The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds

As a general rule, try to avoid dog foods that don’t list an animal protein source as the first ingredient. It’s also a good idea to stay away from dog food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.

What about grain-free dog food?

Many dog ​​owners mistakenly believe that since wolves are carnivores, dogs cannot digest grain. There is also a common misconception that grain-free dog food is somehow healthier than grain-containing dog food.

For most dogs, whole grains can be a highly nutritious source of energy, fiber, and essential nutrients. And even if your vet diagnoses your dog with a grain allergy, you can avoid the allergy problem by choosing a limited-ingredient diet that includes a grain your dog can tolerate.

A 2018 FDA review, which was later updated, focused on a possible link between a grain-free diet and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM is an inherited heart condition that most commonly affects large breeds, including the German Shepherd. In any case, it’s a good idea to consult your vet before switching your dog to a grain-free diet.

The best dog food for German Shepherds

The best diet for your German Shepherd Dog is high in quality animal protein with lots of healthy fats and an optimal balance of essential nutrients. To help you choose the best dog food for your trusty companion, we’ve put together a list of our top picks for puppies and adult dogs.

Like other Blue Buffalo recipes, this large breed puppy formula prioritizes high quality animal protein. Also contains LifeSource Bits to provide a rich combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a balanced diet.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Recipe for Large Breed Puppies

A great option for puppies, this dry dog ​​food is packed with boneless chicken, healthy grains and antioxidant-rich ingredients.

This affordable formula for large breeds is Chewy’s house brand. It’s made with quality ingredients like fresh boneless salmon, menhaden fishmeal and brown rice.

American Journey Large Breed German Shepherd Dog Food

This large breed recipe includes salmon, brown rice, and vegetables and is prepared with no fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Buy chewable

With high-quality animal protein and ingredients to support digestive health, this dry food is a great way to get your German Shepherd puppy on the right foot (er, paw). It is available in 15 and 30 pound bags.

Holistic Select dry food for puppies of large and giant breeds

This lamb and oatmeal formula provides complete nutrition for German Shepherds and other large breed puppies.

This nutritious recipe is made with boneless chicken as a key ingredient and healthy brown rice as a carb backup, and comes in larger kibble sizes for German Shepherd puppies.

Complete healthy recipe for large breed puppies

The larger kibble size and combination of chicken, salmon and rice in this formula make it a great choice for young German Shepherd puppies.

This recipe contains 24% all natural, holistic white fish protein. It also contains a rich blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and 4% fiber to support healthy digestion.

Blackwood Oats and Whitefish Meal recipe for large breeds

This easily digestible dry dog ​​food is based on white fish meal, rolled oats and brown rice as the main ingredients.

Made with free range chicken, whole grain brown rice and sweet potatoes, this formula is designed to support the health and well-being of your German Shepherd Dog.

Nutro Natural Choice Adult Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe – Dry dog ​​food

For large breeds like German Shepherds, this recipe includes ingredients like real chicken and brown rice to support a dog’s overall health.

This Royal Canin formula was developed exclusively for purebred German Shepherds from 15 months of age. German Shepherds can have a finicky digestive system. This recipe aims to combat that with highly digestible proteins, including chicken, and a selection of specific fibers. Contains brewer’s rice and oatmeal to aid in digestion and prevent loose stools. It is available in 17 and 30 pound bags.

Royal Canin special food for German Shepherd Dogs

This dry dog ​​food was developed exclusively for purebred German Shepherds and contains easily digestible ingredients to support their digestive system.

If your German Shepherd suffers from food allergies, a limited ingredient diet like this Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Formula could be a good option. It contains only one type of animal protein. And brown rice provides the grains and fiber, so it’s gluten-free!

Natural Balance LID formula for large breed dogs

Ideal for German Shepherds with allergies or sensitive tummies, this limited-ingredient recipe uses lamb and brown rice flour, making it gluten-free.

Made with three premium animal proteins and a rich blend of superfoods, this large breed formula is nutritionally complete and balanced for your German Shepherd.

Nutro Food for adult dogs of very large breeds

This large breed recipe features superfoods and a trio of lean animal proteins.

For dogs that prefer wet food or a mix of wet and dry food, this large breed chicken recipe is a great option. Provides quality nutrition made from natural ingredients such as real chicken, carrots, brown rice, oatmeal and sweet potatoes.

Homemade Recipe Blue Buffalo Chicken Dinner for Large Breed Dogs

For a healthy canned option, look no further than this large breed recipe, which features chicken, healthy grains, and veggies among its ingredients.

This healthy large breed dog recipe is made with a rich blend of fresh chicken, turkey, and brown rice and contains no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.

Chicken soup for the soul Adult dog food for large breeds

This healthy large breed recipe features a mix of fresh chicken, turkey and brown rice.

This recipe comes in a larger kibble size for larger teeth. Contains premium ingredients like chicken, oatmeal, pumpkin and blueberries. It is available in 15 and 30 pound bags.

Holistic Select Natural dry food for adult dogs of large and large breeds

With a larger kibble size and high-quality chicken protein, this holistic recipe is a great option for large breeds like German Shepherds.

More options for your German Shepherd

This is just a selection of the many dog ​​foods that are suitable for keeping your German Shepherd in tip-top shape. Want more options? Check out our guide to the best dry food for large breed dogs.

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