Best Dog Food for German Shepherds in 2021

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Posted On: November 3, 2021
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Best Dog Food for German Shepherds in 2021

Pet parents have different opinions on so many things: whether to let your dog on the couch or not, whether to cage them or not. But the most heated debate is on the best food to feed your pet.

It can be very hard to know what food is right for your pooch amidst all this noise.

But, don’t worry. I got you 😍.

In this blog post, I’ll be recommending the best dog food for German shepherds. These are foods with all the vital elements your dog needs to make that decision easier for you.

What is a German Shepherd Favorite Food?

There is a lot you have to consider when choosing the right dog food for your German shepherd.

It has to be rich in supplements such as fatty acids, protein, and have the right balance of all other nutrients.

I considered all this when selecting the dog food on this list, and I’ll be explaining why I chose every brand.

Let’s dive in.

1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult

I might be a little biased when it comes to the Royal Canin brand because it has always been a good choice for my dogs 😜.

This specific food is designed for large and giant dogs, specifically German shepherd dogs above 15 months.

One of the great features of this food is the kibble shape which encourages your dog to chew and avoid gulping.

The food is packed with lots of ingredients, but the primary ones are pork, chicken, and ground brown rice. These proteins facilitate your dog’s cognitive development and muscle growth.

By facilitating muscle growth, the food prevents your dog from future joint and pain disorders such as hip dysplasia common in large and giant dogs.

What we like

It contains animal proteins, which aid muscle growth and prevent future joint pains
Its kibbles are designed for large dog breeds
It gives your dog a shiny, silky coat
Little to no digestive issues

What we didn’t like

It can cause allergies to dogs with extremely sensitive tummies

Check the price of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult from Amazon.

2. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food with Roasted Lamb

As much as we love our dogs, it’s important to remember that there are still wild animals.

And no, I don’t mean you need to be scared of them. I mean it’s crucial to complement their diets to fit their wildly needs.

Should you go out hunting for your doggo? Of course, not, Taste of the wild dry dog food got you covered.

For starters, it’s grain-free since it’s made to mimic the wild canid’s diet.

Secondly, it’s rich in vitamins and minerals from superfoods and fruits such as blueberries.

Another great ingredient is the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help in promoting skincare, joint health, and coat.

Lastly, every serving includes a k9 strain proprietary probiotics that support the immune system, digestive system, and health in general.

What we like

Most dogs enjoy the taste of the food
It has improved health benefits such as increased energy
It improves the appearance of the coat
It doesn’t contain artificial colors or flavors

What we didn’t like

The kibbles are tiny, and they may encourage your dog to gulp instead of chewing
The dog’s teeth don’t retain cleanliness after feeding compared to when they eat other foods.

Check the price of the Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food with Roasted Lamb on Amazon.

3. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult

One of the best things about this food is you can feed other dog breeds as well. Many Amazon users have been using the brand for years (some over 16 years), and the results are promising.

An amazon buyer explained that they have two dogs from the same litter; they both have the same lifestyle besides what they’re fed. Both dogs are 11 years old, and the dog that feeds in Nutro can still jump if he wants to, while the other one struggles with simple movements.

So, what makes the brand this great?

One, it contains high-quality protein such as chicken and lamb that your dog will enjoy. It also has natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine. For even better results, vets suggest adding supplements to your dog’s diet.

The chicken used in the food is raised on a farm to ensure they have the proper nutrients to boost your dog’s muscle strength. This also helps prevent your dog from risks that may come from chicken brought up in toxic environments.

What we like

It’s made from natural ingredients
It has no artificial additions
It has chicken that helps your dog grow strong muscles.
It protects your dog from hip dysplasia

What we didn’t like

Some dogs don’t enjoy the flavor.

Check the price of the Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult on Amazon.

4. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food

This is an amazing food for dogs that are sensitive and have severe protein allergies.

It’s also great for pet parents with different dog breeds because you can feed this food to all dogs regardless of their age.

One thing that makes the food suitable for sensitive dogs is the lack of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

It also has canola oil which is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

The food is also pocket-friendly based on other foods’ cost that matches its ingredients in the market.

What we like

It’s suitable for dogs of all ages
Dogs find it tasty
It’s suitable for sensitive dogs
It’s budget-friendly

What we didn’t like

It doesn’t have probiotics in its ingredients.

Check the price of the Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food on Amazon.

5. Iams Proactive Health Adult German Shepherd Dry Dog Food

While some dogs will eat about anything and turn out okay, some golden shepherds are very sensitive.

Food allergies can be so fatal they can lead to extra shedding and a very dull coat. Luckily, this food is designed to meet the golden shepherd’s nutrition, especially the sensitive dogs.

For instance, it contains dried eggs and flaxseed that help improve a dog’s coat and skin.

One Amazon user said her dog had such a bad allergy that she smelled, but she got so much better after a month of feeding her with this food. Her coat became shinier, and she didn’t scratch anymore.

What we like

It’s suitable for sensitive dogs
It leaves your dog’s coat shinning
It solves food allergy problems and reduces itchiness

What we didn’t like

It still makes some dogs super gassy.

Check the price of the Iams Proactive Health Adult German Shepherd Dry Dog Food on Amazon.

6. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach

It’s crazy how popular Purina food is. Over 17k+ Amazon users swear by it, especially when it comes to dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs.

They deliver exactly what they promise.

It contains oat, which is easy to digest and is gentle to a dog’s system. Additionally, it contains rice and salmon that even fussy and picky eaters find tasty.

On top of that, the food is fortified with ingredients rich in glucosamine, which helps develop your dog’s muscles.

Lastly, the food also has minerals and vitamins to ensure your dog has a balanced diet. Unfortunately, it contains a few allergens, such as soy, wheat, and corn, which is a deal-breaker to some pet parents.

What we like

It’s tasty, so even picky eaters enjoy
It works for sensitive dogs
It gives your dog a healthy coat

What we didn’t like

It has a strong fish odor
It doesn’t contain probiotics

Check the price of the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach on Amazon.

7. Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

I know this is slowly starting to seem like a Royal Canin affair 🤦, but I promise the spot was well deserved.

The royal canin german shepherd food is for dogs that weigh between 56-100 pounds and are between 15 months to 5 years old.

It’s easy to digest and it’s designed to suit your dog’s taste buds, so you’re guaranteed they enjoy mealtimes.

The food contains amino acids and antioxidants that protect your dog’s circulatory system and cells.

It also contains healthy, hydrated chicken, so you don’t have to worry about your doggy’s fat content intake.

What we like

It has well-shaped and sized kibbles
It supports your dog’s bones and joint health
It nourishes the coat and skin of your dog with DHA and EPA
It’s easy to digest
It has essential vitamins and minerals

What we didn’t like

Nothing significant

Check the price of Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food on Amazon.

8. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food

This list wouldn’t have been complete without the Wellness food brand. You can feed the food to all breed sizes, so it works well for people with more than one dog breed.

Another great thing about the food is that it doesn’t have any meat by-products, artificial preservatives, or fillers.

The food also has a great ingredient list. Firstly, it contains probiotics, prebiotics, and healthy fiber that together enhances your dog’s digestive system.

Secondly, it contains high-quality protein (white fish), vitamin E and A, giving your dog a strong immune system and optimum health.

Thirdly, the food leaves your dog’s teeth. It also has the right amount of phosphorous, calcium that support healthy gums.

Lastly, it contains crucial minerals and vitamins to support your dog’s skin and coat.

What we like

It’s suitable for all breed sizes
It leaves your dog’s coat shiny and healthy
It leaves your dog’s teeth clean
It improves your dog’s immune and digestive system

What we didn’t like

Many buyers complained about the packaging.

Check the price of the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food on Amazon.

German Shepherd Dog Food Buyer’s Guide

I know every dog is unique, and it’s possible you didn’t find a good fit for your german shepherd puppy from our list.

If this is the case, you can still make a good choice for your dog using our buyer’s guide.

Here are the factors to consider when buying food for your dog.

Where the Food is Manufactured

In most cases, dog foods are from Canada, Australia, the USA, Western Europe, and New Zeeland are the best.

And no, I’m not discriminating against manufacturers of other countries in any way. It’s just that the countries I mentioned have the strictest regulations when it comes to manufacturing dog food.

Artificial additives

Some foods contain artificial colors and flavors; while they encourage some picky eaters to eat, they’re not healthy in the long run.

This is especially true for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs, as they can easily trigger allergies.

If possible, go for foods with no artificial additives.

Meat Meals

While some meat meals may seem gross to you, they may be perfect for your dog.

Before you rule them out because of how you feel about them, ask yourself if they’re healthy for your dog.

That said, only buy meat meals from companies that are transparent on how all spices were obtained.

Consider your dog’s needs.

When everyone may praise a certain kind of food, it might not work very well for your dog.

This is especially true for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs or underlying health conditions. In this case, focus on your dog’s needs and ask your vet what the best option may be.

Bonus: Special German Shepherd Facts to Help You Choose the Correct Food

Every dog breed is unique, and that’s true when it comes to the mighty German shepherd.

While they may be large breed dogs, they still have weaknesses that many dog parents aren’t aware of.

Here are some German shepherd dog facts and why they affect your food choice;

German shepherds are prone to allergies, so it’s best to avoid foods that don’t contain allergens, such as beef, chicken, corn, and beef.
They’re prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis, so it’s best to be good for foods that have glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent these issues.
Also, to improve joint and muscle health, choose foods with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Most German shepherds also have sensitive digestive systems, so it’s advisable to go for foods with probiotics, especially if your dog has regular gastrointestinal issues.
German shepherds are prone to bloating, so it’s essential to encourage them to chew instead of gulping. This can be done by buying foods with large kibbles.