When looking for the best dog food for a German shepherd puppy, the options can seem staggering. When you go to the store, you will likely see an entire aisle filled with bags of canine cuisine, each one claiming to be the best. Be sure to choose a brand of dog food that has the right proportion of ingredients. Our experts prepared compehensive review of most popular products which we have tried and tested ourselves.

Top 10 Food For German Shepherd Puppy in 2019

Product Features Rating Checkout
1 Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food

5 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Recommended For: puppies up to 15 months

Benefits: Supports muscle growth and bone health, healthy brain development

5 of 5 Check price
2 Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd

5 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Recommended For: puppies up to 15 months

Benefits: protect a puppy’s developing immune system, highly digestible proteins, maintains bone & joint health

5 of 5 Check price
3 Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Food

4.9 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Recommended For: puppies up to 15 months

Benefits: Exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins, promote optimal digestive health and stool quality

4.9 of 5 Check price
4 Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy

4.8 of 5

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Meat: Lamb

Recommended For: puppies up to 18 months

Benefits: Highly digestible, grain-free, vitamins & minerals

4.8 of 5 Check price
5 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

4.8 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Recommended For: puppies up to 12 months

Benefits: Grain-free, blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

4.8 of 5 Check price
6 Purina ONE SmartBlend Puppy Dog Food

4.8 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Recommended For: From 3-4 weeks up to 6 months

Benefits: High Protein, Natural Sources Of Glucosamine Help Support Growing Joints

4.8 of 5 Check price
7 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

4.7 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Recommended For: puppies up to 15 months

Benefits: Balanced set of minerals, High-quality protein, optimal level of calcium

4.7 of 5 Check price
8 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Wet Dog Food

4.7 of 5

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Meat: Turkey & Chicken

Benefits: High Protein Grain Free, made without wheat, real meat as the 1st ingredient

4.7 of 5 Check price
9 Blue Buffalo Freedom Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

4.6 of 5

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Meat: Chicken

Benefits: Grain-free, blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

4.6 of 5 Check price
10 Fromm Family Foods Gold Large Breed Puppy

4.5 of 5

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Meat: Duck, chiken, lamb

Recommended For: puppies up to 12 months

4.5 of 5 Check price
1

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food - Best Food for German Shepherd Puppy

Eukanuba has been one of the leading dog food brands since 2014. This formula features an average fat-protein-carbohydrate ratio when compared to other dog foods and an optimum amount of DHA. This product is a good choice for any new German Shepherd owner looking for a balanced formula that promotes brain development.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein - 26%
Carbohydrates - 42%
Fat - 14%
According to the standards of the Whole Dog Journal, this formula meets the protein, fat, and carbohydrate requirements for ideal puppy development. Its fat-to-protein ratio is within the journal’s standards at about 55%.
Pros:
Well-balanced formula
Optimum DHA levels
First ingredient is chicken
Cons:
Moderate meat content
Chicken by-product meal
Plant-based dog food
While Eukanuba’s large breed puppy food contains by-product meal as its main source of animal protein, it is a balanced formula within professional standards of puppy nutrition and provides a competitive amount of DHA for healthy brain development.
2

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd - Best Dry Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppy

Royal Canin is another leader in the pet food industry. This recipe is breed-specific, combining ingredients that support German Shepherds’ sensitive digestive systems and joints. This formula is a good choice for an owner who wants to tailor their puppy’s diet to combat breed-specific health issues.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 28%
Carbohydrates – 40%
Fat – 14%
The product meets the ratio standards of the Whole Dog Journal and has an average fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Pros:
Breed-specific
Well-balanced formula Standard fat-to-protein ratio
High levels of Vitamin E
Cons:
First ingredient is chicken by-product meal
Second ingredient is wheat gluten, which offers little nutritional value to dogs
Moderate amount of meat
Though this formula boasts breed-specific benefits for German Shepherd puppies and contains a relatively high level of Vitamin E, the quality of the ingredients in this recipe are questionable.
3

Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Food - Best Immune System Support

This product is developed specifically for large dog breeds. When compared to other dog foods, this formula contains a competitive amount of vitamin E. This is a good choice for owners looking for products that support immune health.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 28%
Carbohydrates – 40%
Fat – 14%
The ratios of this formula meet the standards suggested by the Whole Dog Journal. The fat-to-protein ratio is identical to the Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food at 50%.
Pros:
Breed-specific
Well-balanced formula
High levels of Vitamin E
Cons:
First ingredient is chicken by-product meal
Second ingredient is wheat, which offers little nutritional value to dogs
Moderate amount of meat
This product is nearly identical to the Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food in its ingredient list and nutritional value. Like the previous Royal Canin product, this formula includes a large amount of filler ingredients with little nutritional value.
4

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy - Balanced German Shepherd Dog Food

Diamond Naturals is the fifth-largest pet food manufacturer in the USA. This line of products incorporates a blend of probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants in each formula to support growing immune systems. This is a great choice if you are looking for a formula with high-quality ingredients that targets immune health.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 27%
Carbohydrates – 40%
Fat – 15%
The protein, carbohydrate, and fat ratio of this formula meets the standards of the Whole Dog Journal and is comparable to other similar large breed puppy foods.
Pros:
Lamb is the first ingredient
High-quality ingredients
Probiotics and prebiotics
Rich in MCT fatty acids
Cons:
Plant-based dog food
Several notable recalls
Includes yeast, which may be linked to allergies
This Diamond Naturals product is considered an above-average formula with high-quality ingredients and a strategic blend of probiotics and fatty acids for immune system support and brain health. One concern we have with this brand is its 2012 recalls.
5

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food - Best Food for Weight Management

Blue Buffalo is the fastest growing pet food brand in the USA. The brand’s focus is to keep each formula simple with high-quality ingredients. This product is a great choice if you are concerned with excessive fillers in your puppy’s food.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 35%
Carbohydrates – 33%
Fat – 14%
This protein content is significantly above what is recommended by the Whole Dog Journal, which contributes to the below-average fat-to-protein ratio.
Pros:
Chicken is the first ingredient
High-quality ingredients
Above-average levels of DHA and fatty acids
Cons:
High protein content
Includes yeast which may be linked to allergies
Caramel coloring
While all dogs need protein to grow and maintain muscle, too much protein can cause kidney problems and bone density loss. Your German Shepherd puppy may benefit from the wholesome ingredients but could suffer the consequences of a high-protein diet.
6

Purina ONE SmartBlend Puppy Dog Food - Best Easily Digestible Puppy Food

Nestlé Purina Petcare is the second-largest pet food manufacturing company in the USA. It’s large breed puppy formula is tailored to develop healthy joints and brains in growing large breed pups. This could be a good choice for someone looking to feed their new puppy a balanced diet catered to large breed needs.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 28%
Carbohydrates – 39%
Fat – 13%
The analysis of protein, carbohydrates, and fat in this formula are standard among similar dog foods, and it meets the recommendations of the Whole Dog Journal.
Pros:
First ingredient is beef
Significant amount of omega-6 fatty acids
Balanced formula
Cons:
Second ingredient is a filler
Contains menadione, which may cause liver toxicity
While Purina is a popular brand of dog food, it contains low quality and controversial ingredients; and so, it may not be the best choice for your growing German Shepherd puppy.
7

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food - Best Food for German Shepherd Puppy Diet

Hill’s Science Diet is a leading pet food brand with global support from veterinarians. The focus of this brand is to create recipes that are clinically-proven to keep your puppy healthy. This product would be great for a German Shepherd owner looking for a formula backed by the world’s leading veterinarians.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 29.3%
Carbohydrates – 45.2%
Fat – 16.2%
The protein content is moderately above the recommendations of the Whole Dog Journal. Its fat-to-protein ratio is average.
Pros:
One of the top recommended pet food brands by veterinarians
Above-average levels of DHA and fatty acids
Chicken-meal is the first ingredient
Cons:
No probiotics
High fat content
Contains wheat
This formula has an above average fat-to-protein ratio, but it is not high enough to be concerning. Its above-average levels of DHA and fatty acids insures healthy brain development in your growing puppy.
8

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Wet Dog Food - Best Wet Dog Food for German Shepherds

Blue Buffalo is an award winning pet food company, receiving significant praise for nutritional innovation, food safety, and sustainability. Ingredients for their pet food are sourced regionally and are of remarkably high quality. This is a great choice for any growing puppy and for environmentally-conscious owners.
Pros:
High quality ingredients
Grain-free, holistic, protein-rich
Real meat as the first ingredient
Cons:
High protein content
While it’s important to be vigilant of how much protein your pup is consuming every day, Blue Buffalo's formula offers a high-quality blend of nutrient-rich, free-range ingredients that are sure to encourage healthy growth in your pet. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian about the protein content of this product.
9

Blue Buffalo Freedom Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

The main difference between Blue Buffalo’s Freedom and Wilderness formulas is the protein content. While the Wilderness formula contains a high ratio of protein, this product is more comparable to an average dog food. It is a great choice for your average German Shepherd puppy.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 26%
Carbohydrates – 40%
Fat – 16%
This ratio meets the standards of the Whole Dog Journal and has a typical fat-to-protein ratio when compared to similar products.
Pros:
Lamb is the first ingredient
High level of DHA and omega-3 fatty acids
Contains prebiotics
Cons:
Contains garlic, which can cause anemia in dogs
Contains some fillers
While this product contains some questionable ingredients, it is a good choice for your typical gsd puppy, offering a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat with generally high-quality ingredients.
10

Fromm Family Foods Gold Large Breed Puppy - Good Food for German Shepherd Puppy

Fromm Family Foods is a business with a rich history. They claim to be the inventors of the first granular dog food. This product is a great choice for a pet owner looking to support a smaller family business.

Nutrient Analysis:
Protein – 26%
Carbohydrates – 44%
Fat – 14%
This formula meets the protein, carbohydrate, and fat standards suggested by the Whole Dog Journal and has a typical fat-to-protein ratio.
Pros:
First ingredient is chicken
High level of DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
Contains prebiotics
Cons:
Includes yeast which may be linked to allergies
Contains some inexpensive fillers
This recipe seems well-balanced and includes a number of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids for optimal development. That being said, this is a great choice for new puppy owners looking for a small pet food brand with a quality product.

What To Feed German Shepherd Puppy: Buyer’s Guide

The German shepherd is a large and energetic breed. This is a dog that has been used for so many different work purposes that people cannot even agree on which task they perform best. However, we know they are known to be good at herding animals and helping the police deal with dangerous criminals. All of these purposes require a high-energy animal, and that equals a fast metabolism. Because of this, any food you select for your German Shepherd should be as nutrient-dense as you can afford. This breed is only slightly different from their wolf ancestors (be honest…that’s part of why you wanted a German Shepherd!), and so they should never be given cheap dog food full of wheat, corn syrup, and other fillers.

Nutrient requirements for this breed are demanding due to the size and energy of the breed. However, a growing pet needs even more and you need to know how to feed a German shepherd puppy. Your puppy isn’t just trying to maintain its existing size and weight. It is trying to grow, and if you want them to grow big and strong, it needs more than just the typical amount that would be required to maintain its current size.

Protein is an important factor, which is why you should make sure your chosen brand contains at least 22% protein. Any less will compromise your dog’s ability to maintain its required energy level. Fat is also important for the health of your German Shepherd’s skin and coat, but too much will result in a lazy butterball dog. The food you select should have 5%-8% in total fat content.

Carbohydrates are also essential for proper dog food processing. This is less important for predatory animals, but far from unimportant. Any food you select should have from 5% to 8% carbs. Be aware, however, that not all sources of nutrients are equal. The ideal diet for a German shepherd would be a plate of fresh meat, served every day on a silver platter. Unless you are well off, you probably cannot afford that. However, you can at least stay in the ballpark and select food made from wild and natural ingredients.

We should begin by talking about the nutrition of the mother. A canine mother requires extra food and better-quality food when nursing her little ones. As such, a responsible breeder will designate a higher-nutrient food (such as puppy chow) for the mother to eat while nursing. Breeders should also give her supplemental amounts of meat and fresh vegetables. To have healthy pups, you must first have a healthy mother. When you select a breeder from whom to buy your pup, make sure you get a good look at the mother.

One month old German shepherd should begin eating solid food. To select the correct food, refer to the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If you look closely at the label of any dog food, you should see a seal of approval from AAFCO, telling you that this food has met their requirements. If you do not see the AAFCO designation anywhere on the bag or label – do not buy. This AAFCO label should also give you an idea of the nutrition content, and the stage of life for which the food is intended. Food for all puppies should be labeled “growth stage.”

From weaning all the way up to six months, your puppy should be offered food three times a day. For some dogs, you can get away with two feedings a day. German shepherd puppy food has to be dense in nutrients. However, their size makes it important not to overfeed. Larger dog breeds can often suffer from skeletal and joint issues as they get older, and overfeeding will worsen the issue. Make sure you keep an eye on how fat your pup looks and adjust their food intake accordingly.

A 12-week old German shepherd can begin to eat like an adult dog. While they will still have some growing to do, there will no longer be a need for the same special attention. That being said, you still need to give it enough to maintain a nice robust girth. A two months old German shepherd will have put on some significant size and will require an increase in food intake. A one-year-old German shepherd can be switched to a fully adult diet and given a slight reduction in their food intake.

  • Protein

For feeding your German shepherd puppy, you need a high protein food. Once they reach adulthood, this is not quite as important. However, a growing puppy needs plenty of protein because it is the most important nutrient for any meat eating animal. 22% protein is considered a minimum for this breed, but you should shoot for something higher.

  • Carbohydrates

A German shepherd diet should also include a reasonable amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy in a form that can readily be stored, and will normally come from plant-based sources. Be mindful of the source of carbohydrates as cheap foods contain a lot of wheat, where rice is a far superior source.

  • Fat

Fats are essential for the health of your dog’s skin and coat. If you look at the nutritional content of dog milk, you will see it contains more fat than protein. This gives us a clue about the importance of fat to a growing dog. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, or you will end up with a fat German shepherd puppy.

  • Vitamins and minerals

When choosing food for German shepherds, this is a feature you don’t need to worry about as much. Vitamins and minerals are very important to your dog’s overall health, but the sources of those vitamins and minerals won’t make a huge difference. You will find here a list of the various minerals that will benefit your dog and from where they are usually derived.

Have you tried to find best food for gsd puppy your local store? We know that deciphering the true nutritional value of each formula can be daunting. Below, we’ve compiled a comparison of the top 10 dog foods for German Shepherd puppies to help you focus on the important stuff.

Q&A Section about feeding German Shepherd puppy

There is a lot to consider when purchasing food for your new German Shepherd puppy, and getting the right information about a product can prove to be difficult. Below are some important questions to consider when you bring your new puppy home.

How much to feed german shepherd puppy?

Use the guidelines on the dog food container to decide how much to feed your puppy. Before 6 months of age, you should feed your puppy several times a day. After 6 months of age, puppies should be fed only twice a day. Make sure to feed your puppy at set times during the morning and evening to create a routine and minimize the risk of blood sugar problems.

What should I feed my German Shepherd puppy?

At 12 weeks old, begin to transition your puppy from wet food to dry food. By 3 months old, your German Shepherd should only be consuming dry food. At 8 months, begin to transition your puppy from a puppy formula to an adult formula. When your German Shepherd turns 1 year old, they should be fully transitioned to adult food, and you can cut down their feeding to once a day.

Conclusion: What is the best puppy food for german shepherds?

In our opinion, best food to feed german shepherd puppies is Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food. While the protein content is certainly above recommended levels, this formula contains the freshest ingredients when compared to similar products. With that in mind, we think that Eukanuba is the best dog food for your pet.

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