If you live with your German Shepherds long enough, chances are you are stocking several ingredients in your fridge and pantry that you may be able to dig into with your German Shepherd. Grocery shopping will become a lot more fun and inclusive once you know what types human foods are safe for your pooch to consume. It is literally safe for German Shepherds the eat several types of fruits, vegetables, grains, oils, spices, and meat on a daily basis. Let’s see the list.
Fruits and vegetables that German Shepherds can eat
1. Banana
Benefits
Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They help add sweetness to dog treats and purees. They also contain biotin and fibre that promotes bone growth and helps the body produce protein and absorb vitamin effectively. Avoid the peels as they may cause blockages.
Ideal quantity per day
According to GsdColony, An adult German Shepherd can eat upto ½ a big banana per day. Do not exceed a couple of pieces for puppies.
2. Berries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Elderberries
- Wolfberries
- Dewberries
Benefits
Berries are a nutritional powerhouse that contains antioxidants, high fiber, and plenty of Vitamin C. They promote bone health, better coat, dental health, heart, gut health, and prevent cell damage.
Ideal quantity per day
Depending on the size of the berries, an adult German Shepherd can have up to 5 medium to big-sized berries (blackberry, raspberry, strawberry) a day and 10 smaller berries (cranberry, dewberry, blueberry) a day.
3. Apple
Benefits
Apples are a great source of vitamins C, A and K, phosphorus, fiber, and calcium for dogs. They promote gut health, are low in calories. Apples are anti-inflammatory that boost a dog’s immune system, all while providing them with extra hydration.
Ideal quantity per day
Animalhype says that half an apple a day for an adult German Shepherd makes for a good snack in addition to their meals.
4. Watermelon
Benefits
The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. Plus, the fruit has only about 50 calories a cup and 92 percent water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day. It also has no fat or cholesterol, so it’s pretty much guilt-free.
Caution
The seeds could cause an intestinal blockage in your GSD, so make sure you remove them or simply get seedless ones. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset. (Source: AKC)
5. Leafy greens
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Chard
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
Benefits
Besides being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and potassium, green leafy vegetables are a good source of fiber, calcium, beta carotene, and folate that help reduce inflammation and improve overall blood circulation while promoting excellent digestive and immune health.
Ideal quantity per day
You can either limit your dog’s leafy green veggie intake to one vegetable or feed them a mix of multiple veggies. RawBistro recommends not exceeding 25% of your German Shepherd’s total diet on a daily basis.
6. Roots
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- White meat potatoes
- beetroots
- Parsnips
- Yams
Benefits
Roots make a great treat as well as a healthy supplement to your German Shepherd’s diet. They contain beta carotene, fiber, Vitamins (A, C, B6), potassium, and calcium and are also a rich source of iron. They help reduce certain types of cancer, promote good heart health and strengthen the immune system. They are also low in fat and will help maintain the ideal weight in your German Shepherd.
Ideal quantity per day
You can give up to 1 carrot per day as a healthy chew. Baked, boiled, or mashed sweet potato, turnips and yams can be added to your dog’s meals as a healthy topper or given separately as a treat. Do not exceed 2-3 ounces per day.
Grains that German Shepherds can eat
7. Brown Rice
Benefits
Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber, calcium, vitamin D, iron, thiamine, and riboflavin. Rice with boiled chicken and pumpkin puree can be called a dog’s comfort food.
Dogs experiencing digestive upset may also benefit from eating whole brown rice or white rice. This grain is easily digestible and can help soothe your pup’s stomach as he recovers. (Source: K9ofMine)
Ideal quantity per day
As per Purina.com, You can add up to 1/4th cup of cooked rice to your dog’s diet on a daily basis. Make sure to reduce the quantity of kibbles when supplementing with rice.
8. Oats
Benefits
This high-fiber grain is loaded with nutrients like vitamin B, minerals, and antioxidants. It also contains linolic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Ideal quantity per day
Depending on your German Shepherd’s weight, you can feed them one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of body weight
9. Quinoa
Benefits
Quinoa is an essential source of carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, vitamins B1 & E, and amino acids. It helps in better heart health, keeps a good balance of fluid and electrolytes, and strengthens the immune system.
Ideal quantity per day
Atractivopets suggests One quarter cup of cooked quinoa a day is considered to be more than enough as a healthy supplement to your German Shepherd’s diet.
Dairy products that German Shepherds can eat
Several German Shepherds may be lactose intolerant. If your dog is one of them, it’s best to stray away from these products. However, if your GSD is able to digest dairy, you can consider feeding them the following products in moderation-
10. Cheese
Benefits
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. They’re also a healthy source of fat and can be added as a diet supplement for malnourished or underweight dogs.
And because of that, feeding too much cheese can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Therefore, it’s better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like:
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Soft goat cheese
Cottage cheese, in particular, is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping reduce the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset. (Source: AKC)
Ideal quantity per day
A few bites of cheese daily should be good for a healthy German Shepherd. Do not overfeed as it may quickly lead to weight gain.
11. Plain yogurt
Benefits
Plain, Greek, or low-fat yogurt is an amazing probiotic for dogs. It is also an excellent source of calcium. Natural yogurt aids in digestion and is known to improve gut health in dogs.
Ideal quantity in dogs
A spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt can be added to your GSD’s daily meals as a food topper or a treat.
Meat that is safe for German Shepherds
12. White meat (chicken and turkey)
Benefits
Cooked Chicken and turkey and certain raw organ meat are highly digestible lean meats that help German Shepherds build muscle. They are excellent sources of protein and Omega 6 fatty acids that are low on calories and high on energy providing.
Ideal quantity per day
Depending on the quantity of chicken already present in your GSD’s store-bought food, you can feed them up to 1/3rd-1/4th cup of boiled chicken or turkey on a daily basis.
13. Red meat (lamb, beef, veal, venison)
Benefits
Red meat is an ultra nutritious choice for dogs as it contains Omega 6 fatty acids, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, vitamins B12, B3, and B6. They promote a healthy immune system, and organ function and boost the immune system.
Ideal quantity per day
Red meat can form up to your GSD’s total weight’s 2-4%. Anything over that may lead to health issues and unnecessary weight gain.
Herbs and spices that are safe for German Shepherds
14. Herbs
- Cilantro: High in potent antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which support a healthy immune system
- Dandelion: A perfect whole food with lecithin, high levels of polyphenols, antioxidants, and lots of vitamins and minerals.
- Peppermint may soothe a dog’s nausea and upset stomach
- Spearmint can freshen your dog’s breath and repel fleas
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Basil
- Dill
Benefits
Herbs help in freshening a dog’s breath as well as soothing their upset stomachs. Even small quantities of herbs are rich in antioxidants and are also known to relieve arthritis pain. They also help with UTIs and provide itch relief.
Ideal quantity per day
½ a teaspoon per pound of food is more than enough to meet your dog’s nutritional requirements from herbs.
15. Spices: Cinnamon
Benefits
Cinnamon is known to have healing and medicinal properties. They are anti-inflammatory, enable better blood circulation, are great antioxidants, and boost the immune system.
Ideal quantity per day
Your German Shepherd can safely consume 1/8th to 1/4th tea spoon of cinnamon and turmeric per 10 lb of body weight. (Source)
Nuts and oils that are safe for German Shepherds
16. Peanuts and peanut butter
Benefits
Peanuts are packed with nutrition and form an excellent source of Vitamin B6, vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, and niacin. They are protein-rich and are a good source of healthy fat, especially for underweight dogs.
Ideal quantity per day
WagWalking says Do not exceed 4-6 peanuts a couple times a week for your German Shepherd. When it comes to peanut butter, 1 tea spoon a day is considered safe as a treat.
17. Oils
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Hemp oil
- Fish oil
- Flaxseed oil
Benefits
The above-mentioned oils help fight bacterial infections in dogs, reduce inflammation, eliminate odor and promote excellent coat health in dogs. They are also proven to improve kidney function, ease joint pain, and lower blood pressure.
Ideal quantity per day
1 teaspoon of any one the mentioned oils per 20 pounds of body weigh is safe and recommended for your German Shepherd. You can add it to your dog’s kibbles to improve taste or feed it as a treat. (Source)
Human food that may be toxic to German Shepherds
1. Xylitol
Xylitol is a common sweetener used in candies, flavored yogurts, ice-cream and other sweet treats. It can cause instant drop in your GSD’s blood sugar and may result in organ failure.
2. Grapes and raisins
All varieties of grapes and raisins are downright toxic to dogs. Even small quantities can lead to kidney damage and even failure in dogs.
3. Chocolate
Cocoa beans can be poisonous to not only German Shepherds, but all dogs because of their theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. Accidental consumption of considerable amounts of chocolate may lead to tremors, seizures, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly death.
4. Caffeine
Anything that contains caffeine can be dangerous to dogs and may shoot up their blood pressure and cause cardiac arrhythmias. Certain medicines also contain caffeine. Ensure ample precaution before administering medication to your GSD.
Your dog’s store-bought food is likely to have all the essential nutrients they need to thrive. However, it is definitely difficult to say no to those puppy eyes when they demand a little extra food once they’re done with theirs. You can safely go ahead and share all the above-mentioned food from your plate. Remember to feed in moderation and check with your vet in case of any anomalies.
Final Thoughts
On top of the nutritious value, it’s literally fun to share your food with your beloved dog. Keep in mind when introducing human foods into your dog’s diet, it’s always wise to do so in small quantities. The last thing you want is for your dog to become allergic to a new food.
More posts on feeding your German Shepherds
Must read:
- The Best & Worst Dog Foods Ever – According to a 45-Year Veterinarian
- Worst Dog Food for German Shepherds
- Is Grain-Free Good for German Shepherds?
- How to Stop Food Aggression Towards People in German Shepherds?
Choosing the best dog food:
- The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies
- Best Cheap Dog Food for German Shepherds (Dry and Wet Food)
- Best Dry Dog Food for Your German Shepherd Puppies: How to Choose?
- The Best Dog Food for a 12 Months German Shepherd
- What To Look For When Buying Dog Food for German Shepherds?
- Is Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog Food Any Good? Read This First
On feeding your German Shepherd:
- How Much Does It Cost to Feed a German Shepherd Puppy in the First Year?
- How Much Does an 8-Week-Old German Shepherd Puppy Eat in a Day? A Feeding Guide
- How Much Does a 3-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog Eat in a Day? A Feeding Guide
- How Much Does a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog Eat in a Day? A Feeding Guide
- Can Dogs Eat Vanilla Ice Cream?
- 17 Human Foods That Are Safe For German Shepherds to Eat
- The Benefits of Feeding German Shepherds Raw Food
- How to Feed Your Dog Raw Food on a Budget?
- Is It Ok to Give Raw Meat to My German Shepherd Puppy?
For picky eaters:
