10 Best Dog Food for German Shepherds: Power Up Your Pup

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.

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

German Shepherd Nutrition by Life Stage

Puppy (up to about 12 to 18 months). A German Shepherd is a large breed, so feed a puppy food whose label says it is complete and balanced for growth “including growth of large size dogs (70 lb or more as an adult)”. AAFCO caps calcium in these foods at 1.8% on a dry-matter basis. Too much calcium, or too many calories, makes a big puppy grow too fast, and fast growth is linked to hip and elbow problems. Do not add calcium supplements, and keep your puppy slim: you should be able to feel the ribs easily. Feed 3 to 4 meals a day until about 6 months, then 2. Our large breed puppy food guide explains the label check step by step.

Adult (about 1.5 to 7 years). Feed 2 measured meals a day. A working or very active Shepherd needs more calories than a family pet, so use the bag’s feeding guide as a starting point and adjust by body shape: a visible waist from above and ribs you can feel without pressing. Keeping a large dog lean matters; in Purina’s 14-year study of Labrador Retrievers, dogs fed to stay lean lived a median of about 2 years longer and got arthritis later than their heavier littermates.

Senior (from about 7 years). Large breeds age faster than small ones, and the AKC gives German Shepherds a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. Many seniors need fewer calories as they slow down. A food with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA from fish oil) can help stiff joints, and regular vet checks catch weight loss or gain early.

Health Problems That Affect How You Feed a German Shepherd

• Bloat (GDV). Large, deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds have a higher risk of the stomach filling with gas and twisting. Feed 2 or more smaller meals instead of one big one, and avoid hard exercise right before and after meals. A swollen belly, retching without bringing anything up, or restlessness is an emergency: go to a vet straight away.
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). German Shepherds are the breed most often affected. The pancreas stops making enough digestive enzymes, so the dog loses weight while eating a lot and passes large, pale, greasy stools. It is treated with enzyme powder your vet prescribes; food alone does not fix it.
• Sensitive stomach and skin. Many Shepherds have loose stools or itchy skin. A food with one main protein can help you find the trigger, ideally with your vet’s help. See our picks for dog food for firm stools.

 

Best Dog Food for German Shepherds

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

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.

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2. Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Formula

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.

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3. Horizon Legacy Northern Water Fish Recipe

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.