Is my dog depressed?

Question
To give you a little history about our german shepherd; she was my father-in-laws dog, she is about 2 1/2 years old. He has had her since she was a puppy, but i feel has not spent the time training her he more or less babied her like it was his child it a joke in the family that he loved her more than his own grandchildren they were very close... Talking he would cook her chicken everyday and mix with her food... Well about 3 months ago he was forced to either give her to us because of his living situation he moved to another state. She seems very depressed, she knows and loves us and our kids... She seemed to have been coming out of it when they came back for a short visit.. She now is acting depressed again.. she is under are feet all the time, mopes around ears down, crouching... I thought she needed more affection and play time we've done this she doesn't seem to snap out of it. I don't understand... We love her, she is a great dog and I know she love us too but she seems unhappy... I've thought it had to do with her diet, because we don't cook her chicken everyday and mix with her food... Instead we mix a 1/2 can of wet dog food with her food to get her to eat dry dog food winging her off slowly so she would eat dry dog food. Do we need to take her to the vet? I want her to be happy and know she is loved and part of our family. Do you have an ideas as to why she is acting or feeling the way? Any advise is greatly appreciated.. Thanks so much.. Alli

Answer
Shepherds are slow to bond with new people.  It wouldn't hurt to have a check up.  Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing as well as anything I would suggest.  Cutting the chicken out was a good thing.  It isn't the complete and balanced diet dogs need, and shepherds tend to light eaters.  What they do eat needs to be a good diet.