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  1. Home
  2. Dog
  3. Feed & Nutrition

What’s the Best Fresh Dog Food for German Shepherds?

Give your loyal pup the nutrition they need to thrive with fresh dog food.
Chewy Editors
Dr. Teresa Manucy
By Chewy Editors. Reviewed by Dr. Teresa Manucy
Updated
Sep. 10, 2025
A German Shepherd lying on a gray couch. Chewy's Get Real Fresh Dog Food is the best fresh food for a German Shepherd.

Photo by Chewy

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy levels. As a big dog breed with unique health and nutritional needs, feeding them a high-quality, balanced diet is essential for their long-term well-being.

Fresh dog food is gaining popularity among pet parents, and it can be an especially good fit for active breeds like German Shepherds. Let’s look at why.

Jump to section

  • What Is Fresh Dog Food?
  • What’s the Best Fresh Dog Food for German Shepherds?

Key Takeaways

  • German Shepherds benefit from a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support their coat, joints, sensitive stomach, and high energy levels.
  • Fresh food is made with real, whole ingredients and contains fewer preservatives and additives than other types of dog food.
  • Chewy’s Get Real Fresh Food and JustFoodForDogs are some of the best fresh dog foods for German Shepherds.

What Is Fresh Dog Food?


Fresh dog food refers to meals made with whole ingredients, like real meat, veggies, and grains. These meals are often prepared in small batches, gently cooked to retain nutrients, kept refrigerated or frozen, and delivered in pre-portioned servings to help ensure your dog receives a well-balanced, AAFCO-compliant diet.

What’s the Best Fresh Dog Food for German Shepherds?


Fresh food like Chewy’s Get Real Fresh Food and JustFoodForDogs is a solid option for German Shepherds.

Get Real Fresh Food is a meal subscription plan delivered to your door at regular intervals. It’s made with premium, real ingredients (like sweet potato, chicken, and cranberries) and tailored to meet your unique dog’s nutritional needs.

Get Real is delivered frozen—you just need to thaw before serving. JustFoodForDogs is available frozen or in a shelf-stable form.

Recommended Products

JustFoodForDogs Sampler Variety Box Frozen Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food, 18-oz pouch, case of 7
JustFoodForDogs Sampler Variety Box Frozen Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food, 18-oz pouch, case of 7
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2
1.1KReviews
$83.99Chewy Price
JustFoodForDogs JustFresh Human Grade Home-Cooked Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food, 12-oz pouch
JustFoodForDogs JustFresh Human Grade Home-Cooked Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food, 12-oz pouch
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
969Reviews
$6.99Chewy Price

Overall, fresh food offers a convenient and appetizing alternative to dry kibble. Here’s why fresh dog food is a great fit for German Shepherds:

Fresh Food Contains Limited Ingredients

German Shepherds often develop food allergies. Because fresh food contains a limited number of ingredients (Get Real Fresh Food always contains 10 ingredients or fewer, for example), it’s easier for pet parents to identify a food allergy and avoid it.

It Encourages Healthy Weight Management

Because fresh food is delivered in pre-portioned packets, it’s easy to give your dog the right amount of food without the worry of overfeeding. Obesity in dogs can lead to many other health problems in German Shepherds, and obesity can worsen issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

It Enhances Skin and Coat Health

Fresh dog food often contains healthy fats, such as fish oil, that support skin hydration and a shiny coat. German Shepherds have thick double coats that benefit from optimal nutrition to reduce shedding and skin irritation.

Fresh Food Is Nutrient-Dense for Higher Energy Levels

As active working dogs, German Shepherds need at least two hours of exercise every day. Because of this, they burn calories quickly and need reliable energy throughout the day.

Fresh dog food is nutrient-dense and made with high-quality protein sources, so it can help fuel your German Shepherd’s active lifestyle.

Choosing the right food for your German Shepherd is one of the most important ways you can support their health and happiness. Always talk to your veterinarian first—they can give you the best advice on what to feed your dog.

Attributions


This article was created with assistance from AI tools. The content has been reviewed for accuracy and edited by a human.


Chewy Editors

Chewy Editors

Dr. Teresa Manucy

Dr. Teresa Manucy

Dr. Teresa Manucy is a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small
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