Considering the relatively-large size of an adult-age German Shepherd, it may be surprising to learn that this breed of dog is not intended to be a big eater, and will generally do well with one meal per day plus a dog biscuit at a different time of the day. Not only is it unhealthy for your dog to become overweight, he could also become sluggish and inactive, which is contrary to the nature of this breed which is at its best when at optimum health and peak performance. In addition, overeating-- especially a puppy which is prone to gobbling food-- can result in vomiting. It is in his best interest to keep him on a good, consistent diet, and this will also help to avoid the numerous health problems that are related to poor or improper nutrition.
While it is recommended that you feed your dog fresh foods and supplements, if possible, it may be necessary to utilize commercially-made dog foods. If this is necessary, it is preferable to give him dry dog chow with fresh meat added. If you begin this feeding routine when your German Shepherd is a small puppy, switching over to an adult formula of the dry food when he is four months of age will help him to develop sturdier joints by slowing his growth. You may notice that your puppy appears a bit thin, but allowing him to be so rather than overfeeding him is recommended for his longterm health.
The German Shepherd needs a diet which consists of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and calcium. 26% protein and 15-18% fat is desirable. Your dog's food should not contain BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, as these are cancer-causing agents-- they are found in many commercially-made dog foods.
The German Shepherd's colon is shorter than that of most other breeds, so he will need sufficient fiber in his diet. Care must be taken, however, to not give him too much fiber, as this can cause disruptions to his digestive processes. He should not have corn, wheat, or soy products. While your dog may prefer canned dog food, it is not the best choice, as it made up of 68-78% water and is not nutritionally balanced for his needs.
A good diet for your German Shepherd requires that you feed him at the same time every day, and do not leave unfinished food in his bowl. A German Shepherd in the weight range of 55-77 pounds will do well with 16-18.2 ounces of food per day.
To avoid the possibility of bloating, which is a serious problem necessitating a trip to the vet, try to keep your dog's activity to a minimum shortly before and after eating, keep his food and water dishes flat on the floor rather than at a raised level, and try to discourage him from gulping his food.
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