Instinct Original Recipe With Real Chicken
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
Caloric Content: 4,406 kcal/kg
Finally, the Instinct by Nature Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd in all life stages.
From its raw nutrition base to its balanced approach to a high protein food, this dry food is a positive addition to your dogs diet. Full of real chicken, vegetables, antioxidants, natural omegas and probiotics and without any grains, corn, potato, soy or wheat, there is great digestive support, as well as a healthy coast, skin and immune health.
The bag can be a little tricky to open though, so it can take a little getting used to, and some dogs may find they get gas after eating. Overall however, this food is a positive choice for German Shepherds.
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.
Grains Are Not The Most Common Food Allergies
Grains are often touted as being the main culprit for stomach sensitivities, but in fact, they are not the most common food allergies.
Dogs are more often allergic to beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, and lamb.
So, although switching to grain-free can initially relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, if your dog has a sensitivity to the protein rather than the grain, the symptoms will eventually return.
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What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Allergies
If your German Shepherd has allergies, it’s important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison.
These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies.
Orijen Tundra Whole Prey Quick Fire Summary
- Orijens Tundra Whole-Prey range are high-quality dry dog foods boasting a nutrient profile that is above average, providing superior nutrition.
- Tundra Whole-Prey is made up of 85% meat, organ, and cartilage. And it has a guaranteed protein content of 40%.
- Orijens Tundra also contains no tapioca, plant protein concentrates, soy or potatoes. And its carb ratio is as low as 21% which is unheard of in the dry dog food world.
- The Tundra Whole-Prey food from Orijen is also suitable for all life stages. So whether you have a puppy, senior dog or a pregnant female, this dog food will nourish and support any pooch.
- Absolutely no ingredients from China are used to prepare the Orijens Tundra Whole-Prey food.
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The Best Food For Adult German Shepherds
Adult German shepherds need an adult dog food or a food formulated for all life stages. You’ll have a lot more choice when it comes to the nutritional profile in adult dog recipes.
Large breed puppies need food with a moderate amount of protein and a modest amount of fat. But some adults may benefit from higher protein content and fat content it all depends on your dog’s activity level. Active dogs and dogs with higher energy levels do well on higher protein diets because it helps them build muscles.
Senior dogs often do better on higher fiber foods. They may also benefit from low-calorie foods, or you can simply reduce the serving size on their standard dog food.
Bloat is a common health issue for German shepherds. You may help reduce their risk by feeding your dog wet food that doesn’t contain animal fats, like chicken fat, in the first four ingredients.
Some German shepherds also suffer from food allergies. A food allergy test can help you determine what your dog is allergic to so you can choose the right recipe for their needs.
Runner Up: Royal Canin Breed Specific
- Flavor: Chicken
Pet owners leave different reviews for the dog food brands they have tried. Their pets have either taken to the food brand or not.
Some pets have suffered adverse symptoms on certain food brands and done well on others.
It is up to you as a pet owner to discover which brand best suits your pet as they are all individuals and react in different ways to their feed.
Another consideration is that a German Shepherd puppy may have been raised on one food type and the new owners transitioned it too quickly to another.
Alternatively, adult dog foods may be transitioned too quickly, leaving your pets digestive system struggling to keep up with the change if they have a sensitive stomach.
Despite different experiences, customers have left honest reviews about their experiences to guide others.
Pros
Cons
- The protein content is sourced from chicken meal as a by-product rather than containing real chicken protein.
- Some customers have complained that this product initially boosts weight gain but is followed by lackluster coats and skin problems. This is not the best dog food for German Shepherds with allergies.
- This is not the best choice for underweight dogs due to its low-fat content.
- One customer review claims that this product is not always easy to source in stores and is only available via online orders.
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Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food
Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food is specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred adult German Shepherds aged 15 months and older.
It offers a unique kibble shape which is particularly designed for a German Shepherds long, strong mouth and teeth to encourage chewing.
Moreover, it also includes highly digestible proteins and specific fibers that promote healthy digestive performance and optimal stool consistency, as this breed is inclined to have poor stool quality.
The healthy nutrients, such as EPA and DHA, from fish oil, reinforce the skin barrier and help to maintain skin and coat health. This adult German Shepherds dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support big dogs healthy bones, joints, and cartilages.
Specifications
- Formulas are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
- Kibble is designed with a specific shape, size, and texture for the dogs facial and jaw structures.
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin maintain bone and joint health and support large breed bodies
Pros
- It promotes a healthy heart due to the addition of fish oil.
- It is great in taste.
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs with allergies
Our Verdict
This dog food for German Shepherd is applauded for its nutrient-rich formula that supports bone and joint health, maintains healthy skin and coat, and supports digestive health. However, few buyers criticized it for its inflated price.
Royal Canin Specialized Dog Food
At What Age Is A German Shepherd Dog Full Grown
A German Shepherd is full-grown by the time they reach two years. At this stage, it is an adult dog that must be fed food that has been scientifically formulated for older dogs.
The best dry dog food for German Shepherds is Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food.
If this brand doesnt agree with your pets constitution, many other high-quality foods will.
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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.
Choosing The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: What To Look For
German Shepherds are some of the most brilliant and lively dogs youll ever meet. However, German Shepherds are also known for having weak stomachs, and introducing new dog foods to their diets must be done as carefully as possible. Here are a few things to consider when buying dog food for German Shepherds.
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Is Grain Free Food Good For German Shepherds
30 Second Answer
Grain-free food is a good option for German Shepherds as it is high in protein and low in fat.
German Shepherds are a versatile breed of dog, often used as working dogs in a variety of roles. They are intelligent and trainable, making them excellent candidates for service work. German Shepherds are also known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them wonderful family pets.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. One of these conditions is allergies, which can be triggered by a variety of things, including certain foods. Grains are a common trigger for allergies in German Shepherds, and as such, grain-free food is often recommended for this breed.
There are a few different reasons why grain-free food may be better for German Shepherds. First, as mentioned above, grains can be a trigger for allergies. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including itchiness, hair loss, and digestive issues. By switching to a grain-free diet, you may be able to help your dog avoid these uncomfortable symptoms.
Trending
Do Dogs Need Grain For Carbohydrate Consumption
According to TheGerman Shepherd Dog by Horst Hegwald-Kawich, dogs only need about 5 8 % of carbohydrates in their daily diet.
Some studies suggest dogs dont even need carbohydrates at all.
Believe it or not, no researcher has been able to prove that they need carbs in their diets. Yet, many dog foods have a whooping 46 74% of carbohydrates in their formulas and this is often hidden from you.
Dog food companies are not required to report how many carbohydrates they put into their foods. If you want to learn more about how to identify the amount of carbohydrates in dog food, check out this below:
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The 8 Best Dog Food For German Shepherds Reviewed
Before we dive in, I want to tell you that all the dog food I included in this list meets the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs.
Also, we always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your German Shepherds diet.
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
- Nutrient Content: 23% Protein, 13% Fat, 3.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Best for: Adult German Shepherds
On the top of our list of the best dog food for German Shepherds comes Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult dry dog food. Featuring real cage-free chicken as their first ingredient, your German Shepherd will get the high quality he or she needs to develop lean and strong muscles and also get the energy to stay active.
This formula is specially formulated to meet the needs of large breed dogs, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin which are necessary to support your German Shepherds healthy joints, along with omega fatty acids that will help him or her develop and maintain healthy skin and thick coat.
Blueberries and oranges are among the fruits that are added to provide your furry friend with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a complete and balanced diet.
This formula also contains probiotics and prebiotics that are vital to support the digestive systems health. Plus, it contains natural antioxidants that support the immune system and overall wellness.
Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken Meal is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Growth
- Best for:German Shepherd Puppies
This classic Science Diet formula gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 53% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
A fully-balanced, large-breed puppy diet. Contains just the right amount of calcium for controlled skeletal growth to help lower the risk of canine hip dysplasia in shepherd puppies. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewAfter doing research, I found that many large boned puppy foods had much more calcium than recommended by the Veterinary Council. Science Diet is much stricter about the ingredients. I switched and feel much better about my German Shepherds food! My dog loves it!
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Drawbacks Of Feeding Your Dog Dry Dog Food
The disadvantages of feeding your German Shepherd dry dog food lies mainly in the fact that there are so many poorly formulated variants which can be detrimental to your dogs health.
If you dont scrutinize your options, you might end up with over-processed ingredients, filler carbohydrates, and questionable animal parts. These dont just make your dog more prone to malnutrition, but also digestive distress. Symptoms of which include frequent bloating, vomiting, flatulence, and poorly formed stools.
Wet food can also be better for your dog, depending on their health condition.
For example, if you have an obese GSD, they might lose weight sooner on wet food because theyll feel fuller with smaller quantities due to the high-water content.
Additionally, if you have a senior dog or one with dental problems, wet dog food might be more beneficial.
Case Study: What If A Dog Is Fed Grain
Oliver was a three-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever who had been fed on a grain-free diet his whole life.
Although seemingly healthy, Oliver had a heart murmur. She was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy , a disease that affects the heart.
Oliver was then switched to a regular grain-filled diet and seemed to improve. Unfortunately, he died 6 months later of a fatal heart arrhythmia.
Around this same time in 2018, many other Golden Retrievers were being diagnosed with DCM, and vets were starting to notice.
Taurine deficiency is often linked with DCM. Taurine is an amino acid found in meats. The commonality between all of these dogs was boutique, exotic, grain-free dog foods .
Many of these dog foods were made with lamb, rice bran, and beets.
The FDA began to study grain-free diets and didnt find anything significantly different between grain-filled and grain-free dog foods.
Instead, they recommend dog owners buy dog food from reputable brands that have been around for a while. These companies have conducted feeding trials and use standard ingredients.
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Watch Out For Sugars In Grain Free Dog Food
Sadly, since the grain-free revolution started, pet food manufacturers have again figured out ways to dupe us.
Many of them have merely replaced the grains with other starchy ingredients and opted not to keep us informed. Tricking us into believing that grain-free is essentially healthier.
Adding ingredients like potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, tapioca and other glutens like peas and lentils causes a spike in the carb percentage. Of course this in turn ramps up the calories.
Calories equal energy and just like with the human body, its much easier for our dogs to get their calories from starchy ingredients than the more complex ingredients like proteins. But that does not mean high starch foods are good.
So you might not see sugar listed in the ingredients but all those potatoes, peas and lentils break down into sugar. And so our dogs are at risk of piling on the pounds.
Even a little research will reveal that dogs across the globe are suffering from sugar-related illnesses like diabetes. And I believe this is directly related to the high levels of low-quality carbohydrates in dry dog food.
I mean if you think about the glycemic index of a medium-sized baked potato is 85, you can see how the carbs can quickly become unhealthy.
Best Food For German Shepherd With Sensitive Stomachs
Our recommendation for one of the best dog food brands for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs is Nom Nom. The fresh-frozen formula is easier to digest than dehydrated dog food and helps to keep your pup hydrated. Nom Nom also includes gentle veggies in their fresh-frozen recipes to help aid digestion.
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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken And Rice
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
The recipe contains multiple probiotics for better digestion and chelated minerals for improved absorption and healthy nutrition. Affordably priced and easy to recommend.
Sample buyer reviewWe have had our dogs on this food for some time and the vet is constantly saying how healthy they are . We searched for some time to find a quality food at an affordable price as we have 4 dogs . Have never had any issues with them or their digestive systems while on Diamond!