It is quite well known by dog owners that dry food is the most preferred type of food for German Shepherds, in fact for all dog breeds. However, wet food also has some of its advantages. Because of this dilemma, new owners often become confused if to feed wet food or dry food to their German Shepherds and finding the best wet food for German Shepherds can be more difficult.
Benefits of feeding wet food to German Shepherds
- Wet food mostly comes in cans and is already known canning is a preferred way to store nutrients. It is fresher than dry kibble food. They generally contain fewer carbohydrates, fillers and preservatives.
- Wet food as compared to dry food is easier to digest because of the lesser content of preservatives and fillers. This is one of the most important reasons why German Shepherds can be fed wet food as they have a weak digestive system.
- The aroma and freshness make wet food more appealing to German Shepherds. Since wet food contains moisture wet food becomes more palatable to GSDs. Owners who have picky eaters can feed wet food to their pets easily.
- With ageing, some German Shepherds develop some diseases like Maxillofacial trauma and periodontal disorders and because of this reason, chewing food becomes very difficult for them. In such cases, wet food can be a food alternative as it is easier to chew and swallow.
- Wet foods can be a good source of daily hydration. It can keep your dog hydrated and keep him free from several kidney diseases or organ stress.
- One another surprising advantage of feeding wet food is it aids in weight loss for bulky dogs. Because of the moisture content, eating a little quantity of wet food would make your dog feel fuller and thus prevent him from over-eating. This does not mean feeding him lesser than recommended levels by your veterinarian.
The best food for German Shepherds
1. Blue Buffalo – BLUE Freedom Grain-Free Grillers (Hearty Beef Dinner)
This food product uses beef as the main ingredient in its composition, which makes it a good source of protein for German Shepherds.
- Some other ingredients include chicken liver and chicken meat.
- Water and beef broth is used for adding moisture to the food product.
- Contrary to bad wet foods, this does not contain any bad fillers like wheat, soy, corn, etc; it uses peas, potatoes, and carrots which are good sources of carbohydrates.
- It also does not contain any preservatives which are harmful to your dog’s health.
- The content of minerals and vitamins also makes it a healthier option than other dog food.
- This is a grain-free food item but contains eggs. If your dog is allergic to eggs, refrain from feeding this food product to him.
2. Merrick – Slow-Cooked BBQ (Texas Style with Braised Beef)
The main ingredient of this food product is beef liver and deboned beef meat. This makes a source of ample amount of protein. To make the food more flavorful and aromatic for appealing to picky eaters, it uses beef and vegetable broth. Not only this, but these ingredients also help dogs to stay hydrated.
One other thing which makes the food more appealing to your dog is the smoked flavor of the beef. This food does not contain any grain and uses green beans and sweet potatoes as the main source of carbohydrates for German Shepherds.
As German Shepherds often face hips and joint issues, feeding this food can help prevent them as it contains flaxseed oil and salmon oil which are good for bones and skin.
3. Blue Buffalo – Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe (Red Meat Dinner)
This food product is another variant of Blue Buffalo which was stated earlier. This also contains beef as its main ingredient and adds to the protein requirement for German Shepherds. Apart from beef muscle, it also contains lamb, beef liver and turkey.
For increasing the appeal, the food has beef broth and no water which makes it quite aromatic and irresistible for picky eaters. The flaxseed content in this food along with essential minerals and vitamins make it one of the best wet food for German Shepherds as it helps to maintain a healthy coat and joints.
This is because flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are good for skin and bones. Contains no artificial flavors and preservatives.
4. Natural Balance – Original Ultra Beef Canned Dog Formula
It is very well known for promoting digestion and providing all the ingredients required to keep up with the good health of your German Shepherd. Like other popular wet food for German Shepherds, this food product also contains beef as its main ingredient. It contains a combination of beef muscle and liver. For moisture, it uses beef broth which makes the food quite flavorful for German Shepherds.
Some other major ingredients of this food are carrots and potatoes. Carrots are quite nutritious for GSDs as they provide fiber, beta-carotene and minerals to them. It also contains oat bran and brown rice which are good quality carbohydrates.
Conclusion
The above mentioned are some of the best wet food for German Shepherds. If you wish to try any of the products, always consult with your veterinarian as they are aware of the food allergies which your dog has. A particular food product might be beneficial for one but might not be so for another as every dog’s digestion capacity differs. You can always mix some kibble with the wet food which can add texture to your dog’s food. Being an owner, you should not only focus on the taste of the food but also on the ingredients it has. If it is very tasty but provides no nutrients, it will be no good for your dog.