Top Dog Food Brands For German Shepherds

Now Let’s Break Down The Recipe For My Easy Homemade Dog Food Shall We

The recipe box below contains a printable version of my go-to recipe for homemade dog food, which consist of lean ground sirloin, brown rice, carrots, hard boiled eggs, parsley, and a few tablespoons of oil that is high in Omega’s. But sometimes, especially since social distancing, I’ve found that it is helpful to have a list of easy substitutes for when ingredients run low. Plug in or swap out any of the items below based on what foods your pup likes/needs and what you have on hand to create your pup’s ideal dog food flavor profile.

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:German shepherd puppy or adult

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..

Specifically Designed For Adult German Shepherds: Royal Canin

• Lots of fiber and easily digestible proteins
• Vitamins and nutrients to support a healthy coat
• Includes DHA and EPA for joints and bone health

Cons:

• A 30 lb bag costs over $75

Royal Canin designed this particular food for the German Shepherd breed, particularly those over fifteen months of age. This food is perfect for German Shepherds who have shown signs of digestive issues, such as bloating or recurring upset stomachs. The Royal Canin for German Shepherds is even formulated to promote skin and coat health! The only real downside to the Royal Canin choice is the price a 30 lb bag is between $75 and $80 , depending upon if you order it and have it shipped . However, this food is not only designed specifically for German Shepherds, it addresses some specific nutritional needs of the breed. If your dog is prone to health issues, then spending the extra dough for this special formula food may be well worth it!

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Grain

Best For Allergies

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Duck, 2. Duck Meal, 3. Oat Groats, 4. Whole Sorghum, 5. Duck Liver

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content : 3,592 kcal

Truly inspired by the natural diet of wolves, this recipe by Blue Buffalo Wilderness features grain-free ingredients and other protein-rich sources to balance the nutrition of large-breed dogs. Feed your German Shepherd dog a bowl filled with wholesome goodness and nourishment loaded with antioxidant-enriched ingredients for ultimate development and maintenance.

Analysis: Protein min. 34% | Fat min. 15%, | Fiber max. 6% | Moisture max. 10%

What To Look For In A High

Before discussing the specific characteristics that are desirable in a German shepherd food, it is important to outline some of the ingredients and traits that characterize all high-quality dog foods and are desirable when selecting a food for any breed.

Select dog foods made in the USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as dog food made in these countries are usually subject to stricter dog food safety protocols than those made in other places. By purchasing foods from these western countries, youre less likely to see it show up on a recall list or make your dog ill.

Look for a high-quality protein as the first listed ingredient. A few high-quality dog foods list a carbohydrate as the first ingredient, but most of the best dog foods for German shepherds feature a whole-protein source first.

Its always a good idea to avoid dog food with unnecessary and potentially harmful additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, but it is especially important to avoid feeding such foods to breeds prone to food allergies and intolerances, such as German shepherds.

Meat-meals are not necessarily poor ingredients, despite the claims of some. Many of the products used to make meat-meals provide great nutrition for your dog even if some of them seem gross to humans. However, it is important to avoid dog foods that do not indicate the species from which the meal was obtained.

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American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

If you are searching for a dry dog food for your German Shepherd that isnt super expensive, then American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is a great choice for you.

It is on the lower end of the price spectrum however, it is still a good dry dog food from a reputable brand that is manufactured in Kansas, USA.

This mix comes in a 4lb, 12lb or 24lb bag, offering the option to choose a smaller bag to begin with to see if your furry friend likes it and then move on to a bigger bag later on.

A 4-pound bag holds about 17 cups, a 12-pound bag holds about 52 cups and a 24-pound bag holds about 104 cups that should last for a while! It can have a strange smell though, which can be off-putting to humans and dogs alike, and can be a little hard for senior dogs to digest sometimes.

This Salmon & Sweet Potato blend offers protein and amino acids through real, deboned salmon, ensuring leaner muscles while still tasting great.

The addition of both chickpeas and sweet potato allow for slow-release energy, which means your best friend will have endless energy all day long.

This recipe also includes heaps of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, blueberries and dried kelp for fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as offering immune support and lots of vitamins and minerals.

Pros

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.

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Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food

Best Premium Option

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Chicken flavor, 5. Fish Meal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Caloric content : 3,771 kcal

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.

Analysis: Protein min. 22% | Fat min. 17%, | Fiber max. 5.5% | Moisture max. 10%

At A Glance: Our Top 7 Picks

It may not seem like it, but as a dog owner, overseeing your German Shepherd puppys diet is a huge responsibility, and figuring out what the best food options are can be quite challenging.

In this article, well run you through the best wet and dry dog foods you can give your furry little friend.

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Are Eggs Good For German Shepherds

Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd’s diet, including vitamins A, D, and E.

They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog’s coat and skin health.

What Foods Are German Shepherds Allergic To

German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you’re not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies.

If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food.

Consult with your veterinarian if you’re not sure what’s causing the reaction. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies.

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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!

Ollie Fresh Dog Food Best Overall

Our favorite dog food for German Shepherds is Ollie Dog Food. Having an eager, active breed like the German Shepherd means finding an adequate diet that supports and satisfies their busy lifestyle. Ollies recipes do just that. Each fresh and baked recipe uses whole, locally sourced ingredients and lists hardy, real meat proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb, as the first. Whichever meal you decide on, you can be sure that your dog is getting the essential nutrients they need to grow up strong and stay in tip-top shape.

With Ollie, you customize your dogs meal plans according to their weight, age, and dietary needs. You can also choose how frequent shipments are sent so you never run out of food.

Although some dog owners may be reluctant to sign up for a subscription, we highly recommend it for the convenience and knowing were feeding our dogs top-of-the-line dog food.

Several customers report that the food gave their dogs bloat and gas, likely due to the inclusion of grains in the recipe. Some also said the food gave their dogs loose stools, again likely due to the grains, which are an unnecessary addition. This keeps Iams from the top position.

While this food is ideal for German Shepherds, it is comparatively expensive food. The kibble also has a high-fat content, around 17%, so be sure to not overfeed this food to your Shepherd.

• Kibble is too small for large breeds

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Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canins German Shepherd Puppy dry dog food is engineered to meet the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherd puppies from two to fifteen months old. The special formula helps maintain bone & joint health with additions like glucosamine and chondroitin to support your German Shepherds large, growing body. Its a great choice to ensure you have a happy, healthy dog!

• Exclusive, specially designed kibbles specifically for a German Shepherds long, strong muzzle encourage healthy chewing
• The recipe helps protect a puppys developing immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
• Aids gastrointestinal health with highly digestible proteins and fibers, which also promotes optimal stool quality

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Buyer’s Guide: How To Select The Best German Shepherd Dog Food

What to Look for in German Shepherd Dog Food

Every dog food manufacturer claims to be the finest choice for your pet. If you know what to look for, you can look past marketing ploys and focus on the most critical factors when selecting the dog food that’s best for your German Shepherd.

Protein

Make sure to choose foods with a high amount of protein from fish, meat, or poultry. Puppies require at least 22 percent protein in their meals, while adults can reduce the quantity to 18 percent.

While protein is necessary for your dog, be skeptical of “high protein” dog food items. Protein is high in calories and might lead your dog to gain weight quickly. As you are undoubtedly aware, gaining too much excess weight might lead to health issues for your dog in the future.

Essential Fatty Acids

Choose a dog food with fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3. These all help to a healthy coat and skin.

Fiber

Look for fiber-rich goods made from natural, readily digested carbs like vegetables and whole grains.

AAFCO Standards

The AAFCO acronym stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. While this group lacks the capacity to regulate or approve dog food, it does establish the standard for pet food quality.

Why Choose Grain-Free or Not?

In actuality, grains, particularly whole grains, may be highly beneficial to your dog’s diet. They supply your dog with essential nutrients as well as fiber and energy.

How Much Food Should I Feed My German Shepherd?

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What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

One of the most important things you need to remember for German Shepherd puppies is that they need to be protected from growing too fast. A dog that weighs 90 pounds or more at maturity will take somewhere between 18 and 24 months to reach its adult size and, during that time, growth needs to be controlled because if the puppy grows too fast it will put excess strain on the bones and joints, predisposing the dog to musculoskeletal issues as an adult. The simplest way to prevent this from happening is to start your German Shepherd with a large-breed puppy formula. Below you will find reviews for several high-quality dog food formulas that could be a good choice to consider for your German Shepherd puppy:

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic MackerelKey Features :

Healthy Ingredients : Lamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet PulpKey Features :

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Canine Grain

If you want your puppy delighted with its meal and for him to grow into a big boy, then Taste Of The Wild High Prairie is the healthiest pick of the day. Its a superior quality formula that is suitable for German Shepherd with delicate tummies.

The blend contains no grain, so there is no question of gluten-related problems. There are no fillers in the meal. And, it has only 100% natural ingredients to guarantee the absolute healthful development of your puppy. Even the smaller-sized kibble is to make chewing and digestion easier for your little fluff ball.

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Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Purina Pro Plan focuses on advanced nutrition. That is why this formula can support healthy aging. Adult Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food without Corn, Wheat, or Soy contains prebiotic fiber to ensure healthy digestion even for sensitive stomach Dogs.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dog Food comes in 4 flavors. Lamb, Lamb & Oat Meal, Salmon , and Salmon & Rice .

Salmon is the first and primary protein source in dog food. The salmon fish contains nutrients that will help to protect the dog from several diseases and helps to maintain muscle mass, and promote the dogs overall growth and development.

Salmon is also a good source of taking essential fatty acids , EPA, and DHA. This will assist in protecting your dog from cancer and keep the skin and coat healthy.

Fish Meal is another beneficial ingredient in the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Rice Formula. This ingredient is included cooked fresh fish powder. The fish meal in this formula provides your dog with some protein and Glucosamine to keep your German shepherds bones and joints strong and healthy.

The canola meal is also another vital ingredient of that formula that helps to develop healthy skin and coat. Additionally, it contains essential vitamins and minerals for a powerful immune system and building amino acids.

Brewers Rice is also a good source of carbohydrates for a canine. Brewers rice is used in this recipe because of its high digestibility and makes this meal safe for sensitive stomach dogs.