Nutritional Superiority Unveiling the Best Raw Food Options

German Shepherd Raw Food Diet Guide: Best Recipes, Benefits & More

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

This is the ultimate guide to learning all about the raw diet for German Shepherds. If you are reading this, you have probably realized kibble isnt the healthiest option for your GSD. All those nasty preservatives, additives, and highly processed ingredients can cause health issues in dogs, so what are you supposed to feed your GSD?Enters raw dog food.

Raw feeding German Shepherds (dogs in general) is becoming more popular due to the many health benefits of raw food. But does this diet live up to the hype? Today, we dig into the best raw food diet for German Shepherds, including risks, benefits, recipes, breed-specific advice, and everything in between, so you can confidently cook a balanced homemade raw diet for your GSD. Lets dive right in!

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Nutrition, Benefits & RisksJump to:Recipes & Cooking

What Is A German Shepherd Raw Dog Food Diet?

The raw dog diet, also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is designed to mimic a dogs ancestral diet, drawing on the canines carnivorous and primal instincts. All ingredients in BARF diet recipes are uncooked to preserve enzyme content, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. There are three types of raw dog diets: frozen, freeze-dried, and homemade. The BARF diet reflects what dogs consumed in the wild millions of years ago and typically consists of the following ingredients:

• Raw meat protein
• Bones, either whole or ground
• Organ meats (i.e., livers and kidneys)
• Raweggs
• Dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables
• Some dairy, such as yogurt.

A variation of the BARF recipe is known as theprey modelraw (PMR) food. The prey model excludes fruits, dairy, and vegetables.

Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Meat?

German Shepherds can thrive on a raw meat diet. Genetic and anatomical research shows dogs have noticeable carnivorous traits that allow them to digest raw meat protein more quickly while killing potential bacteria in decaying meat. Dogs also have a remarkable omnivorous capacity but areoptimized for eating meat. Read our Can dogs eat raw meat? article to learn all the research that supports German Shepherd raw meat consumption.

German Shepherd Raw Diet Benefits

Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian, pioneer, and top advocate of raw feeding dogs, mentions raw food has several positive effects on canine health, including:

• Shinner coat
• Improved skin health
• More energy
• Lean, strong muscles
• Smaller, firmer stools
• Improved dental health
• Stronger immune system
• Lower risk for allergies
• Improved digestion
• Increased agility
• Bright eyes
• Faster nutrient absorption
• Weight management

Why Feed A Raw Food Diet to German Shepherds

Increased lifespanThe most extensive study on raw-feeding dogs concluded that a raw diet could add as much as32 months (almost three years) to a dogs life.^[1]Dr. Peter Dobias, who has 30 years of veterinary experience and has advocated for raw pet diets since 1995, says, A raw diet will increase a dogs lifespan by 25 percent. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound.^[2]Balanced without supplementationA study showed its possible to make balanced raw dog food that meets the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelineswithout additional synthetic supplementation.^[4]Sick dogs got better after switching to a BARF diet632 owners reported that their dogs, suffering from skin-related problems, gastrointestinal issues, eye-related problems, urinary tract issues, and various other diseases, experienced significant recovery from these conditions after switching to a raw dog food diet.^[6]Cancer preventionWhen it comes tocancer, raw dog food removes the highly processed food from the equation, which is often linked tocancer issues in dogs. Food processing has been shown to cause free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals to be released. With raw recipes, you no longer have to worry about oxidative stress due to processed food.^[9],[10] There is also evidence that raw food decreases the odds of neoplasia development (abnormal growth of cells, cancer) when provided at a young age.^[11]Easy digestionHomemade raw dog food is easier to digest than those hard-kibble mystery balls. Feeding your German Shepherd freshly made food puts less stress on their digestive system and liver, reducing the likelihood ofbloating or other digestive issues.Deemed healthyA study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that 98.7% (where 16.2% of 98.7% feed bones or raw food to their dogs) deemed their pet healthy.^[3]Health beneficialLisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, attributes the benefits of a raw dog food diet, such as ashinier coat,to the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Furthermore, For most animals,[raw diets] are more beneficial than processed foods, says Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, of the Beaver Animal Clinic in Beaver, PA^.[5]Fewer allergies and skin problems A study revealed that dogs fed a raw diet during puppyhood showed significantly less allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in adulthood.^[7] Feeding raw bones and cartilageto puppies has been associated with less chronic enteropathy (CE) in later life.^[8]Hip dysplasiaBARF diet showed a protective effect against canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and even if only a part of the German Shepherds diet is raw food, it could still help protect puppies from CHD.^[12]Avoid unsafe commercial dog foods BARF dog food recipes ensure your dog always eatsfresh, wholesome, and chemical-free foods without additives, fillers, high-glycemic carbs, or colorants commonly found in kibble. Excellent taste, smell & varietyDogs love the taste, smell, texture and variety of fresh ingredients.

German Shepherd Raw FoodRisks

Contamination

Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with harmful pathogens (i.e., Salmonella, E. coli) that can sicken you and your pet.

Choking

Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.

Unbalanced

Cooking nutritionally unbalanced raw food recipes can lead to malnutrition, obesity and other health issues.

Raw allergies

Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. An at-home dog allergy test can help you pick ingredients that wont trigger allergies.

How to Reduce Raw Dog Food Risks

• Washing. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients thoroughly.
• Sourcing. Purchase human-grade, ethically sourced raw ingredients from reputable grocery stores or butchers known for high sanitary standards.
• Raw bones. Feed only small or ground bones, avoid large or heavy ones, and never provide cooked bones as they can splinter when chewed. Remove any bones that may splinter, though this may become unnecessary as your German Shepherd grows accustomed to eating raw bones.
• Freeze meats for at least 2 to 3 weeks to kill any parasites. Research found that Salmonella is highly sensitive to freezing and showed survival of 1% or less after 48 hours. E. coli proved less sensitive, showing a survival rate ranging from 10% to 30% during the first week of storage. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae.^[13]

Always work with your vet before changing your German Shepherds diet.

You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dogs dietary needs.

How to Make A Balanced Raw Diet For German Shepherds

A German Shepherds raw diet should consist of 70%uncooked muscle meat, 10%raw edible bone, 10%vegetables and fruit, 5%liver, and 5%other organs. It must also include the six essential nutrients for a dogs proper growth, body function, and health. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fats, and water. Its also important to consider your pups weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

German Shepherd Raw Diet Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

Proteins

Protein plays a vital role in your dogs diet, providing essential amino acids necessary for bodily processes, including the creation of blood glucose for energy. Protein also helps build and repair muscles and other body tissues. Its needed to make new skin cells and grow hair, hormones, and enzymes. The proteins in your dogs diet must have a balanced amino acid profile and are provided in appropriate amounts.

Protein dietary recommendations for a German Shepherd raw homemade diet:

• Adult dog. 18% dry matter protein (45.0g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
• Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating dog. 22.5% dry matter protein (56.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).

Raw protein sources for raw German Shepherd homemade recipes include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Turkey
• Lamb
• Salmon
• Pork
• Eggs

Carbohydrates

Dogs need energy for daily activities, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise. This energy, measured in calories, comes from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Omnivorous animals, including dogs, derive some energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply glucose needed by the brain, nervous system, and other critical organs for normal function in dogs. You can use our dogcaloriecalculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.

Energy dietary recommendations for German Shepherd raw homemade food based on life stage, weight and activity level.

Type of Dog	10 lb	50 lb	70 lb	90 lb
Puppies	990
Inactive Dog		989	1,272	1,540
Adult Active Dog		1,353	1,740	2,100
Pregnant Dog		1,940	2,570	3,170
Young Active Dog		1,451	1,876	2,264
Senior Active Dog		1,093	1,407	1,700

Carbohydrate sources for German Shepherd raw dog food recipes include:

• Oats
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Sweet potatoes
• Whole wheat
• Pumpkin

Fats

Fats play a multifaceted role in a dogs diet. They are a dense energy source, provide essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, enable absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, improve food palatability, offer insulation and organ protection, support reproductive health, are critical for nervous system function, and serve as a reserve for energy storage.

Fat dietary recommendations for German Shepherd raw homemade dog food:

• Adult Dog. 5.5% dry matter fat (13.8g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
• Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Dog. 8.5% dry matter fat (21.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).

Fat sources for German Shepherd raw dog food recipes include:

• Meats fats
• Fish oils
• Olive
• Egg yolk
• Sunflower oil
• Canola oils

Minerals

Minerals in a dogs diet are indispensable for bone and dental health, nerve function, enzymatic reactions, fluid balance, oxygen transport, and maintaining the bodys pH level, making them essential for overall health and metabolic processes. Proper mineral balance is crucial and should be carefully managed to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

These 12 minerals are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Iodine
• Chlorine
• Iron
• Copper
• Selenium
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Phosphorus

Mineral sources for homemade German Shepherd raw food include:

• Spleen (Iron)
• Raw bones (Calcium)
• Eggshells
• Pancreas and thymus (Selenium and phosphorus)
• Stomach tripe (Zinc)
• Trachea (Glucosamine and chondroitin)
• Reproductive organs (Testicles & uterus)
• Sweet potatoes and pumpkin (Magnesium)
• Nuts and legumes (Copper)
• Bananas and carrots (Potassium)
• Seaweed (Iodine)
• Celery (Manganese)

Vitamins

Vitamins in a dogs diet are integral for maintaining overall health and bodily functions. They support vision, immune health, aid in energy metabolism and nervous system function, provide antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation, prevent diseases and ailments and more. Dogs require vitamins, but only in small amounts, and excessive doses of certain vitamins, like vitamin D, can harm them.

These 12 vitamins are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:

• Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, E & K
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Folic Acid
• Pantothenic Acid
• Choline

Vitamin sources for raw German Shepherd recipes include:

• Liver (Vitamins A, D, and B)
• Lungs (Vitamin B)
• Kidney (Vitamins A, D, and E)
• Brain
• Eyeballs
• Heart (Vitamin B12 and niacin)
• Sweet potatoes and spinach (Vitamin A)
• Broccoli (Vitamin C)
• Kale and parsley (Vitamin K)
• Squash (Vitamin E)
• Apples, cranberries, and blueberries

Water

Water is vital in a dogs diet to maintain hydration, support body functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, ensure proper organ function, and facilitate metabolic processes. Continuous access to clean water is as crucial as providing nutritious food for overall health and well-being. Generally, dogs should drink 2 to 3 times the amount of their dry food intake daily. However, dogs can naturally regulate their daily water consumption if water is readily available from various sources.

*If feeding the Prey model, this method typically consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs (half of which is liver.). No fruits or veggies.

Source: We compiled the data for the table above by referencing the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines and the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs Report by the National Research Council (NRC). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes the information from these reports to regulate and ensure the safety of pet foods.

Best Raw Dog Food For German Shepherds

We Feed Raw

Who Its For: The perfect raw dog food recipe for your German Shepherd if you dont have time to cook or cannot balance nutrients to provide a balanced diet.

Are you confused about preparing a balanced dog raw meat diet for your German Shepherd? Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? Dont know where to start? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, a homemade raw dog food delivery service is the best way to let your German Shepherd reap the benefits of eating raw.

We Feed Raw is one of our favorite choices and offers the best BARF diet recipes for German Shepherds available on the market. This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. Plus, its supplemented with four other key ingredients. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of aveterinary nutritionistto meet the nutritional guidelines AAFCO sets.

Our readers get 25% offtheir first order with the code CB25. Use Canine Bibles link to get started.

Recipes, Cooking Tips & MoreJump to: Benefits & Nutrition

Raw Dog Food Recipes For German Shepherds

Here are our favorite German Shepherd raw dog food recipes. Weve also included a special treat recipe for your German Shepherd, enriched with the health benefits of our favorite ingredient, dog CBD oil. CBD oil might help with issues like seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, and overall wellness.

Note:Consult your vet before adjusting your dogs diet. The recipes below dont specify serving sizes since they depend on your dogs breed, weight, age, activity, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount youd give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.

Wholesome Raw Feast

Wholesome Raw Feast for German Shepherds

This recipe is tailored specifically for the nutritional needs of German Shepherds, focusing on raw, dog-safe ingredients. It's a wholesome blend of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. This meal provides a balanced diet, replicating what they might eat in the wild while ensuring domesticated safety and satisfaction.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

• Chop Carrots and Blueberries: Finely chop the carrots and blueberries to ensure easy digestion.

• Mix Protein Sources: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef and chicken liver thoroughly.

• Combine All Ingredients: Add the chopped carrots, blueberries, spinach, ground flaxseed, and mix.

• Add Eggs and Fish Oil: Incorporate the whole eggs (with crushed shells for calcium) and fish oil into the mixture.

• Serve Fresh: Portion the food according to your dog's dietary needs.

Keyword german shepherd raw diet recipe

Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treats

Treat your German Shepherd with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD treats. They are made with bananas, a great source ofessential vitamins and minerals(like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6). Banana also aids with digestion and energy. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps reduce allergic reactions.

Remember to consult your vet to ensure CBD is safe for your German Shepherd and that you are giving the correct dosage. Alternatively, you can buy commercially available CBD dog treatsso your pup can experience CBDs benefits without the cooking.

Ingredients

• 120 mg of the best CBD oil for dogs
• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup of coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• A pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. Oven preparation. Preheat oven to 350F and brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Banana preparation. Mash a ripe banana until smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain.
3. Dry ingredients. Blend gluten-free flour and oats in a medium-sized bowl.
4. Wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg until beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix well.
5. Combining ingredients. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until even. Drizzle in CBD oil, stirring again for even distribution.
6. Mold filling. Scoop portions of the mixture with a tablespoon and press firmly into the dog-treat baking mold.
7. Baking. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the treats are firm to the touch and slightly golden.
8. Cooling and storage. Let the treats cool before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

Beefy Bark Gourmet Patties

This raw meat food recipe for German Shepherds is among our favorites. Easy to digest and packed with all the essential nutrients German Shepherds need.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbsof ground beef
• 4 ozchicken livers
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 1 small apple, cored
• 2 whole eggs (including shell)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbspolive oil
• 1 tbspground flaxseed

Directions

1. Prepare the veggie and fruit mix: Place the carrot, apple, and spinach in a food processor. Process until the mixture is finely chopped.
2. Create the liver blend: Add the chicken livers to the food processor with the veggie and fruit mix. Process until fully mixed.
3. Combine with wet ingredients: Transfer the liver and veggie mixture to a large bowl. Add and combine the reaming ingredients, whole eggs (with shells), plain yogurt, ground flaxseed, and olive oil.
4. Add the beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Use a large spoon to mix everything until the beef is evenly distributed.
5. Form the patties: Scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into palm-sized patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Freeze for storage: Transfer patties to a storage container to keep them frozen.
7. Serving: The night before you wish to feed, remove the patties from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw.

Wholesome Chicken and Heart Harmony Blend

If you want to make a simple recipe that can last you well beyond a week, or perhaps you have more than one dog at home, this recipe will make 11 pounds of raw food, which is 6-7 days worth of food for a 50-pound dog, or two smaller dogs.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken heart
• 1 pound beef liver
• 5 pounds 95% lean ground turkey
• 7 pastured eggs without shells (only 3 yolks)
• 8 ounces of Swiss chard
• 8 ounces (2 stalks) of broccoli
• 8 ounces (4 chopped cups) of dandelion greens
• 12 ounces (2 small clamshell packages) of blueberries or mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries)
• 6 tbsps bone meal (seaweed calcium can be used for adult dogs)
• 3 tbsps of ground pumpkin seed powder
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon spirulina

Directions

1. Prepare the proteins: If you have a grinder, grind the chicken hearts and beef liver together until well combined. If you dont have a grinder, chop the heart and liver into small, bite-sized cubes.
2. Egg preparation: Crack 7 eggs, keeping only 3 yolks. You can either whisk them lightly in a bowl or keep them whole to be blended with the vegetables.
3. Vegetable and berry puree: Chop the Swiss chard, broccoli, and dandelion greens and place them into the food processor along with the blueberries or mixed berries. Add the eggs (with three yolks), bone meal (or seaweed calcium), pumpkin seed powder, sea salt, and spirulina. Puree the mixture until its smooth and the ingredients are well integrated.
4. Mix everything together: Start with the lean ground turkey in a large bowl. Add in the ground or chopped chicken hearts and beef liver. Gradually stir in the veggie and berry puree.
5. Serving and storage: Place the mixture into smaller containers and place them in your freezer. Its best to freeze your food in 1-3 day portions.

Hearty Health Organ Patties

This German Shepherd homemade raw dog food recipe should be served as a tasty treat or various feed options once or twice a week. Make it with any excess organs. This recipe doesnt include bones and cartilage, so dont use it as a regular meal but as a raw treat, your pet can enjoy now and then.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces of beef hearts
• 4 ounces of kidneys
• 4 ounces of gizzards
• 4 ounces of lamb liver (replacing beef liver)
• 2 tablespoons of precooked leafy greens
• 1 raw egg

Directions

1. Prepare the organs: Chop the organs or use a food processor for a more uniform mince.
2. Prep the greens: Choose nutrient-rich leafy greens like spinach or kale. Ensure they are precooked, cooled, and finely chopped or processed to enhance digestibility.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine the minced organs and leafy greens in a large bowl. Crack the raw egg into the mixture, including the shells
4. Form patties: Form the mixture into palm-sized patties suitable for your dogs size and dietary needs.
5. Freezing and serving: Freeze the patties until youre ready to give them to your dog. Thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Chicken Delight with Garden Greens

This is another easy homemade raw dog food recipe for German Shepherd to add to their menu. It uses raw chicken with a veggie mix. Its full of nutrients and vitamins.

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds Chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 pound Chicken hearts and liver
• 1/2 pound Ground chicken bone
• 7 lightly boiled chicken eggs (only 3 yolks)
• 8 ounces Organic broccoli (rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients)
• 8 ounces of organic celery (a good source of dietary fiber and water)
• 8 ounces of organic spinach (high in vitamins and minerals)
• 8 ounces of organic carrots (rich in beta-carotene and fiber)
• 2 tbps of alfalfa meal

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Chop the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog. Clean the chicken hearts and liver, trim excess fat, and chop into small pieces.
2. Egg preparation: Lightly boil the eggs to reduce the risk of bacteria.
3. Vegetable prep: Chop the broccoli, celery, spinach, and carrots into small pieces, or use a food processor to puree for easier digestion.
4. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, organ meats, ground bone, chopped vegetables, and alfalfa meal.
5. Storing: You can serve one portion fresh immediately. Store the remaining food in airtight containers or freezer bags and place it in the freezer.

More Raw Food Recipes For German Shepherds

If you want more raw dog food recipes for your German Shepherd, cookbooks can be useful. Our favorite book for raw homemade dog food recipes is A Novices Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs.

How to Cook Homemade Raw Dog Food For German Shepherds (DIY Video)

Watch this video and learn to make your own German Shepherd raw dog food recipes.

Best Raw Dog Food Cooking Practices

• Understand your German Shepherds nutritional needs
• Do not use inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Ensure your dogs meal is balanced
• Do not use toxic ingredients
• Understand the impact of food and dietary changes
• Do not neglect your dogs health conditions
• Switch to raw gradually
• The diet must be based on your dogs life stage nutritional needs (puppies, adults or seniors)
• Liver and other organs might be slimy. Be cautious and cut into bite-size pieces to avoid choking
• Feed the leanest ground products possible
• Find a broader variety of cheaper organ meats by visiting your local Mexican, Asian, or farmers market. Alternatively, you can have frozen organ meats packed in ice and delivered directly to your door.

Before you dive into preparing a raw diet for your German Shepherd, you must equip yourself with the right knowledge and skills. Our article, Raw Dog Food for Beginners, is a must-read for anyone looking to make this important dietary transition.

Covering everything from cooking practices to safe handling, serving and more, this comprehensive guide ensures youre fully prepared to provide the best raw nutrition for your German Shepherd. Read our guide now to ensure you make informed, safe, and healthy choices for your beloved pet.

How Much Raw Food to Feed German Shepherds?

Generally, feed your dog about 2% to 4% of his ideal adult weight. Consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount.

German Shepherd Raw Dog Food Feeding Chart

To calculate your German Shepherds daily raw food intake, multiply his weight by the percentage below that best fits him.

• Weight maintenance: Feed 2% 2.5% of their current weight in pounds daily
• Active dogs (canine athletes, sport dogs, or highly active dogs): Feed 3% 4% of their current weight in pounds daily
• Senior, less active, or overweight dogs (weight loss): Feed 1.5% 2% of their current weight in pounds daily
• Underweight dogs (weight gain): Feed 3% 3.5% of their current weight in pounds daily

For instance, for a German Shepherd that weighs 80 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily.

Scenarios	Raw Food (lbs)
Weight maintenance	1.6 to 2 lbs
Active dogs	2.4 to 3.2 lbs
Senior, less active, or overweight dogs	1.2 to 1.6 lbs
Underweight dogs	2.4 to 2.8 lbs

Raw Diet For German Shepherd Puppy

A German Shepherd puppys dietary requirements differ from those of an adult German Shepherd. Compared to adult dogs, puppies require higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Inadequate or excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies, hindered growth, or lifelong health complications.

Feed puppies 15% bone and less than 20% fat to ensure enough nutrients and minerals. Raw food for puppies should also abide by AAFCO guidelines and include the six essential nutrients mentioned earlier.

• 6 weeks to 5 months puppies. 3-6 meals a day
• 6-12month puppies. 2-3 times a day
• Do not skip meals. Skipping meals is not advisable during your puppys growth and development
• Puppy feeding needs are unique. The science isntexact. Fine-tune their diet. If your puppy is getting chunky, cut back a smidge and vice versa.

How Much Raw Food Should German Shepherd Puppies Get?

German Shepherd puppies need more calories than adult German Shepherds and should eat about5% to 10%of their weight to support their growth.

German Shepherd Puppy Raw Feeding Chart

General raw feeding guidelines for puppies:

• Puppies 2 to 3 months: 8% to 10% of body weight daily
• Puppies 4 to 5 months: 6% to 8% of body weight daily
• Puppies 6 to 8 months: 4% to 6% of body weight daily
• Puppies 9 to 12 months: 3% to 4% of body weight daily

How to Transition Your German Shepherd to A Raw Dog Diet

Raw feeding your German Shepherd for the first time must be done progressively to allow his digestive tract to adjust and prevent stomach issues. Below is a general schedule for transitioning from kibble to a raw diet.

• Week 1:25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2:50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3:25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4:100% new food

Dont change your dogs food abruptly. It can cause anupset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Monitor your dogs health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to the new diet, you should go back a week in the transition plan and proceed slowly.

German Shepherd Raw Diet Cost

The average cost of traditional kibble is $1.97 per pound, while premium kibble is around $3.47 per pound.^[14] High-end raw commercial dog foods average $6.40 per pound, with cheaper raw options at $3.80 per pound. For reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists average prices per pound of beef, chicken, and turkey at $3.90, $1.50, and $1.28, respectively. Switching your German Shepherd to a homemade raw diet could be comparable or cheaper than kibble. Commercial raw meat foods are slightly more expensive than kibble, but the health benefits and convenience may be worth the extra cost. Check out our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for cost-saving tips.

Foods Your German Shepherd Should Never Eat

Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients German Shepherd need to avoid.

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

Here is the complete list oftoxic ingredients dogs should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Raw Food to Never Feed Dogs

Never feed a raw potato to your dog. Potatoescontain solanine, a toxic compound to somedogs, says the AKC. Raw tomatoes also have solanine. Cooking themreduces the levels of solanine, but its better to stay on the safe side by avoiding them. Dont feed salmonor salmonid species of fish. It can contain the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causessalmonpoisoning disease. This disease can be fatal. The small brittle bones can choke yourdogor lodge in his stomach or intestines. Boneless fish (especially oily fish) are allowed only once a week. Never give fish with sharp spines and barbs. No wild pork, bear meat, or meats from wild animals are allowed, not even after freezing. Wild meats contain more parasites than farm-raised meats.

German Shepherds That Shouldnt Eat Raw Dog Food

Raw diets are not suited for all dogs. Dogs withkidney or liver problems should avoid eating raw. Raw foods are generally high in protein; excess protein can stress these organs, worsening either condition. Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic medicine specialist who consults for Natures Variety (Instinct, a raw pet food brand), says that dogs on chemotherapy or immune-suppressing drugs should be restricted from eating raw food. For dogs suffering from pancreatitis or digestive problems, starting with a fresh dog food recipe diet before switching to raw is recommended.

Is A Raw Food Diet Good For German Shepherds?

Is raw food good for German Shepherds? Here is what supporters and veterinarians had to say.

German Shepherds Raw Diet Supplements

A balanced raw diet shouldnt require additional supplementation. However, poorly made raw diets by inexperienced dog parents, a dogs unique dietary needs, or health conditions may require additional supplementation to specific nutrients. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin likeZesty Paws Multivitamin Chewsensures your dog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Making balanced raw dog food recipes can be a tedious process. For more advice on BARF diet nutrition and benefits, check outGive Your Dog a Boneby Ian Billinghurst. This book is considered the Bible of healthy raw dog nutrition.

Monitor Weight And Health

A dogs weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., BARF diet). If your German Shepherds weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can confirm a smooth transition to your dogs new diet, among other health issues. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Fortunately, an at-home dog gut health test can provide insights into your dogs gut health. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your German Shepherd meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice.

Raw Diet For German Shepherds Conclusion & Alternatives

The health of your German Shepherd is important, and their diet plays a significant role. A raw food diet may be a good option for your GSD, but its essential to speak with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist first to determine if this diet is the best option for your dogs health. With the proper guidance from your veterinarian, switching your GSD to a raw meat diet should feel much less daunting. Remember, just because your German Shepherd gobbles raw food doesnt mean its right for all dogs. Each dog is different, and this diet may not be suitable due to raw food allergies, sensitivity, or other health concerns.

There are also alternative options, such as high-quality commercial dog foods. Ourguide to the best dog food for German Shepherdscan help you find the best options for this breed. Similarly,homemade meals for German Shepherdscan provide a well-balanced and healthy diet. Ultimately, the most important thing is to prioritize your dogs health and well-being when making dietary choices.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processand product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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