German Shepherds are one of the world’s most recognized breeds in the world. They’re easily identified by their long erect ears, well-structured athletic body, black colored noses, and almond-shaped brown eyes. Their fur is double-coated, with tan and black blends. First domesticated for sheep and cattle herding, the German Shepherds perform excellently at every possible task a dog can do. Renowned for being both hard-working and highly intelligent, these dogs are often trained for service in the military.

German Shepherds aren’t inactive indoor pets, they are energetic and require a lot of exercises to keep them physically fit and healthy. They have a friendly and active temperament which makes them ideal for families with children. They require a devoted and disciplined owner and proper training from an early age.

What to Feed a German Shepherd?

Just like how our body requires food nutrients to keep us physically and mentally healthy, so does our dogs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the nutrient requirements for dogs are:

Proteins

Dietary Fats

Carbohydrates and Crude Fiber

Vitamins

Minerals

How much Should I Feed my German Shepherd?

German Shepherd meals should be regulated and scheduled. When feeding your shepherd puppy you should consider when to transition from puppy meals to adult meals, daily feeding routine, feeding amount, mealtime length, and water consumption level. This helps to ensure stable growth against malnutrition and other illness.

You can also follow below Calories estimation list based on the average weight of German Shepherds Breed:

Young puppies: 500 – 600 calories per day

Young adults: 1,500 – 1,800 calories per day

Full-grown/active dogs: 1,800 and 2,400 calories per day

Senior/inactive dogs: 1,300- 1,700 calories per day

What food we recommend for german shepherds

Royal Canin Breed – German Shepherd Health Nutrition offers a complete and balanced dry dog food specifically for German Shepherds. The kibble has a shape, size, and texture that has been formulated to provide nutritional value and encourage the German shepherd to eat. German Shepherds have delicate digestive systems if there’s long colonic transit time and higher colonic permeability this can lead to fermentation and poor stool quality.

Therefore, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition offers high digestible LIP proteins and a selection of specific fibers to limit intestinal fermentation and maintain balanced intestinal flora. This food makes sure that your German Shepherd develops healthy bones and joints. It also enhances the digestion and keeps the coat shiny.

+ Pros

Specially prepared for purebred German Shepherds

Kibble shape encourages longer chewing

EPA and DHA contribute to healthy skin and coat

Chondroitin and Glucosamine maintain the joints and bones strong

– Cons

Not grain-free

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IAMS Proactive Health for Large Breeds offers balanced nutrition with natural sources of glucosamine to support healthy joints and to help your German Shepherd grow efficiently. The number one key ingredient is real chicken, a protein that is one of the essential nutrients required for a balanced meal. IAMS Large Breed Dog meal supports healthy joints, strong bones, strong muscles for a dog of this stature, and a healthy metabolism rate. This food is known for its special formula with made for the German Shepherd’s sensitive digestive system.

+ Pros

Balanced nutrition for large breed dogs with high-quality proteins

Glucosamine and chondroitin contribute to strengthening joints and bones

Prebiotics and fiber ingredients help the sensitive digestive system

It’s affordable

– Cons

Their formula changes sometimes for better nutrition and some dogs find it harder to adapt

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A dog of German Shepherd’s stature needs special nutrition in order to proper growth, related to its size, energy, or genetic predispositions. Eukanuba Breed Specific Dog Food for German Shepherds will offer your dog a balanced nutritional intake. The presence of quality and animal-based proteins keeps strong and lean muscles and ensures optimal body condition. Their specialized fiber system promotes the absorption of nutrients and proper digestion and the DentaDefense system will prevent the tartar build-up.

+ Pros

Good quality proteins which strengthen the muscles and ensure a good body condition

Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for bones and joints

Vitamin E and DHT (omega-3 fatty acids) for mental agility and health

Balanced levels of fats and carbohydrates

DentaDefense system: anti-tartar ingredients from natural minerals, which prevent the accumulation of tartar

– Cons

Some ingredients like corn gluten meal and wheat gluten might cause allergies and high blood pressure

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Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural delivers quality meals with natural ingredients, no artificial flavors or preservatives. Real farm-raised beef is the first ingredient mixed with brown rice which has a good amount of fibers and helps digestion and also vegetables like peas and carrots wich are a nutritious add-in. The ingredient list includes added vitamins (A, E, B12, D3, K) and minerals for a balanced diet and prebiotics for healthy digestion. Usually, the Rachel Ray brand is popular for its delicious flavors.

+ Pros

High-quality proteins from real beef and brown rice for a healthy body

Good levels of added essential vitamins and minerals

No artificial flavors, preservatives or wheat gluten

– Cons

It contains corn gluten meal that might cause allergy to some dogs

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Stella & Chewy’s Super Beef Dinner Patties are a different kind of dog food. Made from sustainably-sourced ingredients, the recipe includes at least 85% grass-fed raw beef meat, organs, and bone but also organic fruits and vegetables that will offer your German shepherd tasty and nutritious meals. The freeze-dried patties are enriched with vitamins and minerals and free from added hormones, antibiotics, or grains. The food can be served as it is or can be rehydrated with warm water, depending on your dog’s preferences.

– Pros

High levels of good quality proteins from real raw meet

Contains probiotics and antioxidants that improve both digestive and immune system

Grain-free recipe

Minimally processed food

– Cons

In some patties, owners found bones that were not fully grounded

Raw food might contain bacteria that can affect people, so wash your hands and store it properly

Choosing the right dog food can be a tough job for any owner. For a happy and problem-free life, we recommend you to feed your dog high-quality products and always consult with your vet. Make sure that the food you serve is nutritious and that it ensures the recommended intake for the size, age, and activity level.

If you decide to change your dog’s food, do it gradually, mixing at first the old food with the new one, for at least a week. Remember to have clean and fresh water available for him at any time.

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