German Shepherd Food

Over the years, indiscriminate breeding has led to GSDs developing several health issues from as early as one year to ten years. The breed is particularly known to suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. When the probability of the dog developing health issues is high, it is crucial that they are fed high-quality diets that are fortified with nutrients that can prevent, reduce, or delay the occurrence of such diseases. 

German Shepherd dog food is tailored to suit their sensitive stomachs and eating habits. In short, optimum nutrition is paramount in ensuring your GSD lives a healthy life. Since this breed requires you to focus a large amount of time and effort on nutrition, it is best to draw up a German Shepherd food chart with the help of a veterinarian. 

Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient required to build and repair tissues, enhance skin and coat health, maintain hormonal balance, and regenerate cells and enzymes. GSDs need dog food with over 30% of protein content, whether it is plant-based or animal-based. In order to determine the right type of protein for your German Shepherd's body, it is best to draw up a diet chart with your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist. Young pups, i.e. those below the age of 1, require more protein than adults because their bodies are still growing. Here, the best food for a GSD puppy is one that offers tailored, breed-specific nutrition for optimum growth and development of both the brain and body. Likewise, German Shepherds that are over 9 years old need to switch onto a senior dog diet with more protein to replace lost muscle mass due to ageing, 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are necessary sources of energy and brain activity for German Shepherds. However, the amount of carbohydrates your dog requires depends on his/her age, activity level, and possible allergens. An active GSD, i.e. one who receives more than 3-4  hours of daily exercise, requires more energy than dogs who receive anywhere between 2-3 hours of daily exercise. It is often believed that carbohydrates are the source of obesity in this breed - whilst that is partially true, obesity from carbohydrates stems from overfeeding and underexercising. A GSD that lives a sedentary lifestyle does not burn calories while sitting down after a walk, they only burn calories when they’re active through play, walks, swimming, and other forms of exercise. 

Fat

Fat in German Shepherd dog food is anywhere between 12 -18%. Healthy fats are often in the form of oils - fish oil, cod liver oil, olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and more. They help with cushioning organs, improving brain function, maintaining healthy skin and coat, decreasing allergies, and improving digestion. 

Vitamins & Minerals

Essential vitamins and minerals for your GSD are found in vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are essential minerals, likewise, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are essential vitamins - all of which are found in nutritious, balanced, and wholesome dog food. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper hormone function, strengthening of joints, maintaining skin health, and boosting the immune system. 

The more attention you pay to keeping your GSD healthy through a good diet and regular exercise, the more time you get to spend with them -  a win-win situation, really. Buy the best German Shepherd dog food in India at Petsy!