Getting nutrition right is key to a happy and healthy life. During the puppy stage, pet parents must feed their puppies high-quality and nutritious food. The puppies need all the key nutrients to keep up with the rapid growth. German Shepherd is a large breed and for proper growth and development, your pup must be feed right from an early stage.
The best dog food for German Shepherd puppy should be balanced and packed with key ingredients the promote holistic growth. When in the store, the dog food section is full of different dog foods and those pictures of smiling dogs make it harder for you to know what food to buy.
Don’t worry we have compiled a list of the best dog food for German Shepherd puppies to ease the work for you. Choosing the best food for German Shepherd puppies is not an easy task but it is worth it.
Your puppies will only thrive if feed the right food. Besides choosing the right food means you spend less time at the vet because your pup is always happy and healthy.
10 Best Dog Foods for German Shepherd Puppies
Today we review some of the best dog foods for German Shepherd puppies money can buy. Let’s dive in!
#1) Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Food
There is no better way to give your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and happy life than with Instinct Raw Boost puppy food. The kibble is formulated with high-quality ingredients to deliver a nutritious and balanced diet to your pup. Instinct Raw Boost is tailored made for puppies.
The formulation, texture, size, and shape of the kibble are suitable for German Shepherd puppies. Since the digestive system of puppies is not fully developed at the early stages, this puppy food includes probiotics to help in the process of digestion.
The recipe of Instinct Raw Boost is undoubtedly one of the best. It uses real and natural ingredients so your puppy eats 100% natural bites. The recipe contains raw meat to quench the carnivore’s desire for meat, fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients sourced responsibly to deliver the best nutrition to your puppy.
Since the ingredients are not cooked or processed, all the valuable nutrients are kept intact. Every time your German Shepherd take a bite, you are sure it is feeding on a balanced and nutritious diet. Instinct Raw is the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy and being nutrient-dense, it promotes a holistic growth of your canine.
It has all the essential nutrients needed to give your pup the best early-stage growth and development. It contains calcium and phosphorus for teeth and bone formation. The other vital nutrient added to the food is DHA which promotes brain and eye development. The other notable attribute of this kibble is it has no artificial flavors or preservatives. Also, it is grain-free alleviating any sensitivity problems.
Key Benefits
- The food has better digestion. Probiotics further enhance the digestion
- Since it is raw food, it boasts of a higher nutritional value as nutrients are intact
- Promotes your puppy’s skin and coat health
- The food is grain-free offering relief from food allergies and sensitivity issues
- This kibble is approved for picky eaters
- The natural flavor causes increased excitement during mealtime
- A balanced mix of poultry, fish, and meat to ensure your puppy gets enough proteins
- Shelf-stable as the food is frozen and then freeze-dried
- All-natural ingredients to ensure high-quality nutrition
- Free of any by-products, preservatives, or artificial colors
#2) Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Food
As the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy, Holistic Select dry food is specially made for large breed puppies. The kibble is packed with all the ingredients needed for healthy growth and development into adulthood.
To ensure proper digestion, the formula contains prebiotics, live yogurt cultures, natural fiber, and digestive enzymes. If there is proper digestion then there is a higher conversion of feed into body mass and as a result, your puppy benefits the most from the nutrient-dense food. The wholesome ingredients used in the formula accords your puppy holistic growth.
Holistic Select understands how important diet is when it comes to skin and fur health. This food is enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids sourced from salmon oil and flaxseed to promote and maintain healthy skin and coat.
The food is specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. The ingredients used in the recipe provide the required dietary energy to meet the growing needs of puppies. The food is also formulated with the right calories to encourage a lean and healthy body weight.
Nothing can go wrong when you feed your puppy this food in its puppyhood. The puppy will have proper bone and joint development. The oils used will promote and maintain moisturized skin and a radiant coat.
What’s more of this puppy food? The antioxidants that promote the general health of your fur baby. The food has no artificial additives and all ingredients are obtained from high-quality sources. Undoubtedly, Holistic Select Large Breed Puppy Food is the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy.
Key Benefits
- Packed with multiple ingredients that enhance the puppy’s digestive health
- Formulated with Omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
- The recipe includes prebiotics, probiotics, taurine, and glucosamine for a healthy heart
- Highly palatable so the puppies love it
- Nutritious and balanced to enhance proper growth
- Lamb meal and chicken meal to provide adequate proteins to the growing pup
- Gluten-free and grain-free. Additionally, no preservatives or artificial additives
- Luscious chicken and lamb flavor leave the pups wanting more
#3) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food
This is another solid choice for German Shepherd puppies. The flavorful food has a high protein content to promote healthy muscle and bone growth. Blue Buffalo puppy food is pawfect for your growing puppies as it provides all the important nutrients needed for a thriving puppyhood.
The recipe incorporates real chicken so your pup’s desire for meat is taken care of. Chicken is a good protein source so the growing pup is furnished with ample proteins for strong muscle growth.
German Shepherds lead an active lifestyle so they require an energy-rich diet. The food has sweet potatoes and peas that provide the fuel to your canine baby. This natural food sources are super healthy for dogs and are rich in fiber needed to enhance proper digestion.
Holistic growth is incomplete if the skin and coat are in bad conditions. On that note, this food is formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 supplements to support a moisturized skin and a glossy coat.
The formula also has vitamins and minerals needed for the wellbeing of your puppy. Alongside the vitamins and minerals, the food contains antioxidants that keep your pet healthy.
High protein levels, finest natural ingredients, essential oils supplementation, balanced nutrition, and 0% preservatives, additives, or artificial colors are some of the reasons why Blue Buffalo Dry Food is the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy. Besides, the food supports a healthy immune system and active lifestyle giving your pup a rejuvenating puppyhood.
Key Benefits
- Protein-rich formula to support strong muscle growth
- Contains essential fatty acids that encourage healthy skin and a gleaming coat
- Added to the recipe are DHA and ARA fatty acids present in the mother’s milk. These fatty acids play essential roles in supporting renal health and cognitive development.
- A precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports the puppy’s immune system and provides a healthy oxidative balance for a thriving puppyhood.
- Grain-free, no poultry by-products, free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Rest assured your puppy is taking a high-quality diet
- Specifically formulated for large breed puppies
#4) Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food
Wellness Complete Healthy puppy food is tailored to meet the nutritional requirements of German Shepherd puppies. The food features a recipe that provides whole-body nutritional support for your fur baby during puppyhood. Packed with premium proteins, the food promotes the healthy muscle growth of the puppies so that they can grow into strong pooches.
For proper teeth and bone strength, the puppy food is formulated with mineral supplements that give your pup the right bone density score starting from an early stage.
The formula features high-quality chicken protein. Your puppy will love the chicken flavor. Wellness Complete Dry food as the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy features all-natural ingredient formula that delivers balanced nutrition to your puppy.
The food has no fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives so pet owners can have the peace of mind that their furry babies are dieting right. The recipe uses salmon oil that is rich in essential oils that are key to healthy skin and coat.
Also, added to the recipe are antioxidants sourced from blueberries that help in boosting the immune system. We can’t forget the probiotics that help promote digestive health.
Key Benefits
- High-quality protein sourced from real chicken provides the amino acids needed for muscle growth
- The recipe uses blueberries to provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- The food contains flaxseed which is rich in fiber to aid in proper digestion and Omega-3 fatty acids that promote skin and coat health.
- Packs glucosamine and probiotics that promote the overall wellbeing of your pooch
- Formulated with natural and wholesome ingredients for balanced nutrition
- Suitable for large breed puppies
#5) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy
It’s the dream of every pet parent that their puppy grows to be a strong and energetic pooch. Luckily, the Wellness Core Natural Puppy Food will help you achieve your aspirations.
This puppy food is protein-rich courtesy of a chicken and turkey blend that provides adequate proteins to support healthy muscle growth. All the nutrients needed to provide balanced nutrition are sourced from premium natural ingredients.
This food is puppy friendly and the smaller kibble size facilitates easy munching. What makes Wellness CORE Grain-free Puppy food the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy is the inclusion of probiotics, glucosamine, taurine, and omega fatty acids in the recipe. These nutrients help your puppy achieve complete growth.
Your puppy gets to get a leaner body and muscle tone courtesy of the high crude protein content in the food. Taurine aids in cardiovascular function while the omega fatty acids promote vibrant skin and a glossy coat. The food is not only nutritious but very appetizing. Even the picky pups will be blown away by this delicious recipe.
This puppy food is free of any GMO ingredients. You can rest assured that the quality of the diet your pooch is eating is unrivaled. Get your puppy, mouth-watering food that is tailored to support whole-body health.
Key Benefits
- Features smaller-sized kibbles for easy eating by the puppies
- Protein sourced from real chicken and turkey
- Formulated with salmon oil, fruits, and vegetables that provide key vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants needed for supporting the entire body well being
- Fortified with omega fatty acids for thriving skin and a healthy coat
- The recipe includes prebiotics and probiotics that enhance proper digestion
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients and has 0% GMO ingredients
- Suitable for large breed puppies
#6) Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
The Royal Canin Puppy food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of German Shepherd puppies. This food is customized for German Shepherd dogs of ages 8 weeks to 15 months.
The food features a unique formulation that serves the specific needs of the growing pups. During the puppyhood stage German Shepherd tend to have more sensitive systems than other pups and so they require a special diet.
Royal Canin Puppy food is exclusively formulated with highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to aid in digestive health. The fiber also facilitates optimal stool quality.
The kibble has a specialized shape meant to encourage chewing. 15 months German Shepherd puppies have alkaline skin and this is perfectly formulated with ingredients that promote skin and coat health.
The fish oil used in the recipe provides EPA and DHA. These fatty acids maintain a healthy coat and strengthen the skin barrier. At this stage, the pups are very active and so there is stress on their joints.
If not properly fed they might develop bone disorders. This food is customized to support proper bone and joint health. It is fortified with calcium and phosphorus that help maintain a good score when it comes to bone density.
Key Benefits
- The kibble is uniquely shaped and sized to encourage chewing
- Complete and balanced nutrition to meet the breed-specific needs
- Combines dry and wet food for maximum nutrition
- Formulated with highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to enhance proper digestion
- Contains appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus that promote bone and joint health
- Enriched with exclusive antioxidants that help boost the puppy’s natural defense
- The recipe used unique ingredients that maintain the intestinal flora and improves stool quality
- Exclusively crafted to promote a healthy body weight and proper bone and joint development
#7) Taste of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food
This is another solid choice as the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy. To food is perfectly balanced to provide the nutrients needed for a thriving puppyhood. The ingredients used in the food are highly digestible and are sourced from high-quality roasted meats, vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
The food is served in puppy-friendly small kibbles for easy chewing. The grain-free recipe has peas and sweet potatoes that provide the dietary energy needed to maintain an active lifestyle.
The food has a high content of quality and easily digested proteins that furnish the puppy with amino acids needed for the formation of lean and strong muscles. Also, the food has appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals for better metabolism and overall health of the puppy.
Enriched with hard-working anti-oxidants, this food help support the natural defense of your fur baby. The recipe also incorporates a fatty acid blend to encourage healthy skin and a dazzling coat.
Key Benefits
- The recipe uses real buffalo as the first ingredient and other real protein-rich ingredients essential for the formation of strong muscles
- Formulated with a blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote skin and coat health
- The food uses ingredients from trusted and sustainable sources to guarantee quality nutrition
- For sensitive systems, the food is grain-free and all ingredients are all-natural
- A strain probiotic blend to enhance digestion
- Free of fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
#8) Solid Gold Natural Dog Puppy Food
This best dog food for German Shepherd puppy is carefully formulated to meet the dietary needs of growing pups. The protein-rich food is formulated with natural chicken and 20 nutritious superfoods that supply all the nutrients needed to support holistic growth. The recipe uses highly digestible ingredients to ensure optimal benefits to the puppy.
Also, the formula integrates probiotics and prebiotics for proper digestion and optimal gut health. Feeding your German Shepherd this nutritious food will keep them nourished both inside and outside.
The formula features controlled levels of calcium for good bone development which is crucial especially during the puppyhood stage as the pups lead an active lifestyle.
Solid Gold foods use a blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to encourage the proper development of the puppies. These essential fatty acids support skin, coat, and immune system. Besides the oils help boost cognitive and heart health.
The kibble has living probiotics to support a healthy digestive system. Quality is not comprised as all the ingredients are carefully sourced from premium natural sources. Throughout the first year, this food will keep your puppy feeling great with impeccable digestive health and a robust natural defense.
Key Benefits
- Supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics to enhance proper digestion
- Formulated with 20 nutritious superfoods for balanced puppy nutrition
- The food is free of wheat, corn, and soy the common allergens for sensitive systems
- Chicken is the first ingredient so your pup gets real protein to support muscle growth
- The puppy recipe has all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed by the puppies
- Balanced levels of omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health as well as the immune system
- The food support gut health for the overall health of your puppy
#9) Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food
Provide your German Shepherd puppy with superior nutrition that will support its development and overall health. The Diamond Natural dry formula uses pasture-raised lamb as the first ingredient. Complementing the protein source are superfoods with high nutritional value.
Your hound benefits from a diet with an optimal amino acid profile to promote the formation of lean and strong muscles. The superfoods are a good source of hard-working antioxidants that are key to ensuring a healthy body. With Diamond’s Large Breed formula, your pup achieves a complete and balanced diet.
To ensure digestion of the food proceeds seamlessly, Diamond Naturals dry food formulas use K9 strain probiotics and beneficial flora that enhance digestion and support a healthy gut to help your puppy maintain a happy life. The other crucial ingredients incorporated in the diet are glucosamine and chondroitin for promoting joint health.
At puppyhood, German Shepherd is very active and their joints must develop properly to avert conditions that could impair their mobility. The other key addition to this food is a precise blend of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are key to healthy skin and a dazzling coat. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are added to the recipe in the right proportion to encourage proper bone growth and development.
Key Benefits
- Carefully crated for large breed puppies
- Lamb is the first ingredient and is a premium source of protein
- The formula uses natural ingredients and has no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives
- Features a balanced blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Highly digestible food with a probiotic blend to support a healthy gut
- Fortified with natural DHA that support cognitive function and brain health
- Provides all the nutrients needed by German Shepherd puppies
#10) Eukanuba Chicken Puppy Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Puppy Chicken dry food provides wholesome nutrition to meet the dietary needs of your growing puppy. Not only does the food promote healthy body development, but it also encourages proper brain development.
The chicken serves as the proteins and to ensure balanced nutrition the formula incorporates other natural ingredients. The food has optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus. These minerals play important roles in strengthening the bones of your active canine friend.
German Shepherd puppies are playful and require an ample supply of dietary energy. Eukanuba food has optimum levels of fats and carbohydrates to provide the energy needed for a thriving lifestyle.
The food is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system of your growing pup. The natural fiber and prebiotic blend used in the formula helps with digestion. This is a solid choice for any pet parent looking for nutritious food to feed German Shepherd puppies.
Key Benefits
- Makes puppy training less tedious as it promotes healthy brain development
- The food has the right amount of calcium and phosphorus to encourage proper bone growth
- High protein levels to encourage healthy muscle growth
- Poultry is the number one ingredient so the puppy gets a highly digestible protein source
- Formulated with prebiotics and natural fiber to help with digestion
Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppy Buying Guide & FAQs
Key Nutrients in The Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppy
Protein
This is an extremely important nutrient for your canine friend. Proteins account for almost half of the bodyweight of dogs so your puppy must get enough proteins in the diet. Proteins provide amino acids needed for growth and development.
Best dog food for German Shepherd Puppy recipes source proteins from poultry, beef among other natural sources. Don’t forget that dogs are carnivores and their natural diet is meat-based. The diet provided to the puppies should therefore have a high protein content.
Carbohydrates
German Shepherds are active dog breeds so they need a boost of energy. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy and so the puppy food should have moderate amounts of carbs.
Carbohydrates are the preferred energy source because they are easily broken down to release energy and are rich in fiber which promotes proper digestion.
Quality ingredients that provide carbs to your growing pup include vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Whole grains are also a great source of carbohydrates but food allergies and sensitive systems limit their use.
Fats
German Shepherd puppies need fats for several reasons. First, lipids are important for promoting healthy skin and coats. Of great importance are the essential oils Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are key to moisturized skin and a dazzling coat. Second, fats are needed for the production of steroid hormones.
Third, fats are needed to maintain cell and tissue integrity. The best dog food for German Shepherd puppy must have low to moderate fats. If the food has essential oils, ensure they are properly balanced as an excess of omega-6 in the diet may cause inflammation instead of averting it.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients refer to ingredients added in the recipes but the pup needs them in minute levels. In addition to the standard minerals and vitamins, the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy recipes should include supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics. Micronutrients play important roles in cellular development, bone formation, overall metabolism, and supporting a healthy immune system.
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FAQs About Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppy
Q: What Should I Feed My 8-Week Old German Shepherd Puppy?
When your fur baby reaches 8 weeks old, it should be weaned from his mother’s milk and start feeding on puppy food. You need to be careful when feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Feed the puppy three meals a day. The amount of food you feed your puppy must be in the correct proportions. Always monitor your puppy’s waistline to check if there is any excess weight building up there. In case your pup is not eating, consult your veterinarian.
Q: What is the Best Food for a German Shepherd Puppy?
- Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Food
- Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy
- Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Q: Is Egg good for German shepherd?
Yes. Eggs are rich in protein and including eggs in the dog’s diet is beneficial. German Shepherd needs proteins to maintain lean and healthy muscles. The dogs can eat both cooked and raw eggs but it is preferable to feed them cooked eggs as there are risks associated with eating uncooked eggs.
Conclusion
The best dog food for German Shepherd puppy is made with high-quality ingredients sourced responsibly to provide all the nutrients your little companion needs to have a thriving puppyhood.
The recipes used to make the food feature nutritious animal protein sources and core superfoods that furnish the puppies with micronutrients. These foods promote gut health and boost the natural defenses of your pups to encourage happy and healthy early stages of growth.
Besides the food promote bone and joint health so your puppies can have an active puppyhood. Give your German Shepherd puppy the best puppy-life by selecting any of the above foods.