Best Dog Food For German Shepherds 2021

Look For All Natural Ingredients

Stay away from any German shepherd food with artificial ingredients, especially preservatives, colors, or flavors. Synthetic preservatives can cause health issues, and artificial ingredients cant compare with the real thing. Large breeds need whole, nutritious food like brown rice, deboned chicken, or high-quality chicken meal.

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:

The Life Stage Of Your Dog

Adults, puppies, seniors, pregnant, and lactating dogs have different nutritional requirements owing to the unique differences in their physiological functions. A puppy will require more calories, fat, and protein to develop properly, while a fully grown German Shepherd will typically need lower-calorie food thats high to moderately rich in protein. Senior dogs will benefit more from a moderate protein, low-calorie diet that is supplemented with glucosamine, while pregnant and nursing German Shepherds may benefit more from eating a high-calorie diet that resembles that of puppies. Find out more about Senior Dog Food here.

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Best Dog Food For German Shepherd

What is the best dog food for German Shepherds? Like we humans do need good amounts of nutrients for our body to function properly. Similarly, dogs do the same. The diet they eat should consist of a balanced amount of nutrients that are essential for their body, but they must also maintain their coat and skin.

A balanced diet for dogs helps them to develop and grow better. Not only has this but with a good diet, they also stay active much more throughout the day. Dietary components are the building block to develop any dog into a healthy adult dog. That is why you should be very choosy while selecting your dogs diet, a particularly German shepherd.

Most people tend to have dry diets for their dogs as they are more convenient and less costly. Below we have prepared a list for you so that you can have the best options available to find the best dog food for German Shepherds.

Best Vet Recommended Dog Food For Skin Allergies

Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe is specifically designed for adult, large breed dogs over 50 pounds.

Featuring real chicken first the veterinarian-recommended diet contains prebiotic fiber to support a healthy microbiome for German Shepherds with sensitive skin issues. Added beet pulp increases the fiber and encourages firmer, more regular stools.

For those who cant afford prescription diets, this research-backed dog food is an inexpensive quality alternative for German Shepherds that have allergies or excessive itching and scratching.

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Alternative: Iams Proactive Health High Protein

• Flavor: Turkey, Chicken

IAMS is a well-known product that has been on the market for years. However, as with many other dog food brands, this one also attracts mixed reviews.

One owner says that it isnt good for the dogs health, while many others claim that it is the best German Shepherd food on the market.

Pet owners will need to go through each dog food brands pros and cons and test these foods. It seems that it takes a while for German Shepherds to become used to new foods.

If one brand does not work for your pet, you should gradually transition to a new food.

Check the pros and cons below if your pet is not happy with its current pet food. Perhaps this brand will be the best food for your dog, or the top brand will be a better bet.

Pros

Cons

• One negative review is that the product was damaged when the customer received it.
• Certain pet owners note that this brand is quite expensive, but they are prepared to pay a higher price if their pets are happy with the flavor.
• Choose an alternative product if your pet suffers from grain allergies.

German Shepherds Nutritional Needs

Before we begin detailing your German Shepherd’s nutritional needs, it must be emphasized that nutritional ingredients are those that are properly identified on packaging in other words, ingredients that aren’t ambiguous regarding the content within them. For example, hand-picking dog food that lists “poultry meal” aren’t going to satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs in comparison to those that specify “chicken meal”.

High-protein content: Like all large dogs, the first ingredient on any dog food’s ingredient list should be a protein-based nutrient such as chicken meal, egg protein, or beef byproducts. It is essential that your dog receives substantial amounts of protein, as a large breed like German Shepherds require it to build strong bones and joints. Although plant-based protein sources are also recommended, your dog does not possess the biochemical adaptations to digest them properly.

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What Types Of Food Are Appropriate For German Shepherd Dogs

The most popular type of food for your German Shepherds is dry kibble. However, for puppies and senior dogs, you should consider a variety of wet food options too. Other varieties you can serve include semi-moist form and freeze-dried food. For owners who dont mind preparation and handling, frozen-then-thawed food is a viable option too.

German Shepherd Are Notoriously Hard Workers

These German dogs can make excellent family pets but they also excel in a working role with the military, police or search and rescue.

German Shepherds were the first blind eye dogs despite Labradors and Retrievers being more commonly associated with such a service position.

These athletic and intelligent dogs need the right fuel in order to perform their duties at the highest level.

Whether theyre a much-loved family pet providing emotional support, a guard dog protecting their owners property or working as service dogs, all German Shepherds require a complete and healthy diet.

Traditionally, GSD owners may have fed their beloved dogs dry food such as kibble but there is a growing trend moving away from such canine nutrition.

In this article, were going to take a look at the best dog food for German Shepherds.

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Also Check: When To Switch German Shepherd From Puppy Food

Important Factors For Selecting The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds Specifically

In addition to selecting a product that possesses the characteristics youd want in any good dog food, there are a few additional factors you should consider when purchasing the very best dog food for German shepherds. This will help you address the specific needs of your dog.

Some of the most important things to look for in a dog food for German shepherds include:

Is A Chicken Ingredient In Dog Foods Bad For Pitbulls

Although some pitbulls are sensitive to chicken, it is not bad for all pitbulls. There is no problem when feeding your pittie with unseasoned cooked chicken for some protein shots.

Be mindful of his health conditions though. Make sure that he is not allergic to chicken otherwise, you will just risk his overall health and wellbeing. Always consider the best dog foods for your dog.

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Cesar Home Delights And Canine Cuisine Soft Wet Dog Food

Treat your furry best friend with a savory balanced meal with Cesar Home Delights and Canine Cuisine Soft Wet Dog Food.

The gourmet wet dog food comes with nutrition-formulated ingredients meeting the AAFCO dog food nutrient levels.

Your pooch will surely love the taste of veggies, beef, and chicken meals with this variety of packs.

The packs are filled with the nutrition required for his healthy diet.

With its peel-away seals served in trays, mealtime for him is made very easy.

It may serve as a great meal alone or as a food topper blended with dry food. Available in varieties such as Home Delights, Simply Crafted, and Classics.

Specific Features:

• It may not be appealing to picky eaters in some of its flavors

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural

Blues second blend on this list is specifically designed for the immune system and digestive support, making it perfect for larger breeds. German Shepherds are prone to issues in both of these areas, especially in their later years.

Instead of feeding your dog fillers until its too late, try supporting their growth with this immune-boosting canine formula. With blends formulated specifically for puppies, you can ensure your dog gets tailored nutrition from the very beginning.

Why We Liked It Blues Life Source Bits was specifically designed and chosen by vets who love dogs just as much as we do. With your German Shepherds wellbeing in mind, they have designed the perfect blend of dog food!

Nutrition Information:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Pea Starch, Peas

More Details on Ingredients:

Once again, a staggering amount of variety is the order of the day with Blue. Their Life Protection Formula offers a whole host of options for your dogs mealtime.

You can choose from many different protein-packed ingredients such as chicken, fish, and lamb to ensure your German Shepherd grows up strong and healthy. There is even variety in the second ingredient when shopping for puppies, allowing you to choose whether you want brown rice or oatmeal to accompany the proteins.

Key Benefit: Unique Immune System Support

Pros:

+ Unique Life Source Bits

First 7 Ingredients

More Details on Ingredients:

Key Benefit: Delicious Taste

Pros:

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Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Puppy Food Best Wet Food

If you prefer wet foods, this is probably the best dog food for german shepherds under the age of 1 under this category.

Its made from natural ingredients only and is rich in fatty acids to promote the growth of healthy skin and coat and nourish their brain and vision during their development.

Thanks to being made from real chicken, dogs really love the stuff, and you will find you need to really portion it so your dog doesnt go through more than two cans per day. Thankfully, the 13 oz cans are the perfect size for a large breed puppy.

Pros VS Cons

• Made from natural ingredients and real chicken
• Rich in protein and fat
• Suitable for large breed puppies

Cons:

Bottom line

If you need to incorporate wet food in your dogs diet, this is the one to include. Its made from real chicken, not just chicken meal, and while its not grain-free, it includes all the nutrients a german shepherd puppy would need to promote healthy growth.

How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Eat

German Shepherds are a powerful breed, making them some of the biggest eaters too!

As you know, if you have a German Shepherd or if you are looking to get one, German Shepherds are highly active animals that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

German Shepherds also need a balanced diet to supplement their activity levels.

Adult male German Shepherds weigh, on average, around 75 to 90 pounds, and a female German Shepherd weighs between 55 to 70 pounds.

The recommended calorie intake per day is for a puppy starts at a minimum of 500 calories. If you have a German Shepherd puppy, you will monitor and increase their food intake as they grow.

The recommended calorie intake per day is for a young and active German Shepherd is between 1,500 and 2,300 calories.

The recommended calorie intake per day is for an adult German Shepherd is roughly between 1,700 and 2,000 calories.

Senior German Shepherds become less active, and their calorie intake per day drops to around 1,200 to 1,400 calories per day.

Its recommended to feed your German Shepherd twice per day, separating their daily food intake in half and feeding equal amounts in the morning and evening to help prevent bloat.

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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken And Rice

Rating:

Large Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for:Adult shepherds only

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

The recipe contains multiple probiotics for better digestion and chelated minerals for improved absorption and healthy nutrition. Affordably priced and easy to recommend.

Sample buyer reviewWe have had our dogs on this food for some time and the vet is constantly saying how healthy they are . We searched for some time to find a quality food at an affordable price as we have 4 dogs . Have never had any issues with them or their digestive systems while on Diamond!

Ingredients In A Pitbull Dog Food

Dog food with high quality is imperative with the distinct build of Pitbulls.

Low-cost foods with unnecessary ingredients will just hinder their athletic performance. In addition, this results in weight gain which may lead to possible health issues.

This breed needs various macronutrients in their diet. Look for these nutrients in the food that you will be buying.

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What Food Should German Shepherds Avoid

There are certain ingredientsthat should not be in the best food for German Shepherds:

• Grapes and Raisins. These contain toxic compounds that can cause health problems in your dog. In extreme cases, they can lead to kidney failure and even death.
• Salt. Salt is a flavoring agent that is often added to dog food. However, excessive usage of salt can lead to salt poisoning and prevent water deprivation.
• Chocolate. This is among the most toxic compounds that a dog can eat. It can lead to an upset stomach and, if not treated, death.
• Macadamia Nut. These nuts can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and depression in your dog. As a result, they should be avoided at all costs.
• Onion. A key ingredient in onion is N-propyl disulfide which is highly toxic to dogs. Not only does it damage your dogs red blood cells, but it also can lead to anemia.
• Avocado. Avocados contain a toxin called person, which is considered toxic to dogs. It can lead to fluid buildup in their lungs, which can be fatal.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: Our Top Picks

The German Shepherd is easily one of the most energetic and endearing dog breeds around.

They have many good qualities which contribute to their overall popularity, but you probably know this already.

Instead, lets talk a little bit about proper canine nutrition. Mealtime is actually one of the most important times of the day and is great for bonding with your pet.

A good diet will enable your German Shepherd to live a long and healthy life. With that in mind, lets look at eight of the best dog foods that we could find online.

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Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Dog Food

Best For Sensitive Stomach

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Barley, 3. Rice, 4. Oat Meal, 5. Canola Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content : 4,049 kcal

Nothing beats a dog food that takes care of sensitivity and offers improved overall health in one package. And thats exactly what this recipe from Purina is all about. Its formulated with salmon and rice, two highly-digestible yet nourishing ingredients that supply protein and carbs for energy.

Additionally, the food is enriched with prebiotic fiber and live probiotics that improve digestion and reduce instances of gas and bloating. Moreover, the omega fatty acids in the food make your dogs coat softer and give them a healthier appearance. And to avoid allergic reactions, the food is also kept free from wheat, corn, and soy.

Analysis: Protein min. 26% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 12%

The Nutritional Needs For German Shepherds

German Shepherds are strong and large dogs. About 80% of a German Shepherd body is made up of muscles and bones. They require a high amount of proteins, fats, and other nutrients such as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to maintain their bodies and health in perfect conditions.

Here is a list of all of the nutrition needs that a German Shepherd needs.

1.) Protein

Because of their active and muscular bodies, German Shepherds needs high amounts of protein in their diet. Protein is responsible for developing strong muscles and burning energy.

A German Shepherds coat, which is a double coat, also needs protein to stay healthy and shiny.

How much protein intake does a German Shepherd need?

• For a German Shepherd puppy, they should get at least 22% protein because their bodies are developing and they need as much protein as possible.

• For a German Shepherd dog, they should get at least 18% protein a day. If they are working dogs, then their diet should include 30 to 40% protein.
• Dog food for german shepherds less than 1 week old should not contain more than 30% protein.

These are estimates and you should always check with your vet so they can recommend the best protein intake based on your dogs size, condition, age, and other factors.

2.) Fat

Fat is an important source of energy for your German Shepherd dog and puppy. Fat is converted into glucose and burned for energy, which a dog of a large breed such as the GSD needs a lot of every day.

3.) Carbohydrates

5.) Fresh Water

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