One thing you need to know about the German shepherd diet is that it has to be nutritional. The nutritional requirements of German shepherds, however, depend on the age, size, and activity level of your German shepherd. As with the human diet, the German shepherd needs to contain some classes of food like carbohydrates, fats, and others. Knowing the right proportion to feed your German shepherd at each life stage will help you best.
What Nutrients Does a German Shepherd Diet Need? 
Generally, the best diet for a German shepherd is a protein-rich diet with up to 18-22% protein. Growing German shepherds needs a protein diet of up to 22%, while adults need a protein diet of up to 18%. In addition to protein, they all need other nutrients like fats (8% for puppies,5% for adults), carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water for survival.
The main nutritional diet for a German shepherd is protein. This is because protein provides energy, builds repair worn out tissue and muscle, keeps the immune and musculoskeletal system strong, and forms new skin, hair, and nail cells.
The second main nutritional diet in a German shepherd’s diet should be fat. Fat is obtained from protein, and it also provides energy. It is essential for the average development and proper functioning of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues.
As stated earlier, your German shepherd diet will vary depending on the age, size, life stage, and activity level. A growing German pup will need more calorie intake for energy, hence the increased fat and protein percentages in their diet.
An elderly German Shepherd’s diet will have 20% fewer calories than a middle-aged one. Pregnant or lactating German Shepherds will also need an increased calorie intake. An exercising German shepherd diet will have more calories than a German shepherd that lazes around all day.
What Do German Shepherds Eat?
Your German shepherd can eat various meals ranging from dog foods to even food humans eat. Some foods they can eat are listed below:
• Dog food
1. Dry dog food
2. Canned wet dog food
3. Semi-moist dog food
4. Home-produced diet
5. Raw diets
You can mix wet and dry foods in a single bowl or alternate their meals.
• Human food
1. Artichoke
2. Beets
3. Asparagus
4. Eggplants
5. Mango
6. Melon
7. Rice
8. Buckwheat
9. Salmon
10. Fish
11. Oatmeal
12. Barley
13. Rye
14. Pasta
15. Eggs
16. Parsnips
17. Persimmon
18. Beef
19. Chicken
20. Squash
21. Zucchini
22. Lamb
And so on.
What Can German Shepherds Not Eat?
While there are a lot of foods that can be added to the German shepherd diet, there are some that should not be fed to them for fear of toxicity. They are;
• Chocolates
• Horse chestnuts
• Nutmeg
• Onion
• Chives
• Raw potatoes
• Shallots
• Cocoa
• Cherries
• Leeks
• Xylitol
• Yeast dough
• Macadamia nut
• Hops
Signs Of Food Toxicity In Your German Shepherd
When your German shepherd diet has a toxic substance included or when your German shepherd has been fed a toxic substance, there are some signs to look out for so you can rich them to the veterinary clinic for emergency treatments. Those signs are:
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Ataxia or wobbly episodes
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst.
As soon as you’re aware that your dog has had a toxic substance, you should reach out to a vet doctor, who will tell you the next course of action.
Can Your German Shepherd Diet Include Potatoes?
Potatoes will be an excellent addition to your German shepherd diet. However, raw potatoes should never be fed to your German shepherd as they contain solanine, a very harmful chemical. Cooking your potatoes gets rid of this risk. The potatoes served to stop them can be boiled, mashed, or baked but never raw.
Can Your German Shepherd Diet Include Ice Cream?
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and foods like ice cream would result in stomach upset. Ice cream can, however, be fed to them in small quantities as treats. Ensure not to feed large amounts frequently, as this can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
6 Caveats For Your German Shepherd Diet
1. Meats should be cooked unless your German shepherd is used to a safely prepared raw diet. Remove all the fats and the bones too.
2. Lactose-intolerant German shepherds should avoid dairy diets.
3. Fishes should be cooked as their raw forms contain bacteria.
4. Most vegetables should be cooked.
5. Fruits containing pits or nuts should be removed as they have harmful cyanides.
6. Although German shepherds can eat nuts, they are not advisable because of their high-fat content.
The best German Shepherd’s diet is compiled with the German shepherd’s age, size, and activity level in mind. All these factors oils determine if you will increase the calorie intake of your German shepherd diet or reduce it.
When choosing your German Shepherd diet, ensure to choose a diet that suits your dog’s life stage and lifestyle. Invest in the best quality dog food you can afford.
Great content. I happen to have a German Shepherd and I will definitely use what the article says.