Nutrition

* The base kibble we’re currently recommending is Annamaet. They provide the best supplement science and ingredients list at a surprisingly reasonable price point, roughly $3 per pound. You can easily spend twice as much with any other company without finding a better kibble. Use toppers to keep the food interesting (see Toppers)

* The quality of the ingredients in kibble and processing methods are as important as the ingredients list. To verify you’ll have to do call the company or investigate on line.

* Peanut butter is great stuffer for Kongs and a good way to add a few extra calories to your dog’s diet if they’re looking a little thin from all that exercise. We think it’s best to use peanut butter that doesn’t have sugar.

* A dog’s diet can’t have too many probiotics in a world filled with Girardia and other hostile microbes

— Kefir, a tablespoon or so per day, is great to feed GSDs, which tend to have somewhat delicate digestive systems. Kefir contains L. Casei (also known as Lactobacillus Casei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei or L. paracasei). From the abstract of a 2008 study: “probiotics, particularly L. casei, modulate Giardia infection by minimizing or preventing the adherence of Giardia trophozoites to the mucosal surface, suggesting that probiotics offer a safe and effective mode to prevent and treat Giardia infection”, and particularly “L. casei fed 7 days prior to Giardia infection was more effective and efficient in eliminating the infection from mice.” As of this writing, plain Member’s Mark (Sam’s) Yogurt also has L. Casei.
SL GSD has direct experience to support the effectiveness of Kefir in soothing and preventing digestive issues.

— Sauerkraut (AVOID CARAWAY SEEDS – they’re toxic to dogs) is an inexpensive source of a wide range of pro-biotics (but not L. Casei). We give our puppies a couple of teaspoons a day, and our adults about a tablespoon to help them hold their own at the dog park. Only kraut that has been fermented and has no preservatives will contain pro-biotics.

— Tripe (stomach lining), typically from cows, pigs or sheep, is very nutritious and a great source of probiotics. Dogs love it, but many people are put off by its odor and texture (apologies to Scots everywhere).

* How do you know if your dog is too fat or thin? Most Americans judge a healthy dog’s weight as much too heavy. Keeping your dog overweight is bad for their joints and heart. Consult a good Canine Body Condition Chart.

* Always introduce new foods to your dog slowly. GSDs are knows for less tolerant digestive systems. We typically take 3 days to switch to new kibble, though they adapt to new raw foods quicker (on first day 75% original food and 25% new food; on second day, 50:50; and on third day 25%:75%).

* Immediately after spaying/neutering, Marty Greer says to permanently cut your dog’s calories by 25%.