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Many German Shepherd parents are turning to the best raw dog food brands for German Shepherds for their pet’s dietary needs. Kibble might be the convenient option, but it often lacks the protein and nutrients that dogs benefit from. Raw dog food is a diet that can help keep your German Shepherd in shape while also appealing to picky eaters.
However, switching to raw dog food requires some research to make sure you choose a recipe that’s ideal for your German Shepherd’s needs. Consider your German Shepherd’s weight, health conditions, allergies, and preferences when deciding what kind of raw food to get them.
What is Raw Dog Food?
“Raw dog food” usually describes any type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients, such as meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It’s designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your German Shepherd’s ancestors.
In the wild, it’s common for canines to consume whole animals after hunting them, bones and all. So, your German Shepherd’s ancestors ate food that was high in protein with minimal carbohydrates. Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat.
Most German Shepherd parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life. Kibble often has more carbs than dogs are meant to ingest, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in some cases. Thus, many German Shepherd parents are now trying raw dog food to give their pups meals that are higher in real, nutritious animal products.
Raw dog food is usually served in frozen or freeze-dried forms.
Raw Dog Food vs. Fresh Dog Food
Fresh dog food is another type of dog food that’s growing in popularity due to its high protein and quality ingredients. Both raw and fresh food contain whole ingredients, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, the main difference is that fresh food goes through a cooking process while raw food doesn’t.
If you’d rather serve your German Shepherd fresh food instead of raw food, check out the best fresh dog food brands.
Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food Recipes?
Yes, many German Shepherd parents choose to create their own raw dog food recipes as opposed to buying a brand. However, this can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll need to ensure your German Shepherd gets a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, and nutrients. If you’re not confident you can prepare that for your dog, you can talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for advice.
Even though creating raw dog food recipes is tricky for beginners, it can help you feel more confident about your German Shepherd’s health in the long run. You’ll know exactly what’s going into your German Shepherd’s meals, so you can cater those ingredients to fit your dog’s needs, such as including their favorite foods and excluding their allergies.
However, raw dog food brands are generally safer and more convenient for German Shepherd parents using raw food for the first time. They’ll already provide a nutritionally-balanced meal for your furry friend, so there are less risks involved.
Related: Best Puppy Dog Food
Raw Dog Food for German Shepherds: Pros and Cons
Like all types of dog food, there are benefits and downsides to raw dog food. Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Benefits of Raw Dog Food for German Shepherds
- Uses limited, high-quality ingredients
- Appeals to picky eaters
- Improves digestion
- Reduces allergy symptoms
- Improves skin and coat health
- Leads to firmer stools
- Assists with weight management
- Increases energy levels
Downsides of Raw Dog Food for German Shepherds
- It’s expensive
- Has a higher risk of spreading bacteria
- Can be harder to store
- Takes more time to prepare and serve
Top Raw Dog Food Brands for Natural Nutrition
1 – Maev Raw Dog Food
Maev is a brand that specializes in raw dog food. Its products are nutritionally balanced and species-appropriate. The ingredients are typically a mixture of raw meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables. The food is flash-frozen for optimal nutrient absorption, making it as tasty and healthy as possible for your furry friend.
The brand only uses human-grade ingredients, ensuring the exclusion of fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Thus, the recipes closely mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, providing canines with a range of essential nutrients in a form that’s biologically appropriate for them. Dogs can experience lots of benefits from Maev’s diet, including improved digestion, more energy, and healthier skin and coat.
When purchasing Maev’s food, you can choose between chicken, beef, or a mix of both. If you’re not sure how much to feed your dog, you can get customized portions based on your dog’s information. You can also choose if there are certain areas you want the food to help with, such as weight, joints, anxiety, or hip and joint pain. The nutrient-rich food is always shipped right to your door to eliminate the need to get dog food from the store.
Benefits:
- Flash-frozen for optimal nutrient absorption
- Arrives at your door ready to eat
- Offers some customizable options
- Made with human-grade ingredients that mimic an ancestral diet
- Benefits digestion, energy, skin, coat, and more
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2 – Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties
If you’re not looking to commit to a questionnaire or subscription to get raw German Shepherd food, Stella & Chewy’s is a more convenient option. Their raw food comes in freeze-dried patties, which help extend its shelf life while preserving its nutrient content. The company offers a wide variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit, beef, turkey, and venison.
Since the food is in patties, it’s easy to portion out your German Shepherd’s meals. You can serve the freeze-dried patties as-is, but Stella & Chewy’s recommends rehydrating them to give your dog some added moisture. To rehydrate, crumble the food and add 1/4 cup of water for every 2 patties. These patties can be used as full meals, but many pet parents use them as food toppers instead.
95% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. The recipes also have organic fruits and vegetables in them. The ingredients used can benefit skin and coat health, heart health, and digestion. The patties are also grain-free to cater to German Shepherds with allergies. This company’s products are sold in pet supply stores across the United States, and the food is formulated in USA facilities.
Benefits:
- Easy to portion
- Easy to store
- Several ways to serve
- Good for German Shepherds with allergies
- Variety of options
3 – We Feed Raw
We Feed Raw is another dog food company that creates meal plans that cater to your German Shepherd’s needs. All you have to do is answer some questions about your German Shepherd, and then the company will suggest the ideal food for them. During the questionnaire, the company takes into account your German Shepherd’s age, weight, breed, allergies, and current diet.
This company offers raw dog food in several proteins, including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, and venison. All the formulas are created by a PhD animal nutritionist who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The food is always high in protein, so the first four to five ingredients come from real animal products. All the meat comes from animals raised on farms in the United States and New Zealand.
This company only uses USDA-certified and human-grade meats for its products. The food is shipped to your door at no additional cost. It can be shipped to any of the 48 contiguous states. The food ships cold, and it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. In the freezer, it can last for up to six months.
Benefits:
- Offers personalized feeding plans
- Free shipping to your door
- Good for German Shepherds with allergies
- Only uses human-grade meats
- Formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist
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4 – Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Darwin’s is a subscription-based raw dog food brand for German Shepherds, making it one of the best raw dog food delivery services. Customers start by filling out a questionnaire about their German Shepherd, and then, the company will suggest the best raw food to fit their pup’s needs. The food is auto-shipped to your door, frozen for no additional cost. So, you will have to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving it to your dog.
There are three main types of raw formulas: Natural Selections, BioLogics, and Intelligent Design. Natural Selections are made using free-range meats and organic vegetable,s while BioLogic uses conventionally-sourced ingredients at a more affordable price. Then, Intelligent Design has formulas catered to specific health conditions. There are many protein options available, including chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb. Canine nutritionists helped formulate the recipes.
All of Darwin’s food is high in animal protein, with over 70% protein in each meal. This food can ship nationwide in the United States, but you won’t find it in any pet stores. Many German Shepherd parents love this brand because it offers balanced raw diets in easy-to-open packages. The only downside is that this food is pricier than other popular raw food brands.
Benefits:
- Offers personalized feeding plans
- Variety of meal options
- You can choose between different ingredient-sourcing options
- Free shipping to your door
- Good for German Shepherds with allergies
- Recipes formulated with the help of canine nutritionists
Related: Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Comparison
5 – Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals
Instinct offers another one of the best raw freeze-dried German Shepherd foods due to its convenience. It comes in small, freeze-dried pellets that are about the size of kibble pieces. You can feed the pieces as-is, or you can mix them with warm water, which is ideal for making sure your pup gets enough moisture. These freeze-dried pieces can be served as full meals or food toppers.
85% of the formula includes meat, organs, and bones. Then, the rest contains non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Despite looking like kibble, this German Shepherd food has never been cooked, and it’s minimally processed to preserve the nutrients. All the dog food is made in USA kitchens. This food comes with either beef, chicken, or lamb as the primary protein.
The freeze-dried raw meals are the more popular choice, but there are also frozen raw meals available. If you’re not ready to switch completely to raw, Instinct also offers “Raw Boost” recipes, which are kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces.
Benefits:
- Convenient to store
- Several ways to serve
- Good for German Shepherds with allergies
- Other types of raw food are also available
6 – Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw
Open Farm offers a wide variety of German Shepherd food, including dry, wet, fresh, and raw. Their raw dog food is freeze-dried to make it easier to store and serve to your pup. Like other freeze-dried options, it can be used as a full meal or a topper. Freeze-dried raw food can be pricy, so many pet parents save money by mixing it with kibble.
The freeze-dried pieces are about the size of kibble, so they’re ready to serve when you pour them out of the bag. If you’re worried your German Shepherd isn’t ingesting enough liquid, you can mix warm water with the food. Otherwise, make sure clean water is accessible to your dog while they’re eating.
There are six formulas available: surf & turf, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. Each recipe contains meat from humanely-raised animals, along with organic fruits and vegetables. On Open Farm’s website, the source of every ingredient is listed.
Benefits:
- Convenient to store
- Can be served in several ways
- Good for German Shepherds with allergies
- Lots of protein options
- Lists ingredient sourcing on the website
7 – Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
Sojos’ raw dog food is designed to provide complete raw meals in a convenient form. Their recipes are ideal for German Shepherds of all ages, sizes, and breeds. They currently have five formulas: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, and senior turkey & salmon. They also have “Mix-a-Meal” recipes that are raw dog food toppers.
To serve this food, you need to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. Then, you’ll let the food soak in the water for 15 minutes before feeding it to your German Shepherd. The preparation time is a bit longer than it is for other brands, but the extra soaking helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food. Every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.
Sojos uses ingredient lists that are “short and sweet” to avoid allergic reactions in dogs. The USDA-approved animal protein is paired with human-grade, air-dried fruits and vegetables. All the formulas are made in kitchens in the United States.
Benefits:
- Uses USDA-approved and human-grade ingredients
- Rehydrating activates the nutrients
- Variety of options
- Good for German Shepherds with allergies
- Easy to store
8. Wysong Raw Dog Food
Wysong offers several different types of raw dog food diets. Their original raw diet is Archetype, a bag of freeze-dried raw dog food that needs to be rehydrated before serving. Some Archetype recipes also come in burgers for customers who want larger quantities. They also sell “UnCanny” wet food recipes, which are designed to be mixed with the Archetype formulas.
This brand’s raw food comes in chicken, rabbit, quail, and beef. All options are high in natural protein and fat. They also contain plant nutrients, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These “Non-Thermal” raw dog food options are designed to mimic your dog’s ancestral diet by focusing on high protein. The food is only sold in small packages that preserve nutrients, so it can make a great food topper if you don’t want to use it as a meal.
If you like this brand but your dog isn’t a fan of its raw food, it also offers dry and wet food formulas. All the products can be ordered online or purchased at select pet supply stores.
Benefits:
- A variety of raw dog food options
- Contains lots of nutrients
- Packaging preserves nutrients
- Good for dogs with allergies
- Several ways to serve it
- iHeartDogs Offer: 10% off healthy food with the code 10OFFWYSONG
9 – Primal Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets
Primal’s freeze-dried raw dog food comes in the form of soft nuggets. The nuggets make it easy to portion out meals for your German Shepherd based on their weight. To turn the freeze-dried pieces into healthy meals, you can crumble up the nuggets once they’re portioned and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to them. You’ll mix the chosen liquid with the food to rehydrate it, making it more nutritious and flavorful for your German Shepherd.
These freeze-dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit. This company also offers some frozen raw options.
All the ingredients used in Primal Foods are sourced from sustainable ranchers and inspected by the USDA. In addition to quality animal protein, they also have organic fruits and vegetables, along with non-synthetic vitamins and minerals. Overall, this is a convenient choice for German Shepherd parents who are new to raw dog food. However, some customers complained that the nuggets were crumbled when they received them.
Benefits:
- Comes in a variety of proteins
- Easy to portion
- Can be served in several ways
- Packed with nutrients
- Easy to store and travel with
10 – Raw Wild LLC
Raw Wild is an online raw dog food subscription service. The food will ship to your door in a Styrofoam cooler, and it should be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness. When preparing to serve the food to your German Shepherd, you should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can get a discount if you order the trial for the first time.
All of Raw Wild’s food is made from wild elk and deer. Over 99% of the food includes meat and bones from wild animals. The company chose not to include organs because they didn’t want to add organs that could potentially contaminate the wild food. The rest of the food is made up of essential vitamins and minerals.
Raw Wild is a bit pricier than many other raw dog food brands because they have a limited stock, since all the meat comes from wild animals. They hand-pack and hand-inspect every product to ensure it’s the ideal quality. All the products meet AAFCO standards, and the meat is processed in a facility that also processes elk and deer for human consumption. So, the standards and level of quality are always high with this brand.
Benefits:
- Only uses meat from wild animals
- Over 99% of the food is meat and bones
- Avoids organs to reduce the risk of contamination
- Subscription ships to your door
- Uses rare types of human-grade meat
11. Halo Meal Bites Freeze-Dried Raw
Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites used to be called TruDog Feed Me Freeze-Dried Dog Food. The branding changed in July 2025. Although the name and packaging are different, the food retains the same great recipe and taste. The company freeze-dries raw ingredients into crunchy pellets to lock in the natural nutrients and flavors.
The food can be served as-is, but the company recommends rehydrating it to give your dog extra moisture. If you don’t rehydrate the food, make sure your pup has access to clean water. The first several ingredients of the food are animal meat and organs, along with vitamins and nutrients. Looking at the ingredient list might not sound appealing to you, but it’s healthy and mouth-watering for dogs.
You can choose between beef, turkey, whitefish, or turkey & duck recipes. Some dog parents aren’t fond of this food because it has strong odors, but that means that it usually interests picky eaters.
Benefits:
- Convenient to store
- Locks in natural nutrients and flavors
- Multiple ways to serve
- Appeals to picky dogs
- Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
12 – Raw Paws Pet Food
Raw Paws has the best variety when it comes to raw dog food. They offer raw food recipes in patties or ground up. They have products with and without fruits and vegetables, and they even offer raw meat on its own. So, you can either order pre-made raw recipes or you can order simpler products and add ingredients to them to create customizable meals for your German Shepherd.
They offer chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, goat, and venison products. So, there are plenty of products to choose from regardless of your German Shepherd’s preferences. Most of the food needs to be stored in the freezer, and then you can thaw it in the fridge when you prepare your dog’s upcoming meals. There are several raw treat options too. The food can all be ordered online and shipped to your door. It’s not available in any pet supply stores.
The wide selection of raw dog food products can be overwhelming for new customers, but it allows you to choose the one that is best for your German Shepherd. All the products use ingredients sourced from “responsible and ethical farms.” One of the best parts of this company is that they ship the products quickly so they don’t thaw during shipping. US orders placed on weekdays ship out on the same day, and weekend orders ship out the following Monday.
Benefits:
- A wide variety of products is available
- Fast shipping
- Full meals, parts of raw meals, and treats are available
- Good for picky eaters
- Offers free meal plans
Transitioning Your German Shepherd to Raw Dog Food
It’s always a good idea to do a gradual transition when switching your German Shepherd to a new food because it helps prevent tummy troubles. Transitioning is especially important when there’s a drastic change in diet, such as from kibble to raw dog food.
Here’s our recommended transitioning process:
- Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
- Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
- Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
- Day 15: 100% new food
Since raw food is much different than dry dog food, it’s best to have a slow transition. It should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your German Shepherd a 100% raw diet. If you know your dog is sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your German Shepherd’s health.
Related: Best Dry Dog Foods
Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Dog Food
1. What is raw dog food for German Shepherds?
Raw dog food typically includes uncooked meat, organs, bones, and sometimes fruits or vegetables. For German Shepherds, it is often chosen to support digestion, muscle development, and overall vitality. Many owners prefer it because it mimics a more natural canine diet.
2. Is raw dog food safe for German Shepherds?
Raw dog food can be safe when it is properly sourced, handled, and balanced. High-quality commercial raw brands follow strict safety standards to reduce risks. It is always best to consult your veterinarian before switching diets.
3. Why do German Shepherds benefit from raw dog food?
German Shepherds are active, muscular dogs that often thrive on high-protein diets. Raw food may support lean muscle, healthy joints, and improved energy levels. Some owners also notice better digestion and fewer stomach sensitivities.
4. Can raw dog food help with German Shepherd allergies?
Many German Shepherds struggle with food sensitivities. Raw diets often have limited ingredients, which can make it easier to avoid common allergens. This may lead to improved skin, coat health, and reduced itching.
5. How do I choose the best raw dog food brand for my German Shepherd?
Look for brands that use high-quality meats, balanced formulas, and transparent sourcing. A good raw dog food should meet AAFCO guidelines or veterinary nutrition standards. Reviews from other German Shepherd owners can also be helpful.
RELATED: Check Out Our List of Best Dog Foods
6. Should raw dog food be grain-free for German Shepherds?
Most raw dog foods are naturally grain-free, which many German Shepherd owners prefer. Grain-free diets can be helpful for dogs with sensitivities, but they are not required for every dog. Balance and nutritional completeness matter most.
7. How much raw dog food should a German Shepherd eat?
Portion sizes depend on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and metabolism. Most raw feeding guidelines suggest feeding a percentage of your dog’s body weight daily. Your veterinarian can help fine-tune the amount.
8. Is raw dog food good for German Shepherd puppies?
Raw diets can work for puppies if they are carefully balanced for growth. German Shepherd puppies need precise calcium and phosphorus levels for healthy bone development. Choose puppy-specific raw formulas or consult a veterinary nutritionist.
9. Can raw dog food improve a German Shepherd’s coat?
Many owners report shinier coats and healthier skin after switching to raw dog food. The natural fats and nutrients in raw diets may support coat quality. Results can vary depending on the dog and the brand used.
10. Does raw dog food help with German Shepherd digestion?
German Shepherds are prone to digestive issues, including sensitive stomachs. Raw food may be easier for some dogs to digest due to fewer fillers. Owners often notice smaller, firmer stools as a result.
11. Are commercial raw dog food brands better than homemade?
Commercial raw brands are often formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Homemade raw diets require careful planning and supplementation. For many owners, commercial options offer convenience and peace of mind.
12. How do I transition my German Shepherd to raw dog food?
A slow transition is recommended to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing small amounts of raw food with your dog’s current diet and gradually increase over one to two weeks. Monitor stools and overall behavior during the switch.
13. Can raw dog food help with German Shepherd joint health?
Raw diets rich in protein and natural nutrients may support muscle strength around joints. Some formulas also include ingredients that support joint health. This can be especially helpful for active or aging German Shepherds.
14. Is raw dog food expensive for large dogs like German Shepherds?
Raw feeding can be more costly than traditional kibble, especially for large breeds. However, many owners feel the potential health benefits justify the cost. Buying in bulk or choosing frozen options may help manage expenses.
15. Do veterinarians recommend raw dog food for German Shepherds?
Opinions vary among veterinarians. Some support raw diets when properly balanced, while others prefer cooked or commercial diets. It is important to work with a vet who understands your dog’s specific needs.
16. Can raw dog food reduce shedding in German Shepherds?
While shedding is natural for German Shepherds, improved nutrition may support healthier skin and coat. Some owners notice less excessive shedding over time. Results depend on overall diet quality and individual dogs.
17. Are there risks of bacteria in raw dog food?
Raw food can carry bacteria if not handled properly. Reputable raw dog food brands use safety measures like freezing and testing. Proper storage, hygiene, and handling at home are essential.
18. How should raw dog food be stored?
Most raw dog food should be kept frozen until use. Thaw portions in the refrigerator and never leave raw food out for long periods. Proper storage helps maintain safety and freshness.
19. Can senior German Shepherds eat raw dog food?
Senior German Shepherds can eat raw food if it meets their nutritional needs. Some seniors benefit from higher-quality protein and fewer fillers. Always consider dental health and consult your vet for adjustments.
20. Is raw dog food better than kibble for German Shepherds?
Raw dog food is not automatically better for every German Shepherd. Some dogs thrive on raw, while others do well on high-quality kibble. The best diet is one that supports your dog’s health, lifestyle, and individual needs.
Will My German Shepherd Need Supplements on a Raw Food Diet?
Not necessarily. A properly balanced raw food diet should provide all the essential nutrients your German Shepherd needs. However, depending on the specific formulation and your dog’s health conditions, some supplements might be beneficial. Common additions include fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics for digestive support, and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for active or aging dogs. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to ensure your dog’s diet remains nutritionally complete and balanced.
No matter what brand you choose, the best raw dog food diet can help your German Shepherd have a healthier lifestyle. Any of the brands on this list are great options to switch to, as long as you provide a gradual transition.
Toledo, United States.