No Doubt, the German Shepherd is America’s most popular dog breed. This energetic ball of sunshine is everyone’s favorite house pet. German shepherds, also known as GSDs, are very intelligent, friendly, and adorable creatures. 

German Shepherds

Both the adult GSDs and the little ones are extremely endearing and quickly become the centre of your world. They become your family, and you become theirs. Sometimes, they get so attached to their owners that they might get separation anxiety, and the little ones have to be put inside heavy-duty crates. But all in all, they are awesome and lovable 🥰.

Today we are going to talk about the best dog food for German shepherds which is going to ensure your furry buddy’s health. Just like the mini Goldendoodle, even the German Shepherd suffers from certain ailments that might hinder its growth. Therefore, it is vital to choose their diet very carefully.

When we have such a delightful little buddy 🐶 in our homes, we would definitely want to ensure they are all happy and healthy. And health starts with healthy food. 

5 Best Dog Food for German Shepherds

These large breed dogs have gained popularity because of how easily they easily get along with their pet parents and also can be quickly trained. They have an impressive build, which makes them the perfect fit for being guard dogs. 

German Shepherds are always in good shape. However, they are vulnerable to certain health disorders. So it is crucial to watch out for their diet. Every dog is different, and their dietary intakes are dependent upon various factors like their body weight, activity level, etc. 

German Shepherd

Nonetheless, there are certain common elements that must be included in every German Shepherd’s diet:

  • Meat, poultry, and fish.
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
  • Carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables, along with fiber intake of up to 5%.
A German Shepherd’s Diet

A diet rich in animal protein, and healthy fats, and one that maintains the balance of essential nutrients, is the best food for German Shepherd. Any kind of dog food that uses artificial additives, fillers, etc., should be avoided at all costs. 

We are now going to start with our list of the best dog food for German shepherds that you can refer to. All the options are listed along with all the necessary dietary information and pricing.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Recipe (Grain-Free)

A premium quality affordable option is this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Puppy Chicken Recipe Dog Food. This is dry dog food with real raw chicken and one of the best dog food German shepherds can eat. It is tasty and will totally appeal to your puppy’s craving for chicken. The grain-free formula will prevent any kind of infection in the German shepherd puppies. 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food

This dog food is packed with many essential nutrients like DHA and ARA and thus ensures your GSD’s healthy development. The important fatty acids enhance and support mental, retinal, and renal health. 

  • Contains: DHA and ARA, and fatty acids found in mother’s milk, along with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Category: Grain Free, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy.
  • Formulated For: Large Breed GSD Puppies.
  • Price: One of the best German Shepherd Puppy Foods, this one costs $75.99 and is available on Amazon and Chewy.com

Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy Large Breed

A bit pricier option, this one is packed with all-natural, high-quality ingredients for your puppy. It has free-run poultry and wild-caught fish, which keeps your puppy lean and strong. The first 5 ingredients are fresh and raw, making it the best food for German Shepherd puppy. 

It also contains DHA and EPA, which are derived from mackerel, herring, salmon, and Pollock oil. These nutrients support your puppy’s immunity and enhance its skin and coat health. 

Orijen GSD Puppy Food

The grains in it are very easy to digest and packed with essential fruits and vegetables and provide essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also fortified with a probiotic blend to aid in digestion, taurine for eye and heart health, and glucosamine for joint health.

  • Contains: Lean protein and healthy omega fatty acids, grains like oats, quinoa, chia, poultry, fish, whole fruits, and vegetables. 
  • Category: Dry dog food, Gluten Free, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy.
  • Formulated For: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds
  • Price: As mentioned before, it is on the costlier side, retailing for $101.99 (22.5-lb bag). You can buy from the official website, Orijen Pet Foods, Amazon, and Chewy

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy (Lamb and Rice Formula)

This is a high-quality and affordable option for all GSD puppies out there. The formula is a great option for sensitive stomachs and has also been proven to cure the severe gastric issues of several GSD puppies. 

Diamond Naturals Puppy Food

This is one of the best foods for German Shepherd Puppies because of its natural ingredients like spinach, kale, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, coconut, etc. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics work together and make your puppy happy, healthy, and active. 

  • Contains: Prebiotics and probiotics, omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Category: Dry Dog food, with Grain, high protein, no Corn, no Wheat, and no Soy.
  • Formulated For: Extra Small Breeds, Small Breeds, Medium Breeds. 
  • Price: You can buy this best German shepherd puppy food at $35.99 for a 20-lb bag. It is available on Chewy.com, Petco, Naturally Unleashed, and Petsense

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog (Chicken & Rice Formula)

Just like the variant for puppies, this one for adult dogs is also packed with rich nutrients while being a budget-friendly option. Real chicken, rice, barley, and whole fruits and vegetables, are the main ingredients of this one. Also, available in lamb for puppies who are sensitive to chicken.

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Foods

This formula also includes prebiotics and probiotics for improved digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, and omega fatty acids for immune, joint, skin, and coat health. This nutrient-dense recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.

  • Contains: Prebiotics and Probiotics, glucosamine and chondroitin, and omega fatty acids.
  • Category: Grain-inclusive, No Corn No Wheat, and No Soy.
  • Formulated For: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds.
  • Price: Retailing for $43.99 (40-lb bag), it is available on Chewy.com, and Amazon.  

Wellness CORE Large Breed

With a large kibble size, this protein-dense variant is the perfect fit for large and active GSDs. It is grain-free, thus, eliminating any stomach issues, and the large kibble size encourages chewing among the gulpers. 

Wellness CORE GSD Food

The real chicken, legumes, potatoes, and superfoods like spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, and blueberries make this formula a must-have for every adult GSD pet parent. Fortified with probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and beta-carotene, this formula provides your pup with optimal ingredients to stay fit and super healthy.

  • Contains: Probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and beta-carotene.
  • Category: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, High-Protein, Dry Dog Food.
  • Formulated For: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds.
  • Price: This German Shepherd dog food can be bought from Amazon, Chewy.com, and Petco

Human Foods That German Shepherds Can Eat

German shepherds can eat a variety of human foods as well. So, you can share your favorites with them, too. These foods provide your beloved GSDs with the required nutrients and are also loved by them. 

Apart from dog foods from commercial market brands, German shepherds can also eat chicken, beef, eggs, pork, and certain vegetables and grains. GSDs can also eat some fruits and other human delicacies. 

Let us now get to know what all foods are right for them and how they can provide nutrition.

  • Chicken: Starting off the list with meat, as the wolf descendant German shepherds are natural carnivores. It is also one of the main ingredients in commercial dog foods, as it is a rich source of protein for your fluffy GSDs. 
  • Fish: Plain-cooked fish can also prove to be a great source of protein for your GSDs. Fish that is well-cooked and does not contain any sort of artificial seasoning is going to be one healthy and tasty meal for your canine companion. Always go for boneless options, as fish bones are known to cause intestinal irritation and blockages in GSDs.
  • Turkey: Just like chicken and fish, turkey is also one ample source of protein. Just some boneless turkey meat without any seasoning is one of the best treats you can offer your furry friend.
  • Beef: Beef is a safe source of protein for GSDs. Lean ground beef is healthy and tasty and also does not cause gastrointestinal issues among GSDs, unlike some other beef options. Avoid adding any seasoning or sauces, and you are good to go. 
  • Eggs: Packed with proteins, vitamins A and B12, and Selenium, eggs are the Best dog food for German shepherds. When you offer well-cooked eggs to your beloved GSD, it is going to boost its overall health. And like every previous option, refrain from any seasoning or sauces. 
  • Blueberries: These tiny packets of antioxidants are filled with vitamins and minerals and fight free radicals. So, these can be given to your shepherd twice or thrice a week. Blueberries prove to be a healthy snack and GSDs find them quite tasty too. 
  • Strawberries: This cute, little, red fruit is a source of vitamin C, dietary fibers, and enzymes to whiten the teeth of your German shepherd. Shepherds are known to love this tiny fruit a lot, so giving them strawberries a few times a week is going to make them really happy. Just do not let them overeat, as strawberries are quite sugary and can cause intestinal disorders among GSDs. 
  • Apples: Fortified with dietary fibers and essential vitamins, apples are a good option when it comes to GSD snacks. Not only is it a nutritional addition to their diet, but it also helps clean their teeth with the enzymes it contains. 

    While serving apples to your shepherd friends, do remember to take off the core and seeds, as these can be harmful to them. 

  • Coconut: Raw coconut and coconut oil enhance the immune system, beat inflammation, and give shinier coats to your GSD home buddy. Your lovable shepherd can also enjoy the wonderful health benefits of coconut by having it in small quantities. Be mindful of the portions, as too much coconut can cause diarrhea in German Shepherds.  
  • Watermelon: This sweet and watery fruit is so refreshing to munch on in summer. Well, not only you, even your shepherd buddy can enjoy it too. It is yummy, it hydrates, and the essential vitamins make it the perfect summer snack. Just don’t forget to take off the seeds, and your GSD will be able to enjoy watermelon without any gastrointestinal worry.
  • Cantaloupe and Honeydew: With vitamins A and C and antioxidants to fight free radicals, these types of melons are a healthy choice for your pet shepherd. Although they are high in sugar, consuming them 1 or 2 times a week will deliver the important nutrients without any side effects of the sugar. 
  • Mango: This delicious yellow fruit is filled with vitamins, minerals, and potassium too. So, it is tasty and healthy. The only drawback is the high sugar content, which can be managed if eaten in moderation. 
  • Peanuts: If you own a pet dog of any breed, you must be familiar with how they love peanut butter. Dogs also like to eat peanuts. However, flavored or salted peanuts should be avoided at all costs as these ingredients give rise to many gastrointestinal issues among all dogs, including German Shepherds. 
  • Sweet Potatoes: The best source of safe and healthy carbs. The dietary fibers present in sweet potatoes aid in digestion, and the healthy carbohydrates keep their bellies full while keeping them lean. 

    Pet parents can give baked or boiled sweet potatoes to their GSDs, or can prepare a sweet potato chew as well. 

  • Rice: Another excellent source of nutritious carbohydrates is rice. Both white and brown rice can be included in your German shepherd’s diet. Rice can be regarded as one of the best dog foods for German shepherds as it helps with intestinal issues. Together with boiled chicken, rice can become the staple food when your pup is suffering from digestive disorders. 
  • Corn: Corns are known to be powerhouses of energy and nutrition among us. And the best part is that corns are also beneficial for your sweet GSD. Each kernel of corn has vitamins, proteins, and healthy carbs which makes them a nourishing option. Just make sure not to give the cob directly to your dog as they can choke on it. 
  • Preferred Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, green peas, bell peppers, and cucumbers are all safe to be consumed by German shepherds. They contain proteins, fibers, and essential vitamins and help in the overall growth of your dogs. 

It is very important to be cautious while offering food to a GSD. This is because German Shepherds are prone to many sorts of infections and allergies. 

Factors to Look For in German Shepherd Dog Food

All dogs need to have a nutritional diet enriched with protein, fat, calories, and essential nutrients. However, when it comes to GSDs, the fats and calories need to be kept under control as they have a slower metabolism. 

German Shepherds grow really fast, so any type of unhealthy weight gain can lead to bone and joint problems. Not to forget the frequent gastrointestinal boating and other digestion-related issues.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for osteoporosis, Omega-3, Omega-6, probiotics, and fibers from whole grains and vegetables, are some of the best dog food German shepherds can eat.  Also, keep encouraging your GSD puppy to chew well to prevent any bloating.

The diet of a German Shepherd puppy significantly differs from an adult German Shepherd. So what causes such a difference, and what is the best German Shepherd puppy food? We will discuss it now.

How to Choose the Best Food for German Shepherd Puppy?

German Shepherd puppies have a really fast growth rate till their 8th month. This is why they are prone to constantly being deficient in nutrients. There can be instances where they might encounter an excess of these ingredients.  

Try to avoid high-energy ingredients in their diet, as these might lead to arthritis. Only go for foods that are formulated for GSD puppies. Also, this diet must be followed till the puppy turns 15–18 months old.                                                     

Final Thoughts 

There are many edible items that should be avoided to keep your GSD healthy. However, there are certain precautions that are essential, even for the best dog food German Shepherds can eat. For instance, larger and harder veggies should be served after chopping them into bite-sized pieces. 

Canned vegetables need to be avoided because they contain sodium as a preservative. And veggies like broccoli should be consumed occasionally only, as they cause gastrointestinal issues. 

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