Introduction
Working breeds such as the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Rottweiler are renowned for their intelligence, strength, and versatility. However, due to their unique genetic backgrounds and physical traits, these breeds are also predisposed to certain gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The most common and serious GI issues affecting these dogs include Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV/bloat), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), and, in some breeds, congenital or acquired oesophageal problems and gastric cancers.
These conditions can present as emergency situations or chronic illnesses and often require lifelong management. Recognizing early symptoms—such as vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhoea, weight loss, or abdominal pain—is vital for timely intervention. Preventative measures, particularly in diet and feeding practices, play a crucial role in minimizing risk. Recommendations include providing small, frequent meals, selecting highly digestible and hypoallergenic diets when warranted, preventing rapid eating, and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after meals.
By understanding the unique GI vulnerabilities of these working breeds and implementing targeted dietary strategies, owners can significantly improve their dogs’ digestive health, well-being, and performance.
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the key GI disorders, symptoms, actions, and dietary prevention for German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, and Spaniels.
Working Breed-Specific Dietary Health Considerations Addressed by Diet
General Dietary Guidelines for All Breeds:
Feed small, frequent meals instead of one large meal.
Use slow-feeding bowls or food puzzles to prevent gulping.
Avoid vigorous exercise for 2–3 hours after eating, especially in deep-chested breeds1.
Prefer highly digestible, hypoallergenic, or novel protein diets for those with GI sensitivities
Working Breed-Specific Dietary Health Considerations Addressed by Diet
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German Shepherds are prone to joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as bloat. Their diets should include balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone development and prevent developmental orthopaedic diseases. High-quality protein is essential to maintain muscle mass, while moderate fat levels provide necessary energy without causing excess weight gain, which could exacerbate joint stress.
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Belgian Malinois have intense energy demands and thus require diets rich in high-quality protein to sustain their activity levels. Obesity must be avoided as it increases joint stress. Feeding should be done twice daily with controlled portions, and overfeeding of treats should be avoided to maintain balanced nutrition.
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Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs with moderate to high energy needs depending on their workload. They are susceptible to orthopaedic issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Diets during growth phases should have controlled calcium, phosphorus, and calorie levels to prevent developmental problems. Adequate protein and fat intake supports muscle mass and energy requirements.
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These breeds have high energy requirements to meet their hunting and sporting activities. Diets should provide adequate protein and fat. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk of bloat. Balanced nutrition also supports skin and coat health, which is particularly important for Spaniels, who are prone to allergies.
BREED DISPOSITION TO STOMACH ISSUES
Practical Dietary Recommendations for South African Working Dog Owners
Feeding Schedule and Portion Control
Working dogs should be fed twice daily, with portion sizes adjusted according to their weight, age, and workload. Puppies should receive large-breed puppy formulas with controlled calcium, phosphorus, and calorie content to prevent rapid growth-related orthopaedic issues.
· Feed controlled meals (specific to energy demands and body weight) twice per day
· Feed highly digestible & palatable diets
· Feed diets that include probiotics
· Feed in an elevated feeding position where possible
· Don’t Exercise for 2-3 hours after feeding
FOCUS ON CRITICAL FACTORS ON WORKING DOG DIETS
Proteins and Amino Acid Profile: Animal vs Vegetable
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Animal proteins contain complete amino acid profiles, providing all essential amino acids (EAAs) dogs require in adequate amounts and favourable ratios. These include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Animal proteins also naturally contain taurine, critical for cardiac and skeletal muscle health, which plants lack. Animal proteins have high digestibility (~83–90%) and superior bioavailability, supporting muscle maintenance, repair, and overall health.
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Vegetable proteins are often incomplete or imbalanced in essential amino acids, with tryptophan or methionine frequently being limiting. They require supplementation with crystalline amino acids (e.g., L-lysine, L-methionine) to meet nutritional requirements and achieve a balanced amino acid profile. Digestibility can be high if properly processed (up to ~90%), but amino acid bioavailability and profile are generally inferior to animal proteins. Examples include soy, pea protein, wheat gluten, and corn gluten.
Summary Table: Protein Comparison
Conclusion
Animal proteins provide a superior amino acid profile naturally suited to dogs’ needs, with all essential amino acids and taurine, supporting optimal health and performance. Vegetable proteins can be used but require careful amino acid supplementation. Purchasers can identify protein quality by reading ingredient lists for named animal proteins and checking for amino acid supplementation or guarantees of balanced profiles.
Preferred Types of Fat for Working Dogs
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Sources include chicken fat, beef fat, poultry fat, and fish oils. These provide highly digestible triglycerides and essential fatty acids like arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). They supply concentrated energy, improve palatability, and support skin and coat health.
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Found in animal fats and some plant oils (corn, soybean, sunflower, canola). Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin and coat health, cell membrane integrity, and inflammatory responses. Dogs require linoleic acid and arachidonic acid from the diet as they cannot synthesize them adequately.
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Found in fish oils (salmon, sardines, mackerel), flaxseed oil, algal oil, and marine sources. Key omega-3s like EPA and DHA reduce inflammation and support joint health, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. A balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (around 4:1) is ideal to reduce inflammation and promote recovery in working dogs.
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Dogs need both saturated fats (stable energy source) and unsaturated fats (including polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6) in balanced proportions. Excessive omega-6 without omega-3 can promote inflammation.
Summary Table: Fat Types
Conclusion
Choose foods with higher crude fat from named animal fat sources and added fish oils or flaxseed for omega-3s. Check ingredient lists for specific fat sources rather than generic terms. Prefer diets that disclose omega-3 and omega-6 levels or ratios to ensure anti-inflammatory balance. Optimal ratio omega-3 and omega-6 is 4:1
Metabolizable Energy (ME)
ME represents the energy available to the dog after digestion and metabolism, subtracting losses in faeces, urine, and gases from gross energy. It is a critical measure for formulating diets for active working dogs, who have higher ME requirements to support muscle repair, cardiovascular health, and endurance. Higher ME diets are typically richer in fat and protein, providing more energy per gram, allowing dogs to consume smaller volumes while meeting their caloric needs. This is especially important for high-performance breeds like Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and gun/retrieval dogs. Optimizing ME supports endurance, manages heat stress, and improves overall performance and health.
Nutrient Density and Digestibility
Higher ME often correlates with higher fat and/or protein content and better digestibility of ingredients. This indicates a more nutrient-dense formula, advantageous for working dogs with high energy demands.
Summary Table: ME Comparison
Conclusion:
In this example a difference of 28 kcal/100g ME (393kcal/100g vs 365 kcl/100g) is significant for working dogs, affecting feeding volume, nutrient density, and energy supply. Higher ME diets support sustained energy with less bulk, which is beneficial for active dogs needing efficient nutrition.
Crude Ash Content and Its Impact on Working Dog Health
Crude Ash Overview
Crude ash is the total mineral content remaining after incineration of the food. Quality dog foods typically have crude ash ranging from 5% to 8% on a dry matter basis. Values above 10% may indicate excessive mineral content or inclusion of low-quality ingredients such as bone meal or mineral-rich fillers.
Impact on Digestibility and Health
High crude ash can dilute nutrient density, reduce palatability, and potentially burden kidney function if mineral balance is poor. Excessive ash may also correlate with lower digestibility if minerals come from indigestible sources. Minerals are essential for physiological functions like bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity, so some ash is necessary. However, very high ash levels can increase the workload on kidneys and urinary tract, potentially leading to urinary issues in sensitive dogs.
Summary Table: Ash content
Owners of working dogs or sensitive animals may prefer foods with lower ash content for optimal nutrient absorption and kidney health.
Conclusion:
Optimal ash content in a diet is 5% as this indicated good digestibility and balanced load of minerals to avoid potential health issues
Fiber Content and Formula Components in Working Dog Foods
Typical Fiber Ranges
Most working dog kibbles contain crude fibre around 2–5% on a dry matter basis, balancing digestive health without diluting energy density.
Effects of Fiber on Working Dogs
Moderate fibre (2–5%) supports healthy stool formation, regulates gut transit time, and maintains colon health without compromising energy density. Soluble fibres like beet pulp and inulin help retain water in the gut, soften stools, and feed beneficial bacteria, enhancing immune defence and nutrient absorption. Insoluble fibres add bulk and stimulate peristalsis but should be balanced to avoid rapid transit and nutrient dilution. Excessive fibre (>7.5–10%) can reduce digestibility, lower energy density, and increase stool volume, which is undesirable for high-performance dogs.
Fiber Content Impact Summary Table
Conclusion
The fibre content and type included in a working dog kibble formula significantly affect digestion, nutrient absorption, stool quality, and energy availability. Well-formulated diets for working dogs typically include moderate crude fibre (2–5%) from a blend of soluble and insoluble sources like beet pulp, chicory root, and vegetables. These fibres support gut health and immune function without compromising the high energy and nutrient density required for working dogs.
References
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Case et al., Canine and Feline Nutrition (2011)
Ober, Gillette & Angle, Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019)
National Research Council (NRC), Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006)m description
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Supports stamina, fat metabolism, and energy output for working and sporting dogs.
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Supports muscle maintenance, recovery, and endurance.
National Research Council (NRC). (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press. Link
Case, L.P., Carey, D.P., Hirakawa, D.A., & Daristotle, L. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition (3rd ed.). Mosby Elsevier.
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Supports gut integrity, stool quality, and nutrient uptake.
Swanson, K.S., Grieshop, C.M., Flickinger, E.A., et al. (2002). Fructooligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus modify gut microbial populations...
Royal Canin Academy. (2023). Dietary Fiber: The Clinician’s Secret Weapon.
Case, L.P., Carey, D.P., Hirakawa, D.A., & Daristotle, L. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition (3rd ed.). Mosby Elsevier.
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Antioxidants, taurine, and essential nutrients for resilience under stress.
Zentek, J., Ferrara, F., & Pieper, R. (2017). Nutrition and health of working dogs: basic considerations. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6, e45. Link
Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). (2024). Official Publication.
Ober, J.L., Gillette, R.L., & Angle, T.C. (2019). Nutrition for Working and Sporting Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.