Many people think that all dogs are carnivores and need to consume meat to be healthy, and this is also true of German Shepherds. You must also be wondering whether your German Shepherd can consume exclusively vegetarian food or plant-based foods and whether they receive all the necessary nutrients. Is it a nutritious diet?
Foods depend on the taste whether they are human beings or Dogs. However, it has been a controversial topic for a decade. Most people like veg food while some like non-veg. It’s also the same case in dogs, some dogs like to eat veg food while some of them have the taste of non-veg.
Feeding your German Shepherd veg food may be liked by some whilst some may advise growth can only be gained by non-veg food but these are the opinions. We should observe the fact, can your German Sheperd be on a meat-free diet? can he get proper growth when they are on a veg diet?
German Shepherd is an omnivorous pet and is able to survive on a veg diet. On the other hand, If you are feeding them only veg then you must consult the best nutritionists as they have a better idea about the veg constituents that fulfill all the nutrients in the absence of a non-veg diet.
Making your German Shepherd veggie depends on the habit that you are getting used to them. When they are puppies they start their life on a vegan diet, later it is on you whether to start a non-veg diet or stick to a vegan diet.
Here in this article, I will guide you with complete info that will help you get the right decision regarding your pet.
The hot points to discuss in this article:
- Which type of food animal is the German Shepherd?
- Can a German Shepherd survive the vegan diet?
- Key points to know if they eat only a vegan diet?
- When To switch your German Shepherd From a Nonveg to veg diet?
- Health Benefits when they are on a veg diet?
Let us discuss all the topics one by one.
Table of Contents
Which Type Of Food Animal Is The German Shepherd?
Before discussing their food habits we should know the existence of German Shepherds. German shepherd comes under the species of wolfs in the earlier day they were mainly carnivorous but after some decade when people started keeping them as a pet or for some work then the human feeding came into trend. They used to feed them meat and homemade food.
Dogs and humans shared the same space and dogs easily adapted to the food habits that humans provide to them. They were getting nutrients from nonveg food and veg foods or plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, cereals, etc.
All these facts tell us that dogs are omnivorous as they are capable of eating both food items veg as well as non-veg. German Shepherd is omnivorous but it will depend on the habits of owners, and what type of food they make them habituate to eat.
No doubt German Shepherds can eat only vegan dog foods, You can understand by:
- They are capable of adapting to the food habits they are getting used to.
- German Shepherds can grind up the greenery herbs to get the proper nutrients.
- They can easily digest carbohydrates.
- Having a small intestine, the German Shepherds can digest the food items they eat.
However, it allows us to understand that German Shepherds can survive on a vegan diet but as German Shepherd owners you will have to be very careful about your dog’s diet.
Can German Shepherds Survive On A Vegan Diet?
Being human beings we all know the importance of a veg diet when the whole world is dealing with the deadliest pandemic “Coronavirus”. Today most nonveg food lovers switched to vegan food because of the fear of this deadliest virus.
Most dog owners may have done the same for their pets, they may have started neglecting to give non-veg foods rather than veg foods. However, the research WHO has shown us that coronavirus has not any impact on animals after feeding non-veg foods.
Coming to our topic, oh!! Yeah, a German Shepherd can survive the veg diet. They also get proper nutrition which is helpful in their growth as they can easily digest all the veg food components.
Eating a veg diet has no side effects on German Shepherd’s health. After becoming a veggie they can all types of human food like rice, bread, fruits, milk, and others.
For more info about German Shepherds, the human foods they eat, and those not eaten by them read our article” 20 Human foods can German shepherd eat and what to avoid? A Complete Guide:”
Key Points To Know If Your German Shepherd Eats Only Vegan diet?
All dog owners should be highly careful before switching from a nonveg diet to a veg diet. Dogs of every breed like to eat meat, but suddenly they find that their owner is giving them only a veg diet they may not like and start ignoring the food.
It will be better to consult your vets, as some only feed their dogs a veg diet. You may also consider the following points for better understanding:
- Because of the adaptable nature of German Shepherds, one should not worry about feeding a veg diet to their dogs. They can survive well on a vegan diet as different human foods contain all the nutrients that are essential for them.
- Some of the vegan food like fruits and some types of vegetables can be given raw but are sure the food should be fully cooked.
- Having no side effects, these foods are also recommended by some vets for the cure of food allergies, liver disease, and bladder stones.
- The German Shepherd has a canine body and can get all the amino acids they need when they avoid meat as their body can transform certain amino acids or proteins.
- You should follow the strict diet plan, in case of any confusion, you must consult your vet.
When To Switch Your German Shepherd From A Non-veg to Veg Diet?
I hope you have understood a little bit about the vet diet for your German Shepherd, being a vegan is not a great deal as it has all the ability to fulfill all the nutrients.
Before switching your German Shepherd from a nonveg to a vegan diet you should consider the following:
Know the nature and habits of your Dog
Knowing the nature and habits of German Shepherds plays a significant role in the diet plan. It means that you should be very careful about German Shepherd’s diet and feeding schedule.
I understand, there will be a strong reason behind changing their diet from non-veg to veg, you may be veggie for some type of personal reason, or your dog has some type of food allergy.
If you want to change the food habits of your German shepherd then you must do some research first and consult the best nutritionists or vets because of their safety point of view.
If you know the behavior and diet plan of your pet then it will let you understand them well, and you will not face any type of problems regarding their health and your dog will grow just like others.
Consult the best vets you know
Being carnivorous animals it is very difficult for German Shepherds to switch their diet plan certainly. In my opinion, you must hire the best nutritionist or vets.
It’s a great deal to work with a professional, I mean to say that the vets or nutritionists will have a better idea. They will also observe your dog whether their body will support the veg diet or not.
They will make a proper vegan diet plan for your dog and it will help them to grow like other dogs. It’s obvious, they had done more research on the veg diet.
Avoid Over Eating
If your German Shepherd wants to eat much then it may lead to becoming fat which is not a healthy option. Overeating gives birth to various types of health problems heart disease, and diabetic problems, and will affect their fitness.
However, there may be some times when your dog avoids the meal you provide to them. In such a case, you should give selected food items that may provide the proper nutrients.
Health Benefits And Their Fitness
The health and fitness of German Shepherds are the biggest concern. You should be aware of the medical situation of your dog.
Your German Shepherd dog might have food allergies and giving them a new diet certainly may affect their health. You need to apply it very carefully and gradually. Proper time should be given for their adaptation.
One of the major health issues with German Shepherds is bloating. It is a critical medical condition where a dog’s stomach is filled with gas and twists. Bloating can only be avoided with a scheduled diet plan, if not controlled you must visit your vet.
If you are giving only a veg diet to your dog then it will be better for you to see all the nutrients they consume. It will lead them to be healthy all the time and if your German Shepherd will be fit then their activeness is to watch out.
Benefits Of A Vegan Diet
Eating a Vegan diet has its benefits as there are many vegan dog food that doesn’t contain any chemicals which are responsible for health degradation.
The vegan diet allows the German Shepherds to regain puppy-like energy because of the essential nutrition available in it.
- It has no side effects.
- It allows the German Shepherds to maintain their weight as non-veg items are heavily consuming pet foods that can be fatty and will never be fit.
- It provides them with a clean environment which is good for nature as well as your dogs.
- Provides easy digestion to your dog which leads them to remain healthy all the time.
I hope you have understood a little bit of the benefits of vegan diets, there are also some veg items that humans can eat but not your dog. Let’s know about them:
- Artificial sweeteners
- Avocados
- Garlic
- Onion
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Sweet potatoes
Apart from these, there is also many veg food that humans can eat but dogs can’t. All these contain some type of toxicity that is responsible for their health degradation. It will be better for you to do some research about the veg food that is toxic or consult your vets.
Right Time To Avoid Veg Diet For German Shepherds
When is the right time to avoid a veg diet for our German Shepherd? This will be the hot question that will strike your mind.
Ohh!! Yes, there is a time in the life of German Shepherds when they should not follow a vegan diet. When your German Shepherd puppy is young, you should try both types of food. For instance, the milk they drink helps them grow at a young age, but as they get older, they need to chew on some kind of bone that will assist their teeth.
Certain nutrients can only be fulfilled only by eating non-veg items but after some time you can gradually put them on a veg diet by consulting your best nutritionist or vet.
In the commercial market, there is also readymade veg food you may consider for feeding your dog. Let’s also see some of them.
Readymade Or Alternate Veg Dog Food To Consider:
All the commercial food items are strictly seen by the AAFCO and after their approval, all the foods are released. so you do have not to worry anymore.
- V-Planet Vegan Jerky Dog Treats
- Jack&Pup Bully Stick Strips
- Pet Naturals Dog Treats
- Halo Grain Free Natural Dog Treats
- Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Adult Dog Food
All the above food items contain proper nutrients but before giving them to your dog you should consult your vet once.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Q1. Is It Necessary To Switch German Shepherds From A Non-Veg To A Veg Diet?
Not, It is not necessary to switch the diet plan of your dog unless they have any type of food allergy.
Being Veggies is a good idea because it prevents many allergies and future diseases. When your dog suffers from any type of food allergy then feeding a veg diet will be essential.
Q2. Which Dog Breed Can Be Vegetarian?
While most dogs are carnivores, there are a few breeds that can tolerate a vegetarian diet. However, it all depends on the dog owners and what diet plan they follow for their dog breeds.
Some of the dog breeds that can be vegetarian are:
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Dalmatian
- Border Collie
- Boxer
- Bullmastiff
These are just a few examples, as many other breeds could potentially be vegetarian as well. It depends on the individual dog and what they are willing to eat. If you are considering a vegetarian diet for your dog, it is essential to speak with your veterinarian first to ensure it is a safe and healthy option for your pet.
Q3. Is It Ok For Dogs To Be Vegetarian?
Dogs are classified as omnivorous animals, which means they may eat both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. In theory, dogs can be vegetarian, however, the BVA (British Veterinary Association) does not recommend it due to the nutritional requirements for dogs that can only be met by non-veg diets.
Final Thoughts:
There is no doubt about the existence of German shepherds and their feeding habits. Being omnivorous they are capable of adapting to any type of environment they face.
It depends on you whatever food you give your dog but the main thing to consider is the proper nutrients they get from the food. Regular diet and monitoring should be implemented which will allow them to live a healthy life.
In my childhood, my grandma told my father that every human being is different, and now I have understood. Her statement fully satisfies the case of dogs also.
All German Shepherds have different types of food habits you will have to observe which type of diet they like and which will be helpful for their growth.
The decision should be yours to put your German Shepherd on a veg diet or a non-veg diet. Stop watching others, consult your best vets or nutritionist, be in the factual world, and take the right decision for the balanced diet for German Shepherds.