- Do some homework on your breed. Learn its history and how it developed. German Shepherds come from a working-class stock of high energy, industrious herding dogs. These dogs were bred to move constantly, to be extremely alert and be very protective. All these things still influence the breed today.
- Look at your own dog. Think about how much activity is demanded of it. Rate your dog effectively. Just as a person who does not work out every day does not need to consume a high-calorie, high-energy diet, neither does a house pet need to consume the same amount of food as a true working-class dog. If your dog is exercised with vigor every day, that will influence your food choice. If it is mostly a companion, its dietary needs will be quite different.
- Find a local pet or feed store that supplies dog food. Walk the aisles and read the labels. There are many brands that are top quality. Eukanuba, Maxxum, Science Diet and other high-end feeds are often worth their price tags. But the old, tried and true, such as Purina, are still good. You want to look for at least 24 percent protein. Avoid fillers such as ash, or mystery ingredients such as "ground animal meal". You want quality ingredients that you can actually understand: real meat, real vegetable ingredients and extras such as dried brewers yeast.
- Your veterinarian can often be the best source for solid advice on what to feed your German Shepherd. Be sure and make an appointment to have your dog's health checked and ask for his opinion on what food is best for your dog.
