The food we feed our German Shepherds is VERY important for their health and well being.  We use the highest quality food here, and do NOT feed Wheat or Corn in our food.  There are many holistic foods and treats that are healthier for your dogs digestive tract, as well as skin & coat.  Make sure your food contains MEAT as the first ingredient, NOT Corn or Wheat.  German Shepherds are very sensitive to these grains, and can, over a period of time, have a negative reaction to them.  These reactions include:  red, itchy ears-or infected ears.  Chewing their legs/feet/bodies.  Rubbing their face on the floor, etc.  These symptoms let you know that there is an intolerance or allergy to certain ingredients in their food.  Choose their biscuits & treats with the same precautions-use biscuits with NO WHEAT, such as Iams Lamb & Rice biscuits, Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Rice Chops, or many natural treats that list no wheat on the label.

Other food related problems include diarrhea, gassiness, bad breath resulting from stomach gasses, dull coat with excessive shedding, inability to hold a healthy weight.

We also use Plain or Vanilla Yogurt anytime there is stomach upset or loose stools.  Yogurt contains live, healthy bacteria to help settle the stomach when these good bacteria have been killed off due to an imbalance in the digestive tract.  Antibiotics can also kill off the good bacteria.

Cottage Cheese is also a good source of Calcium & Protein that is safe to use.  We do not recommend Calcium tablets or any pills, since too much can harm your dog.

Many vets recommend BEEF & RICE for diarrhea.  We recommend  CHICKEN & RICE (boiled) for times when a puppy or dog needs a diet for special reasons.  Beef can cause an itchy reaction in German Shepherds…not always, and not usually right away, but I recommend boiled chicken breasts and white rice.

You can contact me for a list of preferred foods that are recommended for German Shepherds.  I have dedicated many years to Nutritional Studies and the effects of certain ingredients on this breed, as well as other breeds.