German Shepherds are a majestic, energetic breed and, when fed the best puppy food for German Shepherds, they can live a long and healthy 
life. The nutritional needs of a German Shepherd are very specific and finding food that fits their needs can be a time consumer but important task.
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The Best Puppy Food for German Shepherds
As adults, German Shepherds will need between 1270 and 2100 Calories per day, depending on environment and activity level. As puppies, they will need considerably more food per unit of body weight because they are growing and the added nutritional intake is vital for the right development. They transition to maintenance and out of growth between 8 and 10 months of age, meaning that their growth rate slows and their dietary needs change.
Generally, German Shepherd puppies should be switched off puppy food at about 6 months of age, rather than the standard 12 months for smaller breeds. Because of their size at maturity, German Shepherds tend to grow quickly. If they grow too quickly, it can cause issues with joints and bones not developing correctly. One exception to this is if the food is designed for large breeds they’re better suited to those breeds who require a certain level of nutrition for their size.
What makes puppy food right for bigger dogs?
The puppy foods designed for large breeds take this problem of rapid growth into consideration when the food is being formulated. It’s important for German Shepherd puppies to have good nutrition to avoid health conditions that tend to plague this beautiful breed later in life. The best puppy food for German Shepherds will do wonders to help avoid these issues. Obesity can be an issue with any animal and puts unnecessary strain on the animal’s joints.
German Shepherd’s in particular are also cursed with a few other hereditary issues. Joint issues, back issues, arthritis are all common and proper nutrition as puppies can go a long way to combat them. Another common ailment is bloat. Bloat is where the stomach fills with gas, often twisting, and can be deadly. This can be avoided by training the puppy to eat slowly and avoiding strenuous exercise immediately after eating.
Eating Guidelines
It is important to always avoid over feeding or under feeding your dog. Each extreme can have severe consequences on the health of the animal. You should be able to feel a small amount of fat on the ribs of the puppy. Depending on the dog’s environment, you may need to feed less during the warm summer months and more during the cold winter months to maintain a healthy weight. When fed properly, the best puppy food for German Shepherds will help your pet live a long and healthy life.
As consumers, it is often difficult to know what the best food is and how to spot it. Generally, a good commercially available dry food works as the best puppy food for German Shepherds. The first thing to look for is the statement that it meets the Association of American Feed Control Official (AAFCO) standards. This is an organization that sets standards for the animal feed industry to use. Ingredients on the food are listed in descending order in terms of quantity. Look for a food that has a protein source, like chicken or beef, first this will guarantee that your GSD pup is getting the good stuff first. For grains, rice and barley are easier for a puppy to digest than corn, wheat, and soy and ingredients like fish oil and omega fatty acids promote a healthy coat and skin.
Watch out!
It’s not recommended to use home-made foods. Many people do not know the nutrient balance, particularly down to the minerals and vitamins, that is needed for growing puppies. Often home-made meals are not balanced and are excessively heavy in meats. This could lead to health issues, including kidney issues, later in life. Commercial foods are convenient and safe to use for you and your pet.
Based on what we’ve learned about our GSD’s and what they need when they’re puppies we’ve got a list of the best puppy food for German Shepherds below
Best Puppy Food for German Shepherds
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Large Breed Puppies (Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe)
This great food boasts being made with whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits and it contains zero corn, soy, or wheat. It has a balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, a mix of anti-oxidants for immune system health, DHA for brain growth, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat condition all of which are crucial for your developing puppy. The first three ingredients listed are boned chicken, chicken meal, and brown rice. The total fat percent is 14 and the total protein percent is 28.
Given the great nutrition levels and high quality ingredients we’re happy to recommend this as our number 1 choice for the Best Puppy Food for German Shepherds.
Nutro Large Breed Puppy Food
Next up on our list for the best puppy food for German Shepherds is Nutro Large Breed Puppy. Nutro has included brown rice and oatmeal for easy digestion and anti-oxidants for the immune system. Glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources aid in joint and cartilage health. The first three ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, and brewer’s rice with the total fat of 15% and protein 26%.
Royal Canin Puppy Food for German Shepherds
Next is Royal Canin and their food specifically designed for GSD pups. The pieces of kibble are designed specifically for the muzzle of the German Shepherd to aid in consumption and promote healthy eating habits. It’s got specific nutrients help maintain the digestive system as well as calcium and phosphorus for bone health that are all pointed at German Shepherds. The first three ingredients are brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal, and brown rice. It is 14% fat and 28% protein.
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food
Eukanuba has got a food tailored to the needs of the large breed puppies too. This food contains DHA for brain development and anti-oxidants for a healthy immune system. A balance of fiber and minerals aid in digestion. The first three ingredients are chicken, corn meal, and chicken by-product meal. Fat content is 14% and protein content is 26%.
Purina ProPlan Focus Large Breed Puppy (Chicken and Rice Formula)
Lastly, Purina has come out with their contestant for big puppies too. This formula contains natural sources of glucosamine to help with joints and cartilage and a balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. DHA is added to support brain development and anti-oxidants for the immune system. The first three ingredients are chicken, brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal. Fat is 13% and protein is 28% of the formula.
In conclusion, it’s vitally important to make sure your new addition is fed the best puppy food for German Shepherds. It should be a commercially available feed that is balanced for growth of large breeds. This will help hold off issues, such as joint and back problems, in the future. In review of the foods above, Blue Buffalo came in as the best puppy food for German Shepherds because of first three ingredients and overall balance. Nutro came in a close second for quality of ingredients and balance of nutrients.
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