Instinct Raw Boost With Real Duck
Rating:
Real Duck is one of 14 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Duck, chicken meal, peas, egg product, turkey meal
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:Adult shepherds and puppies
Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh duck and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 23% fat and 31% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 61%.
This formula also gets its antioxidants from natural fruits and veggies for healthy immunity and thus, greater resistance to disease. A top pick for German shepherds and other large breeds.
Sample buyer reviewI recently switched from a dehydrated raw product to Instinct Raw Boost. This is a great quality grain- free food and my guys are loving it. I have a multi dog house hold and most of them have allergies of one kind or another. This food is working well for all..
What Nutrients Do German Shepherd Puppies Need
German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly until they are 8 months of age. Puppies may continue to grow until they are 18 months old but their growth rate is not as rapid. Therefore, German Shepherd puppies require high-quality nutrients to support bone and muscle growth, a healthy immune system, and a strong digestive system. Proper nutrition during the puppy stage can reduce common health issues later in life, such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, obesity, bloat, and allergies.
Be sure to feed your German Shepherd puppy the food designed specifically for his breed type: large breed puppy formula. Large breed puppy formulas are designed with calorie, carbohydrate, and calcium content levels so that puppies grow strong and healthy. Small breed formulas will have lower calorie and fat contents, which will leave your German Shepherd puppy malnourished. Likewise, adult formulas for large breeds have lower calorie and calcium levels and are made into larger kibbles which your puppy will not be able to eat or digest easily. It is pertinent that you feed your German Shepherd puppy large breed puppy formula.
Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba uses fish oil in this large breed puppy food* in order to boost brain function, making your pup smarter and more trainable. Theres also plenty of fiber derived from prebiotics and natural beet pulp to promote easy absorption of nutrients and a healthy digestion.
The protein sources used to make this food are animal-based, promoting the development of strong muscles. Optimal levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are included for healthy skin and a radiant coat.
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Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food For German Shepherd
Royal Canin German Shepherd Dry Dog Food comes in two sizes, a 17-lb, and a 30-lb bag. Royal Canin has good nutritional value i.e. 22% protein and 17% fat. The food has maximum values as well, which are at 10% for moisture and 5.5% for fiber. It is important to note that this dog food type is intended for adult German Shepherds, specifically aged 15 months or older.
The specific advantages of this dog food are in the custom-designed shape of kibbles for easy chewing and avoiding plaque. It facilitates improved digestive health due to easily digestible proteins and fibers included in the ingredients.
High levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also included to support the large and powerful physique of German Shepherds. Glucosamine and Chondroitin also promote good joint health and helps against arthritis and hip dysplasia.
- Breed-specific food designed for German Shepherds
- Custom kibbles that promote chewing and reduce dental plaque
- Available in two bag sizes
Cons
German Shepherd Calorie Requirements
Inactive or older dogs in this range should;consume between 1,272 and 1,540 calories;per day according to the;National Research Council of the National Academies. An active GSD, on the other hand, needs between;1,740 and 2,100 calories;per day.
GSDs with hip dysplasia or any skeletal condition will benefit from a reduced-calorie diet to avoid putting on weight that could cause pressure on painful joints.
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Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Grain
Top ingredients: Lamb, Salmon, Chickpeas
Specially made for puppies, these wholesome bite-size 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.
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Nothing beats Royal CaninGerman Shepherd puppy food, as you will find from the raving reviews from satisfied pet parents of GSDs. It is a formula specifically made for a German Shepherd. And, they know their German Shepherds. So, they have taken into account the smallest of considerations.
The unique kibble shape is easy to grip with the long and robust muzzle of your German Shepherd. The glucosamine and chondroitin make for smooth digestion. Vitamin E is excellent for your puppys muscle development, healthy heart, and liver. Plus, the antioxidants keep the immune system up and running. In short, Royal Canin ranks as a topper in the list for the best diet for German Shepherd puppies.
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How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat A Day
Your German Shepherd will need a set amount of calories in direct relation to its weight and activity level. We also speak about adults here since puppies have different requirements because of growth. Much is different about puppies, so it is a unique challenge to determine what is the best food for a German shepherd puppy.
Active German shepherd adults between 60 and 90 pounds need 1740 to 2100 calories per day. You can easily calculate this and use the comparison table included converting that into cups. More sedentary dogs need between 1272 and 1540 calories for the same weight range.
Feeding instructions on food labels are rough guidelines. Always adjust food based on your dogs condition. If your German shepherd is over or under the ideal weight, add or subtract food accordingly and gradually.
Finally, German shepherds should consume their calories in a couple of meals through the day rather than at one sitting. Depending on the caloric density of the food, you may need to increase intake ¼ to ½ a cup of food daily for every 10 pounds your German Shepherd is over 100 pounds.
It Should Feature A Whole Protein At The Top Of The Ingredient List
Dogs are carnivores, so it is very important that their food contains high-quality, whole proteins. In fact, a whole protein such as chicken, beef, pork, lamb or venison should be the very first thing listed on the ingredient list. Supplemental protein should usually be included farther down the list too.
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Our Favorite: Dr Garys Best Breed Breed German Dog Diet
Pros:
- balanced nutrition for large breeds using chicken and fish as the first proteins
- omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to promote the health of your German Shepherds coat
- Ingredients promote both gastrointestinal health and joint health
Cons:;
- Somewhat pricey; the four lb. bag is just over $13
Dr. Garys Best Breed Holistic German Dry Dog Food is chock full of nutrition for your German Shepherd. The first ingredients are chicken, menhaden fish, and eggs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are included in the formula to promote joint health. This food also includes a healthy dose of fiber to promote healthy weight as well as overall gastrointestinal health. German Shepherds will get everything they need to not only stay trim but also have healthy joints as well a healthy digestive system.;
Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas
Heres a power-packed meal to provide antioxidants, probiotics, essential vitamins, and added minerals. The superfoods in the meal promote a long and hearty life for your fluffball. Diamond Naturals formula is specifically for large breed puppies. They need more nourishment to sustain their bone development.
GSDs tend to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. So, it is imperative to fortify their immune systems as well as ossein buildout. That will make sure that your pooch does not suffer from joint pains in their adult life.
Furthermore, the antioxidants in the blend prevent cancer. The probiotics in the mix keep the gut flora flourishing, and the omega fatty-acids keep the skin, coat, and vision healthy.Diamond tops it all up with a great price tag to give you the ultimate value for your money.
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Iams Proactive Health Minichunks Dry Dog Food
Healthy is as healthy eats. And, if your pick for puppy food for German Shepherd happens to be Iams, then your GSD is going to be a happy dog. You see, the farm-sourced chicken makes for a tasty meal. And, the wholesome fiber from the natural veggies boost the metabolism and ease digestion.
The blend has plentiful vitamins and minerals for a shinier coat, strong muscles and bones, and sharper eyesight. And, the DHA promotes brain development. Lastly, the crunchy kibble design makes for removing plaque, bad breath, and chewing for more jaw power.
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule
Like humans, German Shepherds need to eat consistently, and they have a specific feeding amount and nutrient requirement. Therefore, it is important to find the appropriate feeding schedule to help your puppy establish a routine and improve consistency in their potty time.
Below is a German Shepherd puppy feeding schedule:
- 6-12 weeks Puppies should be given a diet formulated specially to meet the nutritional needs for their development. Giving four feedings a day is adequate for a puppy at this age with ½ cup of food for each meal.
- 3-6 Months Decrease the number of feedings to three times a day with ½ cups of food for each meal.
- 6-12 months At this age, begin feeding your dog twice daily with about 2 cups of food. You can start switching to adult maintenance food.
- After 1 year Most adult dogs are given two and a half portions a day with approximately 3cups of food for each meal.
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Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food
The closest thing to a natural protein in Pedigree is chicken by-product meal. This ingredient isn’t great and can come from unwanted leftovers from a variety of sources.
Ground whole corn and corn gluten meal are also used. A variety of synthetic colors are also utilized, making this formula an unhealthy choice all around.
Best Raw Food For German Shepherd
Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula emulates a dogs carnivorous ancestral diet. Satisfy your German Shepherds instinctual cravings with this raw dog food.
It is believed that raw dog food is beneficial for a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool.
This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals so you can give your GSD friend the nutrition her ancestors intended.;
Its minimally processed, never cooked, pure, real nutrition to keep your best friend strong.;With this commercial raw dog food, you can feed your German Shepherd just as nature intended.
Raw dog food companies like this one state that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles, and keep your pup energized. They also say it can help promote healthy teeth and gums.
- Needs to be kept frozen until its your pets mealtime
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Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:;1. Brewers Rice, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Chicken flavor, 5. Fish Meal
A diet thats designed for a specific breed is much more fulfilling than a regular one. Keeping that in mind, Royal Canin has created a special formula especially for German Shepherds and their dietary needs. Some noteworthy features of the breed-specific diet include special dietary fibers that cater to the sensitive digestive system of German Shepherds and a mix of nutrients that nourish and support their skin and coat.
The recipe is designed with highly-digestible proteins to encourage muscle growth and nourishment. Moreover, it contains both EPA and DHA to support bone and joint health, which is a common issue with most adult and senior German Shepherds.
Taste Of The Wild Grain
Taste of the Wild offers a unique pet experience by offering dry foods based on your dogs ancestral diet. I have chosen the venison variety as the first ingredient, although there are a range of other flavors to choose from such as wild boar, salmon, trout, beef, turkey, or lamb.
This company is also family-owned and operated, and they make sure to follow the most advanced food safety protocols at all times.
- Venison as a first ingredient 28% protein
- Gluten-free recipe
- Added fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals
- No artificial flavors
- Probiotic blends included for optimal digestive health
- Made in the USA
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Switching From German Shepherd Puppy Food To Adult Food
Switching your German shepherd puppy to adult food can be done between the ages of 9 months up to 1 year when your puppy has achieved about 90% of their adult size. The transition should be slow to prevent diarrhea and avoid upsetting your puppys intestinal tract.
Begin changing his diet by feeding a quarter of the adult food and three-quarters of the puppy food for about a week.
Next, feed your puppy with a portion of half adult food and half puppy food for several days and then introduce three quarter adult food and a quarter of puppy food for a few more days. Finally, introduce your puppy to adult food now.
How To Choose The Best Food For Your German Shepherd
As previously mentioned, dogs of all ages, sizes, activity levels all have different requirements. A lactating dam will need nutrients closer to that of a puppy than a full-grown adult male working dog.
There are certain kibbles that are suitable for all life stages that can help you keep your dog in optimum health with minimum effort.
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Best Wet Dog Food For German Shepherds
To find the best wet dog food for German Shepherds, you should check the following aspects:
-High-quality protein
For GSDs, you needwhole and high-quality protein. The best options are lamb, chicken, beef,salmon, turkey, venison, and so on.
However, we have toremind here that the protein source of the food is also the leading cause offood allergies among canines. Make sure that your dog isnt sensitive to theprotein on the wet food youre planning to buy.
-Grain-free or not?
There has been a continuous argument about grain-free dog diets. For some GSDs with a very sensitive stomach, a grain-free diet might be ideal. However, you should know that grains are not total evil. Your dog can still eat whole grains as its a great source of digestible carbs, fiber, and minerals.
-Fruits and veggies
Aside from packing upyour dogs diet with meat and fat, you should also look for wet food rich withsuperfoods like potatoes, blueberries, bananas, carrots, kale, pumpkin, and soon. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamins and minerals whileyou should still watch out for potential sensitivities.
-Digestible carbs
You should also lookfor wet food with digestible carbs so your German Shepherd wont have troubledigesting the ingredients. Some of the great sources of digestible carbs arebrown rice, oats, and barley. Corn also contains large amounts of digestiblecarbs, but some dogs tend to have allergies over it.
-AAFCO nutrient profile
-Overall flavor
Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food
Rating:
Eagle Pack Power is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult shepherds only
Power Adult derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A time-proven, grain-inclusive design free of any legume concentrates. Contains safe, natural antioxidant preservatives. No BHT or ethoxyquin. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewIf you have a dog that is extremely active this is a GREAT dog food. My Shepherd and Retrievers were skinny because they are highly active dogs. I switched to this food because of the nutrition and calories that it intails. My dogs are bulked backed up and love the taste!
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Eagle Pack Power Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:;1. Chicken Meal, 2. Pork Meal, 3. Ground Brown Rice, 4. Peas, 5. Chicken Fat
The power-packed recipe is balanced with nutrition derived from an excellent combination of high-quality ingredients. The proportions of protein, fat, and carbs in this crunchy kibble not only helps your German Shepherd maintain a healthy weight but also helps in developing stamina and muscle tone for sustained endurance. The flavor-dense formula ensures excellent nutrition for active adult dogs.
Best Dog Food For German Shepherd: Nutrients For Adults
If you dont know yet, German Shepherds actually have a shorter colon compared to other large breed dogs. It means that they are always having a hard time digesting their food. This is the reason why your dog should have a precise diet to prevent any problem in their stomach.
An adult German shepherd actually needs about 1,700 to 2,400 calories per day. This is because of their huge build and their active lifestyle. For a senior or less-active dog, they have to consume about 1,300 to 1,600 calories per day.
For their food, it should have 18 to 24 percent protein and about 14 percent fat level. The protein should come from meat sources like pork, beef, fish, chicken, lamb, and more. You should also look for food with healthy fat, especially from canola oil, flaxseed or chicken.
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