As a German Shepherd owner, you probably share some of your favorite foods with your furry friends. But German Shepherds have different metabolic systems than humans, so what’s safe for you might not be safe for them. That’s why we created a list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks German Shepherds can or cannot eat.
List of fruits German Shepherds can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your German Shepherd can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your German Shepherd can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, German Shepherds can eat apples. In fact, they’re a great snack for your pup! Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your German Shepherd. Low in protein and fat, apples make the perfect snack for senior German Shepherds.
But before you feed your German Shepherd an apple, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Remove the seeds and core first. Apple seeds can be toxic to German Shepherds, so it’s best to remove them before you give your German Shepherd any apples.
2. Avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling—these often have added sugar that isn’t good for German Shepherds.
3. Also, cut the apple up into bite-sized pieces so they don’t choke on large chunks of fruit.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your German Shepherd to consume.
Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin, so these parts are potentially poisonous to your German Shepherd.
German Shepherds are very sensitive to persin and can develop vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even respiratory problems if they ingest too much of it.
However, avocado oil is safe in small amounts. The key is moderation and knowing how much is too much.
Bananas
German Shepherds can eat bananas.
Bananas are good for German Shepherds because they’re low in calories and high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They also have a low amount of cholesterol and sodium. But the main reason you should give your German Shepherd a banana is their sugar content—bananas are just too sweet for most German Shepherds to eat regularly.
What you should look out for when feeding bananas to your German Shepherd:
-Avoid processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings that may contain added toxic ingredients
-Make sure you remove the peel from the banana (it’s hard for German Shepherds to digest).
Blackberry
Yes, German Shepherds can eat blackberries!
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. No matter if you’re eating fresh or frozen blackberries, it’s best to avoid processed items like blackberry jam, jelly, or blackberry-flavored ice cream—these may contain harmful additives.
We recommend you feed your German Shepherd two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Blueberry
Yes, German Shepherds can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also high in sugar, so it’s best to feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight).
Blueberries can be served raw or frozen, fresh, dried or mashed. As long as the berries are not processed into products such as blueberry muffins, yogurt, pie or pancake batter—which may contain added harmful ingredients—you should share your pup’s favorite fruit with him or her.
Cantaloupe
Can my German Shepherd eat cantaloupe?
The answer is yes! Canines can safely eat cantaloupe, but it’s important to remove the rind and seeds before serving.
Cantaloupe is high in water content, so it provides your German Shepherd with hydration and moisture. It also contains fiber and a host of nutrients like vitamins A and C, niacin, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. The only downside is that it has a lot of sugar—so you should only give your German Shepherd a small amount at one time.
Cherry
Can German Shepherds eat cherries?
The answer is no. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your German Shepherd, which can cause death. The symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils, slow heart rate, low blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Contact your vet if your German Shepherd ate cherry!
Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your German Shepherd, which can lead to symptoms like dilated pupils and difficulty breathing. Contact your vet if your German Shepherd ate cherry.
Grapes
Grapes are not safe for German Shepherds. In fact, even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your German Shepherd.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy. If you suspect your German Shepherd ate grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of your German Shepherd’s reach and educate your family about the danger of grapes for pets.
Mango
Yes, German Shepherds can eat mango. They have four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are also found in mangoes. Mangoes also have potassium, fiber and antioxidants.
However, remove the skin of the mango and its pit before giving it to your German Shepherd.
It is important not to feed your German Shepherd processed mango products such as mango sorbet, mango popsicles or mango ice cream as these may contain harmful ingredients that could cause digestive issues in your German Shepherd.
The amount of fresh ripe mango you should feed your German Shepherd depends on their size, but generally one-quarter cup once per week is a safe amount for most German Shepherds.
Oranges
Yes, German Shepherds can eat oranges. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture.
However, they should only be given as an occasional treat and only the fleshy part of the fruit. Remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds.
You should also consider how your German Shepherd reacts to citrus fruits before feeding them to your German Shepherd. Some German Shepherds may have an adverse reaction to the acidity or sweetness of oranges and other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines.
You can only give your German Shepherd 1-2 sections of an orange as an occasional treat.
Peaches
Yes, German Shepherds can eat peaches.
Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your German Shepherds. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A. However, remove the pit before serving it to your German Shepherd as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful food additives like xylitol, garlic and preservatives like BHA and BHT.
Pears
Yes, German Shepherds can eat pears.
Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly, though it’s important to keep portions small and remove the pit and seeds first as they contain traces of cyanide.
One small slice is ok for most German Shepherds as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, your German Shepherd can eat pineapple.
Pineapple contains vitamins C and A, bromelain, and moisture. It also has an enzyme called bromelain, which helps German Shepherds digest protein. But there are a few things you need to know before you hand over the juicy fruit to your German Shepherd:
1) Only feed them the soft inner fruit of the pineapple
2) Avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple, pineapple cake, and other treats made with it—they contain added harmful chemicals that could cause GI upset in your pet
3) Remove any spiky skin on the outside of the fruit and discard the hard inner core of the fruit because they can be harmful if swallowed whole or chewed up into small pieces
4) Feed 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple per pound of body weight every day
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for German Shepherds. It can help with your German Shepherd’s skin and coat, as well as their digestion. It’s also quite helpful for both diarrhea and constipation in your German Shepherd.
However, never feed your German Shepherd pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your German Shepherd but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin—otherwise it may contain additives like sugar or salt that are harmful to pets. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today. Just be sure to check the label before purchasing one.
The amount varies with your German Shepherd’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day and increase gradually until you find the right amount for your pet.
Strawberry
Yes, your German Shepherd can eat strawberries. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for your German Shepherd’s health.
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. They also contain folate, which is essential for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis.
Fresh and frozen strawberries have the same benefits. However, fresh strawberries should be cut into small pieces before serving to avoid choking hazards.
Strawberries are high in fiber, which helps keep your German Shepherd regular. This is especially important if they have a sensitive stomach or diarrhea issues.
Avoid processed strawberries that have been preserved with sugar syrups or artificial sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Watermelon
Yes, German Shepherds can eat watermelon.
In fact, this low-calorie treat is full of vitamins and minerals—not to mention lycopene and moisture—and it’s a great way to get your German Shepherd’s digestive system moving without overloading him or her with calories.
But don’t let the fact that watermelon is good for your German Shepherd make you think that all parts of a watermelon are safe. The rinds, seeds, and skin can be harmful to German Shepherds. So when you’re cutting up your watermelon for Fido, make sure you cut out those parts completely.
If you’re not sure how much watermelon to give your pup, try giving half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free pieces per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable German Shepherds can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your German Shepherd can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your German Shepherd can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, broccoli is safe for German Shepherds to eat.
You can give your German Shepherd broccoli stems and florets, either cooked or raw. Just make sure you cut them into small pieces so they don’t pose a choking hazard, and give your pup only 0.25 cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight each day.
Cabbage
Yes, German Shepherds can eat cabbage.
Cabbage is a great food for German Shepherds. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep your pup healthy. It’s also rich in fiber and moisture, which can help prevent constipation or diarrhea.
All cabbages are safe and healthy for German Shepherds. However, red cabbage has more nutrients than green cabbage, but both are good choices.
Cabbage that is lightly cooked or roasted is the best choice—it’s easy to digest and will not upset your German Shepherd’s stomach. You should only offer 1 bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight of your pup.
Carrots
Yes, German Shepherds can eat carrots. Carrots contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are great for your German Shepherd’s health. Also, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your German Shepherd’s teeth. Raw, frozen, or cooked carrots are fine. However, cooked carrots are better since they’re easier to digest than raw or frozen carrots. For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards.
Carrot cake is fine as long as you add no harmful additives (like raisins). 1 or 2 baby carrots are enough for an averaged size pup.
Celery
Yes, German Shepherds can eat celery.
Celery is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s also a great source of moisture for a German Shepherd’s diet—it helps keep their stool from drying out too quickly. Because of this, it’s a great way to add variety to your pup’s diet!
You can give your German Shepherd small pieces of celery sticks or mix it into their regular food as a topping (for example, spread peanut butter on top). You can also make your own treats by pairing up the vegetable with other ingredients like chicken or cheese.
Cucumber
German Shepherds can eat cucumbers.
Cucumbers contain vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your German Shepherd’s breath. However, it is important to note that cucumber seed and peels or skin are safe as long as they are organic.
Avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful food additives like salt, onions and sugar.
The size of your German Shepherd will determine how much you feed him, but don’t go overboard because too much can cause diarrhea and vomiting. It’s best if you feed your German Shepherd one or two pieces of cucumber per day.
Garlic
Garlic is toxic to German Shepherds, and it can be very dangerous.
It contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia, or the breakdown of red blood cells. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and jaundice. Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your German Shepherd.
The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Contact your vet immediately if your German Shepherd ate garlic.
Onions
Can a German Shepherd eat onions?
No, it’s not safe for your German Shepherd to eat onions.
German Shepherds are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods, but onions contain a sulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide that causes hemolysis, which leads to anemia in German Shepherds. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your German Shepherd.
Plus, every type of onion is bad for German Shepherds—red, white or whatever! Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to German Shepherds too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice and processed powders.
If you suspect your German Shepherd has eaten onions or any other harmful foods, contact your vet immediately.
Zucchini
Yes, German Shepherds can eat zucchini.
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that helps keep your German Shepherd’s digestion running smoothly. Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for German Shepherds to eat.
However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones—so if you’re using this as a supplement for your German Shepherd’s diet, you’ll want to stick to the raw version. The amount depends on the size of your German Shepherd, but start with just one or two small bites.
List of some other snacks German Shepherds can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your German Shepherd can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your German Shepherd can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, German Shepherds should not eat bacon.
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. When given in large amounts, it can prove to be too much for a German Shepherd’s stomach to handle. Eating a large amount of bacon can cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas caused by digestive juices leaking into the pancreas from the stomach or intestines. Pancreatitis can be fatal if left untreated.
However, giving your German Shepherd small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause any hazard.
Beef
Yes, German Shepherds can eat beef.
Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for German Shepherds in small amounts unless your German Shepherd is allergic to beef. Beef broth, beef stew, and specialized German Shepherd beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your German Shepherd.
Avoid feeding your German Shepherd raw beef because it can contain bacteria that make you or your German Shepherd sick. Never feed cooked bone to your German Shepherd, but larger raw beef bones can be a chew toy!
For a 20 pounds pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef is sufficient if you opt for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, German Shepherds can eat bread.
However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for German Shepherds to eat—all-purpose flour is not safe for your pooch.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your German Shepherd, so offer them in moderation.
A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your German Shepherd. Too much bread can cause bloating in German Shepherds.
Cheese
Yes, German Shepherds can eat cheese.
Cheese is a healthy and nutritious treat for your German Shepherd. It contains vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins that are great for your German Shepherd’s health. However, stay away from certain types of cheese.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer than cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese. You should avoid giving these types of cheese to your German Shepherd because they contain harmful substances that can be detrimental to your German Shepherd’s health.
The amount of cheese you give your German Shepherd depends on the size of your German Shepherd. A few small bites are fine for most German Shepherds, but if he becomes ill after eating it, then you should stop feeding him this type of food immediately.
Chicken
Yes, German Shepherds can eat chicken.
Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option to feed your pet. However, always remove the skin before serving them as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in German Shepherds.
If your German Shepherd is on a raw meat diet, feed 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Chocolate
If you have a German Shepherd, you know they love to eat everything. Chocolate is no exception. While it’s tempting to give your little choco-lover a treat or two, it’s important to remember that chocolate is toxic to German Shepherds.
First, let’s talk about what chocolate is made of. Cocoa powder and unsweetened baker’s chocolate both contain theobromine and caffeine, which are both toxic to German Shepherds. In addition, dark chocolate contains more than double the amount of cocoa solids than milk chocolate, making it even more dangerous for your pup.
If your German Shepherd has eaten some chocolate, contact your vet immediately. They’ll want to see if there are any symptoms of toxicity (vomiting, diarrhea and rapid breathing). If your German Shepherd has consumed large amounts of chocolate and shows signs of toxicity, they may need emergency treatment in order to save their life! Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in German Shepherds so nobody accidentally feeds the pups something dangerous again.
Eggs
Yes, your German Shepherd can eat eggs. Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, eggs are one of the best sources of protein for German Shepherds. They’re also relatively inexpensive—which makes them a great food for German Shepherds who need to gain weight or who have allergies to more expensive proteins.
As long as you cook them with no seasonings or harmful ingredients (like onions), they’re fine to feed your German Shepherd.
Avoid feeding raw eggs. They contain a substance called avidin that prevents absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) and may contain bacteria that could make your German Shepherd sick.
You’ll also want to make sure there aren’t any sharp edges on the shells—eggshells can cause intestinal blockages or perforations if they’re not ground up before feeding them to your German Shepherd.
Fish
Can German Shepherds eat fish?
You bet! Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, fish is a great addition to your German Shepherd’s diet. But not all fish are suitable for your pup—you need to pay attention to the size and species of the fish you’re feeding them.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your German Shepherd. Avoid longer-lived fish species, like tuna, shark and swordfish, as they can contain heavy metals like mercury.
Always clean them properly (remove the skin and debone them), then cook it in a way with no harmful additives. Feeding your German Shepherd one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is fine.
Icecream
German Shepherds can’t eat ice cream.
Most German Shepherds can’t digest dairy products and sugar, and humans can. Ice cream contains a high amount of both, so if your German Shepherd eats it, they’re at risk for ice cream toxicity. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream and vanilla ice cream are all unsafe for German Shepherds to eat. Chocolate ice cream is also unsafe for German Shepherds because of its theobromine and caffeine content. If you suspect your German Shepherd has eaten any of these kinds of ice creams, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Yes, German Shepherds can eat peanut butter in moderation.
The reason for this is that peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats that your German Shepherd needs to stay healthy. However, ensure the peanut butter is pup safe without xylitol and chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels, as it contains 3 times more sodium.
How much should you feed your German Shepherd? It depends on the size of your German Shepherd, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
Yes, German Shepherds can eat popcorn. In fact, plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for your German Shepherd to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to German Shepherds, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
However, it’s important to avoid processed popcorn. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like butter or cheese are not safe for your German Shepherd—or you! Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your German Shepherd’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, your German Shepherd can eat turkey. Turkey is a great source of protein and fatty acids, which your German Shepherd needs to maintain his coat and skin health. It is also rich in minerals such as zinc, iron and phosphorus. White meat turkey breast is the best option for German Shepherds because it contains less fat than dark meat.
However, avoid feeding your German Shepherd turkey skin or processed turkey because it may cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful ingredients like sodium nitrite or sodium erythorbate.
A 20-gram serving of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight is safe for your pooch.
Yogurt
Can German Shepherds eat yogurt?
Yes, they can! Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for German Shepherds. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen your German Shepherd’s digestive system. However, some German Shepherds may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your German Shepherd can digest it, the beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system.
Plain yogurt is the best choice for your German Shepherd. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, as it can upset their stomachs. Also, skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners as it can upset their stomachs. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most pups, but check with your vet if you’re unsure about how much is safe for your specific German Shepherd to eat at one time or if there are certain types of yogurt that should be avoided altogether because of digestive issues or allergies.
Conclusion
There you have it, a list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks German Shepherds can or cannot eat. We hope that this list has been helpful to you in your quest to feed your German Shepherd healthy and delicious treats.
However, with any safe food you feed, you need to follow the 90/10 rule. That is, 90% of the calories in your German Shepherd’s meal should come from their normal food, and only 10% from treats like these.