As a pet enthusiast, it is just normal to spend time studying what is proper for them to use and consume and what are the things that they have to avoid. Knowing the best dog food for German Shepherd, for example, is necessary because I would not like my dogs to digest something that is going to have a disastrous effect on their overall health.

I am sure you are here too because of that same reason. Choosing food for them gets extra tricky because we should take into consideration a particular nutritional demand for this special breed.

Let’s dive right in.

best dog food for German Shepherd - Ultimate buying guide

Things to Considers (Click To Expand)

Best Dog Food for German Shepherd 2017 – Top 10

I am so excited to present the best food choices for our dear GSDs. I have arranged this alphabetically according to the life stages of your dogs for your convenient. I have created an assortment as to the type and flavors so that you can also have an idea about the varieties out in the market.

ProductTypeFlavorLife StageFeature
ROYAL CANIN BREED HEALTH NUTRITION German Shepherd Puppy dry dog food, 30-PoundDryChickenPuppyHas high protein source
CANIDAE Life Stages Canned Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & SeniorsWetChicken and DuckAllMade for Large Breed Dogs
Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Wet Dog FoodWetChicken, Salmon and beef varietiesAllGrain free
No preservatives

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog FoodDryRoast meatAllGluten-free
High-protein source
Enriched with antioxidants
EUKANUBA Breed Specific Adult German Shepherd Dry Dog FoodDryChickenAdultContains 3D Dentadefense System
NUTRO Adult Dry Dog FoodDryLamb and riceAdultMade of pasture-fed lamb and non-GMO ingredients
Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog FoodDryFishAdultGrain-Free
Carbohydrate-limited
ROYAL CANIN BREED HEALTH NUTRITION German Shepherd Adult dry dog foodDryChickenAdultEnriched with EPA and DHA
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food, Chicken & RiceDryChicken and brown riceAdultMade especially for large breed dogs
Made with 100% natural ingredients
Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog FoodDryChoose from Salmon, Chicken, or duckAdultMeat-rich diet
Grain free

What did not make our list:


You might be wondering why you have not seen SportDogFood Elite Grain Free Dog Food as well as Halo Vegan Garden Medley Stew for Dogs on my list. Please do not get me wrong; they are great choices, has received commendable ratings, and are packed with very nutritious substances. I myself would give these products 5-stars.

However, I would recommend these superfoods to German Shepherd Dogs with special needs like hypersensitivity issues or other health concerns as it is quite expensive compared to the ones on the list. It would just be very biased to include distinctive diets to the options I will present to you.

Our Top Pick for Best Dog Food for German Shepherd 2017

 

For puppies, we highly recommend CANIDAE Life Dog FoodIt was assumed to be very delicious based on the reactions of the German Shepherd Dogs feeding on it. It is nutrient packed and made of natural products as well.

It would also not give you a headache or hassle as you transition since this food is for all stages. If you notice your pups getting bored with it, you can always switch flavors from a number of choices.

For adult dogs, I choose to suggest EUKANUBA Breed Specific Adult German Shepherd Dry Dog Food. It is super packed with vitamins, minerals and immune boosters specifically made for our German Shepherds, has 3D DentaDefense System, and most of all, it’s ingredients provide a generous source of protein for my beloved doggies.

Analysis & Review

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #1: ROYAL CANIN BREED HEALTH NUTRITION German Shepherd Puppy dry dog food

This food provides unique protein sources for our growing puppies. It is also filled with insoluble fibers promoting ease in their digestive tract. It also provides nutrients that can enhance healthy development of joints. They give out supplements that can protect our dogs from inflammation of joints as they age.

As we have discussed earlier, dog food should fit the age and activity level of our pets. This dry good has ingredients that support and contribute to the overall growth of our furry friends. It also provides necessary supplements to boost the immune system of our young German Shepherds as the system is not yet matured enough to protect them.

Conclusion:

Royal Canin produces high-quality dog food adjusted specifically for the kind of breed our dog has. They have been tried and tested to provide a good nutritional source for GSD in different parts of the world. These are the reasons why I think this dog food is very suitable for your doggie. Not only that, if your puppy loves this, you will have no problem transitioning them with Royal Canin’s Adult Food

Pros
  • Maintains intestinal flora
  • Contains immune boosters
  • Comprehensive and balanced meal
  • Perfect for growing German Shepherd Dogs
Cons
  • Contains chicken by-products
  • Brewers rice is the main ingredient and not the chicken
  • There are noted cases of allergic reactions towards this food

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #2: Canidae Life Stages Canned Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

A USA-made product, this food is good for large breed doggies. This wet food has used natural broth to further enhance the taste.

The food is packed with meat and vegetables that can help our babies feel full longer despite their growing physique and an increased activity level.

Conclusion:

If you are worried about transitioning your dog foods eventually, choosing Canidae can help you as this is suitable for all life stages already. All you have to do is to switch from one flavor to another as you have lots of options to choose from. Isn’t these reasons good enough for Canidae to be your best choice? Well, for me they are!

Pros
  • Made for large breeds like your GSD
  • Made from authentic natural food primarily meat
  • Contains healthy fat, void of anything artificial
  • No wheat, corn, soy, and fillers
Cons
  • Feeding instructions should be meticulously followed to avoid over- or underfeeding
  • Allergic reactions to some pets are observed

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #3: Purina Beyond Natural Grain Free Ground Dog Food

This is one of the best choices out in the market primarily because it is made with natural products. Aside from that, Purina Beyond Natural gives your dog nourishment without grains or gluten. This particular dog food is also void of preservatives.

You have several selections to choose from: (1) beef potato, and green bean, (2) chicken, lamb, and spinach, (3) Turkey and sweet potato, (4) chicken, carrot and pea, and (5) salmon and sweet potato.

Are you confused with all the yummy flavors presented? You need not worry because you can go for the variety pack! It has 2 chicken, carrot and pea, 2 salmon and sweet potato and 2 beef, potato,and green bean. This will enable you to identify which your dog loves best.

Conclusion:

I believe this is the perfect bet for all owners who are health-conscious themselves, which is why I suggest that you buy your German Shepherd Dogs natural food sources such as Purina’s too.

Pros
  • Natural
  • Grain free
  • Gluten free
  • No preservatives
  • No by-products
  • They have a variety pack
  • For all ages
Cons
  • Since it is appropriate for all life stage, you have to compute how much you should give your pup before feeding
  • Dog allergies distinguished

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #4: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food

What specifically made it to my list is that it was made of real roasted meats. My dogs are picky eaters and just like me, they also get easily bored when fed the same thing. However, with Taste of the Wild’s dry dog food, they seem to enjoy every serving of it every single time.

This provides a powerful source of proteins, antioxidants, and supplements for our furry friends. The immune system of the GSD is also assisted since this dry dog food is also rich in antioxidants – fighting off free radicals and cancer cells.

This Taste of the Wild dog food is also advised by many veterinarians if the GSDs are overweight since it can provide nourishment without giving off too many calories.

Conclusion:

What makes this the best choice is that although our German Shepherd Dogs love roasting, it can be a tedious process for the owners. Thanks to Taste of the Wild dry dog food, we no longer have to undergo lengthy processes just to produce high-quality roasted goods for our German Shepherd Dogs. This product allows us to spoil them without spending too much effort!

Pros
  • Grain-free
  • For all life stages
  • Made with roasted lean bison and venison meat
  • Contains antioxidants
Cons
  • Just like other pet foods that can be given to different ages, computation should be done properly to avoid health problems
  • Not all dogs can tolerate high-protein diet such as this
  • Some dog owners reported that their dogs were allergic to it.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #5: Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food

Aside from the very attractive packaging, (pardon me I really have to mention it as appreciation), this dog food has an edge because it has 3d DentaDefense System. This promotes the oral health of your German Shepherd Dog by decreasing the chances of accumulation of tooth tartars as long as 28 days.

Eukanuba can also help your pups get healthy fur because it is a good source of fatty acids such as omega 6 and omega 3.

Conclusion:

Because of the special feature (3D DentaDefense), this product becomes suitable for busy owners – imagine feeding them with a diet that cleans and protects the teeth! This should also be picked as one of the best because this dog food is manufactured especially for our dog breed, it contains super nutrients, probiotics and most of all… dental care assistants!

Pros
  • 3D DentaDefense system that protects your dog’s teeth from tartar for 28 days
  • Made with high-quality animal proteins
Cons
  • Owners have reported allergic reactions such as digestive problems.

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #6: NUTRO Adult Dry Dog Food

In a world where Genetically Modified Organisms are rampant, it is not surprising to get ourselves and our German Shepherd Dogs exposed to these consumables. Nutro Wholesome Essentials particularly addressed that concern by making sure to pack only the best kind of lamb meat in their products – those which are pasture fed.

This dog food is also designed for large breeds; hence, you may expect that this product is full of protein. The manufacturers instilled generous amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to help promote healthy growth and development.

This dry meal is also enhanced with antioxidants that can help boost their immune system, vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B, C, D, folic acids and more.

Conclusion:

Making your German Shepherd Dogs eat this meal from Nutro will possibly give you peace of mind as you are already feeding them a well-balanced diet made from natural ingredients that is why I highly recommend you to choose this.

Pros
  • Made with non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)
  • Contains lamb that has been grown and fed in pastures
  • Contains all natural ingredients
Cons
  • Feeding differ according to the size, body condition and level of activity of your GSDs
  • Was reported to have caused upset stomach to some doggies
  • Allergic reactions were also positive to other dogs

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #7: Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food

This product is made from 100% premium natural sources. Most dogs love its flavor that is why many dog owners are happy with it. Aside from the delicious taste, dogs are getting added benefits from it in the form of additional nutrients infused in the item.

Not like the others, this dog food has limited carbohydrates, thus, it is perfect for German Shepherd Dogs who are trying to lose weight because of health reasons. Not only that, I think that this product is truly recommendable because it also contains DHA and EPA. You can also find a rich source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in this dry good.

Conclusion:

I advise dog owners to feed their GSDs with Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Formula especially when they are experiencing joint pains or are manifesting problems in the heart. This product is protein-packed and contains 20% fresh fruits and vegetables thereby limiting its carbohydrate contribution.

Pros
  • Gluten-free
  • Made of premium ingredients. 80% fish, 20% fresh fruits and veggies
  • Contains DHA and Omega 3
  • Contains Chicory root which helps prevent worm infestation
Cons
  • This high protein, low carb diet may not be suitable for some dogs
  • Some dogs manifested allergic reactions after eating it

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #8: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult dry dog food

This product is a complete meal tailored specifically for our GSDs. Promises to fit the longer transit time within the digestive system of our pups. They also provided specific fibers to restrict fermentation in the intestine. This Dry food also promotes the natural flora in our doggies intestinal system.

I believe that on top of the fact that Royal Canin has been in the industry for so long, they already know what the best for our pups is and this is a great plus for them. If you can remember, I have also suggested for you to use their products on your GSDs.

Conclusion:

This product is perfect for busy dog owners like me. All you have to do is to serve and you no longer have to worry about them receiving balanced and nutrient-packed meal.

Pros
  • Is packed with EPA and DHA
  • A complete meal in one serving
Cons
  • The main ingredient is not a protein source
  • Some users observed allergic reactions from their dogs
  • It contains chicken by-products

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #9: Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food, Chicken & Rice

The keyword ‘complete’ called my attention that is why I included this dog food in my list. Apart from the fact that it was specifically designed for large dog breeds such as my German Shepherd Dog, their claim of providing all-natural dog food was an instant plus for me.

Complete, balanced, and natural; what could I possibly ask for? Yet, it does not only go for the food pyramid. The manufacturers included lots of other sources to supplement folic acid, biotin, vitamin c, vitamitn d, zinc, and lots of other vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion:

At times, we dog owners just do not have the luxury of time to feed our dogs with a separate source of nutrients such as vegetables and fruits. That’s why I chose this product to be included in my top list. Well, that is apart from the fact that the latter food group easily spoils, right? If you are sharing this dilemma with me, Wellness Complete Health Natural Dog Food will be the solution for your problem.

Pros
  • Made of deboned chicken and fish
  • Formulated for large dog breeds
  • Packed with nutrient rich natural food sources
  • Contains probiotics
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Some dogs are reported to experience diarrheal episodes and other allergic reactions after eating
  • Precaution for transition must be done as it can drastically change your dogs’ muscle mass

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd #10: Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food

Wilderness Blue buffalo is renowned for manufacturing protein-rich dog foods. It does not have animal by-products in their ingredient. This dog food is fortified with probiotics. On top of that, this energy source is also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A, and the likes.

What makes it very perfect for your German Shepherd Dogs is that it does not only contain meat products, you can also find nutrient-filled fruits and vegetables like blueberries, cranberries, apples, spinach, pumpkin and more. If we are talking about a complete meal, this dog food can certainly be your choice.

Conclusion:

This dog food is not only rich in protein. It also presents a meal that is endowed with so many vitamins and minerals from all the items that complete up pets’ food pyramid

Pros
  • Contains fruits and vegetables that are enriched with nutrients
  • Has no animal by-products
  • High in vitamins and minerals
  • Includes pro-biotics
Cons
  • You need to compute the amount of food based on your pet’s weight first
  • Other dogs are allergic to it

Final Words – Wrapping it up

I understand this task could be meticulous but it should not make you feel stressful at all. I hope that this guide is able to give you a good selection so that all you have to do is to order them.

What do you think about my recommendations? Tell us which dog food for German Shepherd is the best for you in the comment box below. We are so excited to hear from you!

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here