In this article, we’d discuss the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, common health and skin issues and look into many formulas that may work well for the best GSD allergy free foods.
The German shepherd, a top intelligent athletic and intelligent dog, originates from Germany, and because you can train them so easily, these dogs generally have been trained into police work or used as a guide dog for the blind.
Whether you choose wet or dry dog food for your pet, the best dog food for German Shepherd puppy and adult dogs will extend their lifespan and help them live more healthy and active lifestyle.
Generally, a good dog food for your German Shepherd will have certain fats, proteins, Omega fatty acids and fiber content and will be rich in minerals and vitamins. But what if your pup encounters itches or allergies? How should you adapt his diet?
Best Dog Food For German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
If your dog encounters skin allergies, there are a good number of dog foods that can help eliminate his symptoms or reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
CANIDAE Grain Free PURE Dry Dog Food
Ensure you check the entire ingredients list because some foods have chicken meal as an ingredient.
To support the sensitive stomachs of dogs with allergies, this cheap dog food comes with just 10 ingredients. The base of the food is chickpeas and sweet potato.
It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. It also has probiotics to support gastrointestinal function and heal the gut.
It is a dry dog food that is better for your dog’s teeth. It is one of the few dry dog foods out there that offers probiotics as part of its ingredients.
Real protein sources are its three selling point alongside healthy veggies rounding out the mix.
If your GSD dog is allergic to chicken, check the complete ingredients list. Chicken meal is listed as an ingredient in some of the formulations. If your dog isn’t allergic to chicken, this won’t be an issue at all.
Otherwise, the limited nature of the ingredients will be a great alternative to other dog foods.
It’s no wonder it is ranked #1 on our list of best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies.
Orijen Adult Dog Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Sitting on the no. 2 spot on our ranking of best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, Orijen is also a limited ingredient food to reduce the number of allergens your dog is exposed to. It satisfies the high protein requirements of a German Shepherd through the lamb formula. It is a great source of omega fatty acids doe your dogs. Plus, it helps heal skin irritations.
It does not come with probiotics, but is a dry food which helps control plaque and tartar and guarantees good dental health. The brown rice and veggies are also excellent sources of vitamins for further coat and skin support.
It provides nutrition for all stages of life, so your feeding arrangements for the life of your German Shepherd are simplified. This cuts down the risk of irritations from switching foods if you start your shepherd from the earlier stages of life.
Most dogs love the taste compared to other limited ingredient foods produced. The high quality ingredients make sure that your dog receives balanced nutrition without having to supplement with anything except a good probiotic.
Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula
It’s no wonder it is included in our ratings of best dog food for German shepherds with skin allergies.
Blueberries and raspberries provide antioxidants. The formula is designed to mimic the natural diet of wolves and dogs. It offer higher amounts of protein that GSD’s require along with major minerals to help absorb vitamins and protein.
It is also fortified with probiotics. These are species-specific, mirroring the natural strains found in dog’s GI tract, to support health and your dog will be able to digest them more easily. They are added after the kibble is cooked so your dog will have live strains to do the most good.
It has a full range of omega fatty acids to provide support for your dog’s coat and skin. These fatty acids are essential for maintaining the health of your German Shepherd’s skin.
The size of the kibble is really small. It’s similar to the size of puppy kibble, so if your German Shepherd is the type that gulps food, you’ll need to consider other feeding methods that will account for the speed that your dog eats.

Nutritional and Health Needs of Your German Shepherd
Now, that we’ve shown you the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, let’s look at their nutritional and health needs.
Regardless of whether your dog experience skin allergies or not, there are still a number of things you will need to consider when it comes to his nutrition.
Most times, we fail tpo feed our dogs correctly because we take more one-size-fits-all approach, especially when you have many dogs of other breeds in the house. We assume they will all process the same thing.
This is not true! Your GSD can benefit from a more targeted nutritional regimen.
Because German Shepherds have high energy levels, they need daily mental stimulation and exercise if they will stay healthy.
A puppy will also have different energy needs for an adult German Shepherd.
On “Calorie Intake”, Speak with Your Vet
Although we’ve talked about the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, we recommend you always speak to your vet to learn what he thinks will work best for your little puppy and adult dog.
However, puppies need to eat twice the calories of adult German Shepherds, and not only do puppies have high energy levels, they continue to grow and grow at an incredible rate.
In fact, in one to two years, puppies reach a much higher level than what humans can reach in 20 years.
Ever wanted to know the reason for dog years? There you have it!
Generally speaking, a German Shepherd puppy will often consume around 40 calories per second each day. This means that if you have a puppy of 20 pounds, he will need to eat 800 calories every day.
Sounds like a dream number, however, you have puppy food intended for this specific purpose.
As Your German Shepherd Ages
As they get older, it is easier for the German Shepherd breed to pack on a few extra pounds. To fix the issue of canine obesity, you should pick a dog food high in protein and a dog food that supports their energy levels.
Naturally, you will also want a more moderate choice in fat content. You may also need to look for dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin because it supports joint health.
But, if your aging German Shepherd doesn’t receive the correct level of protein, you can buy him calcium supplements or I-carnitune to keep his bones in good shape.
Age is something that should be considered when buying the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies.
Common Health Problems Of The German Shepherd (beyond allergies)
Unlike most dogs, German Sheperds have lesser cases with allergies than some of the other dog breeds (especially small dog breeds that shed).
You want to watch the weight of your German Shepherd because the more weight they pack on their body, the more prone they will be to hip dysplasia. This happens because the breed has an extremely sloped back.
Here are five of the biggest health concerns your German Shepherd faces:
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Megaesophogus
- Osteoarthritis
- Perianal Fistula
Degenerative myelopathy leads to wak rear limbs, paralysis (temporary or permanently) and even death.
Since we already mentioned hip dysplasia, we will go straight to Megaesophagus. This happens when the tube carrying the food becomes limp and doesn’t digest the food. The type we see in German Shepherds classifies as a congenital problem.
Osteoarthritis, which many middle aged to older German Shepherds will have. Sometimes this happens in conjunction with an injury, but it can also have more to do with normal wear and tear.
Meanwhile, Perianal Fistula is the most common disorder German Shepherds face. The dogs affected by this condition may have diarrhea or struggle with constipation. A foul odor found on the dog’s bedding becomes the first and foremost sign of Perianal Fistula.
Because of their propensity to develop this condition, German Shepherds may benefit from a dog bed for hip dysplasia.
All of these conditions can be lowered when you pick the best German Shepherd food.
How to find the best food for German Shepherds
Aside finding the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, here are some other foods you can feed GSD with no skin issue.
Although processed foods may not be the best choice for humans, they make for some of the best dog food for a German Shepherd because it contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins your dog needs.
Good dog food for German Shepherds will contain fruits, meat, grains, and vegetables. Your best dog food will be very rich in these ingredients for his digestive system. Sometimes people worry about animal byproducts added to dog food, but in truth, quality animal byproducts actually have nutritional value for your pet.
It is important however to note, that, it will be regulated byproducts, and that doesn’t include intestinal contents, the hair, the hooves, the floor sweepings and the manure, which can be dangerous to your dog.
The best way to tell a good dog food from a bad dog food is to read the label. While the labels don’t tell you about the quality of the ingredients, you can learn through a little training.
For example, distributors will sometimes label different types of meat or corn separately.
While meat meal sounds less appealing to most of us, it actually contains more wholesome meats because it has no water weight that throws off the calculation.
Best dog Food for German Shepherds
Adults
Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food
This formula has moderate protein levels, and it will sustain your dog’s high level of activity. The phosphorous and calcium levels keeps your dog’s bones healthy and strong, and it ensures hardness well into old age.
Pros:
- Contains Antioxidants
- Lower Fat Content
- USA-Made Product
- Zero Wheat, Corn or Soy
Cons:
- Contains Chicken
Best German Shepherd Puppy Food
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This is also amongst the best dry dog food for German Shepherds because it’s also affordable, and with every gulp, your dog gets the vegetables and fruit needed as well as antioxidants. This helps your little pup ward fight off diseases and infection(s).
This is the best food for German Shepherd puppy because it contains lots and lots of protein needed to keep your dog active, and the lower fat ensures your dog doesn’t gain enough weight to be at high risk for hip dysplasia.
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Comes with Fatty Acids
- Contains I-Carnitine
- Great for Weight Maintenance
Cons:
- The Kibble Can Be Crumbly
Anti-Itch Dog Food for a German Shepherd
German shepherds are more likely to face issues with food allergies than many other breeds.
If your GSD cannot stop scratching, the cause may lie in their diet and food. German Shepherds require food and supplements to help them feel less itchy.
Here are steps to take to help your pup stop all that itch
Understand the Cause
The first and simple step to alleviating your German Shepherd’s itchy skin is determining the caue of the irritation.
The most common cause of allergies in dogs is fleas. Ensure your dog is on flea prevention, and check carefully for signs of flea infestations.
For dogs with flea allergy, even a single flea buite cab irritate the skin and changing their diet won’t do much of a difference.
If your dog is flea-free, move on to other causes of skin irritation, including food allergies.
Eliminate Common Allergens
German Shepherds are most likely to develop food allergies. Signs of food allergies include chronic infection of the dog’s skin.
If your dog is always itchy, but doesn’t have fleas, it’s time to read the label on your favorite dog’s food. The most common allergens are dairy, corn, beef, chicken, soy and wheat.
Try switching your dog to a limited ingredient, grain-free food with a novel protein that your dog has never had, like duck meat. You might also try switching your dog to a raw diet.
If your dog’s itchy skin is caused by environmental allergens, the higher-quality diet will be beneficial in fighting those allergic responses, too.
Add Supplements
The best supplements to add to your German Shepherd’s diet to help relieve itchy skin remains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have significant anti-inflammatory properties, and have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of immune responses, including skin irritation.
Now wonder some best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies recommend you buy this supplement alongside their food.
Omega-3 fats can be seen in flaxseed oil and fish oil. If you feed your dog a high-quality fish-based food, he is likely getting enough omega-3 fatty acids.
If your dog’s food is heavily protein fixed, consider adding an omega-3 supplement.
Prepare Your Dog’s Food at Home
If your GSD dog’s skin irritations are serious, you may want to consider making her food at home. This way you can fully control the ingredients.
Either you choose cooked or raw diet, ensure that you are avoiding common allergies and using organic vegetables and organic fruits and proteins free of antibiotics and hormones .Consult your vet before starting a homemade diet.

Common German Shepherd skin allergies
The chances of a German shepherd facing skin allergies is often high. They commonly fall into 3 different categories based on the catalyst of the irritation. Inhalants, food allergies, and flea bites.
Inhalant allergies are difficult to detect, but German Shepherds are prone to allergens in the air such as pollen. Their active immune systems react to the allergens, but instead of developing runny noses like humans, dogs show allergies in their skin. A German shepherd itching consistently is a clue to this allergy.
If you’ve checked the skin and there are no signs of fleas or other insect bites, the cause of itchy skin might be atopic dermatitis or a reaction in the skin to an allergen present outside. This is a genetic condition and the dog commonly develops it around 6 months of age.
Common inhalant allergens are tree pollen, grass, dust, or mold. The German Shepherd inherits these irritations from parents. Your veterinarian can help you identify if your dog’s skin irritations are caused by an inhalant allergy
The second type of allergy is to food. Food allergies resemble chronic skin irritations, and other more severe symptoms include gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea. Allergens include corn, wheat, and soy as you might expect, but also chicken, diary, or beef. The vet might be a good source of help figuring out what is causing the food allergy.
A third, most common, type of allergy is to fleas. Fleas cause irritation when they bite, but in German Shepherds, irritation at the site of the bite develops into an inflamed area. This inflammation promotes licking and scratching to the point of developing open sores, losing the hair in that area, skin flaking, and infection. A German Shepherd biting and scratching can indicate this.
Symptoms of skin allergies
German Shepherd skin allergies present themselves a s a skin condition, so it can be hard t tell them apart.
Maybe the easiest one to identify is flea allergies since fleas will likely still be present at the site. Checking for flea bite marks and identifying the insect still present solves the problem.
Food allergies and inhalants are more harder to pinpoint. Inhalant allergies manifest as itchy skin without the accompanying gastrointestinal issues. Food allergies, on the other hand, sometimes have those stomach issues, or your German Shepherd may be unwilling to eat.
Treating skin allergies
For flea and other insect allergies, a recommendation of flea and tick medication and prevention treatments will clearly clear up existing problems and stop existing ones. Maintaining your dog’s tick and flea treatment plans is important.
Inhalant allergies are best prevented by keeping your dog away from known irritants such as blooming trees, grass, perfumes, and hay.
Keep the house dusted and vacuumed and avoid scented air fresheners. Aerosols can be highly toxic to dogs skin and respiratory systems.
You should limit the time your dog spends rolling in the grass and other pollen will also help to alleviate symptoms. Avoid walks early in the morning or later in the evening as this tends to be the period when pollen counts are high.
Using a gentle wipe, wipe your dog, making sure to include the feet. Your vet may recommend various treatments depending on the cause of the allergy.
Food allergies are reduced and rid off by changing your dog’s food to something that doesn’t contain offending ingredient.
If this is multiple ingredients, have your vet recommend a dog food or supplement with your own. The best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies has limited ingredients and avoids common allergens.
Other things to help treat skin allergies and irritations include making sure that your dog has the recommended amount of fat in its diet.
Fatty acids protect the skin and help it to regenerate itself after irritations.
Using gentle shampoos uniquely made for sensitive and irritated skin is another way to control itching and irritation.
Oatmeals baths are good for skin irritations, and some herbal shampoos are as well. Remember to wash bedding and any blankets your dog regularly lays on as well..
Serious allergic reactions may require steroid or antihistamine support. This is usually a last resort and will make your dog drowsy. Consult your veterinarian and make a careful decision about this option.
Other FAQ
What food is best for dogs with skin allergies?
- Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food Pacific Stream Adult – Salmon
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited-Ingredient Dry Adult Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Dry Dog Food Salmon
- NomNomNow Heartland Beef Mash
- Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Salmon & Potato
What foods are German shepherds allergic to?
German Shepherds maybe allergic to foods with chicken, grain, soy etc
What is the best dog food for my German shepherd?
The best dog food is Canidae which is soy and grain free. It spots chicken as the major ingredient. To support the sensitive stomachs of dogs with allergies, this cheap dog food comes with just 10 ingredients. The base of the food is chickpeas and sweet potato.
Is pedigree Good Dog Food For German Shepherds?
The Top 5 Pedigree Food Choices For German Shepherds: Orijen Adult Dog Food, Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food.
What Foods Are Bad For German shepherds?
Corn, Wheat, or soy are bad for German Shepherds because they are hard to digest. Foods that contain barley, rice, roaled oats, vegetable and fish oils provide healthy fats and Omega-3 fatty acids to keep your German shepherd’s coat shiny.
Why are German Shepherds the best dog?
They are considered as good house dogs because of their calm nature and caring temperament. The GSD is an intelligent dog breed .The largest percentage of police dogs all over the world are GSD’s.
Do German shepherds Attack Their Owners?
The idea that German shepherds — or any other type of dog — are prone to turning on their pet parents is a widespread myth that has little bearing in fact. While some German shepherds have been known to display unwarranted aggressive behaviors, in many cases this is a result of lack of poor training or abuse.
Is a German shepherd The Right Dog For Me?
Like any dog, the German Shepherd is a social animal and needs to be part of a family. The loyalty that endears this breed to many requires that it not be banished to the backyard. German Shepherds are large dogs.
Are German Shepherds Protective Of Their Owners?
With a natural protective instinct that doesn’t not waver, the German Shepherd are Protective and Selfless. His deep desire to protect his owner and family is unmatched, and the GSD is known to put his life in danger to save others. GSD owners know that they’re safe when their dog is around.
Are female German Shepherds More Protective?
Female German shepherd have the “pack” instinct. They will be protective of their family more so then males.
Why are German Shepherds Considered Aggressive?
The German Shepherd breed is known for their aggressive behaviors and tendencies. In fact, they are often touted for this behavior and it is utilized to make good, strong guard dogs.. If your German Shepherds are not trained guard dogs, then you need to curb any aggressive tendencies.
How Dangerous Are German Shepherds?
Everyone has a story about being scratched, bitten, or even attacked by a dangerous dog. It can become such a problem that some areas have even enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL), outlawing breeds of dogs that we think of as dangerous, like pit bulls, Doberman pinschers, and German shepherds.
What Health Problems Do German Shepherds Have?
Health Concerns in the German Shepherd Breed. Over the years, poor breeding practices have lead to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, digestive problems. blood disorders, digestive epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), and dwarfism.
Can a German Shepherd Be Left Alone During The Day?
No! German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging problematic or destructive behavior such as digging, chewing and barking.
Are German shepherds aggressive to other dogs?
German Shepherds are calm and loving dogs. However, if you do not spend time with your dog, it will try to grab your attention by barking, biting furniture, biting your foot, etc. This behavior is very common in GSDs that are left alone by their owners.
When searching for German Shepherd puppy food, consider the individual preference of your German Shepherd and allergies. It’s possible that a puppy formula with anti-allergies work best for your pup.
In some cases, chicken won’t be the best choice for your dog, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your dog won’t be okay with it. Keep in mind, there is no one-size-fits all approach when it comes to feeding your dog. Try and see which works best for you!
If you’re caring for a German Shepherd, you may find it beneficial to use additional breed-specific products, such as the the best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies, the best shampoo for German Shepherds, best dog crate for German Shepherds, the best toys for German Shepherds, and the best brush for German Shepherds.
Now that you know the best dog food for German Shepherds with skin allergies, ensure you share with someone that might need it.
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