The health and well-being of a four-legged pet largely depends on the chosen feeding method. Manufacturers offer dry, wet and holistic feeds with different fillers with the necessary macro- and micronutrients. However, breeders argue that not all companies are responsible for the selection of ingredients. From this, the dogs' coat deteriorates, activity disappears, and allergies appear.

Relatively recently, holistic feed has appeared on the market. The main difference was immediately noticed by both amateurs and specialists - the high price. The cost is justified by the use of quality products and an integrated approach to diet creation. For example, the meat content reaches 50-80%. However, the feed does not have to be very expensive, the main thing is a balanced composition.

German shepherds, like other breeds, have structural features. For example, they have digestive problems due to their short gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, feed for this breed should be easy to digest and have a high calorie content. We have compiled a ranking of the best options based on the opinions of users and veterinarians. The balance, composition, nutrients were taken into account.

Top 10 best food for a shepherd dog

10 Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food For Large Breed

Opens the ranking of the most worthy Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food For Large Breed, designed for large dogs aged from one to 6 years. The manufacturer has released several flavors, balancing each version. According to him, the product restores cartilage tissue, stimulates the digestive system. With regular consumption, the food increases stamina and builds healthy bones. The composition contains Omega-3 and Omega-6, thanks to which the skin and coat are improved. Beet pulp acts as fiber. Carbohydrates regulate blood sugar levels.

Buyers say that pets are happy to eat food, there is no odor from the mouth. And others complain of allergies, because the composition contains chicken meat. The food is intended only for healthy dogs, it is not suitable for sensitive pets. It's a little strange that in packs with lamb and salmon flavors, chicken comes first. If rice is declared on the package, there will be corn for volume. The dosage must be followed exactly, otherwise the dog will start to get fat. The food is very nutritious, it contains a lot of protein.

9 Arden Grange Sensitive

Arden Grange Sensitive is specially formulated for adult dogs with digestive problems and sensitive skin. Instead of the usual cereals, the manufacturer added white fish, from which the pet gets fatty acids and proteins. High-quality protein is the main advantage of the product. Carbohydrates are represented by corn and rice, accounting for about 50% of the weight. The only source of lipids here is chicken fat. It is often used by manufacturers as it is easily absorbed and contains substances beneficial to the skin. Some people recommend food for aging dogs because of the vitamin complex for joints and ligaments.

Customers say that the pets love the product and do not give it up. Although the smell is very strong, fishy. The fiber is beet pulp, which improves digestion. Although it does not boast nutritional benefits, it is more often added to reduce the cost. A more serious reason why we did not put the food higher is chicken digest in the composition. Veterinarians consider it to be a low-quality offal. Because of it, the wool can become dull, it is better to give vitamins with food.

8 Orijen Adult Dog

Orijen Adult Dog caught our attention with its excellent composition: 80% given to boneless meat, fish and liver. It also contains legumes, dried vegetables, whole eggs, fruits and herbs. The manufacturer has added trace elements and vitamins to maintain health. The strong pellets will clear the mouth and tongue of the German Shepherd. Breeders say that pets gobble up the food with pleasure. But people are scared off by the strong smell of fish.The unpleasant aroma is compensated by the high protein content - as much as 38%, the feed is very nutritious. Although the debate about the benefits of a high-protein diet has been going on for many years, some do not accept it.

Buyers in reviews say that the German Shepherd can only be fed with this product, it will remain strong, healthy and active. Some warn that after switching from a cheaper food, the dog can be picky because there are no flavors in the composition. Not happy with the cost, although the product is consumed slowly. The high content of legumes sometimes affects gas production. There is much more fiber in the composition than in other feeds, so the load on the stomach increases.

7 BRIT Premium Adult L

BRIT Premium Adult L is a premium non-holistic dry food with a high meat content. It is suitable for the daily diet of an adult dog, rice, corn and dried fruits are used as carbohydrates. The composition also contains fat and flour from chicken meat. The manufacturer has added essential vitamins (zinc, copper) to maintain the health of the animal. Veterinarians claim that this product has everything you need for a complete diet. Buyers in reviews say that pets are becoming more active, the coat begins to shine. The food practically does not smell. The breeders say that if a strange fish aroma comes from BRIT, the storage conditions have been violated.

A pleasant bonus is the availability of the product in most supermarkets, it is much cheaper than the leaders of the rating. BRIT seems to be very dry to some, but this consistency is great for shepherd dogs. The pack is a little depressing, it was on it that the manufacturer saved. The bag has no clamps, the material itself is very flimsy. Individual intolerance to the ingredients is possible due to chicken flour. Most often it is manifested by strong breath.

6 Proseries Holistic hypoallergenic

We considered one of the best Proseries Holistic hypoallergenic, where anchovies and herring act as protein, not chicken. Complex carbohydrates are also enough: rice, barley and oats. It is free from popular allergens such as soy, poultry, wheat, corn and eggs. The manufacturer added chondroprotectors to support joint health. The packaging says that the pet's coat and skin will get better, the allergy symptoms will go away. A similar food is available from the Acana company, which we will talk about below, but it costs 1.5 thousand rubles more. Dogs eat this mixture with pleasure, breeders note that itching disappears, bald patches are overgrown. Large granules are suitable for adult pets, but the product is not suitable for puppies.

Buyers say that the food contains everything for a complete nutrition of shepherd dogs from adolescence to old age. Cereals that cause bloating have been replaced with vegetables. Energy is supplied by saturated amino acids. The composition also contains medicinal herbs that improve the microflora. Of the minuses, reviews note a very strong smell of fish, it repels some dogs. Finding food in pet stores is difficult. For healthy dogs without allergies, there are more affordable, but equally high quality alternatives.

5 HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet L / D Canine Hepatic Health Dry

HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet L / D Canine Hepatic Health Dry deserves to be on the list of the best thanks to its unique healing formula. Dry food is suitable for dogs with liver and urolithiasis problems. The manufacturer has added vitamins and minerals to support the vital organs of the animal. It is recommended by veterinarians after surgery. The main feature is to relieve stress on the liver and digestive tract. In addition, it provides enough energy for the pet's body to recover.

Buyers warn that there is no need to feed anything else while using this product, there are already enough vitamins. It is advised to give it for six months, then take a break for 4-5 months. The food has a very faint odor, calm and quiet. It suits the most fastidious animals who refuse to swallow the medicine.However, the product is still medicinal, many recommend contacting a veterinarian and getting approval. He has contraindications. There is less protein in the composition than in other feeds, this is also important to consider.

4 GO! Daily defense lamb dog recipe

GO! The Daily Defense Lamb Dog Recipe made it to the list of the best thanks to a thoughtful formula that is suitable for both adult dogs and puppies. It is based on protein-rich lamb meat. It is supplemented by carbohydrates from oatmeal and brown rice. Dried vegetables and fruits support the immune system. The manufacturer claims that if you feed your pet with this product, he will receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Dry food is designed to improve health and cardiovascular health. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen teeth and bones. Probiotics protect the poor digestion of German Shepherds. Omega-3 takes care of the skin and coat.

Buyers note the convenient packaging: just pull the top and then close it with Velcro. The product smells weak, the aromas remain in the package. Many people note the size of the granules suitable for shepherd dogs, cleaning the teeth and tongue. They are round and flat; when soaked, they are suitable for puppies. The reviews mention an improvement in the appearance of the pet, the coat becomes thicker, shines. The food does not cause allergies, the animals do not have rashes. But the granules are very dusty, there are a lot of crumbs in the bag. Some dogs don't like the taste because there are no amplifiers here.

3 Barking Heads golden years

Opens the top three Barking Heads golden years, designed for older dogs. The composition includes trout, chicken fillet, rice, peas, potatoes, seaweed, vegetables and fruits. The manufacturer added cranberries to maintain urine pH, prevent cystitis and urolithiasis. Vitamins protect joints, L-carnitine and probiotics make your pet more active. There are several flavors to choose from, each option is balanced, enriched with minerals. The Barking Heads company is deservedly considered one of the best producers of dry food, it is close to the natural diet. One bag contains granules of different shapes for cleaning teeth and tongue.

Buyers say that the product is available both in dry form and as canned food, but only the first is sold in Russian stores. The feed is 85% meat, this result cannot be surpassed by competitors. Many people note a well-thought-out recipe, the composition contains vitamins for joints and the brain. Shepherd owners say that the dog eats with pleasure. The only negative is the presence of legumes and potatoes, which replace cheap cereals. If your dog starts to get fat, you can move him to the chicken and brown rice slimming line.

2 Grandorf Natural & Healthy

On one of the highest places is Grandorf Natural & Healthy, which contains several types of meat: poultry, rabbit, veal, fish. There is no chicken, so dry food is suitable for pets with allergies. Rice is used as complex carbohydrates. Vitamin complexes are completely natural. The grower added Antarctic krill, a small crustacean that is superior to corn. No dyes, preservatives or cheap fillers. The company relied on feedback from veterinarians and breeders to create a product to keep the pet active and cheerful.

Buyers note that the feed saturates, provides the necessary trace elements and nutrients. It fights against the main problem of German Shepherds - poor digestion, and also prevents the development of urolithiasis. Buyers note high-quality meat in the composition, as much as 70% of it is here. Saturation occurs faster than eating less nutritious foods. Many people note the convenient packaging with a lock that protects the feed from weathering. The only drawback is the lack of free sale, the product is available only in online stores.

1 Acana Adult Dog

In the first place among the best, we put the popular Acana Adult Dog food, which contains 55% meat, including salmon and chicken fillets. The manufacturer says that the poultry was raised without the use of antibiotics and hormones, so there is no risk of skin irritation.The carbohydrates are brown rice, oats and peas, the sugar content is minimal. The health of the German Shepherd is supported by fruits and vegetables, berries, algae and a vitamin and mineral supplement. According to the company, if you regularly feed the dog with this product, it will become more active, the coat will shine. And when the taste becomes boring, you can choose another from a wide range. Packages differ in color depending on the composition, there are both small and large packs.

Buyers say that although dry food is more expensive than many analogues, it justifies its cost. The consumption is quite large, the pack is convenient to use. There is a label on the package that opens the food. And the clasp will not let the already opened tutu disappear. Many in the reviews talk about large granules that clean the teeth. The absence of an aggressive smell pleases, the liver is slightly felt. The product is available in stores in major cities and online.