Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeDogBest Dog Food For Female German Shepherd

Best Dog Food For Female German Shepherd

Victor Select Nutra Pro Active Dog & Puppy Dog Food

Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds

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 Dog Food Brands Are Affordable But Healthy

When shopping on a budget, steer clear of cheap, low-quality dog foods. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal, these foods are made with the cheapest ingredients available in the pet food industry and are not healthy for dogs. Instead, look for an affordable high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Of course, if your dog is on a prescription diet for health reasons, you will have to pay more for that food. Following are three top-rated foods manufactured by experienced pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff.

  • real chicken is the first ingredient
  • four antioxidant sources promote your dogs immune system
  • doesnt use artificial flavors or preservatives
  • chicken is the first ingredient
  • includes glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain bone and joint health
  • contains L-carnitine to help support a healthy metabolism
  • contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint and bone health
  • contains omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health
  • doesnt contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or added sugar

What Can A German Shepherd Not Eat

Many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, carrots, and broccoli can make healthy treats for your German Shepherd. However, you shouldnt feed some types of people food to your pet, so its important to check with your veterinarian when in doubt.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the following popular people foods are toxic to pets:

  • Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death.
  • Chocolate, coffee, and, caffeine all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death.
  • Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure.
  • Almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and they can potentially cause pancreatitis.
  • Onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia.

Read Also: South Carolina German Shepherd Rescue

Dr Garys Best Breed Holistic German Dry Dog Food

Best For Weight Gain

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Dried Beet Pulp, 5. Chicken Fat

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Caloric content : 3,941 kcal

This nutritionally dense kibble is specially crafted for your German Shepherd and includes highly digestible ingredients that support maximum nutrient absorption. This wholesome diet is not only a delicious blend that your dog will crave, but includes high-quality proteins that come from eggs, chicken, and menhaden fish to promote health maintenance and muscle development for maximum activity.

Analysis: Protein min. 25% | Fat min. 12%, | Fiber max. 4.5% | Moisture max. 10%

German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: Top 4 Picks (2017)

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.

Don’t Miss: What Are German Shepherds Bred For

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.

Is It Ok To Put A Raw Egg In Dog Food

The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs.

If you’re still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet.

Don’t Miss: How Much Weight Can A German Shepherd Carry

The Presence Of Chondroitin And Glucosamine:

German Shepherds are also prone to developing joint conditions such as arthritis, try using food products that contain chondroitin and glucosamine. These compounds are present in connective tissues, and can be very effective in relieving pain from arthritis and other conditions that attack the joints and tissues.

Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food

Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds To Gain Weight: What To Look For

Rating:

Large Breed Chicken Meal is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for:German Shepherd Puppies

This classic Science Diet formula gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 53% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.

A fully-balanced, large-breed puppy diet. Contains just the right amount of calcium for controlled skeletal growth to help lower the risk of canine hip dysplasia in shepherd puppies. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewAfter doing research, I found that many large boned puppy foods had much more calcium than recommended by the Veterinary Council. Science Diet is much stricter about the ingredients. I switched and feel much better about my German Shepherds food! My dog loves it!

You May Like: What’s The Best Food For A German Shepherd

Core Health Concerns For German Shepherds

Most German shepherds are healthy dogs, but the breed is more susceptible to a number of few health concerns than other breeds are.

Many of the problems that afflict German shepherds are congenital, and therefore out of your control. However, other health issues develop in response to your pups environment or lifestyle, and you may be able to treat these in part by selecting an optimal dog food for your shepherd pup.

Some of the most common ailments that afflict German shepherds include:

The Importance Of Good Nutrition

Dog food sales in the United States are a huge business.

There is tremendous competition among manufacturers, with many of these companies goals including making a large profit.

German Shepherd owners must not only stay alert as wise consumers but also monitor the health of their beautiful breed, which is an indicator of the quality of food you feed them.

A healthy German Shepherd has:

  • bright, alert eyes
  • energy for their daily activities
  • and a glossy coat

The old saying You are what you eat is also entirely true for dogs, as well as people. Many German Shepherds can carry on for a long time on a substandard diet, but inadequate nutrition can lead to more than health problems.

In fact, poor nutrition could cause your German Shepherd to develop:

  • behavior problems
  • susceptibility to disease
  • and even shorten their lifespan!

Keep in mind that everything your dog eats becomes part of their daily diet, whether its good for them or not.

Nutrition for your German Shepherd is affected by not only what they eat, but also:

  • the foods digestibility
  • how their body uses the food
  • and what underlying health issues they might have

Lets take a quick peek at the nutrients in your dogs food.

Also Check: Why Do German Shepherds Look Like Wolves

Meal Plan And Feeding Guide

Current ADULT Weight
3 3/4 4 1/2 cups per day
90 pounds 4 1/2 5 1/4 cups per day

healthy weight.

The diet of a German Shepherd must take into account the size of the dog, her level of activity and exercise, along with any preexisting conditions that might need special consideration.

Therefore, if you want to know how much your German Shepherd needs to eat, youll need to know their age, weight, and activity levels. Typically a full-grown German Shepherd should eat at least 3 cups of food per day, but may eat upwards of 5 cups of food per day or more if they are fairly large and routinely active.

Let these cup measurements be your guide, but dont let them dictate the exact cups of food to feed your German Shepherd.

Your dogs health will flourish if you adjust the cups based on your dogs specific nutritional and caloric needs.

Now, lets take a look at what really is the best food to feed a German Shepherd.

Senior German Shepherd Diet

Best dog food for german shepherd

Senior German Shepherds need a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat in their diet.

These are only the minimums and research indicates these figures are far too low to provide the optimum nutrition for an elderly dog with unique needs.

German Shepherds over 7 years of age benefit from a diet formulated for their needs. Senior dog diets often have lower calories, higher protein, lower sodium, and fewer carbohydrates. Many also contain ingredients such as prebiotics to maintain healthy intestinal microbial populations, increased omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidants to combat inflammation.

As an added supplement senior formulas usually contain glucosamine to promote joint health.

Focus on giving your senior German Shepherd the best dog foodfor their life stage if you have an older dog.

Look for a senior dog food diet that is not only easily digestible but contains antioxidants, and prebiotics and has at least 25% protein. For example, Iams ProActive Health Healthy Aging Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food meets all these standards.

Don’t Miss: Best Dog Food For Itchy German Shepherd

Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy

Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, PeasType: Dry

A DHA-fortified option that focuses on your GSD puppys development. Comes enriched with salmon oil for a boost in your pups immune system, heart health, and cognitive function.

Its a grain-inclusive product that doesnt use any GMO ingredients. Only the best for your little bud.

What Is The Healthiest Food For A German Shepherd Puppy

Its important to choose specially formulated puppy food to support your young pups growth. Experts at the German Shepherd Dog Club of America advise looking for food that lists good protein, such as beef, chicken, or turkey, as the first ingredient. They also recommend avoiding foods that list chicken by-product meal, meat meal, or corn products as the main source of protein. Once youve narrowed down your options, seek advice from your veterinarian on which food will work best for your puppy.

Finally, according to a 2019 report by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56 percent of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Its a serious problem that can lead to a variety of health issues in dogs, including diabetes, osteoarthritis pain, and hypertension. Being a responsible pet parent means feeding your German Shepherd the appropriate amount of high-quality food for a well-balanced diet. When you do, youll have a happy, healthy dog eager to join his family on outdoor adventures.

Editors’ Recommendations

Don’t Miss: How Much German Shepherd Weight

Our Backstory: Common Food Allergies For Dogs

After Rascal turned a year old or so, he started developing really strange eating habits. He wasnt finishing his food, had loud intense stomachaches and frequently threw up. We went through a number of blood tests. He had been diagnosed with things like pancreatitis, anxiety and one vet even thought he had parvo. We were stressed and at a loss at how to move forward. That is until we did an allergy test.

We uncovered that Rascal was allergic to a dozen different food items, one being beef, the main ingredient in his traditional dry dog food. Our vet introduced us to an all-natural human-grade dog food company called Just Food for Dogs. The company sells premade food and teaches people how to make a homemade dog food recipe at home. Once we started this all-natural diet, the stomach aches subsided and he was the happiest we had ever seen him.

Eagle Pack Power Adult Dry Dog Food

The perfect dog diet | What to feed your dog | German Shepherd

Best For Active Dogs

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Pork Meal, 3. Ground Brown Rice, 4. Peas, 5. Chicken Fat

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Caloric content : 3,840 kcal

The power-packed recipe is balanced with nutrition derived from an excellent combination of high-quality ingredients. The proportions of protein, fat, and carbs in this crunchy kibble not only help your German Shepherd maintain a healthy weight but also help in developing stamina and muscle tone for sustained endurance. The flavor-dense formula ensures excellent nutrition for active adult dogs.

Analysis: Protein min. 30% | Fat min. 19%, | Fiber max. 4.5% | Moisture max. 10%

Read Also: Why Are German Shepherds Backs Sloped

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Dog Food

Best Budget Option

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 4. Ground White Rice, 5. Rice Bran

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
  • Caloric content : 3,499 kcal

For what it costs, Diamond Natural Large Breed is an excellent value food thats equally nutritious and high-quality as the more expensive options. Its made from a handful of premium ingredients like cage-free chicken, brown rice, and veggies that provide a holistic diet for your Alsatian.

After switching to this dog food, many owners said they saw an improvement in digestion and coat health. The formula is also enriched with probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin nutrients that are crucial for German Shepherds as they are prone to digestive and joint problems. Moreover, the recipe is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, so the diet sits well with your dogs stomach.

Analysis: Protein min. 23% | Fat min. 13%, | Fiber max. 3.5% | Moisture max. 10%

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

Also Check: Pictures Of Puppy German Shepherds

Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain:

This dog food is lamb-based, and is prepared using ingredients of the highest quality. Since Taste of the Wild intends to mimic the diet of wild canines, the product is prepared in the absence of grains.

Packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals, Taste of the Wild provides your dog with the energy that it needs to flourish. The omega fatty acids, meanwhile, promote skin and coat health.

Every serving of this food contains proprietary pro-biotics, along with pre-biotics and anti-oxidants, which encourage healthy digestion, immune functioning, and overall wellness and health.

Every ingredient used to prepare Taste of the Wild has been obtained from sustainable and reliable USA and global sources. The food is free of any wheat, corn, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppy

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food is specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred adult German Shepherds aged 15 months and older.

It offers a unique kibble shape which is particularly designed for a German Shepherds long, strong mouth and teeth to encourage chewing.

Moreover, it also includes highly digestible proteins and specific fibers that promote healthy digestive performance and optimal stool consistency, as this breed is inclined to have poor stool quality.

The healthy nutrients, such as EPA and DHA, from fish oil, reinforce the skin barrier and help to maintain skin and coat health. This adult German Shepherds dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support big dogs healthy bones, joints, and cartilages.

Specifications

  • Formulas are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
  • Kibble is designed with a specific shape, size, and texture for the dogs facial and jaw structures.
  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin maintain bone and joint health and support large breed bodies

Pros

  • It promotes a healthy heart due to the addition of fish oil.
  • It is great in taste.

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with allergies

Our Verdict

This dog food for German Shepherd is applauded for its nutrient-rich formula that supports bone and joint health, maintains healthy skin and coat, and supports digestive health. However, few buyers criticized it for its inflated price.

Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food

Also Check: Best Dog Collar For German Shepherd

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular