Being a large breed, German Shepherd puppies grow up really fast. And to support their growth and development, they require a higher number of nutrients. Nutrient requirement per kg of a puppy is much higher than a dog.
There are many different dog food options available, and it can get a little confusing to choose the best one. So I made this list of the seven best dog foods for German Shepherd puppies in India.
1. FARMINA N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for large breed puppies like German Shepherds. It has high-quality chicken, pomegranate, etc. It strengthens puppies’ immunity.
It has natural antioxidants and does not include any preservatives. You will be required to give a transition period of around ten days when changing from other food to this one.
It has a low glycemic index it helps in maintaining the weight of puppies. It includes the necessary vitamins and minerals that improve metabolism.
Features:
- High-quality ingredients
- No artificial preservatives
- Improves digestion
- It consists of all necessary vitamins and minerals
- Gluten-free
2. Royal Canin Maxi Starter
Royal Canin Maxi Starter is specially made for German Shepherds. The cover itself has the photo of a German Shepherd. It is highly palatable and can be easily digested. It has high protein content and thus will help strengthen muscles and bones.
The omega 3 keeps the skin and coat healthy. It also includes antioxidants which increase protection against free radicals. It improves the energy levels and immune systems of the puppies.
Features:
- Improves immune system
- Improves the health of skin and coat
- Strengthens muscles and bones
- Balanced diet
- Easily digestible
4. Arden Grange Puppy Food
With 44% chicken, Arden Grange Puppy food is appropriate for puppies. It’s a healthy eating regimen with the best mix of calcium, phosphorous, and nutrient D required during a puppy’s fast development stage.
The little kibble can be drenched to make a porridge when weaning. It is calorie-dense, and even the small portions are fit for a puppy’s sensitive stomach.
It has balanced nutrients with the right degrees of protein, fat, minerals, and nutrients to help early development. It is naturally tasty because of its high content of meat.
Features:
- Balanced and complete meal
- High-quality ingredients
- Delicious
- Highly digestible
- No added flavors or coloring.
5. Drools Focus Puppy Food
Drools Focus Puppy Food is an all-breed recipe. It’s anything but healthy, nourishing food that guarantees every one of the advantages, going from solid insusceptibility to dental wellbeing.
Sustained with Vitamins, essential Amino Acids, Minerals, Antioxidants, and other significant ingredients, this food gives a total and balanced nutrition to your German Shepherd. It also helps in maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
Features:
- Complete balanced meal
- Best quality ingredients
- Improves healthy skin and coat
- Full of nutritions
- Aids in brain development
German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Requirements
The following is a general nutritional requirement of a German Shepherd. However, every puppy can have a different requirement. It’s ideal to check with your vet first.
Protein
Premium canine food plans contain 22% protein for developing German Shepherd puppies. Proteins are essential to their actual development and will help them in building muscle mass.
While purchasing food for puppies, ensure the ingredients incorporate meats like chicken, fish, and lamb as the primary ingredient. These are magnificent sources of proteins.
Fats
Your puppy’s food should be healthy in fats sourced from vegetables and fish oils. They must be given solid fats and Omega-3 unsaturated fats to assist them with having a sparkly coat as they battle against skin issues and overabundance shedding.
They need fats to develop, but you should avoid giving them overabundance fats. They must be given around 5-8% fats.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are the fastest source of energy. Ensure the source of carbs is easily digestible for them. Yams, carrots, beetroot, potatoes, etc., are effectively edible good sources of carbs.
While grains, corn, wheat, and soy are hard to process and can prompt gastrointestinal issues.
Calcium and phosphorus, and vitamins
Calcium and phosphorus are needed for bone and joint development. They are powerless against bone problems, so extra calcium should be given to them.
Vitamins are also essential for overall health. Vitamin E and C, along with taurine and lutein, strengthen their immune system.
Water
Hydration is vital for your puppy, particularly in hot, tropical urban areas in India, where temperatures can ascend awkwardly high. They should have fresh water every few hours so that they do not get dehydrated.
Drinking an excessive amount of water following dinner or after running can cause bloating, so avoid water during these times.
German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart
Puppies need a steady intake of calories, the right sorts of calories — to support their rapid growth and development. They may need around 500-700 calories per day, and it increases as they grow.
Feeding a puppy is not quite the same as feeding a dog. So you’ll have to remain on a regular feeding schedule. Their developing bodies require a bigger number of supplements from their food than grown-up dogs. After four weeks, you can transition them into eating other food combined with their mother’s milk.
General Feeding Frequency of German Shepherd Puppies:
| Age of the Puppy | Frequency of the meal in a day |
|---|---|
| 1 week old | 8 times |
| 2 week old | 6 times |
| 3 week old | 5 times |
| 1-2 months old | 5 times |
| 2-4 months old | 4 to 5 times |
| 4 to 8 months old | 3 times |
| 8 months and older | 2 times |
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds are wonderful dogs with unique dietary necessities. In any case, with the information that we shared, you ought to have the option to pick the best dog food for your pup.
Before you put your puppy on a careful nutritional plan, visit the vet to discover their particular requirements. If you understand their requirements, you will be able to provide him with an ideal diet.
