Daily amount
Puppy
770–1800 g
3 meals per day
Adult
484–1120 g
2 meals per day
Senior
396–960 g
2 meals per day
Estimated monthly cost
Low cost
48€/mes
Balanced
80€/mes
Premium
136€/mes
Estimate for Spain, healthy adult dog. Varies by region and provider.
Recommended food
Super-premium kibble with high meat content (≥40%), grain-free or whole grain. Reference brands: Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, Eukanuba.
Budget alternative
On a tight budget, Advance, Purina Pro Plan or Nutro Wholesome offer mid-high quality at reasonable prices. Avoid brands with grains as first ingredient.
Nutrition
A German Shepherd's diet must support their bone health and large muscle mass. Feed a high-quality large-breed formula, ideally with added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. An adult weighing 35kg needs about 350-450g of dry food daily, split into two meals to prevent bloat. Avoid cheap fillers (corn/wheat) which can lead to skin issues. It is vital to keep them lean; you should be able to feel their ribs easily. Excess weight is the fastest way to trigger hip dysplasia symptoms and shorten their active life.
Forbidden foods
- ✕ Chocolate
- ✕ Grapes and raisins
- ✕ Onion and garlic
- ✕ Avocado
- ✕ Xylitol
- ✕ Cooked bones
- ✕ Alcohol
- ✕ Caffeine
Healthy treats
Raw carrot, seedless apple, banana, blueberries, cooked pumpkin and pieces of boiled unsalted chicken. Keep treats under 10% of daily intake.