The Best German Shepherd Puppy Food Reviews
Absorbing all these important facts about GSD puppy food may get us thinking about which brands to choose. Base on GSD owner feedback, here are six of the best GSD puppy food.
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED GERMAN SHEPHERDS: Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed…
- SPECIALIZED SHAPE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a German Shepherds long, strong muzzle to…
- HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT: An exclusive complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E, helps protect puppy…
- HEALTHY DIGESTION: Aids digestion with highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to promote…
- BONE AND JOINT: Maintains bone and joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin to support large…
GSD puppies are genetically predisposed to a lot of health issues but Royal Canin has created this dog food to address these health issues. It has ingredients that are highly digestible which can improve digestive health so young GSDs will be able to absorb nutrients efficiently.
Chondroitin and glucosamine combined with proper ratios of calcium and phosphorus can lay a good foundation for joints and bone health which is vital in supporting their growing bodies.
In order for GSD puppies to thrive and have strong immune system Royal Canin has enriched its formula with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Pawsome Notes:
GSD puppies may have tiny bodies but their daily nutrition needs are huge.
Pawsome Notes:
Pawsome Notes:
How To Identify A Quality Food For Your German Shepherd Puppy
The label of your dog food can tell a lot about the quality of the food inside. With a few tips on what to look for youll be able to quickly see whether its complete and balanced, what sources the nutrients come from, and if it is designed for puppies and athletic breeds like the German Shepherd.
Check if the brand is approved by the AAFCO. The Association of American Feed Control Officials is an independent organization that subjects dog foods to rigorous testing.
If a dog food package displays the AAFCOs seal of approval you know that the manufacturers have followed high standards for production quality, ingredient quality, overall nutritional value, standardized ingredient definitions, and run extensive feeding trials.
Though the exact amount of each ingredient is not listed, manufacturers must list the ingredients in order according to weight. For example, if chicken is listed first, that means the food contains more chicken by weight than any other single ingredient.
Because the German Shepherd Dog requires high-quality protein to support their powerful physique, they do better with a food that has one or two lean protein sources at the top of the ingredient list. Stay away from grain-based foods, as they wont provide your puppy with as much usable protein in addition to being harder to digest.
German Shepherd Diet Chart
Feeding a German Shepherd the right diet will bring out their inner Olympian and give you longer and healthier years with your favorite companion.
When choosing the best food to feed a German Shepherd, look for the following ingredients in your selection. These items listed are all good foods for a German Shepherds diet when mixed in the appropriate amounts in a premium dry kibble.
| Proteins |
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The Best Supplements For German Shepherds
One of the best ways to address your German shepherd’s unique nutritional needs is to add all-natural, air-dried supplements to their diet. Supplements can fill in nutritional gaps and help support your GSD’s overall health.
Here are some of the best supplements for German shepherds:
Fish Oil
Hip dysplasia and joint pain are common health issues for German Shepherds. Adding a fish oilsupplement can help you get more omega-3s into your dog’s diet, which can help protect their joint health.
In a meta-analysis of studies on osteoarthritis in pets, omega-3s for dogs were found to have the highest amount of evidence to support their effectiveness. For the highest concentration of omega-3s, choose a fish oilsupplement made from wild-caught pollock and salmon, like this Omega Oil.
Joint Relief Supplement
Inflammation can contribute to joint pain and deterioration. A Relief Supplement is made with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, like turmeric, antioxidants, and green-lipped mussels . It can help keep your German shepherd feeling good into their golden years.
Probiotics
A probioticsupplement helps support German shepherds digestion, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Probiotics can promote digestive health by adding beneficial bacteria to your dog’s digestive system. In veterinary studies, probiotics showed promise for addressing a variety of doggy digestive issues.
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.
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Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
Because German Shepherd Dogs can weigh more than 50 pounds at maturity, opt for a large-breed dog food to support joint health and mobility and maintain their ideal body condition. You may also want to consider foods formulated for active and energetic dogs, which offer an ideal protein-to-fat ratio to maintain lean muscles.
These foods include:
Different Types Of Gsd Puppy Food
One of the most confusing parts in choosing food for our GSD puppies is the type of foods available in the market. Listed here are the different types of food for GSD puppies.
Wet Food
Wet food as its name suggests, has a very high moisture content making it easier for nutrients to be absorbed by GSD puppies and can help hydrate their tiny bodies. It is suitable for recently weaned puppies and picky eaters since it is easy to chew, more appetizing and has a meatier taste.
Dry Food
Dry food or kibbles are the most popular type of GSD puppy food because it is more convenient and easy to clean up after. It is packed with more carbohydrates, protein and has high-calorie content. Thus, it can be served in smaller amounts of every meal. Since kibbles are chewy, it promotes oral health and makes GSD puppies teeth strong and healthy.
Semi-Moist Food
Based on its name, semi-moist food are similar to wet food but with a moisture content of only 60% to 65%. This is also a good option for puppies who are picky eaters or have a hard time eating kibbles. Some brands of semi-moist food for GSD puppies have high sugar and salt content. So, it is best for owners to be careful when buying semi-moist food for their fur babies.
Dehydrated Food and Freeze-Dried Food
Organic Food
Gaining popularity in recent years, organic food is the healthier choice. Its ingredients dont contain any chemicals, hormones or antibiotics.
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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.
Best Food For German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent, adorable, and energetic dogs. These athletic puppies require nutritious food for them to grow strong, healthy, and function well.
However, finding the best food for a German Shepherd puppy can be a difficult job because of the many dog food choices in the market.
Feeding your German Shepherd puppy high-quality food plays an important role in lowering the risk of certain health issues and in helping your puppy maintain a healthy weight.
This article will help you pick the perfect puppy food for German Shepherd and give you more information about their nutrition.
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Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Food
Instinct has created a highly nutritional dry food for large breed puppies with all the right ingredients and nutrients. The formula boasts high animal protein with freeze-dried bites of real chicken. Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient on the list. The recipe is strictly grain-free for the well-being of your German Shepherd puppy. It does have a good balance of poultry, fish, and meat proteins for healthy exposure, as well as DHA from chicken eggs for brain and eye development.
This food contains 495 kcal/cup with 33.5% crude protein, 15.5% crude fat, and 4.5% crude fiber. Calcium is at 1.2% and phosphorus is at 1% exactly where it should be.
Overall, this food is an extremely good choice for your German Shepherd puppy.
The Best German Shepherd Puppy Food For Healthy Growth And Weight Gain
The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition.
Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed.
The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Dont feed your German Shepherd puppy the cheapest food you can buy. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog.
These premium foods cost more initially, but because theyre calorie and nutrient dense they feed your puppy for longer than cheaper foods. They can also help your German Shepherd puppy gain weight in a healthy way, so they dont bulk-up too quickly.
Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet.
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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.
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.
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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.
Which Foods Should I Avoid Feeding My Puppy
German Shepherd puppies and most dogs should never eat chocolate, xylitol , avocados, cherries, fruits with stones, and foods that contain caffeine or alcohol. Its also best to avoid deep-fried foods or fatty trimmings from ham or bacon, and these foods can impact heart health and lead to excessive weight gain.
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Senior German Shepherd Diet
Senior German Shepherds need a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat in their diet.
These are only the minimums and research indicates these figures are far too low to provide the optimum nutrition for an elderly dog with unique needs.
German Shepherds over 7 years of age benefit from a diet formulated for their needs. Senior dog diets often have lower calories, higher protein, lower sodium, and fewer carbohydrates. Many also contain ingredients such as prebiotics to maintain healthy intestinal microbial populations, increased omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidants to combat inflammation.
As an added supplement senior formulas usually contain glucosamine to promote joint health.
Focus on giving your senior German Shepherd the best dog foodfor their life stage if you have an older dog.
Look for a senior dog food diet that is not only easily digestible but contains antioxidants, prebiotics and has at least 25% protein. For example, Iams ProActive Health Healthy Aging Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food meets all these standards.
What Nutrients Do Adult German Shepherds Need
German Shepherds have a shorter colon than other large breed dogs, meaning it is more difficult to digest food. Therefore, German Shepherds need a precise diet to avoid sensitive stomach, allergies, hip dysplasia, or bloat. Adult German Shepherds should eat a balance of meat protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A high-quality dog food regardless of type will have the necessary balance of each nutrient.
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Consider Your Shepherds Nutritional Needs
Because these dogs are large and strongnearly 80% of a German Shepherds weight is comprised just of muscle and bonetheir primary nutritional need will be protein and fat. Your dogs specific needs may be different. If he needs to lose weight or put it on, he might need a dog food formulated to help dogs lose weight or put it on.
High-quality dog foods will be at least 18% protein and 5% fat. Puppy formulations will have a higher protein and fat content, but most dogs only need to be on puppy food until they are six months old.
German Shepherd Puppy: Dog Food And Water Bowl Hygiene
Your puppy’s food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If there are insects in your dogs water, it could cause your German Shepherd puppy to suffer from intestinal parasites.
If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don’t forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality.
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Which Type Of German Shepherd Puppy Food Is Best
Im so sorry if you are confused. Its not an easy decision to make, I know! But it is one of the most important decisions youll ever have to choose between. If youre still undecided on which type of German Shepherd Puppy Food is right for you, I would say check the features and functions of the German Shepherd Puppy Food we listed here to find the most suitable one for you. Each has its own pros and cons.
Merrick Grain Free For Large Breed Adult Dogs
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
With the first ingredient as deboned chicken, you know youre getting a high-quality feed.
Their recipe touts a 60% protein and fat inclusion, with the remaining 40% for fat, fiber, and other necessary ingredients which are both natural and beneficial to your adult dogs health.
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