German Shepherd Homemade Food Guide & Recipes (Puppy & Adult)
Canine Bible is reader-supported. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. This doesn’t affect rankings. Learn more.
Are you considering giving your German Shepherd homemade food?
There is a reason our furry friends beg for our food — they are meant to eat variety just like you and me. Could you imagine how tiring it would be to eat the same foods daily?
Whether you want to give your German Shepherd the occasional homemade meal or replace his entire diet with purely homemade, we’ve cooked up the ultimate guide on how to make homemade food for German Shepherds, breed-specific nutritional advice, guidelines to follow, favorite recipes, and every detail to create balanced meals your pups will love.
Before jumping into our guide, let’s discuss the benefits of homemade food for your GSD and other critical aspects overlooked when cooking for GSDs. Let’s dive right in!
German Shepherd Homemade Dog Food Benefits
Commercially produced dog food is highly processed, which results in low nutritional value, whereas cooking at home for your GSD will preserve most of the ingredients’ nutrients.
Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., state that homemade dog food helps with diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance, allergies issues, and avoid concern over food recalls.
Other benefits include:
Food & German Shepherd Health: Why Feed Homemade?
German Shepherds are notorious for developing food allergies and hypersensitivities despite being wonderful dogs. A study published in BMC Veterinary Research Journal found that German Shepherds are at a high risk of developing cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR), or in simpler terms, dog food allergies.[1]
CAFR can be responsible for many skin allergy issues like atopic dermatitis. Chronic allergic reactions are accompanied by excessive scratching, itching, and biting.[2] Eventually, this could lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections in your GSD. Unfortunately, a lot of German Shepherd allergies arise from commercial dog food. Kibble ingredients like protein sources, high levels of animal fat, preservatives, meat by-products, food coloring, grains, and fillers contribute to more allergies in this breed.
GSDs are predisposed to degenerative myelopathy, elbow and hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritis.[3][4][5][6] Because German Shepherds are prone to these skeletal and bone problems, GSDs need to maintain a healthy weight. An obese German Shepherd may have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and other joint disorders because the excess weight puts more strain on their joints, bone structure, and back (spinal cord). It could also potentially lead to degenerative myelopathy in GSDs.
Remember that even grain-free kibbles with high-quality ingredients can have high levels of starchy and bad carbs that contribute to the pet obesity epidemic.
Furthermore, German Shepherd Dogs can experience bloating, says the AKC. If not treated promptly, bloating in a GSD can be fatal.
Moreover, GSDs are commonly affected by Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).[7] EPI is the inability to make enough pancreatic enzymes to break down dietary fats, carbohydrates, and proteins leading to poor nutrient absorption, weight loss, and other chronic symptoms such as diarrhea.[8] So, feeding a low-fat diet and highly digestible food is essential to prevent pancreas damage and minimize EPI risk in GSDs.
Lastly, conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Perianal Fistulas are also prominent in GSD. They may be treated with hypoallergenic food and a clean, fresh diet since many cases have been linked to an underlying allergy caused by a specific reaction to chronic intestinal tract irritation.
How Can A Homemade Diet Help German Shepherds With All Of This?
German Shepherd Homemade Food Risks
A poor diet is a significant threat to the health of your German Shepherd. Here are some things to avoid to provide a healthy diet to your pup.
Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.[13][14][15]
Here are the findings:
It’s vital to understand that dogs’ nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address your German Shepherd’s dietary requirements and help you make nutritionally balanced recipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.
German Shepherds Nutritional Guidelines To Follow
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food, states there are six indispensable nutrients that all dog meals require to support life and function in dogs and provide a balanced and healthy diet.
A proper homemade diet should consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level. Your German Shepherd will grow strong and healthy if these six components are present and you consider these factors.
Below is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.
| Nutrient | Food | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs | Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. |
| Carbohydrates | Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat | Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function. |
| Fat | From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others | Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues |
| Minerals | Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. | Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production. |
| Water | Water | Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day. |
| Vitamins | A, B, C, D, E, and K | Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function. |
Recommended Supplements For German Shepherds
Here are the best breed-specific supplements GSDs may benefit from.
Because of the risk of bloating in GSDs, you should avoid raised dog bowls, give small frequent meals, invest in a slow feeder, and avoid vigorous exercise after meals. You may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your GSD pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.
Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
If you need more advice on German Shepherd nutrition, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. Many pet nutritionists consider this book the Bible of healthy homemade dog nutrition.
Health Dietary Changes In German Shepherds
If the following health conditions are present in your GSD, a fresh homemade diet coupled with these recommendations can help remedy them.
| Condition | Dietary Needs & Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Coat Color Changes | Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories) |
| Concurrent GI Signs | Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Dull Coat and Scaling | Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try a food that has added zinc |
| Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
German Shepherds are a high-risk breed for skin allergies and coat problems. Adding a couple of fish oil squirts to their meals will provide relief and nourishment to keep skin and coats in tip-top condition.
German Shepherd Calorie Requirements
So, how much should I feed my German Shepherd?
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult German Shepherd usually weighs between 50 and 90 pounds, meaning most GSDs need between 1165 and 1808 calories daily.
Make sure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.
You can use this calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
Pregnant or lactating GSDs may need up to 2 to 4 times the food they usually need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.
Homemade Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies
A German Shepherd puppy’s diet is different from an adult GSD’s.
Compared to adult dogs, puppies need higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Too few (or too many) of these nutrients can cause deficiencies, stunted growth, or lifelong complications.
According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed.
Most people worry that their puppy requires more food and calorie intake daily because they are rapidly growing. This isn’t necessarily the truth. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need about the same number of calories and the same type of food from 4 months to 12 months of age.
German puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.
For proper growth and development, it is not advised to skip meals while your puppy is growing and developing. As our nutritional guidelines previously outlined, a puppy’s diet must include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.
When Can I Feed My German Shepherd Puppy Homemade Food?
The ACVN states that owners should start feeding puppies food approximately four weeks after birth because the mother’s milk is no longer sufficient.
Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service
If you are a German Shepherd pet owner struggling to find time to cook for your GSD and wish your dog could eat whole, fresh homemade foods more often, a homemade dog food delivery service might be a great fit.
Nom Nom is one of our favorite options. They deliver fresh, prepared homemade dog food tailored to your pup’s dietary needs straight to your door. Everything is made from real, human-grade ingredients (meats, veggies, grains, etc.)
Their food is developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist and following the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. They do all the cooking for you, so you never have to worry about using the wrong ingredients, proper nutrition guidelines, portion sizes, and more.
All their meals are customizable to your dog’s unique dietary needs, age, nutritional goals, and other key factors. For instance, if your GSD has food-related health issues like allergies or an illness, they will create a recipe that caters to this.
In our experience, it’s a huge time-saver, and you can spend time on more important things like walks or training. Plus, you avoid all the hassle of planning, shopping, and cooking. We think it’s worth the cost after adding up the prices of all the ingredients you’ll need to cook a recipe.
Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom. Just use this link to get your GSD’s first homemade meal.
Check out Canine Bible’s GSD Khaleesi trying out Nom Nom homemade dog food. She recommends it!
Best Homemade Food For German Shepherd
The best homemade food for GSD is a balanced diet that provides the optimal amount of nutrients for proper function in your pet while considering your dog’s nutritional goals and health. We highly recommend Nom Nom as the best fresh home-cooked food for adult and puppy GSDs.
Don’t feel like cooking for your GSD? Here is the most comprehensive guide to help you find the best german kibble shepherd dog food.
German Shepherd Homemade Food Tips
Once you pick a recipe for your GSD or GSD puppy, it’s time to prepare it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
How To Cook Homemade Food For German Shepherd (Video)
If you’ve never made food for your furry friend, this video will show how to make dog food for German Shepherds.
Best Homemade German Shepherd Dog Food Recipes
We’ve compiled our favorite German Shepherd homemade dog food recipes to share with you.
Additionally, we give you a special treat recipe for German Shepherds that are tasty and packed with impressive health benefits. This recipe can do a lot for your GSD’s health and wellness. It has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil.
For even more German Shepherd food recipes and cooking options, cookbooks can come in handy to have an array of dog food recipes at your disposal. We love Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.
Note: Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian & use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portions will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and your dog’s health. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.
CBD-Infused Dog Treat
Surprise your German Shepherd with these nutritious, therapeutic, and super tasty homemade CBD oil dog treats. They are made with Pumpkin and other essential vitamins and minerals (like iron, potassium, and vitamin A). Pumpkin also helps promote better digestion and hydration. Coconut is also added for skin and coat health and allergy reduction.
CBD oil for dogs can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness, preventive care, and many other health issues in dogs. You can also purchase already made CBD dog treats.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog CBD to ensure it’s safe and appropriate feeding portions.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion out the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe from: Truth Theory
Turkey, Rice And Veggie Mix
Delicious wholehearted food low-fat recipe for German Shepherd who may want to maintain a healthy weight. It provides a good balance of lean animal protein, healthy carbs, and veggies.
Ingredients
Directions
- Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
- Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool. Refrigerate until use.
Recipe from: Allrecipes
Chicken, Quinoa, And Spinach Mix
Quinoa, a superfood, makes this recipe a well-rounded proteic meal. The garlic and apples add a touch of flavor your dog will enjoy. The spinach adds valuable vitamins to this meal.
Ingredients
Directions
- Cook quinoa in a rice cooker. I used 1.5 cups of water for every cup of dry quinoa.
- Heat oil in a large pot. Cook chicken and garlic until brown on medium-high heat.
- Added cooked quinoa to the pot and stirred completely into the mixture.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add peas, apples, carrots, spinach, crushed tablets, and parsley to the mixture. Stir well for three minutes on reduced heat.
- Store in air-tight containers. You can refrigerate or freeze into larger portions until needed.
Chicken Casserole
A nutritious homemade dog meal for your German Shepherd dogs. The chicken provides a good source of protein, and the veggies offer low calories but are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Ingredients
Directions
- Remove excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut the breasts into small nickel-sized chunks.
- Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add the chicken, vegetables, rolled oats, and chicken broth to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender – about 15 minutes.
- Allow cooling before serving.
- Store leftover casserole portions in the fridge for up to five days.
Recipe from: Money Crashers
Scooby’s Organic Stew
This organic homemade food recipe will make your German Shepherd drool while you cook it. This perfect combination of veggies, meat, and rice is loaded with iron from fresh protein and vitamins and can be stored in your fridge for most of the week (or frozen and heated up later).
Ingredients
Directions
- Place ingredients in a slow cooker in the order listed, covering the chicken entirely with vegetables
- Cook 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low
- Remove from slow cooker, shred chicken and stir into rice and veggie mixture until evenly distributed.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to three days or freeze in single-serve portions.
Recipe from: Happy & Jummy
What Foods Should Your German Shepherd Never Eat?
The following is a list of foods you should never feed your German Shepherd or any dog breed. The principal toxic foods include:
Here is the complete list of toxic ingredients your German Shepherd should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.
German Shepherd Raw Diet (BARF)
Like homemade diets, formulating a raw diet (BARF or biologically appropriate raw food) for German Shepherds requires lots of effort and planning. There is more risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance due to its raw nature.
Raw dog food usually consists of uncooked and unprocessed animal-based products. These include raw meat, bones, vegetables, fruits, eggs with shells (not hard-boiled), and dairy products such as butter and cheese made from raw milk without pasteurization or homogenizing. A raw dog diet resembles the diet that dogs ate in the wild millions of years ago.
Raw dog food is a growing trend — These diets provide canines with more nutrients than cooked foods and help them protect their teeth, coat, and digestive functions, among other health benefits. Read our German Shepherd raw diet guide to learn about raw feeding GSDs and their benefits. We recommend visiting our best raw dog food article to find the best brands to feed your dog.
Best Homemade Cooking Practices
With these tips, you can ensure that your German Shepherd’s meals are safe and nutritious.
NOTE: When in doubt, ALWAYS research an ingredient. You don’t want to add food that is toxic to dogs.
Monitor Weight & Health
You must monitor your German Shepherd’s weight as you transition to a homemade food diet.
Follow your GSD’s weight and health closely for about a month to ensure that she is not adversely affected by this new diet.
An unbalanced diet can lead to excessive energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, or obesity. If you notice these symptoms, stop feeding your GSD this food immediately and consult a professional dog nutritionist.
Should You Feed Homemade Food to German Shepherds? Alternatives
Many dog owners think dog food is the same for all dogs, but that’s not the case. Every dog has different nutritional requirements based on several factors, and GSDs are no exception.
We hope you found the best homemade dog food recipes for German Shepherds and learned about proper nutrition and what to look for when cooking for German Shepherds. Remember to work alongside your vet to ensure the diet maintains nutritional adequacy and before adding or changing your dog’s diet.
If you are the owner of a GSD with meat food allergies, digestive issues, or any other food-related health issue, vegan dog food might be an excellent alternative for your dog.
