What Food Is Best For German Shepherd

The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

The best diet for your German Shepherd is one thats rich in high-quality animal protein with plenty of healthy fats and the optimal balance of essential nutrients. To help you choose the best dog food for your faithful companion, weve compiled a list of our top picks for puppies and adult dogs.

Like other Blue Buffalo recipes, this formula for large-breed puppies puts high-quality animal protein first. It also includes LifeSource Bits to provide a rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for balanced nutrition.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large-Breed Puppy Recipe

A great option for puppies, this dry dog food is packed with deboned chicken, healthy grains, and antioxidant-rich ingredients.

Featuring farm-raised chicken, whole-grain brown rice, and sweet potatoes, this formula is designed to support your German Shepherds health and wellness.

Nutro Natural Choice Large-Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

For large breeds like German Shepherds, this recipe boasts ingredients like real chicken and brown rice to help support a dogs whole health.

Ingredients To Look For

The number one ingredient to look for is a healthy source of protein. The very first ingredient on the bag should be a source of proteinand one that your dog is not going to be allergic to.

Chicken, beef, and fish are all great choices for dog food, but there are dogs in the German Shepherd breed that are allergic to one of these three sources of protein, so always make sure to read the bag.

Additionally, there should be a healthy source of fat. Fish is another good option, but vegetable oils are primarily used as a healthy fat for dogs. In order to keep his energy up, you will want to look for carbohydrates like barley and rice. In short, you want the dog food to be dominated by real food with names that you know and recognize. Anything that contains by-products should go back on the shelf.

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

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

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Instinct Raw Boost Real Chicken Puppy Dog Food

This Instinct Raw Boost Dry Food offers nutrition specifically tailored for German Shepherd puppies. This dry food formula provides a better way to combine high-protein, grain-free kibble, and freeze-dried raw pieces in one bag.

Each recipe has real meat as the first ingredient such as USA-raised beef, cage-free chicken, or grass-fed lamb.

This dry food is specifically formulated to allow large breed puppies such as German Shepherds to unlock their potential to grow bigger and stronger by adding the benefits of raw nutrition in their bowls.

This Instinct Raw Boost recipe is packed with proteins that provide a boost of natural probiotics, more antioxidants, and higher omegas.

The all-natural, minimally processed, protein-packed kibbles of real meat and non-GMO vegetables and fruits make this dry food pure and natural to support your puppys overall health.

This formula is manufactured in the USA using the best ingredients sourced from all over the world. This dry food is also free from potato, grains, soy, wheat, corn, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Pros

• Promotes a healthy immune system.
• Supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Cons

• Mashed chunks in some batches.

Superfoods For German Shepherds

Always look for foods that start with whole, natural, ingredients. Superfoods like the ones listed below are fantastic choices because they are packed with nutritional benefits:

• Flaxseed is a wonderful source of fat and fiber for a German Shepherd. Flaxseeds and flax oil are rich in those Omega-3 fatty acids that keep your dog shiny and beautiful. Flax also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes for healthy joints and prevents arthritis.
• Pre and Probiotics foster the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs gut wall. Prebiotic balanced fiber is a fantastic ingredient to feed a GSD as it stimulates digestive bacteria activity and can improve regularity and quality of stool.
• Plant-based carbs complex carbs digest more slowly and provide long-lasting energy and to the body. They come from legumes and vegetables and are an excellent fuel source for this energetic breed.

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Can German Shepherds Eat Regular Dog Food

Yes, GSDs can eat a wide range of foods that are generic in nature.

However, because of their large size and their activity levels, they might require a special diet. For instance, they need 18%-22% protein in their meals, with their caloric levels ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 calories per day. This also depends on your dogs activity levels and overall health.

The Best Food For German Shepherd Dog

Now that you have a better understanding of a German Shepherds dietary requirements, shopping for dog food will be a breeze. However, if youre looking for a hint on what brand might meet all the criteria youve learned

Both delicious and nutritious, Lucy Pet Formulas For Life is an excellent option for a growing GSD. With a diverse nutritional profile comprised of only the best ingredients and a recipe precisely formulated for gut health, Lucy Pet dog food checks all the boxes in a German Shepherds diet.

Point is: if youre looking for the right type of dog food, look no further.

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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.

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:

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German Shepherd Dog Food Recipes

German shepherd dogs are large and strong, so they need particular care when it comes to their diet. How you feed them will affect their health and how they look, as well as their behavior.

Having a healthy puppy is important so that he can live long and prosper in your home. German shepherd dog food recipes can help you keep your pet healthy and happy.

Cooking for a large dog means that you will have to have some ingredients on hand. You will also need to estimate the nutritional value, as well as the costs of preparation.

Raw Dog Food Or Cooked

Raw or cooked? Many owners will give their dogs a raw food diet, claiming that raw meat and vegetables are what a dog would be eating if they lived in the wild. However, dogs that live in the wild rarely live to be older than four or five years and domesticated dogs are different enough from wolves and wild dogs that feeding them the exact same diet does not always make sense.

In some instances, a raw food diet is a great choice for a German Shepherd, but do not immediately assume that it is the only choice for your dog. As long as the food is properly cooked, dry food and even homemade dog food can be great for your dog. I mix it up, sometimes raw food, sometimes cooked, but often just dry food.

If you end up giving your dog only dry food make sure they drink enough and provide some kind of running water bowl or system. Be careful they don’t develop bladder stones or kidney stones. Some brands like Royal Canin also have special food for dogs with urinary problems.

The average shepherd should eat between three and five cups of dog food every day.

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How Often Should You Feed Your German Shepherd

Puppies are often fed 4 times a day when they are 4 weeks old. When they reach 4 months of age, you can drop 1 2 meals so youll be feeding them only 2 3 meals a day.

Some wait till their GSDs are 9 months to a year old before making that switch because its better to keep them too long on puppy formula than to switch too soon.

What Works For You

I have fed most of my dogs Royal Canine and will do a write-up of that brand soon. There are also a lot of smaller brands with extraordinary claims and often a cult following. What food you find will also depend on where you live and what you can afford.

Finding the best dog food for German Shepherds, or more precisely the right food for yours isnt always easy. The right choice and following the right feeding schedule can keep your dog healthy and happy from birth to old age. We hope weve helped a little in your search for the best dog food for your shepherd. The question is more about personal preference, time and budget when you keep in mind basic nutritional tips , allergies and age.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

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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 :

High Energy That Rivals Other Dog Breeds

Both parents are energetic dogs, which gives you an active mix thatll keep up with your workout routine. While this sounds like a great thing, it could have its downsides, too.

Because hes a direct descendant of the Huskyan active working dogyour Shepsky will need around 12 hours each day to expel his naturally occurring energy.

Without proper stimulation, the dog may resort to destroying stuff around the house, like furniture, shoes, etc.

Luckily, the hyperactivity of Shepskies should go down significantly as they grow older. Theyll still have their crazy moments as adults, though, but not as often!

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Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Food

Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry

Fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and Glucosamine, this formula will ensure that your puppy grows steadily and healthily.

The large kibble encourages proper chewing, which can minimize risk of bloat. The downside is that it can get slightly pricey.

What Dog Food Brands Are Affordable But Healthy

When shopping on a budget, steer clear of cheap, low-quality dog foods. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal, these foods are made with the cheapest ingredients available in the pet food industry and are not healthy for dogs. Instead, look for an affordable high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Of course, if your dog is on a prescription diet for health reasons, you will have to pay more for that food. Following are three top-rated foods manufactured by experienced pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff.

• real chicken is the first ingredient
• four antioxidant sources promote your dogs immune system
• doesnt use artificial flavors or preservatives

• chicken is the first ingredient
• includes glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain bone and joint health
• contains L-carnitine to help support a healthy metabolism

• contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint and bone health
• contains omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health
• doesnt contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or added sugar

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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.

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Do German Shepherds Need Vitamins

One question that dog owners often ask is whether their dog needs vitamins. The answer depends on many factors, including the dogs breed, diet, and overall health.

For example, German Shepherds are a large breed of dog that requires a lot of exercise, and as a result, they tend to need more calories than other dog breeds.

This means that dog food formulated for German Shepherds often contains more vitamins and minerals than food designed for smaller dog breeds.

However, even German Shepherds may not need supplements if they are eating a balanced diet. In general, vitamins are only necessary if a dog is not getting enough of certain nutrients from their food.

For example, some dog foods are fortified with vitamin C to help support the immune system. Most dogs get enough vitamin C from their diet and dont need supplements.

There are a few situations where your German Shepherd might benefit from vitamins or supplements. For example, if your dog is pregnant or nursing, it may need extra nutrients.

Elderly dogs may also benefit from supplements, as they may not absorb nutrients as well as they did when they were younger.

If your dog has a health condition that affects their ability to absorb nutrients, such as allergies or diabetes, they may also need supplements.

Finally, some German Shepherds may be more active than others and require more calories and nutrients to maintain their weight.

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Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula

Top 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product

The Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula is a wonderful choice for your German Shepherd who is no longer a puppy.

This mix is enhanced with superfoods and probiotics to assist with overall health and development, as well as antioxidants, omega fatty acids for your furry friends coat and skin and nurturing minerals.

It includes protein, such as beef and fish, as well as fruit and vegetables such as blueberries, peas, kale and coconut. There has been some indication that this food is not suited to super picky eaters, however this dry food is generally a good choice for German Shepherds.