The German Shepherd is recognized as one of the best working dogs in the world. However, strengthening the dog's physical fitness, improving the breeding ability of breeding dogs, and promoting the normal development of offspring and puppies are the basis for ensuring the working performance of dogs. Scientific feeding and management can meet the nutritional needs of dogs in order to cultivate ideal overall qualities.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a substance necessary to maintain life activities such as growth and development of dogs. Mainly refers to protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, etc.

Protein is the main component of organisms and an indispensable nutrient in feed. In the life activities of organisms, protein is a nutrient that plays a decisive role. Animal protein contains a wide range of amino acids and has appropriate nutritional proportions. The protein in plant-based feeds has low nutritional value. Feeding dogs with plant-based feeds for a long time can easily cause organic dysfunction, such as anemia, slow growth, weight loss, and poor coat growth. Therefore, the animal protein content in the diet accounts for 1/3 of the feed protein.

As a nutrient, fat can be dissolved in the tissues and organs of the body but is insoluble in water. Fat has many functions in the body and is an important form of energy storage. Insufficient dietary fat in dogs will cause growth stagnation and reproductive abnormalities. Vitamin A, D, E deficiency, dry skin, epidermal keratosis, poor coat growth and other symptoms.

Carbohydrates account for the largest proportion in a dog’s diet, mainly including sugar, starch, and cellulose. They are an important source of heat energy in the body. A dog's carbohydrate requirements are affected by his workload. There should be less fat and more carbohydrates. In summer, carbohydrates can replace fat to some extent.

Moisture

Water is one of the essential nutrients for various tissues and organs of the dog body. The water content in blood is the highest, reaching more than 80%, in muscles is 72-78%, and in bones is 45%. The water content changes significantly with age and nutritional status. The water content is high when young and gradually decreases later. Thin dogs have more water, while obese dogs have less water. Drinking water, feed water and metabolic water are the main sources of dog body water. Water is excreted through the kidneys, skin, lungs and digestive tract.

Feed

The feed for German Shepherds is divided into animal feed, plant feed, seasonings, additives and commercial materials.

Animal feed is the staple food of dogs. For example, beef, milk, eggs, fish and livestock and poultry offal are commonly used. Among meats, beef is the best.

Plant feed is mainly rice, such as rice, millet, wheat, sorghum, corn, etc. There are also spinach, cabbage and other green vegetables.

Seasonings are mainly salt, but excessive amounts can cause sensitivity and poisoning in dogs.

Additives include minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

The commercial material refers to the dog seriesList of pellet feeds.