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.
Transitioning To Homemade Dog Food
Most dogs dont have a problem making the switch to homemade food. If yours is prone to digestive issues, start slowly by mixing a little bit of the homemade food with the commercial food.
Over the course of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the commercial food.
If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, try introducing only a couple of new ingredients at a time until their systems are well adjusted to the fresh diet.
For dogs with health issues, please consult with a veterinarian if you arent sure what kind of supplements are needed. Use your best judgment, the way you would when feeding yourself or your family.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken And Rice
Image courtesy Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice contains the most animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal.
The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It’s inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest.
Don’t Miss: Do German Shepherds Get Cold
Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Beef Stew
Rating:
Hearty Beef Stew is one of 6 wet recipes included in our review of the Rachael Ray product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken broth, beef, chicken, dried egg product, egg white
- Type: Grain-free
- Best for:All puppies including large breeds
Rachael Ray Nutrish Hearty Beef Stew acquires the better part of its animal protein from fresh beef, fresh chicken,dried egg product, and egg whites. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 41% protein, 23% fat and 28% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This fully balanced formula contains zinc amino acid complex and 3 other chelated minerals superior nutritional supplements typically found in higher quality dog foods.
Budget priced. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI think Ive finally found the perfect food for my two shih tzus. They are both very picky eaters and one was constantly itching and licking her paws. I believe the grain free food has helped tremendously in stopping the itching. I use both the Rachael Ray grain free dry and wet food for them and watch them clean their bowls every time. Great stuff!
Taste Of The Wild Wetlands Grain
Best For Picky Eaters
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Duck, 2. Duck Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content : 3,750 kcal
Give your big-breed German Shepherd a wholesome diet that combines the goodness of grain-free and a variety of other nutritional ingredients.
The tempting flavors not only serve as a savory option for your big pooch, but the balanced nutrients ensure healthy overall development and a great level of activity. The recipe is free from by-products and fillers and features just the right amount of nutrition perfect for your German Shepherd dog.
Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
Don’t Miss: What’s The Difference Between German Shepherd And Alsatian
Purina Pro Bright Mind
Purina Pro is well known for their higher quality grain-inclusive kibbles. This pro formula is in the Bright Minds line of dog foods. It includes botanical oils which can improve mental clarity and sharpness for older pups. As mentioned, this formula includes grain, so its best to avoid if your aging German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach thats intolerant to grains.
This senior-appropriate dog food also contains additional glucosamine support to help prevent joint deterioration. The additional probiotics do support gut health, which is also important for aging dogs. Purina pro rounds out this formal with additional fatty acids to keep your seniors coat and skin soft and nourished.
We love most of Purina Pros recipes, despite their higher price tag. The added botanical oils in this formula will keep your aging pups mind bright and agile for the long term.
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.
Don’t Miss: Why German Shepherds Are Good Family Pets
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
What Should I Look For In A German Shepherd Dog Food
When looking for the best dog food for German Shepherds, you should consider several factors:
- Ingredients. Make sure that the constituent ingredients are obtained from a reliable source. Additionally, there should not be any fillers, additives, dyes, and flavors that have been added artificially. The food can also contain beneficial ingredients, including sweet potatoes, blueberries, and carrots, among others.
- Nutritional Needs. German Shepherds are large dogs that have specific nutritional needs. Make sure that the food you opt for offers these dietary supplements. You can also consult a vet for the best results.
- Shelf Life. Make sure that the brand you opt for has a decent shelf life. Otherwise, your food might expire early, and you will be left buying it over and over again. It should, however, be kept in mind that too much of a shelf life could indicate the presence of preservatives that are not considered healthy.
- Cost. Since food is a lifelong commitment, make sure that the product is cost-effective and easy on your pocket. Most premium brands will have cheaper counterparts that you can opt for.
Also Check: German Shepherd As Service Dog
Do They Have Any Special Dietary Needs
All dogs require a healthy, balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. The German Shepherd is a large-breed dog, so protein is even more important to help him maintain lean muscle mass. As a puppy, youll need to control your German Shepherds fat and calorie intake to keep him from growing too fast because overgrowth in large breeds can lead to an increased risk for musculoskeletal problems.
Generally speaking, the German Shepherd is a fairly healthy breed. As is true for all dogs, however, poor breeding practices can increase the risk of genetic health problems. This, combined with the fact that the German Shepherd is a large breed, means that he is at risk for things like hip dysplasia, though responsible breeding can help keep that risk to a minimum.
Here are some of the other health problems to which the breed is prone:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cardiovascular disease
When it comes to dietary needs, most of the conditions on this list dont have any special dietary implications. You do, however, need to be mindful of how much and how quickly your dog eats. Eating too quickly or too much at once puts your dog at risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow to the organs.
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
You May Like: My German Shepherd Scratches All The Time
Rich In Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
These fatty acids are responsible for your dogs healthy skin and shiny coat. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a non-profit organization that sets food standards for animals and pets, the right amount of fat intake of a German shepherd should be 5% to 8%.
Omega 3 can be found in anchovies, phytoplankton and krill oil while omega 6 is found in most animal fats and vegetable oils.
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Premium Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Chicken flavor, 5. Fish Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Caloric content : 3,771 kcal
A diet thats designed for a specific breed is much more fulfilling than a regular one. Keeping that in mind, Royal Canin has created a special formula especially for German Shepherds and their dietary needs. Some noteworthy features of the breed-specific diet include special dietary fibers that cater to the sensitive digestive system of German Shepherds and a mix of nutrients that nourish and support their skin and coat.
The recipe is designed with highly-digestible proteins to encourage muscle growth and nourishment. Moreover, it contains both EPA and DHA to support bone and joint health, which is a common issue with most adult and senior German Shepherds.
Analysis: Protein min. 22% | Fat min. 17%, | Fiber max. 5.5% | Moisture max. 10%
Recommended Reading: How To Stop My German Shepherd From Barking
German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
GERMAN SHEPHERD ADULT is designed exclusively for purebred German Shepherds over 15 months.
Available in
- The benefits
-
The kibbles shape, size, texture and formula are adapted to the German Shepherd, encouraging him to chew.
A longer colonic transit time combined with large breed dogs higher colonic permeability can lead to more fermentation and poor stool quality. GERMAN SHEPHERD ADULT contributes to supporting this breeds sensitive digestive system with highly digestible L.I.P.* proteins and a selection of specific fibers to limit intestinal fermentation and to help maintain a balanced intestinal flora. *Protein selected for its very high digestibility.
The skin and coat reflect the dogs state of health, and appropriate nutrition plays an important part in maintaining their quality. The GERMAN SHEPHERD ADULT formula helps support the skins role as a barrier with an exclusive complex of nutrients and helps maintain skin and coat health .
The lively temperament of the German Shepherd leads to hard working joints. The GERMAN SHEPHERD ADULT formula helps support healthy bones and joints and helps maintain ideal weight. Enriched with EPA and DHA.
- Product description
- German Shepherds are well-known for their intelligence and athleticism. With targeted nutrients, GERMAN SHEPHERD ADULT helps to support skin, joints and muscles, while the customized kibble has an increased surface area to increase digestibility.
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%
Also Check: Does My German Shepherd Love Me
The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
The best diet for your German Shepherd is one thats rich in high-quality animal protein with plenty of healthy fats and the optimal balance of essential nutrients. To help you choose the best dog food for your faithful companion, weve compiled a list of our top picks for puppies and adult dogs.
Like other Blue Buffalo recipes, this formula for large-breed puppies puts high-quality animal protein first. It also includes LifeSource Bits to provide a rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for balanced nutrition.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large-Breed Puppy Recipe
A great option for puppies, this dry dog food is packed with deboned chicken, healthy grains, and antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Featuring farm-raised chicken, whole-grain brown rice, and sweet potatoes, this formula is designed to support your German Shepherds health and wellness.
Nutro Natural Choice Large-Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
For large breeds like German Shepherds, this recipe boasts ingredients like real chicken and brown rice to help support a dogs whole health.
Satin Ball Recipe Ingredients
The entire list of ingredients and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. First, I want to share some extra information about the ingredients I used in these dog meatballs.
Heres a list of what you need:
- Ground Beef Choose grass-fed organic ground beef to get the most nutrition for you dog.
- Oatmeal Use old-fashioned or rolled oats,
- Total Cereal This is a fantastic source of fiber. If you dont have Total ceral, you can use Wheaties or another bran-based cereal.
- Molasses This is a natural sweetener. Use it if you can find it. You can substitute with raw honey.
- Wheat Germ This is another fantastic source of fiber and protein.
- Gelatin This will keep all the ingredients together in the shape of a ball.
- Coconut Oil This is really healthy for your dog, giving them the good fats they need.
- Egg and Egg Shell Yes, include the egg shell. It is wonderful for your dogs bones since it has lots of calcium.
Read Also: Royal Canin For German Shepherd
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%
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy
Image courtesy Wellness
Get your little guy started on Wellness Complete Health Chicken, Salmon & Rice. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes.
It’s made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acidssuch as DHAnecessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics.
This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It’s free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does A Full Grown German Shepherd Weight
German Shepherd Puppies Foods
This guide will teach you everything you need to properly feed your German Shepherd.We have suggestions no matter what age your German Shepherd is, whether its a puppy or an older dog.Enjoy!
Summary of Contents
- What is the Calories in the Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppy?
- Royal Canin German Shepherd Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy food
- Blue Buffalo Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy food
- ORIJEN Puppy Food for Large Breeds
- Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
- Natural Balance Dry Puppy Food
- Open Farm Puppy Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Nulo Puppy Food Grain Free Dry Food
- What nutrients do German Shepherd puppies need?
- How can dog food help with common health problems in the German shepherd?
- What dishes are suitable for German Shepherds and their dogs?
- Do I need to provide supplements for my pups?
- What are the Top German Shepherd Puppy Foods?
- Consider these factors when choosing the Best Dog Food For German Shepherds Puppies
- FAQs about German Shepherd Puppy Food