Best Grain Free German Shepherd Dog Food
Most of the dog foods we recommend are made without grains and without any artificial additives, but these criteria mean more to some owners than to others. Nevertheless, there is one all-natural, grain-free dog food that stands head-and-shoulders above the competition.
Wellness Core makes a number of super-premium dog foods that are not only popular with owners, but their dogs too. Made with only the finest all-natural ingredients around, Wellness Core seeks to nourish your German Shepherd without resorting to synthetic additives or potentially problematic ingredients, such as corn, wheat or soy.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient, but the chicken meal and turkey meal provide additional protein
- Potatoes and peas provide the carbohydrate content, rather than grains
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Dried Ground Potatoes, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat , Natural Chicken Flavor, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement
Wellness Core isnt the most affordable option on the market, but it is easily one of the best dog foods available and deserving of serious consideration by German Shepherd owners.
Growing With Your Puppy
For the first several months of life, puppies need to be fed several times a day. By the time they are six weeks old, puppies can start eating solid food, although kibble may need to be moistened for their tiny teeth. Until twelve weeks of age, pups generally need four small meals a day.
Between 12 weeks and 6 months of age, puppy meals should decrease to three times a day instead of four. By about three months, you should start seeing your puppys body type maturing the puppys belly should shrink as your pups legs start to grow.
Between 6 and 12 months, you can start feeding your dog two times a day. However, many large breed owners prefer to keep their puppies on three meals a day because they need more nutrients. You can make the switch from puppy food between 7 and 9 months for small breeds, but big breeds like German Shepherds should keep eating puppy food until theyre 12-14 months old. Its better to keep your German Shepherd on puppy food a little too long than not long enough.
Hills Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Dog Food
Best For Weight Loss
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Chicken Meal, 5. Dried Tomato Pomace
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content : 291 kcal
If your dog has put on some pounds recently and is unwilling to try new foods, then Hills Science Diet Perfect Weight is perfect for them. The food is packed with whole fibers that make your dog feel satisfied after each meal, while still maintaining their muscles with protein from chicken meat.
Its also highly appetizing and a favorite of picky eaters. The formula is infused with essential vitamins and minerals that promote general wellness and increase energy levels. It is a popular choice among owners who have reported steady weight loss after switching their dogs to the food and offers decent value for the price and quality.
Analysis: Protein min. 24% | Fat min. 9%, | Fiber max. 5% | Moisture max. 13%
Don’t Miss: How Strong Are 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.
What To Look For In Foods For German Shepherds
Any time you pick a dog food for a German Shepherd, youll want to make sure it exhibits a few important characteristics .
Not all of these characteristics should be considered imperative, but youll definitely want to select a dog food for your German Shepherd that satisfies the bulk of the requirements listed below.
Also Check: German Shepherd For Sale San Jose
Do German Shepherds Need Supplements
Vets usually will advise senior Germans to take a heart and joint supplement. Just like humans, dogs can also experience wear and tear on their limbs and organs.
However, if you have a young and healthy pup thats fed a well-balanced diet, theres no reason to give him additional supplements unless recommended by a vet.
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.
Don’t Miss: Best Wet Dog Food For German Shepherds
Buyers Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
German Shepherds are big, powerful dogs and will benefit greatly from a diet that consists of a high amount of good-quality, animal-based protein. German Shepherds should have a caloric intake of around 2,000 calories a day, depending on their activity levels and age. It is important to remember that German Shepherds have different dietary needs at different growth stages puppys nutritional needs are different to senior dogs. With that in mind, there are a few important points to consider when buying food for your Shepherd.
Ingredients
The ingredients of the dog food that you choose are naturally the most important aspect. A diet consisting of mostly protein and fat is highly recommended for these powerful animals.
The food should ideally be free from grains, or they should at least be kept to a minimum. Grains can cause gas and bloat and other digestive issues in large dogs. They are most often used as fillers and other than dietary fiber, have little beneficial nutrition for your dog. The most commonly found grains in dry dog foods are wheat, corn, and soy. There is controversy around whether to feed dogs grains, as they have evolved to eat an omnivorous diet and are not strictly carnivores. Each breed and each dog is different, and the best thing to do is to assess how your pooch reacts to different food and go from there.
Related Read:Wet or dry food?
What Is The Best Food To Feed German Shepherds
While we chose Dr. Garys Best Breed Holistic German Shepherd dry dog food as our favorite, you should choose a dog food that best fits your particular dogs needs.
You want a dog food that will offer the right amount of protein in addition to natural fibers that will help your dog to digest such a large amount of protein. Look for natural fiber such as that found in sweet potatoes or pumpkin.
You want a dog food that offers antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine. This will help to promote not only a healthy immune system but also healthy joints and a healthy digestive system.
While, in many cases, wet food is considered healthier than dry food, the difference is not huge.
You May Like: Why Do German Shepherds Whine A Lot
Taste Of The Wild Dry Dog Food With Roasted Bison
Puppies, due to their ancestral DNA demand something of the wild feed your puppy with all the proper ingredients and nutrition they need to thrive. It is a grain-free recipe that provides digestible energy and excellent food for your growing puppy. It is made with real roasted meat and a blend of protein sources. This hearty recipe will satisfy the taste buds of your pet.
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
Recommended Reading: How To Wash A German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd Nutritional Requirement: What To Look For In The Label
Look at the German Shepherd. What do you see? Large, powerful, muscular.
They need large amounts of high-quality protein sourced from real meat to maintain that figure.
Not only does protein keep them strong, but it also gives them energy and the nutrients to make their coats shiny.
Adult dogs will need 18% of the protein in their diets. A working dog will require 30 40% in order for it to be sufficient.
Fat is another crucial ingredient.
The omega-6 fatty acids aid in your dogs brain development, keep the coat in tip-top condition, and also provides them with twice the energy that they can get from protein or carbohydrates.
When feeding an active dog, you probably want to strive for 12% fat. This doesnt mean that the more fat the better. If your dog doesnt need the additional energy, stick to 5% or 8% for puppies.
With the latest trend of grain-free formula, carbs have been getting a bad rep. But are they important? Yep, they are!
Some dogs might have grain sensitivities, but if not, its entirely okay to feed them a grain-inclusive kibble. However, carbs should not make up of more than 40 50% of the recipe.
Any antioxidants, vitamins, or minerals are all a great addition.
Most large-breed dog food will have the appropriate amounts of L-carnitine, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, and EPA & DHA for their joint health.
Supplementing is not necessary unless advised by a vet.
What Should I Feed My 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy
When theyre about 6 to 8 weeks old, owners should start giving their German Shepherd puppies a little dry dog food with water or unseasoned chicken stock when theyre not nursing.
When theyve reached their eighth week onwards, German Shepherds should be weaned and be fed solid food with a special puppy feed.
Its ideal to feed your German Shepherd puppy a breed specific dry or wet food. However, availability could be an issue.
In such cases, ask your veterinarian to come up with a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. They will take into consideration your puppys feeding pattern, size and health condition.
You should remove milk from your puppys diet at this life stage as it can cause diarrhea.
Also Check: What Size Dog Cage For German Shepherd
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
Image courtesy Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon is based on salmon and chicken meal, which makes up the majority of its animal protein. The formula, according to a dry matter label analysis, has 38% protein, 17% fat, and 38% estimated carbohydrates.
Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It’s reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers.
Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain
Formulated with novel proteins, Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain nourishes your canine companion with the perfectly balanced diet nature has intended. This grain-free dog food is a perfect lamb meal with peas and sweet potatoes that deliver your dogs highly-digestible energy.
After the cooking process, it contains specific K9 strain probiotics added to the recipe to retain their efficacy. It also includes antioxidants and prebiotics to help support a healthy metabolic function, immune system, optimal growth of bones, joints, lean muscles, and overall health and wellness.
This high-quality dog food only uses quality ingredients from trusted and sustainable local and global sources. The essential minerals are effectively combined with amino acids to augment their absorption in the body and ensure maximum benefit with a delicious taste of the wild your dog will surely love.
Specifications
- Recommended for dogs with chicken intolerance, sensitive stomachs, and also for picky eaters
Cons
- Few buyers complained of its strong smell.
Our Verdict
Our team gladly gives a thumbs up to this grain-free lamb meal recipe that combines premium natural animal protein, vegetables, legumes, and fruits to complement your pets healthy digestive system, strong bones, and shiny skin especially recommended for German Shepherd with delicate guts. However, few buyers commented on its strong smell.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain
Read Also: Are German Shepherds The Smartest Dogs
What Should I Look For In A German Shepherd Dog Food
When looking for the best dog food for German Shepherds, you should consider several factors:
- Ingredients. Make sure that the constituent ingredients are obtained from a reliable source. Additionally, there should not be any fillers, additives, dyes, and flavors that have been added artificially. The food can also contain beneficial ingredients, including sweet potatoes, blueberries, and carrots, among others.
- Nutritional Needs. German Shepherds are large dogs that have specific nutritional needs. Make sure that the food you opt for offers these dietary supplements. You can also consult a vet for the best results.
- Shelf Life. Make sure that the brand you opt for has a decent shelf life. Otherwise, your food might expire early, and you will be left buying it over and over again. It should, however, be kept in mind that too much of a shelf life could indicate the presence of preservatives that are not considered healthy.
- Cost. Since food is a lifelong commitment, make sure that the product is cost-effective and easy on your pocket. Most premium brands will have cheaper counterparts that you can opt for.
Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes For German Shepherds: The Best 11 Benefits
Best homemade dog food recipes for German shepherds If youre looking for a way to give your German shepherd a bit of variety in the diet, then its time you invest in some dog food recipes that are homemade.
There are a lot of recipes on the internet that are great for dogs. They can be simple plans, easy to make, and often cost-effective.
This article features some of the top homemade dog food recipes for German shepherds, where you will learn how to make the best homemade dog foods from natural sources and include their favorite ingredients too. Before you know it, youll have your easy-to-follow recipe for a pet-friendly dinnertime meal.
Also Check: Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Chicken
How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Puppy Was Purebred
The only way to determine if your puppy is truly purebred is through DNA testing.The ideal ratio for purebred puppies is 10:8.5.
Their heads are generous, firm, but not too harsh. They must also have a distinct male or female appearance, depending on which sex they are.The wrist of the dog, also known as the shoulder tip, is higher than the flat back.
Final Verdict
A German Shepherd is more likely to develop a particular illness, but proper nutrition can help.It is important to do it correctly.
Because German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs require different nutrition, we recommend that you choose dry croquet from each list.
Royal Canine Dry Dog Food is a great alternative to the food youre currently feeding your dog. It has a 100% nutritional component and a delicious flavor.My little Drockler actually loves it the best.It varies depending on the dogs habits.
You can give your dog whatever you like.You will notice a change in your dogs behavior once you have found the best german shepherd puppy food.
Your German Shepherd will be happy and healthy.All credit will go to you for all the dietary choices you make.
Personality Traits Of German Shepherds
There is perhaps no other dog breed in the world that is as instantly recognizable as the German Shepherd. These dogs have a long history of being widely used in the police force, the army, search and rescue teams, and as guard dogs, guide dogs, and family companions. Renowned for their intelligence, obedience, and confident demeanor, German Shepherds are loyal, affectionate, and protective toward their family and friends.
They can, however, come across as intimidating toward strangers,or those they perceive as potential threats. In general, they will not hesitate to turn aggressive if they think that they or their family are being attacked. Given their large size, this can take an unfortunate turn if the dog is not properly trained and socialized. If you own a German Shepherd, you need to take the time to train and socialize your pet from an early age so that they are able to remain calm and controllable in different kinds of situations.
Read Also: How To Keep Your German Shepherd Busy