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German Shepherd puppies are bundles of energy and curiosity, so feeding them a high-energy diet is key to keeping them active and happy. However, if you’re new to feeding a large breed puppy like a German Shepherd, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s the best dog food.
According to AAFCO, the recommended dog food that facilitates growth in large breed puppies like German Shepherds must contain at least 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat. It should also contain minerals such as calcium and Vitamin A.
If you have been searching for the best dog food for your German Shepherd puppy, then you are in the right place. Keep reading to explore what’s the best dog food for German Shepherd puppies.
Make sure you are choosing large-breed dog food for your German Shepherd
Do German Shepherd need special food? The short answer is yes.
Large breed dogs like German Shepherds age faster than small or medium dogs. While most puppies reach maturity when they are one year old, German Shepherd puppies can take up to two years. Large dogs, unfortunately, tend to have a shorter lifespan.
Your German Shepherd will also have different nutritional needs at different points in their lives, which is why you should consider your dog’s age when choosing a large breed dog food.
Related: How to Extend A German Shepherd‘s Lifespan? 6 Tips You Must Know
Look for a large breed dog food with glucosamine
Glucosamine, which is often founnd in meat and poultry sources, is a building block of cartilage, and healthy cartilage helps protect your dog’s bones and joints from wear and tear.
Source: Purina.com
Large breed dogs are more prone to joint problems. Some owners report their GSD already shows symptoms as early as 1-1.5 years old. Start feeding your German Shepherd puppy with dog food that includes glucosamine can help support his joints and mobility in the long run.
What nutrients does a German Shepherd puppy need?
Just like humans, the most important time for your German Shepherd’s diet to be focused on is when they are a puppy. The best food for baby German Shepherd can provide them with the necessary nutrients to help them grow to their full potential.
The two broad groups of nutrients needed for any puppy are macronutrients and micronutrients. Both are crucial for a number of areas for your German Shepherd.
Macronutrients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates act as fuel for functions like growth and muscle-building.
Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals play specific roles that can help in a huge variety of ways.
#1 Protein
Protein is the cornerstone of your German Shepherd’s tissue and muscles. Getting enough protein in every meal will help ensure a physically strong and healthy dog.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that the best dog foods for large breed puppies, like your German Shepherd, should contain a minimum of 22.5% of high-quality protein. And it can be found in:
- Poultry & Eggs (e.g. chicken or chicken meal)
- Salmon
- Lamb
- Grass-fed beef
#2 Fat
They also recommend that your dog’s diet contain a minimum of 9% high-quality animal-based fats.
Fat is responsible for a considerable number of functions like bone and joint development, digestion, and hormone production. It is also essential for healthy skin.
Dietary fats need to come from quality fat sources containing essential fatty acids which will make your German Shepherd’s skin and coat healthy. Here are some great fat sources for your puppy:
- Chicken fat
- Fish oils
- Beef fat
#3 Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the final nutrition to consider. Adult German Shepherds need between 5% to 8% carbohydrates from their diet.
These are needed to give your Shepherd energy to happily meet each day’s activities, as well as grow. Carbs are also a great way to manage their weight. The best sources of carbohydrates can be found in:
- Whole oats
- Potatoes
- Rice
- Sweet potatoes
However, it’s too easy to stumble upon low-quality dog food made with wheat-based products, soy, and corn.
These have all been proven to deter digestion and cause most food allergies. So you have to be mindful when choosing your dog food.
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#4 Micronutrients
The list of daily recommended vitamins and minerals for German Shepherd puppies is extensive. These are all important to keep your GSD puppy healthy and growing the way it should. Below are 3 main of the most important micronutrient you may want to look out for:
Essential minerals: Calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorous. These can all help promote strong teeth, bones and joints.
DHA: is also an essential micronutrient with Omega-3 fatty acid found in mother’s milk that helps nourish vision and brain development.
Glucosamine: It is a building block of cartilage, and healthy cartilage helps protect your dog’s bones and joints from wear and tear, often found in meat and poultry sources.
When to switch to adult dog food?
One of the most common changes in a German Shepherd puppy’s diet is an earlier switch from puppy dog food to other breeds.
Switching to adult dog food after their first six months is suggested for large breeds like German Shepherds. This is typical for larger breeds to prevent joint issues, like hip dysplasia.
| Puppies | Adult dogs | Seniors/Aging | |
| AAFCOs recommended requirement | Protein: 22% to 30% Fat: 8.5% | Protein:18% to 29% Fat: 5.5% to 25% | Protein: 18% to 29% Fat: 5.5% to 25% |
Fat and protein intake can drop by about 4% and 3% respectively in adult dog food. This is to accommodate a lowered rate of growth from puppy to adult. Keeping these macronutrients the same can lead to unnecessary weight gain in an adult.
Feeding your German Shepherd puppy
A good puppy diet contains enough protein and fats for healthy bodily functions and enough calories from carbohydrates to sustain growth and provide energy.
Puppies need more calories than adults to help with growth.
A typical recommendation is about 40 to 70 calories per pound of body weight. This can change a number of things like your puppy’s activity levels, so be sure to monitor their weight gain to find a sweet spot.
| Bodyweight (Lbs) | Average Daily Calorie Intake |
| 5 – 10 | 525 |
| 11 – 15 | 875 |
| 16 – 20 | 1,080 |
| 21 – 30 | 1,400 |
| 31 – 50 | 1,600 |
| 51 + | Up to 2,100 |
It is vital that a German Shepherd puppy gets at least 22% and 8% of their daily calories from protein and fat respectively.
These daily calorie intakes are best split into three meals.
Again, protein and fats should come from whole foods. For protein, poultry and other meats are great. In terms of fats, these should be essential fatty acids like fish oil and chicken fat.
Also read: How Much Is A German Shepherd Puppy? (Plus Annual Expenses)
Best dry dog food for German Shepherd puppies
Dry dog food is one of the easiest options for any dog owner. It is typically very widely available and there are excellent options available these days that can promote your German Shepherd puppy’s health.
One of the biggest draws to dry dog food is convenience. High-quality dog food will meet all of the requirements your puppy needs, meaning all you need to do is follow the serving suggestions based on their current weight.
Always check dry food to see what the first ingredient is. This will always be a source of whole protein in high-quality kibble.
Pros
- Widely available
- Most convenient
- Usually cheaper
Cons
- The pet food industry is not regulated
- Not all dry food has quality ingredients
- Not great for fussy puppies
#1 Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food
Why do we like it?
One of the most obvious options if you happen to own a German Shepherd. The ingredients have been specifically formulated with GSD puppies’ best interests in mind.
Features
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months old.
- Specialized kibble shape is designed for a German Shepherd’s long, strong muzzle to encourage chewing.
- Helps protect the puppy’s development of the immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E.
- Aids digestion with highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to promote optimal stool quality.
- Maintains bone and joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin to support large breed bodies.
Also read:
Is Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog Food Any Good? Read This First
#2 Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Puppy, Large Breed Lamb and Rice Formula
Why do we like it?
Although this food is not made exclusively for GSDs, it still features all of the prerequisites for excellent dry food for a large-breed puppy.
Features
- Made in the USA
- With real pasture-raised lamb as the #1 ingredient
- Crafted with balanced nutrient levels to fuel larger growing bodies, contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and features vitamins and minerals from superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges.
- Includes species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health and overall wellness.
- Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors.
#3 Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Why do we like it?
Eukanuba works very well for GSD puppies. It also features a formula with specific calcium and phosphorous target levels to avoid skeletal issues when growing.
Features
- Large puppy dry dog food formulated with complete and balanced nutrition for medium breed puppies up to 12 months old
- Supports muscle growth and bone health in athletic pups with high-quality animal protein and optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous.
- Supports healthy dog brain development with clinically proven levels of DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies.
- Provides concentrated energy from fat and carbohydrate levels beneficial for growing puppies.
2. Wet food for German Shepherd puppies
Wet or canned food is one step closer to a real food diet for your GSD puppy. There are a number of benefits to wet food, but they typically come at a greater premium. GSD puppies can be fussy eaters with kibble, but this usually isn’t the case with wet food.
Pros
- Easier for digestion
- Higher moisture content
- Usually more appetizing
Cons
- More expensive than dry food
- Not ideal for fast-eating puppies
#1 Hill’s Science Diet Wet Puppy Food
Why do we like it?
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Puppy Food is the most recommended wet dog food by vets. As the name implies, it has been scientifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for puppies.
Features
- Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility
- High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight
- Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition
- This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love
- Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs
One of the biggest benefits of a wet food diet is how easy it is to identify low-quality food. You want to be able to see visible chunks of meat in the food. If you can’t, it is likely it is not the very high quality.
Best wet foods for German Shepherd puppies
#2 Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Wet Puppy Food
Why do we like it?
It contains a large amount of deboned chicken meat and whole grains, making it a balanced option for your GSD puppy.
Features
- Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility
- High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight
- Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition
- This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love
- Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs
Where to find the best dog foods?
A good rule of thumb is that if the marketing of a product sounds too good to be true, the manufacturer cites studies or research that they cannot provide to you or makes claims that cannot be substantiated, then that’s a red flag that the diet should be avoided.
Clinical Nutrition Team in PETFOODOLOGY: A Pet Nutrition blog run by three enthusiasts with Master’s or PhD degrees formTufts University and the University of California, at Davis.
However, larger companies generally have more resources for stringent quality control protocols. They can employ expert nutritionists and food scientists, and are more eager to enrich our collective nutrition knowledge through research.
On the contrary, smaller manufacturers may have less control over ingredient quality, perform less laboratory testing, and are less likely to employ veterinary nutritionists.
On top of that, there are still some basic rules you can follow. And we will walk you through things you will need to consider in this article.
Every pet is unique and the goal is to find the best diet for the individual pet. Like everything in life, the expense doesn’t necessarily equal quality.
Is real food good for German Shepherd puppies?
Real food contains whole ingredients that are cooked to aid in digestion. Whole real foods are a great option for adult GSDs, it might be best to keep the puppy food dry or wet.
The American College of Veterinary Nutrition does not recommend feeding dogs less than one year old a homemade diet as they can be lacking in calcium and phosphorous, which can have serious implications down the line for GSDs.
Best homemade food for German Shepherd puppies
If you insist on feeding your GSD puppy a homemade diet, the best way to go about it is to get recipes specifically formulated for them by a veterinary nutritionist.
This will ensure all of their needs macro – and micronutrient needs are met, particularly their calcium and phosphorous requirements. This is very important to prevent issues like hip dysplasia and other joint and bone issues as an adult GSD.
A typical homemade food recipe:
- Chicken
- Peas
- Chicken liver
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Rice
- Sweet potatoes
This is a recipe from the pet fresh food service, Ollie. You can find plenty more recipes there. Please always check the full ingredient list to see what ingredients they put in like dicalcium phosphate.
Is raw food suitable for German Shepherd puppies?
A raw food diet is another type of dog food that has grown in popularity recently. The idea is to give your dog a diet more like they would have eaten before they became man’s best friend. It usually consists of organ and muscle meat, bones and sometimes a raw egg. These are all nutritional powerhouses for your GSD.
You may also like:
Is It Ok to Give Raw Meat to My German Shepherd Puppy?
The Benefits of Feeding German Shepherds Raw Food – A Beginner’s Guide
The problem with raw food is that most vets do not recommend it for puppies. Just like with an unbalanced homemade food diet, there are a number of risks that can be linked to giving your GSD puppy a raw diet.
That being said there are countless people who swear by a raw food diet for their pets. They do offer potential benefits for your German Shepherd puppy, but it is a great idea to do some further research.
Best treats for German Shepherd puppies
The best snacks for your German Shepherd puppy will be ones that can give your puppy boosts in protein, fat, and other beneficial nutrients. Snacks can be a great way to help train your puppy as most GSDs are generally very food motivated.
Be sure to use treats that are appropriate for soft teeth. Again, look out for snacks that have meat as their first ingredient listed.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Dog Treats
Why do we like it?
This is an all-natural, tasty, bite-sized dog treat. Made in the USA and specially formulated for puppies under 1 year your pup.
Features
- A specially formulated for dogs under 1 year
- Contains only premium, all-natural ingredients with no meat by-products, corn, wheat or dairy
- Perfectly sized treats that can be given daily
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
- A natural source of DHA and Omega 3
Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Why do we like it?
Handy treats for your dog’s training needs. Choose any taste from beef liver, chicken, salmon, rabbit or sweet potato. They are extremely high-quality and even come with a free training app.
Features
- Treats are designed specifically to help Made in the USA.
- Formulated specifically for training with just 1 kcal each.
- No need to refrigerate, store anywhere.
Get Naked Puppy Health Grain-Free Small Dental Stick Dog Treats
Why do we like it?
A healthy, handy, and easy-to-carry treat – that also helps keep your pup’s teeth white by reducing build up of plaque and tartar through chewing.
Features
- All-natural dental sticks specially formulated for your puppy’s unique needs.
- Added DHA Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and calcium help promote healthy cognitive development.
- Great for teething puppies, as the chewing process helps alleviate pain and soreness.
Over to you
Hopefully, we have given you a very basic idea of how to feed your German Shepherd Puppy the best diet. Making the right choices for your GSD puppy will give them a longer and healthier life in the years to come. For serious pet owners, here are a few resources you may want to follow:
- Pet nutrition blog: PETFOODOLOGY by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University
- Facebook groups:
Trusted by Millions of Dog Owners
Check out Amazon’s latest list of the best dog food.
More posts on feeding your German Shepherds
Must read:
- The Best & Worst Dog Foods Ever – According to a 45-Year Veterinarian
- Worst Dog Food for German Shepherds
- Is Grain-Free Good for German Shepherds?
- How to Stop Food Aggression Towards People in German Shepherds?
Choosing the best dog food:
- The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies
- Best Cheap Dog Food for German Shepherds (Dry and Wet Food)
- Best Dry Dog Food for Your German Shepherd Puppies: How to Choose?
- The Best Dog Food for a 12 Months German Shepherd
- What To Look For When Buying Dog Food for German Shepherds?
- Is Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog Food Any Good? Read This First
On feeding your German Shepherd:
- How Much Does It Cost to Feed a German Shepherd Puppy in the First Year?
- How Much Does an 8-Week-Old German Shepherd Puppy Eat in a Day? A Feeding Guide
- How Much Does a 3-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog Eat in a Day? A Feeding Guide
- How Much Does a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog Eat in a Day? A Feeding Guide
- Can Dogs Eat Vanilla Ice Cream?
- 17 Human Foods That Are Safe For German Shepherds to Eat
- The Benefits of Feeding German Shepherds Raw Food
- How to Feed Your Dog Raw Food on a Budget?
- Is It Ok to Give Raw Meat to My German Shepherd Puppy?
For picky eaters:
