The Best Dog Treats for German Shepherds

Things to Consider When Buying Dog Treats

How Healthy Are They?

It is essential to select a healthy dog treat for your GSD. This will help make sure your dog is healthy and happy.

Good dog treats for German Shepherds are usually made of natural ingredients and have a lot of protein. You should avoid giving your dog treats with many artificial ingredients, just like you would with their food.

Purpose for Treating

Are these goodies intended for training, or are they intended as an occasional snack? Think about when and why you give your dog treats, and then buy treats that fit that purpose.

For example, small treats that can be eaten quickly are perfect for training. In contrast, larger treats that are not good for training are perfect for when you are relaxing at home and want to give your dog a treat.

Flavors Options

Dogs have different flavors of treats, just like people do. Consider what type of food your dog loves when selecting its treat.

Best Training Treats for German Shepherds

1. Zukes Natural Training Dog Treats

Zukes Natural Training dog treats are a great choice for training your German Shepherd. They are soft and small, ideal for puppies or older dogs.

Zukes treats are healthy and natural. The first component is meat, which is beneficial to your dog. Because each treat contains only three calories, you won’t have to worry about rewarding your dog with more goodies during training. These goodies include no artificial flavors and are created in the United States of America.

Six distinct varieties are available: chicken, duck, peanut butter, pork, rabbit, and salmon.

Pros

  • Perfect for training
  • Natural treat
  • 6 different flavor options
  • Made in the US
  • Low in calories

Cons

  • Due to their small size, they are only recommended as a training session treat.
  • It can become dry easily if the container is not sealed after use.

2. Blue Buffalo Blue Bites

Blue Buffalo Blue Bits are a great option for German Shepherd training treats. They are soft, natural, and meaty. If your dog likes meat flavors, these treats are perfect for them.

The menu is divided into four sections: beef, chicken, salmon, and turkey. Packets with two or four distinct tastes are available. These goodies are free of animal by-products and artificial ingredients. They assist puppies in their cognitive development.

Pros

  • Perfect for German Shepherd puppies
  • Great for training
  • 4 flavors
  • Great for meat lovers

Cons

  • Better for puppies than older dogs

Best Grain-Free Treats for German Shepherds

1. Wellness Natural Websites

If you have a sensitive German Shepherd or your dog is on a grain-free diet, you should keep these treats on hand. These soft, all-natural Wellness Natural treats are made with fresh meat components.

If you’re having difficulties deciding between the eight various types of goodies, there’s also a three-flavor variety pack. Among the tastes are beef and turkey, chicken and lamb, chicken and venison, lamb and salmon, and turkey and duck. These sweets are created in the United States of America and make an excellent everyday treat!

Pros

  • Grain-free for GSD’s with diet restrictions
  • Everyday treat option
  • 8 different flavors
  • Natural
  • Soft dog treat

Cons

  • It can be more crumbly than soft as advertised.

2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats

These will be a hit if your dog enjoys crispy treats. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats are grain-free, gluten-free, and made with all-natural ingredients, including real meat. They are ideal for dogs who have sensitivity or allergies to certain foods.

Six varieties of dog food are available: bison, duck, turkey, salmon, red meat, and salmon & venison. Additionally, a three-taste variety pack is available for those interested in purchasing more than one flavor. Additionally, they include omega-3 fatty acids, which promote coat and skin health.

Pros

  • Crunchy treats
  • Grain-free
  • Natural
  • 6 flavors
  • Promotes a healthy coat
  • Great for dogs with food sensitives

Cons

  • Because they are crunchy snacks, they are more easily shattered into crumbs.

Best Healthy Treats for German Shepherds

1. Plato Pet Treats

Plato Pet Treats are manufactured in the United States by a family-owned and operated business. These snacks are ideal for German Shepherds due to their organic meat content.

These treats are air-dried to retain all of their nutrients. Six varieties are available: chicken, duck, salmon, turkey with pumpkin, turkey with sweet potato, and turkey with cranberry. Any time of day, your dog will adore this high-protein treat.

Pros

  • Organic meat ingredients
  • Air-dried
  • Natural
  • 6 flavors
  • High protein
  • Family-owned USA company

Cons

  • Treats can easily dry out, making them hard, not soft.

2. Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Treats

Dogs adore these Rocco & Roxie jerky treats. They are available in three varieties: chicken, beef, and turkey. The snacks’ secret recipe calls for high-quality meat as the primary element. The delicacies are smoked naturally for ten hours to achieve the ideal jerky texture.

These snacks are suitable for use daily or during training. Additionally, Rocco & Roxie provides a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Pros

  • Jerky treat
  • Naturally smoked
  • Uses high-quality meat
  • Family recipe
  • 3 flavors
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Jerky may be softer than chewy inconsistency as advertised.

Best Dental Treats For German Shepherds

1. Greenies Large Natural Dental

If you are looking for dental treatment for your dog, you can’t go wrong with Greenies! They are a well-known and dependable brand in the dental dog treat industry.

Dental dog treats are a great way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. They help prevent tartar buildup and keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh.

Both veterinarians and the Veterinary Oral Health Council recommend that you give your dog Greenies treats. These treats are all-natural and contain many minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Pros

  • Promotes better oral health
  • Freshens doggie breath
  • Well known the trusted name
  • Vet recommended
  • Natural treat
  • Cleans teeth

Cons

  • Not an everyday treatment option because it is a dental treat

Why Give Your German Shepherd Too Many Treats!

You should generally follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how much to feed your dog. However, it is a good idea to talk to a veterinarian specialist about the right amount of treats for your dog.

You should only offer your dog snacks that are 10% of its normal daily calorie intake. For example, if your German Shepherd eats 5 cups of food, you can give it .5 cups of treats.

Using a cup to measure dry dog food is a waste of time and money. To get the right food for your dog, you need to go through the feeding guideline.

5 Best German Shepherd Dog Treats

1. Nylabone Healthy Dog Chew Treats

Nylabone Dog Chew Treats are natural and made from Bison bones. They don’t have any artificial colors or preservatives.

These snacks are easy to digest because of their natural ingredients. These ingredients help the digestive system work well by stimulating beneficial bacteria. The snacks also help get rid of bad bacteria, which can cause digestive problems.

Giving your dog a bone to chew on can help clean his teeth. In addition, it can be a fun and healthy activity for him. Scientists have shown that bones help dogs focus and release stress and energy.

The Bison bone is about 6.6 inches long and is good for your favorite German Shepard. It is also available in other ingredients that have different shapes and sizes.

Pros

  • First-choice ingredients are used in the creation of this dish.
  • It does not contain preservatives or dyes.
  • There is also a lot of phosphate and calcium.
  • They’re easy to swallow.

Cons

  • The snack in the shape of a bone is brittle and won’t last long.

2. Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats

Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats are a crunchy snack that helps keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Bacteria that cause foul breath can be combated with fresh ingredients, including 12 vitamins and minerals.

This snack’s effectiveness has been clinically validated. It is possible to reduce tartar by up to 80% if used every day. The unique crunchy texture is one reason their effect is due to the cleaning agents and the milk-bone original dog treats.

These Milk-Bone Original crunchies were created with the help of veterinarians and nutritionists who know a lot about dog nutrition. They will make your dog’s hair shiny and his stools solid, which means his digestion is working well. This food is also great for taking care of your dog’s dental hygiene and improving his breath.

Pros

  • Genuine dog food.
  • Croquettes are suitable for all dogs.
  • It’s a good deal.
  • A small amount of customer effort is required to use these products.

Cons

  • If they were a little smaller, medium to small-sized dogs could swallow easily.

3. Nutro Crunchy Natural Biscuit Dog Treats

Some people give their dog meaty treats, while others give their dog fruit-flavored treats. The Nutro fruit flavor treats for dogs are a good place to start.

These Lil bits are a good choice for you because they have up to five different types of fruit. The fruit is bursting with flavor and nutrition. It is good to switch from meaty snacks to fruity snacks sometimes. This helps create the perfect balance for your German Shepherds.

Pros

  •  Rich in nutrients
  • Healthy
  • High-quality protein
  • Works well when training your dogs
  • No meat
  • No corn
  • No soy protein
  • No wheat

Cons

  • None

4. NaturVet Calming Aid Quiet Moments Dog Treats

NaturVet Calming Aid Quiet Moments Dog Treats help reduce tension and stress in any situation.

These pet chews are made to help reduce canine anxiety.

This treat will help your German Shepherd to feel calm and have a healthy nervous system.

Melatonin helps people relax and rest. Ginger helps people with sensitive digestion systems.

The blend of L-tryptophan and thiamin can help reduce tension and stress. This is great for when you’re getting ready for a trip, watching fireworks, or when there is a storm.

Pros

  • Works to calm down separation anxiety and stress
  • Helped dog to relax on long car rides
  • Clear instructions for usage

Cons

  • Some dogs do not like the taste.

5. Pedigree Dentastix Large Dog Treats

This Pedigree Dentastix treats come in three flavors: fresh mint, real beef, and chicken. Feeding your German Shepherd one of these treats will help with oral hygiene and provide other benefits.

This dog house is designed for large breed dogs weighing more than thirty pounds. It has a unique design that is in the shape of an X.

Triple action Pedigree Dentastix helps freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth.

Pros

  • Keeps their breath smelling nice
  • Comes in a variety of flavors
  • Must-have, maintains dog’s teeth

Cons

  • Gave my dog an upset stomach
  • Some packs came stale with a bad smell

Different Types of Dog Treats

There are many different types of dog treats. You need to pick the right one for your dog’s health and happiness. Remember, you should not give your dog more than 10% of its regular food in treats. This will help keep your dog healthy. The following list will help you choose the right treatment for your dog.

Crunchy

You will find different types of snacks for your dog, like bars, biscuits, cookies, and kibbles. These snacks usually have a lot of different flavors and come in different shapes and sizes. They are also generally crunchy so that they are easy for your dog to eat. Most of these snacks have a low moisture content, between 10-12%. You can choose this type as a quick reward for your dog, and you can also find grain-free options.

Soft & Chewy

This type of treatment is excellent for training your dog. You will find multiple varieties here, and the moisture content is high, which means the treats will stay soft and chewy. These treats also have antibacterial agents that keep them moist and easy to break into tiny pieces. This makes it easy to give your dog a tiny piece frequently during training sessions.

Dehydrated or Freeze Dried

Another type of treatment that can help you train your dog well is dehydrated or freeze-dried treats. For example, jerky is a popular and highly-desirable type of treat for dogs. Dehydrated treats usually contain 100% protein. You can find this type of treatment in several forms, such as liver, meats, seafood, and poultry.

Dental Chews and Bone-Like Treats

Some people give their pets animal bones to chew on as a way to keep their teeth clean. These bones are usually filled with other ingredients like corn starch or other digestible ingredients. Because these bones require a lot of chewing, they are good for dental health. Keep in mind, though, that hard bones might cause tooth fractures in your pet’s teeth, so be careful.

Tablet & Capsule Treats

When you have trouble feeding medicine to your dog, tablet and capsule treats can help. This type of treatment is designed to hide the tablet or medicine inside the treats. This way, your dog will not notice the medicine and will be happy to eat the treats.

Rawhide

Rawhide can be a good choice for treats when your dog’s digestive system is healthy. However, it is often made from animal hide, containing many chemicals. This can sometimes cause gastrointestinal problems for dogs. Make an appointment with a veterinarian specialist before giving your dog a rawhide.

Human Food Treats

You can give the dog food you eat, but some foods are better for your dog than others. Make sure to give your dog food with good ingredients, like lean meat, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, and poultry. It is essential to avoid feeding your dog food containing toxic materials such as sauces fattier meats. And other items that may cause your dog to become ill.

Homemade

You can use some homemade items as your dog’s treats. For example, on a hot day, you could offer an ice-cream blend with frozen broth cubes and fruits or plain yogurt, etc. There are many recipes for dog treats on YouTube.

The Perfect Uses of Dog Treats

Offering treats to your dog can have different motivations. But, no matter your reasons, you need to be careful about how many and how unhealthy the treats are for your dog’s weight.

To Build Good Bonding

Giving treats is one way to show your dog how much you love them. When your dog is happy, they will be healthy and have a good relationship with you.

In Training

Training your dog is an excellent method to instill positive habits in him. You must remain calm and pleasant during training, which will aid your dog’s training. Treats are an effective way to relax your dog. Knowing what kind of treatment your dog prefers will guide your decision-making process. Softer, odoriferous treats can be used in public places like a park.

Occupying Time

When you want your dog to be close to you or calm them down, you can give them treats. To keep them busy, you can use big treats like a bone or a large carrot.

Cleaning Teeth

Some dog treats help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. If you don’t take care of your dog’s teeth, they might get dental problems. Bad breath is another thing to look out for if your dog is your companion. To make sure their teeth stay healthy, you need to brush their teeth regularly. This can be hard to do, but some dog treats require a lot of chewing and help with dental health.

Supplementing Health

You can find treats that will help keep your dog healthy. These treats have the right amount of nutrition for your dog. There is no need for you to be concerned about your dog’s diet. The treats will also help disguise medicine that is hard to swallow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Treats for German Shepherd

What Treats Do German Shepherds Eat?

German Shepherds can eat human food, but it is not usually recommended. Some safe options include beef, pork, chicken, or fish. They can also eat particular fruit and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, peas, carrots, and pumpkin.

Is Peanut Butter Good for German Shepherds?

Yes! German Shepherds can eat peanut butter. But, you must select the right one because some brands contain toxic ingredients for dogs. Also, peanut butter contains a lot of fat and calories, so it’s important to give it to your dog in moderation.

Why Are German Shepherds Not Good Pets?

German Shepherds are at risk for canine hip dysplasia like any large breed. This disease can be crippling and even deadly. Good rescuers who care for GSDs will be aware of this problem and whether or not the dog you’re considering has shown symptoms or been treated for any health issues.

Do German Shepherds Pick a Favorite Person?

German Shepherds are known to be very affectionate. They will choose the person who returns their affection the most. This study found that dogs release oxytocin, a hormone associated with happiness and social bonding when dogs are petted and cuddled.

What Should I Not Feed My German Shepherd?

Some foods are poisonous to German Shepherds. These include chocolate, grapes, avocados, garlic, onions, leeks, wild mushrooms, macadamia nuts, walnuts, alcohol, and salt. Some less common poisonous foods to dogs include xylitol (sweetener), yeast dough, raw potatoes, hops, green tomatoes, and moldy food.

How Long Can a German Shepherd Be Left Alone?

German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than eight hours every day since they easily become bored. If they are left alone for an extended period, they may begin gnawing on objects or barking.

Is Cheese Good for German Shepherd?

Many dogs love cheese, but it is important to ensure that your German Shepherd does not eat it because it might not be good for their health.

Why Do German Shepherds Suck on Things?

Some dogs that suck on blankets and other objects as adults may not have been able to suckle enough when they were puppies. This is because pups are born with the natural need to suckle at their mother’s teats. Animal behaviorists believe that this instinct helps dogs feel comforted.

Do German Shepherds Need Toys?

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that need physical and mental stimulation every day to stay healthy and happy. Playing with toys is an excellent approach to maintain her interest, especially if you have a range of toys available.