Are you considering switching your german shepherd dog to an organic diet? Organic food is growing increasingly popular, both for humans and their pets. But is an organic diet necessarily better for your dog?
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Whether you should consider switching your dog to an organic diet
- The difference between organic and natural dog foods
- The basics of choosing an organic dog food
- Whether a vegetarian diet is safe for your dog
Ready to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know about organic, raw and natural food for dogs.
1. Best Organic Dog Foods
We’re not here to choose a brand of dog food for you and your pet. In fact, it would be almost impossible to do so. Different brands are available in different markets, and some local markets may carry brands unavailable anywhere else in the world.
Instead, let’s look at how to choose the best organic dog foods for your german shepherd. The first thing you should do is to ensure that it is, in fact, organic! Different countries will have different certifying agencies. For instance, in the United States, food should be certified USDA organic. In the UK, look for certification by the soil association.
Ensuring that your dog food is certified means a guarantee that no chemicals or unnatural substances will be contained. That said, however, many dog owners choose to make their own organic dog food. There are definite pros and cons to this, and we’ll take a look at those benefits and drawbacks in just a bit.
The second factor to consider when you’re choosing the best organic dog food is the balance of that food. The food you choose should contain an appropriate balance of crude fat, crude protein, grains and moisture. Always check the product labeling to check.
So, why should you consider buying organic dog food in the first place? Let’s take a look!
2. Why Should You Buy Organic Dog Foods?
There are benefits to buying organic dog food. On the whole, organic foods are less likely to cause allergic reaction in your dogs. Herbicides, pesticides and chemical ingredients in traditional dog foods can cause skin reactions in dogs, as well as dietary sensitivities and even digestive trouble. Organics won’t contain these.
Keep in mind that if your german shepherd is allergic to a specific ingredient, like chicken or fish, an organic dog food won’t remedy the problem. You’ll have to eliminate the allergen from your dog’s diet, whether that diet is organic or not.
Another benefit to organic dog food isn’t necessarily a scientific one. But, speaking in general terms, manufacturers that make organic dog foods are usually more conscious of the additives put in dog food. Traditional dog food can be “filled” with bones, weeds and straw. Usually, organic producers will opt instead for fillers like beans and rice.
There are downsides to organic, though. First of all, in some places, organic dog food can be difficult to find. You may need to order it online, or to travel quite a distance to buy organic dog food in a store.
Secondly, organic dog food tends to be a bit pricier than traditional dog food. This isn’t always true, as some traditional foods can actually be very expensive. But as a general rule, you can expect to pay more for organic brands of pet food than traditional blends.
3. Brands of Organic Dog Food
As more humans choose to switch their pets to organic food, there are an increasing number of brands available for purchase. Again, the availability of organic dog food is largely relative to the area where you live. For instance, organic dog food may be more readily available in, say, Australia than it is in China.
Choose a brand of dog food based on the certifications, the ingredients and the reputation. It’s okay to do a little research about brands of organic dog food. Or, ask your veterinary! He or she may be able to recommend a preferred brand that’s local to your area. Some vets even sell organic dog food on location.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re choosing a brand of organic dog food for your german shepherd. First, consider the brand of the reputation. Don’t be afraid to read reviews online – other german shepherds owners like yourself can be some of the most reputable sources for recommendations.
You may find it important, too, to consider the age of the company, as well as the size of the company. A larger company will sometimes price its products more affordable – its simple economics. Also, a larger company is less likely to go out of business. That means a lower likelihood of your new favorite organic dog food being discontinued.
In short, only you can choose your brand of organic dog food. But most pet owners choose to make that decision based on:
- Brand
- Availability
- Affordability
- Size of the company
- A vet’s recommendation
4. Grain Free Dog Food
We mentioned that there are a few reasons a dog owner may choose to convert his dog to an organic diet. We also mentioned that often times that switch is made due to the dietary predisposition of the owner himself.
In the same way that dog owners are switching to organic diets, some owners are opting for grain-free or gluten free diets. In most cases, there’s absolutely no medical basis for this decision. Most german shepherds are perfectly capable of processing grains and aren’t gluten intolerant.
There are some rare cases of gluten or grain sensitivity in dogs. For instance, German Shepherds can be sensitive to grains. German Shepherds are particularly sensitive to soy, wheat and corn, so a grain free diet may be a good option for these dogs.
If you suspect this to be the case for your pup, please get in touch with a vet before switching his diet, as it could be a sign of something else. Signs of gluten allergies closely resemble that of other food allergies, and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Licking the same places on the skin or hind area
- Inflammation of paw pads
- Intestinal inflammation (seek a veterinary immediately)
- Poor coat
- Skin problems
Again, these could literally be the sign of any allergy, so it’s strongly recommended that you contact your vet before changing diets.
Is a grain-free diet appropriate for all dogs? No, not really. Dogs are not usually sensitive to grains, and a grain or gluten free diet usually just reflects the preference of the dog’s owner. But as long as your grain-free food is balanced, it usually won’t harm your dog.
A grain free diet, however, doesn’t necessarily indicate an organic food. Be sure you read the label thoroughly to ensure you’re buying exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also essential that your grain-free dog food contain an appropriate amount of carbohydrates. These carbs might come from potatoes, fruits or veggies.
5. Dry Organic Dog Food
As you may be aware, there are two types of organic dog food: dry food and wet food. And, as long as you read the labels to ensure that your dog food is certified organic and well balanced, there is little difference between the two.
Depending on the breed of dog you own, there may be pros and cons to dry food versus wet food. If you own a small dog, wet dog food might be a great option for you! Little dogs don’t eat as much, and because wet dog food costs a bit more than the dry variety, you’ll spend less than you would on a larger dog.
Wet dog food is also a good choice if you have an older dog, a dog with poor digestion, or a dog who has dental problems. Obviously, wet dog food is easier to chew than dry food. And because its got extra moisture, it’s easier for some dogs to digest.
However, wet food does have its cons. First, if you have a large dog, it’s going to take a lot of wet food to feed him. An adult dog will eat about 2.5% of his body weight each day. For a 100 pound dog, that’s 2/5 pounds of wet dog food.
You also can’t leave wet food out for your dog while you go to work. Once you open a can or pouch of wet food, it can only sit at room temperature for about 4 hours. If you’re home with your dog during the day, that’s okay! You can easily pick up the food and discard it. If you’re at work, and your dog is eating 6 hour old food, he may become ill.
Once you open a can of wet food, it’s okay to refrigerate it as long as it hasn’t been served to your dog. Simply cover the can with plastic wrap, or put the remaining food in an airtight container. It will then keep in your refrigerator for a week or so.
Dry food is easy to serve and to store. You can measure your dog’s food, place it out for him in the morning, and leave it while you work. To store, just keep it in the bag or in a large airtight plastic storage bin to keep pests, mold and moisture away.
Whether you feed your dog wet or dry food is ultimately up to you, and to your dog’s preferences. Here’s a run down of what to consider before selecting a dry or a wet food.
Wet Organic Dog Food:
- Is usually more expensive than dry food
- Has to be refrigerated after opening to preserve freshness
- May not be left out for your dog for more than 4 hours, making it inefficient if you leave food out for your dog during the day while you work
- Is great for small dogs who don’t require as much food – just one can per serving will suffice
- Is great for older dogs who may have trouble chewing food
- May, in some cases, cause diarrhea in dogs
Dry Organic Dog Food:
- May be left out all day while you’re at work, allowing your dog to eat measured amounts of food throughout the day
- Does not require refrigeration after opening – just store in the bag or in an airtight container
- Is less expensive than canned, wet foods
- Is great for larger dogs who require more food than smaller dogs
- Generally will not cause diarrhea or digestive irritation
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both dry and wet food. Talk to your vet to determine which is best for your pup.
6. Raw Organic Dog Food
Raw organic dog food is another option for your dog’s diet. However, it’s important that you understand, exactly, what raw dog food is.
A raw dog food diet does not mean that you’re feeding your german shepherd a few pounds of raw ground beef each day. Your german shepherd or dog requires a very specific blend of fruits, veggies, grains and proteins, just like you do! A raw dog food diet requires that you take the time to mix an appropriate blend of grains, proteins and nutrients for your dog.
A raw diet has a distinct advantage: if you make your own dog food, which most who feed their dogs a raw diet do, you can choose exactly what goes into your dog’s body. You’ll shop at the grocery store for your dog just as you would for yourself, and choose from organic, grass fed meats, organic fruits and veggies and natural, healthy grains.
That said, it is possible to buy premixed, prepackaged organic foods. These are usually freeze dried, and will keep for months if properly stored. Keep in mind that these freeze dried foods are usually considerably more expensive than their dry or canned counterparts, and making your own dog food may be more cost-effective for you.
When you feed your dog a raw diet, there are some precautions you’ll have to take. The first of these is to be mindful of bones. As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to feed your dog bones, as they can splinter and become lodged in your dog’s throat. They also may be swallowed. In other words, bones can be fatal to your german shepherd.
This is especially true for cooked bones. Obviously, this may not be an issue if your dog’s food is served raw. But in the case that you’re making your own broth or otherwise cooking meat, be sure that your dog’s food doesn’t contain any cooked bones. The cooking process softens the bones, making them even more likely to splinter.
Another consideration is the age of the meat. Like humans, animals like dogs can be sensitive to bacteria in meat. A good rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t feed your dog any meat you wouldn’t prepare for yourself. Though their digestive systems may be a bit more readily able to pass bacteria, aged meat can be extremely harmful to dogs.
In summary, you can certainly consider a raw diet for your dog. Just bear in mind the following considerations:
- Your dog’s raw diet must provide a healthy mix of grains, proteins and nutrients
- Raw food must be fresh to avoid disease and sickness
- A raw diet should never include bones
- Raw food can be purchased at the grocery store when you purchase your own
- Prepackaged raw food is available, but is usually cost-prohibitive
7. Natural Organic Food
Dog owners are often confused about the difference between natural dog food and organic dog food. There is a difference, though it may not be noticeable immediately. Let’s take a look at the differences.
First, organic food. Organic food is certified by governing bodies, like the USDA. These bodies will allow pet food manufacturers to affix a label to dog food, telling the consumer that it is, in fact, organic.
So what does organic mean? Organic dog food is dog food which contains ingredients that are:
- Handled using organic methods
- Chemical free
- Pesticide free, or use only natural pesticides
- Herbicide free, or use only natural herbicides
- Grown in organic soil
- Raised on organic food, such as livestock
Note that the requirements for organic certification may vary just a bit depending on the country you live in. For the most part, however, the standards are pretty similar.
Natural food, on the other hand, is not necessarily organic. Natural food:
- Contains no chemical preservatives
- Contains no artificial colors
- Contains no artificial flavors
- May or may not be handled organically
- May or may not be raised (livestock) or grown using herbicides or pesticides
- May contain traces of these chemicals
So you see, there’s a slight difference between natural and organic dog food. All organic dog food is natural. But not all natural dog food is organic.
The labelling on your dog food, once again, can tell you a lot about natural and organic products. In most countries, food that’s labeled “organic” must follow strict guidelines which are regulated by the government. Using the work “natural” on a dog food label is a bit more lax – that indication could mean simply that a food is mostly made using natural products.
If you want to ensure that your dog’s food is 100% free of chemicals, opt for an organic dog food. If you’re okay with, for example, pesticides being sprayed on the grains in your dog food, or with an artificial preservative, take a look at the labels on a natural food.
8. Vegan and Vegetarian Dog Food
Some dog owners who consider an organic diet also consider a vegetarian or a vegan diet. Again, many times this has more to do with personal preference than the actual needs of the dog. Dogs are inherently carnivorous. In the wild, they eat meat.
So what about a vegan dog food versus a vegetarian dog food? The difference between the two is very slight, but there is one! First of all, let’s take a look at vegan dog food.
Vegan dog food uses no animal products whatsoever. Vegans will not eat animal byproducts like milk, cheese or even honey. Fish and eggs are off limits, as is gelatin, as it’s sourced from animals. The vegan diet is quite strict – even some Omega 3 fatty acids, critical to your dog’s health, are derived from animals.
Most vegetarians, on the other hand, have a rule that they won’t eat anything “with a face.” That means no cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, fish or other animals. Many vegetarians, however, have no problem consuming some animal byproducts. Milk is generally acceptable, as is cheese and honey. Some vegetarians will eat eggs, though not all.
There are names for each of the vegetarian groups. An ovo-lactarian, for instance, will eat eggs and milk products. A pescatarian will eat fish but not other animal meats. It’s up to you to choose which restrictions you’ll follow, then choose your dog food accordingly.
Will a vegan or a vegetarian diet cause harm to your german shepherd? Not necessarily. That said, as a pet owner you must be very careful when feeding your dog a vegan or vegetarian diet. Your dog needs protein; meat is the easiest way to supply your dog with the protein necessary for healthy organs, skin and muscles.
You can give your dog alternative forms of protein. Beans, eggs, milk and cheese, soy and oats are a few ingredients to consider when you’re making your own dog food. As always, it’s important to be ever-vigilant in feeding your dog these foods. Some may not provide adequate nutrition, and others may be allergens to your german shepherd.
9. Creating Your Own Organic Dog Food
Now that you have a general idea of the types of dog food, you may be interested in making your pet’s meals. Good for you! There’s no better way to know exactly what your german shepherd is consuming than by creating his food yourself.
Feeding your dog isn’t too much different than feeding yourself. But there are a few factors you’ll need to consider. Let’s take a brief look at the basics you’ll need to know before you create your dog’s foo.
Where to get dog food ingredients
If you’re planning to mix an organic food for your dog, you can find most of the ingredients at your local grocery store. More and more grocers around the world are incorporating organic sections into their shops, meaning you can find everything from whole grains to grass fed meats right down the road from your home.
If your local grocer does not have an organic section, simply check the phone book. There are specialty stores which sell organic products. Sometimes these shops can be more pricey than the grocery store, but the foods you’ll find are, in fact, organic.
Still not finding what you’re looking for? Check with local farmers! Are farms often sell surplus at farmer’s markets, or simply by contacting them. Alternatively, most countries have some sort of community supported agriculture program. These are “subscription” programs where, in exchange for supporting a local farm, you’ll receive fresh produce and meats throughout the year.
If it’s a natural diet you’re striving for, these options should provide plenty of opportunity to secure the ingredients you need. If you’d like a certified organic diet, you may have to do a little digging if you can’t find what you need at the grocery store.
How to be sure your dog’s diet is balanced
Whether your dog’s diet is vegan, grain-free, natural, raw or organic, there’s nothing more important than making sure he has all the nutrients he needs to thrive. Your dog needs protein, calcium, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins to be healthy.
The easiest way to do this is by making sure your dog gets a wide variety of food. Feeding your pup ground beef, corn and green beans every day will not make him healthy. In fact, it could make him very ill. Switch up his diet to include a variety of proteins, fruits, veggies and grains, ensuring that his diet is well balanced and provides all the nutrients he needs.
Here are a few guidelines you should follow when mixing your dogs food:
- Meat and animal products should make up at least half a dog’s diet, unless he’s a vegetarian
- Lean meat should be used when possible to prevent obesity – fish, chicken and turkey are good choices
- Fish can be fed to dogs, but do not feed Pacific salmon or trout, as these can be fatal to dogs
- Liver is highly nutritious, but should be limited to about 2.5% of your dog’s diet each day
- Dairy is a good option to ensure your dog gets the calcium he needs – milk and cheese work well
- Veggies like potatoes, beans and other starches should not be considered vegetables, but starches
- Non-starchy veggies can be fed daily, but beware of those vegetables which can cause gas, like broccoli
- Fruits are perfectly fine for dogs! Bananas and apples are good options
- Grains should make up no more than half your dog’s diet
Foods that are not safe for dogs
You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t feed german shepherds chocolate. That’s true! Chocolate isn’t always fatal to dogs, but can cause some serious health problems. That said, there’s a good chance you weren’t planning on flavoring your dog’s kibble with chocolate. Here are the foods you should avoid incorporating into your dog food:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Caffeine
- Avocado
- Macadamia nuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Walnuts, black walnuts and hickory nuts
- Onions and garlic (in large quantities)
- Salt
- Artificial sweeteners
- Raw yeast
How to cook your homemade dog food
Cooking your homemade dog food is as simple as combining everything in a pot and turning on the stove! Again, a rule of thumb is just to cook your dog’s food in the same way you’d cook your own. Of course, you may not add al the seasonings and flavors that you would your own meals. Avoid salt, pepper, onion and garlic, for instance.
Many people choose to cook dog food in a crock pot. There’s no need to have a separate crock pot for your family and your pet, so long as you don’t allow your german shepherd to eat directly from that pot. Just pour the ingredients into the crockpot and turn it on. Be sure that there are no animal bones in the food, as the crock pot is especially likely to soften them to a dangerous consistency.
If you’re feeding your dog a raw diet, you may still choose to incorporate foods which must be cooked. Rice, for example, can’t be fed to your dog raw. Beans, similarly, cant be digested by your pup unless they’re cooked to soften them.
For the most part, whether or not you cook your dog’s food comes down to common sense. Use your best judgment, and if you have any doubts, please call your veterinary.
How to store homemade dog food
As with most other aspects of creating your dog’s food, you’ll store your homemade dog food in the same way you’ll store your own. Depending on how much you make, you can simply place it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last for a week or so.
If you prefer to cook larger portions to save time, you can freeze your homemade dog food. After your food has cooked and cooled, portion if out into single sized servings and place them in the freezer. Only thaw what you’ll need, as thawing and refreezing can be detrimental to the nutritional quality of the food.
10. Is an Organic Diet Right for Your Dog?
If you’re thinking about switching your german shepherd to an organic diet, great! Organic foods contain fewer harmful toxins, fillers and artificial ingredients than traditional foods.
If you’re not in a situation where organic foods are readily available to you, you do have other options. Natural dog food manufacturers are generally very conscious of the ingredients they add to dog food, ensuring fewer harsh chemicals and toxins for your dog.
Raw dog food, vegetarian dog food and grain-free dog foods are available, too. And although these are not necessary for your dog’s health, you may choose for social or religious reasons to feed your dog one of these diets. If you do so, exercise caution. Your dog will still need a complete, balanced diet regardless of your personal preferences.
Be sure to carefully research your organic dog food brands, read the labeling on the food and check to make sure your dog is getting the right mix of nutrients. Switching your dog to an organic diet is easy, and may be a good option to protect your dog’s health!
