The best food for a shepherd

German, Caucasian, East European Shepherd Dogs need special nutrition with a sufficient content of proteins, carbohydrates, fats. Ideally, the diet should be designed specifically for this breed, but there are few such products on the market. Therefore, the rating includes the mixtures most suitable for this dog. The TOP of the best food for a shepherd dog offers safe, tasty, healthy dry compositions for puppies, adults and older dogs. Before deciding on a specific option, you should familiarize yourself with all their advantages and disadvantages.

Shepherd feed rating

To form the TOP, 20 applicants were identified in 3 areas: food for puppies, adults and seniors. For each nomination, safety, effectiveness, taste, versatility, and health benefits were taken into account.

As a result, the review was compiled taking into account the following characteristics:

• A type - wet or dry;
• Pet age - puppy, adult, elderly;
• Composition and absence of harmful ingredients in it;
• The amount and balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates;
• The 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 rate;
• Granule size.

For the preparation of the TOP, the reaction of the shepherd dogs and the development of feed specifically for this breed were important. We paid attention to the behavior of animals - appetite, increased need for water, habituation, ease of switching to another diet. Also, the priority was the optimal ratio of price and quality of products.

Shepherd puppy food

A puppy means a shepherd dog not older than 1 year. She needs food with a high content of proteins, which are necessary for the formation of bones, strengthening the immune system, and maintaining normal energy levels. These tasks are adequately dealt with by the products selected by experts from expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ on the basis of efficiency, good taste, and safety.

Royal Canin for bone and joint health

A dry blend specially formulated to strengthen joints and bones in dogs. It is designed specifically for feeding puppies German Shepherds under 1 year old and created with their needs in mind. The basis of the garnish is cereals (rice), which provide enough energy for the growing body. The product is suitable for sensitive digestion due to its mild effect on the stomach, but it is not curative.

Royal Canin's diet is high in protein (30%), which allows your puppy to gain weight faster and strengthen muscles. Due to the presence of fats (16%) and carbohydrates, it is caloric. There are 3940 kcal per 1 kg, thanks to which the pet stays vigorous throughout the entire period of growing up. The nutritional value of dry food for the German Shepherd is high - it accounts for 6.6% of minerals and 2.8% of fiber. This distribution prevents him from gaining excess body weight.

Advantages:

• Includes clean poultry;
• Saturates the body with chondroitin to strengthen the joints;
• Increases immunity;
• The pet eats it with pleasure;
• Nice smell.

Disadvantages:

• Contains animal and fish oils.

In the reviews, they note that the food does not bother puppies for a long time due to its varied composition. The mixture includes egg powder, psyllium seeds, yeast extract and a number of other natural ingredients.

All puppies

The complete food "All Puppies" 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 excludes selective eating. To obtain the required amount of energy, cereals are introduced into the composition, and fish by-products, fish, vegetables, oils will help to ensure the supply of vitamins and minerals to the body.

The formula is based on cereals, without which a young organism cannot function fully. For normal growth, he needs protein, the source of which is meat. Such a variety of components led to a fairly high calorie content of the composition - 363 kcal per 100 g. Due to this, the pet will not feel a breakdown. The product is available in two packages - 2.2 and 20 kg.

Advantages:

• Improves appetite;
• Doesn't worsen stool;
• Has a positive effect on digestion;
• Accelerates the process of gaining body weight;
• A large amount of vitamins.

Disadvantages:

• 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 useful substances.

Blitz Puppy Lamb & Rice All Breeds dry

Dry food intended for puppies of dogs of all breeds - small, medium, large. It can be given up to 1 year of age. The product is suitable for pets with sensitive digestion, but is not holistic. The composition has a pronounced turkey / lamb flavor due to its high meat content. Thanks to this, the animal eats up quickly and does not require additional portions.

Blitz Puppy Lamb & Rice All Breeds dry included dried apple, beet pulp, corn to diversify the diet and strengthen the immune system. Dry food for German Shepherd puppies and not only improves intestinal function due to the content of live microorganisms, probiotics. 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 tired and does not increase thirst.

Advantages:

• Improves the condition of the coat;
• Does not lose its smell during storage;
• The optimal calorie content is 393 kcal per 100 g;
• Not large granules;
• A small portion is enough for saturation.

Disadvantages:

• Not low cost;
• When buying 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 feed rate varies between 58-328 g, depending on the age of the puppy.

Food for an adult shepherd

An adult dog no longer needs active growth. Therefore, the use of feed with a reduced protein content is allowed. To avoid obesity, formulations with a moderate percentage of fat are needed. Two options, analyzed by the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ team, correspond to just such parameters.

Eukanuba Breed Specific for Skin & Coat Health

Dry food, which is included in the diet after the shepherd 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 to reduce residues and consumption. The animal reacts with appetite to Eukanuba Breed Specific due to its strong chicken smell and neat appearance.

The diet is tailored to the needs of German Shepherds. It is designed to improve hair and skin health and oral cavity 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 without getting fat. Dietary fiber normalizes digestion and restores bowel function.

Advantages:

• A small portion - from 290 to 430 g with a weight of 26-44 kg;
• A variety of minerals - selenium, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, manganese;
• Don't need to feed often;
• Special additives improve taste;
• It looks appetizing.

Disadvantages:

• Contains wheat flour;
• There is only poultry for meat.

In the reviews, veterinarians note that the coat in dogs improves after 1-2 months of using the product - its volume visually increases and the color becomes brighter. It is not uncommon for an animal to ask for supplements.

Our Brand is hypoallergenic with lamb and rice

This food is 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 after prolonged use and, if necessary, can be replaced without any problems.

Nutrition "Nasha Marka" is hypoallergenic, although it contains wheat. It does not cause disturbances in the intestines and other organs due to its mild effect. This is possible due to the natural composition, which also includes corn, lamb liver, poultry flour, beet pulp, rice. Additionally, the diet is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen immunity and protect against diseases.

Advantages:

• Pleasant chicken and lamb taste;
• Does not cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• Quickly satisfies hunger;
• The optimal calorie content is 3340 kcal / kg;
• Good fineness.

Disadvantages:

• 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.

Food for an elderly shepherd

A moderate intake of fat and carbohydrates is important for the elderly because they do not need an increased amount of energy. For this purpose, compositions with an optimal balance of meat, vegetables, fruits and berries are recommended for use. 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, and older shepherd dogs after 7 years. It is not heavy on the stomach and is easily digested due to the lack of wheat, rice and corn in the composition. Useful substances 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, maintenance of water balance, and energy production. Additionally, the mixture is enriched with herbs, vegetables and fruits to improve immunity.

Advantages:

• Doesn't allow you to get better;
• Small portions;
• Expiration date - 18 months from the date of production;
• Smells like meat;
• Virtually does not increase the need for water.

Disadvantages:

• Sold in only one package weighing 12 kg;
• The package has no lock.

The daily norm of Canagan GF Country Game all breeds is from 75 to 360 g with 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 skin and coat health

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 full functioning of the body. The composition contains fiber, which is useful 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 content of the poultry, it has a meaty taste that a pet usually likes. When stored in a closed container, the aroma will not disappear. The product strengthens joints and bones due to the presence of a hydrolyzate in the composition. The food is recommended for adult animals over 1 year old and elderly animals.

Advantages:

• Same granule size;
• Gives shine to the coat;
• The dog eats with pleasure;
• Convenient packaging;
• Appetizing view.

Disadvantages:

• There are no small packages on sale.

The manufacturer offers packages of 3, 11, 12, 16 and 22 kg. If you buy more, you will be able to save a little.

How to choose food for a shepherd dog

The main requirement is pellets of the same size, otherwise the dog will selectively eat the ones he likes most. Also, the mixture should look appetizing and have a pleasant meaty aroma that will attract the pet. Sheepdog is a guard animal that needs a lot of energy. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a composition with a high percentage of carbohydrates.

A type

Most often, shepherd dogs of any variety - Caucasian, German, Eastern European, buy dry mixes based on beef, chicken, turkey and other poultry. Canned food is wasted and increases the burden on the budget. But often it is they who are medicinal, that is, holistic, which are introduced into the diet in order to improve the health of the pet.

Age

For puppies under 1 year old, it is recommended to give compositions with an increased protein content (from 30%), which satisfy the increased energy requirements. They also help the pet to 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 immunity, 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 formulas with low carbohydrate content. This means that the amount of cereals - rice, corn, wheat - should be minimized or completely excluded. Also, elderly individuals are susceptible to irritation and other side reactions, therefore, it is required 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 curative. To eliminate certain diseases through nutrition, holistics will be required.

Main ingredient

Meat should be used as the main ingredient, which is a source of healthy proteins. Its source can be chicken, turkey, beef. Keeping fish and crayfish is also allowed. It is best if it is not flour, which loses some of its valuable substances during processing. The liver is also relevant.

Packaging

The most convenient packaging is considered to be a kraft or regular zip-lock bag. 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 useful properties of the feed are preserved.

What is the best food for a shepherd

It is necessary to buy a product that is suitable for a shepherd dog in terms of age and health needs - impaired digestion, problem joints, etc. Also, with a sensitive stomach and a tendency to irritation, it is recommended to purchase hypoallergenic compositions. They are also relevant for elderly 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 mark.
• All Puppies are a good choice for dogs under 1 year of age who need more energy. It is based on meat that promotes normal growth.
• In case of sensitive digestion, disturbed work of the stomach and intestines, the most logical choice would be to buy Blitz Puppy Lamb & Rice All Breeds dry with probiotic content.
• If an adult “German” has a coat that sheds heavily, rolls down and loses its shine, then a good decision would be to purchase an Eukanuba Breed Specific with a pronounced chicken smell.
• In the case of an allergy in a dog over 1 year old, a product from Nasha Marka with rice and lamb is relevant. It has a gentle effect on the stomach and does not cause side reactions.
• An elderly dog ​​with a slow metabolism can be given Canagan GF Country Game all breeds, which is well digested, does not cause nausea and heaviness in the stomach.
• If a pet over 7 years old has a dull coat, then the Royal Canin diet will be just right, maintaining its shine and density.

When choosing a food for a shepherd dog, 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 description and instructions of the manufacturers, which always inform about the purpose of the formulations.