Food for non-doodle

[Roni & Roxy]

My son and daughter-in-law just got a six-month-old German shepherd. I was just wondering if all the wonderful advice from Karen (and others) in this group would apply for them as well, or if this food info is specifically for doodles. Do you know if shepherds have different food needs so that the advice here wouldn't apply? Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Roni, despite what the ads for Royal Canin would have you believe, all dog breeds have the exact same nutritional needs. Variations apply depending on age, weight, activity levels, etc. but not breed. All of the food advice in this group applies to all breeds and mixes. 

[Roni & Roxy]

Thanks, Karen! It sounds like they went ahead and bought some Evolve puppy food (and are adding some pumpkin since he's having diarrhea). I don't see any mention of Evolve in this group...do you know anything specific about it? Good, bad, indifferent? (The dog was on Beneful with the previous owners.)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I had never heard of this food before. I did a little bit of research, and I wouldn't recommend it. It's better than Beneful, but that's about the best I can say. Sourcing of ingredients is suspicious, and the ingredients themselves don't look great. The only store in my area that sells this is Walmart, which is always a bad sign. But until the dog has adjusted and they've had a fecal done, (a MUST, for a rehome with diarrhea) I would not switch the food again. That will only confuse the issues.

When they are ready, I'd advise that they only choose a food from our recommended brands list, and grain-free with a higher protein content would be best for a growing GSD. 

I love GSDs. They are probably my favorite breed, and I have fostered many. But since there is also almost no breed in existence with more genetic health issues, and they got the dog as a rehome, I'd also strongly suggest that they look into pet insurance. :)

[Roni & Roxy]

Thank you so much, Karen! I passed on the info to them. I sure appreciate you!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for the kind words Roni, it's my pleasure.