If you are the proud owner of a brand-new German Shepherd (GSD) puppy, you are in for a unique, frustrating, and exciting time! A large part of owning any pet is finding them the right food so they can thrive, but they have to like it, too. Unfortunately, so much dog food is available, and you may not have time to research and shop!
We compared the most popular foods and wrote these reviews for the 10 best puppy foods for German Shepherd puppies. We hope you’ll find the ideal puppy formula food for your growing German Shepherd!
The best overall puppy food for German Shepherds is The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. The Farmer’s Dog provides personalized plans for your dog. Not only are the foods pre-made specifically to meet your dog’s needs, but they are also pre-portioned based on the individual profile you create for your pup.
Currently, they offer chicken, turkey, beef, and pork foods, and the recipes are formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure the best nutrition for your puppy. Like other fresh food services, The Farmer’s Dog retails for a premium price, especially for a larger puppy.
They use human-grade foods and produce the recipes in their factory, which is held to high safety and quality standards. The eco-friendly packaging is easy to manage and open, and the pouches are easy to store in the fridge and freezer.
After you’ve placed your order, your puppy’s food will be delivered to your front door within days of being prepared, so you always know your dog is getting the freshest cooked foods possible.
Pros
Pre-made and pre-portioned foods
Four proteins available
Formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists
Human-grade foods prepared to high standards
Eco-friendly, easy-to-store packaging
Food is delivered to your door within days of preparation
The best puppy food for the money is the Iams ProActive Health Smart Large Breed Puppy Food. It’s affordable, contains farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient, and is formulated for large-breed puppies. It contains 22 essential nutrients that puppies get from their mother’s milk, including DHA derived from omega-3 fatty acids.
The formula is designed to support healthy muscles, joints, digestion, immune system, and brain development. However, Iams ProActive contains artificial colors and may cause stomach upset in some puppies if they are intolerant of chicken.
Pros
Well-priced
Main ingredient is farm-raised chicken
Has 22 key nutrients that puppies get from mother’s milk
DHA from omega-3 fatty acid
Supports healthy joints, digestion, muscles, and brain development
Cons
Contains artificial colors, animal by-products, grains, and corn
Royal Canin’s German Shepherd Puppy Food is an excellent pick because it has been specifically formulated for German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months of age! The kibble has the perfect texture and size for your German Shepherd puppy’s teeth and mouth. It contains vitamin E and antioxidants for the immune system and specific fiber for aiding in digestion because GSDs sometimes struggle with digestive issues.
It also includes chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and bone health. However, Royal Canin is expensive, and it contains chicken by-products, corn, and wheat, which some dog owners prefer not to serve, although they are suitable for the vast majority of pups.
Pros
Made specifically for German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months
Kibble the right size and texture for GSD puppies
Antioxidants, vitamin E, and fiber to aid digestion
Chondroitin and glucosamine for bone and joint health
Purina Pro Plan’s Large Breed Puppy Food is perfect for puppies that will weigh over 50 pounds when they grow into adults. It contains the usual DHA from omega-3 fatty acids for eye and brain development, as well as complex carbohydrates for energy. It also contains live probiotics for digestion and immune system support and a natural source of glucosamine.
However, it includes animal by-products (as a source of glucosamine), grains, and corn, and some puppies experienced stomach upset.
Pros
For puppies that will weigh over 50 lbs as adults
DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development
Complex carbs for energy
Natural source of glucosamine
Cons
Contains by-products, corn, and grain
Some puppies might have stomach upset
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food uses deboned chicken as the main ingredient, so it’s high in calories and protein. It has kibble mixed with LifeSource Bits, which are small nuggets of food full of nutrients and antioxidants. The Life Protection Formula contains minerals, vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, as well as DHA and ARA for eye and brain development.
It doesn’t contain wheat, soy, corn, or animal by-products. However, not all puppies seem to enjoy eating it, and it sometimes causes upset stomachs.
Pros
Main ingredient is deboned chicken
Kibble combined with bits full of nutrients and antioxidants
Another great choice is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy food. It has pasture-raised lamb as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest rice for sensitive German Shepherd tummies. It’s formulated for large breed puppies, and the calcium and phosphorus ratio ensures your pup will grow at the correct rate for good bone health. It contains pre and probiotics to help maintain gut health in your precious pup.
With a focus on natural health, Diamond Naturals contains blueberries, kale, spinach, oranges, and coconut, to name but a few of the sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Skin, coat, eye, and brain health are supported with omega fatty acids. As with most foods, some pet owners commented that their pups weren’t keen to eat it.
Pros
Specific large breed puppy food for bone and joint health
Purina ONE’s SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Food has real chicken as the first and primary ingredient and includes rice, which is easy on a puppy’s stomach. It has antioxidants, including zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E, for immune system support. The kibble combines hard, crunchy bits with softer, tender morsels, which puppies will love to eat.
It also has DHA and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin, and it doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives. This puppy food contains by-product meal, corn, and grains, and the tender morsels can be inconsistent from bag to bag. Some bags have the regular amount, and others have almost none.
Pros
Real chicken is the main ingredient
Includes rice, which is gentle on the stomach
Zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E for the immune system
Hard, crunchy kibble combined with tender morsels
No artificial colors or preservatives
Cons
Contains by-product meal, corn, soybean, and grains if your dog is sensitive to these ingredients
Number of tender morsels in each bag is inconsistent
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food is made specifically for puppies that will weigh over 55 pounds as adults. It is designed to assist with the bone growth of larger-breed puppies with the proper ratio of calcium and phosphorus. It has vitamins E and C and antioxidants to support the immune system.
Hill’s is made in the U.S. and doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. The disadvantages are that it’s relatively expensive, and you might find that it smells bad. Also, some puppies become gassy and experience diarrhea after eating it, and other puppies don’t enjoy this food.
Pros
Meant for puppies that will be over 55 pounds as adult dogs
Supports large breed puppy bone growth with calcium
Vitamins E and C, and antioxidants for the immune system
The primary ingredients in Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie Puppy Food are roasted venison, lamb, water buffalo, and bison, which are pasture-raised and contain probiotics for a healthy gut. The kibble is small enough for puppy teeth and contains omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and fur, including DHA for vision and brain development.
This food also includes dried chicory root, which contains prebiotics, and various antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as sweet potatoes and blueberries. Finally, it doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives or any grains, wheat, or corn.
The flaws with this puppy food are that it’s relatively expensive and has an odor that not all pet parents seem to appreciate. It is also loaded with peas and pea protein, which are subject to ongoing an investigation regarding heart health.
Pros
Main ingredients are pasture-raised roasted water buffalo, lamb, and venison
Contains probiotics for a healthy gut, as well as prebiotics
Small kibble size for small teeth
Has DHA from omega-3 fatty acid for brain, vision, skin, and coat health
Various ingredients that have antioxidants
Cons
A lot of different protein sources can be a problem for sensitive digestive systems
Not everyone likes the smell
Due to ongoing research into grain free diets some people prefer not to feed them
The Purina Pro Plan Development Canned Puppy Food is relatively affordable and has chicken as the primary ingredient. Like many others, it has DHA for vision and brain support and 23 essential minerals and vitamins that aid in overall health. It’s manufactured in a U.S. facility and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
However, Pro Plan can cause stomach issues in some puppies, so take your time when transitioning your pup to a new food.
Pros
Good price
Includes DHA and 23 important vitamins and minerals
ORIJEN’s Large Puppy Food has wild-caught, free-run, and sustainably farmed poultry and fish as the first five ingredients. About 85% of the ingredients come from premium animal sources, making for a puppy food full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The kibble is also freeze-dried coated, which adds a tasty burst of flavor, and the recipe is all-natural.
However, Orijen’s puppy food is expensive, and it caused some puppies to have upset stomachs.
Pros
First five ingredients are wild-caught, sustainably farmed, or free-run poultry and fish
85% of ingredients come from premium animal sources
Freeze-dried coated for flavor
All-natural puppy food
Cons
Expensive
Might cause stomach upset
Foods high in legumes are subject of continued research into heart health
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies
Here are a few points that can you decide which puppy formula is ideal for your German Shepherd.
Calories
Puppy food is typically high in calories to keep up with a growing puppy’s energy needs. It is also high in protein. Food high in protein and calories will give your puppy the energy they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up.
Image Credit: GSDLover, Pixabay
DHA
Most puppy food will have DHA listed as a special ingredient because it helps with the puppy’s brain and eye development. This essential element derived from omega-3 fatty acids supports the puppy’s central nervous system, leading to stronger eye function and healthy brain development.
Minerals and Vitamins
Many of the ingredients in your puppy’s food will provide vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy puppy. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth.
The balance needs to be just right because you don’t want your large breed puppy to grow too quickly since it can lead to developmental bone problems. You should speak to your vet to ensure you have the right food and feed your puppy the proper amount.
How We Selected These Puppy Foods for German Shepherds
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The puppy foods reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best puppy foods available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with puppy foods. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Conclusion
Our pick for the best overall puppy food is The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. It is made from all-natural, whole ingredients, and its recipes include vitamins and minerals, making it the perfect nutrient-dense diet for a growing German Shepherd. The Iams ProActive Health Smart Large Breed Puppy Food is well-priced and contains 22 essential nutrients commonly found in the puppy’s mother’s milk.
Lastly, Royal Canin’s German Shepherd Puppy Food is expensive, but it’s a great pick because it’s been made explicitly for German Shepherd puppies from 8 weeks to 15 months of age. We hope these reviews have helped you choose the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the nutrition they need to grow up strong, healthy, and happy.
Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a kid, she hoped to work in a zoo or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat or two and a dog.
