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Best Food For Picky German Shepherd

Purina Moist And Meaty Wet Dog Food In Steak Flavor

How To Choose The Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies

Allow your pitbull to enjoy both dry and wet dog food benefits with Purina Moist and Meaty Wet Dog Food in Steak Flavor.

This savory goodness is formulated for adult dogs specific needs. It comes from real meat that comes with a hearty taste that dogs will love.

The bacon and egg or cheddar cheese accents of this food bring extra yum to its taste.

The real chicken and beef ingredients of this food are a great source of protein giving it a meatier flavor.

This supports the muscle strength of your pet. Its calorie content is majority carbs, followed by protein and fat.

You may give it to your pup as either an occasional treat or normal food.

Specific Features:

  • Contains high fructose corn syrup
  • Abundant in soy which can be harmful to some pitbulls
  • Low in its moisture content
  • It may not be a good option for dogs predisposed to obesity or diabetes

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.

Make Use Of Autoship Discounts

AutoShip and subscription deals save you gas and give you balanced, quality raw food delivered to your door on a schedule. This means you never have to worry about forgetting the dog food or running out again.

More importantly, subscription deals like Amazons usually give you a 10% discount on pet supplies like Nulo Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, while the Prime subscription can win you a whopping 20% savings on ordered raw dog food.

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What Can I Give My Picky German Shepherd

German Shepherds can easily tire of the same food each and every day. Some dog owners like to occassionally top their dogs food with chicken, eggs, or ground beef. While this will definitely increase the palatability of your german shepherds food, they may just simply pick out the good stuff. Many german shepherd owners have found great success with freeze dried dog food toppers. Since the meat is a powder, it coats your existing dog food kibble and improves the flavor. Your dog wont even know its the same food!

Superfoods For German Shepherds

How To Choose The Best Food For German Shepherd Breed (2019)

Always look for foods that start with whole, natural, ingredients. Superfoods like the ones listed below are fantastic choices because they are packed with nutritional benefits:

  • Flaxseed is a wonderful source of fat and fiber for a German Shepherd. Flaxseeds and flax oil are rich in those Omega-3 fatty acids that keep your dog shiny and beautiful. Flax also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes for healthy joints and prevents arthritis.
  • Pre and Probiotics foster the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs gut wall. Prebiotic balanced fiber is a fantastic ingredient to feed a GSD as it stimulates digestive bacteria activity and can improve regularity and quality of stool.
  • Plant-based carbs complex carbs digest more slowly and provide long-lasting energy and to the body. They come from legumes and vegetables and are an excellent fuel source for this energetic breed.

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Diet And Nutritional Information

German shepherd food recommendations depend on various factors. He is bred to work hard all day, herding livestock, which requires a lot of energy. This means that German Shepherd needs plenty of calories for both, physical and mental activities.

For instance, daily caloric intake should look like this:

  • Puppies 1500 calories

Why I Feed My Dogs A Raw Diet

Thats an easy question to answer

  • Simply because I want to control the ingredients that are going into my dogs bodies.
  • Ingredients I can eat too not that Ill ever eat green tripe though!
  • I want ingredients that promote the optimal health of my dogs.

And unfortunately, as youve seen, with kibble, thats not always the case.

Now I want to move on to a positive note

Also Check: Are German Shepherds High Maintenance

Who Is Raw Paws

Raw Paws is one of the suppliers that provide frozen raw food diets to dog owners like you. So lets take a closer look at a few of their products.

All of Raw Paws products are sourced from local farms that treat their stock ethically. This means Raw Paws is a small-scale manufacturer.

What this means for you and your dog is healthy meat, free from toxins.

RawPaws ship their food frozen in styrofoam containers filled with dry ice. And its guaranteed to reach your door within 48 hours still frozen rock solid.

From my research, there have been no complaints about the food being thawed on arrival.

On a side note, their website is super easy to navigate with all kinds of great information.

Theres no guesswork on your part when it comes to portion size or how to transition your dog from a cooked diet to a raw food diet.

I like the fact that Raw Paws offer an auto-ship service. This means youll never end up with an empty freezer and a sad dog, looking at a bowl of kibble!

You can get 20% off your first Auto-Ship by using this code: AUTO. Plus youll get 10% off all your future auto-shipments.

And they offer free shipping all across the United States thats a serious bonus!

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Large Breed Chicken Canned Food

Dog Reviews Food with German Shepherd Brother – Part 2

Best Wet Meal

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Carrots, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Peas

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
  • Caloric content : 493 kcal

German Shepherds can become really fussy at times. But thats what we Blue Buffalos Chicken Dinner Canned Food for. This protein-packed pate food is filled with tender pieces of chicken and tasty veggies that can make any dog drool. The formula is made for muscle nourishment and fuels your dogs body so they can stay energetic throughout the day.

Another common issue that German Shepherds suffer from are joint problems. For that, the recipe is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin so they can remain active well into their senior years. You also dont have to worry about allergies or digestive upsets as the recipe is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, wheat, corn, and soy.

Analysis: Protein min. 10% | Fat min. 1.5%, | Fiber max. 7.5% | Moisture max. 78%

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What Are The Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Glucosamine

When choosing the best dog food for German Shepherds, noting that a significant percentage of dogs suffer arthritis due to degeneration of their joints as they age is essential. Fortunately, changing the dogs diet to a grain-inclusive dog food containing glucosamine could prevent the pups suffering. Glucosamine is a natural substance that helps to reduce arthritis pain in dogs as they age. Degeneration of joints can be prevented if the dogs diet includes glucosamine through adulthood. Two of the best grain-inclusive dog food products containing glucosamine are listed below.

  • Blue Buffalo Protection Dog Food: Blue Buffalo 32 Life Protection Dry Dog Food is the best dog food with glucosamine you can get. This formula is all-natural and holistic. It contains healthy levels of protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Your pup will also benefit from the life source bits throughout the kibble that have been cold-formed and concentrated with essential nutrients. This dry dog food is designed to support your pups immune system, care for a healthy coat, and keep muscles, bones, teeth, and joints strong. It is high in protein and manufactured in the USA. Overall, this is the best dog food with glucosamine you can get.

A Quick Comparison Of The Winners In 2022

Image
Good for: Adults & puppies

Nom Nom is the 1st best overall food you can get for German Shepherds. Like all large dogs, they thrive well on high-quality diets with a good amount of protein. Nom Noms foods are made with natural, human-grade ingredients that pet parents could eat on their own plates if they desire!

German Shepherds will do best on the Turkey Fare recipe since it has the highest protein content amongst their recipes. Nom Noms Turkey Fare recipe features 10% crude protein, 5% crude fat, 1% crude fiber, and 72% moisture. This recipe is excellent for dogs who need a higher-protein diet like German Shepherds.Additionally, Nom Noms foods are fortified with extra vitamins and minerals that German Shepherds need to thrive. The nutrition offered by Nom Nom is a nutritious, veterinarian-recommended choice for pet parents who want to give their dogs a fresh, human-grade diet.

Since this food is of premium quality, the overall cost is higher. It might be too much for some pet parents however, people have been happy to pay for this food because of the quality.

Good for: Adults and puppies
Good for: Adults and puppies
Good for: Adults
Good for: Adults and puppies

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Befriend Hunters & Fishermen

Hunters are one of the few who have access to highly healthy venison meat. If you can persuade a local hunter to share bits of their carcass with you, you are in luck. Venison is low in saturated fats, with no hormones or antibiotics pumped into farm animals. So it makes a much healthier protein source for your dog.

Likewise, dont neglect your fishermen friends. Fish like trout is full of ideal omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and even help the developing brains of young puppies. Oily fish can make your puppy smarter and protect your dogs brain while aging . So get as much fish into your dogs diet as possible.

Best Fish Protein Option

Dont Turn Your Dog into a Picky Eater

Blue Buffalo Co.Ltd. was established in Wilton, Fairfield County, Connecticut, in 2002.

All Blue Buffalo recipes contain high-quality proteins, including beef, lamb, fish, and chicken, wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables. With added benefits in LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients, enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients. A team of veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and food scientists carefully selects all the ingredients to keep dogs healthy and happy. Recipes include no wheat, corn, soy, and protein by-product meals, which are ingredients that manufacturers of cheap brands often use as fillers. Dog owners might be concerned about the dried tomato pomace, pea protein, pea fiber, garlic, and sodium selenite, which are controversial ingredients listed on some Blue Buffalo Life Protection lines. Although not forbidden, these ingredients are often frowned upon.

Every German Shepherd has different nutritional requirements depending on the life stage, health, environment, and activity level. Maintain optimal body condition by adjusting food as necessary and asking your veterinarian if you have any doubts about a grain-inclusive diet. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need to transition to new dog food gradually to avoid any digestive upset.

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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.

Food & German Shepherd Health: Why Feed Homemade

German Shepherds are notorious for developing food allergies and hypersensitivities despite being wonderful dogs. A study published in BMC Veterinary Research Journal found that German Shepherds are at a high risk of developing cutaneous adverse food reactions , or in simpler terms, dog food allergies.

CAFR can be responsible for many skin allergy issues like atopic dermatitis. Chronic allergic reactions are accompanied by excessive scratching, itching, and biting. Eventually, this could lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections in your GSD. Unfortunately, a lot of German Shepherd allergies arise from commercial dog food. Kibble ingredients like protein sources, high levels of animal fat, preservatives, meat by-products, food coloring, grains, and fillers contribute to more allergies in this breed.

GSDs are predisposed to degenerative myelopathy, elbow and hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritis. Because German Shepherds are prone to these skeletal and bone problems, GSDs need to maintain a healthy weight. An obese German Shepherd may have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and other joint disorders because the excess weight puts more strain on their joints, bone structure, and back . It could also potentially lead to degenerative myelopathy in GSDs.

Remember that even grain-free kibbles with high-quality ingredients can have high levels of starchy and bad carbs that contribute to the pet obesity epidemic.

Recommended Reading: Can German Shepherd Puppies Live Outside

Elbow And Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a primary health concern for this breed, which is the malformation of the hip and elbow joints. This condition can worsen with and age, or if your pet is obese, or overweight.

Therefore, you should feed your pooch with good dog food for german shepherds, to keep his caloric intake in check.

Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food

Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds

Image courtesy Orijen

The Orijen Puppy Large contains the most animal protein from chicken, which is fresh. The label analysis revealed that the recipe has 43% protein, 18% fat, and 31% carbohydrates… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 42 percent.

Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based “biologically appropriate” diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups.

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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

The 8 Best Dog Food For German Shepherds In 2022

  • OnApril 10, 2022

PS: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

This is our review of the best dog food for German Shepherds in 2022.

German Shepherds are among my favorite patients, I have a special love for this breed. They are smart and loyal, and they can be easily trained.

Sadly, they are prone to some health problems such as hip dysplasia, crippling at an early age if they were fed dog food that contains more calcium than they need, plus you need to take care of that thick coat.

All this means that youll need to be more careful with what you feed your furry friend. Thats why I reviewed 8 dog foods I believe are the best dog food for German Shepherds.

My favorite dog food and the one I always recommend for most German Shepherds is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, it contains high-quality protein, Glucosamine to support the hips and joints health, and the Omega-fatty acids necessary for German Shepherds to maintain a healthy thick coat.

But, every dogs condition is different, thats why Ive included 7 more dog food that I believe can be the best pick for a German Shepherd.

Keep reading.

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Visit Farmers Markets & Ethnic Markets

Visiting Farmers Markets is perfect for getting fresh meat thats locally sourced from homesteaders. You can use this USDA directory to find a farmers market in your area. This can help you find staples beyond meat, such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, produce, or eggs.

Ethnic markets are also good places to source raw food. Ethnic markets have the added bonus of often selling bits of the carcass you never see in a supermarket. This can include chicken feet, organ meat, nutritious kelp, and other bits you wont usually see.

A note of warning be careful with feeding your dog neck and head tissue, such as chicken necks or pig heads. The reason is that it can sometimes contain thyroid tissue, and eating it can cause hyperthyroidism .

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