Best Dog Food Options for German shepherd in 2022

Every dog owner wants the best food for their German shepherd. These dogs are fun-loving, sweet, and love to spend time with the family. This breed has a sensitive stomach and is prone to skin allergies, so these dogs need the correct proportion of fat, protein, phosphorous, and calcium. German shepherd puppies have a sensitive stomach and need 500 calories per day. As your pup grows into an adult, you must provide at least 1,500 calories every day.

For an adult German shepherd, it is necessary to control their portion. You must not fill the bowl at once for the entire day and give them food when they want. Puppies cannot control themselves, so providing them with a large quantity of food is harmful, and they will bloat. Eating at once can lead to vomiting and bloating. Give your German shepherd a controlled amount of food, whether your canine is an aging senior or a young puppy. 


Food Options for German shepherd-Buying Guide 

Pay attention to the following points for buying the healthiest dog food options for a German shepherd.

Potential Health issues

Like any other breed German Shepherd is also prone to health issues such as bloating, obesity, spondylosis, and pancreatic dysfunction; these health problems must be considered in prevention and management. Choosing the food according to the health conditions is essential as food can prevent the dogs from different health conditions. For example: bloating can be controlled by the food that contains probiotics.  

Activity level

An adult German Shepherd needs 1700 calories every day, but a dog involved in strenuous activities requires 2500 calories every day. So while buying the food for your German Shepherd, it is necessary to consider your dog's activity level. 

Dog’s life stage 

Puppies, adults, lactating, and pregnant dogs need nutrition differently because of their psychological functions.  A pup needs more calories and protein for development, while an adult needs fewer calories but is rich in protein, while pregnant dogs need the same food as the puppy. 

Carbohydrates

For fueling the energy levels of your dog, carbohydrate is necessary. As German Shepherds are active, they need dog food with 50% carbs. Ensure that the carbohydrate must be obtained from sources other than grain sources like vegetables, as grain irritates the dog's digestive system. 

Fat

German Shepherds require fats including Omega-6, Omega-3, EPA, and DHA. This help develops tissue and cell while providing nourishment to the fur and skin of the German shepherd. A pup needs approximately 8% fat, while an adult needs 5% fat.

Proteins

These dogs have muscular, solid physiques and are energetic and have a high muscle composition. So German Shepherds need many high quality proteins to maintain their muscle mass. Best proteins are derived from meat like beef, chicken, lamb, and fish. Real meat contains amino acids that nourish muscles and support other body functions.

Other nutrients

Along with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, the German Shepherd also needs micronutrients to aid body functions. The micronutrients like minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, chondroitin, glucosamine, and probiotics must be included in the diet.

 

 

Product Comparison 

Product Brand

Features

Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula

  • Contains Probiotic that keeps the pet’s gut healthy

  • It contains triple protein that maintains muscles. 

  • Adjusted phosphorus and calcium level royal royal

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

  • Aids digestion

  • Contains vitamin E

  • Contains digestible protein 

Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein Dry Dog Food

  • No artificial colours, flavours, and dangerous hidden ingredients 

  • Perfect for dogs of all activity levels and ages

  • Supports overall health royal royal

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

  • Avoids allergic reactions because of hydrolyzed protein

  • Reduces GI and skin reactions 

  • Made specifically for dogs with allergies or food intolerances

AvoDerm Natural Dry & Wet Dog Food, For Skin & Coat 

  • Improved skin and coat health

  • Superior quality chicken meal 

  • Brown rice formula

 

Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula


Dogs also need the best food to embrace a holistic lifestyle like human beings. This dog food is organic as the organic dog food is best for the German Shepherd. Precise holistic, complete large breed formula does not contain any chemical and meat-by products. This makes digestion smooth, and your dog will not feel bloated after consuming this food. 

This dog food is made to meet the nutritional requirements established by the AAFCO for all life stages. It has triple proteins and aids in maintaining solid muscle while playing or working. Phosphorous and Calcium levels are adjusted as the size of the dog. Dog food aids bone growth as it contains chondroitin and glucosamine. These are useful for growing the dog’s bones and lubricating the dog’s joints. Each pack of this dog food has lots of vegetables and fruits like blueberries and peas. In this way, your dog will get all the micronutrients to protect your canine from diseases. The triple proteins maintain solid muscle. 

Features:

  • Contains Probiotic that keeps the pet’s gut healthy

  • It contains triple protein that maintains muscles 

  • Adjusted phosphorous and calcium levels

Pros

  1. Improves immune system 

  2. It helps in bone growth

  3. Digests easily

Cons

  1. None we could find

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food


This kibble is expressly made for pure breed dogs like a German shepherd. It is formulated for pups in the range of 8 weeks to 15 months. Pup German Shepherd is very active, and their lifestyle may cause stress on their joints, resulting in significant skeletal issues if no proper nutrition is provided. Thus, this dog food contains chondroitin and glucosamine, supporting healthy joints and bones. 

This dog food is best for your German shepherd as it contains fibres and digestible proteins that help grow the pup's body strongly. Also, fibre and proteins are good for digestive health, and the antioxidants present in this food are suitable for your dog's immune system. 

The breed-specific food brand for dogs is particularly for German shepherd puppies. The kibble shape, texture, and size are based on the jaw and face structure of the German shepherd pup. It offers the maximum optimal experience and encourages your puppy to chew the food despite gulping.   Most German shepherd owners are satisfied with this dog food for their canines. 

Features:

  • Meets the nutritional requirements of GSD 8 weeks-15 months

  • Supports the developing immune system of dogs

  • Maintains joint and bone health

  • Kibble shape is explicitly made for a German shepherd.

Pros

  1. Supports overall health

  2. Meet the AAFCO requirements

  3. Supports good stool 

  4. Improves intestinal health

Cons

  1. Expensive

Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein Dry Dog Food


Purina Pro Plan Sport is a perfect option if your German shepherd needs surplus calories. So if your German shepherd is lean and underweight but is highly active, then Purina Pro Plan will do the work. An active dog burns high calories, so it is necessary to replenish the calories for a healthy weight. There are 496 calories available in each cup of this formula, so your German shepherd will gain weight and build lean muscle. 

The kibble has almost 100 calories per cup than any standard kibble. The pack is filled with 20% fat and 30% protein to aid metabolic fuel requirements, maintain lean muscle and avoid calorie deficiency.  

Most German shepherd owners are satisfied with the formula as it worked perfectly on their dogs. The food is enhanced with lots of amino acids that help muscle development. Vitamin E, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, other essential minerals and vitamins, and glucosamine provide maximum mobility and support healthy joints and overall health. The recipe is enriched with antioxidants that nourish your dog's immune system and defends it from free radicals.

Features:

  • No artificial colours, flavours, and dangerous hidden ingredients 

  • Perfect for dogs of all activity levels and ages

  • Supports overall health

Pros

  1. Made to maintain oxygen metabolism

  2. Promotes endurance and strength

  3. Made in the USA

  4. Meat-based natural formula

Cons

  1. None we could find

Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food


Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed protein dog food is made specifically for German shepherds that suffer from food allergies, skin allergies, or food intolerance to some ingredients. The food is formulated specifically to prevent allergies.

You must consult your veterinarian if your dog is allergic to some food. Also, allergy tests can be done to know the ingredients not suitable for your dog. An animal protein in dog food is the primary cause of allergy that results in hair loss, itching, and upset digestion. Because of this, Royal Canine uses hydrolyzed soy protein, a vet-exclusive formula. You may wonder why hydrolyzed protein is used in this food. The hybridization process makes protein-small, and thus, the immune response does not trigger.  

The formula helps with the flawed digestive system, itching, and hair loss by using small proteins that do not cause the issues. Smaller proteins are digestible and aid dermatological and gastrointestinal health. The limited ingredients are perfect for German Shepherds with allergies and use a single carbohydrate source. However, dog food needs veterinary authorization. 

Features:

  • Avoids allergic reactions because of hydrolyzed protein

  • Reduces GI and skin reactions 

  • Made specifically for dogs with allergies or food intolerances

Pros

  1. Blend of prebiotics and fibres

  2. Keeps skin healthy

  3. Reduces inflammation

  4. Supports immune system

Cons

  1. Needs vet authorization

  2. Little expensive

AvoDerm Natural Dry & Wet Dog Food, For Skin & Coat


Every German shepherd dog owner wants a unique formula that gives a healthy coat and skin. For this purpose, AvoDerm, Natural Dry and Wet dog food are made specifically to improve dog skin and coat. The food formula is rich in Omega, and avocados are grown in California. The avocado oil provides a healthy immunity system, fur, skin, and overall health.  

The dog food helps to provide a healthy and shiny coat throughout the year. The omega-rich components and high quality protein in this kibble give a healthy coat and skin for canines with sensitive skin.

The ingredients such as dried tomato, flaxseed, pomace, alfalfa meal, natural flavour, oatmeal, and minerals and vitamins provide extra nutrition. The food is pressure-cooked so that canine can receive maximum energy and nutrition from all ingredients, keeping the dog strong and active. Many customers have reported that their dog has got a better coat after eating this food.

Features:

  • Improved skin and coat health

  • Superior quality chicken meal 

  • Brown rice formula

  • Feature lots of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants

  • No corn, soy, or by-products

  • No artificial flavours

Pros

  1. It contains premium quality ingredients obtained naturally

  2. Added minerals and vitamins

  3. Complete health care

  4. Provides optimum nutrition

  5. Protects immune function 

Cons

  1. None we could find

Conclusions:

German shepherds are excellent pets, and they are loyal protectors and intelligent dog breeds. For any dog owner, it is necessary to pick the best dog food for a German shepherd. Feeding the German Shepherd with extra treats leads to weight gain and other serious health issues, so it is necessary to consult the vet before you want to add charms to your dog's diet. Making the best food choices seems complicated, but with our favourite selections of best food options for German Shepherd, you can easily pick the food depending on your dog's dietary requirements. Hopefully, this article has helped you make a good choice of dog food.

 

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