skin problems

Question
We had a male long haired german shep for 12 yrs.  He just died last year and we have taken over a year to be able to consider getting another dog!!!  He was the best.  No formal training, just seemed to have a natural, innate sense of good behavior and obedience.  He was type of dog that wouldn't leave our yard unless encouraged by us.  We loved him sooooo much.

We are now thinking of getting another.  My question: Saber had skin probs all his life.  We tried to keep him on a lamb and rice diet but it didn't work great and he was often at the vet.  We probably needed better food.  

Have you experienced any skin problems, bad smells as a result, or have you found that your choice of foood prevented that?

Answer
Yes, I am aware of the skin problems and I have found that a choice in food can help prevent skin problems in German Shepherds along with regular vet check ups.  German Shepherds are prone to skin problems and diet can help prevent that.

Check out this Video about the relationship between diet and Skin and other health problems common to german shepherds.

A Video Clip Regarding German Shepherd Special Dietary Needs
http://www.royalcanin.ca/library/files/dog/gs.wmv

I never recommend an Adult Chow for German Shepherd Puppies and I always recommend a PREMIUM Dog food for puppies and adults alike to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients to avoid common german shepherd ailments. For more information about common shepherd Ailments go to my info page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com  I also stay clear of cheap name brands which have more fillers and less nutrients.

I recommend a Large breed Puppy Food until 15 months of Age.  A regular puppy food has too much calcium for German Shepherds causing the bones to mature too fast. And an adult dog food does not have the nutrients and fat content required by growing puppies.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PUPPY FOOD
When choosing a food for your dog keep in mind that German Shepherds increase their birth weight by approx. 70 times by 15 months of age.  As pups, they tend to double their weight each month.  

Pups will require a puppy food made especially for the needs of a growing large breed puppy and for the special needs of your German Shepherd who have issues with joints and the digestive system, and skin.  There are many "PREMIUM" large breed puppy foods on the market today available in Pet Stores.  Find a premium one you can trust to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients it requires.  Specially made Raw Diets or Homemade Special diets recommended for shepherds with added nutrients can be better but most people cannot maintain the diet due to time and money restraints.

I feed Royal Canin Premium Dog food.  It comes in 40 pound bags and is a little more expensive than others, but my dogs absorb more of the food they eat thus eating less than many other brands. They offer the 40 lb bag rather than the 35 lb.  A small puppy may go through 1 bag in 2 months.  A larger puppy or adult will go through 1 bag per month.

Royal Canin also offers buy nine bags get the 10th free at retail outlets.  Ask Your retail Outlet About this.  (You will need to keep your receipts and the bar codes from the bags you have purchased.)  In the end I find this dog food well worth the price, a very good deal and provides peace of mind.

For Info on Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy (under 15 Months) Designed specifically for the growing needs of the Large Breed Dog. http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/maxi/puppy_en.php; and

Feeding Guidelines For Pups on Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy
http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/maxi/puppy_feeding_en.php

For Info German Shepherd (Over 15 Months)- Royal Canin makes a dog food designed specifically for the special dietary needs of the adult German Shepherd. http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/breed/german_en.php

Before purchasing a pup, please be sure to buy from Reputable breeders only or consider purchasing a pup from a Rescue Shelter.  When buying from a breeder, be sure the dog is registered with your national Kennel Club.  This ensures there are medical histories available on the dog going back 6 generations.  Reputable Breeders do not breed shepherds with known genetic problems in order to improve the breed and to breed these things out of the shepherds.

Go to my puppies and help pages and read the articles before purchasing another pup.  

Glad to be of assistance

Sincerely,

Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com