Does your German Shepherd always beg for a bite of your food which you have on your table? If yes, then it’s difficult for you to say no to his big, pleading eyes. Then you might worry if sharing your human food is safe for your dog. What if it makes him sick?
It’s tricky to know what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to feeding human foods to your beloved German Shepherd.
German Shepherds can eat some human foods. But not everything on your table is safe for them. Although some human foods are good for them, there is a list of items that could make them really sick. Therefore, it’s important to learn about safe and toxic foods for German Shepherds to keep their health and wellness.
In this post, we’ll tell you what human foods are safe for your German Shepherd. We’ll also warn you about foods that could harm them. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to give your dog human food without causing tummy troubles.
So, let’s start finding the truths about feeding human foods to your German Shepherd.
Contents
- 1 Is It OK For German Shepherds To Eat Human Food?
- 2 What Human Foods Can German Shepherds eat?
- 3 Toxic Human Foods To Keep Away From Your German Shepherd
- 4 What Is A German Shepherd’s Favorite Human Food?
- 5 How To Balance Human Food With Dog Food?
- 6 Potential Risks of Feeding Human Foods To Your German Shepherds
- 7 Conclusion:
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions:
- 8.1 Why is my German Shepherd not eating his food but will eat human food?
- 8.2 Do German shepherds like grapes or other fruits/vegetables besides meat?
- 8.3 What table food can German Shepherds eat?
- 8.4 Can I feed my German Shepherd homemade dog food every day like rice, carrots, beef, and broccoli instead of store-bought dog food?
- 8.5 Can German Shepherds eat home food?
- 8.6 What home food can I feed my German Shepherd?
- 8.7 What human food can German Shepherd puppies eat?
- 8.8 What is the healthiest human food for German Shepherds?
- 8.9 Resources Used For Research:
Is It OK For German Shepherds To Eat Human Food?
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and active lifestyle. These traits come with specific nutritional requirements that differ from other breeds. As a working dog breed, German Shepherds typically need a diet high in protein and balanced with appropriate amounts of fats and carbohydrates.
Your German Shepherd’s digestive system is designed to process a primarily meat-based diet. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from certain human foods. The key is understanding which foods are safe and how to incorporate them into your dog’s diet without disrupting their nutritional balance.
What Human Foods Can German Shepherds eat?
Now that we’ve established that some human foods are okay for German Shepherds, let’s dive into the specifics.
Here’s a list of human foods that are generally safe for your German Shepherd to enjoy:
1. Vegetables:
Carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are safe for dogs. These veggies offer various nutrients and can be a crunchy and low-calorie snack.
2. Fruits:
Apples (without seeds), blueberries, and seedless watermelon are healthy options. These fruits are low in calories and packed with vitamins.
3. Fish:
Salmon and sardines (without bones) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fish can improve your dog’s coat and skin health. Make sure to cook these fish properly before serving.
4. Lean meats:
Cooked chicken, turkey, and lean beef are great protein sources for your German Shepherd. Your can serve them plain without any seasonings, oils, or sauces.
5. Eggs:
Eggs are also an excellent protein source for your dog. They’re a tasty treat that’s easy to prepare. Just make sure to cook them before serving, because raw eggs can cause Salmonella risk in your German Shepherd.
6. Plain yogurt:
Yogurt can support your dog’s digestive health with probiotics. Choose plain, unsweetened varieties for the best benefits. In the start you should feed a small amount to ensure your dog tolerates it well.
7. Peanut butter:
Unsalted peanut butter can be a delicious treat for your German Shepherd. But make sure to check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Use it occasionally due to its high fat content.
Toxic Human Foods To Keep Away From Your German Shepherd
Just as important as knowing what foods are safe is understanding which ones can be harmful to your German Shepherd. Here’s a list of human foods you should never feed your dog:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Avocados
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
- Salty snacks
These foods can cause various health issues like digestive upset and more serious conditions like kidney failure or toxicity. If your GSD accidentally eats any of these foods, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Is A German Shepherd’s Favorite Human Food?
German Shepherds love to eat meat-based human foods. High-value proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish are at the top the list of their favorite human foods. These foods align with their natural dietary needs just like their wolf ancestors, requiring a diet rich in animal proteins.
However, some GSDs may display their individual preferences for dog-safe fruits and vegetables. Some may like fruits like apples or bananas, while others might enjoy the crunch of carrots or green beans. So, it’s your responsibility to ensure which foods they eat should be safe and fulfill their nutritional needs.
How To Balance Human Food With Dog Food?
While it’s okay to give your German Shepherd some people food, but it shouldn’t be more than 15% of their daily caloric intake. Overfeeding could upset their balance of nutrients. It can also cause obesity, which is a common problem in German Shepherds and can lead to various health issues.
Therefore, the majority of their diet should be high-quality dog food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
Also, keep an eye on your dog’s overall health. If you notice any signs of imbalance such as changes in energy levels, coat condition, or stool quality, adjust their diet accordingly.
Here’s a table to help you balance dog food with human foods for your German Shepherd:
| Meal Component | Portion of Diet | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality dog food | 85% | Commercial kibble or wet food formulated for large breeds |
| Lean proteins | 5-7% | Cooked chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish, eggs, cottage cheese |
| Vegetables | 3-5% | Carrots, green beans, pumpkin, broccoli |
| Fruits | 1-2% | Apples (no seeds), blueberries, banana slices, strawberries |
| Healthy fats | 1% | Fish oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil |
| Complex carbohydrates | 1-2% | Brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, oatmeal |
Potential Risks of Feeding Human Foods To Your German Shepherds
Feeding your German Shepherd human food might seem like a nice treat, but it can cause problems. Some people foods are safe for him, but there are some foods that can make your dog sick.
Here are some risks to think about:
- Obesity from high-calorie or fatty foods
- Digestive upset which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea
- Pancreatitis from fatty or greasy human foods
- Choking hazards from bones or large chunks
- Toxicity from foods like chocolate or grapes
- Nutritional imbalances if human food replaces dog food
Therefore, you should ask your vet before sharing your food to your GSD. Stick to dog-safe snacks. Your shepherd’s regular dog food is still the best way to keep him healthy and happy.
Conclusion:
Although German Shepherds can eat human foods but you should feed them with caution. Always research before introducing new foods, and make sure they comprise a balanced diet that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.
While most of your German Shepherd’s diet should be high-quality dog food, but you can add some human foods to provide some extra nutrients. Safe options are lean meats like chicken or turkey, vegetables such as carrots and green beans, and fruits like apples or blueberries.
It’s important to know that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic can be toxic to German Shepherds. So, always consult your veterinarian before adding any human foods to your German Shepherd’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is my German Shepherd not eating his food but will eat human food?
Your German Shepherd may not be eating their own food because of the better taste of human food or he wants some attention from you.
Do German shepherds like grapes or other fruits/vegetables besides meat?
Many GSDs enjoy fruits like apples and berries, and veggies like carrots and green beans. But never feed grapes or raisins – they’re harmful for dogs.
What table food can German Shepherds eat?
They can eat lean meats like chicken or turkey (without bones), plain cooked fish, and eggs. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are also healthy options. You can also feed them plain and low-fat yogurt and cheese as an occasional treat.
Can I feed my German Shepherd homemade dog food every day like rice, carrots, beef, and broccoli instead of store-bought dog food?
You can, but it’s tricky to balance all nutrients. You need to work with your vet to create a complete homemade diet plan. Many owners use a mix of both homemade and quality commercial food.
Can German Shepherds eat home food?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat home-prepared food, but that homemade diet must be balanced and complete to meet all their nutritional needs. It should be a mix of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables.
What home food can I feed my German Shepherd?
You can offer lean meats, cooked eggs, plain yogurt, and some fruits and veggies. But introduce them slowly and in a moderate amount. You should also consult your vet for a balanced diet plan.
What human food can German Shepherd puppies eat?
German Shepherd puppies can eat human foods like cooked chicken, lean beef, carrots, and plain rice. But avoid feeding them spicy, fatty, or sugary foods. Onions, grapes, or chocolate are harmful for them.
What is the healthiest human food for German Shepherds?
The healthiest human food for German Shepherds is lean, cooked chicken. It’s packed with protein, easy to digest, and most dogs love it. But it should be plain and boneless.
Resources Used For Research:
- Benefits of dietary supplements on the physical fitness of German Shepherd dogs during a drug detection training course – Plos One
- New research reveals secrets of the demographics and disorders in German Shepherd Dogs – Royal Veterinary College
- Health issues of German Shepherds and the best food for them – Bella & Duke
- Which people foods are safe for dogs? – Medical News Today
- Can My Dog Eat This? A List of Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat – Healthline