The domestic dog collectivley belongs to the family Canidae, such as wolves, foxes and coyotes. Just remember the dog is a pure carnivore, and they have short digestive tracts to effeciently digest protein and fats. There is no enzyme in the carnivore capable of digesting cellulose, carbohydrates and starches.

An adult shepherd will eat approximately 40 pounds of dry dog food per month. Naturally, this will vary depending on the metabolism of each individual animal and it's activity level. GSDs should be fed a quality dry dog food with about 26% protein and 15-18% fat. Look for some kind of meat to be the first ingredient on the label, not a grain product.

With today's commercial dog food prices, the cost of feeding an adult shepherd will run about $30-$50 per month for a good quality dry dog food. Vitamin supplements, meat, coat conditioners etc. may increase that cost. Young active dogs will require more fuel than older or inactive dogs. In the long run it does not pay to feed a lesser quality food, as usually the dog will have to eat more to get the nutrients he/she will instinctively crave.

 What’s Really in Pet Food

 Dogs Are Carnivores