2007-03-05 03:52:25 · 9 answers · asked by H.O.T. Dog 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Our German Shephard is now one and a half, so I recently did a little research on it. First, it is very important that you feed it "large breed" puppy food. This is formulated to keep them from growing too large too fast, which can be very hard on their joints. This food can help avoid the joint problems german shephards often suffer later in life. You want food with the protein source first--for example, chicken first, before corn meal. I chose two brands, both with a food specially formulated for large breed dogs, and one even has a german shephard food. Royal Canin was my first choice, because it did not include sugar (which obviously wouldn't be good), and my 2nd choice was Bil-Jac which does include a little molasses. She loved both, although I think she preferred the Bil-Jac. They both cost a little more and you'll need to go to the pet store, but in the long run, we thought it was worth it, especially during the growing years.
2007-03-05 04:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by Rayen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is great to know that you really love your dog and it seems that you really want to take the best care of him. BUT all the switching and changing of food is actually goign to hurt him in the long run. The more you switch (especially at such a young age) you are upsetting his poor little tummy. You may notice that his potties aren't firm, or maybe he's getting hickups, or even thorwing up and eating grass? Well that has to do with all the switching. Please if you are going to switch food suddenly, mix it with the old! A vet will tell you mix gradually, say you feed 1c. each feeding, well then you'd start mixing a tablesppon of new + whatever of old food to equal a cup. I don't think it has to be that gradual, I've always done like 1/4c. to a 1/2 c. and so on...but spread it out over time. Also.... you should be feeing a puppy 3 times a day. That will help them digest easier and get the right amount of nutrients during the day they need. If it's not possible for you to do that, I really don't think once in the morning and once in the evening will hurt, but you NEED that am/pm feeding. Royal is a wonderful food to feed! My dogs love that, it is one of the best foods. If you're looking for something else, i use a organic/holistic dog food that is only sold at petsmart. It is called blue buffalo. It's pretty much the same price as royal, but it doesn't have the additives or preservatives that the other foods have. You really want to stay away from anything sold at a grocery store. I'm sorry to everyone out there that doesn't agree with me, but I've worked with dogs/cats for many years and have seen the effects of cheap dog food. You're going to have one great puppy because I can tell you really want to do everything you can for this dog! Don't forget training, your baby is at the prefect age to start that! Even if you do it yourself you're going to need to start soon! A healthy well trained puppy is a happy puppy! Good luck with the new addition!
2016-03-16 04:59:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of decent dog foods on the market today. I feed one of my dogs Innova and one California Natural. The main things to remember when choosing a good food are 1) avoid WalMart and grocery stores since most of the foods available in these places are not top-of-the-line. 2) Look for foods that don't contain corn, corn meal, or any other product of corn since it's a filler. 3) Get a food that contains meat in the first few ingredients and avoid meat by-products. By-products are the left-over parts including toenails, hair, organs that are not suitable for human consumption, etc.
I would recommend doing an internet search for any of the following brands and use the store locator button to find a place that carries such foods near you.
A few good brands:
Innova (made by Natura pet)
California Natural (also made by Natura)
Canidae
Chicken Soup
Merrick
There are other good foods out there, but that should be a good place for you to start. Good luck!
2007-03-05 04:08:26 · answer #3 · answered by rally_aussie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I highly recommend Innova. Evo is the name of the puppy food. It's a bit on the expensive side, roughly $50 for a 35 lb bag of puppy food. It's a very high caloric/ protein diet and the puppies get plenty of nutrients. I have a border collie who gave birth just over a month ago, both she and the puppies eat Innova. As an added bonus, it also helps prevent unnecessary shedding.
2007-03-05 03:57:40 · answer #4 · answered by Roland'sMommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Purina Beneful, our pure bred German Shepherd is almost 11, G.S.'s rule!!!
2007-03-05 04:05:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beneful for puppies is an excellent and affordable food!! Try also Pedigree moist food packets once a day, at dinner time is good. :)
Congrats on your new puppy!
2007-03-05 03:58:57 · answer #6 · answered by R & R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a German Shepard, I would suggest Purina One. It is made of all natural ingredients like real chicken and beef. German Shepards are very fun to play with, they love people. (or at least mine does)
2007-03-05 03:59:23 · answer #7 · answered by kagura_sohma4001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Science Diet! Definetly! That is what I have always used and my dog is 16 going on 17!
2007-03-05 09:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by pinknpurple1424 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my german shepherd puppy doesnt like dog food. when i feed him dog food, he usually gets loose bowels. so i just feed him left overs and he likes it a lot better than dog food. also feed him with milk everyday...
2007-03-05 04:03:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Eukanuba for large breed puppies.
2007-03-05 04:00:36 · answer #10 · answered by Miss Mouse 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋