Age, health condition, and physical activity—these are the three main factors based on which you have to choose your dog’s diet.
When it comes to selecting the best food for German Shepherds, the matter gets serious. Because if you feed the GSD puppies adult dog food, it leads to mineral overdose, responsible for developing a crippling form of canine hip dysplasia in them.
On the other hand, as adult GSDs have elevated energy levels and require strong physical activity, if you feed them a puppy formula, it won’t meet their nutrient scales, damaging their health.
Keeping these facts in view, this article contains a list of food for German shepherd dogs that follow the WSAVA guidelines, thus making sure your pupper’s health is safe.
Best Dog Foods For German Shepherd Puppies Only
Royal Canin — Giant Junior Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice Flour, Brewers Rice, Corn, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Grains: Yes
| What’s Best About It |
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Supports muscle development with adapted protein levels; is enriched with L-carnitine
Contains effective prebiotics that promote healthy digestion and optimal stool quality Promotes healthy bones and joints through an adapted energy intake and balanced mineral content Aids in developing immune systems and digestive health with an exclusive blend of antioxidants and prebiotics Formulated to support a German Shepherd’s unique needs like joint support, optimal weight, and dental care, with kibble adapted to their unique jaw shape and size |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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It’s expensive
Kibble is pretty big, so your dog may not like the size of the kibble. In that case, you can break it into pieces |
Holistic Select — Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oats, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil
Type: Dry
Flavor: Beef, Chicken, Duck, Lamb, Salmon, Mackerel & Whitefish, Turkey & Duck
Grains: No
| What’s Best About It |
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Contains Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed that support healthy skin and coat
Is loaded with antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine for a healthy heart Made with DHA to support healthy brain & eye development Contains optimal levels of protein plus prebiotics and probiotics, live yogurt cultures, digestive enzymes, and natural fibers that enhance digestion for your German Shepherd dog throughout his life Uses natural fiber to help move food through for healthy daily output |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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It’s expensive
Your puppy may not like its smell that can make him run away whenever he sees food |
Purina Pro Plan — Focus Puppy Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherol
Type: Kibble, Crunchy, Hard
Flavor: Chicken & Rice
Grains: Yes
| What’s Best About It |
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Contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil, which helps in brain nourishment and vision development
Contains natural sources of glucosamine, which help support puppies’ developing joints and cartilage Antioxidants support their developing immune systems It is fortified with Guaranteed Live Probiotics for digestive and immune health The formula is highly digestible for optimal nutrient delivery |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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It’s a little overpriced
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Wellness — CORE Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lentils, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Ground Potatoes
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Grains: No
| What’s Best About It |
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Supports healthy growth and development
Guaranteed levels of DHA from salmon oil support brain development The antioxidants support strong immune systems The calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone and muscle development Made with a high concentration of protein from fresh meat ingredients Supports healthy skin and coat with guaranteed levels of Omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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Be careful about the expiry date and check the packaging for tears as well
Moist kibble can cause health issues |
Best Foods for Adult German Shepherds
Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Oat Groats, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Menhaden Fish Meal, Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken, Beef, Duck, Lamb, Salmon, Mackerel And Whitefish, Turkey And Duck
Grains: No
| What’s Best About It |
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Contains triple protein with adjusted calcium and phosphorus levels to maintain solid muscle without crossing the required limits
Glucosamine supports healthy hips & joints, which helps German Shepherd to perform at best Contains digestive enzymes to help break down proteins, starch, and cellulose, making it a highly palatable food for dogs Uses natural fiber to help move food through for healthy daily output Chamomile, dandelion, and peppermint aid with digestion Contains other essential vitamins and minerals that help promote overall health and vitality |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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Kibble is way too small for a large or giant breed dog
There is a chance that your dog doesn’t like it. If so, you can change the flavor |
Eukanuba Breed Specific Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal (Natural source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Ground Whole Grain Barley, Dried Beet Pulp
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Grains: Yes
| What’s Best About It |
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Contains a combination of animal protein, chondroitin sulfate, and 50% more glucosamine that promotes lean muscle development and joint health in active adult German Shepherds
Contains DHA and vitamin E, which helps keep dogs sharp and supports healthy brain function Reduces tartar buildup for clean teeth and healthy gums |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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Not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs
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Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Liver, Carrots (Dried), Peas (Dried), Inulin, Egg, Sweet Potato, and Cranberries
Type: Pate, Chunks, Gravy
Flavor: Chicken, Carrot, And Pea
Grains: No
| What’s Best About It |
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Doesn’t contain any poultry by-product
Contains natural prebiotic fiber Doesn’t have any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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Not for diabetic dogs
Food can have that distinct smell that puffs out of canned foods. Make sure that you buy a newly manufactured food to prevent that smell |
Best Food For Senior German Shepherd Dogs
Eukanuba Lamb and Rice Senior Maintenance
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Flour, Vegetable Fibres, Animal Fats, Dehydrated Pork Protein, Maize Gluten, Hydrolysed Animal Proteins, Beet Pulp
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Grains: Yes
| What’s Best About It |
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Moderated phosphorus to reduce kidney strain in your dog’s system
Has a balanced fiber blend to keep your pet’s digestive tract healthy and clean Contains Omega-3 fatty acids to increase skin health and reduce inflammation Enriched with antioxidants to slow cell aging and promote immune system health Increased digestibility for the gastrointestinal tracts of older dogs |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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Contains chicken-by product
Not easily available in market |
Wellness Core Senior Dog Food
Key Features
Main Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal (Source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Dried Ground Potatoes, Peas, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Ground Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace
Type: Dry
Flavor: Turkey
Grains: No
| What’s Best About It |
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Best for senior dogs having food allergies from the grain food
Supports bone and joint health Adequate levels of Omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil that supports healthy skin and coat growth Prebiotics and probiotics in this dog food give your German Shepherd a healthy digestive system Contains no meat by-products, fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat-gluten, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors This is the best dog food for German Shepherds having stomach and stool issues |
| Flaws But Not the Deal Breakers |
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Sometimes the food bags are missing the bag closure seam, which compromises their freshness. So, watch it
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