Best dog foods for German Shepherds.
Choosing the right food for a German Shepherd involves considering the dog’s age, activity level, and health.
While dogs are often thought of as carnivores, they also benefit from grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Over time, dogs have adapted to diets rich in both protein and starch, thriving as omnivores. Diet can also affect behavior, like aggression and hyperactivity.
Grain-inclusive and grain-free options offer variety and cater to different budgets, with dry food costs ranging from $0.20 to $13 per day, depending on the brand.
The best dog foods for German Shepherds
- Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food (Best Value)
- Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food (Most Protein)
- Royal Canin German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Recipe)
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Diets Dry Dog Food Grain Free (Best Gluten-FreeRecipe)
- Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food (Most Affordable)
Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food (Best Value)
Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food, made by Mid-America Pet Food LLC, is a nutrient-dense, grain-inclusive recipe featuring beef, chicken, fish, and pork meals.
Suitable for all life stages, including puppies and lactating dogs, it provides sustained energy for active dogs. It boasts 88% meat protein and is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Controversial ingredients include dehydrated alfalfa meal, blood meal (a quality protein source), brewers yeast (believed to repel fleas), and seaweed meal (an inexpensive carbohydrate source). Adjust your German Shepherd’s diet as needed, and consult a vet before making changes.
Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild, launched in 2007, offers grain-free dog foods made in five U.S. facilities. For German Shepherds with chicken allergies, it provides alternative protein sources like wild boar, buffalo, and salmon.
These formulas use highly digestible proteins and fiber-rich carbohydrates, offering lasting energy. Taste of the Wild includes prebiotics and species-specific K9 Strain Probiotics to support healthy digestion, with probiotics added after cooking to ensure live, active cultures.
Chelated minerals and omega fatty acids from marine and plant sources promote skin and coat health. Each 8-oz cup of Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food contains 422 calories.
Royal Canin German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin was founded in France in 1968 and became a subsidiary of Mars in 2001. Its German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food is specially formulated for German Shepherds, featuring a smooth paté texture. It includes specific nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone, joint, and cartilage health.
The first four ingredients are proteins, mostly animal by-products such as offal. While these are beneficial for dogs, ingredients like fillers, oils, and carrageenan are controversial.
Each can contain 343 calories. Adjust food based on your dog’s age, health, and activity, and consult a vet when making dietary changes.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Diets Dry Dog Food Grain Free
Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods, founded in 1989 and based in Burbank, California, promotes “Food For a Lifetime.” Previously owned by Big Heart Pet Brands and J.M. Smucker, the company was acquired by Nexus Capital Management in 2021.
For German Shepherds with dietary challenges, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.) offers 26 varieties, including beef, lamb, venison, and salmon.
These diets help identify allergies through an elimination process. L.I.D. recipes feature single proteins and gluten-free carbohydrates for digestion and energy. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids support coat and skin health, while taurine boosts heart health. Each 8-oz cup contains an average of 320 calories.
Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Diamond Pet Foods, founded in 1970 by Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter, aims to make premium pet food affordable. Over time, Diamond has expanded to include lines like Diamond Naturals (2006), Diamond CARE (2016), and Diamond Pro89 (2019).
Diamond Naturals offers holistic dog food at budget-friendly prices. Enhanced with proprietary probiotics for digestion and immune health, its formulas contain 10-20% superfoods like kale, chia seeds, and blueberries. These ingredients support the overall health of large breeds like German Shepherds. Real beef, chicken, or lamb serve as primary protein sources for energy and muscle strength.
Controversial ingredients like beet pulp and yeast spark debate; while some see them as fillers or allergens, others note their digestive and immune benefits. As always, consult your vet before changing your German Shepherd’s diet, especially if they have sensitive stomachs.
Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, crafted by Merrick Pet Care and now owned by Nestle Purina, is a grain- and gluten-free dog food made with 60% protein and healthy fat, featuring deboned salmon as the main ingredient.
The remaining 40% includes fruits, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients.
Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, while glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. Some concerns arise from the carbohydrate content, including sweet potatoes and peas.
Adjust your German Shepherd’s diet as needed and consult a vet before making changes.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dry Dog Food
Founded in 2002 in Connecticut, Blue Buffalo offers dog food with high-quality proteins like beef, lamb, fish, and chicken, along with wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Its LifeSource Bits provide a blend of nutrients enhanced with antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Blue Buffalo avoids wheat, corn, soy, and protein by-product meals. However, some dog owners may be concerned about controversial ingredients like dried tomato pomace, pea protein, garlic, and sodium selenite in certain formulas.
Adjust your German Shepherd’s diet based on life stage and health, and consult a vet before switching foods, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic German Dog Diet Dry Dog Food
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Pet Nutrition, founded in 1994 by veterinarians Gary and Toni Cotton in Northwest Ohio, focuses on creating healthy dog food without animal by-products, cheap fillers, or artificial additives.
Their Holistic German Dry Dog Food is designed for large breeds, like German Shepherds, providing premium protein from chicken, fish, and eggs for muscle maintenance.
It includes New Zealand green-lipped sea mussel for joint health and high-quality fiber for nutrient absorption. However, some controversial ingredients, like beet pulp and brewers yeast, raise concerns. Overall, this kibble offers a balanced nutrient profile, with each 8-oz cup containing 456 calories.
Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
Nom Nom specializes in home-cooked, restaurant-quality meals for dogs, tailored to their unique needs.
Founded in California in 2014 and expanded to Nashville in 2018, Nom Nom’s meals are prepared in their kitchens under the guidance of Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Their menu includes four meals for German Shepherds:
- Beef Mash: Beef, potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas (182 calories/8 oz)
- Chicken Cuisine: Chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach (208 calories/8 oz)
- Pork Potluck: Pork, potatoes, green beans, squash, kale, mushrooms (177 calories/8 oz)
- Turkey Fare: Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach (201 calories/8 oz)
Each meal is free from controversial ingredients and fortified with essential nutrients. Adjust food as necessary based on your German Shepherd’s specific needs and consult a vet for dietary changes.
Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select Dog Food is produced by WellPet, LLC, which rebranded from Wellness Pet Company in 2022.
The brand claims to be the only natural pet food offering a complete digestive balance system to enhance nutrient absorption.
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food for Large and Giant Breeds features larger kibble pieces ideal for German Shepherds. The formula includes probiotics, healthy fiber, and digestive enzymes to support digestive health, along with Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants for overall well-being.
Some ingredients, like beet pulp and brewers yeast, may raise concerns among dog owners. An 8-oz cup contains 453 calories. Adjust food based on your German Shepherd’s needs and consult your veterinarian when making dietary changes.
Key Facts to Consider Before Buying Dog Food for German Shepherds.
All dogs deserve healthy, nutritious, and satisfying food, but generic dog food often doesn’t meet the specific needs of different breeds.
German Shepherds, for instance, have unique dietary requirements based on their size, activity level, and health considerations.
Size Considerations:
German Shepherds can be up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 71 pounds, necessitating quality food to satisfy their large appetites.
Activity Level:
Their activity levels vary with age. Puppies require more protein and calcium for their growing bodies, while seniors may need different nutritional support.
Health Considerations:
German Shepherds are prone to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia and arthritis, which can be managed with balanced nutrition. Including glucosamine and chondroitin can help repair joints and promote healthy cartilage.
Additionally, maintaining the right calcium and phosphorus balance can limit inflammation, while avoiding excessive protein, fat, and salt can prevent kidney disease, pancreatitis, and heart issues.
Clean Label
The Clean Label on Dog Food for German Shepherds emphasizes using limited, recognizable, and wholesome ingredients that are natural and beneficial.
This trend is driven by consumer demand for transparency, as dog owners seek to feed their pets with the same care as their families.
Nutritional Value
For nutritional value, high-quality grain-inclusive dog food typically contains:
- Calories: 325 to 600 calories per 8-oz cup.
- Carbohydrates: 30-60% of the total daily meal, with a healthy limit of 14%.
- Protein: 15-25% of the meal.
- Fat: Around 25% of the diet.
Optimal ingredients should specify sources, such as chicken meal or salmon oil, and include healthy carbs like brown rice or barley.
The best dog foods also feature whole vegetables and fruits, natural preservatives (like mixed tocopherols), premium vitamins, chelated minerals for better absorption, and Omega fatty acids from flaxseed or fish oil.
Statements about human-grade ingredients and local sourcing also indicate high quality.
