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The Best Dog Food for German Shorthaired Pointers
Dating back to the 19th century, the majestic German Shorthaired Pointers are dominant hunting dogs that are obedient and loveable. They are very large dogs that need and want a lot of exercise. It’s part of what keeps them healthy. Aside from their activeness, they need a balanced and rich diet. In this post, we are going to highlight the nutritional demands of German Shorthaired Pointers as well as listing our top dog food recommendations.
A Little Bit about German Shorthaired Pointers
Because they are such large dogs that need to lead a very active lifestyle, German Shorthaired Pointers aren’t suited to everyone. The average height of a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is between 21 and 25 inches. Their average weight sits between 45 and 70 pounds. Like most dog breeds, the females are generally smaller. The extreme energy levels of German Shorthaired Pointers require strong, healthy diets. Experts have estimated that an average 60-pound GSP will need to consume around 1500 calories per day. However, a GSP weighing the same but participating in performance work could need up to 3340 calories.
Calories and Age
Starting off young, German Shorthaired Pointer puppies usually consume more calories than older dogs. If they have been spayed or neutered, then they will likely need slightly less. Although they are considered a medium to large dog and they are able to eat high-quality large breed dog foods, it’s not to say that it is always the best choice. Most large breed dog food contains a significantly lower calorie content as many other large dog breeds have obesity concerns. So just ensure that the necessary calories are there.
Common health problems include:
- Allergic reactions (especially Food allergies)
- Hip dysplasia
- Problems with their ears
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Weight gain
Protein
Protein is one of the most important ingredients in any dog food along with fat. The key is to ensure that the protein comes from a good source. It needs to be of high quality so that your pet can benefit as much as possible. The best source of protein for dogs is from animals. From this, they are able to get all 10 of the essential amino acids that are critical to their diet. Usually, the protein comes from one of two meat sources, whole meat and meat meal. Both are good, but they are different. Meat meal is a concentrated form of meat where all the water has been removed. This means that there is generally a higher protein content in meat meal than there is in whole meat as this refers to whole fish, chicken, beef, and so on and contains a pretty significant amount of water. Whole meat is a perfect ingredient for dogs that need to lose weight or watch it.
Fats
Fats are another very vital ingredient in dog food. It provides our dogs with energy and contains fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. A common recommendation is that you opt for dog food with familiar fat sources like chicken fat. Named fats can provide fish oil and other nutrients for skin and coat health. And, if it’s a puppy, you need to find a food that has the DHA form of omega-3 fatty acids as this will assist in the development of the eyes and brain.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates carry nutrients, energy, and fiber which some dogs have a need for but others don’t. German Shorthaired Pointers don’t necessarily need too many carbohydrates in their diet. However, they are perfectly fine additions as long as they are easily digestible. This would include things like legumes, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. For German Shorthaired Pointers, a crude fiber intake of between 3% and 5% is perfectly adequate.
Adult Diets vs. Puppy Diets
We’ve now established that German Shorthaired Pointers are a high-energy breed, so fat is a vital element of their diet. When they are puppies, they will naturally have a bucket load of energy and will, of course, need the correct amount of nutrients to help them grow. The recommended minimum daily intake of protein for a GSP puppy is 22%, with the minimum fat intake being 8%. It’s important that puppies get the necessary nutrients to assist with growth but not to increase it or speed it up. Growing too fast can lead to a lot of joint and bone problems when they are older. For adult German Shorthaired Pointers, their minimum daily protein intake drops to around 18% with the fat intake falling to about 5%. When they are adults, the protein in their diets will maintain good muscle mass.
Recommend Dog Foods for German Shorthaired Pointers
Whether you are looking for the latest raw diet, dry dog food, grain-free dry dog food, wet food, raw food with added nutrients or some other high-quality dog food, just what dog food for German Shorthaired Pointers is best to ensure a well-balanced diet? Read on to find out our best dog food reviews and ensure the health and well-being of your puppy.
Victor Yukon River Salmon and Sweet Potato
This formula is perfect for German Shorthaired Pointers of all ages. Young, old, pregnant, or working dogs, all can benefit from the
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Improved immune system
- Nutrient dense
- Loaded with fish protein
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
A fantastic option for German Shorthaired Pointers is
- Dehydrated free-range chicken
- Contains no by-products, GMO ingredients, or preservatives
- Higher in calories and protein
Merrick’s Grain-Free Real Buffalo Beef Dog Food
One perfectly balanced and nutrient-rich dog food is that of
- Real fruits and vegetables (blueberries, apples, sweet potatoes, and peas)
- Strong levels of omega-3 and omega-6
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy mobility
There are certain health conditions that are fairly common in German Shorthaired Pointers, which is the case for most breeds. So, to keep them strong and fighting fit they need to have high-quality food and plenty of exercise, of course.
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