If you want to give your German Shepherd the best chance at a happy, healthy and long lifespan, you’ll need to make sure you provide him with the best dog food that meets his nutritional needs.
We’ll review the best dog food for German Shepherds below, explain what makes them so well-suited for your dog, and recommend a few good foods for German Shepherds with the most common health issues common to the breed.
BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Large Breed Recipe
Our Top Recommendation for Dog Food for German Shepherds!
The BLUE Wilderness dog food is a gluten-free red meat blend of deboned beef, venison, lamb, fruits, and vegetables, enriched with glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, l-carnitine, and omega fatty acids suitable for large dogs weighing above 50 lbs.
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Do you have a German Shepherd Puppy? Be sure to check out our guide: The Best Food for German Shepherd Puppies.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds: Quick View
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Large Breed Recipe | • Deboned beef is the first ingredient listed • No corn, wheat or soy is included in the recipe • Made in the USA | |
 | Wellness Complete Health Natural Ingredients plus Super Nutrients for Adult Dogs | • High ranking in pet supplies and dry dog food • Taste and ingredient-wise suitable for small and large dogs • Contains taurine for a healthy heart | |
 | Wild Earth Healthy High-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food with No Filler Ingredient | • Dried yeast is the first listed ingredient • Promotes optimum gut health • Contains original flavor | |
 | Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food | • Trio of meat proteins • Desirable balance of amino and fatty acids • Probiotics, omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants improve dog health holistically | |
 | Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet | • Made without common allergens like corn, wheat, soy or gluten • No artificial flavors or artificial preservatives • Made in the USA | |
 | Fromm Gold Large Breed Puppy Recipe | • Real duck is the first listed ingredient • Delicious proteins and fats, including salmon oil and cheese, are included to improve the food’s palatability • Made in the USA | |
 | Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula | • Salmon is the first listed ingredient • Made with glucosamine-rich ingredients to protect your dog’s joints • Made in the USA | |
 | Wellness Core Large Breed Recipe | • Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient, but chicken meal and turkey meal provide additional protein • Potatoes and peas provide the carbohydrate content, rather than grains • Made in the USA |
Overall Best Food for German Shepherds
The three overall best foods for German Shepherds are detailed below. Note that these are the best options for typical GSDs, who are neither very young nor very old, and are generally in good health.
Any of these three German Shepherd dog foods should serve as a good starting point to meed your GSD’s nutritional needs, and help keep your German Shepherd healthy and well-fed.
#1 – BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Large Breed Recipe
BLUE Buffalo manufacturers a number of different high-quality dog foods, and almost every single recipe in their product line is popular with dog owners. However, their Rocky Mountain Large Breed Recipe is the ideal choice for many German Shepherds, as it not only provides the kind of taste and nutrition all dogs deserve, it also addresses many of the health issues that are common to the breed.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Deboned beef is the first ingredient listed
- No corn, wheat or soy is included in the recipe
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Pea Starch, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potatoes, Fish Oil (source of EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid), Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate, Deboned Lamb, Deboned Venison.
User Reviews: Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Large Breed Recipe has received glowing reviews from most owners (it is one of the best-rated dog foods available). Most dogs seem to love the taste, and because it contains multiple fiber sources and five probiotic strains, most dogs digest it very easily. Some owners even noted that it appeared to improve their dog’s mobility.
Why it’s good food for German Shepherds: There’s very little not to like about Blue Wilderness Rocky Mountain Large Breed Recipe. It provides all of the things owners could want in dog food and it boasts one of the most impressive ingredient lists around. Blue Wilderness recipes aren’t the most affordable options on the market, but this shouldn’t be surprising, given their quality.
#2 – Wellness Complete Health Natural Ingredients plus Super Nutrients for Adult Dogs
Wellness’s crunchy dog food is best known for its reliance on whitefish and whole grains as compared to meat by-products or artificial preservatives. Formulated by experts, the selected ingredients provide a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, easily digestible carbohydrates, and other nutrients for the gut health, energy, and overall immunity of your pups.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Supported by omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, and antioxidants
- Provides optimum benefits for dogs of all ages
- Provides optimum benefits for dogs of all ages
Top Ingredients: Whitefish, Ground Barley, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Fish Flavor, Salt
User Reviews: Most customers rave about the advantages of Wellness kibbles. They claim their dogs have developed shinier and softer coats, reduced allergies and skin problems, and a significant increase in energy levels.
What’s more, some pet owners have observed fewer gland leaking episodes and almost a complete elimination of rashes and foul-smelling ears.
Why it’s good food for German Shepherds: Wellness is a top-quality dry food brand for your canine friend. Its high-protein and nutrient-filled diet is a guaranteed source of well-being for an entire lifetime, granting bone and joint support, healthy digestion, optimum support for immunity, and a healthy set of teeth and gums.
You’d be happy to know that pet parents witnessed weight loss and muscle gain in their dogs, along with less-intense allergic reactions than before.
#3 – Wild Earth Healthy High-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food with No Filler Ingredient
If your pet requires a high protein diet without meat, Wild Earth brings the perfect alternative for their overall well-being. Their vegan dog food boasts no added fillers, consisting of only natural ingredients. Formulated by qualified veterinarians, the crunchy kibble provides digestive health support without compromising on taste, irrespective of the age and breed of your dog.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Exceptional choice for enhanced digestive health
- No hormones or antibiotics ensures a naturally-rich ingredient formulation
- Veterinarian developed recipe guarantees authentic vegan constitution
Top Ingredients: Dried Yeast, Chickpeas, Oats, Peas, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Sweet Potato, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Flaxseed Meal, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Marine Microalgae, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Inulin (from chicory root), Fructooligosaccharide, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Blueberries, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Spinach
User Reviews: Users recommend Wild Earth, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs and raging food allergies. More pet parents are guaranteeing a second buy because of the brand’s transparency and commitment to providing healthy food for your dogs.
Although it has caused slight problems due to the high content of crude proteins, most dog parents agree that the quality and advantages provided by Wild Earth drastically outweigh the downsides.
Why it’s a good food for German Shepherds: Wild Earth is an excellent choice for German Shepherds as it is specifically designed with 31% high proteins and a reasonably high content of vitamins A, B, C, and K.
To add on, the kibble provides a healthy dose of dietary fiber and energy-boosting carbs by natural ingredients like chickpeas, pumpkin, oats, and spinach. Considering that 50% of users witnessed an improvement in coat cleanliness and digestion comfort, and over 90% of pet parents observed their German Shepherds fell in love with the taste – this dog food is a trustworthy choice.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are incredibly common among GSDs, so owners must often select dog foods that are made without any of the most common allergic triggers.
You’ll have to determine your pet’s specific allergic trigger to ensure he won’t suffer from itchy skin, but most dogs with food allergies will experience relief if fed a high-quality limited-ingredient diet that is grain-free.
#4 – Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food
The Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food is a holistic nutritional pack for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. Each bag of Canidae is perfectly balanced with a power-packed blend of antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins and minerals. If you’re seeking a dog food promoting an improved immune system, heart, digestion, and joint health, along with a shiny coat, Canidae is the best choice.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Chicken meal is the first listed ingredient
- Contains probiotics for regulating canine gut health
- Great choice for multi-dog families
Top Ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, peas, potatoes, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, millet, tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed, oceanfish meal, salmon oil
User Reviews: While some users have experienced a difference in the quality of food with each bag, most customers recommend Canidae for its mix of ingredients. Whether it is pups on a diet, in need of supplementary food, or simply picky eaters, the product has fulfilled all their requirements, putting pet parents at ease.
Why it’s good food for German Shepherds: Canidae offers a variety of benefits to all types of dogs, from a healthy digestive system to increased energy levels. Those looking for a healthier alternative for their GSD will not be disappointed with the multi-meat constituents and the additional naturally-sourced ingredients.
One thing is for sure – your GSD will be enjoying nutritious food which suits their built, body structure, and energy levels.
#5 – Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet
Unless you’ve been able to identify your German Shepherd’s specific allergy triggers, the best way to address allergies is by providing your dog with a limited-ingredient recipe, which is based around a novel protein, such as lamb. Rachael Ray’s Nutrish Just 6 fits this bill perfectly, as it is based on six basic ingredients, which are unlikely to cause your dog’s skin to itch.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Made without common allergens like corn, wheat, soy or gluten
- No artificial flavors or artificial preservatives
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Chicken Flavor, Poultry Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Zinc Proteinate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement.
User Reviews: Many owners were very pleased after switching their dog to Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 dog food and reported that it helped to improve the condition of their dog’s skin and coat. It also appeared to help eliminate the itchy skin that often accompanies dog food allergies. And despite the fact that it lacks a whole protein, most dogs seem to find it quite tasty.
Why it’s a good food for German Shepherds: Unfortunately, you’ll have to make some sacrifices when selecting dog foods to stop dog allergies. In the case of Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6, a whole protein represents this sacrifice, as the recipe relies on lamb meal as the primary protein source. Nevertheless, this dry food recipe provides nearly everything else you could want for a GSD suffering from allergies, and it may help your German Shepherd feel much better after making the switch.
Note that Purina Pro Plan Focus and Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Recipe (both reviewed above) may also work for German Shepherds with skin allergies.
Best Food for a German Shepherd Puppy
Like most other large dog breeds, German Shepherd puppies (those who are less than about 6 months of age) should be fed dog foods designed to meet the needs of a growing German Shepherd puppy.
We have selected the best dog food for German Shepherd puppies with two excellent options below. Both are excellent options, which are not only packed with nutritious ingredients, but tasty too.
#6 – Fromm Gold Large Breed Puppy Recipe
Fromm is a bit of a boutique dog food manufacturer. They aren’t as well-known as some of the other manufacturers, but they make some of the most nutritious and best-tasting dog foods available. And they’re so dedicated to producing high-quality dog foods that they make all of their recipes in very small batches, in their own US-based kitchens.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Real duck is the first listed ingredient
- Delicious proteins and fats, including salmon oil and cheese, are included to improve the food’s palatability
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb, Potatoes, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whole Egg, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil, Cheese, Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Alfalfa Meal, Carrots, Lettuce, Celery, Chicken Cartilage.
User Reviews: Despite Fromm’s relatively small footprint in the dog food category, owners that try their recipes almost always fall in love with the brand. Most owners love giving their dog such a nutritious (and delicious) recipe, and many noted improved health (including the reduction of skin and coat problems) after switching to the bran.
Why it’s a good German Shepherd Puppy Food: Fromm dog food – including their Large Breed Puppy Recipe – feature some of the most impressive ingredient lists of any dry food, and they include several unique items that help make them stand out from the crowd.
It is slightly off-putting that they don’t identify the probiotics used in their formula, but this probably shouldn’t stop you from trying this recipe with your German Shepherd. Unfortunately, Fromm’s Large Breed Puppy Recipe is a bit pricey, but so are most other super-premium dog foods.
Note that some dry dog foods reviewed earlier – including Taste of the Wild – are actually formulated for dogs of all ages and life stages. This means that they will not only work for adult German Shepherds but German Shepherd puppies too. So, be sure to consider these recipes too when picking the best dog food for your German Shepherd puppy.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Sensitive Stomachs
German Shepherds can suffer from a variety of digestive issues, and many will experience diarrhea, constipation, and other problems when provided with normal dog foods. Fortunately, there is at least one great recipe designed to address these problems and help your German Shepherd digest his food properly.
#7 – Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula
Purina is one of the oldest food manufacturers in the business, and they’ve only managed to stay competitive for so long by producing very high-quality, yet supremely affordable dog foods.
This particular recipe is designed to be easy to digest, yet still, provides all of the nutrition your GSD needs. It will also help to eliminate many of the skin problems that some German Shepherds experience.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Salmon is the first listed ingredient
- Made with glucosamine-rich ingredients to protect your dog’s joints
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Ground Rice, Canola Meal, Oat Meal, Fish Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salmon Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Salt, Fish Oil.
User Reviews: Most owners who’ve tried Purina’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula reported that it helped to eliminate their dog’s digestive issues, and many also explained that it improved their coat and skin condition too. Most dogs appear to find it tasty, and owners love the food’s very reasonable price tag.
Why it’s a good sensitive stomach dog food for German Shepherds: While German Shepherd owners seeking a grain-free dry dog food will probably want to pass on Purina’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula, owners who don’t mind feeding their GSD a food containing barley, ground rice, and oatmeal will likely find that it is an excellent choice. It appears to help settle the stomachs of most German Shepherds, thereby making it a great choice for many dogs and their owners.
We would recommend picking up a supplemental probiotic to use along with this food, as none are included among the ingredients.
Best Grain Free German Shepherd Dog Food
Most of the dog foods we recommend are made without grains and without any artificial additives, but these criteria mean more to some owners than to others. Nevertheless, there is one all-natural, grain-free dog food that stands head-and-shoulders above the competition.
#8 – Wellness Core Large Breed Recipe
Wellness Core makes a number of super-premium dog foods that are not only popular with owners, but their dogs too. Made with only the finest all-natural ingredients around, Wellness Core seeks to nourish your German Shepherd without resorting to synthetic additives or potentially problematic ingredients, such as corn, wheat or soy.
Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient, but the chicken meal and turkey meal provide additional protein
- Potatoes and peas provide the carbohydrate content, rather than grains
- Made in the USA
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Tomato Pomace, Dried Ground Potatoes, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement
User Reviews: Owners rave about most Wellness Core recipes, and their large breed option is one of their most popular. Many report that it helped clear up their dog’s skin and coat issues, as well as provide their dog with more energy. It also helped many enjoy smoother digestive function, thanks to the included probiotics.
Why it’s a good Grain Free Dog Food for German Shepherds: Wellness Core’s Large Breed Recipe satisfies almost every criteria owners could have in the best dog food for German Shepherds. It features high-quality proteins, it is made without any artificial additives, and it is fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin, and four different probiotic strains. It also features a number of antioxidant-rich ingredients, including carrots, broccoli, and parsley.
Wellness Core isn’t the most affordable option on the market, but it is easily one of the best dog foods available and deserving of serious consideration by German Shepherd owners.
What to Look for in Foods for German Shepherds
Any time you pick a dog food for a German Shepherd, you’ll want to make sure it exhibits a few important characteristics (regardless of your dog’s breed).
Not all of these characteristics should be considered imperative, but you’ll definitely want to select a dog food for your German Shepherd that satisfies the bulk of the requirements listed below.
#1 – It should be made in a country with good safety and quality standards.
You certainly don’t want to provide your beloved German Shepherd with a dog food that will make him sick, so it is wise to stick to foods produced in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Western Europe. This won’t completely eliminate the chances of getting contaminated foods, but it is the single best way to protect your dog’s safety.
#2 – It should feature a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list.
Dogs are carnivores, so it is very important that their food contains high-quality, whole proteins. In fact, a whole protein – such as chicken, beef, pork, lamb or venison – should be the very first thing listed on the ingredient list. Supplemental protein should usually be included farther down the list too.
#3 – All meat meals and meat byproducts should be clearly and completely identified.
Meat meals and meat byproducts don’t sound particularly appetizing to people, but they are very good for your dog. Most dogs will even find these ingredients tasty. However, it is critical that you avoid foods with improperly or incompletely labeled versions of these products. In other words, avoid foods containing “meat meal,” but those with “chicken meal” are fine.
#4 – It should be made without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are unnecessary in foods that are made with high-quality ingredients. And because these items can trigger food allergies and other health problems, you’ll want to avoid dog foods containing these types of items.
#5 – It should contain plenty of brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, spinach, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and kale, are often rich in antioxidants.
These antioxidants can help keep your German Shepherd’s immune system functioning properly, which will help your dog fight off diseases. Also, these ingredients often make foods quite palatable, thereby increasing its overall value.
Common Health Concerns of German Shepherds
Anytime you are selecting a dog food, you’ll want to consider the common health problems that afflict your dog’s breed. Then, you can select a food that addresses these issues and will hopefully allow your dog to side-step them and remain healthy.
Some of the most common health problems that German Shepherds experience include:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joints fail to form properly. The condition varies in terms of severity, but most dogs will experience pain in their hips while running and jumping, and some may even suffer pain all of the time. This can significantly reduce your German Shepherd’s quality of life, so it is important to treat the problem as best as you can.
Severe cases of hip dysplasia may require surgery or prescription medications, but mild cases may be treatable with canine hip and joint supplements such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may also help combat the inflammation that occurs in German Shepherds with hip dysplasia.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can afflict any dog breed, but it is often most common among large dog breeds, whose bulk places significant demands on their joints. The best way to avoid osteoarthritis is by preventing your dog from stressing his joints unnecessarily, so don’t let him jump off high places or run on hard surfaces for extended periods of time.
You’ll also want to keep your dog from becoming overweight, which means not only feeding him a nutritious dog food but feeding him a dog food with plenty of fiber, which will help him feel full without ingesting too many calories. Also, as with hip dysplasia, foods containing chondroitin, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids may also be helpful.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are quite common among GSDs, and like most other large dog breeds who suffer from food allergies, the primary symptom they experience is itchy skin. However, they may also suffer from poor coat health or even intestinal issues in some cases.
You’ll have to identify the ingredient to which your dog is allergic in order to treat a food allergy. But because most dogs are allergic to a relative handful of ingredients, you can often be successful by simply opting for a “hypoallergenic” or grain-free recipe. These recipes leave out the ingredients which are most commonly harmful.
Bloat
Bloat in dogs is a serious medical problem that requires immediate veterinary attention. Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis, thereby trapping the air inside. This will lead to excruciating pain, and, if not treated promptly, tissue death, as the stomach and intestines can be robbed of their blood supply.
Veterinarians disagree about the exact reasons bloat occurs and the best way to prevent it. However, most agree that forcing your large breed dog to slow down at mealtimes is a good strategy. You can do that by utilizing a food bowl (such as this one) that makes it a bit more difficult for your dog to wolf down his food quickly.
Digestive Issues
German Shepherds are prone to developing a variety of different digestive issues. Some suffer from food intolerances, which makes it difficult for them to digest some types of protein, while others may suffer from perianal fistulas – small tunnels that form near the anus.
Other German Shepherds may suffer from inflammatory bowel conditions, which cause symptoms similar to those of humans with Crohn’s disease experience.
The best way to avoid some of these issues and to keep your pet’s digestive system operating smoothly is by selecting a dog food with moderate to high fiber content.
It is also helpful to select foods that contain probiotics or to provide supplemental probiotics for dogs if your preferred food lacks them.
Summing Up the Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
German Shepherds are amazing dogs, who deserve the best dog food their owners can provide. Any of the dog foods recommended above should work for your pet, but be sure to select a food that addresses any health concerns your dog has.
Additionally, make sure that you always work closely with your veterinarian to keep your dog as healthy as possible. In fact, it is often wise to consult your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
How do you pick the best German Shepherd dog food? How about your favorite German Shepherd puppy food? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below!
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.