Best Dry Food For German Shepherd Puppy

Ingredients To Look For In A Healthy Dog Food For German Shepherds

When picking out the best dog food for German Shepherds, look for these ingredients on the ingredients panel:

• Unprocessed protein sources like deboned chicken, beef, or fish
• Fish oil and flaxseed oil for omega fatty acids
• Grain-free or whole grain
• Blueberries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and beets for antioxidants
• Easily digestible carbohydrates like barley, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes

You should also read the guaranteed analysis panel for a crude protein content of 30% or higher, a crude fiber content of 6% or higher, a crude fat content of 20% or higher, and amino acids like arginine, leucine, and carnitine.

Check Out This Dog Food Finder!

Purina One Smartblend Natural Puppy Dog Food

Purina ONE Large Breed Puppy Food, SmartBlend Natural Puppy Food Formula 31.1 lb. Bag

Crafted with love and care, Purina ONE SmartBlend is an epic meal for your dog. The yummy chicken flavor satisfies your poochs taste buds, and the nutrient-rich formula will keep you happy, too. Purina believes that your canine deserves only the best. So, they give you dry dog food for large breed puppies that is free from preservatives. There are no artificial colors, fillers, or flavors.Purina simply does not do meal fillers.

Vets across the globe recommend Purina, and they are so sure of their high-quality that Purina offers you to take the 28-day Challenge. If you dont see a visible improvement in your dogs coat, skin, energy levels, and well-being, they are satisfied to give you your money back.

Whats The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Sensitive Stomachs

Finding the right food to suit your dogs sensitive stomach can become confusing.

The best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs contains highly digestible ingredients and is low in fat. Highly digestible ingredients are easier for German Shepherds to digest and provide more nutrients. The food should avoid the most common known allergens, such as dairy and beef. The right levels of proteins, fats, and fiber will help ensure your German Shepherd gets the nutrition they need while dealing with her stomach issues.

Supplementing with probiotics shows promise for managing digestion problems in German Shepherds and a daily regimen is advised.

The only problem?

Finding the exact dog foods that meet these requirements in an aisle full of fancy packaging and flashy marketing. Here are the top picks laid out for you, along with even more delicious options for your dogs dinner and a sensitive stomach guide for keeping your dog healthy and active.

Read Also: What’s Good Food For Dogs

Hills Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food

Rating:

Large Breed Chicken Meal is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: Growth
• Best for:German Shepherd Puppies

This classic Science Diet formula gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 53% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.

A fully-balanced, large-breed puppy diet. Contains just the right amount of calcium for controlled skeletal growth to help lower the risk of canine hip dysplasia in shepherd puppies. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewAfter doing research, I found that many large boned puppy foods had much more calcium than recommended by the Veterinary Council. Science Diet is much stricter about the ingredients. I switched and feel much better about my German Shepherds food! My dog loves it!

Holistic Select For Large & Giant Breed Puppies

Top ingredients: Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, OatmealType: Dry

Each kibble is jam-packed with digestive enzymes, active probiotics, and healthy fiber which will keep your pups digestive health at its finest.

The kibble is also of a larger variety, made for large breed pups. An American product with quality ingredients sourced from all over the world.

You May Like: Fresh Pet Dog Food Recall

Taste Of The Wild Wetlands Grain

Best For Picky Eaters

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Duck, 2. Duck Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content : 3,750 kcal

Give your big-breed German Shepherd a wholesome diet that combines the goodness of grain-free and a variety of other nutritional ingredients.

The tempting flavors not only serve as a savory option for your big pooch, but the balanced nutrients ensure healthy overall development and a great level of activity. The recipe is free from by-products and fillers and features just the right amount of nutrition perfect for your German Shepherd dog.

Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%

Can I Feed Treats To My German Shepherd Puppy

Yes, treats are acceptable, provided they are healthy, rich in protein and nutrients, with no added sugar or preservatives. Many store-bought snacks for dogs, including puppies, are not as natural or high-quality as claimed. Naturally dried meats with low sodium, or dehydrated vegetables and meats, are the best choice to avoid any additives commonly found in treats.

If youre training your puppy, treats are a great reward. Treats should be given in small portions, and only on a limited to occasional, until your dog reaches six months. You can gradually increase treats from six to twelve months, provided they are consistently small in portion.

Its essential to ensure that these tasty rewards dont interfere with your puppys natural eating habits, as this can cause overeating or skipping meals if excessive treats are consumed.

Don’t Miss: Best Dog Food For Yeast Ear Infections

Best Food For Senior German Shepherd With Sensitive Stomach

Owning a senior German Shepherd comes with its own set of particular problems. This is especially true when dealing with an aging dog that also frequently has food sensitivities.

Dont fret over what to offer your senior to calm their stomachs and instead turn to a top-name brand with Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Dry Dog Food. Using only specially selected gentle ingredients Hills veterinary team has crafted a highly digestible formula for your senior companion.

With whole grain oats and tasty pumpkin, the small-bite kibble is packed with nutrients that support digestive health and are easier to eat for those with dental issues.

But, wait

Hills Science Diet Perfect Digestion even improves your senior dogs stools in as little as 7 days!

This means more regular, healthy stools for your German Shepherd and less clean-up for you.

Hills Science Diet Puppy Dog Food

Provide your German Shepherd puppy with the proper nutrition they need for a healthy lifestyle by feeding them the Hills Science Dry Dog food.

This dry food is formulated with wholesome ingredients like chicken meal and oats to meet the nutritional needs of your growing puppy.

This formula is manufactured in the United States following the industry standards and each ingredient meets the nutrient content and purity requirements.

The Hills Science Diet Puppy food is the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy who will be more than 55 pounds when they are an adult and is less than 1 year old.

Hills conduct quality system audits annually in their manufacturing facilities to ensure that the ingredients used in this formula are high in quality and standards.

The company also conducts safety checks to ensure that the food is safe for your German Shepherd puppy.

The Hills Science Dry food has a rich aroma and different textures to ensure that mealtimes are irresistible for your puppy. It also features controlled calcium levels, chondroitin, Glucosamine, antioxidants, and a blend of Vitamin C and E.

Pros

• Supports the optimal growth of your puppys bones.
• Supports healthy joints and strong muscles.
• Helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Foul smell in some batches.

Read Also: How Much Canned Food Should I Feed My Dog

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry food has delicious chicken as its first ingredient to help fuel your German Shepherd puppys active life. It also features other natural ingredients such as superfood veggies and fruits.

The real meat that your puppy loves is a healthy protein and has an irresistible taste. The blueberries in this formula are a natural source of vitamin C as well as fiber and healthy carbs.

The carrots are rich in vitamin K, beta-carotene, and fiber to provide essential nutrients and naturally good flavor in your puppys food.

Finally, the cranberries are tasty and high in healthy compounds that improve the urinary tract of your German Shepherd puppy.

This dry food also features taurine, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids, phosphorus, calcium, chondroitin, glucosamine, antioxidants, and chelated minerals to support the overall wellbeing of your growing German Shepherd puppy.

Pros

• Supports healthy development of strong muscles.
• Help to support renal health and cognitive development.
• Supports a healthy immune system.
• Meets all the life stage requirements for your puppy.
• Promotes a naturally lustrous coat and healthy skin.
• Promotes strong, healthy teeth and bones.

Cons

• Can cause loose stool in some puppies.

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.

Don’t Miss: Where Can I Buy Taste Of The Wild Dog Food

What Kind Of Foods Can German Shepherds Be Sensitive To

This is my German Shepherd, luckily she can eat most foods except high-fat meals.

Much like you, food sensitivities in GSDs are based on the individual dog. While one dog can eat a certain food without any issues, another dog may have an upset belly when they try even one kibble of the same food.

Foods that German Shepherds may be sensitive to include:

• Dairy derivatives
• Some carbohydrates found in vegetables

Allergies and food intolerances can often affect a dogs digestive system and overall health. Making a good dietary choice for your dog is one way to avoid digestive upset and support excellent physical well-being.

To understand more about which foods your German Shepherd is sensitive to you can use this inexpensive, at-home intolerance test. This is an easy kit that you can give your dog from your own home without visiting a vets office and it doesnt hurt them .

All you need to do is send off a small bit of their fur for the test results.

The 8 Best Dog Food For German Shepherds Reviewed

Before we dive in, I want to tell you that all the dog food I included in this list meets the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs.

Also, we always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your German Shepherds diet.

• 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
• Nutrient Content: 23% Protein, 13% Fat, 3.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
• Best for: Adult German Shepherds

On the top of our list of the best dog food for German Shepherds comes Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult dry dog food. Featuring real cage-free chicken as their first ingredient, your German Shepherd will get the high quality he or she needs to develop lean and strong muscles and also get the energy to stay active.

This formula is specially formulated to meet the needs of large breed dogs, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin which are necessary to support your German Shepherds healthy joints, along with omega fatty acids that will help him or her develop and maintain healthy skin and thick coat.

Blueberries and oranges are among the fruits that are added to provide your furry friend with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a complete and balanced diet.

This formula also contains probiotics and prebiotics that are vital to support the digestive systems health. Plus, it contains natural antioxidants that support the immune system and overall wellness.

You May Like: Amount Of Food For Puppy

Things To Look For In A Dry Dog Food For German Shepherds

Although German Shepherds can live on almost any kibble, their large and agile bodies thrive on high protein formulas. These allow them to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

Generally, you should avoid any brand that doesnt have an animal source of protein listed at the top of its ingredients list.

The needs of every GSD will be different but, generally, this is the nutritional content you should look for in dry dog food:

Additionally, you should look for a brand that doesnt have any filler carbohydrates. Deciding on whether or not you should feed your German Shepherd a grain-free diet is up to you. Generally, dry dog food containing digestible carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains is sufficient.

When youre looking for a kibble brand for your GSD, take the time to look at the additional ingredients. Some variants contain supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your dogs skin and coat. Others have probiotics for a healthy gut while several contain glucosamine for optimum joint health.

Of course, your German Shepherds specific health conditions will affect the type of food they need as well. If they have food allergies, make sure you scrutinize the label to keep your dog safe.

If theyre not hitting their weight milestones, they might need to consume high-calorie kibble to gain weight. If your dog has a health condition that might require a special diet, its always best to get dry dog food recommendations from your vet.

Diamond Naturals For Large Breed Puppy

Top ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Brown RiceType: Dry

Nutrient-rich with easily digestible protein for your little pups developing digestive system. Comes with natural DHA for healthy brain development and eyesight.

There are no wheat or filler additives, making this a great large breed puppy food.

Also Check: Golden Retriever Puppy Food Chart

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.

Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Adult Dog Food

Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown RiceType: Dry

A kibble formulated for GSDs watching their waistlines.

It promotes healthy weight loss while still supporting your dogs nutritional needs. Made with non-GMO ingredients and rich in naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin.

One great thing about this is that it comes in lamb as well, so if the chicken is one of the allergens making your dog itch, you can give that a try!

Recommended Reading: Pure Balance Wild And Free Salmon And Pea Dog Food

Best Dry Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies

Dry dog food is one of the easiest options for any dog owner. It is typically very widely available and there are excellent options available these days that can promote your German Shepherd puppys health.

One of the biggest draws to dry dog food is convenience. High-quality dog food will meet all of the requirements your puppy needs, meaning all you need to do is follow the serving suggestions based on their current weight.

Always check dry food to see what the first ingredient is. This will always be a source of whole protein in high-quality kibble.

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Large Breed Chicken Canned Food

Best Wet Meal

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Carrots, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
• Caloric content : 493 kcal

German Shepherds can become really fussy at times. But thats what we Blue Buffalos Chicken Dinner Canned Food for. This protein-packed pate food is filled with tender pieces of chicken and tasty veggies that can make any dog drool. The formula is made for muscle nourishment and fuels your dogs body so they can stay energetic throughout the day.

Another common issue that German Shepherds suffer from are joint problems. For that, the recipe is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin so they can remain active well into their senior years. You also dont have to worry about allergies or digestive upsets as the recipe is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, wheat, corn, and soy.

Analysis: Protein min. 10% | Fat min. 1.5%, | Fiber max. 7.5% | Moisture max. 78%

Also Check: Which Dog Food Is Better Pedigree Or Purina

What Should I Feed My 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy should be weaned from his mothers milk and be consuming puppy food. Offer food to him 3 times a day, but do not leave it out after feeding times in order to get him on a solid schedule for meals. You can offer up to 2 cups a day, but dont be surprised if he cannot eat it all.

German Shepherds Specific Dietary Requirements

Like all dog breeds, German Shepherds need high-quality protein sourced from real meat, along with healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain their thick coats.

But, considering the fact that they are working dogs, they have specific dietary needs that you should aim to fill, and here are what we recommend to aim for when selecting dog food for your German Shepherd.

P.S: All the dog food in our list of best dog food for German Shepherds meet at least the minimum nutritional requirements for German Shepherds. We took into account all these portions so rest assured that all the food included in this list can be given to your furry friend without worrying if they meet or not the minimum nutritional requirements for German Shepherds.

Protein

As large breed dogs, German Shepherds need a dog food that is high in protein, to be more specific 18% for adults and 22% for puppies. This protein helps the dog develop strong and lean muscles while at the same time it provides him with the energy to stay active all day long.

But one thing to look out for, and one of the most common mistakes I see many people make when feeding their German Shepherd puppies, is for how long to feed your puppy puppy-specific dog food.

Fats

Fats are the main source of energy for German shepherds, they provide your canine with the fuel to grow, thrive, and stay active all day long. For instance, adult German Shepherds need 5% fat in their food content while puppies need about 8%.

Carbohydrates

You May Like: Best Puppy Food For Bullies