Your What is the best food for a German Shepherd puppy? A Comprehensive Guide

Best Dog Food for German Shepherds January 2023

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for German shepherds for January 2023.

Rating:

German Dog Diet is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Dr. Gary’s Best Breed product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, brown rice)
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
  • Dr. Gary’s Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    We like the fact the formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals… which provides superior absorption and nutrition. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Real Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of Merrick Large Grain-Free Dog Food product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: German shepherd adults
  • Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat-based protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 17% fat and 41% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

    We also note the use of multiple probiotics for improved digestion… and salmon oil for healthy skin and coat. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
  • Pork Potluck gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    All 4 recipes are designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN )

    From an online questionnaire, Nom Nom creates a custom feeding plan based on your dog’s age, weight, breed type, and activity level.

    The company then recommends an exact portion size, according to the number of calories needed to maintain your dog at ideal weight.

    Once it arrives at your door, you’ll want to store the food in your freezer.. Then, thaw each meal in your refrigerator… as it’s needed.

    Nom Nom Fresh is ideal for pet parents who want to feed a fully-balanced, human-grade diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get… without all the fuss.

    Rating:

    Wilderness Salmon is one of 18 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult shepherds only
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

    A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes… which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Fairly priced and highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry kibbles included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, oats)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult shepherds only
  • Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

    This grain-inclusive, large breed formula boasts above-average protein content… yet still free of any plant-based protein “boosters”. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Large Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult shepherds only
  • Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

    The recipe contains multiple probiotics for better digestion… and chelated minerals for improved absorption and healthy nutrition. Affordably priced and easy to recommend.

    Rating:

    Eagle Pack Power is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult shepherds only
  • Power Adult derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    A time-proven, grain-inclusive design free of any legume concentrates. Contains safe, natural antioxidant preservatives. No BHT or ethoxyquin. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Real Duck is one of 14 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Duck, chicken meal, peas, egg product, turkey meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
  • Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh duck and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 23% fat and 31% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 61%.

    This formula also gets its antioxidants from natural fruits and veggies for healthy immunity… and thus, greater resistance to disease. A top pick for German shepherds… and other large breeds.

    Rating:

    Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, chicken fat, yeast culture
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (millet)
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
  • Victor Purpose Nutra Pro derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 46% protein, 24% fat and 22% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

    Nutra Pro is also rich in low-glycemic carbohydrates for sustained energy… and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, corn, sorghum)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult shepherds only
  • Iams ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

    This classic, grain-inclusive large breed design has been made by Iams for years… and is a nutritious fit for adult German shepherds. Calcium levels are a bit high for shepherd puppies. Easily recommended.

    Rating:

    Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
  • Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

    It’s nice to find a recipe containing natural source preservatives… which means Southwest Canyon contains no BHA, BHT or other toxic additives. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. Easily recommended.

    What causes hip disease in German shepherds?

    Hip dysplasia in German shepherds is caused by up to 3 factors:

  • Genetics
  • Overfeeding
  • Too much calcium in the diet
  • Best wet foods for German Shepherd puppies

    Your What is the best food for a German Shepherd puppy?

    Why do we like it? It contains a large amount of deboned chicken meat and whole grains, making it a balanced option for your GSD puppy.

    Features

  • Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility
  • High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight
  • Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition
  • This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love
  • Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs
  • How much Should you Feed a German Shepherd Puppy in a day? | GSD Diet Plan |

    The German Shepherd is the third most popular dog breed in the U.S.A. based on 2020 registration statistics released by the American Kennel Club, and rightly so.

    They are highly intelligent, confident, courageous, noble, and loyal, which makes them great service dogs, mostly in police and military forces, and emergency services, among others.

    Taking care of a German Shepherd requires constant maintenance of their thick coats, getting them to exercise frequently, and supplying them with adequate nutrition.

    Can’t figure out what to feed them? Simply put, the best dog food for German Shepherds is a high-quality wet or dry food specially made for large-breed dogs.