What’s the best food for German Shepherds? A feeding guide

 

Originally bred as working dogs, German Shepherds need high-quality nutrition – but what food is best?

What’s the best food for German Shepherds?

Article outline

 

Quick takeaways about dogs and excessive hunger

  • The right nutrition is essential for helping your German Shepherd thrive.
  • Prioritise a protein-rich diet, like Nature’s Menu, with complete and balanced raw meals.
  • Raw bones and chews are a great way to provide mental stimulation for this intelligent breed.

 

Courageous, loyal and highly intelligent German Shepherds make the perfect companions. Also known as Alsatians, the breed descended from sheep-herding dogs in Germany.

German Shepherds have played many roles throughout history, working with the military and police and acting as bomb sniffers and guide dogs.

The right nutrition is key whether they’re on the job or at home with the family. A good diet can help them feel their best daily and set them up for good health in the long run. Here’s our guide to feeding your German Shepherd.

 

Fast facts about German Shepherds

German Shepherds have a distinctive, regal appearance.

  • Size: They stand tall at 55–66 cm
  • Weight: Males range from 20-40kg and females between 23–32kg
  • Coat: Sable, black or tan colour combos, with 3 main coat types: the double coat, plush coat and long-haired coat
  • Intelligence: Razor-sharp, among the most intelligent dog breeds
  • Life expectancy: Long life spans, around 12-14 years.
 

What’s the best diet for German Shepherds?

1. Raw food

Complete and balanced raw dog food is an especially popular choice for German Shepherds. The high protein content mimics what your dog’s ancestors ate once upon a time, and raw food can help to keep their coats and teeth in great condition.

You could opt for our 80/20 range with 80% meat and 20% fruit and veg (containing anti-oxidants and plenty of vitamins and minerals) or our 60/40 range.

This option includes parboiled brown rice, which can be great for hardworking or energetic dogs as a slow-release energy source. Check out our personalised meal plans.

 

2. Wet food

Wet food can also suit German Shepherds well. It’s easy on their teeth and has a high moisture content that keeps your dog hydrated. Since it comes in a can, it’s also simple to store for long periods.

Nature’s Menu offers high-quality, gently cooked wet food with up to 80% protein.

 

3. Dry food

Dry food or kibble can be a good choice for German Shepherds. Choose a formula with protein as the main ingredient, and make sure to provide plenty of fresh water to keep your pooch hydrated.

 

4. Treats

Bred as working dogs, German Shepherds need lots of mental stimulation. Treats like Nature’s Menu raw meaty bones are great enrichment and help to look after their teeth. Just make sure treats are under 10% of their daily calorie intake.

 

What’s the best food for German Shepherd puppies?

German Shepherd puppies need the right nutrition to help their development and growth. You can introduce your puppy to a raw food diet from weaning (around 4 weeks). Here’s a guide on everything you need to know about raw food for puppies.

Puppies also famously love to chew. Try giving them plenty of treats to help teach them young what they should and shouldn’t gnaw on.

 

How much should I feed my German Shepherd?

The right amount of food for your dog depends on their size and lifestyle. For example, a 30 kg adult German Shepherd needs 800–1245g of raw food, depending on their activity levels.

If you have a working dog, you may have to taper up their food on busy days.

Try our easy raw dog food calculator to find how much food your dog needs, or use our personalised meal plan quiz.

Hint: you can weigh your dog at the vet or at home by standing on a scale while holding them and then subtracting your weight.

When it comes to puppies, aim to feed them 5–10% of their body weight in raw food. While they’re growing, let your puppy guide you. Pay attention to whether they leave behind leftovers or are still hungry, and adjust the amount you feed them next time.

If in doubt, speak to your vet.

 

How often should I feed my German Shepherd?

We recommend feeding your grown-up German Shepherd twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Split their daily allowance in half between those two meals.

German Shepherds need to eat more often as puppies. Young puppies may need 3 to 4 daily feedings, eventually moving down to 2 daily.

 

What are the most common health problems in German Shepherds?

German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues. They’re genetically predisposed to problems that can make walking difficult, like hip and elbow dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy is a common neurological condition in German Shepherds that can cause mobility issues.

Because of their large chests, German Shepherds are also at risk of a dangerous condition called bloat, where the stomach fills with gas and twists.

That said, many German Shepherds live long lives without developing these conditions. Keeping them as healthy as possible with proper nutrition can help lower their risk of health problems.

 

The bottom line on German Shepherd nutrition

You’re setting your German Shepherd up for a long, healthy life by making sure their diet is complete and balanced.

Nature’s Menu raw meals can help you be confident your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients. We’ll tailor a plan to your dog’s unique needs and deliver it straight to your door.

 

FAQs about German Shepherd diets

What’s the worst food for German Shepherds?

In general, you should avoid artificial preservatives, colours, and fillers. Instead, choose natural, raw food containing simple, whole ingredients – minus any chemicals or sugars.

There are also a surprising number of foods that are poisonous for dogs, like avocado and macadamia nuts.

 

Do I need to buy breed-specific food for German Shepherds?

Some foods are marketed specifically for German Shepherds, but there’s no need to buy breed-specific food.

As larger dogs, though, it’s important they’re getting at least 22% protein and 8% fat at mealtime. Our raw food meals can help you achieve this balance.

 

Why is my German Shepherd always hungry?

A hearty appetite is a sign of good health, but if your dog is always ravenous, make some tweaks. They might do better with larger portion sizes or more nutritionally dense foods to keep them full.

Our Complete & Balanced 60/40 range contains raw meat with healthy parboiled brown rice to keep them satisfied for longer.

 

Should I make my German Shepherd homemade food?

It’s certainly a labour of love, but homemade dog food can be a good way to feed your pets a healthy diet. But, it can be challenging to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients and calories they need.

If homemade sounds good to you but you’re short on time, a Nature’s Menu meal plan can be a happy medium – you can personalise your dog’s diet down to every detail and have it delivered right to your door.

   
Try a personalised meal plan with high-quality raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.