Is Blue Buffalo Dog Food Good For German Shepherds

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.

The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds For 202: Reviewed And Ranked

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Key Points:

• German Shepherds are large, muscular dogs with a plethora of positive traits. Such energetic pups need a nutritious diet. Finding the best dog food for german shepherds is important.
• Some German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs or joint issues, which can be supported by certain foods.
• Consider the age of your GSD. Puppies will need extra elements for growth, like calcium, phosphorus, fats, and protein. Older dogs need to monitor calories and an excess of nutrients.
• Dry and wet food options are available. Pick your dogs preference or a combination of the two.
• German Shepherds thrive on carbohydrates. Avoid carbs from wheat, since most GSDs have wheat allergies.
• The best dog food for german shepherds must be high in protein and fat to be well-balanced. Some German Shepherds are lactose intolerant in this case, healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be supplied by fish oil and flaxseed.
• Look for added nutrients for joint issues such as hip dysplasia, which is a condition common in the breed.

Alternative: Iams Proactive Health High Protein

• Flavor: Turkey, Chicken

IAMS is a well-known product that has been on the market for years. However, as with many other dog food brands, this one also attracts mixed reviews.

One owner says that it isnt good for the dogs health, while many others claim that it is the best German Shepherd food on the market.

Pet owners will need to go through each dog food brands pros and cons and test these foods. It seems that it takes a while for German Shepherds to become used to new foods.

If one brand does not work for your pet, you should gradually transition to a new food.

Check the pros and cons below if your pet is not happy with its current pet food. Perhaps this brand will be the best food for your dog, or the top brand will be a better bet.

Pros

Cons

• One negative review is that the product was damaged when the customer received it.
• Certain pet owners note that this brand is quite expensive, but they are prepared to pay a higher price if their pets are happy with the flavor.
• Choose an alternative product if your pet suffers from grain allergies.

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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.

Healthy Sources Of Fat

Fats are another important component in the German Shepherd diet. Fats provide your dog with plenty of energy and help develop muscles and cells within the body.

We recommend opting for a diet that gives your dog around 15% fat to maintain good health. Feeding your dog too many table scraps or treats can cause issues with weight gain. If there is not enough fat in your dogs diet this can also cause issues such as dry skin that is itchy. It can also result in a dull coat and in more serious cases, weaken your dogs immune system and heart health.

Good quality sources of fats include Omega-3 fatty acids from fish such as salmon. It can also come from plants such as flaxseed. Pork fat and chicken fat will provide good Omega-6 sources of fatty acids.

Recommended Reading: How Often Can You Bathe A German Shepherd

What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

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German Shepherds are the second most popular breed of dog in America and for good reason. They are one of the smartest breeds making them easy to train. They also have a good temperament and are very friendly and known for having a sense of humor. Plus, with their wolf-like appearance, silky fur, and unique coloring they are a gorgeous breed. These wonderful dogs have very specific needs to help them happy and healthy, so finding the best dog food for German Shepherds can be a bit of a challenge, especially for new German Shepherd dog owners. Obviously, you want to make sure you are feeding them the best dog food for their specific breed. We love German Shepherds too, so weve put together a great guide to help you find the best dog food for German Shepherds. This guide will not only give you our own product recommendations, but it will help educate you on making the best decision for your dog on your own.

Natural Balance Original Ultra Beef Canned Dog Formula

The Beef Canned Dog Formula by Natural Balance promises high-quality nutrition and helps support proper digestion and overall health.

This food is made primarily from beef muscle and beef liver, and uses beef broth as its main source of moisture. This formulation makes it incredibly appetizing, even for picky German Shepherds.

Also listed as among the key ingredients of this canned dog food are potatoes and carrots. Although potatoes offer little nutritional benefit apart from calories, carrots are an excellent source of minerals, beta-carotene, and fiber.

This food is also a superb source of high-quality fiber and carbohydrates from brown rice and oat bran.

• Enriched with vitamins and minerals

Potential Cons:

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Alternative: Royal Canin Large Breed Dry Dog Food

The best natural dog food for German Shepherds contains high-quality ingredients.

High-quality ingredients are typically seen as direct proteins from animal sources rather than by-products.

An absence of grains as a filler is often viewed as contributing to a food brands quality. While many dogs and people benefit from the fiber in whole grains, some develop allergies to grain products.

While some people think a low grain diet can contribute to a taurine deficiency in some breeds, GSDs are at low risk of this.

Pros

• The protein to fat content is at a ratio of 24:15, both of which are higher than the suggested 20:10 formulation but both ingredients are well-balanced to support pet health.
• Contains EPA and DHA for skin and coat care among other benefits.
• Suitable for pets ranging from 15 months to 5 years, that weigh between 56 and 100 lbs.
• The kibble shape helps to eat and the food composition promotes healthy digestion although the fiber content sits at a low of 3.3%.
• Lower quantities of this food can be given to your dog, which negates the higher price you pay for the original food.
• This product also does not contain grains which many customers find suitable for the sensitive German Shepherd digestive tract.

Cons

How Much Should I Feed An Adult German Shepherd Dog

Adult German Shepherds generally eat less compared to puppies. Most puppies eat around 3 times daily, while most adults eat about 2 times a day.

In feeding adult German Shepherds, make sure to put about 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality kibble twice a day. This is a good starting point, especially when your puppy is almost an adult.

Also Check: How Long Do A German Shepherd Live

Holistic Select Large And Giant Breed Adult

Rating:

Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry kibbles included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for:Adult shepherds only

Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

This grain-inclusive, large breed formula boasts above-average protein content yet still free of any plant-based protein boosters. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewMy 4 Great Danes absolutely love this food. They are all very healthy, coats are wonderful, and it helps with their teeth. I would recommend this to anyone with Giant Breed dogs. The nutrition information is comparable to what the needs are for Giant Breed . Nothing in this thats bad for your dog. If you decide to get this, your dog will enjoy it!

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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How Do I Keep My German Shepherd Smelling Good

Make sure to brush and clean your German shepherds mouth thoroughly and often. You can even buy dental pads between brushing that will help to ensure your dog has fresh breath. Dry your dog if it gets wet. Make sure that your dog does not get wet, but if it does, dry it immediately to prevent a smelly dog.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherds In 2022

German Shepherd dogs have a reputation for being one of the most fiercely loyal, dedicated, hard-working, intelligent, and brave dog breeds out there. This comes from many many years working as police dogs, military dogs, and rescue dogs. Furthermore, German Shepherds make excellent companions, as they are kind, and gentle when they want to be . However, German Shepherds are also prone to quite a few hereditary health problems that can affect their development and growth.

However, a proper diet can help to curb the onset of such problems and potentially ease the symptoms. This is why we have created this easy guide to the best dog foods for German Shepherds available on the market today. Along with a quick look over what to be aware of when selecting your four-legged friend’s diet, in order to help you make an informed decision.

Also Check: How Good Is A German Shepherds Sense Of Smell

What Should I Look For In High

Any time you pick up a bag of dog food, immediately flip it over and look at the list of ingredients. One of the first things you should do is look at the first ingredient. High-quality dog food will list real meat as its first ingredient.

Next, look at the remaining ingredients to make sure you get your dog all the essential nutrients. Do you see the term by-product anywhere on the list? If so, you might want to look for another food. Words like chicken by-product mean that youre not getting real meat. Truthfully, you could be getting leftover meat products that would be thrown away otherwise. These are often very unhealthy for your dog.

Because German Shepherds are so active, they need a lot of protein to maintain lean muscle mass. But, at the same time, they have somewhat sensitive stomachs. So, finding a source of highly digestible proteins is really important.

Look for grains in the list of ingredients. You want to avoid corn and wheat products in just about any brand. Soy is also often an ingredient in dog food, but dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies often have difficulty digesting soy. Look for natural grains, such as rice. Again, some dogs cant eat grains at all, so keep that in mind as well.

Finally, if you cant pronounce a lot of the names on the list of ingredients, then you know you have a food with preservatives, chemicals, and artificial ingredients. Avoid these for the health of your dog.

Do German Shepherds Need Special Food

A well-balanced diet that leads to healthy dogs depends on a number of factors, not just your dogs breed.

German Shepherds do not necessarily need special food, but you should look for certain ingredients in their food in order to provide the vitamins and nutrients a large, energetic dog breed needs. German Shepherds are prone to joint issues, especially as they age. Therefore, you want to provide your dog with nutrients that will promote healthy joints. German Shepherds are also a highly energetic breed, so they need lots of protein.

Another issue that seems to plague some German Shepherds is digestive issues. Some Germans have sensitive stomachs. They may not digest wheat or other grains well. So, grain free dog food may be a good option. Keep in mind that some dogs will exhibit food allergies. This can lead to loss of hair from your dog scratching or biting at his skin. If food allergies are the culprit, youll want to steer clear of grains even something as nutritious rice.

Another thing that sets Germans apart is their thick coats. You may need to supplement your German Sheperd food with something like fish oil, particularly salmon oil, or choose dog food brands that use this as an ingredient. Any fish meal, including salmon meal or menhaden fish meal are also great options.

If you want to try a dog food delivery service, you should inform them that you have a German Shepherd and theyll customize the meal accordingly.

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What Classifies Some Dog Food Brands As High

Every high-quality dog food should have protein listed as the first ingredient. Whole protein sources like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish are the best options.

The fewer carbohydrates the food contains, the better for the dog. Dogs, and puppies too, need good proteins for healthy growth. What they dont need are artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Avoid foods containing them at all costs!

No dog food contains 100% pure protein, and thats absolutely okay. Meat meals are excellent fillers. Theyre slightly better than meat by products, but its important to know where they come from.

Best Food For A German Shepherd Puppy

Like most other large dog breeds, German Shepherd puppies should be fed dog foods designed to meet the needs of a growing German Shepherd puppy.

We have selected the best dog food for German Shepherd puppies with two excellent options below. Both are excellent options, which are not only packed with nutritious ingredients, but tasty too.

Fromm is a bit of a boutique dog food manufacturer. They arent as well-known as some of the other manufacturers, but they make some of the most nutritious and best-tasting dog foods available. And theyre so dedicated to producing high-quality dog foods that they make all of their recipes in very small batches, in their own US-based kitchens.

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

• Real duck is the first listed ingredient
• Delicious proteins and fats, including salmon oil and cheese, are included to improve the foods palatability
• Made in the USA

Top Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb, Potatoes, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whole Egg, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil, Cheese, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Carrots, Lettuce, Celery, Chicken Cartilage.

User Reviews: Despite Fromms relatively small footprint in the dog food category, owners that try their recipes almost always fall in love with the brand. Most owners love giving their dog such a nutritious recipe, and many noted improved health after switching to the bran.

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Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken

Eukanuba cares for both your pocket and your pups well-being. So, you get three different packaging options for your puppy. Its main ingredient is high-quality chicken that your puppy will devour. While the formula is enhanced with targeted levels of calcium and phosphorus. You see, German Shepherds need calcium. But, too much can harm them.

But, Eukanuba has been in this business for over fifty years. And, they only provide products par excellence. So, if you are looking for choices in the market, Eukanuba is a sensible addition to your dogs diet.

Pros

Crafted with love and care, Purina ONE SmartBlend is an epic meal for your dog. The yummy chicken flavor satisfies your poochs taste buds, and the nutrient-rich formula will keep you happy, too. Purina believes that your canine deserves only the best. So, they give you dry dog food for large breed puppies that is free from preservatives. There are no artificial colors, fillers, or flavors.Purina simply does not do meal fillers.

Vets across the globe recommend Purina, and they are so sure of their high quality that Purina offers you to take the 28-day Challenge. If you dont see a visible improvement in your dogs coat, skin, energy levels, and well-being, they are satisfied to give you your money back.

Pros

Pros

Pros

Pros

• Theres a change in the formula