Feeding German Shepherds can present some challenges that are rarely experienced when feeding smaller dog breeds.
For one, it can be difficult to find bowls that are made of safe materials and are also non-slip to prevent spills, especially since these larger dogs tend to have wider ranges of motion.
In addition, large dog breeds are more prone to health problems, so it is important to choose a food that is specifically tailored to their needs.
At a Glance: Our Top 8 Picks
 CICO Pet Feeder for DogBest Overall |  Runner Up Petmate Easy Reach Pet Diner Elevated Dog Bowls |  Best Value for Money WANTRYAPET Elevated Dog Bowls | |
Summary | The elevated base reduces strain on your pet's neck, and the stainless steel bowl is easy to clean and resists bacteria. | The extra large elevated dog bowls are perfect for large dog breeds & older pets. Prevents pets from straining or bending their necks while eating or drinking. | Lightweight and break-resistant, this elevated feeder can promote effective digestion, neck and joint protection. |
Pros | Easy clean and bacteria resistant. | BPA-free plastic and dishwasher-safe. | Durable materials and designed to provide a stylish home décor. |
Cons | Too large for smaller dogs breeds. | Built for larger dogs. Stand can't be removed. | Double check order if you opt for stainless steel bowl. |
Finally, German Shepherds are prone to neck strain, so it is important to select a bowl that is the right size and height to prevent them from having to bend down too far.
By taking these factors into account, you can help to ensure that your German Shepherd stays healthy and happy.
Why you should invest in a quality bowl for your German Shepherd
You might be wondering why you should invest in a good quality dog bowl for your German Shepherd. Here are a few reasons:
- A good quality dog bowl can help maintain joint health and reduce digestive issues.
- If you have a busy lifestyle, a good quality dog bowl can help reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning up after your dog.
- A good-quality dog bowl can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Dog bowls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that perfectly suits your German Shepherd’s needs.
- Dog bowls can be made from a variety of materials, so you can choose one that is durable and easy to clean.
People commonly have challenges selecting the right dog bowls because they don’t know how to choose the right one for their German Shepherd.
Considering the health benefits of using a good quality dog bowl, it is important to select the right type and size to fit your German Shepherd’s needs.
Choosing the perfect dog bowl for your German Shepherd
Dog bowls may be made from a range of materials. The most common type of material is plastic, but there are also bowls made from ceramic, stainless steel, and even bamboo.
Each type of material has its pros and cons that you need to consider.
Plastic dog bowls
Plastic dog bowls are the most common type of bowls on the market. They are usually very lightweight and inexpensive.
However, they are not as durable as other types of bowls and can retain bacteria if not cleaned properly. In addition, some dogs may be allergic to plastic. If you choose a plastic bowl, make sure it is BPA-free.
Ceramic dog bowls
Ceramic dog bowls are heavier than plastic bowls and can be more difficult to clean.
However, they are more durable and do not retain bacteria as easily as plastic bowls. In addition, ceramic bowls are typically more aesthetically pleasing than other types of bowls.
Stainless steel dog bowls
Stainless steel dog bowls are the most durable type of bowls on the market. They are also very easy to clean and do not retain bacteria. However, they can be more expensive than other types of bowls.
Bamboo dog bowls
Bamboo dog bowls are a newer type of bowl on the market. They are made from sustainable bamboo and are biodegradable.
Bamboo bowls are also very lightweight and easy to clean. However, they may not be as durable as other types of bowls.
Choose the right size of dog bowls
The size of the bowl you choose will depend on the size of your German Shepherd. If you have a small German Shepherd, you will need a small bowl.
If you have a large German Shepherd, you will need a large bowl. You should also take into account how much food your dog eats and how often they eat.
For example, if your dog eats multiple times per day, you might want to choose a bowl that is larger so they can have more food at each meal.
Choose the right dog bowl height
German Shepherds are prone to neck strain, so it is important to select a bowl that is the right height for them. If the bowl is too low, your German Shepherd will have to bend down too far to eat.
This can cause neck strain and digestive issues. If the bowl is too high, your German Shepherd will have to jump to reach the food. This can also cause neck strain and digestive issues.
The best way to determine the right bowl height for your German Shepherd is to measure their withers (the highest point on their back). The bowl should be about 2-3 inches below their withers.
Our Choice for Best Dog Bowls
Now that you know how to choose the best dog bowls for your German Shepherd, here are our top recommendations for you.
Best Overall
1. CICO Pet Feeder for Dog
Specifications:
- Size: with its 17.13 x 8.27 x 7.09-inch measurement, this is a dog bowl perfect for your German Shepherd.
- Elevation: this product has an elevated iron base making it easier for your dog to eat with lesser strain on the neck.
- Material: this dog bowl is made out of stainless steel.
The CICO Pet Feeder is recommended by veterinarians and is perfect for large dogs. It is made with a stylish design that will complement your home décor.
The elevated base reduces strain on your pet’s neck, and the stainless steel bowl is easy to clean and resists bacteria.
You’ll love how easy this feeder is to use – just fill the bowl with food and water, then place it on the stand.
Your pet will appreciate the comfortable feeding position, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to keep clean.
- Elevated iron base, less strain for your pets neck when feeding. Perfect for large dogs.
Runner Up
2. Petmate Easy Reach Pet Diner Elevated Dog Bowls
Specifications:
- Size: coming in with a measurement of around, 28.3 x 13.6 x 14.5 inches our runner-up item is also very ideal for German Shepherds.
- Elevation: this is an elevated bowl designed with large dog breeds in mind.
- Material: This dog bowl is made out of stainless steel, making it easy to clean and maintain.
The Petmate Easy Reach Dog Feeder is the perfect way to keep your dog comfortable while they eat.
The elevated dog bowls make it easy for your pet to reach their food without having to strain their neck, and the spill-proof design prevents messes around the feeding area.
It is truly ideal for large breeds as the bowl can hold up to 12 cups of dog food. The removable stainless steel bowls are dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean up after feeding time.
Plus, the stylish black or pearl tan design will complement any home décor.
- The extra large elevated dog bowls are perfect for large dog breeds & older pets. Prevents pets from straining or bending their necks while eating or drinking.
Best Value for Money
3. WANTRYAPET Elevated Dog Bowls
Specifications:
- Size: it has a size of 17 x 8.8 x 12.6 inches while the feeding bowl has a size of 6.5″ x 2.4″ x 4.5″.
- Elevation: this is an adjustable elevated bowl designed with multiple life stages of dogs in mind
- Material: this dog bowl structure is a combination of stainless steel and premium bamboo.
WANTRYAPET Elevated Dog Bowls is the perfect bowl for your German Shepherd. It is made of high-quality materials and is easy to assemble and clean.
The adjustable elevated design of this dog bowl allows for flexibility to use throughout the different growing stages of your dog. Your German Shepherd will love this bowl.
- No other hemp treats hold a candle to supporting joints, arthritis, swelling, allergies, nervous chewing and more.
Alternative 1
4. Frisco Marble Print Stainless Steel Double Elevated Dog Bowl
Specifications:
- Size: 18.88 x 9.48 x 7 inches
- Elevation: this is an elevated bowl.
- Material: Made out of Stainless Steel making it easy to clean and maintain.
The Frisco Marble Print Stainless Steel Double Elevated Dog Bowl is made of high-quality materials. You will love the marble print on this stylish stand, which will complement any kitchen.
The elevated bowls help reduce digestive issues and make it easier for small and medium dogs to reach their food. The stainless-steel bowls are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup even easier.
Alternative 2
5. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
Specifications:
- Size: This product has a measurement of 7.5 x 7.5 x 2.75 inches
- Elevation: This is a non-elevated dog bowl.
- Material: Made out of Stainless Steel making it easy to clean and maintain.
The Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish is the perfect solution. This dish is made of heavyweight ceramic so it won’t move or spill during mealtime.
It also features a high gloss finish that’s easy to clean and comes in 5 different sizes so you can pick the perfect fit for your pet.
Alternative 3
6. Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Pet Dog Water And Food Bowl
Specifications:
- Size: This product has a size of 10.1 x 10.1 x 2.8 inches and can hold up to 38 oz of food, dry and wet.
- Elevation: this is a non-elevated dog bowl.
- Material: made out of Stainless Steel making it easy to clean and maintain.
The Amazon Basics Stainless steel pet dog water and food bowl is Amazon’s contribution into a competitive category given the growing number of pet owners.
This dog bowl is a great choice for German Shepherds as it is made of high-quality stainless steel which is rust-resistant.
The bowl also has a no-tip design and has a rubber base to prevent it from sliding while your pet eats. It is also easy to clean in the dishwasher.
- Holds up to 38 ounces each; perfect for dry kibble, wet food, treats, or water. Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Alternative 4
7. Loving Pets Bella Bowls Pet Bowl
Specifications:
- Size: This product has 3 sizes: 5.5, 6.75, and 8.5-inch diameter bowls that can carry between 1.75 cups to 6.5 cups of dog food.
- Elevation: this is a non-elevated dog bowl.
- Material: made out of stainless steel and has been vet recommended.
Loving Pets Bella Bowl is the perfect solution for busy pet parents. This dishwasher-safe bowl is made with a stainless steel interior and a poly-resin exterior.
The removable rubber base prevents skids/spills and eliminates noise.
Alternative 5
8. Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
Specifications:
- Size: This product has 3 sizes: 5, 6, and 7.5-inch diameter bowls that can carry between 1 cup to 5.33 cups of dog food.
- Elevation: this is a non-elevated dog bowl.
- Material: made out of durable glazed stoneware.
Signature Housewares Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog Bowl is a high-quality and beautifully designed dog bowl that has a decorative bone pattern that wraps around it.
It is made from durable glazed stoneware that’s dense and stands up to constant use.
It’s dishwasher safe making cleanup a breeze for pet parents. This is the ideal option for German Shepherds that’s perfect for water and both wet and dry food.
Lead and BPA-free, you can feel good knowing your furry friend is eating from a safe and non-toxic bowl.
German Shepherd bowls FAQs
Should German Shepherds have elevated bowls?
While any dog can benefit from an elevated bowl, German shepherds may be particularly well-suited to this type of feeding bowl.
German shepherds are a large breed, and they often suffer from neck and back pain due to the strain of bending down to eat from a traditional bowl.
An elevated dog bowl can help to reduce this strain, making it more comfortable for your dog to eat.
In addition, elevated bowls are often made from safer materials than traditional bowls, and they often have non-slip features to keep your dog from spilling his food.
As a result, elevated dog bowls offer both comfort and safety benefits for German shepherds.
What size bowl does a German Shepherd need?
German shepherds are a large breed, and they will need a correspondingly large bowl. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bowl that holds at least one quart of water or four cups of dry food.
If you have multiple German shepherds, or if your dog is particularly large, you may need an even larger bowl.
How much food should a German Shepherd eat?
Adult German Shepherds should eat 2-3 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals. Puppies should eat 4-6 times per day. Giant German Shepherds may need up to 4 cups of dry food per day.
How often should I clean my German Shepherd’s bowl?
You should wash your dog’s bowl after each use. If you use a stainless steel bowl, you can wash it in the dishwasher.
If you use a ceramic or plastic bowl, wash it by hand with hot, soapy water. Rinse the bowl thoroughly and allow it to air dry before refilling it with food or water.
What is the best material for a German Shepherd food bowl?
The best material for a German Shepherd food bowl depends on your individual preferences. Stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to clean, but they can be expensive.
Ceramic bowls are also easy to clean, but they may be more prone to breakage. Plastic bowls are the least expensive option, but they should be replaced frequently because they can harbor bacteria.
You may also want to consider an elevated bowl to make mealtime more comfortable for your dog.
Conclusion
As any dog owner knows, choosing the right bowl is essential for your pet’s health and happiness.
German Shepherds are a large breed of dog, and as such, they need a bowl that is big enough to accommodate their mealtime needs.
However, size is not the only factor to consider when choosing a bowl for your German Shepherd.
Considering the material of the bowl is also vital. Always make sure to choose safe, non-toxic materials to protect your dog’s health.
In addition, it is important to choose a non-slip bowl. A bowl that slides around on the floor can cause neck strain and make it difficult for your dog to eat comfortably.
When it comes to choosing the best bowl for your German Shepherd, size, material, and non-slip features are all important factors to consider.