Finding the best food for a German Shepherd puppy doesn't need to be a tricky task. Even though it seems that your adorable German Shepherd puppy won't stay little for long, finding the right puppy food for your breed is so important, as it not only will make them big and strong but will shape their future eating habits.
According to Tails.com, German Shepherd dog food needs to be packed full of goodness for the body and brain. Your little German Shepherd puppy will be incredibly bouncy, energetic and will always be up for playtime so that means they need plenty of calories – but no more than they burn off, or they’ll store the extra as fat.
Calcium and phosphorus encourage strong, steady bone growth and development – something that’s extra important for big dogs like German Shepherds. Joint support is important for all dogs, but especially larger breeds and Omega-3 and 6 help keep your German Shepherd’s coat glossy and cuddly.
The best food for a German Shepherd puppy at a glance:
• Best breed-specific puppy food for a German Shepherd: Royal Canin Breed Health German Shepherd Dry Puppy Food - View on Pets at Home
• Best value German Shepherd puppy food: Wainwright's Wet Puppy Food Variety Pack 12x395g Trays - View on Pets at Home
• Best sensitive German Shepherd puppy food: Arden Grange Sensitive Puppy/Junior Food - View on Arden Grange
• Best tailored German Shepherd puppy food: Tails.com - View on Tails.com
Even though German Shepherd dogs are large, agile, muscular dogs of noble character and high intelligence, some owners admit that their dogs can be 'extremely fussy' when it comes to food. They also tend to eat fairly quickly, so a slow dog feeder bowlmay be the ticket to slowing down mealtimes. We’ve rounded up the best puppy food for your adorable new German Shepherd addition. Not only do the following brands pay particular notice to the necessary nutrients for your furry friend, but they also guarantee an energetic and fit German Shepherd puppy, are easy to get hold of and have great reviews.
Best German Shepherd puppy food
Best breed-specific puppy food for a German Shepherd
www.petsathome.com
Royal Canin Breed Health has been tailored to the developmental and growth needs of German Shepherd puppies. The shape and size of the kibble in Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy are specifically designed to be highly palatable - whilst also being specially adapted for the German Shepherd puppy's jaw and is highly digestible, helping to maintain an ideal weight. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months old.
Customer review: "Our gsd had a litter of 9 pups and they are all thriving on this food. We also fed the mum on it while she was feeding her pups and her condition hasn't wavered, she's maintained a healthy weight and her coat is shining. Our gsd is the fussiest eater ever and she's loved every mouthful. It is expensive but it's worth every penny."
Pros
- Improves coat
- Breed-specific
- Great for weight gain
Cons
- Some reviews say their pups turned their noses up
Best value German Shepherd puppy food
www.petsathome.com
Suitable for pups aged two months, Wainwrights Wet Puppy Food contains recipes that are full of wholesome ingredients that are gentle on digestion. Made with a hypoallergenic recipe with no added wheat, pork, dairy, soya or artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, you can be assured the highest quality natural ingredients have been chosen with care. It has been also made with single-source proteins.
Customer review: "Puppy loves this food always an empty plate, coat and growth of puppy are on target."
Pros
- Large trays so great for large growing breeds
- High in protein
Cons
- Mushy
| Flavours: | Turkey, Lamb and Chicken. |
Best sensitive German Shepherd puppy food
www.ardengrange.com
This tailored and grain-free Arden Grande Sensitive is specially made for German Shepherds and includes +Imuvita to support their immunity. German Shepherds are typically obedient and courageous, generally full of energy and often playful, making them exceptional companions. However, they are prone to hip and joint conditions, sensitive digestion and skin irritations and this puppy/junior recipe is full of vitamins and prebiotics for their overall health.
Pros
- Grain-free recipe - excludes cereals and grains
- Ideal for puppies with sensitivities
- Optimal vitamins and minerals for growing puppies
Cons
- Only one flavour
- No customer reviews
Best tailored German Shepherd puppy food
tails.com
With a Tails.com subscription, you can get specifically formulated food for your German Shepherd delivered straight to your door. You tell them all about your pooch and they’ll make a tailored kibble, developed with vets and nutritionists, from high-quality ingredients to support your dog’s health. They’ll also recommend calories and daily portion sizes so you can keep on track with feeding them the right amount and will accommodate through puppyhood to adulthood.
Customer review: "I have found tails.com an excellent service for myself and my dog, who absolutely loves the food and treats, and the support is brilliant. I highly recommend."
Tails.com review: Is a dog food subscription box worth it?
Pros
- Choose from wet or dry food or a mix
- Completely tailored to your dog
- Discounts when you first sign up
Cons
- Subscription, so if you want to cancel you will have to remember it
Best hypoallergenic German Shepherd puppy food
Hypoallergenic dog food diets are created for canines that experience food-related allergies causing adverse effects on their physical health. This Autarky Hypoallergenic Puppy Junior Delicious Dry Puppy Food has been made with smaller mouths in mind and is balanced to supply moderate energy levels which encourages steady growth.
Customer review: "We have used this food throughout for our puppy, due to her sensitive stomach. A lot of puppy foods for hypoallergenic dogs can get really pricey, but this stuff is great quality and great value for money. Would absolutely recommend!"
Pros
- Strong packaging
- Hypoallergenic
- Meat and fish flavours
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Tricky to get hold of
Best for skin and coat health
www.petsathome.com
German Shepherds are known for their thick (and incredibly cuddly) coats of fur, and it is so important to keep it healthy, as well as the skin underneath. Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food is suitable for large breed puppies (over 25kg when adult) up to 18 months old and contains balanced minerals for strong teeth and bones and DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats.
Customer review: "My GSD puppy is coming up to 17 weeks old. The breeder to us she (the pup) had been weaned onto it. Yes it does cause a bit of gas but my puppy has grown to be super healthy with a lovely glossy coat (in process of changing slowly to ling adult coat) which everybody admires. Our vet approves the food and says we are feeding her correctly following the feeding guide for her weight. In a month Lottie has grown from 7.5 to 16.8 kg. We will reassess her food when Lottie gets older. Thank you."
Pros
- High-quality protein for building lean muscles
- Vet approved
- German Shepherd owner approved
Cons
- Some reviews said it made their pup gassy
Best wet German Shepherd puppy food
You can feed your pup wet food, dry food or a bit of both, it is completely up to you. Wet food has many benefits, including a high water content to make sure they are not getting dehydrated. Wet food is also easier to wolf down than dry food and can still be packed with all the essential minerals and vitamins. This Royal Canin Maxi Breed Wet Puppy Food is breed-specific and perfect for your fast-growing German Shepherd.
Customer review: "Recommended by the breeder. Enjoyed by Skye who clears her bowl. Easy to use and store."
Pros
- Vet approved
- Great to mix with kibble as if you only fed this you would get through a lot of sachets very quickly
Cons
- The description on Amazon is currently incorrect
What to look out for when buying puppy food
Puppies come in all shapes and sizes, and so does the food that they eat. As well as it being tasty, there are certain things to look out for when hunting for the best wet food for your puppy. These include:
• Looking into your dog's breed and it's certain needs. For example, large and giant breeds are particularly prone to orthopaedic problems if they do not eat an appropriate diet while they are growing. That's why you can find food designed specifically for larger breeds.
• Checking labels to make sure it is safe for your puppy to eat. This is easy with wet food but is not as noticeable on treats.
• Ask your vet, breeder and family for advice and recommendations.
• How often you will feed your puppy wet food and the portion sizes they will need. The more they eat, the more it will cost you. You should also be aware that your pup will need more food as they grow, and they grow incredibly quickly.
FAQs
How much does a German Shepherd puppy need to eat?
As soon as you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, it is good to chart how much you’re feeding them so that you can monitor their weight gain, growth, and appetite changes. You should also always consult your breeder.
Shepherd Sense has put together a handy guide on what your pup should eat at every stage of their growing development. These are just guidelines and will depend on your dog’s lifestyle. A more active puppy might need extra calories, while a lower-energy puppy doesn’t need as much food per day.
8 weeks old: 1 to 1 ½ cups of food spread over 4 meals daily
12 weeks old: 1 ½ to 2 cups of food spread over 4 meals daily
6 months to 9 months old: 2 cups to 3 cups of food spread over 3 meals daily
9 months to 12 months old: 3 cups to 3 ½ cups of food spread over 3 meals daily
12 months old and above: 3 ½ to 4 cups of food spread over 2 meals daily
Do German Shepherd puppies get allergies?
All dogs can be prone to allergies, but some breeds are more susceptible to developing allergies and the German Shepherd is one of these.
Many things may trigger an allergic reaction in German Shepherds, including food products like animal proteins, wheat, eggs, soy or milk and environmental pathogens that are present in their everyday environments such as pollen, dust, perfumes or moulds. Some German Shepherds can also be allergic to flea saliva, leading to a condition known as flea-allergic dermatitis. When this condition occurs the dog will develop irritated skin after just one flea bite, leading to incessant itching, red spots on the skin and inflammation.
German Shepherds are known for having thick fur, so brushing and checking their skin daily or weekly is vital to keep on top of any changes. If you think your German Shepherd does have an allergy, seek the help of your vet as soon as possible.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's rennovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.