Best Dog Food For My German Shepherd Puppy

Should You Feed A Yorkie Puppy Supplements

Supplements should definitely be a part of your Yorkies diet, especially if his food is not nutrient-dense.

A Yorkies coat is made better by various supplements such as Vitamin E, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids. Vitamin A is essential to maintaining a Yorkies eyesight, particularly at night.

A Yorkies coat may look dull and flat when there is a nutritional deficiency. You may also find that your dog sustains constant infections and skin irritations.

You should feed your Yorkie puppy an ample amount of essential fatty acids so that he will be healthy and his coat will be shiny and beautiful.

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: Growth
• Best for:German Shepherd puppy

Complete Health Large Breed Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

Sample buyer reviewMy almost year old GSD loves this food! I transitioned him to this at 9 weeks. He was on another grain free puppy food but was not large breed. This food for high marks and I wanted to have a food that contained grains and was formulated for large breeds. My dog had no issues transitioning and loves his food. Like a lot of GSDs he does have a sensitive tummy and most treats dont agree with him so we use this as a training treat as well and he still loves it.

What Is The Best Dog Food For My German Shepherd

As a large dog breed, German Shepherds need a food that is high in protein and fat and well-balanced Calcium to Phosphorus ratio. In addition, German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important. Here are a few of the best dog foods for German Shepherds:

• 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Large Breed Dog Food
• 2. Merrick Classic Grain Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food
• 3. Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food
• 4. Orijen Six Fish Grain Free Dry Dog Food
• 5. Acana Grasslands Grain Free Dry Dog Food

When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the ingredient label carefully. Avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients:

1. Artificial flavors

9. Soy

10. Wheat

Feeding your German Shepherd the best quality food will help them to stay healthy and happy. If you have any questions about what to feed your dog, please consult your veterinarian.

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Understanding German Shepherds Needs

The German Shepherd Dog is a large-breed canine with a long back, erect ears and large eyes. They are one of the most recognizable breeds on the planet, are known for their excellence in military and are often fed like a canine athlete .

GSDs are jack of all trades. They excel as loyal family dogs, service dogs, and are the most famous police working dogs. On average, a German Shepherd dog lives about 12 years.

In order to extend their lifespan as long as possible, you need to pick the best dog food for German Shepherds that will cater to this canineâs individual needs, ensure preventative health care plan is in place, and have a general plan for their physical and mental stimulation.

There are a lot of best German Shepherd dog food reviews online, but the problem with some of those is that they do not address the specific requirements of this breed, which is mostly due to their resting metabolism and activity level as working dogs.

As with any breed, youâll have to update your German Shepherdâs diet depending on his age, activity level and health condition. German Shepherd puppies require much different nutrients than senior dogs, and GSDs that are working dogs need to eat more calories per day with a specific protein to fat to carbohydrate ratio with added vitamins and minerals.

Should I Feed My Puppy Wet Or Dry Dog Food

There is no definite right or wrong answer to the wet vs dry food argument. Wet food is great because it holds more water than dry food so your puppy is more likely to be well-hydrated.

However, they are more costly and can be quite messy if your puppy is a messy eater. Meanwhile, feeding your puppy dry kibble helps strengthen their muzzle and teeth and has a much longer shelf life.

However, some pups have a harder time chewing food and if your pup is a picky eater, he wouldnt find dry food as palatable as wet food.

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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.

How Much Food To Feed A 35

You should feed your 35-Pound German Shepherd Dog 2.6 cups of dry dog food every day.

Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your German Shepherd Dog over the day.

Our recommendation on how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog also assumes that you feed your German Shepherd Dog a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your German Shepherd Dog is reproductively intact.

Also, we assume that your German Shepherd Dog is not overweight or underweight.

Use our German Shepherd Dog food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog.

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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.

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.

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Diamond Naturals For Large Breed Puppy

Top ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Brown RiceType: Dry

Nutrient-rich with easily digestible protein for your little pups developing digestive system. Comes with natural DHA for healthy brain development and eyesight.

There are no wheat or filler additives, making this a great large breed puppy food.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food

Rating:

Puppy Large Breed is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

A classic, field-tested formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios making this option ideal for German shepherd puppies.

Recommended with confidence.

Sample buyer reviewMy puppy absolutely loves this food! She can never wait to get her next meal! Her coat is soft & shiny! Highly recommend this product!

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Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

If you are a German Shepherd pet owner struggling to find time to cook for your GSD and wish your dog could eat whole, fresh homemade foods more often, a homemade dog food delivery service might be a great fit.

Nom Nom is one of our favorite options. They deliver fresh, prepared homemade dog food tailored to your pups dietary needs straight to your door. Everything is made from real, human-grade ingredients

Their food is developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist and following the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. They do all the cooking for you, so you never have to worry about using the wrong ingredients, proper nutrition guidelines, portion sizes, and more.

All their meals are customizable to your dogs unique dietary needs, age, nutritional goals, and other key factors. For instance, if your GSD has food-related health issues like allergies or an illness, they will create a recipe that caters to this.

In our experience, its a huge time-saver, and you can spend time on more important things like walks or training. Plus, you avoid all the hassle of planning, shopping, and cooking. We think its worth the cost after adding up the prices of all the ingredients youll need to cook a recipe.

Our readers have access to save 50% off your first order of Nom Nom. Just use this link to get your GSDs first homemade meal.

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Foods That Contain Artificial Preservatives:

Artificial preservatives are used to prolong the shelf life of food, but they can also be harmful to dogs. Some of the most common artificial preservatives used in dog food are: BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. These preservatives have been linked to cancer and other health problems in dogs. I also recommend against feeding your GSD puppy or adult any brands or recipes with coloring or dyes.

As a responsible pet owner, its important to do your research before feeding your dog any commercial food. There are a lot of unhealthy options out there, and its up to you to make sure your dog is getting the nutrition he or she needs. Feeding your dog a healthy diet will help them live a long and happy life.

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Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

High protein content with moderate fat and calories is a recipe for balanced nutrition for your German Shepherd. We like this Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe because it provides 26% protein with just 12% fat and 340 calories per cup. With fresh chicken as the first ingredient, it is a lean source of protein to support your dogs lean muscle mass but not so high in fat or calories that your dog will gain too much weight. It contains digestible whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice, barley, and oats with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants as well as key nutrients. This recipe features probiotic supplements for healthy and regular digestion with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption. Plus, it comes in a larger kibble size and contains the unique nutrient ratios large breeds need for optimal health.

• Pros: Formulated for large breeds, rich in lean protein, moderate fat and calories, digestible whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
• Cons: Not a grain-free recipe

Food For German Shepherd Puppy Faqs

What is the best food for my German Shepherd puppy? Of course, any avid dog lover will want to know the answer to this question.

So, besides the mini-reviews above, which answer this question, pet-lovers are curious about other issues such as what else they can feed their puppies.

Other vital questions encompass how much to feed their puppies daily during different growth phases.

Yet other important questions include what raw meats you can give your GSD puppy and what foods are harmful to them.

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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.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Speaking of vital elements that must be present in dog food, heres a list of the best German Shepherd puppy food. Not only do these brands pay particular heed to the necessary nutrients for your furry friend. They guarantee an energetic and fit German Shepherd puppy by adding in other minerals for the well-being of your dog.

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Top 8 Recommended Best Foods For A German Shepherd In 2022

In addition to being incredibly smart and trainable, the German Shepherd is also a very large dog. This breed typically stands between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds at maturity. Originally developed as a herding dog, the German Shepherd has very strong protective instincts but they are still very gentle and loving which makes them a wonderful family pet. As a large-breed dog, the German Shepherd has an average lifespan between 10 and 13 years which can be impacted by a number of health problems. This breed is prone to several musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia and various inherited health issues like degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, and bleeding disorders. Responsible breeding practices including DNA testing are essential for this breed.

German Shepherd Calorie Requirements

So, how much should I feed my German Shepherd?

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult German Shepherd usually weighs between 50 and 90 pounds, meaning most GSDs need between 1165 and 1808 calories daily.

Make sure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.

• For instance, if a GSD weighs 65 lbs., he would need 1480 calories daily. For those eating treats, thats 1276 calories in food and 142 in treats . Usually, most full-grown dogs eat two meals per day. However, since GSDs are prone to bloating, divide his daily meals into three meals. You need to split 1276 into three meals of 425 calories each.

You can use this calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

Pregnant or lactating GSDs may need up to 2 to 4 times the food they usually need as the mothers energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

Also Check: Do German Shepherds Naturally Protect Their Owners

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!

Best Dry Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Today, many puppies are weaned directly onto softened kibble, or transitioned from wet food to dry food at around 12 weeks. So they are likely to be already eating dry food by the time they come home with you. In fact they will probably arrive with a bag of the kibble they were weaned onto. These are our picks of the best dry dog food for German Shepherd puppies.

Best dry food for German Shepherd puppy

Royal Canin is one of the worlds largest and most popular dog food manufacturers. This kibble is tailor-made for German Shepherd puppies* and contains everything your dog will need during his growth period.

The formula is balanced to avoid digestive sensitivity, and also contains calcium and phosphorus for healthy joints and bones. Vitamins E and C, together with taurine and lutein help to maintain your pups vulnerable immune system. The diet is designed for pure bred German Shepherd puppies from age 8 weeks to 15 months.

Best food for GSD puppy

Hills are another major specialist diet dog food manufacturer. Their large breed puppy dry dog food* is a good food for German Shepherd puppies up to 12 months old. The diet contains optimal levels of calcium to ensure that bone growth is controlled in order to prevent the onset of health conditions, including hip dysplasia.

Good puppy food for German Shepherds

Best large breed puppy food for German Shepherds

German Shepherd puppy food

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