German Shepherd Puppy Food Best

What Is The Best Diet For A German Shepherd Puppy

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When such an endearing pet like a German Shepherd puppy arrives home, it’s hard not to fall in love immediately. As a particularly affectionate breed, the German Shepherd will reciprocate this love in abundance. Since they will grow up to be a medium to large dog breed and their diet is an essential way to ensure they develop properly. Common mistakes when feeding a German Shepherd puppy include giving too much or too little food and giving them food of inferior quality. For this reason, many dog guardians ask what is the best diet for a German Shepherd puppy?

AnimalWised answers this by providing information on how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy, what type of food is best and how does this change as they grow. To do this we also provide a helpful German shepherd puppy food chart for when and how to feed these puppies properly.

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food

Image courtesy Purina

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious wet dog food. It’s made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit.

This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Best Food For German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd puppies are intelligent, adorable, and energetic dogs. These athletic puppies require nutritious food for them to grow strong, healthy, and function well.

However, finding the best food for a German Shepherd puppy can be a difficult job because of the many dog food choices in the market.

Feeding your German Shepherd puppy high-quality food plays an important role in lowering the risk of certain health issues and in helping your puppy maintain a healthy weight.

This article will help you pick the perfect puppy food for German Shepherd and give you more information about their nutrition.

Also Check: How To Keep German Shepherd From Shedding

Choosing The Best Dog Food For Your German Shepherds Can Prevent Illnesses

As medium-to-large breed dogs, German Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Having the appropriate nutrients as a puppy can help prevent the joints from growing too quickly and malformed.

Obesity can exacerbate this problem, so you should try to keep your GSD at an optimum weight.

Bloat or stomach twists usually affect dogs with deep barrel chests. The German Shepherd falls in this category.

Certain kibble helps prevent this by making them into a doughnut shape as this will force dogs to slow down when they are eating.

There are also slow feeders that you can use but its advisable to feed Germans 2 3 small meals a day to prevent them from scarfing their meals just because they are hungry.

Protein And Fat From Quality Sources

German Shepherd puppies should eat a diet that is approximately 22% protein and 8% fat. As adults, German Shepherds should have 18% protein and 5% fat.

Whats the importance of this? You might think that more protein is better. However, with large dog breeds like German Shepherds, too much protein is actually a bad thing.

You see, protein helps German Shepherd puppies grow. However, too much protein can cause a puppy to grow too quickly.

Why is that a bad thing?

Large breed dogs who grow too quickly are far more prone to bone and joint problems. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis. Growing too quickly may not cause the conditions, but it can certainly make them worse.

So, you dont want a puppy food that is too high in protein. However, you should feed a food where the protein comes from quality sources.

Many cheap puppy foods get their protein from animal meal or by-products. By-products are the worst protein source. By-products are the parts of the animal with the least nutritional value. That includes things like beaks, feet, and hooves.

Meat meal is somewhat better than meat by-products. Meal is made primarily from ground bones. While its better than meat by-products, it isnt as nutritious as a whole meat.

In short, you should look for a puppy food for your German Shepherd that gets its protein from whole meat sources.

Read Also: How Much Food Do You Give A German Shepherd Puppy

What Foods Are German Shepherds Allergic To

German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you’re not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies.

If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food.

Consult with your veterinarian if you’re not sure what’s causing the reaction. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies.

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food

• Budget-friendly formula.

Blue Buffalo have created this recipe inspired by the German Shepherds ancestor, the wolf, and his protein rich diet which promotes strong muscle growth. It is 100% grain-free for dogs who suffer with grain allergies. This dog food also contains healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potato and peas that will keep his energy up throughout the day.

Blue Buffalos Wilderness recipe also includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which promote a healthy and shiny coat. Also included is their exclusive Lifesource Bits that provide your dog with a precise blend of antioxidants and minerals to provide a healthy oxidative balance.

We love that the Bison, Rabbit and Red Meat recipes are chicken and poultry free, and grain free, as some German Shepherds can be intolerant of chicken which is regularly found in dog food.

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Overall Best Food For German Shepherds: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition

In our review, the overall best dog food for German Shepherds is the ROYAL CANIN BREED HEALTH NUTRITION German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food. Royal Canin brand has always been committed to giving dog breeds optimal energy. The dry food is packed full of fats and carbohydrates and designed to encourage your dog to chew and enjoy its meal.

Royal Canin is also rich in fiber, which boosts your GSDs digestive system. It supports muscle and joint health, thus preventing the occurrence of bone and joint conditions like hip dysplasia.

What Food Should German Shepherds Avoid

There are certain ingredientsthat should not be in the best food for German Shepherds:

• Grapes and Raisins. These contain toxic compounds that can cause health problems in your dog. In extreme cases, they can lead to kidney failure and even death.
• Salt. Salt is a flavoring agent that is often added to dog food. However, excessive usage of salt can lead to salt poisoning and prevent water deprivation.
• Chocolate. This is among the most toxic compounds that a dog can eat. It can lead to an upset stomach and, if not treated, death.
• Macadamia Nut. These nuts can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and depression in your dog. As a result, they should be avoided at all costs.
• Onion. A key ingredient in onion is N-propyl disulfide which is highly toxic to dogs. Not only does it damage your dogs red blood cells, but it also can lead to anemia.
• Avocado. Avocados contain a toxin called person, which is considered toxic to dogs. It can lead to fluid buildup in their lungs, which can be fatal.

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German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart

6 Week Old German Shepherd

• At this age, it is crucial to ensure your puppy is receiving the same nutrients as if they were being fed by their mother
• Ideally, a 6 week old puppy should still be feeding from their mother
• It is tricky to replace the micro and macro nutrients that a puppy receives from their mothers milk, as well as any antibodies
• They are growing very fast, so they need enough nutrients to sustain their growth

10 Weeks Old

• As puppies are weaned off, the amount of puppy food they require increases
• They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
• To help their little bodies with the transition from mothers milk to puppy food, it is best to start with wet food
• Using wet food helps to prepare their digestive systems for whole food, which will be introduced to a puppys diet in time
• Again, they are growing very fast, so they need enough nutrients to sustain their growth

12 Weeks Old

• Around 12 weeks of age, the transition from wet to dry food begins
• Ensure the transition is in small steps, to avoid causing any upset to the puppy
• As a guide, start with a 10% dry food, 90% wet food mix and increase the dry food by 10-15% each week after that
• They need to be fed at least 3 times a day

3 Months Old

5 Months Old

• Additionally, around 4-5 months of age introduce some live animal products into their diet such as actual bone, raw eggs and liver
• They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
• As a guide, feed them a total of 1-2 cups of dry food a day

1 Year Old

Why Is My German Shepherd Always Hungry

There are a few reasons your German Shepherd may be hungry. One reason could be that they are not getting enough exercise. Another reason could be that they are not getting enough food. You could try feeding them a small amount of food every day and see if that helps. If your German Shepherd is always hungry, you may need to give them a bigger meal.

Also Check: How To Take Care Of A Female German Shepherd Puppy

Do You Have A Favorite German Shepherd Puppy Food

Once youve found the perfect food for your German Shepherd puppy, why not tell us about it in the comments section below? Wed be particularly interested to hear if you chose one of our top products!

Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

Adult German Shepherd Calories Per Day

• Inactive German Shepherds: 1,272 to 1,540
• Active German Shepherds: 1,740 to 2,100

These calorie amounts are based on The National Research Council of the National Academies for dog nutritional feeding.

There are also guidelines on how much to feed your German Shepherd written on the food packet. These are guidelines only, so you may need to adjust accordingly for your dogs individual needs. This is affected by their activity levels and unique metabolism.

Then, theres also the number of cups of food your GSD eats that you might want to know.

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Best German Shepherd Dog Food

When youre shopping for an item, there are certain things that you should look for in the product. These include:

How to choose the german shepherd dog food?

• Read Reviews The first thing you need to do when buying a product is to ensure you get the right one. The best way to do this is by reading reviews and asking friends who have bought it. If you want to go through buying something online, you can use e-commerce sites like Amazon and Flipkart for maximum results.
• Design and style. You want an item that is attractive as well as functional. You also want one that fits in with your home décor.
• Reputation Many things must be considered when looking for a product, including brand reputation and customer feedback. Nothing is better than knowing what people think about a particular product before buying it. A good example is how many people have bought it and what they think about it.
• Availability The next thing on your checklist should be the products availability in stock at all times in your area or city. This will help ensure that you dont end up waiting forever before getting your hands on something you want at an affordable price.
• Safety features. You want to ensure your child is safe while using the item. Make sure that there is no chance of injury or accident.
• Reliability. The german shepherd dog foods are durable and reliable, so they can be used repeatedly without breaking down.

Hip Or Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are caused by malformation of the joints. These problems are highly genetic. However, growing too quickly can make the conditions worse.

Thats one reason why its so important to monitor the protein levels in your German Shepherd puppys food. Too much protein now can lead to a lifetime of pain down the road.

Also Check: How To Train A German Shepherd Lab Mix

Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food

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.

Best Brand Of Dog Food For German Shepherd

Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog Food

Royal Canin has mastered themselves in formulating unique diet meals for German Shepherds. The main factor that makes them stand out among others is that they offer effective nutritional dog food from pure and original ingredients. Not just improving your pets body structure but also providing complete overall body development.

Natural Balance Dog Food

Natural Balance combination of love for pets plus their innovative knowledge of dog food formula makes them unique in creating premium dog food products. They are known to make products that meet the high nutritional, good taste, and clear all safety standards. Their innovative L.I.D is a hit with providing simple and specific nutritional formulated formula diet food for your pet.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food

Blue Buffalo has always indulged in producing dog food with the finest high-quality ingredients from the very beginning of its journey. None of their German Shepherd dog food contains soy, wheat, or corn. Blues every bite is rich in antioxidants that help improve your pets immune system. All of the pet food is slowly processed and not overcooked since overcooking may eliminate its nutritional value. We would recommend Blue Buffalo if you are looking out for a premium quality dog food product.

Purina Dog Food

Merrick Dog Food

Read Also: Is Diamond Dog Food Good For German Shepherds

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy

Image courtesy Royal Canin

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy is a dry dog food that’s specifically designed for puppies up to 15 months old.

This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

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.

Also Check: Why My German Shepherd Puppy Wont Eat

Best Foods For Senior German Shepherds

Is your Senior German Shepherd Overweight? Has your pup started to get a sensitive stomach as they have gotten older? As your best friend continues to age, their nutritional needs are going to change. German Shepherd dogs arent typically prone to being overweight. But, any breed can put on extra pounds without the right amount of exercise as they age.

Its also possible that your pup develops a more sensitive stomach as they age. This means your vet may recommend a dog food designed to aid your pup in proper digestion. Or, if they have a problem staying regular, a higher fiber dog food may be the right call. In no particular order, lets look at our favorite dog foods for senior German Shepherds.

What Are The Nutritional Needs Of A German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd is a large dog breed. They tend to grow very fast from the newborn stage to adult puppy. In order for them to grow physically and mentally healthy and alert, their food should be well-balanced with the right amount of nutrients.

Protein

Since GSDs are carnivores, they need food rich in protein. They need 22% of protein in their diet for healthy tissue production, organ growth, and energy.

Essential Fatty Acids

GSD puppies need 8% of fats in their diet. The essential fatty acids aid in food digestion while it improves skin and fur condition. It also encourages healthy bones and joints development.

Carbohydrates

GSDs are active, hence they need around 5 to 8 percent of carbohydrates in their diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

GSDs are prone to Hip Dysplasia, having the right amount of calcium and phosphorus in their diet can help reduce their risk. Vitamins and minerals will also help build their immune system.

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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.