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Best Foods for a Picky German Shepherd
I believe to a large degree, your dog has you trained. Dogs are very smart. As long as he isn’t having a medical reaction to his food, a good-quality dog food is good enough. When I put my dog on a diet, she fought eating just dry dog food in the evening, and only a small amount of canned and dry food mixed with her supplements in the morning. I did not give in, and she is now happy to have something to eat, in particular in the evenings. You have to be strong enough to allow your dog to give in to the food set out for her. Of course, talk to your vet first. Good luck.
Author: Connie K.
Likes: 2
Cook up some rice and hamburger or chicken, then mix it all, freeze in small containers, and give the dog a tablespoon or two sprinkled on top of “their food” and mix it in. Works great for my dig! The bowl is always licked clean. My vet suggested it. You can make two batches (1) with rice and hamburger and (1) with rice and chicken. Variety helps. Good luck!
Author: Betty W.
Likes: 4
The Honest Kitchen is dehydrated.
Author: Katie A.
Likes: 1
I feed my boy Royal Canin GSD kibble for 1/2 of his meal. The other half is fresh spinach, cooked sweet potatoes, blueberries, and raw steak. He has been eating this for the past 2 years (he is 6), and he gets so thrilled when it’s finally meal time.
Author: Kathy S.
Likes: 3
My girl has a VERY sensitive stomach, which several vets have told me is common for GSD’s. Finally, they told me to put her on Royal Canin GSD. I give her that and large carrots (not the small ones… they are cleaned in bleach!), broccoli, and green beans. Blueberries, apples, sweet potatoes, and chicken or turkey once in a while. Carrots all she wants, the others at random. No table scraps! Good luck!
Author: Betty B.
Likes: 0
Fortunately, the Wellness brand has multiple wet flavors. I get some of each and rotate. The dry stays the same (Wellness).
Author: William T.
Likes: 0
We use Iams large breed mixed with little cae Caesars
Author: Katherine S.
Likes: 0
Rachel Ray’s chicken and sweet potato is our girls’ favorite! Other brands she doesn’t finish the bowl
Author: Bill B.
Likes: 1
Yep, I give mine Canidae dry food and Pedigree soft or Little Cease soft mix, and he eats it all up
Author: Nancie R.
Likes: 0
My dog likes her food, but in the evening, I mix in a small amount of something (small healthy treats, 6 fish kibble by Orijen, bone broth, or a small amount of salmon or canned food).
Author: Linda B.
Likes: 2
Our GS is super picky! We use the Diamond Naturals Lamb (it’s the mint green bag). We then put warm water over it, and I add some canned Pedigree Beef, Bacon, and Cheese. It’s the only thing he will eat.
Author: Brittni C.
Likes: 0
I use Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains with 1 patty of lamb from the company RAW.
Author: Susan G.
Likes: 0
Believe it or not, my almost 9-year-old shepherd loves the Purina Infusions small (3oz) can variety (chicken/beef/lamb) mixed in with his Purina One Lamb and Rice (3/4 cup x 2, twice a day). His coat is gorgeous, and he’s beautiful and content!
Author: Shelly K.
Likes: 1
I add half of a small Stella and Chewy’s patty to his kibble. It’s raw; he eats everything in his bowl. He has never been food-motivated, but he loves the chicken.
Author: Lea A.
Likes: 0
Gentle Giants. That’s what mine have been eating. They like it. I also mix brown rice with carrots or egg. Not every meal. For supper.
Author: Solona C.
Likes: 0
Dr. Marty’s freeze-dried mixed with warm water and dry food
Author: Patti T.
Likes: 0
I’ve had several GSDs. I feed them a variety of Nutrisource feed. Never had an issue.
Author: David K.
Likes: 0
Blue Wilderness, 12 years old and still kicking around
Author: Gregory K.
Likes: 1
Author: Donna S.
Likes: 0
Feed the dog dry dog food and a bowl of water in the morning. But don’t allow the dog to eat it; put it just out of reach, not the water. Give the dog the water, not the food. You eat breakfast. Give the dog the food after it’s been out to do its business. Offer the dry dog food; if refused, tether the dog to the crate with food just out of reach. That means half the day is gone offering food to the pet. If it refuses to boil dogs, remove the hot dogs. Don’t give the dog a tether, dog water from the pot over dry food. Don’t let the dog eat the food. Set it just out of reach, so the dog can only smell it, not get to it. Give the dog water, go to work, and enjoy your day. When it’s time for dinner, stir up the food, set it down for the dog, and walk off. An hour later, that bowl is empty after you haven’t fed him allllll day. Give him the food that you want him to have. Also, never feed at the same time every day….or you won’t sleep in on weekends NO SNACKS UNTIL AFTER BOWL IS EMPTY
Author: Owen G.
Likes: 0
Victor-Ocean Fish. My GSD loves it. I also get flavors of Victor with grain…..my vet recommended with grains
Author: Bigpoppa Heavyd C.
Likes: 0
Mine is the same way! Nevaeh LOVES the Diamond Naturals brand…she actually does pirouettes through the kitchen when I pour her food now!!!
Author: Terri L.
Likes: 0
My Precious girl was the same way, and I tried so many different high-quality dog foods, and she did the same with them all until we found she liked softer food. Now we mix a soft package food with Taste of the Wild, and she eats it all.
Author: Johnny R.
Likes: 0
We mix conventional and raw diets. He’s only 6 months old, but he’s worked with our previous 4 GSDs. They all have GSD Tummy, so can be prone to diarrhoea, but he loves Raw Chicken Wings, Lamb Ribs, and Raw eggs, including the shell. Chicken frames (from the Butcher), plus he has a sensitive canned meat with biscuits, pineapple to stop him eating his poop, and charcoal tablets for the farts and poop too… oh, plus treats and homemade liver cake!! He eats better than we do!!! Here’s a pic of the monster. Just keep things varied, and warming food in the microwave can also help, along with location. Sometimes they want to eat somewhere else??? I have no idea why!!! Good Luck xx
Author: Rachel M.
Likes: 0
Bil jac. Has a dry call: “No more picky eater.” Very happy with. 4 German shepherd approved.
Author: Pamela S.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Picky German Shepherds
1. Why is my German Shepherd such a picky eater?
German Shepherds can become picky due to boredom with the same food, learned behavior, or sensitivity to certain ingredients. In some cases, they may simply prefer variety in their meals.
2. What is the best food for a picky German Shepherd?
The best food is one your dog consistently eats while meeting their nutritional needs. Many owners find success with high-quality kibble combined with wet food or fresh toppers.
3. Can adding toppers help my dog eat?
Yes, adding small amounts of cooked meat, vegetables, or broth can make meals more appealing and encourage picky eaters to finish their food.
4. Should I rotate my dog’s food flavors?
Rotating flavors or protein sources can help prevent boredom and keep your dog interested in their meals, as long as changes are made gradually.
5. Is raw food a good option for picky German Shepherds?
Some picky eaters respond well to raw diets because of their taste and texture. However, it’s important to ensure the diet is balanced and approved by a veterinarian.
6. Can warming food make it more appealing?
Yes, slightly warming your dog’s food can enhance its aroma, making it more enticing for picky eaters.
7. Should I mix wet and dry dog food?
Mixing wet and dry food can improve taste and texture, which may encourage your German Shepherd to eat more consistently.
8. How do I stop my dog from being picky?
Establishing a consistent feeding routine and avoiding frequent treats or table scraps can help reduce picky behavior over time.
9. How long can a German Shepherd go without eating?
Healthy dogs may skip a meal occasionally, but if your dog refuses food for more than 24–48 hours, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
10. Should I avoid giving table scraps?
Yes, feeding table scraps can encourage picky habits by teaching your dog to wait for more appealing human food instead of their regular meals.
11. When should I see a vet about my dog’s eating habits?
If your dog shows signs of weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, or ongoing refusal to eat, it’s important to seek veterinary advice to rule out health issues.
The Best Feeding Approach for a Picky German Shepherd
Feeding a picky German Shepherd can be challenging, but the right strategy can make a big difference. Sticking to a high-quality base diet, adding appealing toppers, and maintaining a consistent routine can help encourage better eating habits. Since every dog has unique preferences, it may take some trial and adjustment to find what works best. With patience and guidance from your veterinarian, you can help your German Shepherd enjoy mealtime while staying healthy, strong, and well-nourished.
Toledo, United States.