10 Foods to Support your German Shepherd and Optimize their Diet
Providing your German Shepherd with an optimal diet is the best gift you can give them to support their life quality and longevity.
Giving your German Shepherd the best diet possible will be visible in their bright eyes and shiny coat & give them the energy for countless adventures by your side.
- Are you look for great foods to support your beloved dog?
- You want to make your dogs as strong as possible?
- Want to find the extra fuel that makes the dog full of energy?
You then found the right article, just keep on reading….
The benefits of a great diet don’t stop there – fuel your pet with the best ingredients and you are supporting all their body systems, keeping their immune system fighting fit and brain sharp as a tack!
We’ve put together a list of some of the best super-foods that should be included in your dog’s diet for optimal health.
1. Probiotics
In your German Shepherd’s body, the very first line of defense is their digestive tract. In the gut various types of “good bacteria” support your pet’s immune system, helping your pet fight bacteria, viruses and inflammation. Numerous factors such as stress, medication, illness & change in diet can alter this balance of bacteria and negatively affect your dog’s overall health.
Probiotics are a great addition to your dog’s diet and
- Reduce inflammation in the gut
- Can be beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea
- Reduce flatulence
- Reduce symptoms of food allergy or sensitivity
- Support your dog’s immune system
2. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are often considered the forgotten grain and are making a huge come back as people realize how much goodness this tiny seed contains! The benefits of chia seeds for dogs are numerous, as an excellent source of fatty acids these support your pet’s immune system, joint health and cognitive function. Chia seeds contain:
- High levels of calcium to support strong bones
- Iron for energy
- Other minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron and zinc.
3. Kelp
Kelp is one of the most nutrient packed plant sourced foods available. This amazing ingredient contains a range of vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iodine, calcium and tryptophan. Kelp has been shown to be effective in supporting a range of body systems, from helping dogs with alopecia and skin disease to supporting pets suffering from hypothyroidism. Other benefits of including kelp in your German Shepherd’s diet are
- The reduction of pain in chronic joint disease and arthritis
- Support of skin and coat health
- Support of the immune system
4. Berries
Their powerful antioxidant properties have long since been harnessed in the human diet, however more and more people are making the most of the goodness of berries for their pets.
Berries such as cranberries, raspberries and blueberries have beneficial effects for the whole body. These benefits include
- Urinary tract and hepatic health support
- Antioxidants that support cellular health & your pup’s immune system. Antioxidants combat harmful free radicals that can ultimately cause damage to the cells and tissues of your pet.
- Heart disease fighting properties
5. Sweet Potato
Like berries, sweet potato provides your pet with a source of antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are easily added into your dog’s food and can be mixed in with a home-made meal or dried and offered as a delicious training incentive. This root vegetable also contains vitamin C, which supports your dog’s immune system, wound healing and dental health. On top of their antioxidant benefits sweet potatoes
- Improve blood sugar regulation
- Support blood clotting
- Reduce inflammation
6. Kale
Widely known as a super-food in human diets, kale can be a delicious and nutrient-packed addition into your German Shepherd’s diet. Kale can easily be made into healthy, air dried chips for your dog for use as a treat or yummy snack. The benefits of kale include
- Fiber to support your pet’s digestion and reduce constipation
- Known for cancer and heart disease fighting properties
- Rich essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, E and C
7. Mushrooms
Although they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of feeding your dog, powdered and dried mushrooms are becoming increasingly common for pets. Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years, due to their ability to reduce inflammation, support blood circulation and increase stamina and energy. These amazing fungi have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic properties that make them a great addition to your pet’s diet. Other benefits of mushrooms are-
- A number of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B and C, lysine and arginine
- Reduction of inflammation due to the inhibition of histamine
- Improved respiratory function and oxygenation of the blood and tissues
Wild mushrooms should always be off limits to dogs, with no exceptions!!
8. Hemp Seed Oil
Like mushrooms, hemp seeds have been used for thousands of years for their numerous benefits on the human body. In recent times hemp seed oil has gained wide spread popularity in Western Culture due to it’s ability to provide the canine body with the optimal blend of oils. The many benefits of hemp seed oil include
- A blend of nutrients such as vitamin E, antioxidants, tocopherols, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium.
- Preventative effects in the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer
- Support in skin health with improvements seen in animals suffering from chronic skin conditions such as dermatitis
9. Salmon Oil
Salmon oil can easily be included in your dog’s diet and is readily available in both oil and capsule form. This is considered one of the most important ingredients for a heart healthy diet due to it’s benefits on the cardiovascular system.
- Beneficial in the treatment of chronic skin diseases including food allergy and flea allergy dermatitis, lupus and ulcerative colitis
- Reduction of inflammation and the need for pharmaceutical pain relief in pets with joint disease or chronic pain.
10. Carrots
This fantastic vegetable is often over-looked, however brings a lot of goodness to the doggy table! Carrots can easily be given to your German Shepherd cooked and mixed through food or raw as a delicious treat. Raw carrot can also be beneficial for dental health, as your dog gnaws the carrot scrapes away at plaque on the teeth. Carrots contain lots of goodness and offer
- Vitamin A to support eye health and keep your pup’s vision clear
- High fiber to aid digestion to keep your dog regular
As pet owners, we all want the very best for our dogs. Providing your dog with a diet loaded with nutrients and goodness is the best way to support your furry best mate.
