German Shepherds are among the most fiercely loyal dog breeds in the world. They would do anything for their human companions, so they deserve the very best in return. Loving pet owners know the importance of high-quality nutrition, but every dog has unique needs. Learn more about the best dog food for German Shepherds so you can give your courageous canine the gift of a healthy lifestyle.
What Should I Look for in German Shepherd Dog Food?
The American Kennel Club describes German Shepherds as being large, agile, and muscular. For these reasons, they require a high-protein diet. Look for dog food products that include animal-based proteins like chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. Be sure the food includes essential fatty acids that promote a thick coat and a healthy body.
Keep in mind that your furry family members will have different needs at each stage of their life. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right balance of proteins, fats, fibers, and carbs for your pup. Adult German Shepherds often require around 25% of their diet to be high-quality protein, and around 10% should be essential fatty acids such as fish oil.
What Is the Best Dry Dog Food for German Shepherds?
A balanced dog food diet includes both dry and wet food. You can start feeding dry food to your German Shepherd when they are around 8 weeks old, as their teeth become well-developed. It is a good idea to introduce dry food to your German Shepherd at this stage so they can grow accustomed to eating it.
Dry dog food is convenient for pet owners because it tends to be more affordable and easier to store or transport. However, it should not be the only thing you feed to your German Shepherd. Your pet needs the moisture included in wet dog food and will likely prefer the taste and texture of wet food.
Even if you only include dry dog food as a small portion of your German Shepherd’s diet, it is important to pick the best food with the greatest nutritional value. The best dry dog food for German Shepherds includes:
- Canine Caviar Limited-Ingredient Alkaline Holistic Dry Dog Food - Open Meadow with Lamb & Pearl Millet
- Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
- Redpaw PowerEdge 32K Dog Food
- Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Recipe Dry Dog Food
What Is the Best Wet Dog Food for German Shepherds?
Wet dog food is extremely important for a German Shepherd’s diet because it includes enough moisture to promote healthy digestion and necessary hydration. For dogs with certain health issues, wet food might also be the only thing they can easily eat.
However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when building a diet around wet dog food. These products tend to be particularly dense in calories, so it can be easy to over-feed your pet. It is also necessary to refrigerate wet food packs and use them before they expire. Wet food spoils quickly, and feeding spoiled food to your pet can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Some of the best wet dog food products for German Shepherds include:
- Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
- Orijen Tundra Stew Canned Dog Food
- Victor Grain-Free Beef & Vegetables Stew Cuts in Gravy Canned Dog Food
- Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food
What Types of Food Are Bad for German Shepherds?
It is important to feed your German Shepherd only high-quality dog food products with all-natural ingredients. Avoid products packed with fillers like wheat and corn, as these add little value and can be difficult for your pup to digest.
Be mindful of treats and snacks you give to your German Shepherd as well. Even if your loveable canine comes sniffing for table scraps, be judicious about how much you give them. Be especially careful not to give your dog any cooked bones or foods with unnecessary fats.
There are also many foods that humans love but are toxic to German Shepherds. These include chocolate, grapes, garlic, and more. It is always worth your time to ask your vet if a treat may be toxic to your dog before feeding it to them. If you think your dog ate something toxic, watch for symptoms such as vomiting or unusual lethargy and contact your vet right away if your dog seems to be ill.
How Can You Create a Balanced Diet for Your German Shepherd?
Many factors go into selecting the right dog food, and you may need to try different brands to find one that works best for your pup. Be willing to experiment and pay attention to how your German Shepherd reacts so that you can find options that appeal to their preferences. You may need to try different types of meats or flavors to encourage them to get the necessary nutrients.
Start by making sure you include the right amount of protein, fats, and fiber recommended by your dog’s veterinarian. Carefully consider portioning for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. An adult German Shepherd should get two to four cups of dry food per day, split across two meals, along with about half a can to one can of wet food daily, depending on their size, activity level, and dietary needs.
German Shepherds need a balanced diet to fuel their active lifestyle. These large, energetic, and intelligent dogs burn plenty of calories through exercise and play, so their diet should provide the energy they need to stay active and healthy.
BaxterBoo Helps You Find the Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
At BaxterBoo, we pride ourselves on personally inspecting every item we carry so that you can feel confident about what you purchase for your pets. Our personalized shopping experience makes it easy to find the best dog food for German Shepherds and any other breed you choose to welcome in your home. Browse our extensive catalog of dog food and find the right products for your canine family members today.