Best Dog Food Brands For German Shepherd

Merrick Grain Free For Large Breed Adult Dogs

Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry

With the first ingredient as deboned chicken, you know youre getting a high-quality feed.

Their recipe touts a 60% protein and fat inclusion, with the remaining 40% for fat, fiber, and other necessary ingredients which are both natural and beneficial to your adult dogs health.

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Canine Grain

If you want your puppy delighted with its meal and for him to grow into a big boy, then Taste Of The Wild High Prairie is the healthiest pick of the day. Its a superior quality formula that is suitable for German Shepherd with delicate tummies.

The blend contains no grain, so there is no question of gluten-related problems. There are no fillers in the meal. And, it has only 100% natural ingredients to guarantee the absolute healthful development of your puppy. Even the smaller-sized kibble is to make chewing and digestion easier for your little fluff ball.

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food For German Shepherds

This Royal Canin formula is designed exclusively for purebred German Shepherds over 15 months old. German Shepherds can have finicky digestive systems. This recipe is intended to combat that with highly digestible proteins including chicken and a selection of specific fibers. It contains brewers rice and oat groats to aid digestion and prevent soft stools. Its available in 17- and 30-pound bags.

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food for German Shepherds

This dry dog food is tailored exclusively for purebred German Shepherds and includes easy-to-digest ingredients to help support their digestive system.

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Victor Select Nutra Pro Active Dog & Puppy Dog Food

Best For Puppies

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Blood Meal, 3. Whole Grain Millet, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Yeast Culture

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content : 3,774 kcal

Made from gluten-free grains, this balanced diet by VICTOR is ideal for large breed dogs with moderate to high levels of daily activity. You will find all the high-quality nutrition for your German Shepherds diet while steering clear of unnecessary fillers like soy and corn. The impressive nutrient profile with chicken meal as a primary ingredient ensures a delicious blend for your Shepherd.

Analysis: Protein min. 38% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 3.5% | Moisture max. 9%

What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Allergies

If your German Shepherd has allergies, it’s important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison.

These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies.

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All You Need To Know Before Buying A German Shephard Food

Finding the best dog food for your German Shepherd can be a bit baffling since buying generic dog food brands might be easy on the pocket, but it may also lack all the essential nutrients for your companion.

German Shepherds are large dog breeds, and they can often suffer from joint issues and hip dysplasia later in their lives. Keeping that in mind, the best dog foods for German Shepherds should contain supplements to help prevent these disorders.

German Shepherds are popular for being very active dogs that need high-quality meals to fuel their energy needs. Still, the nutritional value of dry food value varies even with high-end premium brands. So before selecting a brand for your German Shepherd puppies, examine the following factors that may influence your decision.

Ingredients

While all dogs require a healthy diet that provides the right blend of protein, fat, carbs, and essential nutrients, large breeds like German Shepherds have special nutritional requirements.

High-Quality Protein

German Shepherds can eat both animal and plant protein, but as nature intends, most of the protein in their diets should come from animals.

Poultry, beef, lamb, and seafood contain amino acids and nutrients that plants lack, so they are always a preferable choice. But you must be careful with the fat content in dog food when buying red meat food. Fish and poultry are leaner proteins than beef and may be more suitable for German Shepherd puppies vulnerable to obesity.

Whole Grains

Quality

Do German Shepherds Have Food Allergies

It is very common for German shepherds to have allergies to grains. Also, dogs with a sensitive digestive system can be intolerable to a number of foods. It is best to always pick a grain-free food option and visit a vet to have comprehensive detail about what you can feed your German shepherd.

• Large Breed Puppy Food Guide

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Ingredients To Avoid Feeding German Shepherd

Chocolate

Keep chocolate bars and cocoa powder always out of your hounds reach. Weve studied that the toxic ingredient in chocolate is methylxanthines that could cause harm to your dog. At times if German Shepherds consume chocolate, it may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or low blood pressure.

Grapes

Both types of grapes -fresh and dried ones are toxic to German Shepherds. Researchers have not yet concluded as to why so. But they have witnessed dogs having severe kidney failure symptoms, abdominal pain, and vomiting when consumed too many grapes.

Avocado

Avocado is not highly toxic for canines but is mildly harmful to German Shepherds bodies. Theres a toxic ingredient in avocado that is called persin, which increases the obesity of pets. The fat content can lead to pancreatitis that can malfunction the whelps pancreas and affect its digestive system.

Caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine or alcohol, also in small quantities, can harm your German Shepherd Dogs internal system. Consuming it may lead to dangerous complications in your dogs body such as increased hyper activeness and restlessness. Avoid foods such as raw yeast dough and baked goods with liquor.

The 10 Best German Shepherd Dog Foods

The best German Shepherd food will be rich in protein from high-quality animal sources with moderate fat and calorie content for energy. Make sure it is highly digestible, featuring whole-food ingredients, and free from fillers, byproducts, and artificial additives. If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, a limited ingredient diet may be best.

Heres our top pick for the best German Shepherd dog food:

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Things To Consider Before Choosing The Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppy And Adult Dogs

Before selecting the best dog food for German Shepherd, there are certain things to consider, and they include:

How old is the dog?

The thing is, age plays a significant role in determining what nutrients and what quantity your dog will need them.

Young growing puppies are more active. They expend more energy and are, of course, still growing.

This means theyd need more high calories than older dogs to supply them with the fuel they need, and a lot more protein to aid in their growth.

Elder Gods add weight more easily, are less active, and hence its imperative to cut back on the level of carbs they consume.

Hence, taking into consideration the age of your pet is essential if you must purchase the right dog formula thats best suited to them.

What is the Dogs size?

German shepherds are a generally big breed, which means they can grow to be anything between 70 to 100 pounds.

A perfect blend of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals is needed to fuel and maintain this massive body size.

So you see, it is not just enough to feed your GSD any food its vital that you research the nutritional value of the dog foods you intend purchasing to be sure it contains all the nutrients your dog needs and that they are in the right quantity.

How active is the dog?

The last point to consider before making your purchase is considering how active your German shepherd is.

The fact of the matter is, not all dog foods are created equal.

Protein Content

Sourced From Real Meat

Dog food with ingredients like deboned chicken, bison and others sourced from whole animals, provide high-quality protein that is necessary for your dogs daily lifestyle and activity. For adult German shepherds, protein intake should be at least 18, while for puppies, it should be at least 22%.

Enumerated below are dog food brands that may suit your dogs tummy and health including your budget.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Dog Food

Blended with Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals

It is grain-free and satisfies your dogs cravings for meat. It comes in chicken, duck, and salmon flavor. Absolutely no artificial flavors and preservatives present in this natural dry dog food.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are responsible for healthy skin and coat. Its ingredients include sweet potatoes and peas, which give off healthy carbohydrates and creates an active lifestyle for your dog.

Why We Like It:

• It features real flavor ingredients that help build lean, but strong muscles
• Its finest natural ingredients are heightened with vitamins and minerals

What We Dont Like:

• It only comes in three pack sizes, 4.5 pounds, 11 pounds, and 24 pounds
• It may not be suitable for puppies or young aged German shepherd since it is an adult dog food

Firstmate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Large Breed Formula

Best Food German Shepherd with Sensitive Stomach: Whether your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, you need to be careful what you feed him. Our top pick for the best food for German Shepherd with sensitive stomach is FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Large Breed Formula. This recipe is a single-source, novel-protein diet featuring Pacific Ocean fish meal. It contains grain-free carbohydrates like potato for maximum digestibility with vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It provides a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat support and contains a very limited list of main ingredients. This recipe also comes in a larger kibble size, which helps control how much your German Shepherd can eat at once, and the nutrition is specifically formulated for large breeds. Plus, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint support.

• Pros: Single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, chelated minerals, blend of omega fatty acids, larger kibble size, glucosamine for joint support
• Cons: Expensive compared to most dry foods

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Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Food

Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry

Fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and Glucosamine, this formula will ensure that your puppy grows steadily and healthily.

The large kibble encourages proper chewing, which can minimize risk of bloat. The downside is that it can get slightly pricey.

German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs

The German Shepherd dog, like many pure-bred dogs, can be predisposed to certain diseases. Some of these diseases may require a special diet for the GSD. Specifically, if you have concerns about his digestive health, work closely with your veterinarian to make sure your dog gets what he needs and hopefully, a proper diagnosis.

Notable diseases that are prevalent in this breed and which may affect the type of best dog food for German Shepherds you choose include:

• inflammatory bowel disease
• exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• antibiotic-responsive diarrhea )

These diseases tend to cause GSDs to lose weight or not be able to gain weight effectively. In general, small, frequent meals are best for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Ask your veterinarian about diets like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy Dog Food, as it may help your GSD gain weight if he has those problems.

There’s also an article listing 15 best sensitive stomach dog foods, and a lot of these can be applicable for GSDs with a stomach upset or diseases. Bring those names up with your vet. I recommend you also read this article on upset stomachs from Dana Brown, DVM.

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Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin And Sensitive Stomach

Image courtesy Purina

Purina has been in operation for more than 85 years and produces a wide range of goods. The Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach is one of their most popular, with over 2,500 positive reviews.

You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. This recipe is high in protein and has a total of 30% dry basis protein content, primarily from real meats with no poultry by-product meal.

Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there’s less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health.

Image courtesy Blue Buffalo

If you’re searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative.

This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It’s made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog’s regular dry food.

The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives making it a healthy choice for your dog.

Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes For German Shepherds

It is also a great time to make a big batch of homemade dog food and freeze it for later use. Homemade dog foods are often healthier than manufactured brands, as they can easily be tailored to your pets most specific needs.

The best homemade dog food recipes for German shepherds are easy to follow and taste great! All recipes must be made from scratch and not from cans or packets.

Ingredients should be fresh and natural. Homemade dog food recipes are readily susceptible, especially if youre a bit creative and have a passion for cooking. Your dogs will love you for it too!

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Pedigree Choice Cuts In Gravy With Beef Canned Dog Food

Image courtesy Pedigree

Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy with Beef Canned Dog Food is a delicious, high-protein wet dog food. It’s made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit.

This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain

Most Popular German Shepherd Dog Food: Choosing a dog food can be tough with so many options, but you can always go with a popular brand like Taste of the Wild. This Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd because it is made with a single source of animal protein and digestible grain-free carbohydrates to reduce the risk of triggering an allergy. It features fresh lamb and lamb meal as the top two ingredients, supplemented with roasted lamb. It is rich in omega fatty acids from salmon oil and canola oil, providing the support needed for healthy skin and coat. This recipe contains fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients and is supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrition. Plus, it contains dried fermentation products for probiotic support to ensure healthy and regular digestion.

• Pros: Single-source protein recipe, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics, moderate calorie content
• Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based

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Exercise Requirements For German Shepherds

Before we get into the best German Shepherd dog food reviews, one thing I must mention, as it’s common for pet owners to ignore. While food is one of the keys to a healthy GSD, play time and exercise are especially important for this dog breed.

Dog owners looking to adopt a GSD should know is that a German Shepherd is a very high energy animal that requires daily exercise it’s non-negotiable if you want to have a healthy dog. Because GSDs are a smart breed, like other herding breeds, they require a job to live life to the fullest, which provides them with sufficient mental stimulation.

The GSD will keep you on your toes, ready for anything. Playing dog Frisbee, fetching balls, performing in obedience training and agility trials, or even just playing on the beach if youre game, theyre game. And you better be game!

With this out of the way, let’s talk about how to feed a German Shepherd for health, what is the best dog food for a German Shepherd dog, and what are their nutritional needs.

How To Feed A German Shepherd Dog

Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet, including this one, can replace a consultation with a vet.

German Shepherd dogs tend to require more calories than the average large-breed dog. This is attributed to their high energy level which we’ve discussed above. Even at rest, the GSD isnt a couch potato hes going to be where the action is.

However, it is possible for some German Shepherds to be lazy and prone to obesity. This is especially true if the dog is older or has an underlying health condition that causes excess weight gain. It is important to not overfeed GSDs and feed the best dog food diet for German Shepherds that is appropriate for their life stage and health condition.

Below, I will take a look at the three life stages and two common health conditions of German Shepherds and the type of dog food they will require at that point. These are my most recommended brands, but we’ll also take a look at the best German Shepherd dog food reviews from pet owners to see what they have to say after switching to a new diet.

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