Selection of the best Purina dog food for German Shepherds comes to the mind of a dog owner wanting to know which selections to choose from the various options available from Purina.
Purina is an American pet food manufacturing company that is based in the USA. It is a very reputable company with a 126-year history in the production of quality and nutritious pet food for dogs and cats. This fact is important because when selecting dog food for your dog it is important to choose a good manufacturer that produces quality standard food which ensures that what your dog eats is highly nutritious and most importantly safe for them.
With a long history being in the market for producing premium quality pet food, this brand is a trusted source for good dog food. Purina sources traceable quality ingredients from trusted sources and expertly prepares food that adequately nourishes pets depending on their dietary needs.
From the vast selection of their products, we have reviewed the best Purina dog food for German shepherds as a large breed dog ranging from puppy wet food, puppy dry food, puppy food for sensitive skin and stomach, adult dry food, adult wet food, adult food for sensitive skin and stomach for wet and dry food options, weight management and for senior dogs both wet and dry options.
- Best Overall - Purina ONE Smart Blend Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best Large Breed Puppy Dry Food- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Table of Contents
Overview Of The Best Canned Dog Food For German Shepherds
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The Top Picks
The review of the of the best Purina dog food for German Shepherds is detailed below:
Purina ONE Smart Blend Adult Large Breed Dog Food- Best Adult Dry Dog Food- Best Overall
An all-round holistic nutritious dog food, Purina ONE Smart Blend is best rated as a favorite dog food. It contains high-quality protein for muscle development, has natural glucosamine that supports healthy joints and mobility as well as an antioxidant blend that supports a strong immune system.
Being a highly rated adult dry dog food from many dog parents reviews, it is a good selection for a German shepherd’s health and overall well-being.
Top ingredients: Chicken, whole grain corn, Corn gluten meal, Rice flour
Key features:
- Contains high-quality animal protein
- Easily digestible
- Has omega-6 fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and coat
- Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
- Grain inclusive which provide additional protein
- Contains antioxidants that strengthen the immune system
- Adult dog food
Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Canned Dog Food - Best Adult Wet Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Savor is a wet food option that is nutritious and well suited for German shepherds.
The formulation contains high-quality protein, that is, chicken which is beneficial for muscle tone and development.
Apart from chicken, there are other animal protein options to choose from. For the maintenance of healthy skin and the shiny coat of the German shepherd, the dog food contains omega-6 fatty acids.
Antioxidants are also available whose function is to help the immune system to fight off infection. The carbohydrate source within the food provides the energy necessary for an energetic breed like the German Shepherd.
Purina Pro Plan Savor is affordable and a great selection of dog food.
Top ingredients: Chicken, Liver, Water sufficient for processing, Rice
Key features:
- Antioxidants help the immune system
- Has Omega-6 fatty acids
- High-quality protein (animal)
- Made for a high protein diet
- 23 essential nutrients and vitamins
- Lack of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Adult dog food
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food - Best Purina Puppy Dry Food
If you are looking for a dry puppy dog food ideal for a large breed such as a German shepherd, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy is the best choice.
It is a high-protein nutrient-rich formulation that provides the required nutrition for a large breed puppy. German Shepherd puppies have a different growth rate and nutrient requirement compared to small breeds and Purina puppy food is formulated for this purpose to cater to their nutrient needs. It is a dry dog food which is a great choice for a German shepherd puppy.
Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn gluten meal, Whole grain corn, Poultry by-product meal
Key features:
- High protein
- Contains live probiotics to support the digestive system
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and vision development
- Provides the essential nutrients for a large breed puppy
- No artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Best for large breed puppies
Purina Pro Plan Focus High Protein Wet Puppy Food-Best Purina Puppy Wet Dog Food
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Wet Puppy Food is a high-protein grain-free food formulated to cater to the healthy development of a German shepherd puppy.
The grain-free aspect of the food reduces food allergies and it lacks soy, wheat, peas, and corn that may cause allergic reactions. The puppy food is also enriched with nutrients, fatty acids, and proteins.
Top ingredients: Turkey liver, Chicken, Meat by-products, Beef, Water, Salmon
Key features:
- Grain-free
- Omega-6 for healthy coat and skin
- Omega-3 for vision and brain health
- No corn, wheat, pea, or soy
- Quality protein sources for high protein diet
- No artificial flavors and colors
- Lacks preservatives
- For puppies with food sensitivities.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Dog Food-Best Adult Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Digestion and Allergies
The Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dry Dog Food is a nutritious food formulated for dogs to minimize food-related allergic reactions. The dog food lacks common food ingredients that may cause allergies and stop stomach upsets. A German Shepherd will benefit from this including the nutritional value of the dog food.
It is sufficiently formulated to cater to a large breed dog such as a German Shepherd’s nutritional requirements as well as minimize health problems associated with food-related allergies.
Top ingredients: Salmon, Oatmeal, Barley, Rice, Fish meal, Canola meal
Key features:
- DHA omega 3 and glucosamine for joint support
- Quality protein
- Easy to digest
- Prebiotic fiber for digestive system health
- Best for sensitive digestion
- Does not have soy, wheat, or corn
- Adult dog food
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Pate Fat Wet Dog Food - Best Adult Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Digestion and Allergies
The Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Wet Dog Food provides German shepherds with quality nutritious food that is protein-rich and without common food allergens.
The formulation specifically caters to dogs with sensitive stomachs and with skin-irritating food allergies. This is a great option for a German shepherd that requires this diet to manage allergies and sensitivities they may experience.
The formulation contains real meat as the number one ingredient, in this case, Salmon. This provides the required protein and the best part of this is the DHA omega-3 fatty acid that promotes cognitive development in a dog. Omega-6 fatty acids within the food also help to maintain the German Shepherd’s beautiful shiny coat and healthy skin. Purina Pro Plan is a well-balanced diet that dogs with sensitivities and digestion will love.
Top ingredients: Salmon, Water sufficient for processing, Rice, Fish, Potato protein
Key features:
- For sensitive digestion diet
- Contains essential fatty acids, DHA omega-3 and omega-6
- Formulated for skin-irritating food-allergic dogs
- Contains quality Salmon as a protein source
- Best for adult dogs
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Formula Dry Dog Food- Best Weight Management Dry Food
If you are looking for a weight control nutritious dry dog food for an adult German Shepherd, the Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management formula is the specific blend made for this.
It is made of high-quality protein, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, probiotics, fiber, and antioxidants that provide all-round nutrition while still controlling the weight of your dog. Purina has your German Shepherd covered to keep them healthy.
Top ingredients: Chicken, Brewers rice, Poultry by-product meal, Whole grain corn, Wheat flour
Key features:
- Contains high protein
- Pea-free
- Contains 25% less than other Purina formulas for healthy weight maintenance
- Inclusive of omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin
- Contains prebiotic fiber that promotes digestive health
- Easily digestible
- Contains antioxidants that support the immune system
- No artificial flavors, colors and preservatives
- Ideal for overweight dogs
- Best for adult dogs
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Weight Management Canned Dog Food - Best Weight Management Wet Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management is a nutritious balanced diet for controlling the weight of German shepherds.
The food is well-balanced with protein for muscle development with less fat to encourage a dog’s fat to burn off instead of their muscle. This helps in weight control.
Maintenance of a shiny coat and healthy skin is supported by omega-6 fatty acids while digestive health is supported by prebiotic fiber in the food.
Top ingredients: Turkey liver, Chicken, Water sufficient processing, Rice, Wheat Gluten
Key features:
- Prebiotic fiber within aids digestive health
- The protein-to-fat ratio helps in weight loss
- Omega-6 fatty acids are present
- 25% less fat in comparison to other Purina formulas
- Best for overweight dogs
- Lacks peas
- Adult dog food
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ High Protein Senior Dog Dry Food - Best Purina Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ dry dog food is specially formulated to cater to the health of senior dogs that are seven years and above. It is a large breed dog food best for dogs such as the German shepherd.
It contains a good blend of animal protein, probiotics, essential fatty acids and nutrients to keep the older dog healthy. The food is an easily digestible formula and enables a senior dog to thrive and be healthy.
Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice flour, Poultry by-product meal, Whole grain corn, soybean meal
Key features:
- Has a high-quality protein source
- Contains live probiotics for healthy digestive system
- A holistic balanced diet for senior dogs
- Contains vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat
- Glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids support joint health and Mobility
- Contains a blend of botanical oils that have brain supporting nutrients for supporting proper brain function and alertness
- Best for adult dogs 7+ years of age
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ High Protein Senior Wet Dog Food - Best Purina Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs
The Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ High Protein Senior Dog Wet Food formulation is structured to cater to the nutritional needs and health of an older dog.
The food contains quality protein for maintaining strong muscles in older dogs as well as vitamins and antioxidants to support the immune system.
This easily digestible food contains fiber that promotes healthy digestion and essential minerals that support healthy bones and heart health for older dogs.
Top ingredients: Beef, Rice, Poultry, Water sufficient for processing, Wheat gluten
Key features:
- Contains quality animal protein source
- Omega 6 and biotin for healthy skin and coat
- Easily digestible
- Contains a blend of botanical oils that have brain supporting nutrients for supporting proper brain function and alertness
- Can be used on its own or with Purina pro plan 7+ dry dog food
Important Features To Consider
Dog food for large breed dogs like the German shepherd must have key features that ensure that they receive balanced nutrition suitable for them.
The below are important features to be considered in food selection from any pet food manufacturers such as Purina.
Age
The different life stages or age of a German Shepherd as a large breed dog have specific requirements of nutrition to thrive and be healthy.
For example, a puppy’s nutrient requirement is very different from a senior or an adult dog’s nutritional requirement and vice-versa. The balance of essential vitamins and nutrients is different and thus it is important to provide the appropriate dog food to each life stage.
With this in mind, you will be able to select the best dog food that provides them with what they need to be healthy. All the food types whether dry or wet food will be labelled as best for a particular life stage of a dog, that is,best for puppies, adult or senior dogs.
Specific Diet Requirements
Each dog has specific diet requirements which a food source should provide.
Some foods specifically cater to dogs that have food sensitivities or allergies for which you will find foods like grain-free, gluten-free or limited ingredients.
Other foods are formulated for weight control. Depending on your dog’s individual needs and guidance from your veterinarian you can select the specific dog food formulated for their dietary needs.
Quality Protein
Protein helps in the development of muscle and the selection of dog food with high-quality protein preferably animal protein, is best recommended. Dog food with protein from sources such as fish, meat, or poultry is the best.
Carbohydrates and healthy fats
Carbohydrates and fats are sources of calories that provide energy.
Being an active breed, German shepherds use a lot of energy and require an energy source from food to supply this.
Healthy fats help to support the healthy skin and coat of the dog. Omega-6 fatty acids support this health function while omega-3 is important for the healthy development of the brain.
Supportive supplements
The German Shepherd is susceptible to joint and bone health problems and requires supportive nutritional supplements in their diet for maintenance of bone and joint health.
Chondroitin and glucosamine are essential supplements that support healthy mobility and joint health. They are found in poultry and meat protein sources. It is important to see if these elements are available in the dog food.
In addition to this, prebiotics is also beneficial for a German shepherd’s health by promoting digestive health and are a good addition to the diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Purina Pro Plan or Purina One?
There is no better choice between Purina Pro and Purina One because both are good formulations of dog food that provide the required nutrient composition for the health of a dog. However, differences exist between them mainly in the nutritional content of the formulas by having different calorie, fat, and protein contents. Purina Pro Plan has higher nutrient values, a variety of formulas to choose from, and multiple flavors, which also makes it be at a higher cost compared to Purina One. Purina One, though low cost, still has quality essential ingredients for the health of a dog. They are both favorites of many dog owners and whichever you choose your dog’s nutritional needs will still be met.
Conclusion
Choosing high-quality dog food for your dog is a key factor to keep them healthy. Purina has a long-standing history as a quality premium pet food manufacturer. Their dog food options are expertly prepared to meet the nutritional requirements of individual dogs whether small breed, large breed, or for specific dietary needs.
I hope this article assisted in a better understanding of the best German Shepherd dog food from Purina as a pet food manufacturer.
The selection provided in this guide is of course not exhaustive of all the great dog food from the brand. However, with this guide, you should be able to find and select the best dog food from the brand for your German Shepherd.
This is certainly a good dog food brand and you are well assured that your pup will also love the food.
To learn more about German Shepherds, check out the below resources.