
When it comes to feeding man’s best friend, you want to ensure that you are choosing the most suitable options for your dog’s needs.
With so many different options now available on the market, it can be quite difficult to know what is good and what is… not ideal.
That is why we have put together a little information regarding the best dog food for German Shepherds, to help owners who would like to know a little more.
- 6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations
- Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
- 1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
- 2. Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Formula
- 3. Horizon Legacy Northern Water Fish Recipe
- 4. Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic German
- 5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken RecipeÂ
- 6. ORIJEN Tundra Freeze-Dried Dog Food & Topper
- 7. We Feed Raw Turkey Patty
- 8. Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe
- 9. Ziwi Peak Beef RecipeÂ
- 10. Now Fresh Senior Weight Management Recipe
- 5 Key Nutritional Needs of a German Shepherd Puppy
- German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart
- Our Feeding Guide
- Parting Words
We look at all stages of life, from puppy to senior, as well as different budgets and ingredients. We have made sure that no one is left out!
Before going any further, below is a short clip regarding German Shepherd Facts.
6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations
Due to German Shepherds being large dogs with a working dog history, it is important that they meet certain dietary and nutritional standards including a diet that is rich in:
- Protein: To keep up energy levels
- Carbohydrates: For healthy energy
- Fruits & Vegetables: Ensure you know which ones can harm German Shepherds though!
- Good Fats: For energy
- Vitamins & Minerals: For overall health
- Fatty Acids: For a shiny coat
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
First 5 ingredients:
Depends on the recipe you choose – See below.
Food Type: Fresh, Frozen
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
First 5 Ingredients: Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 9.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 72.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 8.0% min
Fat: 3.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 74.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 10.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 72.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 9.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 74.0% max
The company known as Ollie is a unique one on this list, as it is a business that delivers fresh dog food right at your doorstep – it isn’t a dry food or canned food option.
The food is cooked on a low heat, to keep the nutrients intact, through a state-of-an-art kitchen that has minimal processing actions.
They offer customized dog food for your German Shepherd – you tell them all about your furry best friend, their age/weight/needs and a meal plan is created especially for them.
The food comes frozen and must be stored in the freezer, however there are two defrosting requirements you need to be aware of. Firstly, you must refrigerate the food for 12 hours after receiving it, before the first meal can be given to your dog and secondly, it is recommended that you defrost any particular pack for around 24 hours before mealtime.
It is also worth noting that packaging is not resealable, which is a nuisance but another plus from this company is that they will give you a free puptainer- a sealed container to store any leftovers.
And that is why it is the overall best dog food for German Shepherds.
Pros
All meals are fresh and organic
No artificial preservatives
All ingredients are from the USA
Tailored to your dog’s specific needs
Cons
Food comes frozen
The price is quite high
2. Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Beef, Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Lamb Meal, Canola Oil
Protein: 29.0% min
Fat: 15.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Dogs need variety too, like humans. And there couldn’t be more variety than with a mixture of beef, lamb, wild boar, and ocean fish, which brings the total crude protein to 29%.
Legumes like garbanzo beans and peas provide the energy source to fuel all kinds of everyday dog adventures. Accompanied by natural antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables, and prebiotic support from dried chicory root to promote healthy digestive health.
This novel protein formula is appropriate for dogs at all life stages, including puppies, adults, and seniors. As a grain-free option, it delivers easily digestible energy and exceptional nutrition, ensuring your dog receives the essential nutrients they need for optimal health and vitality.
Pros
Protein rich meal
No corn or wheat
With pre and probiotics for better gut health
Rich in natural antioxidants and superfoods
Cons
Limited stocks
Some pups reacted to it
3. Horizon Legacy Northern Water Fish Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Whitefish Meal
Protein: 34.0% min
Fat: 14.0% min
Fiber: 4.8% max
Moisture: 8.6% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
This is a nutritionally advanced formula crafted to provide your dog with a diet as close to nature as possible.
Featuring sustainably sourced Northern water fish as its primary ingredient, this recipe delivers an exceptional protein source rich in omega fatty acids to support muscle development, promote a shiny coat and maintain healthy skin.
It is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure a balanced diet that supports overall health and vitality.
This grain-free, non-GMO and gluten-free recipe is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or those requiring a limited-ingredient diet, providing wholesome nutrition without the use of fillers, artificial additives, or common allergens.
The inclusion of low-glycemic carbohydrates ensures sustained energy and stable blood sugar levels, while natural prebiotics support healthy digestion.
Proudly crafted in Canada with locally sourced ingredients, it reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability and transparency. It's a holistic choice for pet owners who seek optimal nutrition and superior care for their dogs.
Pros
Fish is the primary protein
Free of corn, wheat and soy
Loaded with Omega fatty acids
With added colostrum
Nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich
Cons
Caused tummy upset
Kibbles being too hard
4. Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic German
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat
Protein: 25.0% min
Fat: 12.0% min
Fiber: 4.5% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Large – Giant Breeds
This is a grain-inclusive quality food specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and other large and giant breed dogs at all life stages.
The primary protein source in this diet is chicken meal, which is highly concentrated and digestible, enriched with chicken fat for essential fatty acids and enhanced flavor. Additionally, menhaden fish meal and egg product provide extra protein to support lean muscle mass.
The carbohydrate sources, including oatmeal and brown rice, are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and helping maintain a healthy weight by promoting satiety between meals.
For joint health, the formula includes glucosamine and green-lipped sea mussels, which also offer amino acids, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Balanced omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and shiny coats, while vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants support cellular health and boost the immune system. Importantly, this recipe is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Pet owners have given rave reviews, particularly noting improvements in dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies. Many have observed better digestion, improved stool quality, reduced itching, and shinier coats after switching to this food.
Pros
Rich in fiber
Promotes vibrant coat
Supports joint health
Specially formulated for large breeds
Cons
Noticeable formula change
Caused stomach upset in some
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
Protein: 36.0% min
Fat: 16.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: Puppy, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
This grain-free puppy food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of puppies, providing the protein and nutrients necessary for building strong, lean muscles and supporting overall growth into healthy adult dogs.
Featuring deboned chicken and chicken meal as primary ingredients, it ensures highly palatable and easily digestible kibbles packed with flavor.
This food for German Shepherd puppies includes chicken fat and fish oil for omega fatty acids, which support heart, skin, and coat health, as well as menhaden fish meal for additional protein and flavor.
DHA and ARA, found in mother’s milk, support cognitive development and renal health, while calcium and phosphorus promote strong bones and teeth. L-carnitine aids in metabolism and efficient fat burning.
Nutritious fruits and vegetables like peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots serve as sources of carbohydrates and fiber.
LifeSource Bits provide a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune health and overall vitality. The recipe is free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, by-product meals, unnamed animal ingredients, corn, wheat, and soy.
Puppy owners, especially those with pets suffering from allergies, have praised this food for alleviating allergy symptoms and improving skin and coat conditions. However, a few have reported issues such as loose stools and gas in their puppies.
Pros
Grain free formula
Meets the needs of active puppies
Made from natural ingredients
Enriched with DHA and ARA
Cons
Caused stomach upset in some
6. ORIJEN Tundra Freeze-Dried Dog Food & Topper
First 5 ingredients:
Venison, Duck (Ground With Bone), Flounder, Lamb Meat, Duck Liver
Protein: 37.0% min
Fat: 34.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 4.0% max
Food Type: Freeze-Dried, Food Topping
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Orijen Tundra is a protein-rich formula featuring a blend of fresh venison, duck, lamb, herring, and wild boar, creating a biologically appropriate meal that harnesses the benefits of natural ingredients.
With 11 meat and fish ingredients listed before any vegetables, this recipe is perfect for dogs seeking a meat-heavy diet. In addition to the primary proteins, it also includes goat and various fatty fish, providing essential omega fatty acids.
It boasts a high protein content, making it ideal for working dogs or highly active canines who require protein for developing lean muscles and obtaining dense energy sources.
To balance the meal, it includes legumes, fruits, and leafy greens, which supply antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. The recipe avoids synthetic nutrition, deriving all nutrients from whole, natural ingredients.
To prepare, you simply add warm water and stir for an instantly delicious dinner, or crumble and sprinkle over your dog’s regular kibble as a tasty topper.
For dogs with a laid-back lifestyle, this formulation may be too fattening. Extra care may be needed to prevent excessive weight gain.
Alternatively, you can rotate this with other meals to help manage calorie intake and keep your dog from getting bored with their food.
Pros
Proudly American made
90% raw animal components
Crafted using high-quality ingredients
Freeze-dried and tasty recipe
Cons
Funky smell
Some received expired products
7. We Feed Raw Turkey Patty
First 5 ingredients:
Turkey Tails, Turkey Gizzards, Turkey Wings, Turkey Liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix
Protein: 12.8% min
Fat: 6.6% min
Fiber: 1.0% max
Moisture: 73.7% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
This is a single-protein meal designed to deliver the pure, wholesome nutrition that dogs naturally crave.
Made with cage-free, hormone-free turkey, this recipe provides an easily digestible protein source, ideal for building strong muscles and supporting overall vitality.
The single-protein formulation makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, offering simplicity without compromising on essential nutrients.
Expertly formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist, this raw diet is meticulously balanced with the perfect combination of organ meats, ground bone, and essential vitamins and minerals to provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all breeds and life stages.
Each patty is packed with nutrients that support a robust immune system, healthy digestion, and a shiny coat, while mirroring the ancestral diet that dogs were born to thrive on.
Free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives, it offers your dog a clean, nutrient-dense meal crafted with care and responsibility. Whether used as a full meal or a topper, this premium patty is a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to meet your dog's dietary needs while prioritizing their health and well-being.
Pros
Great source of zinc
Created from premium quality meat & organs
Suitable for pets with allergies
High in phosphorus to support strong bones and flexible ligaments
Cons
Expensive
Needs lots of storage space
8. Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal
Protein: 34.0% min
Fat: 17.0% min
Fiber: 3.5% max
Moisture: 11.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
The Backcountry range offers protein-rich dog food inspired by ancestral diets, featuring grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes with real, freeze-dried raw pieces of fish, meat, or poultry, and freeze-dried raw-coated kibbles.
Grain-free options use sweet potatoes for fiber and carbohydrates, while grain-inclusive options use brown rice, oatmeal, and barley.
The said recipe is a grain-free formula for adult dogs, featuring a blend of beef, lamb, salmon, pork, and rabbit, with a crude protein level of 38%. This high-protein diet supports muscle, immune system, and skin health, and is ideal for highly active, weight-managing, or working dogs.
Sweet potatoes and potatoes provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients like calcium, potassium, and iron. The recipe includes healthy fats from pork fat and sunflower oil, offering a balanced mix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Additionally, the recipe incorporates fruits like apples and blueberries for natural nutrients, enhancing the overall balance and completeness of the diet.
The freeze-dried kibbles cater to dogs who enjoy a meaty taste, providing the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient form, perfect for active dogs with higher nutritional needs.
Pros
Real deboned beef is #1 ingredient
Infused with whole grains
Contains freeze-dried raw bites
Zero peas, lentils and artificial preservatives
Cons
Tiny worms noted in some bags
9. Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe
Protein: 8.0% min
Fat: 5.5% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 78.0% max
Food Type: Wet, Pâté
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Ziwi Peak aims to provide dogs with nutrition that mirrors their wild ancestral diets. The brand avoids artificial ingredients, cheap fillers, and known stomach irritants like carrageenan in its canning processes.
The ingredients in Ziwi Peak's dog food are those that dogs would naturally consume in the wild. This approach ensures that sensitive dogs receive complete, nutrient-dense food without the negative effects of cheap fillers.
Their canned dog food uses a whole protein source, such as free-range beef, and primarily animal-based nutrition to replicate your dog's ancestral diet. It is a limited ingredient food, which is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs that struggle with multiple protein sources. Additionally, all ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced from New Zealand.
This wet food offers a balanced diet suitable for all life stages and breed sizes. It features a whole-prey ratio of 92% meat, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussels. The green mussels provide glucosamine and chondroitin, crucial for bone and joint health in aging dogs, growing puppies, and large breed dogs.
Pet owners report that this dog food helps maintain a healthy weight and is highly palatable, even for picky eaters. It is an excellent option for dogs requiring a high-protein diet, as it contains mostly meat and no fillers.
Ziwi Peak offers a clean recipe for dogs with limited ingredient tolerance. However, its production in New Zealand makes it relatively expensive.
Pros
Real deboned beef is #1 ingredient
Infused with whole grains
Contains freeze-dried raw bites
Zero peas, lentils and artificial preservatives
Cons
Always out of stock
White molds spotted in some cans
10. Now Fresh Senior Weight Management Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
De-Boned Turkey, Peas, Potatoes, Potato Flour, Pea Fiber
Protein: 24.0% min
Fat: 11.0% min
Fiber: 7.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: Senior, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
This grain free formula is specifically crafted to help senior dogs maintain a healthy weight and sustain their energy levels. This premium recipe features fresh, deboned meat and fish as primary ingredients, providing high-quality protein essential for preserving lean muscle mass in aging dogs.
Recognizing the importance of joint health in senior dogs, Now Fresh includes New Zealand mussels in the formula. These mussels are natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine, key nutrients that support joint function and mobility, helping to keep senior dogs active and comfortable.
To ensure the formula is nutritionally balanced and complete, pet nutritionists have also incorporated a variety of superfoods. These nutrient-dense ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health, boost the immune system, and promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Overall, this thoughtfully designed formula addresses the unique dietary needs of senior dogs, helping them thrive in their golden years with optimal nutrition and health support.
Pros
Multi-protein formula
Created by pet nutritionists
Helps maintain healthy weight
Enriched with 20+ natural superfoods
Cons
Caused skin allergies in some
5 Key Nutritional Needs of a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy has different dietary requirements to that of an adult dog, as they are growing at a considerable rate. There are 5 key nutritional needs that a German Shepherd puppy has, including:
- A protein-rich diet.
- Plenty of calcium.
- Lots of fat.
- Phosphorous
- High calorie levels to help growth
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart
6 Week Old German Shepherd
- At this age, it is crucial to ensure your puppy is receiving the same nutrients as if they were being fed by their mother
- Ideally, a 6 week old puppy should still be feeding from their mother
- It is tricky to replace the micro and macro nutrients that a puppy receives from their mother’s milk, as well as any antibodies
- They are growing very fast, so they need enough nutrients to sustain their growth
10 Weeks Old
- Puppies are generally weaned off their mothers from around 8-10 weeks of age
- As puppies are weaned off, the amount of puppy food they require increases
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- To help their little bodies with the transition from mother’s milk to puppy food, it is best to start with wet food (as it contains around 85% moisture)
- Using wet food helps to prepare their digestive systems for whole food, which will be introduced to a puppy’s diet in time
- Again, they are growing very fast, so they need enough nutrients to sustain their growth
12 Weeks Old
- Around 12 weeks of age, the transition from wet to dry food begins
- Ensure the transition is in small steps, to avoid causing any upset to the puppy (e.g. diarrhea and/or vomiting)
- As a guide, start with a 10% dry food, 90% wet food mix and increase the dry food by 10-15% each week after that
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- Still growing!
3 Months Old
- Once your puppy hits 3 months old, they should be almost fully transitioned to dry food only
- Avoid foods that say ‘all stages’, as they likely do not include all the nutrients a 3 month old puppy needs
- As a guide, feed them a total of 1-2 cups of dry food a day
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- Still growing!
5 Months Old
- By 5 months old, your puppy should be used to their dry food
- Additionally, around 4-5 months of age introduce some live animal products into their diet such as actual bone, raw eggs and liver
- They need to be fed at least 3 times a day
- As a guide, feed them a total of 1-2 cups of dry food a day
1 Year Old
- Around the 12-month mark, you will notice your dog is slowing down their eating as their metabolism is also slowing down
- Feed them once to twice a day
- Puppies continue growing until 18-24 months, so ensuring they have enough nutrients to continually support their growth is super important
Also read: Types of German Shepherd Coats
Our Feeding Guide
Puppy
Average Weight – Approximately 10lb to 30lb (4.5kg to 14kg)
Recommended Daily Food Intake – 1-2 cups a day (3.5 to 7 oz. or 100g to 200g)
Adult Dog
Average Weight – Approximately 60lb to 90lb (27kg to 40kg)
Recommended Daily Food Intake – 3-5 cups a day (10.5 to 17.5 oz. or 300g to 500g)
Senior Dog
Average Weight – Approximately 60lb to 90lb (27kg to 40kg)
Recommended Daily Food Intake – When it comes to feeding your senior German Shepherd (about 6-7 years of age or older), you must consult your vet as to the suggested amount and type of food. There are a range of factors that can affect feeding, so ensure you have spoken to a professional.
Parting Words
There is a huge range of different dog foods to choose from when it comes to feeding your pup in every stage of their life, however not all of them are the best for their needs.
It is super important to ensure you know what is contained in the food that you are feeding your furry friend, and whether it meets all their dietary and nutritional needs.
Determining the best dog food involves carefully considering various factors to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy.
The best food options typically include high-quality protein sources, essential nutrients, and ingredients that support joint health and digestion. When feeding your dog, it is crucial to evaluate both grain-inclusive and grain-free dog foods to find the most suitable diet for their specific needs.
Additionally, consider your dog's individual preferences and any dietary sensitivities they may have. By doing so, you can determine the best diet that supports their overall well-being, ensuring they lead a long, healthy, and active life.
Finally, if you are unsure about what to feed your pet, then speak to your local veterinarian about your pup and their needs. They will be able to help you choose between the products listed about, and what fits best with your circumstances.
Every dog is different, which is why there are so many options available. Not every choice will suit your dog’s needs, so you may need to try a few before you find the one that works. And enjoy the wonderful company of your furry, healthy friend for years to come!