What Should I Feed My German Shepherd? Diet Tips from a Breeder’s Perspective

Feeding a German Shepherd isn’t just about dumping kibble into a bowl. It’s about giving your dog the fuel to grow strong, stay healthy, and thrive for years. Whether you’re raising a pup or managing a mature GSD, this guide breaks down feeding into clear, helpful sections with real talk and personal tips.

🚫 Foods You Should NEVER Feed Your German Shepherd

Let’s start with the no-go zone. Some foods are not just bad — they’re downright dangerous.

❌ Toxic to Dogs:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (Found in gum, some peanut butters)

• Antifreeze, nail polish remover, bleach

• Insecticides, Rodenticides

• Human antidepressants

• Fertilizers & household cleaners
  

🍇 Foods to Avoid:

• Chocolate or cocoa

• Grapes and raisins

• Onions and garlic

• Avocados

• Coffee, tea, alcohol

• Rawhide chews (choking hazard)

• Products from China (due to quality control)

• Apple seeds and fruit pits

• Walnuts

• Salt & spicy food
  

✅ Safe Treats (In Moderation!)

These treats are awesome—but keep portions small, especially during training. Don’t overfeed treats or you'll risk weight gain and unbalanced nutrition.

• Natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)

• Cooked chicken (boneless)

• Cheese (we use string cheese for training)

• Baby carrots (great for teeth)

• Natural plain yogurt

• Pumpkin (helps digestion)

• Scrambled eggs

• Salt-free green beans

• Apple slices (no seeds or core)

• Cheerios

• Zuke’s, Old Mother Hubbard biscuits

• Rice and pasta (small amounts)

• Merrick Texas Hold ‘Ems (lamb lungs)
  

🐶 Feeding Schedule: Age-Based Guidelines

Rule of Thumb:

If your puppy looks chubby—cut back. If underweight, increase a bit.

• < 6 months: 3 meals a day

• 6 to 12 months: 2 meals a day

• 1 year and above: 1 or 2 meals daily (we prefer 2 for digestion)
  

🥩 Raw Feeding vs. Kibble: The Real Talk

🍖 Raw Feeding:

Raw feeding can be a great option if you have the time, knowledge, and consistency to do it right. Dogs thrive on natural, unprocessed nutrition, but crafting a balanced raw diet takes serious effort. You need to understand proportions of muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and supplements like fish oil or kelp.⚠️ It’s not for everyone—especially in busy households or vegetarian homes. If done wrong, raw feeding can lead to dangerous nutritional imbalances.

🥣 Kibble Feeding:

The most practical, affordable, and complete method for most dog owners.Make sure to choose a grain-free, high-quality kibble—especially formulated for large breed puppies. These have controlled calcium/phosphorus ratios to support healthy joint and bone development.

Recommended Kibble Brands:

• Orijen (Puppy Large)

• Victor

• Farmina N&D

• Royal Canin Maxi Puppy

Pro Tip: Feeding from slow-feeder bowls right from the start encourages better digestion and helps prevent bloating. Top your dogs’ kibble with a few fresh blueberries and a spoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt—a tasty boost of antioxidants and probiotics they love!

💪 Nutritional Essentials

Protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium, omega-3s, and healthy fats are crucial. Especially during the first 1.5 years, don’t skimp—this is your dog’s building phase.💡 Feed high-quality, large breed puppy kibble with rich protein content. It sets the foundation for future strength, bone health, and immunity.

💧 Hydration

Water is king. Always keep clean, fresh water available. Encourage your pup to drink by praising or giving a treat after they hydrate well. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, especially in active dogs.

🐟 The Power of Fish Oil & Omegas

Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) are a powerhouse supplement. They support:

• Healthy skin and a shiny coat

• Joint health

• Brain and heart function

• Inflammation reduction

You can get dog-specific fish oil online or in pet stores. Go for wild-caught fish oil with EPA & DHA. Add it as a topper to the kibble bowl.

🦴 Bone Broth & Chicken Broth

Bone broth is rich in collagen, glucosamine, and minerals. It:

• Aids digestion

• Supports joints

• Boosts appetite in picky eaters

You can buy dog-safe broths online or in pet stores. Choose sodium-free, onion-free options. Add it as a topper to the kibble bowl.

🧠 Tripe – The Hidden Superfood

Tripe is the stomach lining of a grazing animal like lamb. It’s packed with natural probiotics, enzymes, and good bacteria. It helps:

• Boost digestion

• Build gut health

• Improve appetite and nutrient absorption

You can get green tripe canned or frozen in most online pet stores (Try brands like Tripett or Raw-fed alternatives).

🌿 For Indian Homes: Veg-Friendly Feeding Help

Many Indian households are vegetarian and uncomfortable handling raw meat. Here's how to work around that:

• Get good high quality kibble. Add below stuff as one of the toppers to keep it interesting for the dog.

• Eggs: Buy from local stores, use boiled or scrambled eggs. Great protein and easy to digest.

• Fish Oil: Available online on Amazon India (brands like Grizzly, Vivaldis, Himalaya)

• Bone/Chicken Broth: Available in dry powdered form or liquid from online retailers (check Dogsee, Justdogs.in)
  

⚠️ Understanding Bloat

What Is Bloat?

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV) is a dangerous condition where the stomach fills with gas, twists, and cuts off blood flow. It is life-threatening and requires emergency vet care.

Prevent Bloat by:

• Using slow-feeder bowls

• Feeding smaller, frequent meals

• Avoiding elevated bowls

• Not giving intense exercise, water immediately before or after meals
  

📌 Final Tips

• Don’t skimp during the puppy stage. This is your dog’s foundation for life.

• Feed high-protein, large breed puppy kibble for the first 1.5 years.

• Transition foods slowly to avoid GI issues (start with 25% new, 75% old over 10–14 days).

• Keep meals consistent, use proper feeding bowls, and watch your dog thrive.
  

🐾 Final Words

Feeding your German Shepherd isn’t just science—it’s love, responsibility, and routine. The food you give impacts everything—from coat shine to energy to lifespan.

Got questions or tips from your own experience? Drop them in the comments—we’re all learning together.