The Best Food for German Shepherd Puppies
The Best Food for German Shepherd Puppies, Bringing German Shepherd puppies into your home is like welcoming new family members that will love you as long as they live. Not to mention that German Shepherds make the most faithful companions.
Energetic and undeniably adorable, German Shepherd puppies need a well-balanced diet to grow into strong and healthy dogs. Therefore, a nutritious diet should be one of your main concerns when you adopt a German Shepherd puppy.
Like most dogs in the herding group, German Shepherds are athletic dogs that experience rapid growth in puppyhood. Moreover, these puppies love to play and run about all day long, which means that they need a proportionate diet to restore their energy and help them grow into strong adults.
Apart from their active lifestyle, the German Shepherd breed requires healthy nourishment because it is prone to canine hip dysplasia and other degenerative disorders of the joints, which are aggravated by an insufficient diet.
A new puppy owner might become overwhelmed by the sheer choice of dog food available in a supermarket. But not to worry! We have compiled an in-depth guide to help you make the best food choice for your new furry friend.
So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the best food for German Shepherd Puppies:
1. Purina One SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food
Specially developed for large breed puppies – the Purina One SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food is one of the best German Shepherd foods in the market. This healthy food formula is formulated for puppies of all sizes and includes a high quantity of proteins to support your pup’s growing muscles.
The Purina One is available in two flavors: chicken and lamb, both of which are protein sources. Dogs use protein as their main energy source, so it is an essential part of their diet.
Most importantly, the brand claims to use real chicken and lamb along with rice, oatmeal, minerals, vitamins, and other healthy ingredients that a dog needs to grow. Moreover, Purina’s Natural Puppy Dog Food also includes DHA, which supports brain and vision development.
It is marketed as a highly digestible food that contains antioxidants, phosphorus, and calcium that are essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system. In addition, Purina One does not include any artificial flavoring; it is made of 100% real and high-quality ingredients.
Given these qualities, the Purina One Smart Blend Natural Puppy Dog Food is one of the best kibbles for German Shepherd puppies and other large breed dogs.
Positives
- It has high-quality ingredients
- The food is fresh and appetizing
- It has great value for money
Negatives
- Purchase from a verified seller. Some people have found online purchases to be of a lesser quality than store-bought a version of the same food.
- It may cause diarrhea in some dogs.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food
This delectable puppy food by Blue Buffalo might be everything your furry friend could ask for! This dry food has a meat-rich formula as chicken is the main ingredient used to provide your puppy with the much-needed protein.
Other ingredients in this mix include DHA, ARA, and amino acids to support cognitive development and good retinal health. The formula also includes a precise blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to help your pup grow into a healthy adult with a strong immune system.
Another great factor about the Wilderness dog food from Blue Buffalo is that it is free of any by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Moreover, it is available in chicken with grains and chicken without grains variations; the grain-free formula is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies.
Positives
- Some pet parents use this formula as a treat because their puppies love it so much
- It does not have chicken by-products, only contains high-quality pure chicken meat
- It does not have artificial flavoring or preservatives
- It contains vegetables, fruits, and grains
Negatives
- Some pet parents found that it crumbles easily, which makes it a distracting reward during training
- Some dog breeds may be allergic to this food; read the ingredients carefully before buying
3. Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dog Food is complete and balanced nutrition for large breed pups up to 15 months old. This product provides your puppy with the protein they need to keep them filled with energy for training, daily walks, and playtime.
This kibble promises lean and strong muscle development with its blend of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Moreover, the concentrated energy from fat and carbohydrate levels also ensures the proper and healthy growth of your pup.
This puppy food by Eukanuba will also support healthy brain function as it includes DHA and Vitamin E, making your puppy grow into a smart, healthy, and intelligent dog! This delicious dog food also includes calcium and phosphorous to support efficient bone health and muscle growth. So, your puppy stays an active and healthy beast!
Positives
- It contains the right ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and protein
- It contains DHA and Vitamin E
- It contains essential minerals and vitamins
Negatives
- It is available in only one flavor
- It contains chicken by-products along with high-quality chicken
- The grains in the feed may irritate the bowels of sensitive dogs
4. Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Developed especially for German Shepherd puppies of 8 weeks to 15 months old – this dry food by Royal Canin is one of the best German Shepherd foods in the market. Since it is made especially for German Shepherds, it fulfills their nutrition requirements.
The ingredients of this food have been chosen specially to promote immune system support, bone and joint health, and digestive performance of your German Shepherd. In addition, it contains antioxidants and probiotics to strengthen immunity along with phosphorus and calcium to support healthy joint and bone growth.
Moreover, the food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help your pup’s digestive system work efficiently, whereas the Vitamin E in this dry food is great for your puppy’s heart health, liver, and muscle growth.
A unique advantage of this puppy food is that it comes with a unique kibble shape which is easy to grip and chew with your German Shepherd Puppy’s long muzzle!
Positives
- Good value for money
- It is specifically made for German Shepherds thus contains the correct amount of protein required in their diet
- Available in grain exclusive and inclusive versions
Negatives
- Only available in 12 kg bag. Small sizes are not available
- Limited flavor options
5. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe
The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe is another excellent choice of dry food for your puppy. Taste of the Wild is a proven pet food company that is known to create high-quality pet food of unique flavors.
This puppy food should give you an idea as it is made from bison and venison, a far cry from the usual chicken flavor. Real roasted bison meat and venison is the main ingredient of this kibble. It contains 28% proteins which help support the development of strong bones, joints, and muscles.
Moreover, it contains essential nutrients and vitamins from superfoods and fruits. It contains probiotics and prebiotics like dried Chicory Root to boost digestion and gut health. This food by Taste of the Wild is also an excellent source of antioxidants that help maintain a healthy immune system.
In addition, it contains fatty acids that help your dog shine all day long with healthy and glorious skin and coat. Most importantly, the food is formulated without grain, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors, which protects your puppies from toxic food ingredients.
So, if your pup has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to grains or other artificial products – you will find this product the most helpful.
Positives
- Variety of flavors
- Made according to AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles
- Available in dry and wet variations
Negatives
- Limited availability as per geography
What to Look for When Choosing Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies
Having a puppy in the house can be equally as exhausting as it is exciting. It can be stressful as a pet parent to constantly worry about whether you’re providing your puppy with the nutrients and vitamins it requires to grow into a healthy adult dog.
While all puppies require some essential nutrients, each dog breed has its own unique dietary needs. Here are some other factors to look for when choosing dog food for German Shepherd puppies:
- Choose the Food Brand Wisely
Try to choose a puppy food that has undergone AAFCO feeding trials. This ensures that the relevant food has been fed to dogs to ensure there are no deficiencies. Good pet food companies rely on scientific research and vet consolations to develop nutritionally balanced and healthy food for your dog.
- Watch Out for the Calories
Food for puppies needs to be higher in calories as compared to adult dog foods because puppies require food high in energy and protein levels as they grow rapidly and are more active.
- Check the Ingredients
The nutrients in your pup’s food play a huge part to play in its overall development and health. For example, puppy food requires high levels of DHA – an essential fatty acid in their diet for their cognitive development. DHA also aids in the development of the eyes, ears, and brain.
- Double Check the Protein Levels
German Shepherd food must not contain more than 30% protein as it makes them grow too fast, which affects their bone and joint health later in life. Therefore, double-check the protein percentage before buying kibble for your GS puppy.
Final Thoughts on the Best Food for German Shepherd Puppies
Food For Dogs
PROCAN Puppy Food
PROCAN Adult Dog Food
Every pet parent wants the best for their furry child, and ensuring a healthy diet tops the list. Along with love and attention, pet parents must look after the unique dietary needs of their puppies so they can turn into healthy and happy dogs.
Remember, what works for one puppy might not be suitable for the other, so choose a pet food that checks all the boxes for your puppy.
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