Important Facts about Safe Human Food for GSDs
Rewarding a German Shepherd with best treats for german shepherd puppies, is a powerful tool that can help shape the dog’s behavior during obedience training. Giving GSD pups just any human food is one of the serious mistakes that some pet parents make. Actually, breed-specific kinds of treats are the most recommended because their formulations are specifically designed to support the growth and wellness of young German Shepherds.
GSD experts at the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) explain that it’s important to distinguish between good and poor sources of protein when looking to feed German Shepherd pups with human food.
In the list that the GSDCA published as good sources of protein, it mentions turkey. chicken and beef. However, it gives warning not to make animal by-products as the main source of protein. Actually, the term by-products refer to the processed meat-meals that made use of discarded animal parts like head, blood, brains, lungs and other similar after-slaughter wastes. Although legal to use as ingredients of dog food, German Shepherd breeders do not recommend them as a major source of protein for a GS puppy’s daily meals.
Natural Substances that Provide Good Nutritional Support to GSD Puppies
Owing to their nature as a high energy breed, certain natural substances like glucosamine and chondroitin are necessary nutrients. Mainly because they help GS pups develop and maintain stronger joints and bones.
Another important ingredient is L-carnitine, a kind of nutrient that critically supports a healthy metabolism in German Shepherd puppies.
Omega-6 fatty acids are substances that help keep the skin and coat of this breed in good condition as it grows older.
On the other hand, GSD pet parents must take care not to feed their German Shepherd puppy with raw uncooked potato. This crop contains Solanine, a compound that is toxic to canines.
Moreover, it’s also best to avoid feeding GSD puppies with human foods that have artificial flavors, high-fructose syrup and other sweetening extenders.Other people-food that should not be given to GSDs are food and beverages with alcohol, chocolates and caffeine. Such substances have a compound known as methylxanthines. The substance can cause excessive thirst, trigger hyperactivity, promote excessive urination, cause abnormal heart beats that can lead to seizures, tremors or at worst even death.
While GSDCA’s list of human food recommended as safe is quite long, it also comes with an advice for GSD caregivers to feed in small amounts first. The list of human foods suggested as safe for GSD consumption is actually long, which includes eggs, cottage cheese, cooked rice or pasta, blueberries, apples, broccoli and carrots.
