commercial dog foods. This is because raw food can provide several benefits for German Shepherds.
Joint Health
German Shepherds are prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, especially as they get older. A raw diet may help reduce the risk of developing these degenerative bone and joint conditions, leading to improved joint health.
Allergy Relief
Some German Shepherds are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies that cause itching and inflammation. A raw diet may help alleviate these symptoms by providing allergy relief and keeping the dog's skin hydrated and nourished.
Dental Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to dental disease, especially if they consume dog food high in starch and carbohydrates. A raw diet is naturally lower in carbs and can help keep their teeth cleaner for longer, thus promoting better dental health.
Improved Digestion
Some German Shepherd owners have observed that their dogs experience improved digestion on a raw diet. This may be due to the higher protein content and the absence of processed ingredients, which can be difficult for some dogs to tolerate.
It is important to note that while a raw diet may offer potential benefits, it also carries risks. Raw diets have been associated with bacterial contamination and foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. It is crucial to consult a veterinarian and carefully consider the risks and benefits before making any significant dietary changes for your German Shepherd.
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Pre-made raw food options
Chicken necks and backs, chicken quarters and livers, and whole chickens are very inexpensive options. You can also buy chicken quarters, thighs, legs, and necks with the skin on, but trim the fat if your dog isn't active or is overweight. Raw poultry bones are likely to be your primary source of bone. Pork is also a cheap option, but certain parts like pork bellies are very fatty. Pork necks contain a lot of edible bone.
There are many inexpensive cuts of beef that are suitable for dogs, including sirloin tri-tip roast, top chuck roast, first cut chuck roast, top blade roast, bottom round roast, chuck shoulder roast, and bottom round rump roast.
Rocky Kanaka recommends the brand We Feed Raw, which features recipes made from nearly 100% animal protein and include a specialized blend of vitamins and minerals. Their recipes also contain two very important ingredients for German Shepherds: calcium iodate and niacin. We Feed Raw carries six varieties of high-quality raw pet food, including beef, chicken, venison, and duck.
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Raw food preparation and storage
The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet is a popular choice for GSD owners. This diet mimics the contents of a prey animal and includes meat, organs, and bones. The PMR diet typically consists of 80% muscle meat (including the heart), 10% organ meat (liver, brain, pancreas, kidney, spleen), and 10% edible bone. It is important to start slowly when introducing a new diet, especially if you are switching from kibble to raw. Begin by feeding 2-3% of your dog's ideal target weight and adjust as needed.
When it comes to sourcing food for your GSD's raw diet, you can buy in bulk at grocery stores, local butchers, or directly from farmers. Look for inexpensive options like chicken necks, backs, and quarters, as well as pork necks and inexpensive cuts of beef. Raw poultry bones are a great source of bone for your dog. Make sure to avoid chicken with added salt solution and trim the fat if your dog is inactive or overweight.
Storage is an important consideration when feeding your GSD a raw diet. Invest in a deep freezer to store large quantities of meat and take advantage of good deals. You can also buy a separate deep freezer specifically for raw dog food storage.
Preparing raw food for your GSD is a simple process. Start by choosing the type of raw meat your dog prefers, considering factors such as price and availability. Remove eggs from their shells before feeding them to your dog to ensure they get the full benefit. You can also add raw vegetables, fruits, and herbs to your dog's diet, as well as supplements like coconut oil and cod liver oil. Always introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dog's weight and health to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition.
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Transitioning to a raw diet
Transitioning your German Shepherd to a raw diet can be a great way to ensure their optimal health and well-being. Here are some detailed instructions for making the change:
Consult a veterinarian:
Before making any drastic dietary changes, it is always a good idea to consult a veterinarian, especially if your dog has any health issues. They can advise you on whether a raw diet is suitable for your dog's specific needs and recommend the best approach for transitioning.
Start with a small amount:
When first introducing raw food, start with a small amount to gauge your dog's reaction. You can begin by adding raw meat to their current diet and gradually increasing the proportion of raw food over time.
Choose appropriate raw foods:
Select a variety of animal proteins such as beef, chicken, turkey, pork, salmon, venison, duck, or lamb. The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet is a popular choice for dogs, consisting of 80% muscle meat (including heart), 10% organ meat (liver, brain, pancreas, kidney, spleen), and 10% edible bone. Raw eggs are also a great addition, providing essential amino acids and nutrients.
Adjust portions based on activity level:
Monitor your dog's weight and adjust their portions accordingly. Start by feeding 2-3% of their ideal target weight, and increase the amount if they are very active and still losing weight.
Source your ingredients wisely:
Raw diets can be expensive, so consider buying in bulk from grocery stores, butchers, local farmers, or restaurant supply companies. Look for inexpensive options like chicken necks, backs, and quarters, as well as pork necks and certain cuts of beef.
Be mindful of potential risks:
While raw diets can provide numerous benefits, they also carry risks if not executed properly. Some people believe that raw diets are not natural for dogs because wild dogs would have consumed freshly killed prey, whereas today's raw foods may need to be cooked to eliminate harmful bacteria. Always ensure you are sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients and storing them properly.
Remember, every dog is unique, and it is important to tailor the diet to your German Shepherd's specific needs and preferences. Observe their reactions and adjust the diet accordingly under the guidance of a veterinarian.
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Frequently asked questions
A raw diet can help keep your GSD's teeth clean, improve skin health, and reduce the risk of developing degenerative bone and joint conditions.
A Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet consists of 80% muscle meat (including heart), 10% organ (liver, brain, pancreas, kidney, spleen), and 10% edible bone. Chicken, beef, and pork are good options, but be sure to trim the fat if your dog is inactive or overweight.
Start by feeding 2-3% of your dog's ideal target weight and adjust as needed. The amount of protein fed should be approximately 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight.
It is normal to be nervous when switching from kibble to raw, but common sense will help guide you. Start by gradually introducing raw food, such as raw chicken, and slowly transition to a fully raw diet over a couple of weeks.
You can buy meat in bulk at grocery stores, local butchers, or farmers, or look for pre-made raw diets at pet stores or in the freezer aisles of grocery stores.
