German shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are widely loved for their intelligence and loyalty. Big, loveable, and enthusiastic as a breed, these dogs are ideal for active families or those that need a working dog. While they are not the biggest dog breed, they are one of the most muscular.

In order to keep your German shepherd healthy, you are going to want to feed him high quality food. Though there are some brands that are recommended specifically for German shepherds, there are many brands of dog food that will help you keep your German shepherd healthy. Here are some of the best brands for your friend:

Orijen Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen is a popular brand that is made in the United States. There are lots of brands that take special care to make sure they only use the very best ingredients for their dog food, but there are only a few that really seem to put the time and attention into their formulations that Orijen does. This brand has a few different varieties, but one of the best for German shepherds is their high-protein, grain-free variety. This will ensure that your dog does not develop grain allergies (or that if he already has a grain allergy, that a reaction will not be triggered by his diet). The only drawback of this brand is that it is one of the more expensive brands on this list.

Test of the Wild Dry Dog Food

This brand has almost a cult following among dog owners. Less expensive than Orijen, with many of the same ingredients, it is a good balance between quality and price. It is also made in the US and is completely free of grain, unlike most bargain brands that pad out their calorie count with wheat or, even worse, corn. It is about half of the price of Orijen, and this brand makes the same commitment to quality, so you know that you are getting a high-protein, high-quality brand that your German shepherd is sure to enjoy.

EVO Dry Dog Food

EVO is a smaller brand, but like the others on this list, they make a great, grain-free dog food that is perfect for an active dog. They put a special emphasis on the inclusion of red meat in their dog food. You already know that your German shepherd loves red meat. This brand especially has been attracting the attention of farmers, who raise their Shepherds as working dogs. It has a higher protein content than many other brands, even other premium brands. If you are trying to encourage your German shepherd to put on muscle, this could be the ideal brand for you to try.

Natural Balance Diet Dry Dog Food

You might, at some point, especially as your friend starts to age and slow down, notice that he has put on a little more weight than what he was carrying before. If this is the case, you might want to take a look at Natural Balance Diet. Natural Balance the brand has a wide variety of natural foods, all made without grain and other common German shepherd allergens. It is especially recommended for dogs that have special dietary needs (like trying to lose weight), or those that have sensitive stomachs, as many German shepherds do. You can usually find this brand online if your local store does not carry it.

Eukanuba Breed Specific

If you are looking for a brand that makes food for your specific breed, Eukanuba is a great place to start. You probably already know that large dogs have different dietary requirements than small dogs. While a shepherd could probably eat the same food as a Rottweiler without experiencing any negative side effects, you probably do not want to feed a German shepherd the same food you would feed a Chihuahua. A German shepherd needs more protein and more calories than a small dog, and that is exactly what this kind of food provides to your dog.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo has only recently become popular among dog owners, but it has some of the best ingredients on the market, and this brand strives to keep their prices as low as possible, in order to ensure that every owners can provide their dog with high-quality food. This brand is usually easy to find in your local store, especially if you live near a pet store, but it can also be ordered online if you cannot find it in your area. This brand, like all the others on this list, is grain and corn-free and relies on real meat for its protein content.