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German shepherds are and always have been working dogs filled to the brim with energy, really smart, and loyal to a fault. To keep these amazing dogs as healthy as possible, they need the best diet you can provide. Here, we’re going to cover what exactly such a diet needs to contain.
In this article, we’re going to explain how the dietary needs of a dog can differ from its fellow canines depending on the specific breed, age, size, and health that it has at that moment. We’ll also go through some of the best dog foods for German shepherds in 2024.
What to Think About When Buying Food for Your German Shepherd
The specific breed of a dog really matters when picking the right dog food because it affects their nutritional needs. This isn't just about German shepherds—it's true for all breeds. Let's look at a few key reasons why this is important:
Food Quality
Food quality goes hand in hand with nutrient density, which is the most important aspect of your pup’s food. You have a number of options to choose from in this regard–high quality kibbles, homemade diets, and even raw food diets, though these come with certain risks and concerns.
For kibble, make sure you prioritize a high-quality food with real meat as the first ingredient and consult your vet before switching your dog’s diet. Your vet will also help you choose the best food based on your dog's individual needs and get them the best nutrition for a long and healthy life.
Food Allergies
If your German shepherd has any allergies, skin issues, or digestive problems, talk to your veterinarian about adding supplements like fish oil, probiotics, or digestive enzymes to their diet. This is not an exhaustive list, but we recommend these supplements as they specifically target health problems that a German shepherd can get.
For personalized recommendations, make sure to get a consultation from your vet.
Calorie Needs
German shepherds are an active breed and they’re on the larger side of dogs, too. This means that the breed typically needs more dense calories but in a controlled manner.
If your German shepherd is a particularly active, working dog, it will also burn more calories and need food with a higher calorie content compared to a less active one.
German Shepherd’s Special Health Needs
German shepherd puppies go through a bunch of rapid growth spurts which puts them at risk of skeletal problems. Their food needs be specially formulated for controlled growth with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that keeps their bones healthy in particular as they grow.
Life Stage
A growing German shepherd puppy will have different nutritional needs than a senior dog. Puppies require more protein and calcium for proper bone development and prevention of skeletal problems, while senior dogs benefit from a diet with glucosamine and chondroitin for the same.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Wet food makes for an excellent protein supplement to dry kibble. Breeds like German shepherds have evolved alongside humans with nomadic lifestyles. This has given them efficient digestive systems, which help them do well on higher protein diets designed for active dogs.
Your German Shepherd’s Preferences
Finally, keep your German shepherd’s preferences in mind. If, for instance, you know your pup isn’t that into seafood-based kibbles and treats, try to find an alternative like chicken (and supplement any missing vitamins in other ways, like wet food).
The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
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The specific brand of food your German Shepherd needs will vary based on their changing requirements as they age, their activity level, and any health issues that may develop. According to the healthy diet criteria we outlined earlier, these are the dog foods we’d recommend for your German shepherd:
1. Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This kibble is formulated for German shepherds so it can help your furry friend get all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
Key Notes
Formulated for German Shepherds, Contains L-Carnitine and Glucosamine, Chicken-Based
You can’t go wrong with this formula from Royal Canin that is tailor-made specifically for adult German shepherds. It contains L-carnitine to support healthy heart function, EPA and DHA fatty acids for skin and coat health, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. The kibble size and shape are also perfect for a German shepherd’s jaw.
However, the lofty price tag of this kibble may be a drawback to the more budget-conscious pet owner.
Pros
- Specifically for German shepherds
- Kibble size is great for the structure of the German shepherd’s mouth
- Contains vitamins and minerals to support a healthy heart and long life
Cons
- More expensive than other options
2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken and Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This kibble is easy to digest and supports joint health, which is super important for high-energy dogs like German shepherds.
Key Notes
Chicken and Barley-Based Formula, Easily Digestible, Recommended by Vets
Often recommended by vets, we recommend this dog food for its focus on easy digestion, with prebiotics and a healthy coat with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The high protein levels in this kibble support muscle maintenance and development, which is perfect for German shepherds.
The biggest downsides to this kibble are the price tag and the fact that small bags aren’t available. So, if your pup doesn’t like the food, you may be stuck with a lot of it.
Pros
- Vet-approved (though, check with yours to be certain!)
- Easy to digest
- Nutrient-dense
Cons
- Pricier than other options
- Not available in small bags
3. Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4.5 out of 5
Why we like it
In addition to supporting joint and muscle maintenance, this formula supports brain health, though it’s not as nutrient-dense as other options.
Key Notes
Chicken-Based, Easy to Digest, Contains DHA and Antioxidants, Contains Wheat and Corn
This formula has a pretty good balance of protein (around 25%) and fat for energy, along with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It also contains prebiotics and fiber to help keep your GSD’s digestive health at its best as well as DHA and antioxidants to support brain health.
Eukanuba is formulated for active dogs, but that said, it’s not German shepherd-specific. It also does contain some less nutrient-dense ingredients, like corn meal, though chicken is the first ingredient.
Pros
- Digestive health support
- Contains antioxidants for brain health
- Supports healthy muscles and joints
Cons
- Contains wheat and corn
- Not formulated for German shepherds
4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Purina balances a high level of protein with being a more budget-friendly option, though it comes at the cost of some nutrients.
Key Notes
Chicken-Based, Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joints, Does Contain Wheat and Corn
This formula from Purina has a particularly high protein content (around 30%) from chicken, which is excellent for muscle development and energy support in GSD’s. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
This food does contain both corn and rice, which aren’t the most nutrient-dense ingredients for German shepherds. However, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t break the bank, so it can be a good choice if you plan on supplementing your pup with extra vitamins.
Pros
- High protein formula
- Less expensive than other dog food
- Supports joint health
Cons
- Contains ingredients that could be considered fillers
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Adult Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
If you’ve been recommended a grain-free diet for your pup, Blue Buffalo delivers with this protein-packed formula that also supports immune health.
Key Notes
Grain-Free, Chicken-Based, Supports Immune, Joint, Muscle, and Coat Health
While we don’t specifically recommend grain-free diets, if you’re still looking for one, this is among the best. It’s high in protein (around 30%) from deboned chicken, which is perfect for active German shepherds. This kibble also contains vitamins and minerals that support joint, skin, and coat health, as well as immune health, which is rare for dry dog food.
However, we need to put a disclaimer here that grain-free diets are a topic of debate, and some studies suggest a link to heart problems in certain breeds. While correlation may not mean causation, we still highly recommend that you talk to your vet before choosing a grain-free food.
Pros
- Extremely nutrient-dense
- Supports your dog’s immune system
- Tasty
Cons
- Grain-free diets aren’t recommended for all dogs
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for German Shepherds
Now that you have our top-recommended foods, we’ll get into how to choose the right one for your pup.
Generally, make sure you prioritize a high-quality food with real meat as the first ingredient and consult your vet before switching your dog’s diet. Your vet will also help you choose the best food based on your dog’s individual needs and get them the best nutrition for a long and healthy life.
What Should I Look for in Kibble for My German Shepherd?
German shepherds are working or active dogs and their diet needs to reflect that. Aim for a food that contains at least 18-25% protein from high-quality sources like chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, salmon, or rabbit. This protein provides the building blocks for strong muscles, supports a healthy immune system, and fuels their high energy.
Don’t shy away from healthy fats! Fats provide essential fatty acids that help create a shiny, healthy coat for a GSD, support cognitive function, and allow good nutrient absorption too. Look for a food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which as a bonus can also help with allergies and skin issues.
Protein and fat are the cornerstones of a German shepherd’s diet, but carbohydrates are also important for energy. Still, unlike some breeds, we don’t recommend a high-carbohydrate diet for your German shepherd.
Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates from sources like whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal) or vegetables (sweet potatoes, peas). These provide the energy a GSD needs without causing blood sugar spikes.
Is a Raw Diet Good for My German Shepherd?
For people who don’t prefer kibbles, raw and homemade foods can be a great alternative, but we would recommend against raw food in particular because the cons outweigh the pros.
In essence, raw food diets mimic what a dog might eat in the wild, made of uncooked muscle meat, bones, organs, fruits, and vegetables. You can either get commercially prepared raw food (frozen or freeze-dried) or go for DIY raw food diets made at home.
Proponents of raw food diets believe that it can be more digestible for some dogs, which can improve stool quality and coat health. Beyond that, it can also be argued that this is a more natural diet closer to a dog’s evolutionary history.
However, raw food diets need a lot more planning and preparation compared to kibble. They can be expensive, and there’s a massive risk of bacterial contamination if not handled properly. If the nutrients are balanced improperly in raw diets, it can also lead to deficiencies. For these reasons, we recommend going for alternative diets that do not have such inherent risks.
Is a Homemade Diet Good for My German Shepherd?
Homemade diets are somewhat similar to raw diets except you’ll be preparing meals from scratch using human-grade ingredients like cooked meat, vegetables, and grains. With homemade meals, you can have all the control over ingredients in your dog’s diet and can address specific dietary needs or allergies.
The important part with a homemade diet, though it doesn’t carry as much risk as a raw one, is that it also needs a lot of thorough research and guidance from a veterinary nutritionist to be made healthy.
If your GSD gets an improperly formulated homemade diet, it might suffer from nutritional deficiencies. If you have the time and money to invest in a high quality homemade diet, it may work out better than a store-bought one, but beware of the effort it requires.
High-quality commercially prepared kibble is a convenient, balanced, and often vet-approved option. It’s shelf-stable, easy to store, and eliminates the risks associated with raw food handling or nutritional deficiencies in homemade meals.
This is primarily why kibbles are usually the best choice for most dogs; only the specific type needs to be changed according to breed. In case your dog has sensitivities to certain ingredients in kibble, making it less palatable than fresh food options, you can always switch to a homemade one.
What Kinds of People Food Can I Give My German Shepherd?
Adding fresh, healthy human foods into your German shepherd’s diet in moderation (no more than 10-15% of their total intake) can be an excellent change. Lean-cooked meats, chopped vegetables like green beans or carrots, and even a bit of plain yogurt can give your dog valuable additional nutrients and variety.
Just be sure to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, like grapes, onions, and chocolate.
All Dogs Require Different Types of Food
Every dog, even within the same breed, will usually need a slightly different type of dog food. That said, there are some options that are definitely better than others and would be our recommendation. Though raw food diets and homemade meals can be viable options for some German shepherds, they bring certain caveats that kibbles simply don’t have.
If you believe your German shepherd needs a very specifically formulated diet to address health concerns/allergies, remember to discuss it thoroughly with your veterinarian. Your vet’s assessment of the dog and subsequent advice will make sure, without a doubt, that your German shepherd is getting the best dog food it needs.