How Many Cups Of Food Does A German Shepherd Need
Knowing how many cups of food to feed your German Shepherd becomes a bit trickier when you consider the vast differences in calories and energy-dense foods from each manufacturer.
While calories vary from brand to brand, you may use this chart to approximate the number of cups of food of dry kibble your adult German Shepherd needs.
What Types Of Food Are Good For German Shepherds
German Shepherds can thrive on all kinds of dog food. Dry kibble is the most popular option because it is convenient.
If you dont mind going through a bit of trouble, theres the option of dehydrated or frozen-then-thawed dog food.
The ingredients matter much more than the type of dog food it is, whether dry or moist. However, older dogs and puppies might deal with wet food better.
Also, unless your dog has certain allergies, you dont have to feed organic or grain-free food.
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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How Often Should You Feed My Adult German Shepherd
DO NOT feed your German Shepherd a cheap formula with corn, wheat, oats, or rice. German Shepherds are at high risk of Gastric Dilation-Volvulus , which is caused by these ingredients. Bloat can be fatal. Feeding your dog a corn, wheat, oat, or rice formula is not worth the price of the food.
Generally, an active adult German Shepherd can eat 2.5 to 3 cups of food per day, twice a day. This is a solid starting point but check with your veterinarian and the guidelines of the food brand to get the most accurate measurement.
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Suggested How Much To Feed German Shepherd Schedule:
- German Shepherds can eat between 1-1.5 cups of food per day, split into two meals so you dont overload their digestive system.
- A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy.
- Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day.
- When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life.
- Dont let them drink too much before going to bed unless you want a lot of puddles.
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Orijen Dry Dog Food Puppy Large Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free
As it says right on the packaging, this option from Orijen is biologically appropriate dog food. Its designed to meet the nutritional needs of large puppies without giving them any unnecessary extras.
You wont find any potentially harmful additives or plant proteins. Instead, it has healthy meat and carbs. Protein makes up 38 percent of the recipe. It comes from an array of meat sources, including chicken, turkey, fish, meat organs, and more.
Theres also plenty of complex carbs to give your dog a constant supply of energy. To make sure that their bones grow in a healthy way, it has that magic 1.2:1 ratio of calcium and phosphorus.
Things To Look For In A Dry Dog Food For German Shepherds
Although German Shepherds can live on almost any kibble, their large and agile bodies thrive on high protein formulas. These allow them to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Generally, you should avoid any brand that doesnt have an animal source of protein listed at the top of its ingredients list.
The needs of every GSD will be different but, generally, this is the nutritional content you should look for in dry dog food:
| Lifestage | |
|---|---|
| > 25 | > 23 |
Additionally, you should look for a brand that doesnt have any filler carbohydrates. Deciding on whether or not you should feed your German Shepherd a grain-free diet is up to you. Generally, dry dog food containing digestible carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains is sufficient.
When youre looking for a kibble brand for your GSD, take the time to look at the additional ingredients. Some variants contain supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your dogs skin and coat. Others have probiotics for a healthy gut while several contain glucosamine for optimum joint health.
Of course, your German Shepherds specific health conditions will affect the type of food they need as well. If they have food allergies, make sure you scrutinize the label to keep your dog safe.
If theyre not hitting their weight milestones, they might need to consume high-calorie kibble to gain weight. If your dog has a health condition that might require a special diet, its always best to get dry dog food recommendations from your vet.
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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.
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.
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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.
Hills Science Large Breed Puppy Diet Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe
Specially formulated for large breed puppies like the German Shepherd, this Hills Science Diet dog food is a great option for your pup. Its made to provide controlled bone and joint growth.
It does this with optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus. Its also filled with healthy antioxidants to improve cell function and immune health. Minerals help to make your dogs teeth strong while DHA supports brain development.
As for protein, the kibble is made up of about 26 percent. It comes from chicken meal.
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Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown RiceType: Dry
A low-calorie option for dogs aged 5 and above, inclusive of joint-protecting glucosamine and chondroitin.
Formulated with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables with lean proteins. It also has added fibre to aid digestion, as well as muscle-building amino acids.
What Type Of Food Should I Feed My German Shepherd
Feed a German Shepherd a commercial dry dog food that lists animal protein sources first, such as chicken or beef, and that also has additional protein sources and meat-meals listed between the top five ingredients.
On top of this, since their digestive systems arent the most efficient, their diet should also contain easily digestible proteins that are absorbed much better by the German Shepherds body.
Providing your German Shepherd with a high-quality diet can help prevent future stomach upsets. Premium diets will also help support proper bowel function to keep them regular and avoid diarrhea.
If the protein source is only meat, then theres a chance that the dog food will have excessive calcium, sodium, and phosphorus. The right answer to the best dog food for a German Shepherd is a combination of ingredients that provide a full spectrum of value to fuel your powerful dog.
If in doubt, start with Iams Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food and Hills Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food as both of these premium formulas are specially formulated for optimum adult German Shepherd nutrition.
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Best Foods For German Shepherd Dogs
Looking for the best food for your German Shepherd Dog? German Shepherds are large breed dogs known for their loyalty, confidence, and ability to be trained. Keep in mind that German Shepherd Dogs usually arent ready for an adult food until around 12 to 14 months. Here are the top-rated foods for German Shepherd Dogs based on owner reviews.
What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies
One of the most important things you need to remember for German Shepherd puppies is that they need to be protected from growing too fast. A dog that weighs 90 pounds or more at maturity will take somewhere between 18 and 24 months to reach its adult size and, during that time, growth needs to be controlled because if the puppy grows too fast it will put excess strain on the bones and joints, predisposing the dog to musculoskeletal issues as an adult. The simplest way to prevent this from happening is to start your German Shepherd with a large-breed puppy formula. Below you will find reviews for several high-quality dog food formulas that could be a good choice to consider for your German Shepherd puppy:
Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic MackerelKey Features :
Healthy Ingredients : Lamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet PulpKey Features :
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Merrick Grain Free For Large Breed Adult Dogs
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
With the first ingredient as deboned chicken, you know youre getting a high-quality feed.
Their recipe touts a 60% protein and fat inclusion, with the remaining 40% for fat, fiber, and other necessary ingredients which are both natural and beneficial to your adult dogs health.
What Is The Average Price And How Long Will It Last
Blue Buffalo Freedom and Blue Buffalo Basics are sold in 4 lb, 11 lb, 24 lb bags, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is sold in 4.5 lb, 11 lb, 24 lb bags, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection is sold in 15 lb and 30 lb bags.
From my research, it seems that the largest-sized bag of any these lines currently costs between $45 â 50*, which I think is a very reasonable price for a premium dog food.
*all prices in this post are given approximately by looking on average at 5 of the top online retailers. The final price can vary.
Below I have drawn up a chart showing how long a 24lb bag of Blue Buffalo can last your dog, based on the daily feeding guidelines displayed on the majority of Blue Buffalos recipes.
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Weight of adult dog, lb / kg |
Grams/day* |
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A Reasonably Priced All Natural Food Made Specially For Large Dogs: Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Pros:
- essential antioxidants as well as natural fiber
- Made specifically for dogs eighteen months and older
Cons:
- Not for younger German Shepherds
This dry dog food from Nutro, available in a thirty-pound bag for under $50, is made from all-natural ingredients. Chicken is the first ingredient, and it is meant to be flavorful as well as nutritious. There are no by-products as well as no soy. This food also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Remember, though, that this is not a grain-free food however, the grains included in this food are easily digestible.
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Royal Canine Giant Junior Recipe
Top ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice Flour, Brewers RiceType: Dry
Specially formulated for large breed puppies. This kibble has the appropriate amounts of calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy joint growth.
It also has the added benefit of digestible protein to take the strain off your growing pups system!
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Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds In 2022
- Promotes healthy skin and coat.
Technical Specifications:
- Meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO formula.
- EU-approved natural ingredients .
Your furry pal enriches your life, so you certainly want to choose the best dog food for Fido! It is important to choose a food that is fitting for both the age of your German Shepherd as well as a food that is nutritionally sound and overall healthy. While theres a lot to learn about this fascinating breed, your canine education starts with
There are many dog foods on the market today, but not all of them may fit your German Shepherds particular needs. Unfortunately, not all dog foods are equally made, and while you can find a personalized fresh dog food recipe for your pup, what you pick up off the shelf at a supermarket may or may not be quite the right fit.
Here is what pet parents should look for in the right food to make sure your dog has a healthy diet:
However, if you study what your dogs nutritional needs are, you can successfully choose the best food for your German Shepherds requirements.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy
The Complete Health Puppy dog food variant by Wellness uses deboned chicken and chicken meal as its main source of protein. It also contains salmon, which is not just a good source of protein but also various vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. These ingredients support your GSDs bone and muscle growth as well as their brain and eye development.
For carbohydrates and fiber, this kibble uses whole grains like oatmeal and barley. It is enriched with probiotics that dont just support a healthy gut but also a strong immune system.
Additionally, it has potent antioxidant properties, thanks to its use of fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and blueberries.
| Nutrition Facts – Wellness Complete Health Puppy |
|---|
| Top Ingredient |
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Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a large breed dog food for your German shepherd, but the most important thing is that your dog wants to eat it, so try to choose something you know your dog will like. Remember, meal isnt necessarily bad. Whole protein meals like chicken meal or salmon meal are great for this large breed.
If your German shepherds dont like chicken, try food with beef or salmon. If it doesnt like dry food, try adding some wet food into it or switch to wet food altogether. If it has GI issues, maybe stick with grain free.
It doesnt matter how much time you spend choosing a great German shepherd food, if your dog wont eat it, it isnt getting any of the benefits. This is why its a good idea to consider food with a satisfaction guarantee.
What To Consider While Buying Best Food For German Shepherds
We have pinned down some important factors that you must look for before choosing best food for german shepherds. Your requirements may vary from your dogs weight and age, but no worries, we have covered them all for you. Make sure to get your German Shepherd checked with your vet and note down all ingredients which may not be suitable for consumption by your pet.
Calorie Requirements
As weve said before, German Shepherds are dog breeds that grow huge within 8 months. At their growing stage, they are vulnerable to bone-related issues. So at this time, we have to feed them a low-calorie diet that will lead to their slow growth process. Get a pack of high fiber dog food that is low in calories and feed them about 4 small meals throughout the day rather than 1 big meal.
Meat as 1st Ingredient
At their growing stage, it is crucial to keep the muscle and bone structure healthy. Your fur buddys food must contain at least 24% of protein and 8% of fat to help its physical development. Ensure including meat such as pork, beef, duck, chicken, fish, and lamb in their meals. High protein meat will build your dogs muscle structure by increasing its mass and making your pet look bulky.
Carbohydrates
Fatty Acids
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