What Food Is Good For German Shepherd Puppy

Human Foods German Shepherds Can Eat

Posted on Last updated:

Categories German Shepherds

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Learn more >

Most German Shepherd owners like to give their dogs human food now and again. But have you ever picked something up from the refrigerator or your plate to give to your dog, only to stop and wonder whether its safe, or even healthy, for him to eat? So, what foods can German Shepherds eat?

German Shepherds can eat a range of human foods such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, peas, pumpkins, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter.

Although most top-quality commercial dog food is optimized for dogs needs, adding human food is an excellent supplement to your German Shepherds diet. You may also want to feed a homemade diet. In this article, youll learn:

• Human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
• Feeding tips and advice.
• Human foods your German Shepherd cant eat.

Want to see the latest dog supplies that are popular right now? You can find them on Amazon. You can also click the button below.

Welcome to my complete guide on the human foods your German Shepherd can eat. Lets dive in!

Contents

Is Diamond Food Good For Dogs

Yes, Diamond Dog Food is good.

Diamond Dog Food uses whole and natural ingredients in their pet foods and offers formulas from puppy food to food for senior dogs, from small breeds to large breeds, and formulas for dogs with specific needs.

In short, Diamond Dog Food does a great job of ensuring it offers safe, nutritious, and affordable dog food.

What Is The Best Food For German Shepherds With Allergies

If your German Shepherd has allergies, it’s important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison.

These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies.

Also Check: German Shepherds For Sale Kansas City

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Wet Dog Food

If your puppy does not like chicken, you should go for the Blue Buffalo red meat dinner. This puppy food is chicken-free, grain-free, and packed with beef. It contains DHA amino acids that help in the cognitive development of your German Shepherd puppy. The food is natural and is made with high-quality ingredients.

This puppy food contains vitamins and minerals to promote growth. If you are looking for delicious treats for your puppy when training your puppy, this formula is a great recipe. The puppy food can be mixed with dry food or fed on its own. The grain-free puppy food has no artificial flavors or colors.

Pros

• Contains amino acids for cognitive development
• The food works well as a treat
• It has a rich beef taste

Cons

Best Foods For German Shepherd Dogs

Looking for the best food for your German Shepherd Dog? German Shepherds are large breed dogs known for their loyalty, confidence, and ability to be trained. Keep in mind that German Shepherd Dogs usually arent ready for an adult food until around 12 to 14 months. Here are the top-rated foods for German Shepherd Dogs based on owner reviews.

Don’t Miss: What Size Collar To Get For A German Shepherd Puppy

The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies

The German shepherd is a large breed dog, and large breed dogs need to get off to a healthy start in order to protect their growing joints. If they get too much calcium when they are young, large breed dogs’ bones can develop incorrectly, leading to permanent hip and joint issues.

Make sure to feed your German shepherd puppy a large breed puppy food to make sure they’re getting the correct amount of calcium. Also look for a formula that contains DHA, a fatty acid that contributes to healthy brain development.

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.

Also Check: Are German Shepherds More Aggressive Than Rottweilers

Homemade Dog Food Recipe Faq

How much homemade dog food should my dog eat?

This will definitely vary from dog to dog and I highly recommend speaking to your vet before going homemade. Generally speaking, for every 10 lbs your dog weighs is roughly 1/2 cup of prepared food.

Rascal weighs 75 lbs and we feed him about 3-3.5 cups of food per meal .

Is it cheaper to feed your dog homemade food?

Homemade dog food is more affordable than you might think. Its very relative to how large your dog is, but Ill break down the numbers for you The last dry kibble dog food Rascal was prescribed was over $90 a bag. A homemade batch costs us roughly

• 3 lbs ground turkey $10.49
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes $5.19
• 3 carrots $1.04

Eagle Pack Power Adult Dry Dog Food

Best For Active Dogs

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Pork Meal, 3. Ground Brown Rice, 4. Peas, 5. Chicken Fat

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content : 3,840 kcal

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 help your German Shepherd maintain a healthy weight but also help in developing stamina and muscle tone for sustained endurance. The flavor-dense formula ensures excellent nutrition for active adult dogs.

Analysis: Protein min. 30% | Fat min. 19%, | Fiber max. 4.5% | Moisture max. 10%

Recommended Reading: German Shepherd Puppies For Sale In Valdosta Ga

Nomnomnow Fresh Food Delivery

Overall Best German Shepherd Dog Food: The best way to keep your German Shepherd healthy for the long term is to feed him a balanced diet made from quality ingredients. Most pet experts agree that fresh food is one of the best options, and NomNomNow is the company to trust. This company makes fresh pet food perfectly portioned according to your dogs calorie requirements and sends it to your door in automatic monthly shipments. You simply provide some information about your dogs age and breed, then NomNomNow does the work. Every recipe is made with wholesome, natural ingredients and prepared in small batches to preserve the nutritional integrity of those raw ingredients. Choose from several recipes with different protein and fat ratios according to your dogs needs.

• Pros: Fresh food delivered to your door, made with wholesome natural ingredients, prepared in small batches, pre-portioned for your dogs needs, no artificial additives, complete and balanced
• Cons: Expensive compared to traditional kibble, not breed size-specific

What Is The Healthiest Diet For A German Shepherd

This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds.

You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Also Check: German Shepherd Chow Mix Puppies

Natural Balance Lid Large

If your German Shepherd suffers from food allergies, a limited-ingredient diet like this lamb meal and brown rice formula might be a good option. It contains only a single type of animal protein. And brown rice provides the grains and fiber, so its gluten-free!

Natural Balance L.I.D. Large-Breed Formula Dog Food

Great for German Shepherds with allergies or sensitive stomachs, this limited-ingredient recipe has lamb meal and brown rice, making it gluten-free.

This recipe comes in a larger kibble size for bigger teeth. It features premium ingredients like chicken, oatmeal, pumpkin, and cranberries. Its available in 15- and 30-pound bags.

Holistic Select Natural Large- and Giant-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

With a larger kibble size and premium chicken protein, this holistic recipe is a great choice for larger breeds like German Shepherds.

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!

Don’t Miss: How Many Pounds Does A German Shepherd Weight

What Is The Best Food For An Adult German Shepherd

The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important.

A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level.

Wellness Complete Health Puppy

The Complete Health Puppy dog food variant by Wellness uses deboned chicken and chicken meal as its main source of protein. It also contains salmon, which is not just a good source of protein but also various vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. These ingredients support your GSDs bone and muscle growth as well as their brain and eye development.

For carbohydrates and fiber, this kibble uses whole grains like oatmeal and barley. It is enriched with probiotics that dont just support a healthy gut but also a strong immune system.

Additionally, it has potent antioxidant properties, thanks to its use of fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and blueberries.

Also Check: Do German Shepherds Need A Big Yard

Diamond Premium Adult Complete Dry Dog Food

• Carefully Determined Levels Of Protein And Fat To Support An Ideal Body Condition For Active, Athletic Dogs And Your Working Or Show Dog
• A Premium Food With 26% Protein Balanced With 18% Fat, With Fiber To Support Digestive Health Supports Muscle Tissue, Stamina And Energy
• Antioxidants For The Immune System Omega Fatty Acids At Guaranteed Levels For Healthy Skin And Shiny Coat

The Ins And Outs Of Dog Food

Regardless of the breed youre buying for, finding the best dog food is personal. There’s some science that can guide you, but there are also a lot of ongoing debates in the pet food industry from which type of dog food is best to whether grain-free is better than whole-grain food. We’ll give you the facts so you can find the right food for your German shepherd.

Recommended Reading: How To Say German Shepherd In Spanish

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.

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food

Image courtesy Purina

Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious wet dog food. It’s made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit.

This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s also high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Read Also: German Shepherd Breeders In Louisiana

How To Transition Your German Shepherd To A Raw Diet

Raw feeding a German Shepherd for the first time takes time.

A transition to a new diet for your dog is a slow process. This allows for your GSDs digestive tract to adjust, preventing stomach issues. Below is a general schedule you can use for this dietary change.

Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old foodWeek 2: 50% new food and 50% old foodWeek 3: 25% new food and 75% old foodWeek 4: 100% new food

Only proceed to increment your dogs new food percentage per week if he seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor weight and health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, you should go back a week in the transition plan and proceed at a slower pace.

Never change your dogs food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Can German Shepherds Eat Bones

Do you remember the saying give a dog a bone? But can GermanShepherds eat bones?

German Shepherds can eat bones. They are a good source of nutrients, especially calcium and phosphorus. However, never feed a cooked bone as the cooking causes it to soften and splinter as your dog chews it and can cause injuries or choking. Choose a large raw bone larger than your dogs muzzle.

Beef or lamb bones are better than chicken or pork bones as they are stronger and wont easily splinter. Bones can also help to clean your dogs teeth and keep them strong. Always supervise your GSD when giving him a bone.

The best bone to give to your dog is one that matches their size, as dogs will try to swallow them. Bones should be larger than the length of the muzzle, making them impossible to swallow whole. For example, a large beef shank bone would be just the thing for my German Shepherd, and she certainly thinks so!

You May Like: Are German Shepherds Good Hunting Dogs

Best Overall German Shepherd Dog Food

Dr. Garys Best Breed dog formula for German Shepherds is our top pick for best all-around German Shepherd dog food.

This dog kibble provides an AAFCO balanced nutrition for your GSD, with chicken and menhaden fish as the first proteins.

Its been formulated to tackle most of the food-related and nutritional health risks associated with GSDs. Thats why theyve added a balanced ratio of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for a vibrant coat, quality fiber to help maintain gastrointestinal functions, and glucosamine to support joint and connective tissue.

Unlike most kibble for large dog breeds, this brands kibble is highly digestible, which helps avoid typical large dog-bred problems such as bloating.

Most GSD dog parents report only positive reviews about this dog food, including helping with loose stool, food allergies, coat health, sensitive tummies, and other benefits.

• Formulated specifically for German Shepherds
• New Zealand green-lipped sea mussels support joint health
• Essential vitamins support immune system health
• Meets all AAFCO nutritional requirements
• Quality fiber sources and digestible ingredients for nutrient absorption and healthy weight
• Natural antioxidants

German Shepherd Raw Food Risks

Generally, dogs can eat raw meat without getting poisoned or sick. Their bodies are built to process meat and bones fast.

Though there are potential upsides to BARF and some veterinarians recommend it, there are some disadvantages.

• Uncooked or feeding raw poses a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans.

• Feeding whole bones to dogs present a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.

• Cooking a nutritionally unbalanced raw food diet can jeopardize your dogs health.

To minimize these risks, you need to:

1. Thoroughly wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients.

2. Getting raw products from reputable grocery stores/butchers with high sanitary standards is recommended.

3. Feeding only raw bones that are small with a lot of joints or ground bones. NEVER feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are at greater risk of splintering when chewed. Avoid big bones.

You should feed raw under the guidance of a vet nutritionist. He or she can provide nutritional guidance and/or recommend a raw food delivery service for your GSD.

Don’t Miss: Best Bone For German Shepherd