best dog food for gsp puppies

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

10 Best Dog Food for German Shorthaired Pointers in 2024

German Shorthaired Pointers were bred to hunt, but since then they have become one of the worlds most affectionate and coveted canine companions.

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How Much Do German Shorthaired Pointers Need to Eat?

Depending on age and activity level German shorthaired pointers require a well-balanced diet specially designed for very active dogs.

Adult German shorthaired pointers who are healthy and active should consume between 3,000 and 3,500 calories per day. Puppies need, on average 1,250 calories a day to sustain a healthy body weight.

Puppies and adolescent German shorthaired pointers should be fed a diet designed specifically for their needs twice a day, morning and afternoon. Generally 2-5 cups of food per day are adequate for most German shorthaired pointers; however, dogs that are more active and regularly exercised may require 3-6 cups of food per day.

German Shorthaired Pointer owners absolutely adore their furry, floppy-eared friends, and its no surprise that GSP owners demand the best dog food they can find for their dogs.

Best Dog Foods for German Shorthaired Pointers

In addition to high-quality animal proteins and dog healthy fruits and vegetables, the best dog foods for German shorthaired pointers include vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that support overall health, such as:

Glucosamine to support healthy joint function
Calcium to support strong bones and teeth.
Prebiotics & Probiotics to improve digestive health.
Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Regardless of your German shorthaired pointers age, size, energy level, or temperament it is essential that they be provided a diet that supports their active lives, and provides enough calories to sustain healthy body weight. Below are our recommendations for the best dog foods for German Shorthaired Pointer.

What Is The Best Dog Food For German Shorthaired Pointers?

Ollie Fresh Pet Food
American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE Natural True Instinct With Real Turkey & Venison
Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe
Victor Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato
Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Carrots (Beef Recipe)

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Ollie dog food is a brand of premium, fresh, and customized dog food that aims to provide a healthy and balanced diet for dogs. They only use premium ingredients and tailor the nutrition of each batch of food to the specific needs of each individual dog.

Ollie is a brand of fresh dog food that is quickly gaining popularity among pet owners. One of the main reasons for this is the high-quality, human-grade ingredients that are used in their products. Ollie get their proteins from a variety of sources, including chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb, and incorporates whole fruits and vegetables as sources of vitamins and minerals. This ensures that their dog food is packed with nutrition, making it an excellent choice for pets of all ages and sizes.

In addition to the nutritional benefits, it is also convenient for pet owners. The meals are cooked in small batches and delivered right to your door, making it easy to feed your dog a fresh, healthy diet without the hassle of preparing it yourself.

Another reason that it has become so popular is their ability to customize their meals to meet the specific needs of each individual dog. Whether your dog has allergies or other dietary restrictions, Ollie can create a plan that will meet their unique nutritional requirements.

Overall, this fresh dog food is a healthy and convenient choice for pet owners who want to ensure that their dogs are getting the nutrition they need to thrive.

Pros

Exceeds AAFCO quality standards
USFDA registered
Simple packaging (pre-portioned)
All meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and are kept ice-cold with dry ice
Free delivery

Cons

More expensive than traditional pet food

2. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This company shows that inexpensive does not have to mean poor quality. This is a great option for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a overall healthy system.

American Journey has produced dog food that goes to show that cheap does not have to mean poor quality. Using beef as its main source of animal protein, this formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.

This is amazing for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles.

However, some of this protein is from the vegetable source pea protein. This is harder for dogs to digest than animal protein, but shouldn't be too much of an issue for a healthy dog.

The dog food does also use chicken and turnkey meal to bolster its protein content, which could be of some concern to dogs with allergies. In those cases, you would be better off going with American Journey's limited ingredient range. Still, this formula is grain-free,

This formula does include dried plain beet pulp as a source of fiber. This is fine but the saponinins in it has been found to cause irritation in a minor amount of dogs' gastrointestinal tract.

Pros

Cheap
High in protein
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Cons

Uses pea protein
Smaller bag sizes

3. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Formula

First 5 ingredients: Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Loaded with roasted red meat, healthy vegetables, fruits and legumes that support a happy and healthy canine diet.

A taste of the wild is exactly what your Pointer will taste when it wharfs down a bowl of Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Formula.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie is formulated to mimic the diet of the wolf, the ancestor to all dogs. As the name states, this product contains zero grain.

Instead, this dry food is loaded with roasted red meat, healthy fruits, vegetables and legumes that support a happy and healthy K9 diet.

This formula supports a high energy diet, which is perfect for Pointers who have more energy than the majority of dog breeds. This product also contains vitamins, antioxidants, and prebiotics to support a healthy digestive tract and improve overall health.

When you feed your Pointer Taste of the Wild High Prairie you are also providing them with healthy omega fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.

Marine-sourced omega-3 is found in salmon oil, and tuna while omega-6 is derived from plant sources. Together the fatty-acids maintain your Pointer's healthy skin and coat and to support overall health and wellness.

Pros

Grain-free recipe
Contains vitamins and antioxidants
Supports digestive health

4. Purina ONE Natural True Instinct With Real Turkey & Venison High Protein

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Meal, Soy Flour, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Whole Grain Wheat

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

A high-protein kibble that features real turkey and venison as the main ingredients, providing a flavorful and nutritious meal for dogs.

This is a premium dog food that provides dogs with a delicious and nutritious meal. Made with real turkey and venison as the main ingredients, this high-protein formula is designed to support dogs' natural instincts as carnivores, providing them with the nutrients they need for optimal health and vitality.

With no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, it is crafted with natural ingredients to ensure a wholesome and complete meal for dogs. The real turkey and venison provide a rich source of protein for strong muscles, while other essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals support overall well-being, including a healthy coat and skin.

Purina ONE Natural True Instinct is also carefully formulated to promote digestive health and support a strong immune system. The crunchy kibble texture helps clean teeth and freshen breath, promoting oral health. This dog food is suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds, providing them with the nourishment they need to thrive and lead an active, healthy life.

Purina ONE is a trusted brand with a long history of providing high-quality pet nutrition, and their Natural True Instinct line is specifically designed to meet the natural instincts of dogs, making it a top choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a high-protein, natural, and nutritious diet.

Pros

High-quality source of proteins
Helps support a strong immune system
With fiber and probiotics that promotes digestive health
Helps clean teeth and freshen breath

Cons

Not grain-free (not suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities)
Potential allergens (especially if dog is hypersensitive)
May be more expensive compared to others

5. Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Flaxseed

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

A high quality kibble made with a single source of protein (lamb) and free from common allergens, providing a complete and balanced option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

This is a premium kibble that is formulated with a single source of protein lamb, making it an ideal option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It is a limited ingredient formula that contains a carefully selected blend of essential nutrients to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all life stages.

This dry dog food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients and is free from grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, and other common allergens, making it suitable for dogs with dietary restrictions. The lamb in the formula is sourced from trusted farmers and ranchers, ensuring a high level of quality and sustainability.

It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support optimal canine health, including a healthy coat and skin, strong muscles, and a robust immune system. It is also enriched with antioxidants to promote overall wellness and vitality.

With its limited ingredient formula and high-quality lamb as the main protein source, Zignature Lamb provides a nutrient-dense and tasty meal option for dogs with food sensitivities or those who simply thrive on a lamb-based diet.

Pros

A great natural formula
Suitable for dogs of all life stages
Excellent option for dogs with food allergies
Sourced from trusted farmers and ranchers
Appealing even for finicky eaters

Cons

Quite expensive
May not be widely available in all regions

6. Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This Merrick kibble is the healthy choice for German shorthaired pointers who has a weak or sensitive digestive system. This recipe contains only one protein and zero animal byproducts.

Merrick Real Duck + Sweet Potato Recipe is the healthy choice for German shorthaired pointers with a weak or sensitive digestive system.

This Merrick dog food recipe contains only the highest quality ingredients and is engineered to provide your GSP with a complete, balanced diet, packed with nutrition.

Your GSP will love the taste of this novel protein source form Merrick. This product contains only one protein and zero animal byproducts.

German shorthaired pointers are very active dogs who require a diet that can sustain their high energy and healthy body weight. It is loaded with important vitamins like glucosamine, calcium and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that support strong bones, a beautiful coat, and healthy joint function.

Pros

Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Grain and gluten free
Source omega-3 and 6 fatty acids

Cons

No prebiotics or probiotics

7. Victor Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potato, Peas, Canola Oil

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This is a special recipe that is engineered to yield a nutrient-rich diet, packed with all the protein your German pointer needs at every life stage.

The Victor Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula is the premium dog food for German shorthaired pointers.

Its special recipe is engineered to provide your German shorthaired pointer with a nutrient-rich diet, packed with all the protein a German shorthaired pointer body needs, at every stage of life.

Victor Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato grain free food is loaded with healthy protein, fat, and carbohydrates and guaranteed to be as delicious to your German shorthaired pointer as it is beneficial to their health.

Each bag of Victor Yukon River recipe is made with premium USA-sourced animal proteins including:

Salmon
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Ocean fish

Yukon River is free of grain, gluten, corn, wheat and soy which makes it the healthy choice for German shorthaired pointers with allergies, and sensitive stomachs.

Pros

Includes Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Contains Vitamin E
Contains zero corn, wheat, soy or gluten formula or grain by-products

Cons

Not appropriate for lower energy dogs

8. Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

First 5 ingredients: Chicken With Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Organic Cranberries

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

For picky German shorthaired pointers, there is no better dog food than this freeze-dried, raw dinner patties. This hormone and antibiotic free recipe is specifically crafted to mimic a dog's natural diet.

For demanding owners and picky German shorthaired pointers, there is no better dog food than Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties. This particular recipe from Stella & Chewy is packed with the animal proteins your dog craves.

The hormone and antibiotic free recipe is specially designed to mimic a canines natural diet. This freeze-dried dog food is packed with chicken and dog-friendly fruits and vegetables, with no grains, gluten, filler, or artificial ingredients.

Additionally, it includes probiotics to improve digestive health, which makes it a great choice for GSPs with sensitive stomachs.

Unlike other dog food products, this one offers raw nutrition. It consists of freeze-dried chicken patties that can be rehydrated to provide your GSP with the hydration it would receive from prey in the wild.

Pros

Designed to mimic a canines natural diet
Contains probiotics
Includes zero hormones or antibiotics

Cons

No prebiotics or probiotics

9. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This grain free puppy kibble is formulated to provide your German shorthaired pointer with all of the protein and essential nutrients their body needs during their growing years. This also contains canine probiotic strains, and amino acids overall gut support.

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula is formulated to provide your German shorthaired pointer with all of the protein and essential nutrients its body needs. This product is a great choice for German shorthaired pointer puppies.

The recipe includes healthy animal proteins like smoked salmon and ocean fish, which are a natural source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and fruits and vegetables to provide your growing pooch with antioxidants and essential vitamins.

The grain-free recipe of Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula also contains canine probiotic strains, and amino acids to support digestive health.

Pros

Source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
Contains zero corn, wheat, soy or gluten formula or grain by-products
Made with proprietary K9 strain probiotic

Cons

No prebiotics or probiotics

10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe is the best way to ensure your German shorthaired pointer receives the essential nutrients it needs to sustain its high-energy lifestyle.

German shorthaired pointers are medium-sized dogs with an exuberant amount of energy. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe is the best way to ensure your German shorthaired pointer receives the essential nutrients it needs to sustain its high-energy lifestyle.

Life-source-bits included in the recipe provide pointers with calcium, phosphorus, and omega-3 and 6 to support strong bones and teeth, a shiny coat and healthy skin.

This formula from Blue Buffalo promotes healthy bones and joints and supports mobility, which especially important to German shorthaired pointers due to their high-energy temperament and activity.

It contains only the highest quality proteins like chicken, duck, and salmon, as well as apples, spinach, blueberries, and pumpkin. The protein-rich recipe of this Wilderness Duck Recipe contains zero grains, artificial colors or preservatives.

Pros

Contains glucosamine
Source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
Rich in antioxidants

Cons

Not appropriate for lower energy dogs

Fast Facts

As the name states, the German shorthaired pointer was originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s. German breeders intended to breed a dog that would perform well in any hunting environment, and at any hunting-related task.

To create the optimal hunting dog, German breeders borrowed the best features of other hunting dogs. The German shorthaired pointer breed is a cross between the Spanish pointer, a bloodhound and a myriad of other breeds.
The name of the German shorthaired pointer is derived from the stance the pooch assumes when it has found its prey; back straight, nose pointed directly at the prey.
What sets German shorthaired pointers apart from other hunting dogs is their webbed feet. GSP paws are spoon-shaped, webbed and tipped with long claws so no matter the terrain a German shorthaired pointer is ready to find its prey.
Additionally, German shorthaired pointers possess a water-resistant coat, which makes it easy for them to swim and retrieve game, even if it landed in the water.
The German shorthaired pointer also has a keen nose and an eagerness to work, hunt and run.
They are exceptionally versatile, athletic and intelligent dogs who are well suited to be a stay at home pet, an agile sporting dog, or a keen hunter. Their loud bark and sensitive ears also enable GSPs to be terrific watchdogs.
German shorthaired pointers are an excellent choice for hunters, active families, service dogs, and even competition. Two German Shorthairs have won Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club.

German Shorthaired Pointer Attributes & Appearance

The German shorthaired pointer is a beautiful dog that combines the best features of more than four different dog breeds. German shorthaired pointers are very mild tempered and affectionate.
German shorthaired pointers may have been bred to hunt¹, by they make fantastic companions.
Families are recommended to socialize their German shorthaired pointer with their children early.
Those that do will form a relationship between GSP and child that will be hard to break. German shorthaired pointers are great with children, which is fortunate because they have enough energy for four children put together.
German shorthaired pointers are easily trained and pick up new exercises very quickly, though they are known to be easily distracted. GSPs are typically mild-mannered with other dogs, but they tend to see cats and other small animals as prey.
Though they have an intimidating bark, they are quite affectionate and playful. German shorthaired pointers are intelligent, high energy dogs that love to run, swim and play.
German shorthaired pointers are very adventurous and tenacious when hunting. A GSP can typically outmaneuver and outwit most small prey animals, especially when more than one dog is in on the hunt.
German shorthaired pointers typically stand between 20 and 25 inches tall and can weigh up to 70 pounds.
According to the American Kennel Club, German shorthaired pointers possess a coat that is solid liver (a reddish brown), or liver and white in distinctive patterns.
The GSP coat is also short, patched and very dense, so it remains waterproof when swimming.
Due to the German shorthaired pointers short, thick coat they require weekly brushing, though they rarely shed.
Puppies are born with cute floppy ears, a long muzzle and dark, almond-shaped eyes and in litters of up to 8.
The breed is very lean and athletic with powerful legs that propel its agile body forward at high speed whether it is on land or in the water.
The typical German shorthaired pointer lifespan is 12 to 15 years which is plenty of time to fall in love with their playful, kind and affectionate demeanor.

How Much Exercise Does A German Shorthaired Pointer Need?

It is unlikely that any GSP owner could ever over exercise their dog. GSPs were bred to run, track game and follow it into any terrain on command, so they are very high energy.

German shorthaired pointers require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and focused, at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. The more activity and mental stimulation that German shorthaired pointer receives, the more tranquil it will remain when indoors.
It is easy to keep a German shorthaired pointer focused and mentally stimulated. Simply go for a run, play fetch or begin a regimen of training sessions to teach them new tricks, they will be overjoyed and will most likely surprise you with their intelligence and agility.
GSPs make excellent jogging, hiking and even swimming companions. However, they are exceptionally fast which makes them fantastic sporting dogs, but also tricky to catch should they escape the yard or a leash.
When you are exercising your German shorthaired pointer be sure to keep them on a leash, or in a yard with a fence that is at least 6 feet high. German shorthaired pointers are notorious escape artists and can easily jump a small fence.

Whats in the Best Dog Food for German Shorthaired Pointers

First and foremost, German shorthaired pointers are strict carnivores. Their bodies will never require any starch or complex carbohydrates like grains and wheat.

High-quality dog food contains zero grains potato, corn, wheat or soy ingredients. Low-quality dog foods often contain filler products such as:

Brewers Rice
Corn
Gluten
Soy

Dog food packed with filler product is potentially hazards to all dogs, but especially lean, athletic dogs who are susceptible to bloat, such as the German Shorthaired pointer.

The best dog foods for German shorthaired pointers are made from high-quality animal proteins instead of animal byproducts like:

Bone
Tendon
Cartilage
Rendered Fat
Animal Digest
Hooves & Snouts

To provide the optimal diet² for German shorthaired pointer owners should also avoid dog foods that contain artificial flavors, colors and preservatives like:

BHA/BHT
White Flour
MSG
Corn Syrup
Xylitol and Other Sugar Alcohols
Nitrites or Nitrates (Sodium Nitrite)
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)
Propylene Glycol
Vegetable Oil
Cellulose
Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Instead of mass-produced, and artificially preserved dog food, German shorthaired pointer owners should seek out dog food that contains a high percentage of fatty animal proteins like:

Chicken
Beef
Salmon
Tuna
Duck
Lamb

Though German shorthaired pointers are carnivores, they can benefit from dog healthy fruits and vegetables, such as:

Green peppers
Blueberries
Raspberries
Carrots
Green Beans
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Sweet Potato

Conditions Unique to German Shorthaired Pointer

German dog breeders intended to create a healthy dog when they bred the German shorthaired pointer.

The breed is generally considered healthy, with few German shorthaired pointers exhibiting minor medical issues or genetic predispositions.

However, no dog breed is free from medical conditions. German shorthaired pointers are susceptible to medical conditions such as:

Gastric Torsion
Hypothyroidism
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
von Willebrand's Disease³ (vWD)
Entropion
Pannus
Lymphedema
Cardiomyopathy
Ectropion
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

The best way for German shorthaired pointer owners to ensure their companion never contracts or exhibits any debilitating medical condition is by providing them with a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise.