1. Taste of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,611 kcal/kg (338 kcal/cup)
Minimum crude protein: 25%
Minimum crude fat: 15%
Maximum crude fiber: 5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
First three ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meat, Sweet Potatoes
Taste of the Wild’s Sierra Mountain Canine Recipe brings the zest of the outdoors to your dog’s dinner plate. This premium, grain-free recipe has been filled with species-specific probiotics, usually found in their G1 tract. Not only will these prebiotics and probiotics work wonders for your dog’s digestive tract, the probiotics are mixed into the formula after the kibble has been cooked so that your canine is assured live, active cultures.
This omega fatty acid blend – proudly made in the USA – will ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy. The first three ingredients of lamb, lamb meat, and sweet potatoes in particular will pack your pet full with optimal amounts of protein to keep their muscles lean and strong.
2. Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,771 kcal/kg (321 kcal/cup)
Minimum crude protein: 22%
Minimum crude fat: 17%
Maximum crude fiber: 5.5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
First three ingredients: Brewers rice, Chicken by Product Meal, Brown Rice
Dubbed as our premium pick, Royal Canin’s dry dog food is made entirely to cater towards the health requirements of German Shepherds. Ideal for dogs of this breed fifteen months or over, every single feature – from the glucosamine and chondroitin to support their strong, large bodies down to the exclusive kibble shape designed to encourage chewing to exercise a German Shepherd’s long strong muzzle – has been specifically tailored for these dogs needs. If rave reviews are anything to go by, this food has transformed German Shepherds from drained dogs producing poor stools to athletic, strong dogs ready to take on any challenge.
3. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,940 kcal/kg (449 kcal/cup)
Minimum crude protein: 38%
Minimum crude fat: 18%
Maximum crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 12%
First three ingredients: Deboned chicken, Deboned Turkey, Flounder
Made in the southeastern state of Kentucky, ORIJEN will help support your dog’s immune system when providing them a formula packed full with quality animal ingredients. Their stats are extremely impressive to say the least: 85% of their ingredients are sourced from 5-6 wholeprey meats like meat, organs, cartilage, or bone. Additionally, two-thirds of this wholeprey meat is ether fresh or raw, providing the optimal diet that dogs have evolved to eat. Those who are concerned about what the other 15% of the formula contains, not to worry: the inclusion of hearty and nutritious vegetables, fruit, and botanicals will keep your dog happy and healthy. For a wider selection of choices, check out our Orijen Dog Food Review.
4. Eukanuba Breed Specific German Shepherd Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content:3,626 kcal/kg (314 kcal/cup)
Minimum crude protein: 23%
Minimum crude fat: 13%
Maximum crude fiber: 5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
First three ingredients: Chicken
As our dogs give us all their love and affection, we should aim to present them with the nutrition they require to thrive. The formula – specially recommended for German Shepherds one year and above – supports active brain function by including DHA and vitamin E in their mixture; not to mention Fukanuba’s specialized fiber system. In fact, this chicken meal is so efficient in supporting a healthy lifestyle for German Shepherds that the company state its been proven to reduce tartar build-up in only 28 days. Bursting with optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, Fukanuba’s dog food will allow your Shepherd to experience excellent joint health and digestive health for years to come.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,599 kcal/kg (409 kcal/cup)
Minimum crude protein: 34%
Minimum crude fat: 15%
Maximum crude fiber: 6%
Maximum moisture: 10%
First three ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas
Blue Buffalo have been renowned for satisfying a German Shepherd’s inner carnivore for decades, and their Nature’s Evolutionary Diet is the best in the business. Including chicken and Life Source bits, this proprietary formula is a synthesis of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to encourage a healthy oxidative balance in your German Shepherd. This grain-free recipe includes an excellent balance of carbohydrates and calories in order to set your Shepherd up for success.
Made from premium meat, fruit, and vegetables, this USA-based formula keeps your dog sleek and muscular. Plus, you’ll be supporting a company that were established with family values at their heart: when Blue, the family’s Airdale, developed heath complications, the family were roused to formulate a pet food that he would’ve loved. And they still hold family values dear to this day.
6. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: NA
Minimum crude protein: 25%
Minimum crude fat: 14%
Maximum crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
First three ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice
If Nutro Ultra’s eloquent packaging doesn’t catch your eye at first, then the host of benefits this protein-filled formula will reap for your Shepherd surely will grab your attention. Tailored for adult dogs, the assemblage of superfoods such as chia and kale combined with protein-filled meats like lamb and salmon blend together to invent a unique blend unlike any other bursting with flavor. Although this formula is far from affordable, with every extra penny you spend on a bag of Nutro Ultra – containing no chicken by-product meal, soy, or wheat – is a penny towards keeping your German Shepherd healthy and happy. For more options head over to our guide on Nutro Dog Food.
7. Merrick Lamb+ Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: NA
Minimum crude protein: 23%
Minimum crude fat: 16%
Maximum crude fiber: 3.5%
Maximum moisture: 11%
First three ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice
A German Shepherd diet must be packed full with protein to keep members of this large breed strong – therefore, featuring deboned lamb as the principal ingredient means this recipe will be delectable as well as invigorating. Paired with brown rice to support a healthy digestion and maintain healthy muscle tissue, it becomes even more of a treat.
Plus, with the generous smattering of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to brighten up your German Shepherd’s coat, your dog will look and feel fantastic.
8. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,650 kcal/kg (342 kcal/cup)
Minimum crude protein: 27%
Minimum crude fat: 15%
Maximum crude fiber: 4.5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
First three ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Ground White Rice
Proudly crafted right here in the USA, Diamond’s family-made formula is ideal for a large breed like German Shepherds. Additionally, the formula is often described as the best german shepherd puppy food on the market due to its inclusion of DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid that works wonders in ensuring your pup will have optimal visual and cognitive development.
The proprietary formula is bursting with prime ingredients, one such example being chicken fat; a fundamental staple in dog food for providing essential fatty acids for your Shepherd, as well as improving the overall palatability of the kibble recipe itself. You can certainly discern the exclusive nature of this formula from their incorporation of live, naturally occurring microorganisms (probiotics) that will help your German Shepherd digest their beloved dog food.
Best Dog food for German Shepherds Buying Guide
Are you feeling confident with the first-rate formula you've chosen for your dog from our comprehensive list, yet not so sanguine with regard to the knowledge you need to confidently raise your German Shepherd from a puppy to a boisterous adult? Read on to have your concerns answered in our buying guide and FAQ.
German Shepherd’s Nutritional Needs
Before we begin detailing your German Shepherd's nutritional needs, it must be emphasized that nutritional ingredients are those that are properly identified on packaging – in other words, ingredients that aren't ambiguous regarding the content within them. For example, hand-picking dog food that lists "poultry meal" aren't going to satisfy your dog's nutritional needs in comparison to those that specify "chicken meal".
High-protein content: Like all large dogs, the first ingredient on any dog food's ingredient list should be a protein-based nutrient such as chicken meal, egg protein, or beef byproducts. It is essential that your dog receives substantial amounts of protein, as a large breed like German Shepherds require it to build strong bones and joints. Although plant-based protein sources are also recommended, your dog does not possess the biochemical adaptations to digest them properly.
What to Look For in a Dog Food for German Shepherds
Does this dog food contain an abundance of fatty acids?: For puppies and senior German Shepherds alike, dog food that contains plenty of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are far superior to those that do not. For a senior dog struggling with the effects of aging e.g. stiffer joints and inflammation, feeding them a regular supply of fatty acids can lessen inflammation, and even operate as an impediment to brain disease. For puppies, omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen their brain and, consequently, advance their ability to learn.
How many artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are in this formula?: Let's get one thing straight: your dog will not give a toss about the color of their food. Contrarily, you'll certainly be upset when discovering that many artificial colors can be injurious to your dog's health – even, in some severe cases, causing migraines and cancer. It's important to note that food terminology such as 'natural' and 'organic' is tossed around without a second thought in the dog food industry, whereas in human food, the distinction is much more clear-cut.
Core Health Concerns for German Shepherds
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): GDV is a life-threatening condition for German Shepherds that causes the stomach to dilate. In other words, the stomach rotates on its axis, interrupting the flow of food and water occurring between the esophagus and the duodenum. As a result the stomach becomes bloated, obstructing veins in the abdomen and potentially damaging the dog's internal organs. German Shepherds in particular are prone to this condition due to their large, deep chests. Therefore, if you see signs that your German Shepherd may be bloated – for example, gagging after they eat, an extended stomach, or lethargy – your German Shepherd must be taken to a vet immediately. There will be very little time, ranging from minutes to hours, to get medical attention for your German Shepherd, so act urgently.
- Hip Dysplasia: When it comes to common health issues in German Shepherds, hip dysplasia is the most common. Joint health in these dogs is poor due to inbreeding at the outset of breed standardization, and because of the size of these dogs. Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary disfigurement of the hip that brings the dog much pain and is incredibly difficult to treat. To prevent hip dysplasia, take your German Shepherd on short walks and always favor moderate exercise to keep their joints loose.
Our Top Pick
So, out of all the reputable brands showcased to you today, what dog food would we choose to ensure our German Shepherd is the happiest and healthiest the possibly could be? Taste of the Wild's Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food is unbeatable when it comes down to sustenance and sapidity. As part of the family-owned Diamond Pet Food company, Taste of the Wild have access to scientifically advanced, state-of-the-art facilities in America that have allowed them to create species-specific proprietary probiotics, minimizing any risk of your Shepherd developing gastrointestinal disorders. Full to the brim with superfoods, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, all the reputable ingredients within this formula are sourced from long-established and trustworthy suppliers. Finally, with real roasted lamb as the primary ingredient, you'll never have to encourage your German Shepherd to finish up their meal – if anything, this delectable formula will be wolfed down without even a second thought!
