When looking for the best dog food for a German shepherd… it’s important to choose a food that’s safe for your pet’s age.
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That’s because German shepherds are considered large breed dogs.
Which is not a problem… for adult shepherds.
However…
German shepherd puppies have a higher risk of developing a crippling form of canine hip dysplasia… if they’re fed a dog food that contains too much calcium for their larger breed type.1
To help you make a safe choice…
The Dog Food Advisor has selected the 16 brands below because they meet safe calcium levels and other nutritional needs of adult German shepherds… and where noted… shepherd puppies, too.2
Keep in mind, German shepherd puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult dog food… until they reach 12 to 24 months of age.3
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds March 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for German shepherds for March 2024.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed German Dog Diet
Rating:
German Dog Diet is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Dr. Gary’s Best Breed product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, dried beet pulp, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, brown rice)
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed German Dog Diet derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
We like the fact the formula also includes zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals… which provides superior absorption and nutrition. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “Our german shepherd has had a lot of itching problems since she was about 1 year old. We have tried different foods, supplements, sprays and shampoos. Nothing has seems to work as well as when we switched to this food. Scabs that were on her for months due to her itching them open all the time have finally healed over. She is still a little itchy, but significantly better than before. And she loves the food too! We used to leave her food bowl full all day because she would only pick throughout the day. With this food we are only doing 2-3 cups morning and night because she scarfs it all down in minutes! Glad we finally found something that she loves and works so well!”
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Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Adult
Rating:
Real Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of Merrick Large Grain-Free Dog Food product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: German shepherd adults
Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat-based protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 17% fat and 41% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note the use of multiple probiotics for improved digestion… and salmon oil for healthy skin and coat. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I’ve been using Merrick for years. I like that the ingredients are all natural and that the company is USA based. The protein sources are whole and there isn’t any “filler” ingredients. My german shepherd has a sensitive stomach and this grain-free recipe doesn’t bother him at all. He loves this food and is always excited for mealtime.”
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Nom Nom Fresh
Rating:
Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
Pork Potluck gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
All 4 recipes are designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN4)
From an online questionnaire, Nom Nom creates a custom feeding plan based on your dog’s age, weight, breed type, and activity level.
The company then recommends an exact portion size, according to the number of calories needed to maintain your dog at ideal weight.
Once it arrives at your door, you’ll want to store the food in your freezer.. Then, thaw each meal in your refrigerator… as it’s needed.
Nom Nom Fresh is ideal for pet parents who want to feed a fully-balanced, human-grade diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get… without all the fuss.
Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Sample buyer review… “Mya has suffered from colitis & IBS for many years, and she’s also the pickiest with food. Since being on Nom Nom she is eating much better & has perfect poop!!!”
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
Rating:
Wilderness Salmon is one of 12 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, salmon meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, barley, brown rice)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult shepherds only
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
A grain-free, protein-rich formula available in over a dozen flavors and recipes… which makes Wilderness ideal for those who appreciate the benefits of diet rotation. Fairly priced and highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I have a 3 year old husky and ever since she was a puppy i had her on blue wilderness. Ive got her every flavor if not almost every flavor, and this salmon one is the one she has loved the most! Ieave her food bowl full at all times she so can eat whenever she wants. And she eats this salmon one more than every other flavor. Now i know salmon is her favorite protein (:”
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Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult
Rating:
Large and Giant Breed Adult Health is one of 5 dry kibbles included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, oats)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult shepherds only
Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult Health derives the bulk of of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
This grain-inclusive, large breed formula boasts above-average protein content… yet still free of any plant-based protein “boosters”. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “My 4 Great Danes absolutely love this food. They are all very healthy, coats are wonderful, and it helps with their teeth. I would recommend this to anyone with Giant Breed dogs. The nutrition information is comparable to what the needs are for Giant Breed (Proteins to Fats). Nothing in this that’s bad for your dog. If you decide to get this, your dog will enjoy it!”
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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult shepherds only
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
The recipe contains multiple probiotics for better digestion… and chelated minerals for improved absorption and healthy nutrition. Affordably priced and easy to recommend.
Sample buyer review… “We have had our dogs on this food for some time and the vet is constantly saying how healthy they are (weight, energy, coat, etc.). We searched for some time to find a quality food at an affordable price as we have 4 dogs (including a Siberian Husky and a Great Dane). Have never had any issues with them or their digestive systems while on Diamond!”
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Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food
Rating:
Eagle Pack Power is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult shepherds only
Power Adult derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A time-proven, grain-inclusive design free of any legume concentrates. Contains safe, natural antioxidant preservatives. No BHT or ethoxyquin. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “If you have a dog that is extremely active this is a GREAT dog food. My Shepherd and Retrievers were skinny because they are highly active dogs. I switched to this food because of the nutrition and calories that it intails. My dogs are bulked backed up (muscle not fat) and love the taste!”
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Iams ProActive Health Large Breed
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, corn, sorghum)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult shepherds only
Iams ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This classic, grain-inclusive large breed design has been made by Iams for years… and is a nutritious fit for adult German shepherds. Calcium levels are a bit high for shepherd puppies. Easily recommended.
Sample buyer review… “IAMS is a product that I have turned to for complete nutrition for my dog as well as my cats! In fact, I have been feeding IAMS to my cats for over 20 years! Sure there are higher priced pet foods, but why would you want to pay more when you get the proper nutrition and a quality product at a reasonable price!”
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Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon
Rating:
Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
It’s nice to find a recipe containing natural source preservatives… which means Southwest Canyon contains no BHA, BHT or other toxic additives. A super-popular, grain-free brand and a healthy, all life stages option for any German shepherd. Easily recommended.
Sample buyer review… “My dog loves this food! He eats it enthusiastically and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals!”
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Best Food for a German Shepherd Puppy March 2024
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Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best foods for German shepherd puppies for March 2024.
Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Orijen Puppy Large is one of 9 dry recipes covered in our review of the Orijen product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
Orijen Puppy Large derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 31% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Ever since its founding, Champion Petfoods, the well-respected maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet. This is a proven, balanced design which makes this particular recipe a top option for growing Shepherd puppies.
Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “After exhaustive research my husband and I decided on this food for our German Shepherd puppy. Our pup is almost 5 months old and has been eating this food since we brought him home at 8 weeks. He loves the taste of the food and we love the results we’ve seen. Our breeder regularly posts update pictures of her litters and the physical difference between our boy and his litter mates who are all being fed different commercial diets has made us believers in Orijen. His coat is unbelievably glossy and his musculature is much more well defined. Even his veterinarian was blown away by his growth, development, and overall health at his last visit. We are customers for life!”
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Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy
Rating:
Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley, oats)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: German Shepherd puppy
Complete Health Large Breed Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Sample buyer review… “My almost year old GSD loves this food! I transitioned him to this at 9 weeks. He was on another grain free puppy food but was not large breed. This food for high marks and I wanted to have a food that contained grains and was formulated for large breeds. My dog had no issues transitioning and loves his food. Like a lot of GSDs he does have a sensitive tummy and most treats don’t agree with him so we use this as a training treat as well and he still loves it.”
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A safe, balanced calcium design from a trusted brand. Highly recommended.
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Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Puppy Large Breed is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, corn, wheat)
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult
Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy obtains the major portion of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 15% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A classic, field-tested formula with controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios… making this option ideal for German shepherd puppies.
Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer review… “My puppy absolutely loves this food! She can never wait to get her next meal! Her coat is soft & shiny! Highly recommend this product!”
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Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Large Breed Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes covered in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: German Shepherd Puppies
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy gets most of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
An exceptional formula with a wide variety of recipes you can use when it’s time to switch your puppy to an adult food. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “So far this has been a good dry puppy food for my 3 month old Doberman Pinscher pup. His coat is really shiny and so soft. He has a lot of energy and his stools are firm. I would recommend this for your large breed puppy for sure!”
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Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken Meal is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Hills Science Diet product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats, whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (whole grain wheat, oats, sorghum, corn gluten meal)
- Profile: Growth
- Best for: German Shepherd Puppies
This classic Science Diet formula gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 12% fat and 53% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
A fully-balanced, large-breed puppy diet. Contains just the right amount of calcium for controlled skeletal growth… to help lower the risk of canine hip dysplasia in shepherd puppies. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “After doing research, I found that many large boned puppy foods had much more calcium than recommended by the Veterinary Council. Science Diet is much stricter about the ingredients. I switched and feel much better about my German Shepherd’s food! My dog loves it!”
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A Final Word
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References
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