Best Dog Food for German shepherds of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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When it comes to feeding a German shepherd, it's important to choose a high-quality dog food that meets their unique nutritional needs. Look for a formula that is high in protein to support their active lifestyle and muscle development, as well as healthy fats to maintain their skin and coat. Many German shepherds also have sensitive stomachs, so a grain-free or limited ingredient diet may be necessary. Some popular options for German shepherd dog food include brands like Royal Canin, Taste of the Wild, and Blue Buffalo. Always consult with a veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog's diet.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food Cover #TOP 1
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food Cover #TOP 2
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Large Breed Adult 6+ Senior Cover #TOP 3
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Large Breed Adult 6+ Senior
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 9 Dog Food for German shepherds

#TOP 1

Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food

520830
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food, 30 lb bag

Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food is designed for purebred German Shepherds aged 15 months and up. The kibble's unique shape encourages chewing and promotes healthy digestion with highly digestible proteins and specific fibers. EPA and DHA from fish oil support healthy skin and coat while essential nutrients reinforce the skin barrier. Glucosamine and chondroitin maintain bone and joint health and support large breed bodies.

What We Like
Formulated specifically for purebred German Shepherds
Promotes healthy digestion and optimal stool quality
Supports healthy skin and coat with EPA and DHA from fish oil
Maintains bone and joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin
#TOP 2

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food Cover
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dry Dog Food for All Life Stages, Made with High Protein from Real Lamb and Guaranteed Nutrients And Probiotics 28lb

Taste of the Wild Lamb Dog Food is a nutrient-rich dry dog food that provides the energy to thrive. Real lamb is the #1 ingredient, providing 25% protein to help support bones, joints, and lean muscles. This dog food also contains vitamins and minerals from superfoods, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and high levels of species-specific, K9 Strain proprietary probiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health and wellness. Made in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources, Taste of the Wild Lamb Dog Food is a great choice for any life stage of your canine companion.

What We Like
Real lamb #1 ingredient
25% protein for lean muscles
Superfoods for vitamins and minerals
#TOP 3

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Large Breed Adult 6+ Senior

Hill's
2044
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Large Breed Adult 6+ Senior Cover
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Chicken Meal Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Large Breed Dry Dog Food 33 lbs.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a perfect choice for large-breed dogs. It is made with easily digestible ingredients to support energy levels, promote joint health, nourish skin, and promote a shiny coat. The balanced set of minerals helps to promote heart and kidney health in big dogs. The product is made in the USA with global ingredients to provide the best quality. It is also the #1 veterinarian-recommended dog food for large-breed adult dogs.

What We Like
The product supports energy levels in large-breed dogs.
It promotes joint health with natural sources of glucosamine & chondroitin.
The balanced set of minerals promotes heart and kidney health in large dogs.
The Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E nourish your big dog's skin and support a shiny coat.
It is made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust and is the #1 veterinarian-recommended dog food for large-breed adult dogs.
#TOP 4

Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food

418003
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. bag

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated for purebred German Shepherd puppies aged 8 weeks to 15 months. The kibble shape is designed to encourage chewing, which is important for the breed's long and strong muzzle. The food contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants for healthy immune system development, highly digestible proteins and specific fibers for optimal digestion and stool quality, and glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health.

What We Like
Formulated for purebred German Shepherds
Specialized shape to encourage chewing
Contains antioxidants for healthy immune system development
Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers for optimal digestion and stool quality
Glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health
#TOP 5

Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet

7-53182-95286-4
Dark Brown
Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet Cover
Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet Made in USA [Natural Dry Dog Food] - 28lbs, Dark Brown, Medium

Best Breed German Dog Diet is a natural dry dog food formulated by a veterinarian, Dr. Gary Cotton, who aimed to provide holistic nutrition for dogs and cats. This dog food is specially formulated for German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. It is enriched with taurine, which is beneficial for your dog's digestion. The blend of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to keep the large breed dog's sensitive digestive system active and healthy. Also, the food contains New Zealand Green-Lipped Sea Mussel, which is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin that supports proper joint and connective tissue health. This dog food is made in Ohio, using a unique, slow-cooking process to ensure easy digestion and optimum nutrient absorption. It contains no corn, wheat, or by-product meals, only natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals.

What We Like
Veterinarian developed
Specially formulated for digestive health
Natural joint care
#TOP 6

Royal Canin German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food

42355
Royal Canin German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food Cover
Royal Canin German Shepherd Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food, 13.5 oz can (12-count)

Royal Canin German Shepherd Canned Dog Food is specially formulated for purebred German Shepherds aged 15 months and older. This tasty paté in sauce appeals to a German Shepherd's appetite. It contains specific B vitamins and amino acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels great. The added glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain bone and joint health, which is especially important for large breed dogs. You can feed this canned dog food as a complete and balanced diet or mix it with Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food for added variety and nutrition.

What We Like
Formulated for purebred German Shepherds
Tasty paté in sauce
Supports healthy skin and coat
#TOP 7

Royal Canin German Shepherd 5+ Dry Food

141630
Royal Canin German Shepherd 5+ Dry Food Cover
Royal Canin® Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food, 28 lb

Royal Canin German Shepherd Food is specially formulated for senior German Shepherds aged five and older. It includes vital nutrients like collagen, EPA, and DHA to support joint and bone health as your dog ages. This food also features a lower phosphorus level to promote kidney health, making it ideal for your mature pet. The kibble is designed for the unique shape of a German Shepherd's mouth, and can be softened with water for easier chewing. Additionally, it includes a blend of fibers and proteins that aid in digestion, ensuring your dog has optimal stool quality.

What We Like
Supports joint and bone health
Promotes kidney health
Easy-to-chew kibble
Aids digestive health
#TOP 8

Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet - 13lbs

7-53182-95266-6
Dark Brown
Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet - 13lbs Cover
Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet Made in USA [Natural Dry Dog Food]- 13lbs, Dark Brown

Best Breed Dr. Gary's German Dog Diet is a dry dog food formulated by a veterinarian with a synergistic blend of soluble and insoluble fiber to promote digestive health. It is enriched with taurine for heart health and New Zealand Green-Lipped Sea Mussel for joint and connective tissue health. Made with all-natural ingredients cooked to perfection, this dog food is easy to digest and absorb nutrients. The food is EU-approved and contains no corn, wheat, or by-product meals. It is excellent for German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans.

What We Like
Veterinarian-developed holistic nutrition
Specially formulated for digestive health
Natural joint care from New Zealand Green-Lipped Sea Mussel
All-natural ingredients cooked to perfection
No corn, wheat, or by-product meals
#TOP 9

Best Breed German Dog Diet

7-53182-95250-5
Dark Brown
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Best Breed German Dog Diet Cover
Best Breed German Dog Diet Made in USA [Natural Dry Dog Food]- 4lbs

Best Breed German Dog Diet is a veterinarian developed holistic dry dog food formulated for German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. It is specially designed to promote digestive health and contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber to keep your large breed dog's sensitive digestive system active and healthy. Enriched with taurine, this dog food also supports joint and connective tissue health with the inclusion of New Zealand Green-Lipped Sea Mussel, a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Made in Ohio, Best Breed formulas are cooked to perfection using a unique slow-cooking process to ensure easy digestion and optimum nutrient absorption. With natural ingredients and no corn, wheat, or by-product meals, Best Breed German Dog Diet provides the nutrition your dog needs for a healthy and happy life.

What We Like
Veterinarian developed holistic nutrition
Specially formulated for digestive health
Natural joint care
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do German Shepherds need special food?

But like with all other breeds, they require a high-quality food (as well as plenty of exercise and proper veterinary care) to enjoy a long and healthy life. Read further for our guide on what to look for in a quality dog food for GSDs, or check out our quick guide below on the top German Shepherd dog foods!

2. Is Blue Buffalo dog food good for German Shepherds?

Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Wilderness Blue Buffalo is the best GSD dog food. It has the perfect ingredients for large dog breeds like the German Shepherd, particularly for those with food allergies.

3. What should I not feed my German Shepherd?

Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Peaches, pears, apples and other fruits that contain pits or seeds that are dangerous for your German Shepherd. The fruits themselves are completely safe, but the seeds contain cyanide.

Editor's Notes

During our dog food for german shepherds research, we found 25 dog food for german shepherds products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 146,345 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dog food for german shepherds list. We found that most customers choose dog food for german shepherds with an average price of $55.12.

The dog food for german shepherds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dog food for german shepherds, including Royal Canin, Taste of the Wild, Hill's, Best Breed. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.