Best Dog Food For Adult German Shepherd

Best Food To Feed A German Shepherd

The best food to feed a German Shepherd is dry kibble dog food that uses traditional muscle meat as one of the top ingredients. Muscle meats are listed on the label simply as beef, chicken, fish, or any number of meat-based proteins. Meat-meals are an important source of high protein and are perfectly healthy. Ideally, look for a food that also contains glucosamine and additional joint supplements for an adult German Shepherd. Stick to large-breed diets for your German Shepherd puppy, with DHA, thought to promote brain development, as a preferred supplement.

Your German Shepherd Dog doesnt need sugar in their food, so dont purchase dog foods with any added sugars. Sugars are also bad for their dental care and contribute to tooth decay.

Based on optimum nutrition and performance indicators, here are the best dog foods for German Shepherds:

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula

The Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula by Diamond Naturals uses pasture-raised beef as its main protein source. This is enhanced by superfoods like quinoa and chia seeds, which are not only rich in protein but also offer several health benefits.

Additionally, it is enriched with the proprietary K9 Strain probiotics, which is incredibly beneficial to your German Shepherds gut health and immune system.

This dry dog food is also rich in omega fatty acids, thanks to its addition of flaxseeds and coconut. These help your dog maintain healthy skin and a shiny, luxurious coat.

Lastly, it is rich in fruits and vegetables like blueberries, papaya, spinach, and kale. These arent just a healthy source of fiber but are also powerful antioxidants that keep your dog young and energetic.

• Maintains healthy skin and coat

Potential Cons:

Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food

Image courtesy Orijen

The Orijen Puppy Large contains the most animal protein from chicken, which is fresh. The label analysis revealed that the recipe has 43% protein, 18% fat, and 31% carbohydrates… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 42 percent.

Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based “biologically appropriate” diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups.

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Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Food

When it comes to quality nutrition, raw food is at the top of the spectrum with fresh food close behind. Unfortunately, raw food can be very expensive, and it is more difficult to store than dry food. Thats why we love this Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Food it provides the ideal blend of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw bites to give your dog a boost of nutrition without compromising on convenience. This recipe features fresh chicken as the first ingredient with freeze-dried chicken bites for taste, texture, and nutrition. It contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and potatoes with fresh fruits and vegetables for supplemental fiber as well as natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe provides a full 38% protein with 17% fat and 389 calories per cup. It is balanced with vitamins and chelated mineral supplements as well.

• Pros: High-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bites, real chicken first ingredient, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics for digestion, chelated minerals
• Cons: Contains some plant protein , not grain-free

Buyer’s Guide: How To Select The Best German Shepherd Dog Food

What to Look for in German Shepherd Dog Food

Every dog food manufacturer claims to be the finest choice for your pet. If you know what to look for, you can look past marketing ploys and focus on the most critical factors when selecting the dog food that’s best for your German Shepherd.

Protein

Make sure to choose foods with a high amount of protein from fish, meat, or poultry. Puppies require at least 22 percent protein in their meals, while adults can reduce the quantity to 18 percent.

While protein is necessary for your dog, be skeptical of “high protein” dog food items. Protein is high in calories and might lead your dog to gain weight quickly. As you are undoubtedly aware, gaining too much excess weight might lead to health issues for your dog in the future.

Essential Fatty Acids

Choose a dog food with fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3. These all help to a healthy coat and skin.

Fiber

Look for fiber-rich goods made from natural, readily digested carbs like vegetables and whole grains.

AAFCO Standards

The AAFCO acronym stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. While this group lacks the capacity to regulate or approve dog food, it does establish the standard for pet food quality.

Why Choose Grain-Free or Not?

In actuality, grains, particularly whole grains, may be highly beneficial to your dog’s diet. They supply your dog with essential nutrients as well as fiber and energy.

How Much Food Should I Feed My German Shepherd?

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What Is The Life Expectancy Of A German Shepherd

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan.

It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life.

The 8 Best Dog Food For German Shepherds In 2022

• OnApril 10, 2022

PS: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

This is our review of the best dog food for German Shepherds in 2022.

German Shepherds are among my favorite patients, I have a special love for this breed. They are smart and loyal, and they can be easily trained.

Sadly, they are prone to some health problems such as hip dysplasia, crippling at an early age if they were fed dog food that contains more calcium than they need, plus you need to take care of that thick coat.

All this means that youll need to be more careful with what you feed your furry friend. Thats why I reviewed 8 dog foods I believe are the best dog food for German Shepherds.

My favorite dog food and the one I always recommend for most German Shepherds is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, it contains high-quality protein, Glucosamine to support the hips and joints health, and the Omega-fatty acids necessary for German Shepherds to maintain a healthy thick coat.

But, every dogs condition is different, thats why Ive included 7 more dog food that I believe can be the best pick for a German Shepherd.

Keep reading.

• Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Dog Food

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Dr Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet

Rating:

German Dog Diet is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Dr. Garys Best Breed product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Dr. Garys Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

We like the fact the formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals which provides superior absorption and nutrition. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewOur german shepherd has had a lot of itching problems since she was about 1 year old. We have tried different foods, supplements, sprays and shampoos. Nothing has seems to work as well as when we switched to this food. Scabs that were on her for months due to her itching them open all the time have finally healed over. She is still a little itchy, but significantly better than before. And she loves the food too! We used to leave her food bowl full all day because she would only pick throughout the day. With this food we are only doing 2-3 cups morning and night because she scarfs it all down in minutes! Glad we finally found something that she loves and works so well!

Adult German Shepherd Nutrients

Adult German Shepherds also need age-appropriate food, so it is important that when he reaches the age of 15 months or so, he should be transitioned from a large breed puppy formula to adult formula as his nutrient requirements change . A high-quality adult kibble should include 18% to 24% protein and around 14% fat content.

Similar to the Siberian Huskys food needs, an average adult German Shepherd should consume anywhere between 1,700 calories and 2,400 calories a day, dependent on his size and energy levels. If he is a less active pup or an elderly dog, then he will need much less energy, and he should only consume between 1,300 and 1,600 calories.

Both adult and puppy German Shepherds generally do better on grain-free kibble as they are commonly allergic, or intolerant to, grains and most Veterinarians would suggest putting your pup on this straight away to save any dietary upset or the need to change his diet in the future. However, not all owners and experts agree on a totally grain-free diet, so this is a personal choice as there are pros and cons to each argument, so therefore we have included a mix of grain-free and grain inclusive recommendations.

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Best Dry Dog Food For German Shepherds

• Product Reviews

What you feed your dog has a significant impact on their overall well-being. Their health and longevity depend on a proper diet. If you have a GSD, you should really look into the kibble they consume.

The best dry dog food for German Shepherds are easily digested and dont irritate their typically sensitive stomachs. Plus, they are formulated with the right ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to maintain their robust bodies and support their athleticism. For most owners, dry dog food is the best choice, but some owners feed a mixture of wet and dry dog food.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you .

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown RiceType: Dry

A low-calorie option for dogs aged 5 and above, inclusive of joint-protecting glucosamine and chondroitin.

Formulated with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables with lean proteins. It also has added fibre to aid digestion, as well as muscle-building amino acids.

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Ingredients To Look For In A Healthy Dog Food For German Shepherds

When picking out the best dog food for German Shepherds, look for these ingredients on the ingredients panel:

• Unprocessed protein sources like deboned chicken, beef, or fish
• Fish oil and flaxseed oil for omega fatty acids
• Grain-free or whole grain
• Blueberries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and beets for antioxidants
• Easily digestible carbohydrates like barley, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes

You should also read the guaranteed analysis panel for a crude protein content of 30% or higher, a crude fiber content of 6% or higher, a crude fat content of 20% or higher, and amino acids like arginine, leucine, and carnitine.

Check Out This Dog Food Finder!

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food

Image courtesy Purina

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious wet dog food. It’s made with real meat, 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.

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Instinct Raw Boost With Real Duck

Rating:

Real Duck is one of 14 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Duck, chicken meal, peas, egg product, turkey meal
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh duck and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 23% fat and 31% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 61%.

This formula also gets its antioxidants from natural fruits and veggies for healthy immunity and thus, greater resistance to disease. A top pick for German shepherds and other large breeds.

Sample buyer reviewI recently switched from a dehydrated raw product to Instinct Raw Boost. This is a great quality grain- free food and my guys are loving it. I have a multi dog house hold and most of them have allergies of one kind or another. This food is working well for all..

Best Dry Dog Food For Healthy Weight Maintenance Reduced Calories And Overweight Senior Dogs

Your German Shepherd can get a head start toward a healthy weight with American Journeys Healthy Weight Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe reduced-calorie kibble in every meal.

To help your dog reach their goal weight, this kibble is formulated not only for weight reduction but with L-carnitine to support fat metabolism and keep lean muscle mass strong. With added fiber, your dog will feel fuller while not packing on the pounds.

And every meal supports a complete and balanced diet featuring real chicken as the first ingredient. Along with essential vitamins and minerals, nutrient-dense carbohydrates keep your dog happy and satisfied in the stomach.

Key Benefits

• Grain-free and reduced-calorie food is crafted to help dogs reach a healthy weight while they enjoy a lip-licking flavor.
• With natural sources of fiber to help your dog feel fuller this research-backed recipe supports a healthy weight.
• Contains L-carnitine to help maintain an active lifestyle so your senior can enjoy their adventurous days.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health and general mobility, so your companion can keep up with his day-to-day exercise regime and training.
• Prepared using only nutrient-dense ingredients never any grains, wheat, corn, soy, chicken, or poultry by-product meals.
• Absolutely no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors just wholesome ingredients.

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How Often Should You Feed Your German Shepherd

Puppies are often fed 4 times a day when they are 4 weeks old. When they reach 4 months of age, you can drop 1 2 meals so youll be feeding them only 2 3 meals a day.

Some wait till their GSDs are 9 months to a year old before making that switch because its better to keep them too long on puppy formula than to switch too soon.

Runner Up: Royal Canin Breed Specific

• Flavor: Chicken

Pet owners leave different reviews for the dog food brands they have tried. Their pets have either taken to the food brand or not.

Some pets have suffered adverse symptoms on certain food brands and done well on others.

It is up to you as a pet owner to discover which brand best suits your pet as they are all individuals and react in different ways to their feed.

Another consideration is that a German Shepherd puppy may have been raised on one food type and the new owners transitioned it too quickly to another.

Alternatively, adult dog foods may be transitioned too quickly, leaving your pets digestive system struggling to keep up with the change if they have a sensitive stomach.

Despite different experiences, customers have left honest reviews about their experiences to guide others.

Pros

Cons

• The protein content is sourced from chicken meal as a by-product rather than containing real chicken protein.
• Some customers have complained that this product initially boosts weight gain but is followed by lackluster coats and skin problems. This is not the best dog food for German Shepherds with allergies.
• This is not the best choice for underweight dogs due to its low-fat content.
• One customer review claims that this product is not always easy to source in stores and is only available via online orders.

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Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Grain

Top ingredients: Lamb, Salmon, Chickpeas

Specially made for puppies, these wholesome bite-sized treats come in a resealable bag. Formulated with all-natural products.

You also wont find meat by-products, corn, wheat, or dairy in this treat! While its specially formulated for puppies, it is fortified with DHA and omega-3.

Dog Food & Feeding Pattern For German Shepherds Age

A) For New Born

The average newborn German Shepherd puppy weighs around 370 600 grams during birth. To derive their nutrition, they are highly dependent on their mothers milk.

However, in a case where the mothers milk is unavailable, top quality powdered milk should be fed to the pups at regular intervals.

German Shepherd puppies almost double their weight when they complete 1 week. As the pups gradually start gaining weight and mobility, they crave more and more milk. Due to this reason, their feeding amount changes on a weekly basis.

Nutritional Profile Of A Baby Dog Milk

• Ultra-Digestible Protein: Supports faster growth and development.
• Omega Fatty Acid: Optimizes brain and eye development.
• Essential Vitamins: Boost metabolism in puppies.
• Antioxidants: Build strong resistance against infections and diseases.

Which Baby Dog Milk Should I Feed My Newborn German Shepherd Puppy?

You can find various milk replacers in the market for puppies. Yet the one which stands out in terms of quality and nutrition is Royal Canin Baby Dog Milk which has a dietary profile similar to that of maternal milk. The benefits of Royal Canin Baby Dog Milk:

• Offers high energy and protein levels.
• DHA boosts cognitive skills and nervous functioning in pups.
• Exclusive homogeneous formula of milk makes it easier to digest.

Best Starter Dog Foods For German Shepherd Newborns

1) Arden Grange With Chicken Weaning Puppy

2) Royal Canin Maxi Starter Food

B) For Puppy

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