Best Food For German Shepherd Puppy

The Best German Shepherd Diet And Meal Plan For Every Age

The best German Shepherd diet needs the right formulation to support the breeds powerful strength, athletic abilities, and superior intelligence.

And the stores have no shortage of colorful marketing gimmicks and fancy product descriptions at your fingertips to entice you to part with your money at every turn.

Its enough to make your head spin and for you to turn running!

But, this article will more than explore the best German Shepherd diet

Itll be your comprehensive, easy-to-understand road map to choose an optimum diet with balanced nutrition.

Lets jump right in!

What To Look For In A Good German Shepherd Dog Food

When it comes to choosing the best German Shepherd dog food, you need to make sure it is complete and balanced for your dogs minimum nutritional requirements. Look for a recipe that is protein-rich with moderate fat and calorie content, unless your dog is highly active in which case, he may need more calories. Digestible carbohydrates provide fiber and essential nutrients with vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure nutritional balance.

Here are some things to look for in a good German Shepherd dog food:

Now that you know more about your German Shepherds nutritional needs, youre ready to start shopping for the best food for German Shepherd dogs. Keep reading to see our top 10 picks.

What Makes Dog Food Good For German Shepherds

Food that can sustain his lifestyle and meet his nutritional needs is good food!

Look for high-quality ingredients and a recipe that is gentle on his digestive system.

Your adult German Shepherd will benefit from animal protein-rich foods and minimize any health issues that might arise from a bad diet.

Have you tried any of the dog food above? Let us know whether fido likes it in the comments!

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Can I Feed Treats To My German Shepherd Puppy

Yes, treats are acceptable, provided they are healthy, rich in protein and nutrients, with no added sugar or preservatives. Many store-bought snacks for dogs, including puppies, are not as natural or high-quality as claimed. Naturally dried meats with low sodium, or dehydrated vegetables and meats, are the best choice to avoid any additives commonly found in treats.

If youre training your puppy, treats are a great reward. Treats should be given in small portions, and only on a limited to occasional, until your dog reaches six months. You can gradually increase treats from six to twelve months, provided they are consistently small in portion.

Its essential to ensure that these tasty rewards dont interfere with your puppys natural eating habits, as this can cause overeating or skipping meals if excessive treats are consumed.

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken Large Breed

Unleash your German Shepherds extraordinary potential with Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed dry dog food. Formulated to fuel your growing companions body, mind, and energy, this complete and balanced puppy food contains high-quality animal proteins and optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus which help maintain muscle growth and bone health. The recipe also has DHA levels clinically proven to promote healthy brain development for a smarter, more trainable German Shepherd puppy.

• Optimized fat and carbohydrate levels in the recipe give your puppy energy for a lot of growth and play.
• This puppy food contains natural fiber and prebiotic blends to aid gentle digestion.
• The formula also has guaranteed levels of the antioxidant vitamin E to help support your German Shepherds developing immune system.

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Best Dog Food Brands For German Shepherds

Dog food can be confusing because there is food for large breeds, toy breeds, seniors, and puppies.

Sometimes youll come across maintenance dog food. What does all of this mean and does it really matter?

Yes, it does. Every dog breed and dogs of all ages require different nutrition. Giving a Chihuahua a Golden Retrievers food can cause them to have fatty liver or become obese due to the high calories.

Conversely, large breed dogs like German Shepherds need special nutrition to keep their joints and bones healthy and strong, something that smaller breeds dont have to worry about.

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

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Science Diet Sensitive Stomach Formula

• Made specifically for sensitive stomachs.
• Veterinarian endorsed brand.

Does your German Shepherd suffer from sensitive skin or a sensitive stomach? Hills kibble for sensitive skin and sensitive stomachs is the perfect recipe for both problems. As the German Shepherd has a sensitive gut and digestive system this offers a gentle recipe of probiotic fibers.

It is also grain free which often is the best recipe for dogs with allergies, and it is packed full of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins that nourish his skin and fur for a healthy coat. It is voted by Veterinarians across America as the best kibble for dogs with specific needs, as the recipe really is based on science. When you start feeding your pup food formulas specifically for sensitive skin, youll have a quick fix for many skin-related issues.

We love that Science Diets sensitive stomach formulas are well-liked by dog owners of many different breeds. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, its hard to go wrong with this formula in their golden years.

German Shepherd Puppies’ Dietary Needs

Curious, confident, courageous, and vastly cuddly, these canines will gladly risk their lives to save yours. But, German shepherds usually need proper care and attention as they undergo drastic growth in the initial year of their life. Any neglect of nutritional needs results in serious health complications in their adulthood.

To begin with, you have to understand that GSDs are a large breed of dogs. So, it would be best if you gave them a large breed formula. You see, GSDs need extra minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and calcium. These nutrients support a healthy joint structure and promote buccal growth and a shiny coat. They also need a higher calorie intake as they tend to burn off the energy quickly. The German shepherd puppy sprouts super fast in the first eight months of their lives. That is when they need you to give them extra TLC.

On average, the GSD puppy requires 500 calories a day. And, by the time the puppy is 15 months, it needs 1600 calories. The protein intake should be around 18% to 22%. Moreover, there should be about 8-12% fat content in the diet to sustain the growth of your doggy.

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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

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.

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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!

German Shepherd Homemade Food Risks

A poor diet is a significant threat to the health of your German Shepherd. Here are some things to avoid to provide a healthy diet to your pup.

• Not understanding the nutritional needs of German Shepherds
• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Neglecting your dogs health conditions
• Not understanding your dogs life stages nutritional needs

Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lackkey essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.

Here are the findings:

• 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities
• 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal
• 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe
• 40% of owners didnt measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough
• 28.3% didnt use any of the recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.
• 97% of obesity cases in dogs could be traced to how owners fed and played with their pets.

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Best Homemade Cooking Practices

With these tips, you can ensure that your German Shepherds meals are safe and nutritious.

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
• Use only boneless meats
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed
• Add supplements to their diet if needed
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

NOTE: When in doubt, ALWAYS research an ingredient. You dont want to add food that is toxic to dogs.

What To Do If My German Shepherd Has A Sensitive Stomach

German shepherds are known for their sensitive stomach and gastrointestinal issues. A sensitive stomach can be caused by a range of issues such as parasites, warm weather, the food they are eating, or genetics.

Symptoms of the sensitive stomach include hyper-salivation, vomiting, excessive gas, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

The following ways will help soothe your puppys sensitive stomach:

• Feeding him real food Commercial food like kibble can upset your puppys stomach and most people choose to move away from kibble to natural foods like fresh meat.
• Buy high-quality food Cheap food may contain poor ingredients, therefore, consider premium brands but first check the ingredients before your purchase.
• Consider grain-free food because food with grains can agitate sensitive stomachs.
• Speak with your vet to diagnose the problem causing a sensitive stomach in your puppy.

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German Shepherd Health Risks

German Shepherds are prone to specific illnesses that can sometimes be prevented with the right diet. When choosing the best dog food for German Shepherds, you must take into account their susceptibility to certain medical conditions. A proper diet can substantially reduce the likelihood of these medical issues occurring or becoming worse.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, so a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin is recommended. Digestive issues and pancreatic failure are also common among German Shepherds, so they need an easy to digest food that is high in fiber and contains probiotics.

Another health concern for German Shepherds are neurological diseases, specifically degenerative myelopathy, so the best dog food for German Shepherds should have a vitamin-rich diet of unprocessed foods that are loaded with fruits and vegetables to support brain health. Finally,

German Shepherds are likely to develop ear infections so they need a lot of antioxidants to keep their immune system strong to ward off any bacteria.

Purina Pro Plan For Large Breed Puppy

Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten MealType: Dry

With live probiotics for better digestive health, Purina has your furkids best interest at heart with their specially formulated kibble.

Naturally sourced glucosamine from fish meal and DHA from omega-rich fish oil for developing your puppys brain and vision.

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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:

Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food

Rating:

Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, chicken fat, yeast culture
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult

Victor Purpose Nutra Pro derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 46% protein, 24% fat and 22% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Nutra Pro is also rich in low-glycemic carbohydrates for sustained energy and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewThis formulation is new to the rotation for my 2 Australian Shepherds. Magic happily gave it 4 paws up after her first bowl. Loki, my fussy eater, was a bit skeptical at first, til he had the experience of eating this food being dispensed by a moving toy. Now his review is also 4 paws up. // I was able to transition to this food with no GI upset or poop changes. If you regularly change food brands or formulations, consider adding this food for your energetic canine partners. Highly recommended!

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Science Diet Puppy Formula

• Made in the United States.
• 394 Calories per cup.
• 24% Protein, 11% Fat, 3% Fiber.

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!

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula

Image courtesy Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula is a grain-free food made with bison, venison, lamb meal, and roasted duck. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed.

This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. It also has DHA and ARA, which are essential for cognitive development and retinal health.

Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It’s included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it’s high in protein and free of grains.

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