Help! What is the Best Food for a German Shepherd? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I am getting a German Shepherd pup in 8 weeks, and I want to give him the best food. I’m looking at Sunday’s air-dried food, which has human-grade meat vs the dry kibble brand Royal Canin. Your advice is appreciated. Thank you,” – Peter
Quick Info
Hi Peter,
It’s wonderful that you’re preparing so thoughtfully for your German Shepherd puppy. Nutrition plays a vital role in helping large-breed puppies grow strong, balanced, and healthy. While I cannot endorse a specific brand, I do tend to favor fresh, minimally processed foods whenever possible, so you might want to consider exploring these kinds of options as part of your research.
Large-breed puppies, typically those expected to weigh more than 23 kilograms as adults, need a diet that promotes steady growth rather than rapid weight gain. This means careful control of calories, protein, calcium, and phosphorus to support bone development and protect the joints from early stress. Look for diets labeled specifically for “large-breed puppies” or “growth of large-size dogs,” and always ensure they meet complete and balanced standards such as AAFCO or FEDIAF.
An ideal large-breed puppy formula will have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio between about 1.1:1 and 1.4:1, moderate fat and energy levels to prevent overgrowth, and high-quality protein to build lean muscle. These formulas are designed to provide all essential nutrients, so there’s no need to add supplements, which can easily disrupt the delicate nutrient balance if used incorrectly. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, three to four times daily at first, then gradually moving to two, helps maintain consistent energy levels and supports healthy digestion. Always use your puppy’s body condition as your guide; you should feel his ribs easily without them being visible.
The brand itself is less important than the formulation’s nutritional balance. Diets labeled for “all life stages” often exceed the mineral and calorie levels needed for controlled large-breed growth, which research has linked to orthopedic problems later in life. By choosing a well-balanced, large-breed puppy formula and maintaining a lean, steady growth rate, you’ll be giving your German Shepherd the best possible start for strong bones, resilient joints, and a healthy, active life. I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola