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25 Best Foods for an Overweight German Shepherd

| Published on May 1, 2023
Does your  German Shepherd have a few extra pounds they need to lose? You’re not alone. Members of our I Love My German Shepherd Facebook community recently shared their insights on the following question: What food would you recommend for an overweight German Shepherd? We received hundreds of helpful replies and below have compiled some of the best responses.

Always remember to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your german shepherd’s diet, especially if they are overweight, and may have other related health issues. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

25 Best Dog Foods for a German Shepherd That Needs to Lose Weight

Our dog was 15-20 lbs overweight, we just cut the amount she was getting and she lost the weight. No kibble and more pumpkin.She has maintained her weight and we’ve increased her food amount ever so slightly. Her vet is very happy with her health and the weight loss helped her joints.

Author: Ginna C.

Likes: 14


I give my boy Core Wellness low-fat diet not for weight loss but for his stomach issues he loves it. Might be one that would help! Good luck!

Author: Christine Anton H.

Likes: 1


I had a dog that refused to eat the Hill’s Science Diet food the vet prescribed. I used some low sodium chicken broth and canned green beans to mix in to entice him. Also, I gave him 10 minutes to eat and if he didn’t, I took the bowl up until next mealtime. After about 3 of those episodes (I feed morning and evening), he started eating what I put down and was never too picky again.

Author: Randee B.

Likes: 23


I switched to Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice Large Breed (My GSD weighed 176) I can’t afford the weight loss or fresh food on my budget with 2 other 65 and 72 lb dogs. I went to vet after 3 months of use he weighed 157 almost 20 lb loss!!!! My dogs don’t like it as much…but they have learned to eat it with small toppings on it ie Parmesan cheese, plain yogurt , olive oil and garlic. Good luck!!!

Author: Sheree W.

Likes: 3


My fat girl did wonderful on blue buffalo chicken kibble with 1/2 can wet chicken blue buffalo. Once a day feedings. She looks great! And is playing again!

Author: Amy H.

Likes: 3


Hills Science Diet Weight Management.

Author: Tracey S.

Likes: 1


My daughter fed her dog the purina pro plan weight loss and she dropped her pounds. And feed more than once a day so the dog will not feel starved by just getting it once a day, less than he is used to…

Author: Leona F.

Likes: 5


I’ve always fed my German Shepherds Royal Canin. It’s breed specific and formulated especially for German Shepherds. This is my fourth German Shepherd and the other 3 lived to be 14. I feed her what is says on the chart on the bag. She stays between 77 and 80 lbs. year round and my Vet says she is very healthy.

Author: Barry H.

Likes: 2


I started my GSD on The Farmers Dog. Yes, it’s expensive but I’ve never seen a dog so excited to eat. She’s lost weight, her coat looks fantastic and she’s got more energy than ever before!

Author: Jen S.

Likes: 2


Purina Pro Plan Weight Management with shredded chicken (kibble). I’ve personally used it very successfully. I also have recommended it for several of my dog walking clients. Their dogs loved it and dropped/maintained their weight.

Author: Linda B.

Likes: 1


I fed my GSD Bil-Jac. It comes frozen and my dog was 85 pounds of solid muscle.

Author: Steve C.

Likes: 0


Purina weight management

Author: Cathy R.

Likes: 1


We are still on that journey, but we are down to the final 4 lbs!!!! Last summer, my girl weighed in at 84.1 lbs! We started her on one and a half cups of Royal Canin Satiety twice daily and I top it with some good tasting 3.5 oz wet food “topper” to disguise her meds and supplements. On March 20th, she had a complete titanium hip replacement surgery and weighed 68.4 lbs!!!! She is a very healthy weight now for joints and arthritis, but the surgeon would be thrilled for 3-4 more for her new “hardware”. Much as I hate it when she gives me “the k9 starvation stare”, she will be around longer and in better condition and health for my guilt!

Author: Kathleen Anne L.

Likes: 0


My girls eat pedigree and then my vet recommended a green bean diet if you buy the cans green beans you rinse them off if you buy fresh you still bring them up but you cook them down to the really really tender and mash them up and put it in their food mind level including my cat

Author: Alicia C.

Likes: 1


My vet recommended this :1 cup of his regular dry food, add 1/3 cup canned green beans… the beans add filling fiber. He has been doing great! Has lost 7 lbs and maintains a healthy weight again. My Pyrenees didn’t like the green beans, so I add 2 tablespoons of canned food to hers. They are both doing great with this and look terrific!

Author: Michelle M. L.

Likes: 1


I give my boy Iams healthy weight. He lost about 20 pounds. My vet was happy. Only feed him twice a day.

Author: Teresa Lanham R.

Likes: 0


Royal Canin, Dog Food is specifically made for certain dog breeds

Author: Debbie W.

Likes: 1


I give my little dog purina one weight management. She slimmed down and seems satisfied with her meal.

Author: Kathi Brelinski S.

Likes: 0


I liked Fromm with lamb and duck. Many are singing the praises of raw. Just provide the best you can, limit treats.

Author: Donna S.

Likes: 0


1 cup dog food of choice, 1 cup of carrots peas and green beans is what we feed ours and they love it and our overweight GSDs have Lost 15 LBS and 10 lbs respective now we just add a little because they just like it

Author: Bryan B.

Likes: 0


My foodie GSG, I am feeding her natural balance Fat Dog. She has been losing weight slow and steady. I do supplement by adding raw foods at least 3 times a week, if I do this every decrease the dry food.

Author: Doris D.

Likes: 0


Taste of the wild salmon works great

Author: Buzz W.

Likes: 0


My dog is overweight at 110 lbs and I feed him Purina Pro Pet. My vet worked with me on the type of food and couple of treats he gets to give me an adequate amount of food to feed him to lose weight, he has tendencies to get completely food focused and she did say if the becomes intolerable then it would be better to put in on prescription. (very low cal but filling for his belly) but my Bruno has been great and he’s lost 2 lbs already in 4 weeks. If you are feeding a relatively high quality food now your vet should be able to work a plan with it.

Author: Carrie L.

Likes: 0


Carrots, peas, sweet potatoes and decreasing amount, back of food bag has amounts he should get but don’t go by his current weight, but desired weight. Depending on age, short walks 2-÷ times daily

Author: Wendy Richards E.

Likes: 0


Wagg worker has served my German Shepherds for last 25 years not over weight and had compliments of vets. We humans to easily give in and feed out of feeling guilty a dog won’t starve it will eat when it needs to I feed mine once a day late afternoon if they don’t eat take it away

Author: Dean M.

Likes: 0


In conclusion, providing an obese German Shepherd with the right diet is crucial to ensure their journey towards a healthier weight is both enjoyable and effective. By focusing on high-quality protein sources, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, you can support your dog’s weight loss while maintaining their overall health. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet. With patience, dedication, and the right food choices, your beloved German Shepherd will be well on their way to achieving a leaner, happier, and more energetic life. Embrace the journey together for a stronger bond and a healthier future.
iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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