Dry Dog Food Or Wet Dog Food
Dry food or wet food? Because there are many great dry foods and wet food options for German Shepherd owners, many have difficulty picking between these two types of food or knowing whether they can be mixed. While wet food might seem like the best option, especially because it sometimes contains raw pieces of meat or other nutritional draws.
Dry food is usually a decent option, unless you have an elderly shepherd who has lost teeth, has bladder or kidney issues or is having trouble chewing crunchy bits of food. Dry food has some dental health benefits, is overall more convenient, as well as being nutritionally stable for German Shepherds. The texture can help to remove and prevent plaque from forming on teeth, and especially in early life, chewing dry food can help to build strong jaw bones and muscles.
We combine dry and wet food at times. Especially with our last dog who was a fairly difficult eater. Wet food and raw food make him happy. If you buy a decent brand youll also get all the nutritional value you need. Its also easier to digest. Just make sure it doesnt expire or go bad in the bowl during the summer.
The truth is that high-quality German Shepherd dog food is going to be more expensive than low-quality food.
Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown RiceType: Dry
A kibble formulated for GSDs watching their waistlines.
It promotes healthy weight loss while still supporting your dogs nutritional needs. Made with non-GMO ingredients and rich in naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin.
One great thing about this is that it comes in lamb as well, so if the chicken is one of the allergens making your dog itch, you can give that a try!
What To Look For In A High
Before discussing the specific characteristics that are desirable in a German shepherd food, it is important to outline some of the ingredients and traits that characterize all high-quality dog foods and are desirable when selecting a food for any breed.
Select dog foods made in the USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as dog food made in these countries are usually subject to stricter dog food safety protocols than those made in other places. By purchasing foods from these western countries, youre less likely to see it show up on a recall list or make your dog ill.
Look for a high-quality protein as the first listed ingredient. A few high-quality dog foods list a carbohydrate as the first ingredient, but most of the best dog foods for German shepherds feature a whole-protein source first.
Its always a good idea to avoid dog food with unnecessary and potentially harmful additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, but it is especially important to avoid feeding such foods to breeds prone to food allergies and intolerances, such as German shepherds.
Meat-meals are not necessarily poor ingredients, despite the claims of some. Many of the products used to make meat-meals provide great nutrition for your dog even if some of them seem gross to humans. However, it is important to avoid dog foods that do not indicate the species from which the meal was obtained.
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Acana Heritage Meat Dry Dog Food
ACANAs Heritage Meats Formula is a grain-free, protein-packed recipe, loaded with over 60% of traditional heritage meat. The protein-rich diet exceeds all requirements for a healthy dry dog food for your German Shepherd. The 5 star formula is extremely palatable and is exactly what German Shepherds love.
According to ACANAs website, the meat delivered before processing in their Kentucky Dogstar Kitchen is fit for human consumption. Made in Kentucky, Acana Heritage Meats features a WholePrey ratio which mimics the wild prey diet a German Shepherd needs for performance. ACANA Heritage Meats Formula consists of real angus beef, Yorkshire pork and grass-fed lamb.
Caloric Content: 3405 kcal/kg
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Do German Shepherds Need Supplements
Vets usually will advise senior Germans to take a heart and joint supplement. Just like humans, dogs can also experience wear and tear on their limbs and organs.
However, if you have a young and healthy pup thats fed a well-balanced diet, theres no reason to give him additional supplements unless recommended by a vet.
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German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherds 15 months and older< br> < br> As a result of increased demand, you may experience difficulty purchasing certain products in the coming months. If you need an alternative diet recommendation or help locating a product, please contact our Nutritional Advisors at 800-592-6687 or via < a href=”https://www.royalcanin.com/us/contact-us”> Live Chat< /a>
Available in
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
If you are searching for a dry dog food for your German Shepherd that isnt super expensive, then American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is a great choice for you.
It is on the lower end of the price spectrum however, it is still a good dry dog food from a reputable brand that is manufactured in Kansas, USA.
This mix comes in a 4lb, 12lb or 24lb bag, offering the option to choose a smaller bag to begin with to see if your furry friend likes it and then move on to a bigger bag later on.
A 4-pound bag holds about 17 cups, a 12-pound bag holds about 52 cups and a 24-pound bag holds about 104 cups that should last for a while! It can have a strange smell though, which can be off-putting to humans and dogs alike, and can be a little hard for senior dogs to digest sometimes.
This Salmon & Sweet Potato blend offers protein and amino acids through real, deboned salmon, ensuring leaner muscles while still tasting great.
The addition of both chickpeas and sweet potato allow for slow-release energy, which means your best friend will have endless energy all day long.
This recipe also includes heaps of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, blueberries and dried kelp for fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as offering immune support and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Pros
| 30% Off at Chewy.com |
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Best Dry Food For German Shepherd Puppies
Here are five great dry dog food options you can provide your German Shepherd puppy.
You may come across a couple of dog foods on the market that claim to be specially formulated for German Shepherds.
However, some of them may contain fillers, byproducts, and artificial additives, making them less advisable than the dog foods weve listed below.
Best Raw Dog Food Brands For German Shepherds
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Many German Shepherd parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for German Shepherds for their pets dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your German Shepherd in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.
However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe thats ideal for your German Shepherds needs. Consider your German Shepherds weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.
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Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula
Image courtesy Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula is a grain-free food made with bison, venison, lamb meal, and roasted duck. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed.
This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. It also has DHA and ARA, which are essential for cognitive development and retinal health.
Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It’s included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it’s high in protein and free of grains.
Best Dog Food Brands For German Shepherds
Dog food can be confusing because there is food for large breeds, toy breeds, seniors, and puppies.
Sometimes youll come across maintenance dog food. What does all of this mean and does it really matter?
Yes, it does. Every dog breed and dogs of all ages require different nutrition. Giving a Chihuahua a Golden Retrievers food can cause them to have fatty liver or become obese due to the high calories.
Conversely, large breed dogs like German Shepherds need special nutrition to keep their joints and bones healthy and strong, something that smaller breeds dont have to worry about.
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Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Adults
Adult GSDs often have digestive problems and might have sensitive stomachs. To prevent this, they will need a well-balanced diet.
They are also built for hard work and have certain caloric requirements to keep their minds and bodies fit and healthy.
An inactive GSD might only need 1,200 cals per day, whereas an average adult will need 1,500 cals. For working dogs or those that are always on the go, youre looking at close to 2,000 calories a day.
Take a look at Sniper trying out some raw dishes and veggies:
The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies Adults And Seniors
At Native Pet, we love a GSD. German shepherd dogs are the third most popular dog breed in America, and it’s easy to see why. These pups are loyal, brave, and intelligent. They’re gentle with children and discerning with strangers. And for their service and devotion, they deserve the best dog food and treats. But, what is the best food for German shepherd dogs?
While some dog food brands sell food designed specifically for German shepherds, the difference between those recipes and other high-quality dog foods mostly comes down to marketing. And, you may end up paying more just because the bag has a picture of your dog’s breed on it. Skip the GSD-branded products and instead learn what German shepherds need from their food.
Here’s how to identify the best formula based on your German shepherd’s life stage, choose a high-quality food, and add supplements to address their unique needs.
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How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat
The average shepherd should eat between three and five cups of dog food every day. If you are not sure how much he needs to eat, refer to the dog food bags caloric content. You need to feed your dog enough food to make sure he gets at least daily 1700 calories. Most adult dogs require more calories than 1700 calories.
In general, the best and only way to know if your dog is getting enough to eat is to feel his sides. You should be able to feel his ribs a little, but not see them. If you can both feel and see them, he needs more food. If they can be neither seen nor felt, he needs less food.
Know The Dog Food Brands
Not every brand is going to produce dog food for German Shepherds specifically. In fact, most brands dont. However, both Royal Canin and Eukanuba produce high-quality dog foods that are formulated specifically for the breed.
Many “natural” brands like Blue Buffalo or Blue Wilderness will have a formulation that is good for large breeds. These will usually have a good ratio of carbs to fat to the protein that will keep a shepherd strong and healthy, even if the formula isnt just for German Shepherds.
It all depends on the country where you live. In my country, there is no Blue Buffalo, Blue Wilderness, etc. I have mostly used Royal Canin and Eukanuba.
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Holistic Select Large And Giant Breed Adult
Rating:
Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry kibbles included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
This grain-inclusive, large breed formula boasts above-average protein content yet still free of any plant-based protein boosters. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewMy 4 Great Danes absolutely love this food. They are all very healthy, coats are wonderful, and it helps with their teeth. I would recommend this to anyone with Giant Breed dogs. The nutrition information is comparable to what the needs are for Giant Breed . Nothing in this thats bad for your dog. If you decide to get this, your dog will enjoy it!
German Shepherd Dog Daily Feeding Guide
Muscular large-breed dogs like German Shepherds have some particular feeding guidelines to follow.
Although the number of cups per day will vary slightly depending on what brand of dog food you pick, these dog food feeding guidelines for German Shepherds are reasonable estimates for how much food you should be feeding your GSD.
For a more accurate estimate, simply look at the back of your dogs kibble bag.
Note that these are daily suggestions, not per meal. You should split the number of cups per day into as many meals as you need.
| Body Weight |
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| Increase amino acids which can be found in protein | |
| Concurrent GI Signs | Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil add a dog probiotic try a simple ingredient food trial |
| Dull Coat and Scaling | Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet try a food that has added zinc |
| Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
Pro Tip: If your German Shepherds develop coat or skin problems such as dry skin, a dull shedding coat, hot spots, or itching and irritation, you can add a couple of squirts of fish oil to their food. Doing this will provide relief and nourishment to keep skin and coats healthy.
Also, never supplement extra calcium into a large breed puppys diet. Too much calcium encourages hip dysplasia earlier in life.
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What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shephard Puppies
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s important to find a food that’s specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content.
As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you’ll need to switch to a food that’s designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy.
Best Food For German Shepherd Coat
Need a dog formula that promotes Healthy Skin & Coat on your German Shepherd? AvoDerm Natural Dry & Wet Dog Food, For Skin & Coat, is specifically designed to improve poor dog coating and skin.
Its made with Omega-rich, California-grown avocados and avocado oil to promote healthy skin, coat, immune system, and overall health in your GSD.
This dog food will help keep your German Shepherds coat healthy and shiny all year round. The high-quality protein and omega-rich components in this kibble support healthy skin and coat even for dogs with sensitive skin.
For added nutrition, it contains ingredients like oatmeal, dried tomato pomace, flaxseed , natural flavor, alfalfa meal, and other vital vitamins and minerals.
Its pressure cooked to ensure your dog receives the optimum nutrition and energy from each ingredient to keep your companion active and strong. A lot of dog parents report their dogs coat improved after eating this food.
Cons
Read Also: Best Dog For German Shepherds
The Farmers Dog Fresh Dog Food Best Overall
The Farmers Dog chicken recipe comes in at the top spot for our best overall pick for German Shepherd puppies. This fresh food is formulated by a team of veterinary nutritionists and comes personalized for your pup. All food from The Farmers Dog meets the standard set by AAFCO for safety and quality.
The chicken recipe has the highest amount of protein compared to the others, making it a great choice for your active German Shepherd baby. In addition to chicken, it also contains chicken liver and some nutrient-rich vegetables like brussels sprout, bok choy, and broccoli. There is a chance the vegetable may cause a bit of gas or loose stool at first. To top off the benefits, the added fish oil is great for skin and coat health.
Not only is this food great for puppies, but it is also ideal for all life stages. The Farmers Dog can stick with you throughout your dogs lifetime and is delivered right to your door. Like with any fresh food, it comes at a higher price and you will need to make room in the fridge or freezer.
All in all, however, we think this is the best dog food for German Shepherd puppies on the market today.
When it comes to the quality of ingredients and balanced nutrient array for a German Shepherd puppy, Wellness CORE is the one of the best foods available.
Furthermore, the packaging does not accost you with historical factoids and platitudes. Instead, Wellness just gets down to the business of telling you how awesome this food is.