Choosing a great dog food is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. Not only should you take into account the quality of the food, but you should also consider your breed’s specific needs. German Shepherd Dogs have different nutritional needs than other dogs. Dietary concerns also include the age and your dog’s overall health.
Look for a food that is Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) compliant and made with high-quality ingredients. The primary ingredient for your puppy should always be an animal-based protein and any “filler” ingredients should be dog-friendly and offer additional nutrition. You don’t want to feed your German Shepherd empty calories.
Finally, choose the food that your dog likes and that you can afford. Medium to larger breeds like GSDs eat a lot, so you need to know you can meet their caloric needs, in addition to choosing high-quality food.
High-Quality Dog Food for German Shepherd Dogs
Dog food companies in the United States must meet AAFCO requirements. Never give your dog food that has not been evaluated by the AAFCO because it has not been evaluated and might not contain the ingredients you think it contains. There’s also a risk that ingredients are not sourced from safe sources.
In addition to feeding high-quality food, it’s also important to know how much your dog needs to eat. If you aren’t sure how much your German Shepherd Dog needs to eat each day, a food calculator can help you estimate its caloric needs based on weight, age, and activity level. Most dog food brands also offer a recommendation for feeding or you can contact your dog’s vet.
As with many large breed dogs, these health issues, especially in the adult German Shepherd, can include:
- allergies (especially food allergies)
- sensitive stomach
- Hip dysplasia
There are mixed opinions on what makes up the “best” or “healthiest” food for your puppy—not to mention what one breed needs might not be right for another. Add to that the fact that different specific dogs, even if they are the same breed, have varying nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your German Shepherd can feel overwhelming.
The best place to begin is to narrow down your list of choices to a few of the best foods for GSDs. From there you can evaluate what is going to work best for your specific dog.
Our Top Three Picks for Best Foods for GSDs
So, whether you are looking for the latest grain-free dog food, semi-wet food, wet food, dry food, puppy food, or some other high-quality dog food, just what dog food for German Shepherds is best to ensure a well-balanced diet? Read on to find out our top three best dog food reviews.
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