German Dog Recipe

Name: Best Breed German Dog Recipe
Rating: 4.89 (18 reviews)

$16.49

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Breed-specific formula developed to help German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and other large and giant breeds reach their full genetic potential.

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39 lbs (3 x 13 lb bags)

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Description

Veterinarian-formulated, holistic dry dog food developed specifically for German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and other large and giant breed dogs – with EU-approved chicken and holistic digestive support for all life stages.

For German Shepherds & Large Breeds: Developed by Dr. Gary Cotton, DVM after repeatedly seeing German Shepherds arrive at his clinic with chronic digestive and skin issues – specially formulated to address the unique nutritional needs of large and giant breeds including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Great Danes, Malinois, and more.
Gastrointestinal Health: A synergistic blend of soluble and insoluble fiber – including beet pulp – keeps the large breed digestive system active and healthy. No legumes, cheap fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meals.
EU-Approved Protein: Superior-quality protein from chicken meal, menhaden fish, and egg supports lean muscle development and maintenance.
Skin & Coat Health: A balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from menhaden fish oils and flaxseed to support a lustrous coat, healthy skin, and cognitive function.
Immune Support: Essential vitamins including vitamin C and vitamin E, alongside kelp as a natural source of iodine, vitamin K, and trace minerals, help maintain a sound immune system.
Joint, Heart & Vision Health: New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels and natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin support joint and mobility health, enriched with taurine for heart, vision, and reproductive health.
Recommended Breeds: German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Malinois, and other large and giant breeds.

Note From Dr. Gary

German Shepherds and similar breeds require special nutritional attention for three key areas: sensitive skin and coat, bone and joint development and maintenance, and gastrointestinal health. I cannot begin to count the cases of diarrhea or constipation I was able to help by simply adding the correct levels of quality fiber to my patients' food.

The German Dog Diet addresses this with a synergistic blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, including beet pulp, to keep the large breed digestive system active and healthy. Highly digestible protein from chicken, fish, and eggs supports muscle development and maintenance, while natural sources of glucosamine support joint and connective tissue health. High levels of linoleic, arachidonic, and omega-3 fatty acids alongside vitamin C and vitamin E help maintain a sound immune system for active and working dogs.

Sincerely,

Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg, Pearled Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lecithin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flax Seed, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Kelp, Salt, Taurine, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Monosodium Phosphate, Dried Cranberry, Alfalfa Meal, New Zealand Green Mussel, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.

Nutritional Analysis

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (Minimum)	25.0%
Crude Fat (Minimum)	12.0%
Crude Fiber (Maximum)	4.5%
Moisture (Maximum)	10.0%

Typical Nutritional Analysis

This data is composed of calculated values using ingredient nutritional analysis and actual lab analysis of our foods. It is not intended to represent absolute values and therefore not guaranteed as in the above table. The information should be used as a helpful guide when determining if a specific formula is suitable for a known dietary requirement. Should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Calcium	1.3%
Phosphorus	.9%
Ash	6.7%
Potassium	0.7%
Sodium	0.3%
Magnesium	0.1%
Zinc	226 mg/kg
Manganese	71 mg/kg
Iron	320 mg/kg

It is important to remember that your dog’s nutritional needs are unique and will vary with his environment, age and activity level. We recommend feeding to condition, this means using the following guide as a starting point, monitoring his weight and adjusting amounts accordingly. Feeding at least twice a day is optimal. Make sure fresh, clean water is available always.

Body Weight (lbs.)	Cups Per Day**
Up to 10	1/4 to 3/4
11-23	3/4 to 1-1/4
24-36	1-1/4 to 1-3/4
37-49	1-3/4 to 2-1/4
50-62	2-1/4 to 3
63-75	3 to 3-1/2
76-89	3-1/2 to 4
90 or More	4 Cups Plus 1/2 Cup For Every 10 lbs. over 90

** 1 cup equals approximately 114 grams of food.

Best Breed German Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs (70lbs. or more as an adult).

Puppies: May feed up to 33% more than suggested adult levels to maintain optimum body weight.

Pregnant Females: Minimal increase needed during first 6 weeks. Weeks 7 through 9 increase up to 25%.

Lactating Females: Immediately after whelping nutritional demand increases by 50% when compared to maintenance levels. During peak lactation increase feeding up to 300% of regular intake.

Contains 448 Kcal per cup ME (metabolizable energy) and 4.1 oz. of food per standard 8 oz. measuring cup.

Feeding Guidelines

Body Weight (lbs.)	Cups Per Day**
Up to 10	1/4 to 3/4
11-23	3/4 to 1-1/4
24-36	1-1/4 to 1-3/4
37-49	1-3/4 to 2-1/4
50-62	2-1/4 to 3
63-75	3 to 3-1/2
76-89	3-1/2 to 4
90 or More	4 Cups Plus 1/2 Cup For Every 10 lbs. over 90

** 1 cup equals approximately 114 grams of food.

Puppies: May feed up to 33% more than suggested adult levels to maintain optimum body weight.

Pregnant Females: Minimal increase needed during first 6 weeks. Weeks 7 through 9 increase up to 25%.

Lactating Females: Immediately after whelping nutritional demand increases by 50% when compared to maintenance levels. During peak lactation increase feeding up to 300% of regular intake.

Contains 448 Kcal per cup ME (metabolizable energy) and 4.1 oz. of food per standard 8 oz. measuring cup.

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FUELED BY COMMON SENSE NUTRITION

Breed Tailored Nutrition

Gastrointestinal Health

Beet Pulp Fiber

Joint & Mobility Support

Skin & Coat Vitality

THE BEST BREED DIFFERENCE

Purpose-built nutrition backed by decades of veterinary expertise and crafted with uncompromising ingredient standards.

Veterinarian Developed

Small Batch Made in Ohio, USA

Purpose-Built Formulas

Never On a Recall List

Low & Slow Cooked

EU-Approved Ingredients

Learn more

NUTRITION BUILT FOR LARGE BREEDS

Purposefully selected ingredients that help support digestion, joint health, and healthy skin and coat.

Chicken

Made with protein-rich, low ash chicken sourced from the USA. Chicken supplies essential amino acids including taurine, a critical nutrient for heart health.

Green-Lipped Sea Mussel

Made with great tasting New Zealand green-lipped sea mussel, a super-food rich in minerals, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and more.

Brown Rice

Sourced from the USA, brown rice used in the German Dog Diet is a highly- digestible carbohydrate that provides sustainable energy. Also supplies beneficial minerals and B vitamins.

Eggs

Eggs are the perfect source of protein as they contain all 9 essential amino acids. They are a highly digestible ingredient that also supplies many vitamins and minerals.

German Dog Recipe FAQs

What breeds is the German Dog Diet formulated for?

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The Best Breed German Dog Diet was originally developed for German Shepherds but is also an excellent choice for many large and giant breeds, including Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Great Danes. Its highly digestible formula and carefully balanced fiber system are designed with the nutritional needs of larger dogs in mind.

Why do German Shepherds and large breeds have more sensitive digestive systems?

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Large and giant breed dogs can process food differently than smaller dogs. Research has found that larger dogs tend to have longer colonic transit times, greater fermentation in the colon, and a higher tendency toward softer stools – all of which can contribute to greater digestive sensitivity. That’s why highly digestible ingredients and an appropriate balance of dietary fiber can be especially important for these breeds.

Why is fiber so important for large and giant breed dogs?

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Fiber helps keep the digestive system active and supports healthy stool quality and regularity. Different types of fiber also interact with the gut in different ways, so the right balance is important – particularly for large dogs, which can be more prone to soft stools and digestive sensitivity. Best Breed German Dog Diet uses a carefully balanced blend of fiber sources to support healthy digestion and help dogs get more from their food.

Is this formula suitable for German Shepherd puppies?

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Yes. Best Breed German Dog Diet is formulated for all life stages, including growing German Shepherd puppies, adult dogs, and seniors. It provides complete and balanced nutrition that can be fed throughout your German Shepherd’s life.

What is beet pulp and why is it beneficial for large breed dogs?

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Beet pulp is a highly digestible source of dietary fiber that provides both soluble and insoluble fiber. In Best Breed German Dog Diet, beet pulp helps support healthy digestion, stool quality, and a balanced intestinal environment – particularly important for large and giant breed dogs that can be more prone to digestive sensitivity.

What is chicken meal, and why does Best Breed use it?

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Chicken meal is a concentrated source of animal protein made by cooking chicken and removing most of its water. Because fresh chicken is roughly 70% water, chicken meal provides a much more concentrated and consistent source of protein by weight. Best Breed uses premium, low-ash chicken meal – meaning it contains less bone and a higher proportion of animal meat. Our chicken meal typically provides around 70% protein along with a complete amino acid profile. Using high-quality meat meals helps us ensure that the majority of protein in our recipes comes from animal sources, rather than relying heavily on plant proteins such as pea protein or corn gluten meal to increase the total protein percentage.

What are New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels and why are they in Best Breed recipes?

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New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels are a nutrient-dense ingredient naturally rich in minerals, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and a unique combination of Omega-3 fatty acids. Nearly every Best Breed recipe includes New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels as part of our approach to purposeful nutrition. Our recipes also contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint and mobility health. Green-Lipped Mussels aren’t a recent ingredient trend for Best Breed – they’ve been part of our formulas since the beginning.

What does EU-approved ingredients mean and why does it matter?

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Because some Best Breed formulas are exported to the European Union, we use EU-approved ingredients where applicable – one of the strictest sourcing standards in the world. In practice, this means ingredients used in our food must come from sources approved for the human-consumption supply chain before processing. For example, if a fish is rejected for human consumption, it cannot be used to make Best Breed’s EU-approved fish meal – it is diverted to the animal-grade supply chain instead. This does not mean Best Breed kibble is human grade. But it does mean the source ingredients meet a higher standard before processing.

Why does low and slow cooked kibble matter?

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Best Breed kibble is made using a slower, lower-temperature cooking process than conventional high-temperature, high-speed production. Cooking more slowly helps maintain the nutritional integrity of proteins, vitamins, and minerals while properly conditioning carbohydrates for easier digestion and nutrient absorption. We also produce our food in small batches so quality and consistency can be closely monitored throughout the process. The result is highly digestible, nutrient-dense food designed to help your pet absorb and utilize more from every meal.

See More FaQs →

5 stars: 16 (89%)
4 stars: 2 (11%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Great food for your German Shepard

Easy 5 stars. Great ingredients and vitamins. Great for dogs with digestive issues

The best!!!

After months of bouncing around.. from Pro Plan, Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, etc… my picky Doberman puppy was actually losing weight. Had to deep dive into google to find this brand but my dog loves it (and her Great Dane step brother). It’s my go-to now and I love that I could set up the Prime subscription.

I have been feeding this for years. It is the best that works for my shepherds. Plus with the no peas, lentils, or carrots. It's what works best besides fixing them a home cooked meal every night (which they would probably prefer). I would never feed anything else and I always start my puppies on it. Thank you so much!!!!

Daisy and Duke love the German Blend and we love knowing our pups get high quality nutrition each meal!

Great dog food

Love this dog food. My german shepherd loves it too. I go thru a bag every 2 months. He eats less than when you feed him the cheap stuff. It's good healthy food for my Sgt .

our GS loves this food!!!

our German Shepard loves this food!!!

Great dog food a German Shepherd will continue to eat

Our German Shepherd loves this food. Everything else she would grow bored of after awhile, including royal canin. This food has made her actually want to eat, every single time, and anyone with a German shepherd knows how these are not typically food driven dogs, at least not without real meat, so this company is doing something right.

Quality food

My 3 year old German Shepherd loves, loves, loves this food. She was being picky with her other brand after a couple of years and skipping meals a few times a week. Not anymore. Meal time is chow down time. The only downside I might add is more poo.

Great product

This was exactly what I was looking for when my dog started losing weight from constant activity. She loves it and she looks great now.

I’ve been buying this specific dog food for over 10 years and its the best!

Good Dog Food

My German Shepherds like the product.

Recommended by breeder

Good stuff. Our Csvalier King Charles pups love it.

GS's seem to really like it.

Seems like a great product and GS's are doing well together

Good food

Dog likes it and it doesn’t upset his stomach.

My dog loves it!

My dog loves this food!

Dog loves it

I have had my German Shepherd on this food for over a year now. Before finding this food I was having a hard time finding a brand that didn’t give him an allergic reaction to it. My dog has no allergic reaction to this food and he loves it.

Great dog food for German Shepherd

Great

I did not receive the proper dog food, they sent senior recipe. I emailed the company and within minutes they responded and sent a bag out for overnight or the next day. Very responsive and apologetic and gave me some good info on mixing with my dog's current food.

NUTRITION IN EVERY TASTY BITE

BUILT FOR SENSITIVE CATS

German Dog Recipe

NEED IT NOW?

Free Shipping

Try It. Love It.

Guaranteed Analysis

Typical Nutritional Analysis

Have a nutrition question?

Want to learn more?

FUELED BY COMMON SENSE NUTRITION

THE BEST BREED DIFFERENCE

NUTRITION BUILT FOR LARGE BREEDS

Chicken

Green-Lipped Sea Mussel

Brown Rice

Eggs

German Dog Recipe FAQs

What breeds is the German Dog Diet formulated for?

Why do German Shepherds and large breeds have more sensitive digestive systems?

Why is fiber so important for large and giant breed dogs?

Is this formula suitable for German Shepherd puppies?

What is beet pulp and why is it beneficial for large breed dogs?

What is chicken meal, and why does Best Breed use it?

What are New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels and why are they in Best Breed recipes?

What does EU-approved ingredients mean and why does it matter?

Why does low and slow cooked kibble matter?

German Dog Recipe

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