Today, we’re going to be looking at the best hypoallergenic dog food for German Shepherds. “But, Ben,” you say, “You always say that breed specific foods are a crock”. Well, yes, I do. That’s why we’re not looking at specific hypoallergenic dog food “designed for German Shepherds.” Instead, we’re going to look at what you want in your German Shepherd’s food based on what we know about the breed.
I know, I know. Looking at food ingredients based on how they play to a specific breed may sound exactly like those breed specific foods you see in the stores, but it’s actually different. I’m not talking about looking for breed-specific “designer food” that you pay an extra $15 for. I’m talking about looking for specific criteria in foods, which you can almost always find.
What to Look for in Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Your Shepherd
So let’s take a look at what we need to consider when getting a hypoallergenic dog food for a German Shepherd. Everything below is all about making sure the food you feed your Shepherd is conducive to his best health.
Calorie Content
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia. It’s a condition in which the head of the femur doesn’t seat properly in the socket of the hip. Mild cases may require no action, while severe cases can require surgery. In addition, Shepherds are a large breed dog and are therefore prone to other joint issues as well.
All of that together means that you DO NOT want your German Shepherd to get fat. In addition to joint issues of the Shepherd, ALL dogs are more prone to diabetes and cancer if they are overweight. Keeping your Shepherd lean is key to a long and healthy life, so always opt for a low-calorie hypoallergenic dog food.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are important in a German Shepherds diet. Because Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues in general, it’s important to get plenty of these fatty acids into their diet. These acids help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
Glucosamine
These days, more and more foods are being supplemented with a glucosamine complex. Look for hypoallergenic dog food with added glucosamine to promote joint health and help combat any joint issues that might arise in your Shepherd down the line.
Vet Recommendation
In addition to calorie content, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine, you’re going to be looking for a hypoallergenic dog food with the ingredients recommended to you by your vet. Your vet will be able to draw up his or her years of experience to help guide you through the trial and error process of finding the right hypoallergenic food for your German Shepherd.
Hypoallergenic Dog Food – Find the One That Fits
When you’re looking for the right hypoallergenic dog food for your German Shepherd, don’t look for a breed-specific formula. Instead, talk with your vet about the ingredients you should be looking for, and from there look for foods with the criteria I listed above. Even then, it’s a very individual thing. Keep trying and eventually, you’ll find the hypoallergenic dog food that works best for your Shepherd. 9 times out of 10, that perfect food will have all the criteria above.
Have you already discovered the best hypoallergenic dog food for German Shepherds? Share your recommendations in the comments!
