German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and energetic dogs that need a balanced and nutritious diet to thrive. However, not all dog foods are suitable for this breed, and some can even be harmful or toxic. In this article, we will help you avoid the worst dog food for German Shepherds in 2023 and give you some tips on how to choose the best one.

What Makes Dog Food Bad for German Shepherds?

There are several factors that can make a dog food bad for German Shepherds, such as:

• Low-quality ingredients: Some dog foods use cheap fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that can cause allergies, digestive issues, or health problems in German Shepherds.

• Inappropriate protein and fat levels: German Shepherds need a high-protein and moderate-fat diet to support their muscle mass, metabolism, and energy levels. Dog foods that are too low or too high in protein or fat can lead to obesity, malnutrition, or kidney disease in German Shepherds.

• Lack of essential nutrients: German Shepherds need a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to maintain their immune system, skin, coat, joints, and overall health. Dog foods that are deficient in these nutrients can cause deficiencies, infections, or diseases in German Shepherds.

• Toxic or harmful ingredients: Some dog foods contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful for German Shepherds, such as chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocado, bones, yeast dough, moldy food, or raw potatoes. These ingredients can cause vomiting, diarrhea, poisoning, or even death in German Shepherds.

What Are the Worst Dog Foods for German Shepherds?

Based on our research and reviews from other sources, here are some of the worst dog foods for German Shepherds that you should avoid in 2023:

• Purina Dog Food: This popular brand is one of the worst offenders when it comes to German Shepherd dog food. It uses low-quality ingredients, such as corn, wheat, soy, animal by-products, and artificial additives that can cause allergies, inflammation, or obesity in German Shepherds. It also has low protein and high carbohydrate content that can lead to malnutrition or diabetes in German Shepherds.

• Pedigree Dog Food: This is another low-quality dog food that uses cheap fillers, by-products, and artificial colors and flavors that can harm your German Shepherd’s health. It also has low protein and high fat content that can cause weight gain or kidney problems in German Shepherds.

• Gravy Train Dog Food: This dog food is loaded with artificial flavors and colors that can cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in German Shepherds. It also has low protein and high salt content that can dehydrate or damage your German Shepherd’s kidneys.

• Golden Rewards Dog Food: This dog food is made with chicken jerky from China that has been linked to cases of kidney failure and death in dogs. It also contains glycerin and propylene glycol that can cause vomiting or diarrhea in German Shepherds.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for German Shepherds?

To choose the best dog food for your German Shepherd in 2023, you should look for the following features:

• High-quality ingredients: The best dog food for German Shepherds should use natural, wholesome, and human-grade ingredients that are sourced from reputable suppliers. It should avoid any fillers, by-products, artificial additives, or toxic ingredients that can harm your German Shepherd’s health.

• Appropriate protein and fat levels: The best dog food for German Shepherds should have a protein content of at least 22% and a fat content of 12-18%. It should use high-quality animal proteins, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish, as the first ingredient. It should also have a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support your German Shepherd’s skin, coat, and joints.

• Essential nutrients: The best dog food for German Shepherds should have a complete and balanced profile of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and probiotics to support your German Shepherd’s immune system, digestion, and overall health. It should also have glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent or treat hip dysplasia, a common condition in German Shepherds.

• Suitable for your German Shepherd’s age, size, and activity level: The best dog food for German Shepherds should match your German Shepherd’s life stage, weight, and energy needs. It should have different formulas for puppies, adults, seniors, large breeds, or active dogs. It should also have appropriate kibble size and shape to suit your German Shepherd’s mouth and teeth.

What Are the Best Dog Foods for German Shepherds?

Based on our research and reviews from other sources , here are some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds that you can buy in 2023:

• Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog Food: This is one of the best dog foods for German Shepherds that is specially designed for this breed. It has high-quality chicken and rice as the main ingredients, along with a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin to support your German Shepherd’s joints and a kibble shape that is easy to chew and digest.

• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food: This is another great dog food for German Shepherds that uses natural and grain-free ingredients. It has buffalo, lamb, chicken, and fish as the main protein sources, along with fruits, vegetables, and herbs as the main carbohydrate sources. It also has probiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to boost your German Shepherd’s health.

• Orijen Original Dog Food: This is a premium dog food for German Shepherds that uses fresh and raw ingredients that are biologically appropriate for dogs. It has 85% animal ingredients and 15% plant ingredients that mimic the diet of wild dogs. It also has a high protein content of 38% and a low carbohydrate content of 19% that can satisfy your German Shepherd’s appetite and energy needs.

• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Dog Food: This is a high-quality dog food for German Shepherds that uses natural and grain-free ingredients. It has beef, bison, lamb, and venison as the main protein sources, along with peas, potatoes, and flaxseed as the main carbohydrate sources. It also has vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to support your German Shepherd’s health.

Conclusion

German Shepherds are amazing dogs that deserve the best dog food possible. By avoiding the worst dog food for German Shepherds in 2023 and choosing the best one, you can ensure your German Shepherd’s health, happiness, and longevity. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision and find the best dog food for your German Shepherd.