What is the best dog food for a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are highly active working dogs, they require a diet to match this energy, support healthy joints and encourage muscle growth, the main concern to note around German Shepherds is that they are at high risk of hip dysplasia whilst this may unavoidable there is plenty you can do by putting your dog on the correct diet, which can lead to a huge range of benefits especially if started from when they are a puppy. We will outline below our top picks and the appropriate foods for Adult/Puppy German Shepherds
Dr Gary’s Best Breed German – Chicken
Best for: Adults & Puppies
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Egg
Dr Gary’s Best Breed German is specifically designed to meet the needs of a German Shepherd, it is suitable for both adults and puppies and has a vet developed formula to help prevent common issues such as hip dysplasia, it is high in chelated minerals to achieve better absorption. The mix also contains mussels which is a good source of glucosamine which is ideal for supporting joint and connective tissue health.
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- High in glucosamine to support joint health
- Designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Contains Omega 3 to ensure healthy skin and coat
- Added Taurine to support heart health
Wellness Complete Health – Chicken and Oatmeal
Best for: Adults & Puppies
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal, Peas
Wellness Complete Health offers a full range for your German Shepherd from puppy through to it’s senior years, it has a great range of added vitamins and minerals along with a good Protein/Fat/Carb profile to support your German Shepherds growth. The Ratios are 27% Protein, 13% Fat and 52% Carbs. This is perfect to ensure your dog grows at the right pace for it’s joints to fully develop.
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Fantastic blend of quality protein, fat and carbs
- Contains protein boosters for ideal amino acid balance
- Quality ingredients used with all components clearly listed to help avoid allergies
- Contains added vitamins and minerals to help protect against joint problems and lower cancer risk
Royal Canin German Shepherd – Chicken and Brown Rice
Best for: Adults & Puppies – Different Products
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pork Meal
Royal Canin have produced a specific product fit to meet all German Shepherds unique nutritional needs, it contains EPA and DHA from fish oil to promote healthy skin and a healthy coat. It also contains Glucosamine as well as Chondroitin to support bone and joint health, these are essential to help prevent hip dysplasia in your German Shepherd. The kibbles are also in a specially designed shape to encourage chewing and therefore better digestion
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
- High in Omega 3 for healthy skin and coat
- High in probiotics for healthy digestion
- Specially formulated to improve digestion
Diamond Naturals – All Life Stages Formula
Best for: Adults & Puppies
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brown Rice, Cracked Barley
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages provides multiple pro-biotics for better digestion along with chelated minerals for better absorption and healthy nutrition, they have also managed to squeeze a number of superfoods that are high in antioxidants to help look after your German Shepherds heart. In addition to this there are multiple flavours on offer in this range all suitable for German Shepherds this will be helpful for any picky eaters and also allows flexibility if allergies are a concern
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Contains superfoods such as Kale and Oranges and other antioxidants for healthy arteries
- Low Fat-Protein ratio for better nutritional balance
- Budget friendly providing exceptional value
- Multiple flavours for picky eaters and diet rotation
IAMS Proactive Health – Chicken
Best for: Adults
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp
IAMS is a well known brand which comes with a veterinarian stamp of approval, this mix contains all you need for your German Shepherd. It is high in antioxidants as well as having a specially tailored blend of wholesome fibers and probiotics to promote healthy digestion. The main ingredient is farm raised chicken to help ensure your product isn’t full of antibiotics fed the chickens living in squalid conditions
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Includes Beet Pulp for healthy digestion
- High in antioxidants
- Rich in meat-based proteins
- Budget friendly
Merrick Large Breed – Chicken and Sweet Potato
Best for: Adults
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Salmon, Peas
Merrick Large Breed is specifically designed to be high in protein with the following Protein/Fats/Carbs Profile 43% Protein, 17% Fat and 40% Carbs. This food boasts one of the highest protein contents on the market to help support lean muscle growth, the nutritionists at Merrick have also included ingredients such as Blueberries, apples and alfalfa to ensure essential vitamins and minerals are included
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Contains Blueberries and Alfalfa to provide benefits from high-antioxidants
- Naturally contains omega 3 for health skin and coat
- High protein content to ensure strong muscle growth
- High in glucosamine to strengthen joints
Canidae Pure – Salmon & Sweet Potato
Best for: Adults
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans
Canidae Pure takes a unique approach in limiting all of their products to under 10 ingredients, this helps protect your dog from unwanted preservatives and is great for working out a stubborn allergy problem. Using natural ingredients the food is rich in Probiotics, antioxidants and vitamins to ensure your German Shepherd stays healthy.
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Limited ingredients makes it perfect for dogs with allergies
- High in antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
- Contains natural omega 3 for a healthy skin and coat
- Range of flavours for picky eaters
Blue Buffalo Wilderness – High Protein Chicken
Best for: Adults
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Potatoes, Carrots
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is made with high quality meats mixed with a wide range of fruits and vegetables to meet all your German Shepherds dietary needs, the recipe is specifically designed to include deboned chicken and glucosamine, the wide range of fruits and vegetables extends to blueberries and cranberries which enhances the antioxidant profile of the food.
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Contains Glucosamine to promote healthy joints
- Rich in Antioxidants
- Only Natural ingredients included
- Range of flavours for picky eaters
Purina ONE Smartblend – Chicken
Best for: Adults
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Chicken Meal, Corn, Whole Grain Wheat
Purina One Smartblend is a budget friendly option which covers all the specific needs of a German Shepherd, it offers a high amount of glucosamine through natural sources and also comes veterinarian recommended. We like this product also due to the ingredients promoting a healthy heart and it’s use of real chicken throughout. There is also a lot of flexibility in the range of products offered if you need to tailor further to your German Shepherds specific needs.
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- Protein largely from real meat sources
- Budget friendly option
- Wide Range of products to tailor to specific needs
- High in Glucosamine to promote joint health
Crave – Grain Free Chicken
Best for: Adults
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Split Peas, Lentils
Crave is inspired by the diets of their wolf ancestors, it is made purely of natural ingredients avoiding the danger of preservatives and colourings. It is high in protein which is perfect for supporting muscle growth, it contains 34% protein to help promote a strong lean build. Crave is also grain free which helps avoid unhealthy bloating and is perfect for those with more sensitive stomachs.
Our favourite qualities of the brand
- All ingredients identified to help with allergies
- Balanced nutrients designed for adult dogs
- No BHA or other high risk preservatives for lower cancer risk
- Chelated minerals for easy absorption.
