Out of several dog breeds, a German shepherd dog makes an admirable guard dog, rescue dog and police dog that will make you feel secure. According to AKC, the second-most popular dog breed by registration is the German shepherd.
Owning an intelligent dog like this will urge you to give all the best things you can supply. Obviously, the number one best thing to provide is food. After all, giving the best dog food reflects how much you really care about their well-being.
That having been said, we have listed some brands which you can refer to choosing the best dog food for German shepherd. Reviewing these products will definitely help you decide which meal is the most preferable for your dog.
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Last update on 2023-12-04 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to choose the best dog food for German shepherds?
With adequate knowledge of ensuring your pet’s health, you may be able to combat certain diseases, which can affect them. To make sure you are choosing the right dog food for your German shepherd, you should consider some of these factors that may be useful. They are as follows:
1. Controlled fat and Calorie-dense food intake
Even though German Shepherds are from the active breed, they tend to have slower metabolisms than other dogs. This is due to the fact that they are large breed dogs potentially weighing from 50 to 90 pounds. Too many fatty foods may lead to diseases that you don’t want your dog to suffer from.
Based on the studies of the National Research Council of the National Academies, inactive or older dogs require 1,272 to 1,540 calories per day. On the other hand, active dogs need 1,740 to 2,100 calories per day.
2. Rich in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
These fatty acids are responsible for your dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a non-profit organization that sets food standards for animals and pets, the right amount of fat intake of a German shepherd should be 5% to 8%.
Omega 3 can be found in anchovies, phytoplankton and krill oil while omega 6 is found in most animal fats and vegetable oils.
3. Packed with L-carnitine, Chondroitin & Glucosamine, and EPA & DHA
When chondroitin and Glucosamine are combined, they are highly beneficial to your dog’s bones and joints, preventing osteoarthritis and other bone diseases that affect German shepherds.
Another essential supplement is L-carnitine, which plays a vital role in energy production and liver function. For puppies, EPA and DHA are greatly needed in their critical stage to promote better vision and brain development.
4. Sourced from real meat
Dog food with ingredients like deboned chicken, bison and others sourced from whole animals, provide high-quality protein that is necessary for your dog’s daily lifestyle and activity. For adult German shepherds, protein intake should be at least 18, while for puppies, it should be at least 22%.
Enumerated below are dog food brands that may suit your dog’s tummy and health including your budget.
11 of the Best Dog Foods for German Shepherd
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Dog Food
Blended with Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals
It is grain-free and satisfies your dog’s cravings for meat. It comes in chicken, duck, and salmon flavor. Absolutely no artificial flavors and preservatives present in this natural dry dog food.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are responsible for healthy skin and coat. Its ingredients include sweet potatoes and peas, which give off healthy carbohydrates and creates an active lifestyle for your dog.
Why We Like It:
- It features real flavor ingredients that help build lean, but strong muscles
- Its finest natural ingredients are heightened with vitamins and minerals
What We Don’t Like:
- It only comes in three pack sizes, 4.5 pounds, 11 pounds, and 24 pounds
- It may not be suitable for puppies or young aged German shepherd since it is an adult dog food
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food Grain Free
Fewer food sensitivities
This dog food is grain-free with no artificial flavors and colors. The following are a variety of flavors: beef, lamb, chicken & sweet potato, legume and duck meal, duck & potato, bison & sweet potato, sweet potato & fish, and sweet potato & venison.
This limited ingredient diet will do you a favor of lessening certain food sensitivities of your dog. It is recommended not to add vitamins, minerals or any other supplements unless advised by a veterinarian.
Why We Like It:
- Its natural fiber gives your dog a healthy food digestion
What We Don’t Like:
- This food is usually fed to dogs with allergies or gastrointestinal tract issues so feeding it to a healthy one may not be necessary.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Contains Species-Specific Probiotics
Probiotics are an essential supplement for a healthy digestive and immune system. This food is incorporated with real meat which is the number 1 ingredient for optimal amino acid and protein. It is guaranteed to have no artificial flavors, grain, corn, wheat, and added preservatives.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is certified made in the USA and is family owned and run. The food is made with advanced food safety protocols that can assure the quality of the said product.
Why We Like It:
- Contains high protein ingredients packed with vitamins and minerals
- It is highly digestible and builds strong muscles
What We Don’t Like:
- Simple precaution with probiotics, you should keenly observe if your dog reacts negatively during intake of dog food with probiotics
CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient
Suitable for sensitive stomachs
100% no wheat, corn or soy. It is manufactured from 7-10 real food ingredients. Antioxidants, probiotics and fatty acids are also present making sure your dog gets healthy digestion and fine-looking coat and skin.
Canidae PURE limited ingredient is available in 6 various flavors, namely: lamb, salmon, duck, boar, bison, and chicken. Fewer worries for dog owners, this product is also formulated for all life stages and sizes, may it be a puppy, small breed, adult or senior.
Why We Like It:
- It contains simple ingredients
- The flavors aren’t complicated like other dog food
What We Don’t Like:
- Excess probiotics in your dog’s body may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Promotes bone and joint health
This is specifically designed for purebred German shepherds aged 15 months and above. The food is shaped into kibbles to encourage chewing and is very precise for the dog’s strong muzzle.
Fish oil, a particular ingredient of this food, is packed with EPA and DHA, which reinforces essential nutrients on the dog’s skin and coat.
Royal Canin certainly holds 22% protein, 17% fat, 5.5% fiber, and 10% moisture. It also assures you 3 main good points: good digestive performance, healthy skin & coat, and vigorous bone and joint health.
Why We Like It:
- It has highly digestible proteins and specific fibers that promote optimal stool quality
- Contains Glucosamine and chondroitin to support large and strong bodies
What We Don’t Like:
- The product is quite expensive than other brands
Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Recipes
No gluten ingredients present
Absolutely no gluten ingredients are included to achieve easier digestibility. The recipe is profuse with Omega fatty acids, Glucosamine, and chondroitin. These are essential for healthy hips and joints.
The number 1 ingredient is deboned raw food. Freeze-dry is their unique process of making the high protein kibbles in order to preserve its fresh taste. Merrick Backcountry grain-free dog food is composed of 30% protein in each bag.
Why We Like It:
- It comes in different styles, namely: Hero’s banquet, High Plains, Wild Fields, Big game, Great Plains red meat, Pacific Catch, Puppy, and Large breed
- Flavors are not limited, so you can choose from a variety of combinations like beef, turkey & lamb; beef, wild boar & turkey; duck, rabbit & quail; lamb, buffalo & venison; beef, lamb & rabbit; and salmon, whitefish & trout
What We Don’t Like:
- Pretty expensive. Actually, it is the most expensive on the list
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Maintains healthy metabolism
In order to maintain a healthy metabolism, it is formulated with L-carnitine. It’s number one ingredient is real chicken. No wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives.
Iams proactive health is specially produced for large breed dogs to maintain healthy muscles, joints, and bones. It is made up of real, wholesome ingredients like farm-raised chicken, wholesome grains, garnish of carrots, chicken fat, and beet pulp. Only large sizes are available; 15, 30, and 38.5 lbs.
Why We Like It:
- It is infused with Glucosamine and chondroitin that helps prevent and treat osteoarthritis
- Promotes digestive health and immunity with the presence of probiotics and fiber
What We Don’t Like:
- It may not be suitable for puppies since the recipe is crafted for adult and large breed
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food Large Breed
Combination of real chicken and vegetables
The primary ingredient of this product is farm-raised chicken. It helps support the muscles and provides nutrients for healthy organs. Chicken is also a natural source of Glucosamine and chondroitin.
Carrots and cranberries are also present in this recipe. It helps build a durable immune system. Additional ingredients like peas and brown rice are responsible for gentle digestion that will make your dog gain the right energy for the day.
Why We Like It:
- The kibble size is larger than the usual, which actually provides a crunchy texture
- Helps support dental health of large dogs
What We Don’t Like:
- The infusion of different ingredients which is not familiar to your dog may take up to 10 days before your dog’s system adapts to it.
Nutro Natural Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
Promotes unique and healthy weight management
It is a natural dog food enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This recipe is a unique blend of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Farm-raised chicken, rice & sweet potatoes and Lamb & rice are the available recipes.
These recipes are nutritionally tailored for unique weight management and healthy weight needs. It also promotes strong bones, joints, and healthy digestion.
Why We Like It:
- No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- It is made from non-genetically modified ingredients
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited flavors, styles, and size
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed
Protein-focused nutrition
All ingredients are natural with no soy, corn, wheat, meat by-products, and artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. This original formula includes antioxidants, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and Glucosamine.
The recipe comprises of deboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey.
Why We Like It:
- Optimum fat and calorie levels
- Larger kibble size, which allows proper chewing
What We Don’t Like:
- The item price is expensive
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy
Incorporated with superfoods
Superfoods are unique foods with high nutritional value. Some of which are kale, Chia seeds, pumpkin, spinach, carrots and blueberries that will contribute more nutrition for your pet. This product’s primary ingredient is Pasteur-raised lamb.
The kibbles are made in smaller sizes, but enriched with nutrients and are highly digestible. Like other brands, it does not contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. You can ensure your pet certain amount of vitamins and minerals from the premium ingredients.
Why We Like It:
- It supplies DHA, which is responsible for better brain and vision development. It is essential for puppies and nursing adult dogs
- Pasture-raised lamb meal is good for dogs with allergies to beef or chicken
What We Don’t Like:
- The mixture of several ingredients to the primary one may lead to stomach issues
FAQs
What is kibble?
Answer: Kibble is a term that refers to a ground meal designed into hard pellets or other shapes. This is the usual feature of dry dog food.
Can I feed my German shepherd puppy with adult dog food?
Answer: Puppies need more essential nutrients and vitamins as they grow up. Feeding them with an adult dog food may not supply the required supplements they need in the crucial development stage. It is better to give them puppy food first.
Can I feed the same dog food for Pit bulls and German shepherds?
Answer: Yes, you can. Pit bulls and German shepherds belong to the same working breeds having high energy levels. You may choose dog foods that promote an active lifestyle for your pets.
Do German shepherds and Labs get along?
Answer: Yes, they can live well together as long as they are properly taught with good behavioral traits. In addition, when having a mixed breed, dog food for Labs and dog food for German shepherds are either way recommendable to feed them.
What is the meal frequency for German shepherd puppies and adults?
Answer: Food servings vary in terms of your dog’s weight, breed, age, and activities. Puppies should be fed 4 or 5 times a day in small servings while adults should be fed twice a day, serving 2 to 3 cups.
Bottom Line
Just like humans, dogs also need proper nutrition and a healthy diet in order to live a better life. No need to worry, you can always visit your dog’s veterinarian to seek advice. Beyond everything, giving them the best dog food is the most important necessity you can provide.