German Shepherds are often seen in police forces or in the military. That’s because these dogs are highly intelligent and have a lean, tough body that makes them perfect for high-stress physical activities
However, they also make excellent family pets. Although they shed a lot, they are quite gentle around children and can be strong guard dogs. They are physically active and need exercise every day, thus making them a perfect workout buddy.
Since these are highly active large breeds, these dogs require a rich diet of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. Adult German Shepherds can weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds, a heavy-duty size that requires an equal amount of heavy-duty nutrition.
Source-insidedog’sworld.com
A growing German Shepherd puppy must be fed larger bred puppy food that is rich in protein. German Shepherds are an active breed and their nutrition must be calorie-dense and full of essential vitamins and minerals.
Following is our list of the 9 best Dog Foods for German Shepherds.
Top Nine Best Dog Foods for German Shepards
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Source-amazon.com
Royal Canin is a reputed and celebrated brand of pet food. It is trusted by many pet owners for its delicious pet food that is also packed with nutrition. they have a variety of options for every stage of a German Shepherd’s life- from puppy to adulthood.
This dry food for German Shepherds is designed especially for German Shepherds 15 months or older. The biscuits are kibble shaped to encourage chewing in the German shepherd’s long muzzle.
The dry food is highly nutritious; it has highly digestible proteins and specific fibers that aid digestion and better stool pickup.
Features of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
- Premium pet food brand
- Trusted by many pet owners
- Kibble sized biscuits that encourage chewing for German Shepherd’s strong muzzle
- For dogs 15 months and older
- Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers that aid digestion and better stool pickup.
- Ensures healthy skin and coat with EPA and DHA from fish oil
- Reinforces the skin barrier with essential nutrients
- Maintains German Shepherd’s bone & joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin for a stronger and faster metabolism
Pros
- Designed especially for German Shepherds
- Reputed pet food brand
- Biscuits are soft and chewable
- Promote bone strength
- Healthy skin and coat
- Better stool pickup
Cons
- Not for puppies younger than 15 months
Overall ratings of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Dry Dog Food
Source-amazon.com
Eukanuba has been producing quality pet food for over 50 years. This variant of their adult dog dry food contains the 3D DENTADEFENSE System Technology, which helps to reduce and eliminate tartar buildup in your German Shepherd, which is commonly found in many store pet foods.
This dog food is made from high-quality, animal-based proteins that combine with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help strengthen your dog’s muscle for improved metabolism and active lifestyle.
Eukanuba has a special fiber system that encourages better absorption of food and digestion and a healthy gut.
Features of the Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Dry Dog Food
- Specialized adult dog dry food
- 3D DENTADEFENSE System Technology to eliminate tartar buildup in your German Shepherd in 28 days
- Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids help to develop healthy skin and a shiny coat
- High-quality, animal-based proteins that combine with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
- Helps to strengthen muscles and improve metabolism
- Special fiber system aids digestion and better stool pickup
Pros
- Healthy muscles and joints
- Improves digestion
- Improves gut health
- Healthy skin and lustorous coat
- Eliminates tartar buildup
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of the Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Dry Dog Food
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Dog Food
Source-amazon.com
This wet food variant from Royal Canine is specially designed for German Shepherds that are 15 months or older. The wet food is cooked as a soft pate with Loaf in the sauce that appeals to your German Shepherd’s senses.
The wet food is safe for daily consumption. It can be given once or twice a day. It encourages healthy skin and a lustrous coat. The wet food is formulated with specific B vitamins and amino acids and glucosamine and chondroitin that improve digestion and helps with strengthening the joints and muscles and overall health of your dog.
The wet food over time will improve the condition of your German Shepherd’s skin and ensure a long and healthy coat of hair.
Features of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Dog Food
- Wet food variant from a reputed pet food brand
- Loaf in a sauce made in soft pate texture
- Will appeal to most dog’s senses
- Suitable for German Shepherds 15 months and older
- Contains specific B vitamins and amino acids to help support healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Maintains bone & joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin that strengthen bones and joints
- It can be given safely on its own or mixed with dry food.
Pros
- Wet food in tasty flavour
- Can be mixed with dry food as well
- Improves skin and coat conditions
- Helps build strong and lean bodies
Cons
- Not suitable for pets younger than 15 months or older
Overall ratings of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Dog Food
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
Source-amazon.com
This dry dog food for German Shepherds has pure, organic chicken and turkey as its first ingredients. These two combine to form a powerful duo of animal proteins that will help your dog lead a more active lifestyle.
The dry food contains a healthy 18% fat that helps to maintain a healthy diet and weight of your German Shepherd. It contains nutrients derived from chicken, turkey, and eggs that help to improve your dog’s muscles, joints, and digestive system.
The dog food is also made from wholesome grains that help incorporate sustained energy and faster metabolism for your dog.
Features of the IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
- Premium-quality dry dog food
- Made from pure and organic chicken, turkey and eggs
- Superior animal protein helps to strengthen your dog’s muscles, bones, and joints
- Improves digestion and heart conditions
- Grains help to sustain energy and quicken metabolism
- 18% fat for optimal body weight.
Pros
- Pure chicken and turkey
- Grains help to sustain and conserve energy
- 18% fat helps maintain weight
- Pure animal protein helps with overall health of your dog.
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of the IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed Chicken
Source-amazon.com
The adult formula of the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food is completely grain-free and completely made from all-natural ingredients. The formula is made from Deboned Chicken And Whitefish that are a rich source of Essential Vitamins And Minerals for the overall health of your dog.
The formula is made from organic chicken that is a rich source of animal lean protein. Blueberries and spinach are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin A & C, Potassium, Fiber, and various carotenoids. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids, that help to improve the health of the skin and the coat of your dog.
The formula has prebiotics, probiotics, chicory root extract, and healthy fiber combine to help support healthy digestion and gut health.
Features of the Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed Chicken
- Grain-free premium-quality dog food
- Organic and pure chicken as a rich source of animal protein
- Blueberries and spinach are rich in antioxidants that help maintain healthy skin and coat
- Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin A and Vitamin E help maintain a healthy immune system.
- Prebiotics, probiotics, chicory root extract, and healthy fiber combine to help support healthy digestion and gut health
Pros
- Improves immunity levels of your dog
- Healthy skin and coat
- Aids in digestion and gut health
- Improves metabolism
- No Wheat, Corn, Soy, Meat By-Products
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors Or Preservatives
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of the Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed Chicken
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Source-amazon.com
This grain-free adult dog food formula has real chicken that can satisfy your German Shepherd’s natural love for meat and helps build lean muscle mass.
The formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health and overall health of your German Shepherd at every stage of its life.
The formula has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Features of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Grain-free real chicken dry dog food
- Organic, pure chicken to help satiate your dog’s natural love for meat
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and muscle health
- BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionist
- All-natural, organic ingredients
- Contains calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth
Pros
- No poultry by-product meals
- No corn, wheat, soy,
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Excellent for overall health of your pet
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall Ratings of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
5 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Instinct Puppy Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Source-amazon.com
Instinct Puppy Food for adult dogs and the larger breed has the right amount of ingredients to provide a wholesome, nutritious meal for your German Shepherd. It contains frozen dried bite-sized pieces of cage-free chicken.
The dog-food provides complete nutrition for your growing German Shepherd. It contains calcium & phosphorus for strong teeth and bones plus natural DHA for brain & eye development.
The dry food utilizes Instincts Raw Boost technology, which combines natural, high protein, grain-free dog food with freeze-dried raw dog food toppers rich in probiotics and omegas.
Features of the Instinct Puppy Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
- Premium dry food for dogs
- High protein, grain-free kibble with all-natural bites of freeze-dried raw chicken.
- Calcium & phosphorus for strong teeth and bones
- Natural DHA for brain & eye development.
Pros
- Made without grain
- No potato, corn, wheat, soy,
- No by product meal,
- No artificial colors or preservatives.
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Instinct Puppy Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe
Source-amazon.com
This Veterinarian Recommended brand of dog food helps to aid in your German Shepherds digestive system and overall health. All-natural and organic ingredients do not upset the stomach and help with easy digestion.
This dog food is a source of prebiotic fiber that helps with dog’s sensitive stomachs and skin and ensures healthy guts and stomachs. This also helps with easy absorption and easier stool pickup.
Omega 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E help nourish skin and build a strong and lustrous coat. Vitamin C and E build a stronger immune system and effectively eliminate allergies.
Features of Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe
- Premium-quality dog food
- Designed especially for easy digestion and absorption of food
- Rich source of prebiotic fiber
- Omega 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E help with healthy skin and coat
Pros
- Designed for sensitive stomachs
- Helps digestion and gut health
- No soy or wheat
- No artiicial preservatives and flavors
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Overall ratings of Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
How to choose the best dog food for Your German Shepherd
- What to avoid- Never feed your German Shepherd animal by-products, fillers, preservatives, grains, soy, or wheat and bone meal or corn syrup. These ingredients can seriously upset your dog’s stomach and help it develop allergies
- German Shepherds have a shorter colon than other large breed dogs. This makes it difficult for them to digest food properly. German Shepherds food must alleviate sensitive stomach, allergies, hip dysplasia, or bloat.
- Grain-free food is suitable for German shepherds as most of them are allergic to grain.
- Wet food is suitable for puppies and senior dogs as it is easy to chew and can be swallowed easily as well. Dry food and kibble can be feed to adult and growing German Shepherds.
How much food should a German Shepherd eat in a day?
Dogs are excessive eaters and have no control over their eating. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor their food intake. Excessive feeding can cause vomitings and bloatings. A growing German Shepherd puppy can be fed thrice a day for its optimal development. Adult dogs need to be fed twice a day.
Which kind of meat is suitable for German Shepherds?
Vetranarians recommend that 22% of your dog’s diet must be meat. Usually, chicken is the best meat option as it is a rich source of lean protein for dogs
How much water should a Geramn Shepherd drink in a day?
This depends largely on the weight of your German Shepherd. If your dog weighs 80 pounds, it needs 80 ounces of water everyday.
Summary
German Shepherds are adorable pets to have. They are also a larger breed of dogs that have their own needs and requirements. Their diets must be rich in all the nutrients, most important proteins. If you wish to adopt a German Shepherd or are the proud owner of one already, ensuring it gets the best diet must be your top priority. We hope you find the perfect food for your pet from our list.