One of the most well-liked dog breeds in the world, German Shepherds are renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective attitude. Unfortunately, they are also more likely to have specific health problems like diarrhea. Stress, nutritional changes, and food allergies are just a few causes of diarrhea in German Shepherds. For their general health and well-being, German Shepherds with diarrhea must be fed the proper dog food.
The significance of selecting the proper dog food for German Shepherds experiencing diarrhea:
German Shepherds’ digestive health can be improved and symptoms of diarrhea can be reduced with the correct dog diet. The incorrect meal can exacerbate diarrhea in your German shepherd and cause other health problems including dehydration and vitamin shortages. It is crucial to select a dog food that is made especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive problems.
Considerations for choosing dog food include:
There are various things to take into account while choosing dog food for your German Shepherd who has diarrhea:
- Quality of ingredients: Choose a dog food that is made with high-quality ingredients and is free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for dog food that has complex carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, or quinoa, as well as easily digested protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Nutritional balance: Make sure the dog food you select offers a balanced and comprehensive diet for your German Shepherd. Look for dog food that is balanced in terms of the vital components, such as proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.
- Digestibility: Select a dog food that is easy to digest and does not contain any ingredients that your German Shepherd may be allergic to. Steer clear of dog food containing common allergies including corn, wheat, and soy.
- Moisture content: Make sure the dog food you select has enough amount of moisture to hydrate your German Shepherd and avoid dehydration, which can make diarrhea worse.
- Brand reputation: Pick a dog food company with a solid reputation for making safe, high-quality dog food. Consider purchasing products from companies that have passed independent testing and received accreditation from institutions like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Causes of Diarrhea in German Shepherds
The following list includes some possible causes of diarrhea in German Shepherds:
- Food allergies: Certain food components, such as wheat, soy, or poultry, may cause German Shepherds to develop an allergy or sensitivity, which can lead to digestive problems including diarrhea.
- Intestinal parasites: Worms or other parasites in the digestive system can cause diarrhea in German Shepherds. Dogs are susceptible to giardia, hookworms, and roundworms, among other parasites.
- Stress: German Shepherds can be sensitive to changes in their environment or routine, which can cause stress and lead to digestive issues like diarrhea.
- Sudden changes in diet: Abruptly changing your German Shepherd’s diet, especially to a portion of food that its digestive system is not used to, can trigger diarrhea. In order to give their digestive system time to adjust, it is recommended to introduce new meals gradually over a period of several days.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Diarrhea
The right dog food can help German Shepherds with diarrhea feel better and maintain good digestive health. Here are some alternatives to think about:
- High-fiber dog food: A high-fiber dog food can assist in regulating the digestive tract of your German Shepherd and reducing diarrhea. Look for dog food that has soluble fiber-rich ingredients like oats, sweet potatoes, or pumpkins.
- Grain-free dog food: If your German Shepherd has a food allergy or sensitivity to grains, grain-free dog food may be a good option. Dog food that is grain-free is produced without grains like wheat, maize, or others that may cause digestive problems.
- Dog food for sensitive stomachs: Many pet food manufacturers provide specific recipes for dogs with digestive problems or sensitive stomachs. These dog diets may also contain probiotics or prebiotics to support digestive health. They are frequently produced with high-quality, readily digested ingredients.
- Wet dog food is a beautiful alternative for dogs with diarrhea since it may be simpler to digest than dry kibble. Additionally, wet dog food has more moisture, which can help your German Shepherd stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
- Supplemental probiotics: Probiotics are good microorganisms that support a healthy digestive tract. Your German Shepherd’s diet may benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid with diarrhea and other digestive problems. There are several different kinds of probiotic supplements, including powders, and pills.
Digestive Health Supplements for German Shepherds
The following list of vitamins for healthy digestion that German Shepherds might use includes:
- Prebiotics and probiotics: Beneficial microorganisms that can support a healthy digestive tract include prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics provide the beneficial bacteria in your German Shepherd’s intestines with the nutrients they need to grow, while probiotics introduce them there. Together, they can ease symptoms like diarrhea and regulate digestion. Look for supplements with a variety of prebiotic fibers and/or bacteria types.
- Digestive enzymes: By breaking down food in your German Shepherd’s digestive tract, digestive enzymes facilitate nutrient absorption and digestion. Particularly helpful for dogs with digestive problems or dietary allergies are these enzymes. Look for dietary supplements that have a combination of digestive enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease.
- Fiber supplements: In German Shepherds with diarrhea, fiber can help regulate digestion and encourage regular bowel movements. Psyllium husk, oat bran, and beetroot pulp are just a few examples of the many ingredients that may be used to make fiber supplements. It’s crucial to pick a supplement that is suitable for your dog’s individual requirements and to take it as directed.
Homemade Dog Food for German Shepherds with Diarrhea
German Shepherds that are experiencing diarrhea may benefit from homemade dog food since you have control over the ingredients and can omit any potential irritants or allergies. For producing homemade dog food, see the following recipes and instructions:
Recipe #1 – Chicken and rice
ingredients
- Chicken breast, 1 pound, skinless and without bone
- 1 serving of brown rice
- 1 cup of chicken broth low in salt
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of green beans, chopped
Instructions:
- The chicken breast should be cooked thoroughly and browned in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the brown rice as directed on the box in a different pot, omitting the water and substituting chicken broth.
- Cook the carrots and green beans in the saucepan after adding the chopped vegetables.
- Chop the chicken into tiny pieces once it has cooled, then combine it with the rice and veggies.
- Serve the homemade dog food in small servings and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Recipe #2 – Beef and Sweet Potato:
Ingredients:
- 100 grams of ground beef
- 1 big sweet potato, diced after being peeled
- 1 cup of spinach, chopped
- Olive oil, 1 tbsp
- one tablespoon of dried parsley
Instructions:
- The ground beef should be cooked thoroughly and browned in a pan over medium heat.
- Boil the sweet potato until it is fork-tender in a different pot.
- Olive oil and chopped spinach should be added to the saucepan and cooked until the spinach wilts.
- Combine the meat, sweet potato, spinach, and parsley when they have cooled.
- Serve the homemade dog food in small servings and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
