How To Choose Puppy Food For German Shepherds: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the puppy food for german shepherds? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right puppy food for german shepherds? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying puppy food for german shepherds
When shopping for a puppy food for german shepherds, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
American Journey Senior Formula
For senior dog parents on a budget, American Journey offers a grain-free formula thats great for older dogs with sensitive stomachs. This formula includes Medium Chain Triglycerides derived from coconut oil, which are great for brain health and alertness.
This American Journey formula also includes an antioxidant blend that helps boost immune health in older dogs. The added Glucosamine and Chondroitin levels also help support aging joints and tendons. This formula is not only grain-free, but it its free of wheat, corn, soy, and all by-products and fillers.
We love that this American Journey formula has all the ingredients your senior needs. Its also available at a price point that wont empty your bank account.
Choosing The Best Dog Food For Your German Shepherds Can Prevent Illnesses
As a medium to large breed dog, Germans are predisposed to hip dysplasia.
Having the appropriate nutrients as a puppy can help prevent the joints from growing too quickly and malforming.
Obesity can exacerbate this problem, so you should try to keep your GSD at an optimum weight.
Bloat or stomach twists usually affect dogs with deep barrel chests. The German Shepherd falls in this category.
Certain kibble helps prevent this by making them into a doughnut shape as this will force dogs to slow down when they are eating.
There are also slow feeders that you can use but its advisable to feed Germans 2 3 small meals a day to prevent them from scarfing their meals just because they are hungry.
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What Kind Of Dog Food Should I Feed A German Shepherd With A Sensitive Stomach
There are 3 main types of foods for sensitivities in your GSD.
When feeling overwhelmed shopping for dog food, focus on the three main types of dog food that work best for German Shepherds who have sensitive stomachs:
1. Limited ingredient dog food: A limited ingredient dog food helps to troubleshoot any food sensitivities your dog might have. These formulas are widely available in different formats, such as dry dog food or canned. And many are also grain-free. Limited ingredient dog foods contain fewer ingredients than regular commercial dog food. Generally, the food has one source of protein so you can find a food that doesnt upset your German Shepherds stomach. They also are usually crated with low to moderate levels of fat, and some have added probiotics to aid digestion.
2. Hypoallergenic dog food: Hypoallergenic dog food for German Shepherds is made from proteins that have been broken down into simpler, more easily digestible amino acids. This makes the protein less likely to cause a bad reaction and make your dog sick. Look for labels that state they are hypoallergenic and avoid foods that have multiple sources of protein.
| Sensitive Dog Food Type |
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| Dogs with true food allergies only available with a veterinarians recommendation and prescription |
Choose one of these formulas for sensitivity in your GSD.
Drawbacks Of Feeding Your Dog Dry Dog Food
The disadvantages of feeding your German Shepherd dry dog food lies mainly in the fact that there are so many poorly formulated variants which can be detrimental to your dogs health.
If you dont scrutinize your options, you might end up with over-processed ingredients, filler carbohydrates, and questionable animal parts. These dont just make your dog more prone to malnutrition, but also digestive distress. Symptoms of which include frequent bloating, vomiting, flatulence, and poorly formed stools.
Wet food can also be better for your dog, depending on their health condition.
For example, if you have an obese GSD, they might lose weight sooner on wet food because theyll feel fuller with smaller quantities due to the high-water content.
Additionally, if you have a senior dog or one with dental problems, wet dog food might be more beneficial.
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How Much Food Should A German Shepherd Eat
The amount of food your German Shepherd needs will largely depend on your pets size, activity level, age, and overall health. The key is to ensure you dont overfeed or underfeed your dog. So, how much food should a German Shepherd eat?
An active adult German Shepherd weighing 70lbs needs 1740 calories a day, whereas an active, larger sized German Shepherd weighing 90lbs needs 2100 calories a day. In contrast, inactive GSDs of similar weights only need 1272 calories and 1540 calories, respectively.
You also need to assess your dogs activity level. German Shepherds who get minimal exercise may need 10% less than whats recommended on the food label, whereas an active dog that regularly exercises may need 20% to 40% more.
I have certainly noticed that if my German Shepherd has a lot of exercise in a day, she will eat more. I suppose thats a bit like you and me!
Working German Shepherds, such as police dogs, may need foods designed for working or performance dogs. These foods have a higher fat content to provide extra calories for their needs.
Additionally, you may need to make adjustments based on your dogs health or body condition. Serious illness, pregnancy, or nursing can also increase a dogs energy needs.
All commercial dog food will have recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging. I also found this helpful dog calorie calculator you can use.
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:
| Our 2022 Picks: Best Adult and Puppy Food for German Shepherds |
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Grain Free Or Not Grain Free
Some people think that grains arent good for dogs because they believe ancient wolves didnt eat anything but meat in the wild. Other people believe that its highly unlikely that wolves ate only meat because they had to scrounge for food at times and probably would have eaten whatever they could find.
If you are okay with a food that has grain, choose something with brown rice or some other whole grain as opposed to wheat, corn, or soy.
Ultimately, this one is up to you. Talk to your vet if you think your pet has GI issues because those dogs usually do a little better with grain-free food, but the best dog food for German shepherds is ultimately the one that is best for your pup.
What To Look For In German Shepherd Dog Food
As a muscular, large dog bred to work, German Shepherds have specific nutritional needs that vary at different life stages. And those needs can change if your dog is dealing with other health issues common to the breed. Heres a helpful guide to help you find the best dog food for your German Shepherd.
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What To Consider While Buying Best Food For German Shepherds
We have pinned down some important factors that you must look for before choosing best food for german shepherds. Your requirements may vary from your dogs weight and age, but no worries, we have covered them all for you. Make sure to get your German Shepherd checked with your vet and note down all ingredients which may not be suitable for consumption by your pet.
Calorie Requirements
As weve said before, German Shepherds are dog breeds that grow huge within 8 months. At their growing stage, they are vulnerable to bone-related issues. So at this time, we have to feed them a low-calorie diet that will lead to their slow growth process. Get a pack of high fiber dog food that is low in calories and feed them about 4 small meals throughout the day rather than 1 big meal.
Meat as 1st Ingredient
At their growing stage, it is crucial to keep the muscle and bone structure healthy. Your fur buddys food must contain at least 24% of protein and 8% of fat to help its physical development. Ensure including meat such as pork, beef, duck, chicken, fish, and lamb in their meals. High protein meat will build your dogs muscle structure by increasing its mass and making your pet look bulky.
Carbohydrates
Fatty Acids
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Puppy Large Breed is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:German shepherd puppy or adult
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A classic, field-tested formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios making this option ideal for German shepherd puppies.
Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer reviewMy puppy absolutely loves this food! She can never wait to get her next meal! Her coat is soft & shiny! Highly recommend this product!
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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!
Taste Of The Wild Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe
The Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe by Taste of the Wild is best for active dogs because it has some of the highest protein and calorie content amongst premium dry dog food brands.
Although its top protein sources are buffalo, pork, and chicken, this variant also contains roasted venison and bison, which imparts a unique flavor that German Shepherds love.
For fiber and carbohydrates, this dry dog food uses ancient grains. That includes quinoa, millet, sorghum, and chia seeds. For that reason, it is highly digestible and is naturally high in omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Additionally, it is rich in probiotics that support your GSDs gut and boost their immune system.
| Nutrition Facts Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe |
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| Top Ingredient |
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The Doggy Bag A Take Home Message
German Shepherds tend to live the longest, healthiest lives when they are kept in a leaner body condition, receive life-stage-appropriate balanced nutrition, plenty of exercise and routine veterinary care. This is why working with your veterinarian to find the best dog food for German Shepherds is so vital to your pets overall health and well-being.
Regardless of which dog food you choose for your furry family member, it is important to follow feeding instructions carefully, You should also consult with your veterinarian if you are ever concerned about your German Shepherds health or nutrition.
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products.Read more here and findfull disclosure here.
Do German Shepherd Puppies Need Special Nutrients
To keep up with the rapid growth of German Shepherd puppies, it is important to offer them a diet that is specifically designed with large-breed puppies in mind. German Shepherd pups require an appropriate combination of calories, calcium, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to ensure maximum nourishment.
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Taste Of The Wild Puppy Formula
- Grain-free formula.
Taste of the Wild offers what it says on the package, as it really is a taste of the wild. With Bison being the first ingredient, it offers rich protein that is important for strong muscle growth as well as being high in amino acids. The kibble is designed to be smaller for puppies. Its also one of the most popular dog foods in Taste of the Wilds entire kibble lineup.
Despite the smaller kibble size, its still packed with antioxidants and DHA. Both of these ingredients are important for cognitive development and vision. It is 100% grain-free for those pups with allergies and it is full of canine probiotics which make it highly digestible.
We love that it is based on his wild ancestors diet that is high in natural and tasty protein that your German Shepherd puppy will love.
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health
Best German Shepherd Dog Food for Puppies: Puppies grow up fast, so the quality of their diet matters greatly. If youre looking for the best food for German Shepherd puppy, we recommend Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Recipe. As a German Shepherd puppy food, this formula provides the optimal balance of quality protein and healthy fats to support your puppys growth and development. It features both lamb meal and chicken meal as concentrated sources of protein, with digestible whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal for carbohydrate support. It is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients, with vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutritional balance. It also contains probiotics for healthy digestion, antioxidants for immunity, and DHA fatty acids for brain and eye development. Overall, its a great choice for your puppy!
- Pros: Formulated for large breeds, concentrated source of animal protein, antioxidant-rich superfoods, digestible whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
- Cons: Not a grain-free recipe
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Does This Dog Food Have Enough Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, like bread, rice, and pasta, are natures best sources of quick energy. When not used immediately, this energy tends to be stored as fat.
Thus, carbohydrates are associated with weight gain. However, its not necessarily the kind of weight gain you want. Empty carbs will make your German Shepherd larger, but they wont be any healthier.
Still, a food that is too low in carbs will leave your dog feeling drained and sluggish. Thus, you need to make sure that you arent neglecting this crucial third element of canine nutrition.
Wrapping Up Best Puppy Food For German Shepherd Puppy
GSDs are known to be large dogs but are more prone to digestive issues. Choosing a suitable food for growing GSD puppies is substantial for their adulthood and life expectancy.
It will be helpful to read the German Shepherd growth chart to help you know if your GSD puppy is growing and developing well. If you want to know more about what to feed your GSDs from 0 to adults, read on The Best Diet for German Shepherds: Counting Calories.
Remember that GSD puppy food can only supply their nutritional needs until they are puppies. It is not enough to supply the needs of adult GSDs. Thus, it is best to be ready and start searching for the Best Dog Food for German Shepherd in the next stage of their life.
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Orijen Adult Dog Food
This protein rich recipe is one of the richest around, with 85% of the ingredients being poultry, fish or egg products. Approximately two thirds of the meat content in this recipe are all fresh or raw, meaning that your German Shepherd will be getting his nutrients in the most nourishing form.
It is 100% grain and gluten free and it is packed with a variety of fruit and vegetables to provide your German Shepherd with his vitamins and minerals. It also comes in three different flavors the Original, Regional Red and Six Fish, so if you have a fussy pooch then there a few choices for him to choose from, and all of their recipes have whole fish in which helps to maintain a healthy heart.
We love that this is biologically appropriate, in that the recipe is based on a whole prey diet that mirrors the ratio of a wild diet. It incorporates a balance of meat, organs, bones, and cartilage. While that might not sound too appealing to you, your German Shepherd will love it!