Best Dry Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

The Life Protection Formula line of dog food contains LifeSource Bits, which is Blue Buffalos proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Apart from boosting your dogs immune system, this formula is enriched with everything your dog needs for healthy skin, coat, bones, and joints. Its antioxidant properties mainly come from blueberries, cranberries, and barley grass.

This dry dog food also doesnt contain any filler carbohydrates. Rather than wheat, corn, or soy, it uses barley, brown rice, and oatmeal. It is also enriched with taurine, which is essential for both eye and cardiovascular health.

Additionally, it contains L-Lysine and L-Carnitine to boost their metabolism and enhance the absorption of nutrients, especially calcium and protein.

Best Foods For German Shepherd Puppies

Below are five of our natural dry dog kibble recommendations that are made from natural ingredients, and all have the best overall nutritional content as guided by the AAFCO.

We have also considered the overall product rating given by dog owners across the world, as well as the reputation of each brand, so that you know you are choosing the best products from expert companies.

German Shepherd Puppies Dietary Needs

Dogs are carnivores. Although they will eat vegetables and fruits, their natural diet is meat based. This means that their food should contain high protein and fat levels. German Shepherds also have thick fur, and tend to shed continually throughout the year. The fat content in your dogs diet helps to keep his skin and coat in good condition.

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Common Health Issues And Diet

German Shepherds are usually pretty healthy, but they can be prone to a few health conditions. Some of these can be prevented or controlled through specific dietary changes.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are common throughout many breeds. Usually, food allergies develop after the dog is fed the same food for many years.

For this reason, we recommend switching out a dogs food regularly. Dont feed your dog the same recipe month after month.

If your dog already has food allergies, the only thing you can do is avoid their allergen. Usually, this means switching to a limited-ingredient diet to make avoiding reactions easier.

Hip Dysplasia

German Shepherds are very prone to hip dysplasia. Luckily, its directly connected to diet.

Hip dysplasia develops when dogs are puppies, though they may not experience symptoms for years. For one reason or another, their ball and socket stop growing at the same rate.

This uneven growth makes them rub against each other, eventually causing arthritis-like symptoms.

While this condition is partially genetic, it is also linked to how the puppy is fed. Those that are fed too much are more likely to experience growth abnormalities, leading to hip dysplasia.

Therefore, it is vital to feed your puppy only what they need. Too much can cause serious issues later on.

Bloat

Bloat is a serious, life-threatening condition that comes without warning.

Digestive Problems

Osteoarthritis

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain

When looking for a limited ingredient and grain-free food for your German Shepherds delicate stomach, you dont have to choose between flavorful taste and your dogs sensitivities. Thats because Blue Buffalos Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula is a scrumptious, limited-ingredient diet made with fewer ingredients for food sensitivities in dogs.

This tasty formula contains a single animal protein source, real salmon, and incorporates pumpkin and easily digested carbohydrates for a simple, yet mouthwatering, meal.

And, dont forget

This food contains BLUEs exclusive LifeSource Bitsa combination of handpicked antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. These select pieces reinforce your dogs overall health and wellness.

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German Shepherds Specific Dietary Requirements

Like all dog breeds, German Shepherds need high-quality protein sourced from real meat, along with healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain their thick coats.

But, considering the fact that they are working dogs, they have specific dietary needs that you should aim to fill, and here are what we recommend to aim for when selecting dog food for your German Shepherd.

P.S: All the dog food in our list of best dog food for German Shepherds meet at least the minimum nutritional requirements for German Shepherds. We took into account all these portions so rest assured that all the food included in this list can be given to your furry friend without worrying if they meet or not the minimum nutritional requirements for German Shepherds.

Protein

As large breed dogs, German Shepherds need a dog food that is high in protein, to be more specific 18% for adults and 22% for puppies. This protein helps the dog develop strong and lean muscles while at the same time it provides him with the energy to stay active all day long.

But one thing to look out for, and one of the most common mistakes I see many people make when feeding their German Shepherd puppies, is for how long to feed your puppy puppy-specific dog food.

Fats

Fats are the main source of energy for German shepherds, they provide your canine with the fuel to grow, thrive, and stay active all day long. For instance, adult German Shepherds need 5% fat in their food content while puppies need about 8%.

Carbohydrates

Natures Recipe Easy To Digest Kibble

This product is completely natural dog food with a load of nutrients and vitamins that will help your furry friend fulfill their dietary requirements.

This product comes in a variety of flavorsand does not have any added colors or preservatives. It has a great taste andis easy to digest for your dog.

Some users state that their dogs love this product because it has great flavor and others say that it does not cause their dog stomach problems which makes it one of the most popular winter dog foods on the market. However, there were a few customers who were unsatisfied and stated that this dog food made their dog feel itchy later. But most users were satisfied with this product.

Pros

This particular dog food has natural prebiotics that helps your dog digest their food quickly. It is made with farm-raised beef and does not have any artificial flavors or added preservatives.

Also, this product does not have fillers,wheat, or wheat gluten ingredients and is completely safe and healthy for yourdog to consume.

Satisfied customers say that their pets enjoy this foods flavor and the taste of beef, carrots, brown rice, and peas make a wholesome meal for their dogs. Others said it was great to help their dogs maintain a healthy weight.

However, some unsatisfied customers felt that it did not help their dog lose weight but helped them maintain it.

Pros

Some customers felt that the product had way too much protein for their dog, but their opinions varied a great deal.

Pros

Pros

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A Glance At Our Winners In 2022

The best puppy food overall in our review is Diamond Natural Large Breed Puppy food. Offering pasture raised lamb as the first ingredient and easy to digest rice for sensitive german shepherd tummies. Specially formulated for large breed puppies the calcium and phosphorus ratio ensures your pup will grow at the correct rate for good bone health. It contains pre and probiotics to help maintain gut health in your precious pup. With a focus on natural health this food contains blueberries, kale, spinach, oranges and coconut to name but a few of the sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Skin, coat, eye and brain health are supported with omega fatty acids. The choice of bag sizes and price point go in this foods favour too. As with most foods some reviews commented that their pups werent keen to eat it.

The best puppy food for the money is Iams ProActive Health Smart Large Breed Puppy Food. Its well-priced and starts with real farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient, and its meant for large breed puppies. It contains 22 essential nutrients that puppies get from their mothers milk, including DHA derived from omega-3 fatty acid. This food is designed to support healthy muscles, joints, digestion, immune system, and brain development.

The disadvantages of this food are that it contains artificial colors and it may cause stomach upset in some puppies if they are intolerant of chicken protein.

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food

This dry puppy food from Royal Canin is made exclusively for German Shepherds. It meets the breeds unique health and nutrition needs.

The food is suitable for dogs as old as 15 weeks and addresses many common health issues. To combat digestive problems, it has probiotics that introduce beneficial flora into your pups gut.

To avoid joint and bone issues, it has a healthy dose of calcium and phosphorus.

Finally, it has a good blend of antioxidants to enhance your pups vulnerable immune system.

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Are Eggs Good For German Shepherds

Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd’s diet, including vitamins A, D, and E.

They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog’s coat and skin health.

Science Diet Puppy Formula

More than 220 canine nutrition professionals have created Hills Science Diet. The puppy kibble has the optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth. This is important for the German Shepherd and Dysplasia issues.

This formula contains fish oil that provides your pup with the nutrients he needs for brain and eye development. It is made with 100% natural ingredients, it has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in it, but it does have added vitamins and amino acids for your pups development.

We love that this is voted as the Number 1 dry dog food by Veterinarians across America so you know this kibble must be something special!

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Best Food For German Shepherd With Allergies

What is the best dog food for German Shepherds with allergies?

Whether your GSD suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed a pup with allergies.

Its specifically formulated for dogs that have an intolerance or allergy to certain ingredients.

Talk to your veterinarian if your GSD has allergies to certain foods and see if this formula is the best fit. You can also do an at-home dog allergy test to determine which ingredients you should avoid feeding your dog.

So why is this food good for my German Shepherd with allergies?

If you didnt know, animal protein in dog food is the most common allergen that can result in itching, hair loss, and digestive upset. That is why this vet-exclusive formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein .Whats a hydrolyzed protein? Hybridization is a process that makes proteins smaller so they dont trigger an immune response .

This vet-exclusive formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, and digestive upset by using smaller proteins to avoid the immune response that causes these issues. Its also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

Its limited ingredients also make it great for GSD with allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates. This product requires veterinary authorization.

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken

Eukanuba cares for both your pocket and your pups well-being. So, you get three different packaging options for your puppy. Its main ingredient is high-quality chicken that your puppy will devour. While the formula is enhanced with targeted levels of calcium and phosphorus. You see, German Shepherds need calcium. But, too much can harm them.

But, Eukanuba has been in this business for over fifty years. And, they only provide products par excellence. So, if you are looking for choices in the market, Eukanuba is a sensible addition to your dogs diet.

Pros

Crafted with love and care, Purina ONE SmartBlend is an epic meal for your dog. The yummy chicken flavor satisfies your poochs taste buds, and the nutrient-rich formula will keep you happy, too. Purina believes that your canine deserves only the best. So, they give you dry dog food for large breed puppies that is free from preservatives. There are no artificial colors, fillers, or flavors.Purina simply does not do meal fillers.

Vets across the globe recommend Purina, and they are so sure of their high quality that Purina offers you to take the 28-day Challenge. If you dont see a visible improvement in your dogs coat, skin, energy levels, and well-being, they are satisfied to give you your money back.

Pros

Pros

Pros

Pros

• Theres a change in the formula

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What Should I Do If I Think My Puppy Or Dog Has A Sensitive Stomach And Diarrhea

A vet can help you figure out why your dog is sick or having diarrhea.

It is always advisable you speak with a veterinarian when dealing with frequent, excessive diarrhea or bought of vomiting due to a sensitive stomach.

Dont wait to seek help when in doubt.

Speak to your veterinarian in situations where:

• The diarrhea is increasing and is accompanied by bouts of vomiting
• There is bloody mucous or blood in the stool

Most vet clinics have 24-hour emergency service so dont delay in seeking treatment. Some stomach problems cant be solved with food changes alone and need medications to help resolve them.

Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health

Best German Shepherd Dog Food for Puppies: Puppies grow up fast, so the quality of their diet matters greatly. If youre looking for the best food for German Shepherd puppy, we recommend Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Recipe. As a German Shepherd puppy food, this formula provides the optimal balance of quality protein and healthy fats to support your puppys growth and development. It features both lamb meal and chicken meal as concentrated sources of protein, with digestible whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal for carbohydrate support. It is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients, with vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutritional balance. It also contains probiotics for healthy digestion, antioxidants for immunity, and DHA fatty acids for brain and eye development. Overall, its a great choice for your puppy!

• Pros: Formulated for large breeds, concentrated source of animal protein, antioxidant-rich superfoods, digestible whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
• Cons: Not a grain-free recipe

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Dietary Needs Of A German Shepherd Pup

Human and canine nutrition are based on the same fundamental components. They require a variety of protein, lipids, fiber, carbs, minerals, and vitamins, just like humans do.

Whole foods are the finest providers of these nutrients since they are more bioavailable and simpler for the body to absorb. Comparable to the difference between eating an orange and taking a vitamin C supplement, added vitamins and minerals are acceptable but less effective.

Protein

Essential to your German Shepherd puppy’s diet is protein. They require protein for normal growth and development, wound healing, and maintenance of their nails, coat, and connective tissues.

And it is especially vital for energetic, athletic German Shepherd Dogs that their protein sources contain all essential amino acids. These proteins are also referred to as “full proteins.” Eggs and lean meats are wonderful protein sources for your dog.

Fat

Fat is also essential to a dog’s diet. Fat provides vitamins to their system and is the major source of energy for your dog. In addition, it keeps your dog’s coat glossy and healthy, as well as their paw pads, skin, and nose supple and robust.

Due to their busy lifestyle and rapidly developing muscles, German Shepherd pups require a substantial amount of healthy fats for sustenance. They are also prone to joint discomfort, which may be significantly alleviated by a good balance of fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Minerals and vitamins

Vitamins

Minerals

What Is The Best Food For An Adult German Shepherd

The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important.

A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level.

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