The German Shepherd rightfully deserves the title of one of the smartest dogs in the world. They are perfectly suited for guard, guard and security service. In order for handsome adults to bring joy and benefit to their owners, special attention must be paid to the nutrition of puppies of this breed.
Read an important article on the topic: “Puppy nutrition: creating a diet, daily menu, features and important nuances.”
Shepherd food rating
To form the TOP, 20 applicants were identified in 3 areas: food for puppies, adults and elderly individuals. For each nomination, the safety, effectiveness, taste, versatility, and health benefits of the products were taken into account.
As a result, the review was compiled taking into account the following characteristics:
- Type – wet or dry;
- Pet age – puppy, adult, elderly;
- Composition and absence of harmful ingredients in it;
- Amount and balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates;
- Content of nutrients - vitamins, minerals, amino acids;
- Hypoallergenic formula;
- Special needs of animals - sensitive digestion, weak joints, etc.;
- Taste and aroma;
- Volume and type of packaging;
- Daily norm;
- Granule size.
For the preparation of the TOP, the reaction of the shepherd dogs and the development of food specifically for this breed were important. We paid attention to the behavior of animals - appetite, increased need for water, addiction, ease of switching to a different diet. The optimal ratio of price and quality of products was also a priority.
The best food for chow chow
Holistic
What’s interesting: the cost of holistic food for German shepherds is sometimes noticeably lower than the price of super-premium and even premium food. The fact is that the manufacturers of the latter spend a lot of money on promoting the product, which is why the price is so inflated.
The best brands of holistic food for German Shepherds:
- "Akana".
- "Artemis."
- Orijen.
- "Innova".
- Canidae
- Felidae
- "Evo."
This is the best food for dogs - balanced and without a hint of harmful chemicals. But you have to pay good money for exceptional quality.
Shepherd puppy food
A puppy is defined as a shepherd dog no older than 1 year. She needs food with a high content of proteins, which are necessary for bone formation, strengthening the immune system, and maintaining normal energy levels. These tasks are adequately accomplished by products selected by VyborExpert specialists on the basis of effectiveness, good taste, and safety.
Royal Canin for bone and joint health
A dry mixture designed specifically to strengthen joints and bones in dogs. It is designed specifically for feeding German Shepherd puppies under the age of 1 year and is created taking into account their needs. The basis of the side dish is cereals (rice), which provide enough energy to the growing body. The product is suitable for sensitive digestion due to its gentle effect on the stomach, but is not medicinal.
The diet from Royal Canin has a high protein content (30%), which allows the puppy to gain weight faster and strengthen muscles. Due to the presence of fats (16%) and carbohydrates, it is high in calories. There are 3940 kcal per 1 kg, thanks to which the pet remains cheerful throughout the entire period of growing up. The nutritional value of dry food for German Shepherds is high – it contains 6.6% minerals and 2.8% fiber. This distribution prevents him from gaining excess body weight.
Advantages:
- Includes clean poultry;
- Saturates the body with chondroitin to strengthen joints;
- Increases immunity;
- The pet eats it with pleasure;
- Nice smell.
Flaws:
- Contains animal and fish oils.
Reviews note that puppies do not get bored with the food for a long time due to its varied composition. The mixture includes egg powder, plantain seeds, yeast extract and a number of other natural ingredients.
All Puppies
All Puppies complete food is suitable for puppies of any breed, including shepherd dogs. It is valid until the dog reaches 1 year of age. The mixture is presented in small granules of the same size, which eliminates selective eating. To obtain the required amount of energy, cereals are included in the composition, and fish by-products, fish, vegetables, and oils will help ensure the supply of vitamins and minerals to the body.
The basis of the formula is cereals, without which a young body cannot fully function. For normal growth, it needs protein, the source of which is meat. Such diverse components have resulted in a fairly high calorie content of the composition - 363 kcal per 100 g. Due to this, the pet will not feel a loss of strength. The product is available in two packages – 2.2 and 20 kg.
Advantages:
- Improves appetite;
- Does not worsen stool;
- Positively affects digestion;
- Accelerates the process of gaining body weight;
- A large amount of vitamins.
Flaws:
- Inconvenient packaging.
The product quickly saturates the body due to its high protein concentration (28%). It strengthens the immune system, joints, teeth due to the content of calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc and other beneficial substances.
Blitz Puppy Lamb & Rice All Breeds dry
Dry food is intended for puppies of dogs of all breeds - small, medium, large. It can be given until the age of 1 year. The product is suitable for pets with sensitive digestion, but is not holistic. The composition has a pronounced turkey/lamb flavor due to the large amount of meat it contains. Thanks to this, the animal quickly gets full and does not require additional portions.
Blitz Puppy Lamb & Rice All Breeds dry included dried apple, beet pulp, and corn to diversify the diet and strengthen the immune system. Dry food for German Shepherd puppies and more improves intestinal function due to the content of living probiotic microorganisms. It also makes bones and joints stronger due to the presence of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. With regular use of the mixture for a long time, it does not get boring and does not increase thirst.
Advantages:
- Improves the condition of the coat;
- Does not lose its odor during storage;
- Optimal calorie content – 393 kcal per 100 g;
- Not large granules;
- A small portion is enough to fill you up.
Flaws:
- Not low cost;
- When you buy a larger package, you don't save much.
There are 4 volumes on sale - packaging for 0.5, 2, 3 and 15 kg. The daily food intake ranges between 58-328 g, depending on the age of the puppy.
5 HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet L/D Canine Hepatic Health Dry
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet L/D Canine Hepatic Health Dry
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet L/D Canine Hepatic Health Dry deserves to be on the list of the best thanks to its unique healing formula. Dry food is suitable for dogs with liver and urolithiasis problems. The manufacturer has added vitamins and minerals that support the functioning of the animal’s important organs. It is recommended by veterinarians after surgery. The main feature is to relieve the load on the liver and digestive tract. In addition, it provides enough energy to restore the pet’s body.
Buyers warn that there is no need to feed anything else while using this product, there are already enough vitamins. It is advised to give it for six months, then take a break for 4-5 months. The food has a very slight odor, calm and quiet. It is suitable for the most picky animals who refuse to swallow medicine. However, the product is still medicinal, many recommend contacting a veterinarian and getting approval. It has contraindications. There is less protein in the composition than in other foods, this is also important to take into account.
Food for adult shepherd
An adult dog no longer needs active growth. Therefore, it is permissible to consume food with a reduced protein content. To avoid obesity, compositions with a moderate percentage of fat are needed. 2 options analyzed by the Vyborexperta.ru team correspond to exactly these parameters.
Eukanuba Breed Specific for healthy skin and coat
Dry food, which is included in the diet after the shepherd dog is 1 year old. It can be given up to 6 years of age, and then switched to products for the elderly. The components of the mixture are finely ground, which reduces residues and reduces consumption. The animal responds with an appetite to Eukanuba Breed Specific due to its strong chicken smell and neat appearance.
The diet is produced taking into account the needs of German Shepherds. It is designed to improve the health of the coat and skin, and oral care. Its value is high - it includes 23 g of protein, 13 g of fat and 2.1 g of fiber. This combination allows you to maintain a normal energy level and at the same time prevents you from gaining weight. Dietary fiber normalizes digestion and restores intestinal function.
Advantages:
- Small portion - from 290 to 430 g with a weight of 26-44 kg;
- A variety of minerals - selenium, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, manganese;
- No need to feed frequently;
- Special additives improve the taste;
- Looks delicious.
Flaws:
- Contains wheat flour;
- The only meat available here is poultry.
In reviews, veterinarians note that dogs’ fur improves after just 1-2 months of using the product – its volume visually increases and its color becomes brighter. Often the animal asks for more.
Our Brand Hypoallergenic with Lamb and Rice
This is food for adult shepherd dogs aged 1 to 6 years. It is not medicinal, but has a positive effect on digestion. After its inclusion in the diet, there is an improvement in appetite and an increase in energy. The product is not addictive when used for a long time and, if necessary, can be replaced without any problems.
Our Brand food is hypoallergenic, although it contains wheat. It does not cause disturbances in the functioning of the intestines and other organs due to its mild effect. This is possible due to the natural composition, which also includes corn, sheep liver, poultry flour, beet pulp, and rice. Additionally, the diet is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and protect against diseases.
Advantages:
- Pleasant taste of chicken and lamb;
- Does not cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
- Quickly satisfies hunger;
- Optimal calorie content – 3340 kcal/kg;
- Good degree of grinding.
Flaws:
- There is no zip lock for easy storage.
The presence of antioxidants in the formula slows down the aging of the body and protects it from the negative effects of environmental factors.
Super premium food
This class includes nutrition, which is practically no different from holistic foods in composition; they are also made from high-quality meat products and supplemented with vitamin and mineral complexes. May contain cereals and egg protein in small quantities.
The premium class includes food from the brands Brit Care, Gina Elite, Monge, Arden Grange, Eukanuba and Bosch.
Super premium food
Food for an elderly shepherd dog
Moderate consumption of fats and carbohydrates is important for older people because they do not need increased energy. For this purpose, it is recommended to use compositions with an optimal balance of meat, vegetables, fruits, and berries. Among these options, the following 2 foods deserve special attention.
Canagan GF Country Game all breeds
This is the only completely grain-free food in the rating, which minimizes the likelihood of allergies in the animal. Therefore, it can be given to puppies up to 1 year old and adults up to 6 years old, as well as to older shepherd dogs after 7 years old. It is not heavy on the stomach and is easily digested due to the absence of wheat, rice and corn in the composition. Nutrients are well absorbed - we are talking about iron, zinc, vitamin C.
Canagan GF Country Game all breeds boast a high protein content, sourced from duck (16%), herring (8.5%), venison (7.5%), rabbit (4%), egg (3.75%). Such a high percentage of protein has a positive effect on cell regeneration, maintaining water balance, and energy production. Additionally, the mixture is enriched with herbs, vegetables and fruits to improve immunity.
Advantages:
- Does not allow you to get better;
- Small portions;
- Shelf life – 18 months from the date of production;
- Smells like meat;
- Virtually no increase in water requirements.
Flaws:
- Sold only in one package weighing 12 kg;
- There is no lock on the packaging.
The daily intake of Canagan GF Country Game all breeds is from 75 to 360 g for an animal weighing from 5 to 40 kg, and for a shepherd dog it is better not to overeat to avoid obesity. If necessary, it can be easily replaced with another one due to the lack of addiction.
Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat
A cereal mixture based on rice and corn flour, which supplies the animal with carbohydrates, proteins (24%), fats (19%). Their optimal balance ensures normal weight and proper functioning of the body. Contains fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. Therefore, this product is especially relevant for sensitive stomachs. The formula is rich in minerals - selenium, iodine, manganese, zinc, iron, copper.
Royal Canin diet improves the condition of the coat and skin. Thanks to the poultry content, it has a meaty taste that your pet usually likes. When stored in a closed package, the aroma does not dissipate. The product strengthens joints and bones due to the presence of hydrolyzate in the composition. The food is recommended for adult animals over 1 year old and older animals.
Advantages:
- Same granule size;
- Adds shine to wool;
- The dog eats with pleasure;
- Convenient packaging;
- Appetizing look.
Flaws:
- There are no small packages available for sale.
The manufacturer offers packages of 3, 11, 12, 16 and 22 kg. If you buy more, you can save a little.
Economy dog food
Economy feed dry granules contain a mixture of ground bones, cartilage, vegetables and grains. They do not contain meat; instead they use food additives and flavor enhancers. This food does not have any nutritional value for German Shepherds. Moreover, veterinarians warn owners against choosing economy-class food, as it can harm the delicate and sensitive digestive system of dogs.
Economical and cheap food is manufactured by Happy Dog, Chappy, Purina One and Pedigree.
Economy class food
How to choose food for a shepherd
The main requirement is that the granules are the same size, otherwise the dog will selectively eat the ones he likes the most. Also, the mixture should look appetizing and have a pleasant meaty aroma that will attract your pet. The Shepherd is a guard animal that needs a lot of energy. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a composition with a high percentage of carbohydrates.
Type
Most often, shepherd dogs of any variety - Caucasian, German, Eastern European - are bought dry mixtures based on beef, chicken, turkey and other poultry. Canned food is wasted and increases the burden on the budget. But often they are medicinal, that is, holistic, which are introduced into the diet in order to improve the health of the pet.
Age
Puppies under 1 year of age are recommended to be given compositions with an increased protein content (from 30%), which satisfy increased energy needs. They also help the pet develop normally, strengthen bones and joints, and protect against the negative effects of environmental factors.
For adult German Shepherds, it will be better if you give them combined formulations, in which protein accounts for 20-25%, and fats - about 16%. This combination will help support the body, strengthen the immune system, take care of the oral cavity and normal digestion.
After 7 years, in order to avoid gaining excess body weight, it is recommended to give mixtures low in carbohydrates. This means that the amount of grains - rice, corn, wheat - should be minimized or completely eliminated. Also, older individuals are susceptible to irritation and other adverse reactions, so it is necessary to choose hypoallergenic compositions.
Special Needs
These needs include sensitive digestion, weakened joints and bones, and poor coat and skin condition. Usually the manufacturer indicates the priority action of the feed. However, this does not mean that it is medicinal. To eliminate certain diseases through nutrition, holistic specialists will be required.
Main Ingredient
The main ingredient should be meat, which is a source of healthy proteins. Its source can be chicken, turkey, beef. Fish and crayfish are also allowed. It is best if it is not flour, which loses some of its valuable substances during processing. The liver is also relevant.
Package
The most convenient packaging is considered to be a craft or regular bag with a zip lock. In this case, after measuring the required portion, it will be possible to close it and thus prevent moisture from getting inside. Thanks to this, the original aroma, taste and beneficial properties of the food are preserved.
What is the best food for a shepherd?
It is necessary to buy a product that is suitable for the shepherd’s age and health needs - poor digestion, problem joints, etc. Also, if you have a sensitive stomach and a tendency to irritation, it is recommended to purchase hypoallergenic compositions. They are also relevant for older individuals whose metabolism slows down.
The choice of diet is influenced by many factors:
- If your puppy has problems with joints and bones, you should pay attention to food containing glucosamine and chondroitin. These include dry food from Royal Canin with the appropriate marking.
- For dogs under 1 year of age that need more energy, All Puppies is a good choice. It is based on meat, which promotes normal growth.
- If you have sensitive digestion or impaired functioning of the stomach and intestines, the most logical option would be to purchase Blitz Puppy Lamb & Rice All Breeds dry containing probiotics.
- If an adult “German’s” coat sheds a lot, mats and loses its shine, then purchasing Eukanuba Breed Specific with a pronounced chicken smell would be a good solution.
- In case of allergies in a dog over 1 year old, the product from “Our Mark” with rice and lamb is relevant. It is gentle on the stomach and does not cause adverse reactions.
- An elderly dog with a slow metabolism can be given Canagan GF Country Game all breeds, which is easily digestible and does not cause nausea or heaviness in the stomach.
- If a pet over 7 years old has a dull coat, then a diet from Royal Canin will be just right to maintain its shine and thickness.
When choosing any food for shepherds, it is better not to ignore the special needs and age of the dog in order to avoid deterioration in health. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the descriptions and instructions of the manufacturers, who always inform about the purpose of the compositions.
