Have you ever wondered which human food your Australian Shepherd can or can’t eat?
The truth is Australian Shepherds have different metabolic systems than ours, which means what’s safe for us may not be safe for our Australian Shepherd. So, for picking out a new snack for your Australian Shepherd, it’s important to know what he can eat so that you can avoid any dangerous foods.
If you’re wondering which human foods are safe for Australian Shepherds to eat, we’ve compiled a list of the most common 37 fruits, vegetables & snacks Australian Shepherds can (and can’t) eat below.
List of fruits Australian Shepherds can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Australian Shepherd can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Australian Shepherd can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat apples.
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Australian Shepherd. They’re low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Australian Shepherds.
The first thing to do when feeding your Australian Shepherd an apple is to remove the seeds and core. You can do this by slicing the apple in half and scooping out the inside with a spoon. You should also be sure to remove any seeds or pits that you find along the way. Once you’ve removed those parts of the apple, you’re good to go.
When buying apples for your Australian Shepherd, it’s best to avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling—these foods have added sugar that can be harmful to your pet if consumed in large quantities.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Australian Shepherd to consume.
The avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Australian Shepherd.
Avocado oil is safe in small amounts, but you should avoid giving it to your pet regularly because it contains fats that can build up in their liver.
Bananas
Australian Shepherds can eat bananas, but they should only be given in moderation.
Bananas are a good low-calorie snack for Australian Shepherds, since they are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper. They are also low in cholesterol and sodium.
However, bananas contain a high sugar content, so they should only be used as an occasional treat. The peel of the banana can also be hard to digest if eaten by your Australian Shepherd.
You should avoid giving your Australian Shepherd processed bananas such as banana chips or banana puddings because these may contain added toxic ingredients that are dangerous to your Australian Shepherd’s health.
Blackberry
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat blackberries.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, so they’re a great choice for Australian Shepherds that need to lose or maintain weight. They’re also high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Frozen or fresh, either is fine—just make sure you don’t give your Australian Shepherd processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, or blackberry-flavored ice cream; these may contain harmful preservatives.
Australian Shepherds should have two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Blueberry
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—all of which help keep your Australian Shepherd healthy. They have sugar, though, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). You can feed your Australian Shepherd frozen blueberries or fresh ones (whole or mashed), but avoid processed blueberries products like blueberry muffins or yogurt that may contain harmful ingredients.
Cantaloupe
Yes, your Australian Shepherd can eat cantaloupe. In fact, it’s actually a great source of nutrients for your pup.
Cantaloupe is low in calories but high in other nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. It also contains fiber and moisture, which helps keep your Australian Shepherd hydrated during the summer months when they might be more likely to drink less water.
However, it is high in sugar—so give your Australian Shepherd in moderation! Remove rinds and seeds before giving it to your Australian Shepherd as they can be a choking hazard.
Cherry
Can Australian Shepherds eat cherries? It’s a question we get asked all the time, and it’s actually a pretty easy answer: no!
The fleshy part around the cherry pit is safe for your Australian Shepherd to eat, but inside that fleshy part is a small amount of cyanide. Cyanide kills cellular oxygen transport in your Australian Shepherd’s body, which can cause symptoms such as dilated pupils and rapid breathing.
If you suspect your Australian Shepherd has eaten a cherry, contact your vet immediately.
Grapes
No, grapes are very toxic to Australian Shepherds. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Australian Shepherd, so if you have any grape products in your home, keep them out of reach of your Australian Shepherd. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Severe cases may also include low blood sugar and/or seizures.
If you suspect your Australian Shepherd has eaten grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
Mango
Mango is a delicious tropical fruit that makes for a tasty snack. Australian Shepherds can also eat mango, but it’s important to remove the skin and pits to prevent choking in your Australian Shepherd. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are great for your Australian Shepherd’s overall health. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants—all of which will help keep your Australian Shepherd happy and healthy.
However, avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles or mango ice cream as they may contain harmful ingredients. Amounts depend on the size of your Australian Shepherd, but one-quarter cup of fresh ripe mango once a week is usually acceptable for Australian Shepherds.
Oranges
Yes, a Australian Shepherd can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture. They’re a great source of nutrients for your Australian Shepherd.
But you should only give the fleshy part to your Australian Shepherd. You need to remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before offering them to your pet.
1-2 sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Australian Shepherds.
Peaches
Peaches are a great summer snack for humans, but what about for Australian Shepherds? Can Australian Shepherds eat peaches?
The answer is yes! Peaches contain plenty of vitamins and fiber, so you can give your Australian Shepherd small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches as a tasty treat. Just be sure to remove the pit before serving it to your Australian Shepherd—the pit contains cyanide, so if it’s accidentally swallowed, it could cause poisoning.
Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful chemicals or preservatives.
Pears
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat pears.
Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They may also reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that are bad for your Australian Shepherd. One small slice is ok for most Australian Shepherds as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat pineapple.
The juicy, succulent flesh of a pineapple makes a great treat for your Australian Shepherd. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals and bromelain (a protein-digesting enzyme), as well as moisture. Just remember to remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before feeding it to your pooch.
You’ll want to avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake because they contain added chemicals and preservatives that may be harmful to your Australian Shepherd.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Australian Shepherds.
Pumpkin helps with your Australian Shepherd’s skin and coat, as it contains vitamins A and C which promote healthy skin and coat. Also great for digestion and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Australian Shepherd.
Never feed your Australian Shepherd pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Australian Shepherd but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today. The amount varies with your Australian Shepherd’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat strawberries. They’re a great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Just like humans, Australian Shepherds need to consume a balanced diet in order to maintain their health. Fresh and frozen strawberries have the same benefits as other varieties of fruit. If you have fresh strawberries at home, it’s best to wash them thoroughly before serving them to your Australian Shepherd. It’s also important to cut the strawberries into small pieces so that your Australian Shepherd can easily digest them. You should always remove the stem from each strawberry before serving it to your Australian Shepherd. You should avoid processed strawberries or any other kind of strawberry product that contains sugar or artificial ingredients because they may be harmful to your Australian Shepherd’s health.
Watermelon
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat watermelon. It’s a safe and nutritious option as long as you follow these guidelines:
Only the flesh of a watermelon is safe and nutritious. Cut it into small chunks, removing the seeds, rinds, and skin. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough for 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Australian Shepherds can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Australian Shepherd can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Australian Shepherd can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat broccoli. Broccoli contains lots of nutrients that are good for your pup’s health, including vitamin C and fiber. However, there are some things you should know before feeding broccoli to your Australian Shepherd:
Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces as they can be a choking hazard! A quarter cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight is a good place to start if you’re trying it out for the first time.
Cabbage
Can Australian Shepherds eat cabbage? Absolutely!
Cabbage is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and it’s also rich in fiber and moisture. Because of this, it’s an excellent food for Australian Shepherds to consume.
Cabbage comes in many varieties, but all of them are safe and healthy for your pup. The only thing you need to be careful about is seasoning the cabbage; avoid adding salt or oil when cooking it.
So, give your Australian Shepherd some roasted cabbage—just remember that they should only have 1 bite per 10 pounds of bodyweight.
Carrots
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat carrots. They’re a great low calorie treat that’s loaded with vitamins and minerals and fiber. And crunching on this orange veggie is great for your Australian Shepherd’s teeth.
Raw, frozen, or cooked carrots are all fine. But cooked carrots are better since they’re easy to digest. If you’re using raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces so they don’t get stuck in your pup’s throat.
And while you may have heard rumors about carrot cake being harmful to Australian Shepherds, it’s fine as long as you add no harmful additives. 1 or 2 baby carrots should be enough for a medium-sized pup.
Celery
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat celery.
Celery is a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and water. It’s also high in fiber, which is great for your Australian Shepherd’s digestion. You can add celery to your Australian Shepherd’s regular meal, or use it as a treat—just make sure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces so they don’t choke on it!
Cucumber
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are safe and healthy for your Australian Shepherd because they contain vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber. Also, they provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Australian Shepherd’s breath.
The cucumber seed and peels or skin are safe as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful food additives like salt, sugar, etc.
Depending on the size of your Australian Shepherd, only one or two pieces of cucumber are fine per day.
Garlic
Garlic is toxic to Australian Shepherds, and can lead to anemia if consumed.
The main ingredient in garlic that causes toxicity is N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis, which is the rupture of red blood cells.
Other symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness and lethargy.
Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Australian Shepherd. The toxic dose for Australian Shepherds is 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Australian Shepherd ate garlic.
Onions
If you’ve ever wondered if your Australian Shepherd can eat onions, the answer is a resounding NO.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Australian Shepherds. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Australian Shepherd. That’s not much—just one clove of onion is enough to make him sick.
Not only that, but every type of onion—red or white—is bad for Australian Shepherds. It doesn’t matter how big or small the piece is, or whether it’s raw or cooked: any part of the plant could be toxic to your Australian Shepherd. Even processed powders from onions can be dangerous for your Australian Shepherd if he ingests them.
If your Australian Shepherd has eaten an onion, contact your vet immediately.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants, so it’s no wonder that Australian Shepherds love it! Zucchini is also high in fiber and moisture that Australian Shepherds need to stay healthy.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Australian Shepherds to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones, so keep that in mind when feeding your pup this summer treat.
The amount depends on the size of your Australian Shepherd; just remember that too much zucchini can be harmful for Australian Shepherds just like humans. Start with one or two small bites at first to see how your Australian Shepherd reacts to the new food. Your Australian Shepherd may be allergic to zucchini, so always check with your vet first.
List of some other snacks Australian Shepherds can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Australian Shepherd can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Australian Shepherd can or can’t eat:
Bacon
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. So, while it’s tempting to give your Australian Shepherd some of your bacon, it’s not such a good idea.
Bacon can prove to be too much for a Australian Shepherd’s stomach to handle, especially if he eats it every day. And giving him large amounts may cause pancreatitis — an inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal if left untreated.
However, giving your Australian Shepherd small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm. Australian Shepherds may also enjoy the taste and smell of bacon — after all, who doesn’t?
Beef
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat beef.
Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Australian Shepherds in small amounts unless your Australian Shepherd is allergic to beef. Source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. Beef broth, beef stew, specialized Australian Shepherd beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Australian Shepherd.
Stay away from raw beef because it can contain harmful bacteria that may cause diarrhea or other digestive problems. Never feed cooked bone to your Australian Shepherd, but larger raw beef bone can be a chew toy for your pooch. For a 20 pounds pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef is enough if you opt for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat bread. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Australian Shepherds to eat.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Australian Shepherd, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Australian Shepherd. Too much bread can cause diarrhea or constipation, as well as make your Australian Shepherd feel full so they won’t want to eat their regular food anymore.
Cheese
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat cheese. However, it’s important to be careful about what types of cheese you are feeding your Australian Shepherd. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar are safer than spicy cheeses like cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese.
The amount depends on the size of your Australian Shepherd. A few small bites are fine, but too much can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Chicken
Can Australian Shepherds eat chicken? Yes, but only if it’s boneless and cooked.
Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The best way to feed your Australian Shepherd chicken is to give them boneless breast meat. You should avoid giving your Australian Shepherd any chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Australian Shepherds.
The amount depends on the size of the Australian Shepherd, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Australian Shepherd is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a delicious treat that we all love, but it’s not safe for Australian Shepherds.
Theobromine and caffeine are the two main ingredients in chocolate that make it toxic to pups. Theobromine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, heart arrhythmia, seizures, and even death. Caffeine can cause restlessness or hyperactivity in Australian Shepherds.
Cocoa powder (most toxic), Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, Semisweet chocolate, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate- all are toxic!
If your Australian Shepherd ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately and bring the wrapper with you so they can determine how much was consumed and what type of treatment is necessary. Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Australian Shepherds to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, your Australian Shepherd can eat eggs.
Eggs are high in protein and fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Raw eggs may contain salmonella or avidin, an anti-nutrient that prevents the body from absorbing biotin. Salmonella is a bacteria that causes food poisoning in people (and animals). Biotin is essential for normal growth and development, especially in puppies; it helps with muscle growth, healthy skin and fur, strong bones, and vision.
To avoid these risks while still getting all the benefits of eggs, feed your Australian Shepherd well-cooked eggs without seasoning or other ingredients that might be harmful to your pup.
Fish
Can Australian Shepherds eat fish? Yes, in small amounts.
Fish make an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals. But not all fish are safe for your Australian Shepherd to eat.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp and tilapia are safe for your Australian Shepherd. Avoid longer-lived fish like tuna, shark or swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury.
Always clean them properly before feeding them to your Australian Shepherd—remove the skin and debone them—and cook them thoroughly before feeding them to your Australian Shepherd so that any bacteria that may be present is killed off. Feeding your Australian Shepherd one or two times per week in small amounts is fine if you choose wisely what kinds of fish are best suited for his needs based on his size.
Icecream
Ice cream is not a Australian Shepherd’s friend.
Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which can make Australian Shepherds sick if they consume too much. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and lethargy. If your Australian Shepherd accidentally eats it, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream and vanilla ice cream are all unsafe for Australian Shepherds to ingest because they contain high levels of sugar and milk or milk byproducts.
Peanut butter
Yes! Australian Shepherds can eat peanut butter, but it’s important to do so in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins, and healthy fats that your Australian Shepherd needs to stay healthy. But like anything else, it’s important to ensure the peanut butter is pup-safe and free of xylitol and chocolate.
Also, be aware that some peanut butters contain high levels of sodium, which can cause problems for Australian Shepherds with sensitive stomachs.
So how much peanut butter should you give your Australian Shepherd? This depends on their size: start with a half teaspoon per day and work up from there.
Popcorn
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Australian Shepherds to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat.
Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Australian Shepherds, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like cheese or bacon are not safe for your Australian Shepherd. They can cause blockages in your Australian Shepherd’s digestive tract. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Australian Shepherd’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat turkey.
As long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Australian Shepherd, it should be safe. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it provides protein, fatty acids and minerals. However, it’s important to avoid turkey skin, as it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey—if it contains harmful preservatives or additives that aren’t listed on the label, you don’t want your Australian Shepherd eating them!
I recommend 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight for your pooch.
Yogurt
Can Australian Shepherds eat yogurt?
Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Australian Shepherds. However, some Australian Shepherds may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Australian Shepherd can digest it, the good bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Australian Shepherd. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners as it can cause bloating and diarrhea in some Australian Shepherds. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Australian Shepherds.