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Having a German shepherd dog is like having a little teddy bear who will always be there for you, no matter what time of day or night it is. Unfortunately, they won't stay like cute teddies for long, though, as German Shepherd puppies go through rapid growth spurts. As the owner, you need to feed your dog the best food for German shepherd puppies to help them through the growing period, and also to help them to live a long and healthy life.
Buying GSD puppy food in a supermarket might be a bit of a challenge for novice pet owners. You need to find nutritious food for a German Shepherd puppy that is both delicious and meets all of their dog's needs. With so many options, though, it can leave you overwhelmed. So, in this article, I'll be reviewing the best options on the market today for your pup, and I'll also guide you through your dog's dietary needs.
Table of Contents
The German Shepherd Dog Breed
You probably picture a dog with a wolf-like head and muzzle when you think of a German Shepherd. Because of this, German Shepherds are widely regarded as a dangerous breed with their fierce appearance and demeanor. However, there are several varieties of German Shepherds, and overall they're great companions who love to be in charge. They're also an energetic and enthusiastic breed. If you allow, your German shepherd puppy will run and play all day long.
Dogs of this breed typically weigh between one and two kilograms at birth. However, they can grow rapidly, reaching up to 60 pounds in the first year. Despite their size, these dogs rarely become overweight due to their active nature. Aside from their physical attributes, GSDs can do a wide range of duties due to their high level of intelligence and aptitude for training. In search and rescue situations, German shepherds excel. They are employed by the police, the military, and those with disabilities.
German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs
When it comes to saving yours or someone else's, these canines are willing to risk it all for you. However, the first year of a German Shepherd's existence is critical because of the dog's quick development. Any deficiency in their nutrition can stunt their growth and also cause them other health problems.
Firstly, keep in mind that German Shepherd Dogs are considered a big dog breed, so a large breed formula is what you should give them. There are a number of additional nutrients needed by GSDs. and healthy joints, strong bones, and a shiny coat are all benefits of feeding your dog a diet rich in these minerals. Because of their high rate of energy expenditure, they also need to consume more calories.
The Top Food for German Shepherd Pups
Product Name | Key Features | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
- Contains no poultry by-product meals. - Specially crafted for large breed puppies. - Contains DHA and ARA, fatty acids found in mother’s milk. | ||
- Made with balanced nutrient levels to fuel larger growing bodies - Each portion includes species-specific K9 strain probiotics. | ||
- Four antioxidant sources promote his strong immune system. - Produced by a veterinarian-recommended brand | ||
- Designed to meet the needs of purebred German Shepherd pups. - Protects development of immune system. | ||
- Made with vitamins and minerals from real fruits and superfoods. - Produced in the USA by a family-owned brand. |
Please continue reading for more in-depth reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Overview
In order to grow into a healthy and attractive dog, you must provide your dog with the proper nourishment. Blue Buffalo's DHA levels and fat/carbohydrate ratios have been clinically proven for healthy brain development and muscle and bone building. In addition, the fiber and prebiotics make digestion a breeze.
With real chicken as the number one ingredient and no poultry by-product meals or other fillers, you can ensure your pooch is getting only the finest natural ingredients. Some times dog foods can be laced with lots of additional, artificial ingredients to bolster the product, but with this recipe, you have no need to worry about your dog eating lots of unhealthy filler.
Overview
This meal is packed with antioxidants, probiotics, essential vitamins, and minerals, making it a great way to start your dog's day. Your pup will be well on its way to a long and healthy life, thanks to the ingredients in the meal. A large-breed puppy-specific recipe, Diamond Naturals, is made with natural ingredients and bone growth depends on this type of nutrition.
Additionally, the combination of antioxidants helps protect against breast, prostate, and colon cancers. The omega fatty acids and probiotics in this blend maintain the skin, coat, and eyes healthy, while the probiotics keep the gut bacteria happy. Diamond Naturals large breed puppy formula dry dog food comes with quite a big price tag, but it is well worth it for the nutritional benefits.
Overview
You and your dog will adore Purina ONE Smart-Blend, a nutritious meal produced with love and care. The nutrient-dense combination will keep you and your dog happy, too, thanks to the delightful chicken flavor. Purina believes that your dog deserves nothing but the finest in terms of food and nutrition. For large-breed puppies, they offer preservative-free dry dog food. This product does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or fillers. Purina does not produce meal fillers.
Because veterinarians worldwide trust Purina, the company is willing to put you through the 28-day Challenge to prove it. After using their product, they will gladly refund your money if you don't see an improvement in your dog's hair, skin, energy, or overall health.
Overview
As seen by the raving reviews of GSD owners, there are not many better puppy chow than Royal Canin German Shepherd puppy food. It's a German shepherd-specific dish and their knowledge of the breed is extensive. Consequently, they've paid attention to the smallest of details when curating this meal.
The distinctive kibble form is simple to handle with your German shepherd's long and powerful muzzle. The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin aids in the digestion of the meal, while the included Vitamin E is necessary for your puppy's muscles, heart, and liver healthy development. Maintaining a healthy immune system is also aided by the presence of antioxidants. In a nutshell, Royal Canin is among the best German Shepherd puppy food on the market today.
Overview
If you want your puppy to enjoy his meal and grow into a giant, vibrant boy, Taste-Wild High Prairie is one of the healthiest options available. Gluten intolerance can plague some dogs, but it isn't a concern with this blend because it doesn't contain any grains. Therefore, this is an excellent formula for German shepherds with delicate tummies.
Thanks to its natural ingredients with no fillers, your puppy's growth will be as healthy as possible, and even the tiny kibbles are made with your fluffy friend in mind as they are easy to chew and digest.
Frequently Asked Questions About GSDs
For a German Shepherd puppy, how much food does it need?
Puppies of German shepherds should consume 500 calories per day at a minimum. At fifteen months old, the puppy eats an average of 1600 calories per day, with the number of meals decreasing.
How many times a day should I feed my German Shepherd pup?
Three to four times a day is the recommended feeding schedule for newborns until four months old. Be sure to stick to this though because overfeeding German Shepherds can lead to indigestion and diarrhea.
Remember to increase your puppy's calorie intake as they get older, and bear in mind that your GSD likes to work up a sweat and receive some much-needed exercise, so they will be working off some of these calories.
Is there a particular diet that is appropriate for German Shepherds?
German Shepherds need a lot of protein to maintain their health and well-being. Additionally, they necessitate vitamins and minerals in their diets. As a result, give your dog a variety of tasty foods to choose from. Nutrient-dense and nutritious options include fruits and vegetables. Try pitted apples, bananas, and peaches. Include some broccoli in your dog's diet as well.
That's not all; you can also choose between buying wet and dry dog food. It's also a good idea to go with the healthiest option in a flavor that your dog will appreciate while he or she is active.
What are the most prevalent German Shepherd illnesses?
German Shepherds are notorious for developing joint problems, so adult dogs with elbow or hip dysplasia may have suffered malnutrition as puppies. It is worth keeping in mind too that some GSDs have allergies that mean having a weaker stomach when selecting dry food for your GSD.
Whether or not German Shepherds are hypoallergenic?
Allergy sufferers should avoid GSDs. GSDs have a double coat that is prone to excessive shedding. Brushing your pet regularly and paying attention to its diet might help you keep your pet's shedding under control (Omega 3 Fatty acid supplements, etc.). However, when it comes to allergies, even if you are mildly allergic to dog or cat fur, your German Shepherd puppy may cause you problems.
What Dog Food Should You Buy for German Shepherd Puppy: Conclusion
There is nothing more adorable than a newborn puppy, and they require the same amount of love and attention as any animal does. There's no excuse for neglecting your pooch. Don't compromise on the quality of your dog's food because this could endanger your pet's health and cause issues down the road.
Our article shows that there is a raft of high-quality food available for German Shepherd puppies, which made selecting our top 5 very difficult. After long deliberation and careful analysis, we concluded that those above are the best currently on the market. Even though we counted down from five to one, there was not much between them, and any of them could have laid claim to our top pick.
About the Author
Kirsten Heggarty
Kirsten created The Pet Handbook with the aim of sharing her knowledge about pets, pet food, healthy habits, and more. All of her advice is based on years of her own experience with her pets, and feedback that she has received from grateful readers about her tips. If you want to know more please read the About Me page.
