If you’re the proud owner of a brand-new German Shepherd (GSD) puppy, you’re in for an amazing, frustrating, and exciting time! Obviously, a large part of owning any pet is finding them the right food so they can thrive—and they have to like it too. But there is so much dog food out there, and you may not have the time to research and shop!
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
We have compared the most popular foods by consumer feedback and written these reviews for the 10 best puppy foods for German Shepherd puppies. This way, you can just read, click, and buy. We hope that you’ll find just the right food for your growing puppy!
A Quick Glance at Our Favorite Choices in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food
Choice of bag sizes
Lamb as main protein source
Specific large breed puppy food for bone and joint health
Check Price
Best Value
Iams ProActive Health Smart Large Breed Puppy Food
DHA from omega-3 fatty acid
Has 22 key nutrients that puppies get from mother’s milk
Supports healthy joints, digestion, muscles, and brain development
Check Price
Premium Choice
Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food
Kibble the right size and texture for GSD puppies
Antioxidants, vitamin E, and fiber to aid digestion
Chondroitin and glucosamine for bone and joint health
Check Price
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
Complex carbs for energy
Natural source of glucosamine
DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development
Check Price
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food
Includes DHA, and ARA
Doesn’t contain by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
Kibble combined with bits full of nutrients and antioxidants
Check Price
The 10 Best Puppy Foods for German Shepherds
The best puppy food overall in our review is Diamond Natural Large Breed Puppy food. Offering pasture-raised lamb as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest rice for sensitive german shepherd tummies. Specially formulated for large breed puppies the calcium and phosphorus ratio ensures your pup will grow at the correct rate for good bone health. It contains pre and probiotics to help maintain gut health in your precious pup. With a focus on natural health this food contains blueberries, kale, spinach, oranges and coconut to name but a few of the sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Skin, coat, eye and brain health are supported with omega fatty acids. The choice of bag sizes and price point go in this food’s favour too. As with most foods some reviews commented that their pups weren’t keen to eat it.
Type: Dry
Flavor: Lamb and rice
Size: 6, 20 and 40 lbs.
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Check Price on Chewy
Pros
Specific large breed puppy food for bone and joint health
Lamb as main protein source
Good price
Choice of bag sizes
Cons
Some pups wouldn’t eat it
Some quality control issues reported
The best puppy food for the money is Iams ProActive Health Smart Large Breed Puppy Food. It’s well-priced and starts with real farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient, and it’s meant for large-breed puppies. It contains 22 essential nutrients that puppies get from their mother’s milk, including DHA derived from omega-3 fatty acid. This food is designed to support healthy muscles, joints, digestion, immune system, and brain development.
Specific large breed puppy food for bone and joint health
Lamb as main protein source
Good price
Choice of bag sizes
- Specific large breed puppy food for bone and joint health
- Lamb as main protein source
- Good price
- Choice of bag sizes
Some pups wouldn’t eat it
Some quality control issues reported
- Some pups wouldn’t eat it
- Some quality control issues reported
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Size: 15 or 30.6 lbs
Calories: 373 kcal/cup
The disadvantages of this food are that it contains artificial colors and it may cause stomach upset in some puppies if they are intolerant of chicken protein.
Pros
Well-priced
Main ingredient is farm-raised chicken
Has 22 key nutrients that puppies get from mother’s milk
DHA from omega-3 fatty acid
Supports healthy joints, digestion, muscles, and brain development
Cons
Contains artificial colors, animal by-products, grains, and corn
Might cause stomach upset
Royal Canin’s German Shepherd Puppy Food is a great pick because it’s food that has been specifically formulated for German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months of age! The kibble has been made with the perfect texture and size for your German Shepherd puppy’s teeth and mouth. It contains vitamin E and antioxidants for the immune system and specific fiber for aiding in digestion because GSDs sometimes struggle with poop issues. It also includes chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and bone health.
Well-priced
Main ingredient is farm-raised chicken
Has 22 key nutrients that puppies get from mother’s milk
DHA from omega-3 fatty acid
Supports healthy joints, digestion, muscles, and brain development
- Well-priced
- Main ingredient is farm-raised chicken
- Has 22 key nutrients that puppies get from mother’s milk
- DHA from omega-3 fatty acid
- Supports healthy joints, digestion, muscles, and brain development
Contains artificial colors, animal by-products, grains, and corn
Might cause stomach upset
- Contains artificial colors, animal by-products, grains, and corn
- Might cause stomach upset
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Size: Chicken
Calories: 331 kcal/cup
However, this food is expensive, and it contains chicken by-products, corn, and wheat which some people prefer not to feed although they are suitable for the vast majority of pups.
Pros
Made specifically for German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months
Kibble the right size and texture for GSD puppies
Antioxidants, vitamin E, and fiber to aid digestion
Chondroitin and glucosamine for bone and joint health
Cons
Expensive
Contains chicken by-products, corn, and wheat
Purina Pro Plan’s Large Breed Puppy Food is perfect for puppies that will weigh over 50 pounds when they grow into adults. The usual DHA from omega-3 fatty acid for eye and brain development is present, as are complex carbohydrates for energy. It contains live probiotics for both digestion and immune system support and a natural source of glucosamine.
Made specifically for German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months
Kibble the right size and texture for GSD puppies
Antioxidants, vitamin E, and fiber to aid digestion
Chondroitin and glucosamine for bone and joint health
- Made specifically for German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months
- Kibble the right size and texture for GSD puppies
- Antioxidants, vitamin E, and fiber to aid digestion
- Chondroitin and glucosamine for bone and joint health
Expensive
Contains chicken by-products, corn, and wheat
- Expensive
- Contains chicken by-products, corn, and wheat
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken and rice
Size: 18, 34, or 47 lbs
Calories: 419 kcal/cup
It does include animal by-products (as a source of glucosamine), grains and corn, and some puppies did experience stomach upset.
Pros
For puppies that will weigh over 50 lbs as adults
DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development
Complex carbs for energy
Natural source of glucosamine
Cons
Contains by-products, corn, and grain
Some puppies might have stomach upset
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food uses deboned chicken as the main ingredient, so it’s high in calories and protein. It has kibble mixed with LifeSource Bits, which are small nuggets of food full of nutrients and antioxidants. This food contains minerals, vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, as well as DHA and ARA for the eyes and brain development. It doesn’t have wheat, soy, corn or any animal by-products.
For puppies that will weigh over 50 lbs as adults
DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development
Complex carbs for energy
Natural source of glucosamine
- For puppies that will weigh over 50 lbs as adults
- DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development
- Complex carbs for energy
- Natural source of glucosamine
Contains by-products, corn, and grain
Some puppies might have stomach upset
- Contains by-products, corn, and grain
- Some puppies might have stomach upset
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken and brown rice
Size: 3, 6, 15, or 30 lbs
Calories: 400 kcal/cup
The issues with this food are that not all puppies seem to enjoy eating it, and it sometimes causes stomach upset.
Pros
Main ingredient is deboned chicken
Kibble combined with bits full of nutrients and antioxidants
Includes DHA and ARA
Doesn’t contain by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
Cons
Not all puppies enjoy it
Might cause stomach upset
Purina ONE’s SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Food has real chicken as the first and primary ingredient and includes things like rice, which is easy on a puppy’s stomach. It contains antioxidants, which include zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E for immune system support. The kibble is a combination of hard, crunchy bits and softer, tender morsels, which puppies will love to eat. It also has DHA and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin, and it doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives.
Main ingredient is deboned chicken
Kibble combined with bits full of nutrients and antioxidants
Includes DHA and ARA
Doesn’t contain by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
- Main ingredient is deboned chicken
- Kibble combined with bits full of nutrients and antioxidants
- Includes DHA and ARA
- Doesn’t contain by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
Not all puppies enjoy it
Might cause stomach upset
- Not all puppies enjoy it
- Might cause stomach upset
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Size: 16.5 or 31.1 lbs
Calories: 361 kcal/cup
This puppy food contains by-product meal, corn and grains, and the tender morsels can be inconsistent from bag to bag. Some bags have the regular amount, and others have almost none.
Pros
Real chicken is the main ingredient
Includes rice, which is gentle on the stomach
Zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E for the immune system
Hard, crunchy kibble combined with tender morsels
No artificial colors or preservatives
Cons
Contains by-product meal, corn, soybean, and grains if your dog is sensitive to these ingredients
Number of tender morsels in each bag is inconsistent
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food is made specifically for puppies that will weigh over 55 pounds as adults. It is designed to assist with the bone growth of larger breed puppies with the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus. It has vitamins E and C and antioxidants to support the immune system. It’s made in the U.S. and doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Real chicken is the main ingredient
Includes rice, which is gentle on the stomach
Zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E for the immune system
Hard, crunchy kibble combined with tender morsels
No artificial colors or preservatives
- Real chicken is the main ingredient
- Includes rice, which is gentle on the stomach
- Zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E for the immune system
- Hard, crunchy kibble combined with tender morsels
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Contains by-product meal, corn, soybean, and grains if your dog is sensitive to these ingredients
Number of tender morsels in each bag is inconsistent
- Contains by-product meal, corn, soybean, and grains if your dog is sensitive to these ingredients
- Number of tender morsels in each bag is inconsistent
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken meal and oats
Size: 15.5 or 30 lbs
Calories: 398 kcal/cup
The disadvantages are that it’s relatively expensive, and you might find that it smells bad. Also, some puppies become gassy and experience diarrhea after eating, and other puppies don’t enjoy this food.
Pros
Meant for puppies that will be over 55 pounds as adult dogs
Supports large breed puppy bone growth with calcium
Vitamins E, C, and antioxidants for the immune system
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Cons
Expensive
Food smells bad to some
Some puppies get diarrhea and gas
The main ingredients are roasted venison, lamb and water buffalo and bison that were pasture-raised and contain probiotics for a healthy gut. The kibble is small enough for those puppy teeth, and they contain omega-3 fatty acid for healthy skin and coat, which includes DHA for vision and brain development. This food also has dried chicory root with prebiotics and various ingredients, such as sweet potatoes and blueberries, that have antioxidants. Finally, it doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives or any grain, wheat, or corn.
Meant for puppies that will be over 55 pounds as adult dogs
Supports large breed puppy bone growth with calcium
Vitamins E, C, and antioxidants for the immune system
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Meant for puppies that will be over 55 pounds as adult dogs
- Supports large breed puppy bone growth with calcium
- Vitamins E, C, and antioxidants for the immune system
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Expensive
Food smells bad to some
Some puppies get diarrhea and gas
- Expensive
- Food smells bad to some
- Some puppies get diarrhea and gas
Type: Dry
Flavor: Bison and venison
Size: 5, 14, or 28 lbs
Calories: 415 kcal/cup
The flaws with this puppy food are that it’s relatively expensive, and it has an odor that not all people seem to appreciate. It is also high in pea and pea protein which are subject to ongoing investigation with relation to heart health.
Pros
Main ingredients are pasture-raised roasted water buffalo, lamb and venison
Contains probiotics for a healthy gut, as well as prebiotics
Small kibble size for small teeth
Has DHA from omega-3 fatty acid for brain, vision, skin, and coat health
Various ingredients that have antioxidants
Cons
A lot of different protein sources can be a problem for sensitive digestive systems
Not everyone likes the smell
Due to ongoing research into grain free diets some people prefer not to feed them
Not specifically a large breed puppy food
The Purina Pro Plan Development Canned Puppy Food is priced well and has chicken as the primary ingredient. Like many others, it has included DHA for vision and brain support and 23 essential minerals and vitamins that aid in overall health. It’s manufactured in a U.S. facility and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Main ingredients are pasture-raised roasted water buffalo, lamb and venison
Contains probiotics for a healthy gut, as well as prebiotics
Small kibble size for small teeth
Has DHA from omega-3 fatty acid for brain, vision, skin, and coat health
Various ingredients that have antioxidants
- Main ingredients are pasture-raised roasted water buffalo, lamb and venison
- Contains probiotics for a healthy gut, as well as prebiotics
- Small kibble size for small teeth
- Has DHA from omega-3 fatty acid for brain, vision, skin, and coat health
- Various ingredients that have antioxidants
A lot of different protein sources can be a problem for sensitive digestive systems
Not everyone likes the smell
Due to ongoing research into grain free diets some people prefer not to feed them
Not specifically a large breed puppy food
- A lot of different protein sources can be a problem for sensitive digestive systems
- Not everyone likes the smell
- Due to ongoing research into grain free diets some people prefer not to feed them
- Not specifically a large breed puppy food
Type: Wet
Flavor: Chicken and rice
Size: 13 oz cans x 12
Calories: 475 kcal/can
It did cause stomach upset in some puppies, so take time when transitioning foods. It has animal by-products and grains.
Pros
Good price
Includes DHA and 23 important vitamins and minerals
Made in the U.S.
No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors
Cons
Might cause stomach upset in some puppies
Need to feed a lot of cans, best as a topper
ORIJEN’s Large Puppy Food has wild-caught, free-run, or sustainably farmed poultry and fish as the first five ingredients. About 85% of the ingredients come from premium animal sources, making for a puppy food full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The kibble is also freeze-dried coated, which adds a tasty burst of flavor, and the food is all-natural.
Good price
Includes DHA and 23 important vitamins and minerals
Made in the U.S.
No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors
- Good price
- Includes DHA and 23 important vitamins and minerals
- Made in the U.S.
- No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors
Might cause stomach upset in some puppies
Need to feed a lot of cans, best as a topper
- Might cause stomach upset in some puppies
- Need to feed a lot of cans, best as a topper
Type: Dry
Flavor: Chicken, turkey, and fish
Size: 13 or 25 lbs
Calories: 451 kcal/cup
However, this puppy food is expensive, and it did cause some puppies to have an stomach upset (diarrhea being the most common symptom).
Pros
First five ingredients are wild-caught, sustainably farmed, or free-run poultry and fish
85% of ingredients come from premium animal sources
Freeze-dried coated for flavor
All-natural puppy food
Cons
Expensive
Might cause stomach upset
Foods high in legumes are subject of continued research into heart health
First five ingredients are wild-caught, sustainably farmed, or free-run poultry and fish
85% of ingredients come from premium animal sources
Freeze-dried coated for flavor
All-natural puppy food
- First five ingredients are wild-caught, sustainably farmed, or free-run poultry and fish
- 85% of ingredients come from premium animal sources
- Freeze-dried coated for flavor
- All-natural puppy food
Expensive
Might cause stomach upset
Foods high in legumes are subject of continued research into heart health
- Expensive
- Might cause stomach upset
- Foods high in legumes are subject of continued research into heart health
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies
Here are a few points that can help explain a few things when it comes to choosing a food for your German Shepherd puppy.
Calories
Puppy food is typically quite high in calories in order to keep up with a growing puppy’s energy needs. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up.
DHA
Most puppy food will have DHA listed as a special ingredient because it helps with the puppy’s brain and eye development. This is an essential element derived from the omega-3 fatty acids and supports the puppy’s central nervous system, and it will lead to stronger eye function and healthy brain development.
Minerals and Vitamins
Many of the ingredients in your puppy’s food will provide much of the necessary vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy puppy. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. The balance needs to be just right because you don’t want your large breed puppy to grow too quickly as it can lead to developmental bone problems. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount.
Conclusion
Our pick for the best overall puppy food is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food. The main ingredients are pasture-raised lamb with rice, and it contains probiotics for a healthy gut, and vitamins and minerals in the correct balance for a growing German Shepherd. Iams ProActive Health Smart Large Breed Puppy Food is well-priced and contains 22 essential nutrients that are commonly found in the puppy’s mother’s milk. Lastly, Royal Canin’s German Shepherd Puppy Food is expensive, but it’s a great pick because it’s been specifically made for German Shepherd puppies from 8 weeks to 15 months of age.
We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy.
Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock
