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Taste Of The Wild German Shepherd

Solid Gold Barking At The Moon High Protein Duck Peas & Egg Recipe

5 Best Dry Dog Food for German Shepherds

If your German Shepherd is a working dog, both protein and fat are of the utmost importance. We like this Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High Protein Duck, Peas & Egg Recipe because it is specifically formulated to be loaded with these nutrients. It contains multiple sources of quality animal protein to provide a full 41% crude protein with 20% crude fat for energy. Youll also be glad to know that it is a holistic recipe made with all-natural ingredients to maximize nutrition and digestibility. It contains grain-free carbohydrates like peas and chickpeas with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients. It also contains probiotic supplements for digestion with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Simply put, if you want to provide your dog with a high-quality, digestible source of balanced nutrition with a focus on protein and energy, this is a great option.

  • Pros: High in animal protein , holistic natural recipe, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
  • Cons: Contains some plant protein , not a large-breed recipe

Taste Of The Wild: High Prairie Canine Formula With Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison

This dog food is packed with a variety of high-quality protein sources , making it a brilliant choice for active dogs like German Shepherds. In total, it contains 32% protein.

It is also grain-free, so no worries when it comes to grain allergies. The carbohydrates come in the form of potato, sweet potato, and yucca, and there is a variety of fruit and other vegetables including berries, tomatoes, and peas to provide high levels of vitamins and minerals.

Taste of the Wild uses only natural preservatives, and they steam dry their food with purified water to ensure it is free from chemicals. Pretty fancy, eh?

When it comes to price, it is more affordable than Orijen, which makes its overall rating just that bit higher.

PROS

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Food

When it comes to quality nutrition, raw food is at the top of the spectrum with fresh food close behind. Unfortunately, raw food can be very expensive, and it is more difficult to store than dry food. Thats why we love this Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Food it provides the ideal blend of high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw bites to give your dog a boost of nutrition without compromising on convenience. This recipe features fresh chicken as the first ingredient with freeze-dried chicken bites for taste, texture, and nutrition. It contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and potatoes with fresh fruits and vegetables for supplemental fiber as well as natural sources for key nutrients. This recipe provides a full 38% protein with 17% fat and 389 calories per cup. It is balanced with vitamins and chelated mineral supplements as well.

  • Pros: High-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bites, real chicken first ingredient, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics for digestion, chelated minerals
  • Cons: Contains some plant protein , not grain-free

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What To Look For In A Good German Shepherd Dog Food

When it comes to choosing the best German Shepherd dog food, you need to make sure it is complete and balanced for your dogs minimum nutritional requirements. Look for a recipe that is protein-rich with moderate fat and calorie content, unless your dog is highly active in which case, he may need more calories. Digestible carbohydrates provide fiber and essential nutrients with vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure nutritional balance.

Here are some things to look for in a good German Shepherd dog food:

Now that you know more about your German Shepherds nutritional needs, youre ready to start shopping for the best food for German Shepherd dogs. Keep reading to see our top 10 picks.

Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult

Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds: Puppies, Adults &  Seniors

Coming in fourth is Wellness Large Breed dog food specifically designed to meet the needs of large breed dogs.

It contains four high-quality protein sources, but, like Whole Earth Farms, is lower in protein than the top two . This makes it suitable for less active dogs.

Another plus is that Whole Earth Farms also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for your German Shepherd’s bone and joint health.

This dog food also contains a range of fruits and vegetables, including, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, apples and sweet potatoes, which makes the formula very vitamin-rich.

Wellness products are also free from preservatives, chemicals, additives, and by-products, as well as common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat.

This product lacks most common allergens. However, it does contain rice, which may still cause allergic reactions in some German Shepherds.

PROS

Also Check: Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Ingredients

The 10 Best German Shepherd Dog Foods

The best German Shepherd food will be rich in protein from high-quality animal sources with moderate fat and calorie content for energy. Make sure it is highly digestible, featuring whole-food ingredients, and free from fillers, byproducts, and artificial additives. If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, a limited ingredient diet may be best.

Heres our top pick for the best German Shepherd dog food:

Our 2022 Picks: Best Adult and Puppy Food for German Shepherds

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy

Image courtesy Royal Canin

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy is a dry dog food that’s specifically designed for puppies up to 15 months old.

This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Also Check: What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

K9 Schutzhund Training: A Manual For Ipo Training Through Positive Reinforcement 2nd Edition

This new edition provides a hands-on, practical approach to training your K9 for IPO levels 1, 2 and 3. Beginners will receive an excellent introduction to the sport of Schutzhund, while expert trainer will stay on top of their game with the latest techniques. Using proven methods rooted in classical and operant conditioning, Dr. Resi Gerritsen and Ruud Haak, world-renowned specialists in training working dogs, have developed this practical and positive Schutzhund training program.

to learn more and to purchase.

Can You Free Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd : Best Food to Feed Them

Free feeding is leaving food out for your German Shepherd puppy to eat at whatever time they want. The following are reasons why free-feeding is not good for your puppy:

  • It puts your puppy at risk of becoming overweight Puppies typically cannot control their eating. When they are bored, they can overeat which leads to obesity causing serious health issues.
  • Free feeding allows the dog to access food all the time, making him find the food less appealing.
  • Free feeding prevents you from keeping track of the amount of food you are feeding your dog.

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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

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.

Iams Proactive Health Large Breed

Rating:

Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for:Adult shepherds only

Iams ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

This classic, grain-inclusive large breed design has been made by Iams for years and is a nutritious fit for adult German shepherds. Calcium levels are a bit high for shepherd puppies. Easily recommended.

Sample buyer reviewIAMS is a product that I have turned to for complete nutrition for my dog as well as my cats! In fact, I have been feeding IAMS to my cats for over 20 years! Sure there are higher priced pet foods, but why would you want to pay more when you get the proper nutrition and a quality product at a reasonable price!

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What To Look For When Choosing Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Having a puppy in the house can be equally as exhausting as it is exciting. It can be stressful as a pet parent to constantly worry about whether youre providing your puppy with the nutrients and vitamins it requires to grow into a healthy adult dog.

While all puppies require some essential nutrients, each dog breed has its own unique dietary needs. A good first step would be to have a thorough discussion with your veterinarian to ensure the diet youre providing your pup with is balanced and formulated for your growing puppy.

We also recommend searching the internet for information. Credible dog websites can help you figure out the quantity needed for each dog breed. However, verify the information from multiple authentic sources before following it.

Here are some other factors to look for when choosing dog food for German Shepherd puppies:

  • Choose the Food Brand Wisely

Try to choose a puppy food that has undergone AAFCO feeding trials. This ensures that the relevant food has been fed to dogs to ensure there are no deficiencies. Good pet food companies rely on scientific research and vet consolations to develop nutritionally balanced and healthy food for your dog.

  • Watch Out for the Calories
  • Check the Ingredients
  • Double Check the Protein Levels

What Is The Best Way To Feed A German Shepherd Puppy

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd: Dry Food For German Shepherd ...

The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight.

As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level.

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Guru Pet Foods Full On Feast Cold

So, what exactly is cold-pressed dog food?

Cold pressing is a unique cooking method of producing complete dog food at low temperatures, unlike regular extruded kibble, cooked at up to 200 degrees. This ensures that the high-quality ingredients retain all their nutritional value and vitamins essential for growth, digestion, and overall good health.

Full on Feast is their grain-free variety which contains duck, sea-fish, and vegetables. It is suitable for all small or large dogs and can be fed from weaning puppies to senior adult dogs.

If youre interested in finding out a ton more about this food, you can check out my in-depth review here, which includes whats good about it, whats bad about it, and all about the Guru cold-pressed story.

Here is a quick rundown of the main benefits of Guru Pet Food:

  • Duck is the primary ingredient
  • Every ingredient carefully selected
  • Improved general health, coat, skin, and teeth
  • Breaks down quickly for easy digestion
  • Ideal for fussy eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs
  • Nutritionally dense use up to a third less than kibble
  • Helps prevent bloat in dogs at risk
  • No chemical additives, colors, or preservatives

What To Look For In A Dog Food For German Shepherds

Does this dog food contain an abundance of fatty acids?: For puppies and senior German Shepherds alike, dog food that contains plenty of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are far superior to those that do not. For a senior dog struggling with the effects of aging e.g. stiffer joints and inflammation, feeding them a regular supply of fatty acids can lessen inflammation, and even operate as an impediment to brain disease. For puppies, omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen their brain and, consequently, advance their ability to learn.

How many artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are in this formula?: Let’s get one thing straight: your dog will not give a toss about the color of their food. Contrarily, you’ll certainly be upset when discovering that many artificial colors can be injurious to your dog’s health even, in some severe cases, causing migraines and cancer. It’s important to note that food terminology such as ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ is tossed around without a second thought in the dog food industry, whereas in human food, the distinction is much more clear-cut.

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Grain Free Or Not Grain Free

Some people think that grains arent good for dogs because they believe ancient wolves didnt eat anything but meat in the wild. Other people believe that its highly unlikely that wolves ate only meat because they had to scrounge for food at times and probably would have eaten whatever they could find.

If you are okay with a food that has grain, choose something with brown rice or some other whole grain as opposed to wheat, corn, or soy.

Ultimately, this one is up to you. Talk to your vet if you think your pet has GI issues because those dogs usually do a little better with grain-free food, but the best dog food for German shepherds is ultimately the one that is best for your pup.

History Of German Shepherds

5 Things German Shepherds Hate That You Should Avoid

As the name implies, the German Shepherd breed originates from Germany and the predecessors of this breed date back to the 12th century. Starting in the 19th century, a cavalry officer named Max von Stephantiz decided to use his retirement to create a uniform and excellent breed. Its objective was to bring together all the best characteristics of the existing sheepdogs from the different regions of Germany in order to arrive at a perfect breed. His goal was achieved with praise and today the German Shepherd is one of the best known and appreciated breeds in the world!

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Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

Available Sizes: 12 kg bag. | Types: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Price:Check Here

Developed especially for German Shepherd puppies of 8 weeks to 15 months old this dry food by Royal Canin is one of the best German Shepherd foods in the market. Since it is made especially for German Shepherds, it fulfills their nutrition requirements.

The ingredients of this food have been chosen specially to promote immune system support, bone and joint health, and digestive performance of your German Shepherd. In addition, it contains antioxidants and probiotics to strengthen immunity along with phosphorus and calcium to support healthy joint and bone growth.

Moreover, the food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help your pups digestive system work efficiently, whereas the Vitamin E in this dry food is great for your puppys heart health, liver, and muscle growth.

A unique advantage of this puppy food is that it comes with a unique kibble shape which is easy to grip and chew with your German Shepherd Puppys long muzzle!

Positives

  • Good value for money
  • It is specifically made for German Shepherds thus contains the correct amount of protein required in their diet
  • Available in grain exclusive and inclusive versions

Negatives

  • Only available in 12 kg bag. Small sizes are not available
  • Limited flavor options

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe

Rating:

Wilderness Salmon is one of 18 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for:Adult shepherds only

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Fairly priced and highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewI have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. Ive got her every flavor if not almost every flavor, and this salmon one is the one she has loved the most! Ieave her food bowl full at all times she so can eat whenever she wants. And she eats this salmon one more than every other flavor. Now i know salmon is her favorite protein (:

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