Choosing the best dog food for german shepherds
Many pet owners share similar sentiments. I desire for my dogs to have extended lifespans, good health, and a joyful existence. Therefore, in addition to ensuring they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, I make sure they eat the highest quality dog food I can offer.
There is definitely room for debate regarding the reasons. But when I examine the ingredients in dog food, it becomes clear to me where the majority of the blame lies. This dog food is of poor quality.
For german shepherd owners, choosing the best dog food for german shepherds is crucial. This breed, being a large breed, has specific nutritional needs. Their coat and allergy tendencies mean they require high-quality ingredients.
When selecting puppy food for a puppy, it’s important to look for food formulated for large breed dogs. Choosing the ideal dog food for german shepherds involves finding a product that promotes their well-being and fulfills their nutritional needs.
Why is it necessary to choose the best dog food for your German Shepherd?
Choosing dog food that is specifically designed for German shepherds can contribute to your pet’s overall well-being and longevity. For a breed like the german shepherd, the right diet can make a significant difference. This is especially true for puppy stages, where puppy food needs to support rapid growth and development. Providing top dog food can aid in preventing common health issues.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
1. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed
Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed German Dog Diet is highly rated for its quality ingredients and nutritional profile. This dog food is particularly formulated for German Shepherds, providing essential nutrients that cater to the breed’s unique needs. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal.
The recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat, and 34% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%. This formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals, which provide superior absorption and nutrition. It’s an excellent choice for maintaining the skin and coat health of your German Shepherd and supporting their active lifestyle.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 36%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best for: German Shepherd puppies and adults
2. Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Adult
Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, Deboned chicken sweet potatoes, potatoes.
Merrick’s Grain-Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato recipe is an excellent choice for adult German Shepherds. This high-protein formula is free of grains, promoting healthy joints and overall well-being. The recipe has a protein content of 34%, a fat content of 17%, and an estimated carbohydrate content of 41%.
The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 50%. This dog food also contains beneficial bacteria to support better digestion and salmon oil to promote healthy skin and coat.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free
- Protein Percentage: 34%
- AAFCO Standards: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult German Shepherd
3. Nom Nom
Main Ingredients: Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale
Nom Nom’s Pork Potluck offers a fresh, human-grade diet designed by veterinary nutritionists, providing a balanced meal for German Shepherds. Nom creates a custom feeding plan based on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and activity level.
The Pork Potluck formula contains 28% protein, 20% fat, and 44% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%. This food is ideal for pet parents who prefer a fully balanced, human-grade diet for their dogs.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free
- Protein Percentage: 28%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best for: Adult German Shepherd and puppies
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
Main Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, salmon meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon is a protein-rich, grain-inclusive formula that is perfect for adult German Shepherds. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives its animal protein primarily from fresh salmon and chicken meal.
The recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat, and 38% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%. This formula is available in various flavors, making it suitable for diet rotation.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 38%
- AAFCO Standards: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult German Shepherd
5. Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult
Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
This recipe has 27% protein, 16% fat, and an estimated 50% carbohydrates. The ratio of fat to protein is approximately 58%. This formula contains grains and does not include plant-based protein boosters, offering a natural and balanced diet.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 27%
- AAFCO Standards: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult German Shepherd
6. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice
Main Ingredients: whole grain brown rice, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice.
Detail: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Chicken and Rice is a standout choice in the Diamond Naturals product line, specifically formulated to cater to large breed dogs like German Shepherds (GSDs). This dry dog food gets most of its protein from chicken meal and fresh chicken, guaranteeing a top-notch protein source. This formula contains probiotics to support your German Shepherd’s digestion and chelated minerals to enhance nutrient absorption, promoting their overall well-being. It’s priced at a great value and comes highly recommended.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 26%
- AAFCO Standards: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult German Shepherd
7. Eagle Pack Power
Main Ingredients: Pork meal, Chicken meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat.
Eagle Pack Power is a premium choice for active German Shepherds. This dry food formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and pork meal. With 33% protein and 21% fat, this grain-inclusive recipe supports muscle maintenance and high energy levels, making it ideal for highly active dogs. The absence of legume concentrates and artificial preservatives ensures a safe and natural diet for your GSD.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 33%
- AAFCO Standards: Maintenance
- Best for: Active Adult German Shepherd
8. Iams ProActive Health Large Breed
Main Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain barley, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal.
Iams ProActive Health Large Breed is a classic choice for adult German Shepherds. This formula gets its primary protein from chicken and chicken meal, offering 25% protein and 14% fat. This grain-inclusive recipe has been a trusted choice for years, providing proper nutrition to maintain the health and vitality of adult GSDs. It’s great for dogs with sensitive stomachs because of its well-balanced formula.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 25%
- AAFCO Standards: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult German Shepherd
9. Taste of the Wild
Main Ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil.
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon is a popular grain-free option for German Shepherds. This dry food formula features beef and lamb meal as primary protein sources, providing 32% protein and 17% fat. Free from toxic additives like BHA and BHT, this recipe includes natural preservatives, making it a healthy choice for both German Shepherd puppies and adults. It supports skin and coat health and is ideal for dogs with food allergies.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free
- Protein Percentage: 32%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best for: German Shepherd puppies and adults
10. Orijen Puppy Large
Main Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver.
Orijen Puppy Large is a top-tier choice for growing German Shepherd puppies. This dry dog food derives its high protein content from fresh chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, and chicken liver, offering an impressive 43% protein and 18% fat. This biologically appropriate diet from Champion Petfoods ensures balanced nutrition, supporting the healthy growth and development of large-breed puppies.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-free
- Protein Percentage: 43%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best for: German Shepherd puppies
11. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy
Main Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy formula is an excellent choice for German Shepherd puppies. This dry food features premium ingredients such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal, all rich in protein. With a protein content of 32% and a fat content of 14%, this recipe is balanced with appropriate calcium levels to support controlled skeletal growth and minimize the risk of joint issues like dysplasia.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 32%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth
- Best for: German Shepherd puppies
12. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food
Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, Deboned chicken.
Blue Buffalo’s Large Breed Puppy Food is designed to offer the key nutrients needed for the proper growth of German Shepherd puppies. The main ingredient is deboned chicken, ensuring a protein content of 29% and a fat content of 17%. This dry food formula supports the healthy development of young German Shepherds.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 29%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth
- Best for: German Shepherd puppies
13. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal.
Detail: Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food is a well-balanced option for German Shepherd puppies. The formula contains chicken meal as the primary protein source, with 27% protein and 12% fat. This grain-inclusive recipe is designed to support healthy skeletal growth and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, providing optimal nutrition for your growing GSD.
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 27%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth
- Best for: German Shepherd puppies
What are some important factors to consider when selecting food for your German shepherd?
When selecting quality food for your German Shepherd, several factors, including their specific needs and any allergies, should be considered. It’s difficult to determine if Scratch dog food is well-balanced because they are the only brand in Australia that openly shares the exact amounts of each ingredient used.
However, many popular dog food brands tend to include excessive fillers in their products, which can lead to bacterial overgrowth over time. Our nutritionists have carefully balanced Scratch to meet all of your German Shepherd’s nutritional needs, ensuring long-term health and well-being.
For larger breeds like German Shepherds, it’s vital to check if their food contains chicken, beef, or poultry. While these meats are common and affordable, they often lack quality, leading to skin and stomach issues due to high bone and carcass content.
If your German Shepherd pup gets kibble, it’s important to monitor their stool to ensure it’s consistent and healthy. Additionally, considering grain-free options can benefit German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
If your German Shepherd puppy gets wet dog food, it’s important to consider the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards to ensure it meets their nutritional needs. Freeze-dried options can help maintain muscle mass, while healthy fats like those found in venison can support overall health.
If the dog is a puppy, it’s important to consider whether its calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is appropriate. Let’s try to be more imaginative while using straightforward language. We need to take care of those rapidly developing bones and ensure they don’t grow too fast.
Can the ingredients cause inflammation? Many different types of foods, not just grains, can cause inflammation. This impacts the flexibility of joints and overall movement, as well as the health of the skin and coat. It is crucial to manage inflammation in older dogs.
Meeting the Dietary Requirements of German Shepherds
Similar to other breeds, German Shepherds may have specific genetic traits and health issues influenced by their lifestyle. It’s crucial to understand these factors and take preventive measures where possible. Common health concerns for German Shepherds include Hip & Elbow Dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Atopic skin disease.
Implementing effective breeding techniques and genetic testing can mitigate significant risks. Additionally, mindful choices in diet and lifestyle can further reduce adverse effects.
Scratch Dog Food for German Shepherds
Scratch offers tailored nutrition that helps minimize health risks in German Shepherds by:
- Providing recipes perfect for adult German Shepherds and a specialized Turkey, Lamb & Beef recipe ideal for puppies.
- Using protein-packed goodness from top-notch, human-grade meat sources to support joint health with low inflammation markers.
- Avoiding wheat, corn, or white rice and opting for unique, wholesome ingredients.
- Balancing fat intake to prevent kidney issues despite being a vital energy source
Food for German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies have unique dietary needs due to their rapid growth and development. Their food should include:
- Appropriate calcium to phosphorous ratio for large breed bone health.
- DHA for brain development.
- Balanced electrolytes and sodium levels.
- High-quality protein for muscle and organ development, such as our Turkey, Lamb, & Beef recipes.
Wellness Complete Health: Ideal Daily Food Portions for Your German Shepherd
The daily food intake for a German Shepherd varies based on age, weight, activity level, and food type. Scratch offers high-energy kibble that allows for smaller portions compared to other brands, making it more efficient and longer-lasting. Discover the ideal daily food portion for your German Shepherd with our customized questionnaire, especially as your young dog’s feeding needs evolve.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds Essentials
To ensure they thrive, choosing the right dog food is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to selecting the best dog food for German Shepherds, focusing on key factors and considerations:
Nutrition for Highly Active Dogs
German Shepherds are often highly active, requiring energy-dense food to sustain their active lifestyle.
Nutrition for Highly Active Dogs
German Shepherds are often highly active, requiring energy-dense food to sustain their active lifestyle.
Breed-Specific Nutrition
German Shepherds are a large breed known for their muscular build and energetic nature. Their diet should cater to their size and activity level to support optimal health and vitality.
Formulas for Food Allergies
Specialized formulas designed to address food allergies can help manage skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues in German Shepherds.
Coat Health
The German Shepherd’s coat is dense and double-layered, requiring proper nutrition to maintain shine and manage shedding effectively.
Orijen
Orijen is renowned for its top-notch ingredients and biologically appropriate recipes that meet the nutritional requirements of German Shepherds.
Lamb-Based Formulas
Lamb is often a suitable protein source for German Shepherds with food sensitivities, providing essential nutrients without common allergens.
Wet Dog Food Options
Offering wet dog food can be beneficial for hydration and palatability, especially for picky eaters or dogs with dental issues.
Skin and Coat Support
Ingredients like omega fatty acids and antioxidants promote healthy skin and a shiny coat in German Shepherds.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Freeze-dried dog food offers convenience and retains nutrients, which is ideal for German Shepherds who enjoy raw or minimally processed diets.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Due to their sensitive stomachs and skin, German Shepherds may be prone to allergies.
Science Diet
Science Diet offers a range of formulas tailored for large-breed puppies and adults, ensuring balanced nutrition for growth and maintenance.
Guide to choosing the best dog food for German Shepherds
As large breed dogs, german shepherds need a diet tailored to their muscular physique and high energy levels. It’s essential to provide them with nutrient-dense food to support their size and activity requirements. Many German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach, which can lead to digestive issues if not managed properly.
Opting for grain-free dog food can be beneficial for German Shepherds with allergies or sensitivities. These formulas exclude common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy, making them easier to digest. Lamb is an excellent protein source for German Shepherds, especially those with food allergies.
It provides essential nutrients without common allergens, supporting overall health and well-being. Freeze-dried dog food offers a convenient and nutrient-rich option for German Shepherds. It retains the natural flavors and nutritional integrity of raw ingredients, making it a popular choice among pet owners seeking a diet close to raw feeding without the hassle.
Why use freeze dried Dog Food?
Freeze-dried dog food offers a convenient and nutrient-rich option for German Shepherds. It retains the natural flavors and nutritional integrity of raw ingredients, making it a popular choice among pet owners looking to provide a diet similar to raw feeding without the hassle.
Many German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs, which can lead to digestive issues if not managed properly. Choosing dog food formulated for sensitive stomachs can help alleviate discomfort and promote better digestion.
