German Shepherds are one of the UK’s most beloved breeds – intelligent, loyal, and incredibly active. But these magnificent dogs have specific nutritional needs that standard dog food often doesn’t address.
From their notorious sensitive stomachs to joint health concerns, feeding a German Shepherd properly makes a real difference to their quality of life. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right food for your GSD.
Quick Picks: Best German Shepherd Dog Food UK 2026
| Food | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orijen Original | Overall nutrition | ££££ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Royal Canin German Shepherd | Breed-specific | £££ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Butternut Box | Fresh food | ££££ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Forthglade Complete | Sensitive stomachs | ££ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Harringtons Complete | Budget-friendly | £ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Understanding German Shepherd Nutritional Needs
German Shepherds aren’t just big dogs – they’re athletes. Originally bred for herding and protection work, GSDs have high energy requirements and specific health considerations.
Key Nutritional Requirements
High-Quality Protein (22-26%) German Shepherds need protein for muscle maintenance and energy. Look for foods where real meat (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) is the first ingredient – not “meat meal” or vague “animal derivatives.”
Moderate Fat (12-15%) Fat provides concentrated energy, but too much can lead to weight gain. German Shepherds are prone to hip problems, and excess weight makes this worse.
Joint Support This breed is unfortunately susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. Foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin help support joint health throughout their life.
Digestible Ingredients GSDs are notorious for sensitive stomachs. Many suffer from digestive issues, so easily digestible proteins and limited ingredients often work best.
Omega Fatty Acids These support the German Shepherd’s thick double coat and promote healthy skin. Fish oil is an excellent source.
Best Dog Food for German Shepherds: Our Top Picks
1. Orijen Original – Best Overall
Why We Love It: Orijen follows a “biologically appropriate” philosophy, packing their food with high-quality animal proteins. With 85% animal ingredients and 38% protein, it mirrors what dogs would eat naturally.
Key Features:
- Fresh chicken, turkey, eggs, and wild-caught fish
- Whole prey ratios (including organs and cartilage)
- No grains, potatoes, or plant protein concentrates
- Added glucosamine for joint support
- Made in Champion Petfoods’ award-winning kitchens
Best For: Active adult German Shepherds who thrive on high-protein diets.
Price: ££££ (Premium)
2. Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult – Best Breed-Specific
Why We Love It: Royal Canin has developed this formula specifically for German Shepherds over 15 months old. The kibble shape is designed for the GSD’s elongated jaw, encouraging proper chewing.
Key Features:
- Tailored kibble shape for German Shepherd muzzle
- Highly digestible proteins (L.I.P.) for sensitive stomachs
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
- EPA and DHA for skin and coat health
- Helps maintain ideal weight
Best For: German Shepherds with digestive sensitivities who need breed-optimised nutrition.
Price: £££ (Mid-Premium)
3. Butternut Box – Best Fresh Food
Why We Love It: Fresh, human-grade dog food delivered to your door. Butternut Box creates personalised meal plans based on your German Shepherd’s age, weight, and activity level.
Key Features:
- Gently cooked, fresh ingredients
- Personalised portions prevent overfeeding
- No artificial preservatives or fillers
- Excellent for picky eaters
- Veterinary nutritionist formulated
Best For: Owners who want the best nutrition and don’t mind the premium price.
Price: ££££ (Premium subscription)
4. Forthglade Complete – Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Why We Love It: British-made with simple, natural ingredients. Forthglade uses a single protein source per recipe, making it ideal for German Shepherds with food sensitivities.
Key Features:
- Single protein source (great for elimination diets)
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Grain-free options available
- Made in Devon, UK
- Affordable for quality ingredients
Best For: German Shepherds with allergies or digestive issues.
Price: ££ (Mid-range)
5. Harringtons Complete – Best Budget Option
Why We Love It: Not everyone can afford premium food, and that’s okay. Harringtons offers decent nutrition at a fraction of the price, with real meat as the first ingredient.
Key Features:
- Real meat first ingredient
- No artificial colours or flavours
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Made in the UK
- Widely available in supermarkets
Best For: Budget-conscious owners who still want quality ingredients.
Price: £ (Budget-friendly)
Best Puppy Food for German Shepherds
German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly and need specific nutrition to support healthy development without growing too fast (which can stress developing joints).
Top Picks for GSD Puppies:
- Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy – Breed-specific formula supporting controlled growth
- Orijen Puppy Large – High-protein, grain-free option for large breed puppies
- James Wellbeloved Large Breed Puppy – Hypoallergenic option for sensitive pups
Feeding Tips for GSD Puppies:
- Feed 3-4 meals daily until 4 months, then reduce to 2-3 meals
- Don’t overfeed – rapid growth stresses joints
- Choose large-breed specific formulas (controlled calcium and phosphorus)
- Transition to adult food around 12-15 months
Senior German Shepherd Nutrition
As German Shepherds age (typically 7+ years), their nutritional needs change:
- Lower calories – Less active, easier to gain weight
- Higher fibre – Supports digestion
- Joint supplements – Even more important as arthritis develops
- Quality protein – Maintains muscle mass
Recommended Senior Foods:
- Royal Canin German Shepherd Ageing 5+
- Orijen Senior
- Forthglade Senior Complete
Common German Shepherd Health Issues & Diet Solutions
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dietary Support: Look for foods with added glucosamine (min 400mg/kg) and chondroitin. Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint stress. Consider adding a joint supplement like YuMOVE.
Sensitive Stomach / Digestive Issues
Dietary Support: Choose highly digestible proteins, avoid common allergens (wheat, corn, soy), and consider limited ingredient diets. Probiotics can help.
Skin Allergies
Dietary Support: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) support skin health. Grain-free or novel protein diets may help identify triggers.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Prevention Tips:
- Feed 2-3 smaller meals rather than one large meal
- Use slow-feeder bowls
- Avoid exercise immediately before/after eating
- Choose foods without excessive fat
How Much to Feed a German Shepherd
Feeding amounts vary based on age, activity level, and specific food. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and adjust based on your dog’s condition.
General Guidelines for Adult German Shepherds:
| Weight | Low Activity | Moderate Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30kg | 280-350g | 350-400g | 400-500g |
| 35kg | 320-400g | 400-450g | 450-550g |
| 40kg | 360-450g | 450-500g | 500-600g |
Daily amounts for dry kibble. Wet food amounts will be higher.
Feeding Tips for German Shepherds
- Split meals – Feed twice daily rather than once to reduce bloat risk
- Raised bowls – Can help with digestion (though research is mixed)
- Slow feeders – Prevent gulping and reduce bloat risk
- Consistent schedule – German Shepherds thrive on routine
- Fresh water – Always available, especially with dry food
- Monitor weight – Feel their ribs regularly; you should feel them without pressing hard
Wet vs Dry Food for German Shepherds
Both have pros and cons:
Dry Food (Kibble):
- ✅ More economical
- ✅ Better for dental health
- ✅ Convenient to store
- ❌ Some dogs find it less palatable
- ❌ Lower moisture content
Wet Food:
- ✅ More palatable for picky eaters
- ✅ Higher moisture content
- ✅ Often easier to digest
- ❌ More expensive
- ❌ Spoils faster once opened
Our Recommendation: Many owners find a combination works best – mostly kibble for convenience with wet food mixed in for palatability and variety.
Foods to Avoid for German Shepherds
- Chocolate – Toxic to dogs
- Grapes and raisins – Can cause kidney failure
- Onions and garlic – Damage red blood cells
- Xylitol – Artificial sweetener, extremely toxic
- Cooked bones – Splinter and cause internal damage
- High-fat foods – Can trigger pancreatitis
Frequently Asked Questions
Should German Shepherds eat grain-free food?
Not necessarily. Despite trends, most German Shepherds do fine with grains. However, if your GSD has grain sensitivities, grain-free options are available. Recent FDA investigations into grain-free diets and heart disease mean you should choose grain-free foods that compensate with other nutritious ingredients (not just potatoes and legumes).
How often should I feed my German Shepherd?
Adult GSDs should eat twice daily. Puppies need 3-4 meals until about 4 months old, then transition to 2-3 meals.
My German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach. What should I feed?
Try limited ingredient diets with a single protein source (like Forthglade). Avoid common allergens and consider adding probiotics. If problems persist, consult your vet about an elimination diet.
Is raw food good for German Shepherds?
Some owners swear by raw feeding (BARF diet), but it requires careful balancing to ensure complete nutrition. If you’re interested, consider complete raw foods like Nutriment or consult a veterinary nutritionist.
Final Verdict: Best Dog Food for German Shepherds UK
For most German Shepherd owners, we recommend Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult for its breed-specific formulation and digestibility. It addresses the GSD’s unique needs without breaking the bank.
For those who want the absolute best and can afford it, Orijen Original or Butternut Box offer premium nutrition that many German Shepherds thrive on.
And if budget is tight, Harringtons Complete provides solid nutrition at a price that won’t hurt your wallet.
Whatever you choose, look for:
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- Joint support (glucosamine/chondroitin)
- Easily digestible proteins
- No artificial nasties
Your German Shepherd will thank you with energy, a shiny coat, and years of loyal companionship.
Related Articles:
- Best Joint Supplements for Dogs UK 2026
- Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers UK 2026
- Senior Dog Care: A Complete Guide
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