Good Dog Food Brands For German Shepherds

The Following Are Ways To Help Your German Shepherd Work On Their Appetite Again:

• Go for long walks with your puppy before you feed them to work up their appetite.
• To help prevent bloat on your puppy, do not feed them an hour before or after exercise.
• Ensure your puppys bowl is always clean.
• Use an interactive dog feeder to make the mealtimes fun.
• Take your puppy to the vet for examination.

What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shephard Puppies

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s important to find a food that’s specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content.

As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you’ll need to switch to a food that’s designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy.

How Much Water Should A German Shepherd Drink

Adult German Shepherds should drink one ounce of water daily for each pound that they weigh. Puppies will generally consume more, despite their smaller size. Some variables include age, size, activity level, type of food eaten , weather, medication, or lactating.

Make sure you keep your dogs water bowl filled up and frequently change it throughout the day. If your dog is not drinking enough water, here are some fun ways to keep him hydrated:

• Give your dog ice cubes.
• Make doggie ice pops.
• Add water to dry food.
• Make fun playtime with a hose in the summer.

PRO TIP! Get a dog water fountain such as the PetSafe Drinkwell from Amazon. I like this one as it has an adjustable water flow to suit your pup and even comes with filters to prevent bacteria growth.

Recommended Reading: How To Minimize Shedding In German Shepherds

Do German Shepherds Need Special Dog Food

No, your german shepherd doesnt need a special type of dog food as they require similar nutritional needs compared to other large dog breeds. But it is important to understand that some dog foods will provide your german shepherd with a cleaner nutritional profile and more protein that can be beneficial for their lifestyle. German Shepherds are large dog breeds that require enough calories to grow and maintain their weight. They should also receive a dog food that includes essential fatty acids such as omega-3 to help promote healthy joints.

Best Wet Food For German Shepherd Puppies

When looking for cans or sachets of German Shepherd puppy food, we focused on the ingredients. But we also looked for a range of types, including grain free, limited ingredients and breed specific products. There should be something for every German Shepherd puppy here.

Best dog food for German Shepherd puppy

This wet diet uses only deboned chicken, together with whole grain rice and barley*. It aims to provide your puppy with the high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fiber he needs for energy and growth.

This good dog food for German Shepherd puppy also includes sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. No meat meal, corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are used in this all-natural diet.

Best puppy food for German Shepherd puppy

Wilderness wet puppy food is a high-protein, grain-free diet containing deboned turkey*.

The food also contains an important fatty acid thats found in your pups mothers milk, which is vital for good brain and eye function in puppies. Optimally balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are included to promote healthy skin and a glowing coat.

Best dog food for GSD puppy

The tasty looking Chopped Puppy Dinner by Pedigree* is another good option.

Its made with real lamb, and provides a complete, balanced meal. Designed to be palatable and easy to chew, your pup is likely to love this one.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Collar For A German Shepherd

Choosing The Best Dog Food

The best dog food for your dog is ultimately up to you to decide. As an owner, you are the one who sees your dog on a regular basis. If your dog produces firm, healthy stool, is active and fit, and has a healthy appetite, then your dog food is probably working just fine.

Your veterinarian is a valuable resource to you during this process. They know more about pet nutrition than the average owner, and they also have access to research and resources that owners do not have. Your vet can help you narrow down your options and should be more than happy to help you find the answers to your questions about your dogs food.

Starting at just $2 a day, Ollie is offering 60% off your first trial box for AKC readers, plus it always ships free. .

The Modern German Shepherd

When you think of a German Shepherd, a canine with a wolf-like appearance comes to mind. Most people find German shepherds to be an intimidating breed, fierce in looks and personality. In truth, there are many different types of German Shepherds and make for very faithful companions that love to lead. They are a very zealous and energetic breed. Your German shepherd pup will play, bounce, run and fetch all day long if you will allow it.

Its a breed of dogs that starts with being a little over one pound. But, by the first year, they can gain weight up to 60 pounds. They are not a breed prone to obesity, either. They are a very active breed of dogs. Besides, GSDs have such a superior aptitude for training and are so intelligent that you will find them performing many different jobs.

German Shepherds make superb search and rescue dogs. Youll find them providing disability help as well as working with the police and in military roles.

Don’t Miss: What’s The Difference Between A German Shepherd And An Alsatian

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Grain

Top ingredients: Lamb, Salmon, Chickpeas

Specially made for puppies, these wholesome bite-sized treats come in a resealable bag. Formulated with all-natural products.

You also wont find meat by-products, corn, wheat, or dairy in this treat! While its specially formulated for puppies, it is fortified with DHA and omega-3.

Do German Shepherds Need Vitamins Or Supplements

You may choose to take vitamins and supplements, but do German Shepherds really need them?

Healthy German Shepherds dont need to add vitamins or supplements to their diet if they eat a good quality, complete, and balanced pet food.

You should only give your dog vitamins or supplements if your veterinarian recommends them, as in my case.

My German Shepherd has been recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the spine. In addition to her prescribed medication, she takes YuMove Joint Supplements from Amazon. Her vet recommended these, and they contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint support and easing stiffness.

I have to say Ive been pleased with how she is doing on them, so if your dog has a similar condition, Id advise you to consult your vet.

Read Also: What Kind Of Coat Does A German Shepherd Have

What Is The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies

The best food for a young GSD is one that supports healthy development, and tastes great too. Fortunately, there are lots of good options on the market right now that will give your dog a great start in life.

German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional 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.

Best Food for German Shepherd Puppy Energy Levels

In general, German Shepherd puppies eat more food than adult dogs. They are curious, extremely busy little creatures who spend much of their day exploring their environment and playing. Such high activity levels coupled with rapid growth demand plenty of fuel to keep them going! As a large breed of dog, your pups growing body needs a particular blend of nutrients in order to reach their full size properly and remain healthy.

The Best German Shepherd Puppy Food for Health

German Shepherds are especially prone to certain health problems, including skin conditions, hip dysplasia, and bloat. These conditions are common to a lot of large breeds of dog, and many manufacturers take them into account. Look for puppy food designed for large, active breeds. The right food might help to prevent these conditions from affecting your pup in later life.

What Is The Clean Label On Dog Food For German Shepherds Packages

The Institute for Food Technologists defines the clean label on grain-inclusive dog food packages as a holistic way of manufacturing grain-inclusive dog food with limited healthy and wholesome ingredients. The ingredients must be natural and items that consumers can recognize when reading the grain-inclusive dog food package label.

The clean label trend is consumer-driven, which is necessary for German Shepherd and other breed owners who want to feed their dogs with the same care as the rest of their families. Consumers want to read the ingredients label, recognize the items and their health benefits, and feel comfortable that the company behind the brand cares as much as they do about the healthfulness of their dogs.

Don’t Miss: Can German Shepherds Eat Cheese

Is Purina Bad For Dogs

Beneful dry dog food produced by Nestle Purina PetCare has resulted in serious illness and death of thousands of dogs, a lawsuit says. The eight kinds of Beneful dog food have caused internal bleeding, liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, seizures, bloat and kidney failure, the suit said.

Do German Shepherds Have Food Allergies

It is very common for German shepherds to have allergies to grains. Also, dogs with a sensitive digestive system can be intolerable to a number of foods. It is best to always pick a grain-free food option and visit a vet to have comprehensive detail about what you can feed your German shepherd.

• Large Breed Puppy Food Guide

Recommended Reading: How Much Exercise Does German Shepherd Need

What Should You Feed A German Shepherd

You should feed your German Shepherd the best quality food available. Feed these dogs according to their age and life stages, which is easy as the age range information is typically indicated on manufactured food brands.

In other words, a puppy of three months has specific nutritional needs that are present in brands for this age group. For example, GSD puppy food should be between 40 and 50% carbs, with a low calcium and phosphorus content, to keep their bones from growing too fast.

Nutrition is particularly important for large breed dogs, as poor diet as a puppy can cause serious health issues later in life.

Likewise, much science has gone into developing quality food for older puppies, adult dogs, and senior animals.

Always purchase age-appropriate food for your German Shepherd to give them the best nutrition possible.

Branded dog food that has the backing of science also focuses on balanced nutrition to promote your pets health.

As you can see from this guide, pet owners have discovered that even some high-quality food brands dont always work well for their pets. The reason for this may be due to genetics.

Other reasons may be the food originally given to the puppy by the breeder or simply because your dog is sensitive to some ingredients and not others.

Pedigree Choice Cuts In Gravy With Beef Canned Dog Food

Image courtesy Pedigree

Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy with Beef Canned Dog Food is a delicious, high-protein wet dog food. It’s made with real beef, 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.

Don’t Miss: How Many Cups Of Food Should A German Shepherd Eat

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

Every German Shepherd dog owner wants the best for their pet. Quality food is one way to raise your pet right by giving it the nourishment it needs.

Good nutrition supports the immune system and overall health exactly what an energetic large breed animal like the German Shepherd needs.

High-quality dog food can also help to prevent and reduce the incidence of unpleasant health issues like hip dysplasia.

The problem is that choosing the best dog food for German Shepherds is confusing.

There are so many dog food brands out there, all with different protein sources and probiotics, that it is tempting to choose the first one you see.

Few people have the time to read through all the nutritional advice on dog food and as a result feed their pet the wrong food for its age and nutritional requirements.

A simple buying guide goes a long way towards solving the problem of too much information or too little.

Discussing each products pros and cons takes you a little deeper into deciding on good dog food for German Shepherds.

What Can I Do To Avoid Bloat

As is common in large dogs, German Shepherds can come down with a condition called gastric dilation-volvulus or bloat. This happens when a dog eats too quickly, gulping in the food instead of actually chewing it and taking his time. This is a serious condition that can cause shock and can even stop his heart. Finding a way to slow down his eating is the best way to avoid this issue.

Putting a tennis ball in his food bowl is a good way to slow him down, as is finding a food bowl that is more of a ring than actually a bowl. His caloric intake should be split into at least two meals a day and dont walk him or run him for more than an hour before and an hour after a meal.

Read Also: Can You Shave A German Shepherd 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
• Eye problems

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.

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

Caloric Content: 3,740 kcal/kg

Feeding Instructions: 3 2/3 4 ½ cups a day for an adult dog

Key Features

Most Inexpensive If you are searching for a dry dog food for your German Shepherd that isnt super expensive, then American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice for you.

It is on the lower end of the price spectrum however, it is still a good dry dog food from a reputable brand that is manufactured in Kansas, USA.

This mix comes in a 4lb, 12lb or 24lb bag, offering the option to choose a smaller bag to begin with to see if your furry friend likes it and then move on to a bigger bag later on.

A 4-pound bag holds about 17 cups, a 12-pound bag holds about 52 cups and a 24-pound bag holds about 104 cups that should last for a while! It can have a strange smell though, which can be off-putting to humans and dogs alike, and can be a little hard for senior dogs to digest sometimes.

This Salmon & Sweet Potato blend offers protein and amino acids through real, deboned salmon, ensuring leaner muscles while still tasting great.

The addition of both chickpeas and sweet potato allow for slow-release energy, which means your best friend will have endless energy all day long.

And lets not forget everything is grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free and soy-free, which is perfect for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

Recommended Reading: When Do German Shepherds Teeth

What Are The Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Pancreatitis

Choosing the best grain-inclusive dog food for a German Shepherd with pancreatitis is crucial. Pancreatitis is a severe and painful condition. One of the dietary tools vets often use to ease the dogs pancreatic enzyme production is a low-fat, highly digestible diet while allowing the pancreas recovery time.

German Shepherd Diet And Nutrition

German Shepherds need a diet high in meat-based protein to support muscle strength as well as healthy fats to sustain energy. Active German Shepherds need roughly 1,740 to 2,100 calories, according to the NRCNA. However, individual dietary needs depend on activity level, metabolism, health, and sensitivities.

Read Also: What Size Kennel Does A German Shepherd Need