The 9 Best Dog Foods For German Shepherd Puppies

Reviews

JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Dog Food – Overall Winner

 

 

The JustFoodForDogs chicken dish is our #1 overall recommendation for German Shepherd puppies. Formulated by a team of veterinary nutritionists, this fresh food is customized for your dog. All dog food sold by JustFoodForDogs fulfills the AAFCO standard for safety and quality.

The chicken dish contains the most protein compared to the others, making it an excellent option for your energetic German Shepherd puppy. In addition to chicken, chicken liver and nutrient-dense vegetables such as brussels sprouts, bok choy, and broccoli are included.

There is a possibility that the veggie may first induce some flatulence or diarrhea. Additionally, the additional fish oil is beneficial for skin and coat health.

This diet is not only suitable for pups, but also for all life phases. The JustFoodForDogs service is available for the duration of your dog’s life and is delivered directly to your door. As with any fresh food, it is more expensive and requires space in the refrigerator or freezer.

Overall, we believe this is the best German Shepherd puppy chow available on the market today.

Pros

• Developed by animal nutritionists
• Real poultry is the primary component.
• Meet AAFCO requirements for pet food.
• Authentic, fresh ingredients delivered directly to your door

Cons

• Slightly more costly than dry dog food

 

Wellness CORE Non-Grain Dog Food

 

 

Wellness CORE is one of the finest feeds for German Shepherd puppies in terms of the quality of its components and the balance of its vitamin profile.

All components are nutrient-dense natural foods; no byproducts are present. We enjoy seeing ingredients such as chicken, turkey, bananas, apples, spinach, and sweet potatoes on an ingredient list, and we believe your dog will too.

Wellness CORE also contains a balanced amount of calcium and phosphorus to promote good bone growth, which is especially important for large-breed pups like the German Shepherd.

All of the protein comes from lean animal sources, and it’s even coated with probiotics to help sensitive stomachs.

In addition, the package does not bombard you with historical facts and cliches. Instead, Wellness focuses solely on praising the deliciousness of this cuisine.

Pros

• Designed for pups
• Good nutritional profile for bigger breeds
• The primary component is boneless chicken, followed by turkey meal
• Complete with nutrient-dense, natural foods and protein
• Grain-free and without byproducts
• Fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins are all obtained from entire foods
• Supportive probiotic coating for digestion
• No artificial colors or preservatives

Cons

• Reasonably costly

 

Puppy Food Iams ProActive Health – Best Value

 

 

Iams is a well-respected and reputable company in the canine health industry, and we suggest them as the best value German Shepherd puppy chow. The value is boosted not only by the low price, but also by the convenient availability of a wide range of nutrients in their meals.

This kibble offers a comprehensive and balanced diet for puppies of bigger breeds. Healthy lean protein from chicken and eggs, omega-3s for joint and brain development, and minerals to encourage strong bone growth are of particular significance to German Shepherd pups.

There are a few grains and byproducts in this meal, but the quality is excellent and the quantities are suitable for the majority of dogs.

Pros

• Designed for huge dog breeds
• Chicken is the first component in this dish
• The form and texture of kibble aid to clean teeth.
• Unique combination of fibre and prebiotics to promote digestive health
• Brand certified by AAFCO
• 100 percent satisfaction assured
• Inexpensive

Cons

• The number two, four, and five constituents are all grains
• Containing waste components

 

Food for Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppies

 

 

The Royal Canin kibble, which is specially created for German Shepherd pups, might be a convenient source of nourishment for your dog.

Royal Canin’s kibble contains appropriate amounts of calcium and phosphorus for bone development, antioxidants, and a special protein blend to assist your sensitive dog maintain a healthy gut flora.

Royal Canin is the most costly kibble on our list, and it also contains a number of grains and byproducts. This is the primary drawback.

We had hoped that the price would indicate higher quality components, but it appears that Royal Canin has abandoned entire foods in favor of vitamin and mineral supplements.

Pros

• Specifically designed for German Shepherd pups
• Smaller kibbles for a dog’s teeth
• Protein mixture to aid digestion
• Balanced minerals for bone development
• Combination of vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen juvenile immune systems

Cons

• Some grains and byproducts are used as ingredients

 

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food

 

 

Blue Buffalo is a well-respected dog food company, and their devotion to whole food components is largely responsible for their excellent reputation.

We enjoy that a significant portion of the vitamins and minerals in this kibble are derived from natural foods, such as chicken, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

In contrast to other products, Blue Buffalo does not take the quick and simple approach of adding these nutrients after the fact, and the end product speaks for itself.

However, the digestive systems of German Shepherd puppies are extremely picky. While the absence of grains is advantageous in this regard, this blend does not contain any other particular formulations to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Extremely nutritious, but on the pricey side; if your dog has difficulties digesting this kibble, you may lose your money.

Pros

• Designed for huge dog breeds
• The primary component is boneless chicken
• Grain-free and without byproducts
• Whole meals and complete proteins are the primary sources of vitamins and minerals
• Support for bone development, the immune system, joints, and mental health

Cons

• Reasonably costly
• No change to assist a delicate digestion

 

Life Protection Blue Buffalo Puppy Food

 

 

This Life Protection Formula dog food from Blue Buffalo has the same high-quality ingredients found in the company’s other products.

This chicken and brown rice puppy food has no byproducts, a variety of lean animal proteins, and only the finest grains. However, this meal is relatively costly and does not cater exclusively to dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Although it is a healthy option overall, due to the German Shepherd’s stomach sensitivity, you run the danger of spending a considerable amount of money on this meal just to discover that the grain blend does not agree with them. It is preferable to test a grain-free brand before turning to this choice.

Pros

• Designed for huge dog breeds
• The primary component is boneless chicken
• Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune system support
• Only entire grains and no by-products are present

Cons

• Reasonably costly
• No change to assist a delicate digestion
• Grains may not agree with your dog’s digestive system

 

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Dog Food for Puppies

 

 

Check out the Nutro Lamb & Rice combination for a slightly different healthy animal protein option for your dog. All of the components are of great quality, but the lack of variation in this mixture leaves something to be desired.

This brand is rather pricey given that it is composed almost completely of protein, grains, and beans. Many of the vitamins and minerals are given via supplements because there are no entire vegetables or fruits.

Not only are added vitamins harder to absorb than those from whole foods, but they are also less expensive. What’s up?

Beans may be difficult for a German Shepherd puppy to digest and cause a range of gastrointestinal issues. While the lamb might be a welcome change for your dog, we recommend beginning with a little quantity to determine its compatibility.

Pros

• Designed for huge dog breeds
• The primary component is boneless lamb, followed by chicken meal
• Only superior, entire grains
• Whole foods improve joint health

Cons

• Reasonably costly
• Very few whole fruits and vegetables
• Contains legumes that may cause digestive distress

 

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Dog Food

 

 

At first sight, the Hill’s big breed puppy formula appears comparable to other leading brands. However, following closer inspection, it becomes clear why this meal is not a good option for German Shepherd pups.

Despite its high protein content, this brand derives nearly none of its nutrients from entire fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and minerals are primarily additions, which should reduce the price, yet Hill’s charges the same as competitors that use superior, more expensive components.

Considering this, as well as the fact that grains might be problematic for the stomach of a German Shepherd, we do not understand why you would spend more money on food of at best poor quality.

Pros

• Designed for huge dog breeds
• Ingredient number one is chicken dinner
• No artificial colors or preservatives
• balanced minerals for bone development

Cons

• Costly when considering quality
• The subsequent three components are all grains
• Few complete fruits and veggies

 

Dry Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food

 

 

The Eukanuba Large Breed puppy food is another perfect example of a diet that, although being theoretically full and balanced, lacks the healthy elements necessary for your dog to absorb all of its nutrients.

In addition to a few nutritious ingredients such as chicken, fish oil, and chicken meal, this kibble is loaded with inexpensive grains and byproducts. There are no whole fruits or vegetables present, and the majority of vitamins and minerals are added.

The stomachs of German Shepherd puppies are especially susceptible to low-quality foods and chemicals. And despite the packaging’s claim of a particular, easily digestible prebiotic combination, there is no data to support this claim.

Although it may look comparable to higher-quality brands at first sight, do not be deceived by its flashy claims and somewhat lower pricing.

Pros

• Designed for huge dog breeds
• First component is chicken
• Complete and nutritious diet

Cons

• Expensive in light of poor quality
• Contains maize, wheat, and many byproducts
• No fruit or vegetable wholes
• No data to back the claims made for this prebiotic combination

Conclusion

The JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen Dog Food is unquestionably the best overall diet for German Shepherd puppies. The great list of ingredients is full of natural foods that provide balanced nutrition for active dogs. They are also of high quality and don’t contain grains, which helps with digestion.

It is difficult to find a better option than Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food for puppy owners on a low budget. AAFCO-approved, loaded with whole food components, carefully made to maintain healthy gut bacteria, and the most cost-effective nut on our list—what more could you want?

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our visitors for visiting our site to learn about and research the best dog foods for German Shepherd puppies.

We think that with the knowledge gained from these evaluations, you will be able to select the finest dog food for your German Shepherd puppy. Good luck!

How to Choose the Finest German Shepherd Puppy Food

Dietary Needs of a German Shepherd Pup

Human and canine nutrition are based on the same fundamental components. They require a variety of protein, lipids, fiber, carbs, minerals, and vitamins, just like humans do.

Whole foods are the finest providers of these nutrients since they are more bioavailable and simpler for the body to absorb. Comparable to the difference between eating an orange and taking a vitamin C supplement, added vitamins and minerals are acceptable but less effective.

Protein

Essential to your German Shepherd puppy’s diet is protein. They require protein for normal growth and development, wound healing, and maintenance of their nails, coat, and connective tissues.

And it is especially vital for energetic, athletic German Shepherd Dogs that their protein sources contain all essential amino acids. These proteins are also referred to as “full proteins.” Eggs and lean meats are wonderful protein sources for your dog.

Fat

Fat is also essential to a dog’s diet. Fat provides vitamins to their system and is the major source of energy for your dog. In addition, it keeps your dog’s coat glossy and healthy, as well as their paw pads, skin, and nose supple and robust.

Due to their busy lifestyle and rapidly developing muscles, German Shepherd pups require a substantial amount of healthy fats for sustenance. They are also prone to joint discomfort, which may be significantly alleviated by a good balance of fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide another source of energy for your dog’s healthy development. Complex carbs are more difficult to digest and give constant, sustained energy.

Complex carbs exist in fruits, vegetables, and entire grains. Simple carbs, such as sugars and starches, are quick and provide small energy spurts.

Your dog will profit more from consuming complex carbohydrates as opposed to simple. This is due to the fact that a complex carbohydrate better supports the stamina and athletic prowess for which the German Shepherd Dog is renowned.

Fiber

Fiber aids in the digestive health of your dog. Rice, oats, maize, various grains, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits are common sources of fiber in dog food.

Typically, German Shepherd pups have sensitive stomachs, and high-fiber components might exacerbate this. Experimentation may be required to determine which foods work and which do not. Cheap grains such as wheat and corn may be more difficult for your dog to digest.

Minerals and vitamins

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in your dog’s nutrition. Oftentimes, the amounts your dog requires are minute, yet essential for their body’s numerous complicated chemical processes. The following are essential vitamins and minerals for a German Shepherd puppy:

Vitamins

• Biotin
• Choline
• Folic acid
• A, B1 (Thiamin), B12, B2 (Riboflavin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), C, D, E, and K are essential vitamins.

Minerals

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Sulfur

Also beneficial to a German Shepherd puppy’s diet may be:

• Antioxidants, for a healthy immune system and vision
• Glucosamine to maintain joint health
• Probiotics for gastrointestinal health

How to Determine the Quality of Your German Shepherd Pup’s Food

The label of your dog’s food might reveal a great deal about its quality. With a few ideas on what to look for, you can quickly determine if the food is full and balanced, where the nutrients originate from, and if it is meant for puppies and active breeds such as the German Shepherd.

Determine if the brand is AAFCO-approved. Association of American Feed Control Officials is an impartial organization that conducts rigorous tests on dog food.

If a dog food box bears the AAFCO’s mark of approval, you may be certain that the producers have adhered to strict guidelines for manufacturing quality, ingredient quality, overall nutritional value, standardized ingredient definitions, and comprehensive feeding studies.

Although specific amounts of each component are not required to be stated, producers must list ingredients in order of weight. For instance, if chicken is listed first, the dish includes more chicken than any other single component by weight.

Due to the German Shepherd Dog’s need for high-quality protein to sustain their muscular body, foods containing one or two lean protein sources at the top of the ingredient list are preferable. Grain-based diets deliver less useable protein and are more difficult for your dog to digest.

Although they are banned by law from publishing inaccurate or misleading information, some producers attempt to conceal low-quality ingredients by including all the extra nutrients.

Remember, if at least a fraction of these normally beneficial vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc. are not derived from whole foods, you’re looking at a low-quality kibble.