My GSD likes to scarf his food -- HELP!

Question
QUESTION: We just rescued a GSD from the pound and he has turned out to be a fixer-uper.  He had some scarfing issues which turned into regurdatation and so we took him to the vet and got him on some meds to settle his stomach and sooth his throat.  I am also feeding him chicken and rice for the time being.  What kind of dog food is suitable for GSD's since I definately won't be able to afford to feed him chicken and rice for the rest of his life.  Also, he has worn blisters on his front paws which we doctored with neosporin and bandages, hoping that will heal it.  I am in need of help with my GSD.  Please help!

ANSWER: You are to be commended for rescuing your dog.  

The Regurgitation issues don't surprise me as German Shepherds have sensitive digestive systems.  You did not say how old your dog is.  I'm assuming he is an adult and will recommend a dog food that takes their sensitive digestive system into account when making the dog food.


I stay away from regular store brands.  They may be cheaper but filled with fillers.  If reading and comparing labels you will find that the dogs require much more of the food in their daily intake and may still not be getting the proper nutrients.  

I feed Royal Canin Premium Dog food. My dogs do well on it and have nice shiny coats and lots of energy.

Video Clip about German Shepherd Special Diet Requirements  http://www.royalcanin.ca/library/files/dog/gs.wmv

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

It comes in 40 pound bags and is a little more expensive than regular name brands, 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.  

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.

It sounds like your poor guy wanted something quite bad to have worn blisters on his paws.   Did this happen before or after you got him?  What did the Vet say about this?   I'm just wondering if this is a behavior problem that caused this or if it was part of his life before.  From needing out, or being lonely or hungry?

For more information about the German Shepherd Dog please go to my website info page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/info.htm

For help with behaviors, health concerns go to http://www.gallantshepherds.com/help.htm

If you have any further questions please let me know.  Wishing you all the best with your new dog.

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your help!  I apologize for leaving some stuff out.  But the pound says he is three, but a friend of mine that rescues dogs as well says he looks more like two.  He is also only 49 pounds, so yes, he needs to gain about 20-30 pounds.  He was in super bad shape when we rescued him, but is doing a heck of a lot better in the last week since we saved him.  He has put on 10 pounds in the last two weeks.  I do feed him three times a day chicken and rice, and I will begin the Royal Canin tomorrow, along with some of the cooked chicken and rice.  I want to slowly ween him off the cooked chicken and rice.  What else do you suggest to get the weight back on?

As far as his paws go, we took him along with our belgian shepherd Ayla (a rescue as well) to the dog park to play and run around with other dogs.  He was just having so much fun that I believe he may have worn some blisters.  I have also heard that GSD's are prone to these blisters on his paws. I have been doctoring them up as well.  We believe that since he is so underweight, that his muscle mass is so little that he is putting strain in his feet, so that may be the cause of the blisters.  

Any other suggestions would truly help.  I will visit your website and it will one that I refer to often.  Thanks so much for your help, I really do appreciate it!

Amanda and Panzer (suitable name for a GSD huh? :-)

Answer
Its no wonder your Dog Scarfs His Food!  The Poor Boy!

German Shepherd males should be 70-90 lbs and some weigh much more depending on bone structure.  Your dog was 49 Pounds.  He truly did receive a miracle by being rescued.  Even though your dog is so under weight, be sure to keep him on a schedule as you are doing now.  Feed 3 Times per day, approx 2 cups of Royal Canin.  If your boy is still hungry after eating the two cups, give him a little more then Remove the bowl after mealtimes, approx 15 Minutes.  

By keeping him on a schedule you know exactly what he is eating and when.  Its also good for the dogs to be on a schedule and helps you with your pack leader status.

You might want to add a little water to to Kibble to make a gravy, at least at first.  Especially since he's been getting spoiled with Chicken and Rice.  It will make the Kibble more palatable and will be more digestible if he continues scarfing.  The kibble does expand inside the tummy.

The Scarfing may slow as your dog gets regular meal times and knows his next meal is only a few hours away.  Because of the scarfing, he could gulp or swallow large amounts of air that can lead to bloat. I think it would be a good idea to read up on this.  Info can be found in the article about common german shepherd ailments, located in both the help and info sections of my website.

Panzer.  I like that name.  It works!

Glad to hear you'll be checking out the website.  It really does have a lot of information you could use.

I also recommend that you read up on being a pack leader it will assist with handling your new PACK.
http://www.gallantshepherds.com/packleader.htm

Wishing you all the best with your new dog.  Thank you for being such a caring person to rescue two dogs.  It sounds like you really did help save this one!

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