If you have a German shepherd or are thinking of making one a family member, we all know that they need good nutrition, just as we do.
The right food for your shepherd is essential to fuel them through their day and give them the energy they need for the active German shepherd they are.
Some foods we eat can be just as good for your shepherd as they are for you. I’m not talking about table food that’s greasy or sweet or junk food like pizza and potato chips.
Dogs can do quite well eating some of the fruits, vegetables, and meats that we eat and that contain necessary vitamins and minerals.
However, even though some of those foods are healthy, there is some caution that should be used before feeding other foods to your pup. Some are not suitable and can even be poisonous and make them sick.
In this article, I’m going to give you some information on what can a German shepherd not eat and the foods they can eat.
Along with that information, I will include material about dry food and raw food diet for German shepherds.
For your dog’s vitamin supplement, food, toys, or other dogs product please visit the Sundays for dogs website.
What Can German Shepherds Not Eat?
Just as there are many healthy foods to feed a German shepherd, there are some that are not only unhealthy but can be toxic as well.
Canine’s digestive systems and their whole genetic makeup are vastly different from a human.
Many things that we eat regularly can be deadly to a German shepherd. The following is a list of those foods.
- Garlic and Onions
Garlic and Onions – We tend to put garlic and onions in many dishes we prepare. These are highly toxic to German shepherds and be aware that onion and garlic powder, contained in numerous pre-packaged foods, are even more toxic than fresh onions and garlic, being very concentrated.
- Caffeine – Caffeine
Caffeine – Caffeine, in the form of coffee, teas, and sodas is never a good idea for dogs. Being a stimulant, this will have ill effects, especially in large doses. We sometimes get shaky and jittery after consuming too much caffeine.
- Chocolate
Chocolate – This one is a biggie and we tend to leave boxes of chocolate and candy dishes on full display. Never forget the excellent nose of the German shepherd.
Chocolate is very poisonous to canines and they don’t need to consume much to feel the effects. Dogs metabolize the chemicals in chocolate differently than we humans do.
- Alcohol
Alcohol – You may think it’s funny to give your pup a couple of sips of your beer. This is really a no-no as alcohol can actually lead to death.
- Raisins and grapes
Raisins and grapes – Doctors are unsure why these two are highly poisonous to dogs. Even in small amounts eating them can cause death.
- Xylitol
Xylitol – This is an artificial sweetener found in many foods, candies, and especially chewing gum. Many people leave their gum lying around.
If a German shepherd ingests this, their blood sugar can crash within sixty minutes leading to hypoglycemia which can be fatal if not treated quickly. This is a medical emergency.
Other foods that should never be fed to a German shepherd are listed below.
- Macadamia nuts
- Yeast
- Avocados.
- Mushrooms
- Whole peaches (pits poisonous and choking hazard).
- Cherry pits.
- Corn on the cob
- Cat food
- Cinnamon
- Dairy (esp. ice cream)
- High-fat foods (fast food)
- Bones (some may splinter)
To check your shepherds’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need.
Foods a German Shepherd Can Eat.
Here is a list of foods suitable, safe, and nutritious for feeding your German shepherd.
- Pork
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Celery
- Quinoa
- Grains
- Popcorn
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Pears
- Apples
- Watermelon
- Cooked eggs
Foods That Are Safe for your German Shepherd, Occasionally and in Small Amounts.
the following foods can German shepherd eat Occasionally in a small potion
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Oranges
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries cheese
Always remember, German shepherds have a totally different system than we humans. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before feeding new foods.
Dry Diet vs. Raw Diet.
When considering your German shepherd, you are faced with the decision of offering them a dry food diet or a raw food diet.
The raw food diet seems to be the new thing, and many believe is a better diet. Both diets have their own good qualities. Below is some information about each.
Dry Food Diet.
Your German shepherd will need different foods over its lifetime depending on what phase they are in; puppy, adult, or senior.
They will need vitamins, minerals, nutrients, proteins, and fats in differing amounts that are needed for each time in their life.
When considering a dry diet, these will usually run cheaper than a raw diet and be more convenient, plus save time.
The most important consideration is finding just the right food for their individual needs. This food should be well-balanced with just the right amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and protein to support your pup’s whole system and that will provide them with plenty of energy to sustain them and keep them fit and healthy for their active lifestyle.
German shepherds often have sensitive stomachs, so their dry food should be easily digestible, causing no stomach irritation or upset.
Dry food is also much better for dental health as the chewing action can clean away tartar and plaque, plus shepherds love to crunch!
Keep in mind, this does not have to be boring, the same thing day after day diet. You can mix it up by adding one or more of the foods listed above that are acceptable for German shepherds to add some variety.
Speak with your veterinarian if you’re unsure which brand or type of dry food is right for your shepherd.
There are so many to choose from, it can be confusing. Always choose a high-quality food that doesn’t contain fillers, grains, additives, preservatives, or anything artificial.
