5 Best Dog Food For German Shepherds: Which Should You Use

Are you the owner of a German Shepherd puppy and want to know the best dog food for German Shepherds according to their age? The food chart of a newborn German Shepherd is very different from an adult German Shepherd. So, you are going to discover all about the how much to feed your dog, about the nutritional requirements of your pet and recommendations.

German Shepherds are considered to be one of the most popular breeds among dogs. There are various reasons for their popularity. Some of them are highly intelligent, loyal, agile and loving animals. Not only this, German Shepherds are used as police dogs.

Now, when we talk about its multi-talented characteristics, it becomes quite obvious that they would require some specific type of food to stay energetic and healthy most of the time. All dogs need to have a properly balanced diet that consists of correct portions of fat, protein, and other essential vitamins and nutrients.

Traits of German Shepherds

To understand more about German Shepherds, the following traits illustrate their characteristics in detail.

Appearance

They have sharp almond-shaped eyes which are mostly dark colored. These dogs have double coats – combination of a coarse outer coat and soft yet thick inner coat helps them to tolerate any weather condition.

German Shepherds are mostly a mixture of black and tan coloured. Some of the other rarely found colors are: all black, white, sable, black & red, etc.

Nature

GSDs are generally very enthusiastic, courageous and intelligent. Though most of them are dominant in nature, if trained in the right way, they can be very obedient and peaceful too! Considering that they are very intelligent, they learn new things in no time, unlike other dog breeds. One of the most important things to note if you wish to pet a German Shepherd is that you can never be lazy.

You need to take frequent walks and arrange vigorous exercise sessions for them.
Despite having serious looks, they are mostly playful and enjoy the company of their owners and family. Also, never leave these dogs alone as they want to be in sight of the owners or otherwise they may suffer from separation anxiety and become destructive.

Though they can live with other breeds as well, it is better that it is the only dog in the house. Hence, it can be said that the German Shepherd needs active owners who are ready to devote some time to their dogs and stay around them.

Pre-requisites of living conditions

In previous times, German Shepherds were only bred for laborious activities, but now it is a family dog. As already mentioned before, they are mostly hyperactive and need to be pets in high fenced houses. They can also survive in compact apartments as long as there is some schedule for physical exercise in an open space.

Having said that, German Shepherds, because of their extremely active lifestyle, need to have a higher amount of protein compared to other dog breeds. This helps them to have a good muscle mass and build.

Feeding the right food to your dog, especially when it requires special needs is difficult. Owners often fail to analyse the perfect balanced diet for their dogs and eventually the dog grows up feeble. To avoid such a situation, read through the detailed food chart for German Shepherds and check out the foods that can be prepared at home with minimal expenses.

What to look for in high-quality dog food?

It is very important to purchase the right kind of food for your German Shepherd. Anything available in the market labelled as ‘dog food’ should not be blindly purchased. Owners should always scan through the ingredients mentioned as well as other specifications before buying the dog food. A guide to buying the right food for your German Shepherd is given below.

‘Good’ things to look for in dog food

1. All dog breeds need a well-balanced diet that consists of a good proportion of fat, protein and other essential nutrients. Unlike other breeds, German Shepherds have a low metabolism rate, which means they need to have a limited amount of calories and fat to prevent gaining extra weight.
2. It has been found that puppy German Shepherds who grow very fast often have weak bone strength in their adulthood. Thus, it is important to buy food that is specially designed for steady and slow growth.
3. Since German Shepherds have generally a very active lifestyle, having a protein-rich diet is essential for them to have good muscle mass.
4. To fulfil the protein requirements of your dog, try feeding him animal proteins like fish, meat, poultry, etc. The amount of protein intake should be at least 18% for adults and 22% for puppies.
5. To maintain healthy skin and coat, omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 are quite important.
6. Including 5% fiber in the diet can be a good way to maintain a healthy digestive system. This can be obtained through vegetables and whole grains.

Read: How to feed a German Shepherd puppy

Things to avoid in dog food

Try to avoid food that does not have any animal protein as the primary ingredient. Not only this, do not feed German Shepherds or rather any dog breed any food product which contains fillers, artificial additives and by-products.

Misconceptions/ Myths about Dog Food

It is often believed that since dogs are carnivores, they cannot digest grains. This is a myth dog owners are unaware of commonly. It is thought that grain-free food should be preferred over grains, though this is not the case.

Read: What foods are German Shepherds allergic to

Contrary to the popular belief, grains can actually be helpful for dogs as they can aid digestion and are a good source of fiber. In fact, studies have found that dogs who are on a grain-free diet often develop dilated cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease.

How to read dog food labels the right way

There are thousands of information on the internet about dog food, but all necessarily does not have to be correct. There are often blogs and articles posted by people who have half knowledge about animal food and hence convey the wrong information to the dog owners.

Due to the lack of knowledge, dogs often suffer as they are fed the wrong food. It is very important to consult your veterinarian because of feeding something to your pet.

At times, when contacting a vet becomes difficult, knowing to read the food label of dog food can be of great help. Following mentioned are some of the points which can be a guide for the same:

1. The first thing to check on the label of dog food before buying is to check the AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification. It ensures that the food is formulated in the right way and safe for consumption. It also mentions the life stage of the dogs which are: Gestation, Growth, Maintenance and All Life Stages. The AAFCO certification must have completed one of the three following ways.
2. The food should be formulated as per the pet needs specified in the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles, which are based on the recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC).
3. The pet food must have been through an animal feeding trial. If any dog food has met this condition, as per the AAFCO rules, there should also be the length of the trial and life stage of the dog when it was under trial.
4. The third way is Product Family Establishment. It is a mixture of the formulation and the feeding trial ways, which help to determine the nutritional adequacy.

As is obvious, it is important to check the ingredients list of the food to be purchased. After you have checked the AAFCO certification, it is necessary to go through the list of ingredients mentioned on the food packet. The first four to five ingredients mentioned in the list are of the utmost importance as they constitute the major portion of the food.

For example: When the ingredient list mentions chicken to be the first item, then it constitutes the whole bird including the fluids before it was cooked. Hence, it might not contain as much meat. Also, if certain ingredients like kale, blueberries, spinach are mentioned towards the end of the list, then they are present in almost negligible amounts. The main ingredient should be 70% of the total food.

All dogs including German Shepherds have specific nutritional requirements and feeding patterns at different stages of their lives. For a detailed understanding of the same in newborns, puppies, adults and seniors, read through the entire blog.

The Best dog food for German Shepherds according to age

#1. Newborns

Feeding pattern for newborn German Shepherds

A German Shepherd is a newborn from 0 to 4 weeks. The average weight of a German Shepherd newborn ranges from 370 to 600 grams at the time of birth. They are dependent on their mother’s milk in the initial stage. In case, if the mother’s milk is not available, good quality powdered milk can be fed to them regularly so that they do not become nutrient-deficient.

When German Shepherds turn 1 week, they gain significant weight. Because of this, they require and crave more milk and hence their requirements change every week.

Nutritional requirements of newborn German Shepherds

As stated earlier, a newborn is only dependent on mother’s milk in its early stage. If for some reason, you need to purchase outside milk, then it should have the following nutrients for the well-being of the dog:

1. Easily-digestible protein: It helps in the development and growth of the newborn.
2. Antioxidants: These help to strengthen the immune system and make it fight against diseases and infections. 
3. Omega Fatty Acids: It aids the eye and brain development of the newborn German Shepherd. 
4. Essential Vitamins: This helps to enhance the metabolism which in turn would make the newborn active and strong.

A good product that can replace maternal milk for newborns is the Royal Canin Baby Dog Milk as it provides a high amount of protein and energy as well as helps in the development of cognitive skills and the nervous system. Moreover, it is easy to digest.

Best Starter Dog Foods For Newborn German Shepherd

Now, when your newborn is a little grown-up but not so much that it can be classified as a puppy, owners can switch to starter food instead of feeding only milk. This stage typically arrives when the newborn turns 1 month old. Starter foods are basically dry food that is soaked in water so that they can become soft and easily consumed by babies. If you need to buy starter food, you can refer to the list below as these are the top starter foods available in the market.

Royal Canin Maxi Starter Food

It comes in a kibble-shaped design and can be easily soaked in water and brought to a porridge-like consistency. This way, it becomes easier for consumption. This food product is mostly recommended because it boosts the general immunity system, aids digestion and fulfils all the dietary requirements of a 1-2 month-old. 

Arden Grang With Chicken Weaning Puppy

It is mostly preferred when the German Shepherd is in the weaning stage. It contains a high amount of concentrated calories along with rich protein content. This helps in the bone development of the puppies. This food also provides a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids which is good for the skin and the development of the brain and retina.

Farmina N&D Low Grain Puppy Chicken and Pomegranate Starter

One of the greatest advantages of this gluten-free food product is that it does not contain any artificial flavoring which is good for newborns. It is good for the nursing mother as well as the newborn. This food contains good quality chicken and pomegranate which helps in the well-being of the pup. Not only this, but since it has a low glycemic index, it helps maintain the body weight of the puppy. Additionally, it contains minerals, vitamins. etc.

#2. Puppies

Feeding Pattern for German Shepherd Puppies

German Shepherds ranging from 2 months to 15 months are classified as puppies. They need a lot of energy throughout their puppy-hood phase and hence require a good source of energy by consuming healthy calories. The quantity of food fed should increase a bit as compared to the newborn stage but the frequency should eventually decrease. Below mentioned a detailed chart on the feeding patterns of a puppy German Shepherd.

Nutritional Requirements of Puppy German Shepherds

There are certain changes in the nutritional requirements when German Shepherds cross 2 months of age.

1. They need to consume a good amount of protein, at least 22% of their daily calorie budget to gain lean muscle mass which would make them strong.
2. For good skin and a lustrous coat, fat consumption is also necessary. It is recommended to feed 5 to 8% fat on a daily basis. It is also important for eye and brain development.
3. To develop strong bones and joints, the consumption of sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus is important as well.

Top Food Products for Your Puppy German Shepherd

If you are confused as to which food products can provide all the above-mentioned nutrients, you can refer to the below food products as they are some of the best foods for your puppy German Shepherd.

Royal Canin German Shepherd Junior

This food product has been specifically prepared for German Shepherd puppies. It contains all the essential nutrients which are required for the proper growth and development of your German Shepherd puppy. Some of the benefits of this food are as follows:

• It comes in a kibble shape and is easy for your small pup to consume.
• It contains FOS probiotics which are excellent for intestinal health and good stool quality.
• The food also provides a sufficient amount of antioxidants which help the puppy fight infections and build a stronger immune system.

Arden Grange Puppy Junior Large Breed

This food is suitable for large breed puppies like German Shepherds.

• It contains high levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin which help in maintaining strong joints and cartilage.
• To suffice the protein requirement in puppies, it has an ample amount of fresh chicken meat in it.
• Arden Grange also contains a good source of probiotics to aid digestion and maintain good intestinal health.

Read: Can German Shepherd eat chicken bones

IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed

Like the above-mentioned foods, this product also has all the vital nutrients required for the growth and development of a German Shepherd. Because of its crunchy texture, it helps prevent dental problems like Tartar and Plaque. Some of the benefits of the food products are mentioned below:

• It consists of 37% of protein which helps in the development of lean muscle for the puppies.
• It contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are important for the healthy skin of dogs.
• Like ideal dog food, it also contains sufficient quantities of vitamin E, probiotics, calcium and phosphorus which help in the overall growth and development of the puppies.
• One unique factor of this dog food is that it contains beet pulp which helps strengthen the immunity system.

#3. Adults

Feeding Pattern for Adult German Shepherds

Puppies, when grown older than 15 months, become adult dogs. An adult German Shepherd dog typically consumes around 1700 calories a day. It is very important to keep in mind the feeding pattern at this stage as there is a significant change from the pattern of the newborn and puppy stage. An adult dog should be fed 2 times a day ideally.

You might be quite obvious of the fact that protein intake is quite vital for German Shepherds. The same is applicable to adult dogs. Owners should feed them whole meat protein like beef, fish, poultry, etc. and refrain from purchasing food that has synthetic preservatives.

Nutritional Requirements Of Adult German Shepherds

Like other dog breeds, adult German Shepherds also require a good combination of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, fibers, etc. in their diet.

• As already mentioned a thousand times, German Shepherds have an active lifestyle and require a good amount of protein in their diet. Accordingly, 18% protein is recommended for their daily diet intake.
• Not only protein, but good fats are also a necessity to fulfil the calorie requirement of German Shepherds on a daily basis. It is considered that 5% of fat is a good amount to be consumed daily.
• Adulthood is a time when bones and joints can become weak if not fed the right amount of vitamins. Not only this, some source of fiber is essential as well to keep up with a healthy body weight and good digestive system.

Read: Can German Shepherds eat cucumbers

Best Foods For Adult German Shepherds

Fidele Adult Large Breed

The Fidele Adult Large Breed food contains all the essential nutrients required by an adult German Shepherd. .

• Contains a good amount of protein which helps in the enhancement of endurance and strength of large breed dogs.
• Has Omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to good skin health as well as good eyesight.
• MOS and FOS probiotics maintain the healthy intestinal health of the German Shepherd.

Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog

This food is a mixture of chicken and barley as its main ingredients. Some of its benefits are:

It can be easily digested because of its high fiber content.

The food tastes good as it contains a good amount of chicken meat.

Some of the other essential nutrients present in this food are: Omega-6, vitamin E, protein, etc.

Some other good quality foods available in the market for adult German Shepherds are Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult, IAMS Proactive Health For Adult German Shepherd, etc.

Read: Can German Shepherd eat apples

#4. Seniors

Feeding Pattern for Senior German Shepherds

When German Shepherds turn older than 8 years, they are classified under Senior dogs. In this stage, they tend to become obese and it is very important to take special care of their eating patterns. Unlike other stages, in the senior stage, owners should not keep feeding their German Shepherds loads of fats and protein as this can contribute to fat accumulation in the body. A senior dog should be fed around 1200 calories every day. The frequency of feeding should not be more than 2 times a day.

Nutritional Requirements Of Senior German Shepherds

• As the dog grows old, the additional requirement of vitamins and minerals becomes necessary as this helps in keeping the bones and joints strong.
• To prevent inflammation, old German Shepherds should be fed a sufficient amount of Omega 3, the greatest source is fish oil.
• As already stated before, fewer intakes of carbs should be focused on as they have a tendency to become obese. Accordingly, food with a low glycemic index should be fed.

Best Foods For Senior German Shepherds

If you are confused as to which dog foods are the best for senior German Shepherds, refer to the following list of best dog foods for senior dogs:

Orijen Senior Dog Food

• This dog food is considered to be one of the best for senior dogs as it contains proportionate amounts of essential nutrients which are required.
• It helps to maintain a stable metabolism rate of the dogs so that they do not become obese easily.
• Contains fewer calories so that it does not contribute to excessive weight gain.
• Contains freeze-dried meat and fresh meat which makes it delicious to eat.

Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ Active Longevity Orginal Dog Food

• This dog food is clinically proven to restore youthful vitality and provide longevity to German Shepherds because of its anti-oxidant content.
• The food is of premium quality and is prepared in such a way that it helps in digestion and promotes better nutrition absorption.
• Has appropriate proportions of vitamins C and E which helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
• It does not contain any preservatives or artificial flavors.

Dry Food vs. Wet Food

While both dry and wet food have their own advantages and disadvantages, owners often ask which dog food is the best for their dogs.

Pros of dry food

• Dry food can be stored easily by the owners and for a longer period of time, whereas this is not the case for wet food.
• Dry food helps German Shepherds to maintain good oral hygiene as it provides a brushing effect at the time of chewing the food. Whereas, wet food cannot provide any such effect often remains in the mouth which gives a bad breadth.

Read: Best Dry Food For German Shepherd

Pros of wet food

• Wet food is recommended for dogs at the initial stage of their lives it is easier to consume. Consuming dry food can be a difficult task for the puppies and can even choke them.
• Wet foods are more aromatic than dry foods and hence more appealing to dogs who often get bored eating bland food. This is a blessing for dog owners who have fussy dogs.
• Wet foods help dogs keep hydrated for a longer time than dry food as they have no moisture content.

Read: Best Wet Food For German Shepherds

The best type of food which can be given to fussy dogs is a combination of wet and dry food.

Foods German Shepherds Should Not be Fed

Many dog owners have a habit of feeding their dogs what they eat as they cannot resist themselves from the pleading eyes. But, if you really want your dog to be healthy and live long, it is very important that you refrain from feeding your dog foods that can harm them. Some of the foods which should be strictly prohibited are as follows:

• Chocolates/caffeine: Never provide your dog chocolates as a gesture of awarding or love. They contain methylxanthines which can cause serious health problems like diarrhoea, shortness of breath, vomiting, seizures, malfunction of the heart and even death in certain situations. Do not even think to provide a nail size of this food to your German Shepherd.
• Walnuts: Dogs cannot be fed any kind of nuts and especially not walnuts. They contain a high amount of toxins which can lead to some neurological problems for the dogs. Not only this, nuts contain fats that can hamper their digestive system.
• Raisins/Grapes: The main reason why grapes or raisins cannot be provided to dogs is the presence of tartaric acid in them. It can cause diarrhoea and other digestive issues in your dog. There are certain other fruits like apples, peaches, pears that can be fed but it is very important to deseed them first or otherwise, the cyanide content in the seed acts as a poison for them.
• Milk and other dairy products: Most dog owners are aware of the fact that dairy is dangerous to almost all dog breeds. Similarly, German Shepherds should also be refrained from consuming any dairy products. This is because dogs are generally lactose intolerant and consuming dairy can cause diarrhoea and discomfort. Though extreme small quantities of the same would not cause any harm.
• Animal Bones: While providing animal meat to the German Shepherd is an absolute necessity, owners should carefully remove all bones from the meat before feeding their dog. Animal bones can cause obstructions in the digestive tract and choke the dog.

Read: What kind of bowl does German Shepherds need

Conclusion

German Shepherds are highly active and are extremely obedient to their owners when trained in the right way. They are not the kind of dogs who can survive in low maintenance. They require extensive physical activities to be healthy, fine and well mannered. Small and cramped apartments are a ‘no-no’ for these dogs.

Hence, if you wish to pet a German Shepherd, think about the maintenance first and then go ahead to get one because if not petted the right way, they can become destructive. Last but not the least, frequent visits to the veterinarian are an absolute necessity for these little beasts.