Best Dog Food for German Shorthaired Pointers : 15 Healthy Recipes Reviewed by Budget, Diet and Life Stage

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP for short) is a medium- to large-sized breed known for his versatile hunting abilities as well as his excellent speed and stamina.

The exact origins of the German Shorthaired Pointer breed are unknown, but it is thought to be descendant from the German Bird Dog. Although his origins may be unclear, the modern purpose of the German Shorthaired Pointer is to hunt with great strength and stamina in the field, then to come home and be a loving family companion. These dogs are good with children and other dogs, plus they are very intelligent and highly trainable.

The German Shorthaired Pointer generally stands 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. This puts him somewhere in between a medium and large breed. In terms of his longevity, this breed has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Even though he is a fairly healthy breed, all dogs are prone to certain health problems and a high-quality diet is essential.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

Understanding a German Shorthaired Pointer’s Diet Requirements

Like all dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer requires a blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in his diet. Protein provides the building blocks for strong muscles as your puppy is growing and later helps maintain lean muscle mass. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy which is particularly important for a high-energy breed like the German Shorthaired Pointer. Both fat and protein are best from animal sources because your dog’s body is evolved to metabolize animal products better than plant products.

Some of the best sources of protein for your German Shorthaired Pointer will be animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish. These are complete proteins which means that they contain all 10 essential amino acids that your dog needs in his diet. Healthy sources of fat include things like chicken fat and salmon oil. Plant fats can be used as supplemental fats to provide a balance of omega fatty acids.

Carbohydrates provide your dog with energy, fiber, and nutrients. He does not have any specific requirements for carbohydrates in his diet except that they be digestible. Digestible sources of carbohydrate include things like whole grains, vegetables, beans, and legumes. In terms of his fiber needs, your dog will do well with something between 3% and 5% crude fiber.

• Puppy German Shorthaired Pointers Diet – As a puppy, your German Shorthaired Pointer needs a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat in his diet to fuel his growth and his metabolism. Choose a high-quality large-breed puppy food to ensure that your puppy gets the nutrients he needs without growing too quickly, as overgrowth increases his risk for joint problems later in life.
• Adult German Shorthaired Pointers Diet – When your German Shorthaired Pointer reaches his full size, switch to a large-breed adult recipe that provides a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat. Protein is required to maintain lean muscle mass and your dog can use a little extra fat for energy.
• Senior German Shorthaired Pointers Diet – As your German Shorthaired Pointer gets older, he may slow down a bit and his calorie needs may not be as high. Switch him to a lower fat formula to control calories or consider a large-breed senior or healthy weight recipe.

A top rated dog food will meet your dog’s basic requirements for protein, fat, and carbohydrates but your German Shorthaired Pointer can also benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy supplements. Fresh fruits and veggies provide natural sources for key nutrients and they are more biologically valuable than synthetic supplements. Chelated minerals are mineral supplements that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which increases their absorption. Your dog can also benefit from prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.

Special Dietary Considerations for German Shorthaired Pointers

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a fairly healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Unfortunately, he is prone to some health problems which may impact his lifespan.

Here is a quick list of the health problems to which the German Shorthaired Pointer may be prone:

• Cancer
• Cone Degeneration
• Entropion
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Hip Dysplasia
• Gastric Dilation
• Lymphedema
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Von Willebrand Disease

Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.

Many of the health problems to which the German Shorthaired Pointer is prone can be categorized in groups such as eye problems, musculoskeletal issues, and hereditary health problems.

Some of the eye problems to which the breed is prone include cone degeneration, entropion, and progressive retinal atrophy. Cone degeneration is not as common as other eye problems like entropion which is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward and causes irritation to the eye. Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that involves gradual degeneration of the retina and may lead to total blindness at some point in the dog’s life.

As a large breed, the German Shorthaired Pointer is prone to certain musculoskeletal conditions, the most common of which is an inherited health problem called hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joint that allows the femoral head to slip in and out of place, causing inflammation and deterioration of the joint. Another size-related issue for the breed is gastric dilation. This is a condition in which the stomach fills with air and twists on its axis, cutting off blood flow and causing a life-threatening condition. It happens when your dog eats too much, eats too fast, or swallows too much air while he is eating. Feeding small meals is one way to prevent this condition.

Other health problems to which the breed may be prone include various forms of cancer, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, lymphedema, and von Willebrand disease. Lymphedema is a valvular blockage which can cause the tissues to swell due to fluid accumulation. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland and von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder.

German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding Chart

As your German Shorthaired Pointer grows up, his feeding requirements will go through some changes. As a puppy, the focus is on providing him with the protein and energy he needs to develop properly. Protein helps him build strong muscles while fat provides energy to fuel his metabolism. You want to prevent your puppy from growing too fast, however, because overgrowth may increase his risk for arthritis and other joint issues later in life. Feeding a large-breed puppy food is the easiest way to prevent this problem from happening.

As your German Shorthaired Pointer approaches 12 months of age or his adult weight, you should consider switching him to a large-breed adult recipe. These are made with ample protein to maintain lean muscle mass with moderate fat to provide for the breed’s high energy needs. They also contain glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints. When your dog gets older, you might need to switch him to a lower fat formula or a senior recipe to prevent obesity.

The Best Dog Food for German Shorthaired Pointers : Our Top 15 Picks

Now that you have a better understanding of your German Shorthaired Pointer’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, the best German Shorthaired Pointer food will be made from quality natural ingredients including plenty of animal protein, moderate levels of healthy fat, and digestible carbohydrates as well as joint-supporting nutrients. Here are our top 15 picks:

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$5.58/lb	A+
Most Affordable	American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.12/lb	A+
Most Popular	Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.55/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Buy Online Customer Reviews	Varies	A+
Allergies	Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.63/lb	A
Sensitive Stomachs	Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free LID Lamb & Potato Large Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.46/lb	A

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe

Overall Best Food for German Shorthaired Pointers: If you want to maximize your German Shorthaired Pointer’s nutrition, consider a dehydrated dog food like this The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe. This recipe features 14 ½ pounds of free-range chicken in each box with 5 scoops of oats, over 2 bunches of carrots, and myriad other ingredients. It is made with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates as well as other premium natural ingredients. This recipe is completely free from low-quality grains and fillers as well as GMO ingredients and artificial additives. Plus, it is protein-rich for lean muscle mass with enough fat to support your dog’s high energy requirements. All in all, it is a great product for any dog.

• Pros: Dehydrated to preserve nutritional integrity, free-range chicken as first ingredients, whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and veggies, chelated minerals, rich in protein with moderate fat
• Cons: Some dogs dislike the dehydrated texture, no probiotic supplements

American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe

Most Affordable Food: For an affordable dog food that will provide for your German Shorthaired Pointer’s unique nutritional needs, consider this American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe. This recipe features fresh chicken as the main ingredient and a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It is loaded with digestible carbohydrates like brown rice with supplemental fiber from flaxseed and other sources. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide biologically valuable sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and it is all supported by chelated minerals for nutritional balance.

• Pros: High-quality sources of animal protein, rich in essential fatty acids, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, chelated minerals, no artificial additives
• Cons: main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food

Most Popular Food: If you aren’t sure which dog food would be best for your German Shorthaired Pointer, you can always go with a popular recipe like this Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food. This recipe features protein-rich roasted meats like buffalo, venison, lamb, bison, and beef for a protein-packed and flavorful recipe. It contains grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas for maximum digestibility with both prebiotic fibers and probiotics for digestive support. This recipe is packed with essential fatty acids for energy as well as skin and coat support, plus it has plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.

• Pros: Several premium animal proteins, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, prebiotics and probiotics
• Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil), contains some plant proteins (potato and pea protein)

NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Service

Super Premium Food: If you want the best of the best for your German Shorthaired Pointer, fresh food is the way to go and NomNomNow is a great option. This is a fresh dog food delivery service which creates custom meals for your dog and delivers them right to your door on a monthly basis. With several recipes to choose from, you can select the option that best suits your dog’s preferences as well as his nutritional requirements. Each recipe is catered to his nutrient and calorie needs, plus you can make adjustments if he has food allergies. Just fill out a simple profile online, choose your recipe, and start receiving monthly shipments.

• Pros: Made with the freshest ingredients, custom meals for your dog, delivered fresh to your door, perfectly portioned pouches, automatic shipments
• Cons: Limited number of recipe options, very expensive to feed, delivery restrictions in some areas

Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula w/ Probiotics

Best Food for German Shorthaired Pointers with Allergies: If your dog has food allergies, you need a recipe that contains a novel source of premium animal protein and digestible carbohydrates. This Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Recipe is a great option for your German Shorthaired Pointer because it features turkey as a single source of novel protein with highly digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and chickpeas. This recipe contains plenty of healthy fats for energy as well as skin and coat support, plus it is rich in dietary fiber for healthy digestion. Overall, it contains 32% protein and 14.5% fat.

• Pros: Highly digestible, wholesome natural ingredients, single source of novel protein, grain-free carbohydrates, rich in fiber, chelated minerals, 32% protein and 14.5% fat
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), no probiotics

Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free LID Lamb & Potato Large Breed Recipe

Best Food for German Shorthaired Pointers with Sensitive Stomachs: If your German Shorthaired Pointer has a sensitive stomach, the quality and digestibility of his dog food is very important. This Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free LID Lamb & Potato Large Breed Recipe is a great option because it is a limited ingredient diet made with a novel source of animal protein and grain-free carbohydrates. It is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy, but loaded with beneficial supplements like omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, and probiotics for digestion. Plus, it is formulated specifically for large-breeds like your dog.

• Pros: Balanced for large breeds, limited number of ingredients, deboned lamb as first ingredient, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, probiotics
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

3 more Top Rated (5 Star) German Shorthaired Pointer Adult Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Adult Food	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon Large-Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.33/lb	A+
Adult Food	Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.83/lb	A
Adult Food	Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Large Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.85/lb	A

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon Large-Breed Recipe

If you’re in the market for a grain-free recipe for a dog with food allergies or sensitivities, try this Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon Large-Breed Recipe. This recipe features real salmon as the main ingredient with digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and tapioca. It also contains fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients with chelated minerals to ensure nutritional balance.

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Food

If you’re looking for a wholesome source of nutrition for your German Shorthaired Pointer, this Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Food is a great option. It features a unique blend of superfood ingredients with the optimal balance of protein and healthy fats. It is highly digestible and rich in antioxidants, plus it is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints.

Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Large Breed Recipe

To give your German Shorthaired Pointer a quality source of nutrition, try this Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Large Breed Recipe. This recipe features protein-rich chicken as the main ingredient with brown rice as a digestible source of carbohydrates. It contains optimal levels of protein and fat for a large-breed dog with all the nutrients he needs for balanced nutrition.

3 More Top Rated (5 Star) German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Puppy Food	Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.32/lb	A+
Puppy Food	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.51/lb	A
Puppy Food	Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.62/lb	A

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recip

To provide your puppy with the best start possible, try this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe features high-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces so you get the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw food. It is formulated specifically for large-breed puppies and features cage-free chicken as the main ingredient.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Puppy Recip

If you’re looking for a recipe you can easily transition into an adult diet, try this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient and a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It also contains digestible carbohydrates like brown rice with fresh fruits and veggies for nutritional balance.

Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy Recip

Though it may not be formulated specifically for large-breed puppies, this Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe could be a good choice for your German Shorthaired Pointer because it contains ample protein for strong muscles with enough fat to provide for his high energy requirements. It is grain-free for easy digestion and supplemented with probiotics.

2 More Picks for Senior German Shorthaired Pointer Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Senior Food	Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Large Breed Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.58/lb	A
Senior Food	Solid Gold Young At Heart Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.17/lb	A

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Large Breed Senior Recipe

If you want to provide your German Shorthaired Pointer with a highly digestible recipe developed specifically with senior dogs in mind, try this Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Large Breed Senior Recipe. It features real chicken as the number-1 ingredient with digestible carbohydrates like brown rice and sweet potato. It also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for nutritional balance.

Solid Gold Young at Heart Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe

To ensure that your German Shorthaired Pointer gets the ideal ratio of nutrients in his older years, try this Solid Gold Young at Heart Chicken, Sweet Potato & Spinach Senior Recipe. This holistic recipe is made from all-natural ingredients in a highly digestible formula. It features high-protein chicken as the main ingredient with fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients.

Our FAQ and GSP Feeding Guide

In addition to choosing a healthy and high-quality diet for your German Shorthaired Pointer, you also need to think about the practical aspects of feeding him and keeping his food fresh. To keep your dog’s food fresh, you’ll need to put the entire bag in an airtight container. The bag itself is treated on the inside to preserve the food, so you don’t want to just pour the food into a new container and lose that benefit. At the same time, you don’t want to just roll up the bag because the food will still be exposed to air and that will cause it to lose some of its nutritional value over time.

When it comes to feeding your dog, you’ll need a dog food bowl that holds at least a cup of food, maybe more. Look for durable materials like stainless steel and ceramic that will hold up over time – these materials are also easy to clean. Avoid using a raised bowl for your German Shorthaired Pointer because this could increase his risk for gastric dilation. Make sure you clean your dog’s bowl often as well so it doesn’t harbor dangerous bacteria.

And now, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about feeding a German Shorthaired Pointer:

How much food should I feed my German Shorthaired Pointer?

The exact amount of food you give your German Shorthaired Pointer each day will depend on his age, weight, and activity level as well as the calorie content of the dog food you choose. Generally speaking, however, you’ll be feeding your German Shorthaired Pointer between 2 and 3 cups of food per day, divided into two meals. Start with a large-breed dog food and refer to the feeding recommendations according to your dog’s age and weight to determine his daily portion.

How many times a day should I feed my German Shorthaired Pointer?

Most German Shorthaired Pointers get along just fine with two meals per day – this is the standard for large breeds. If your dog is highly active or if he is a growing puppy, he may benefit from a third meal as long as it doesn’t cause him to gain too much weight.

What kind of food do German Shorthaired Pointers eat?

The best dog food for any dog is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and formulated to meet his nutritional needs. Fresh food is a great option for German Shorthaired Pointers because it provides premium-quality nutrition and excellent digestibility. If you can’t afford fresh, dehydrated food is a great option as well. Because it is dehydrated instead of cooked, it retains more of its original nutritional integrity. The most important thing is to buy the highest quality dog food you can consistently afford.

What vegetables are good in a German Shorthaired Pointer food?

Fresh vegetables provide your dog with dietary fiber as well as natural sources for vitamins and minerals. As such, they are a valuable addition to any high-quality dog food. Here are some of the best vegetables for German Shorthaired Pointers:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Sweet potato
• Zucchini

Providing your dog with fresh vegetables as a healthy snack is a good idea even if the dog food you choose contains fresh vegetables. Just make sure that the vegetables you choose are safe for dogs to eat and that you clean them well before feeding. You should also feed small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach from an overload of fiber.

Do German Shorthaired Pointers need grain-free dog food?

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the long-term safety of grain-free recipes for dogs, but the fact remains that there is no conclusive evidence as of yet. Whether or not your German Shorthaired Pointer needs a grain-free diet depends entirely on him. If he can tolerate grains, there is no reason to feed him a grain-free diet. If he has recurrent ear infections or skin problems, however, it might be a sign of food allergies and grains could very well be the culprit.

German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Food – A Final Word

Now that you know the basics about your German Shorthaired Pointer’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best German Shorthaired Pointer food. Remember to look for a product that is made from quality natural ingredients including plenty of animal protein, moderate levels of healthy fat, and digestible carbohydrates as well as joint-supporting nutrients.

If you’re still not sure where to start in choosing the best German Shorthaired Pointer dog food, try one of our top 15 picks reviewed above!