Every Shetland Sheepdog owner wants to share human foods with their pooch. But they have different metabolic systems than ours, so what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Shetland Sheepdog.
Therefore, you need to know which fruits, vegetables, and other snacks your Shetland Sheepdog can eat and which ones should avoid. Below are the most common 37 fruits, vegetables & other snacks Shetland Sheepdogs can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Shetland Sheepdogs can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Shetland Sheepdog can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Shetland Sheepdog can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat apples. Apples are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Shetland Sheepdog. They’re also low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Shetland Sheepdogs.
However, before you go handing your pooch an apple, make sure you remove the seeds and core first. You want to avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie due to added sugar.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Shetland Sheepdog to consume. Avocado fruit, pits, leaves and skin contain persin, which is a toxic compound that can be potentially poisonous to your Shetland Sheepdog.
However, avocado oil is safe in small amounts.
Bananas
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat bananas.
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper. They’re also low in cholesterol and sodium. We can give bananas as an occasional treat, but they do have a high sugar content so they should be avoided regularly.
If you want to feed your Shetland Sheepdog bananas, remove the peel and cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your Shetland Sheepdog. Otherwise it may be difficult for them to digest the large chunks of fruit. Avoid processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings. These foods may contain added toxic ingredients that could harm your Shetland Sheepdog if ingested regularly.
Blackberry
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat blackberries.
Fresh or frozen, they’re low in calories and sugar but high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Your Shetland Sheepdog will love them! Just make sure you avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, ice cream, as they may contain harmful additives.
Shetland Sheepdogs can be allowed to eat 2 blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Blueberry
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. They’re also high in sugar, so feed them in moderation—about four to five blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight. Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed blueberries are all fine for most pups. Just avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, or blueberry pancake because they may contain harmful chemicals.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe are low in calories but high in other nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin A and C and fiber and moisture. However, it’s important to note that they’re also high in sugar, so give your Shetland Sheepdog in moderation. Remove the rinds and seeds before feeding them to your Shetland Sheepdog, as they can be choking hazards.
Cherry
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat cherries?
The short answer is no. While the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide, which destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Shetland Sheepdog. This leads to symptoms such as dilated pupils and difficulty breathing. Contact your vet if your Shetland Sheepdog ate cherry.
Grapes
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat grapes?
No, grapes are very toxic to Shetland Sheepdogs. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Shetland Sheepdog. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, changes in urine color or odor, and excessive thirst. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Shetland Sheepdog ate grapes.
To prevent accidental ingestion:
-Keep grapes out of reach of children and pets
-Don’t let your pet eat fruit off the ground
If you think your pet has eaten grapes, call your vet right away.
Mango
Yes. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C and E that are good for your Shetland Sheepdog’s health. It also contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer and other diseases.
However, remove mango skin and pit, as these parts of the fruit are harder to digest. The pit can also pose a choking hazard if swallowed whole.
Avoid processed mangoes like mango sorbet, mango popsicles and mango ice cream, as they may contain harmful additives such as sugar or artificial sweeteners. You should also avoid giving your Shetland Sheepdog large amounts of fresh or dried mangoes, as they can cause diarrhea in some Shetland Sheepdogs.
Amount depends on the age and size of your Shetland Sheepdog, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week is fine for most Shetland Sheepdogs.
Oranges
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture, which are all good for your Shetland Sheepdog’s health.
You should give only the fleshy part of the orange to your Shetland Sheepdog – remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds. One or two sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Shetland Sheepdogs.
Peaches
Shetland Sheepdogs can eat peaches, but you should know a few things.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A and have a low glycemic index, which makes them safe for your Shetland Sheepdog. However, the pit contains cyanide, so remove it before serving your Shetland Sheepdog any cut-up fresh or frozen peaches. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives and additives.
Pears
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs 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 by 50 percent. 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 aren’t good for Shetland Sheepdogs.
One small slice is ok for most Shetland Sheepdogs as pears contain sugar, so it is best to give them in moderation.
Pineapples
Yes, pineapple is safe for Shetland Sheepdogs to eat.
Pineapples are a tasty snack that can also be good for your Shetland Sheepdog’s health. They contain vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which is a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins in your Shetland Sheepdog’s stomach. Pineapples also contain moisture, which can help keep your Shetland Sheepdog hydrated if he or she has stomach issues or diarrhea.
Your Shetland Sheepdog should avoid the hard inner core of the pineapple—this part is harder to digest and could harm the digestive system of your Shetland Sheepdog if he or she eats it. The soft fleshy fruit portion at the top of the pineapple is safe to give your Shetland Sheepdog in moderation as a treat or snack. You should limit how much you give your Shetland Sheepdog because too much pineapple can cause stomach upset in some Shetland Sheepdogs. As a rule of thumb, avoid giving your Shetland Sheepdog over 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple per day.
Pumpkin
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat pumpkin, but it’s important to make sure you’re giving your Shetland Sheepdog the right kinds of foods.
Pure pumpkin is a great choice, and it’s healthy for both your Shetland Sheepdog’s skin and coat. It can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Shetland Sheepdog, too. Never feed your Shetland Sheepdog pumpkin pie mix—it has too many other ingredients that aren’t good for Shetland Sheepdogs to eat! Canned pumpkin is ok for your Shetland Sheepdog but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin; many brands add sugar or other additives, which aren’t good for Shetland Sheepdogs.
Many pumpkin supplements and treats are available on the market, but start with a teaspoon per day. Amount varies with your Shetland Sheepdog’s size and activity level.
Strawberry
Shetland Sheepdogs can eat strawberries, and they offer a lot of health benefits.
Fresh or frozen strawberries have vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, iron and fiber. They are also low in calories and contain antioxidants that fight free radicals.
However, it is important to cut the strawberries into small pieces before serving them to your Shetland Sheepdog. It’s also important to remove the strawberry stems before offering them to your Shetland Sheepdog.
Processed strawberries are an entirely different story. While they may look like their fresh counterparts, they actually contain high amounts of sugar and can cause digestive problems for Shetland Sheepdogs if consumed regularly.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a low calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals, lycopene, and moisture. It is important to cut it in small chunks to avoid choking risks. Remove the seeds, rinds and skin before feeding it to your Shetland Sheepdog. Just half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Shetland Sheepdogs can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Shetland Sheepdog can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Shetland Sheepdog can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat broccoli.
Broccoli is a vegetable that is packed full of vitamins and minerals. It contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and minerals. It also contains fiber that helps keep your pup regular. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. Always cut them into small pieces because of the choking hazard they pose for your Shetland Sheepdog if he eats too much at once. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. It is also rich in fiber and moisture. So, yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat cabbage.
All varieties of cabbage are safe and healthy for Shetland Sheepdogs. Red cabbage has 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage, so it’s more nutritious—but either kind will do a pup good! Lightly cooked or roasted cabbage is the best way to serve it up for your pup, because it’s easier on their digestive system than raw cabbage. Just make sure there’s no oil or salt on the roast before offering it to them.
Carrots
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat carrots? Yes, they can!
Carrots are a great low calorie treat for Shetland Sheepdogs. They contain vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Also, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your Shetland Sheepdog’s teeth. It helps to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup.
Raw, frozen or cooked carrots, either are fine. However, cooked carrots are better since they’re easy to digest than raw ones. For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards.
As far as the baby carrot trend goes: 1 or 2 baby carrots are enough for an averaged size pup.
Celery
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat celery? Absolutely!
Celery is a low-calorie treat that contains vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. It also has a high moisture content, making it good for Shetland Sheepdogs who are prone to dehydration. Celery can be paired with peanut butter or mixed into a Shetland Sheepdog’s regular food, or simply served up in slices (with the leaves removed).
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your pup celery:
1) Always cut the celery in bite-sized pieces, so that your pup doesn’t choke on the stalks
2) Start out by offering just one or two pieces of celery at first, so that you don’t overwhelm your Shetland Sheepdog with new flavors and textures at once
3) Make sure that you’re using organic celery from a reputable source—you don’t want any pesticides or chemicals in your Shetland Sheepdog’s treat.
Cucumber
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat cucumbers?
Yes, cucumbers are safe for Shetland Sheepdogs to eat. They contain vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber. Cucumbers also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Shetland Sheepdog’s breath. The seeds and peels or skin of cucumber are safe as long as they are organic. You should avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt, sugar.
The amount of cucumber you feed your Shetland Sheepdog depends on the size of your Shetland Sheepdog, but only one or two pieces of cucumber should be enough for them to enjoy it.
Garlic
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat garlic? The answer is no. Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Shetland Sheepdogs. Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Shetland Sheepdog.
The toxic dose of garlic is 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight. It’s important to contact your vet immediately if you think your Shetland Sheepdog ate garlic.
Onions
Can a Shetland Sheepdog eat onions? No, it’s not safe for your Shetland Sheepdog to eat onions.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells). This can lead to anemia in Shetland Sheepdogs and cause them to become lethargic, weak, and nauseous.
The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Shetland Sheepdog. That means that if your 10-pound Shetland Sheepdog ate one small onion (about 3 ounces), he’d need to be treated by his vet immediately.
Every type of onion is bad for Shetland Sheepdogs—red, or white, cooked or raw. The flesh, ring, leaves, juice, and processed powders are all toxic to Shetland Sheepdogs too.
Zucchini
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat zucchini. This vegetable is low in calories and full of vitamins and antioxidants that can help keep your Shetland Sheepdog healthy. It’s also high in fiber and moisture, which means it has a lot of nutritional value for your pup.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Shetland Sheepdogs to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones.
The amount depends on the size of your Shetland Sheepdog—but start with just one or two small bites to make sure it doesn’t upset their stomachs.
List of some other snacks Shetland Sheepdogs can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Shetland Sheepdog can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Shetland Sheepdog can or can’t eat:
Bacon
Bacon is a popular breakfast food that has become a mainstay in many homes. However, it’s not a good idea to feed your Shetland Sheepdog bacon.
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. It’s also full of nitrates, which can prove to be too much for a Shetland Sheepdog’s stomach to handle. This can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and even death.
Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis, which is why it’s important to avoid giving your Shetland Sheepdog too much bacon. A small piece of cooked bacon once in a while won’t hurt anything, but if you notice symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy after feeding your Shetland Sheepdog bacon, then talk to your veterinarian about discontinuing its consumption altogether.
Beef
The answer is, yes. Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Shetland Sheepdogs in small amounts unless your Shetland Sheepdog is allergic to beef. In fact, it’s a good source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals that your Shetland Sheepdog needs to be healthy. However, it’s important to note that there are certain types of beef that you should never feed to your Shetland Sheepdog.
Beef broth, beef stew, and specialized Shetland Sheepdog beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Shetland Sheepdog.
Stay away from raw beef because… well… It’s raw! Never feed cooked bone to your Shetland Sheepdog 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 enough if you choose a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat bread. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for your Shetland Sheepdog to eat. Avoid processed bread like bread with yeast.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Shetland Sheepdog, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Shetland Sheepdog. Too much bread can cause digestive issues and bloating in your Shetland Sheepdog.
Cheese
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat cheese. A small amount of cheese is okay for your Shetland Sheepdog. Cheese contains vitamins and fatty acids, as well as protein.
However, you should be careful which types of cheese you feed to your Shetland Sheepdog. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss, cheddar cheese are safer than spicy cheesecake or blue cheese. You should also avoid goat and parmesan cheeses because they can cause upset stomachs in Shetland Sheepdogs.
The amount of cheese that is safe for your Shetland Sheepdog depends on their size; however, a few small bites are fine.
Chicken
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat chicken. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best. It contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Amount depends on the size of the Shetland Sheepdog but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Shetland Sheepdog is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
No, Shetland Sheepdogs can’t eat chocolate. It contains both theobromine and caffeine that are toxic to pups. Cocoa powder (most toxic), Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, Semisweet chocolate, Dark chocolate, Milk chocolate- all are toxic. If your Shetland Sheepdog ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Shetland Sheepdogs to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat eggs. Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. And unlike most other animal products, they’re also relatively low in fat.
If you’re worried about your Shetland Sheepdog’s diet, you might wonder if eggs are a good choice for them. The answer is yes—but there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
First, well-cooked eggs without seasoning with harmful ingredients are fine. You want to avoid raw eggs because avidin prevents absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which is important for your Shetland Sheepdog’s overall health. Also, raw eggs may contain bacteria or other pathogens that could make your Shetland Sheepdog sick if they’re not cooked thoroughly enough to kill off any pathogens present in the egg white or yolk before serving.
That being said…eggshells are fine as long as you grind them up and make sure they don’t have sharp edges on them (or else they could puncture the digestive tract when eaten).
Fish
Yes, but not all types. Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Shetland Sheepdog. Avoid longer-lived fish species, like tuna, shark, swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury.
Always clean them properly, debone them, then cook it and feed it to your Shetland Sheepdog in small controlled amounts.
Icecream
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat ice cream?
No, the Shetland Sheepdog shouldn’t eat ice cream. Ice cream contains a high amount of dairy products and sugar that can be toxic to Shetland Sheepdogs. The symptoms of ice cream toxicity include bloat, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Other types of dessert like lollies, cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream and vanilla ice cream, are also unsafe for your Shetland Sheepdog to eat.
You should always check with a vet before feeding your pet any type of dessert so they can tell you what’s okay and what’s not okay for them. If you suspect that your Shetland Sheepdog accidentally ate some ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately!
Peanut butter
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat peanut butter in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats that your pup needs. However, ensure the peanut butter is pup safe without xylitol and chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels, as it contains 3 times more sodium than regular peanut butters.
The amount depends on the size of your pooch, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat popcorn?
The short answer is yes, but they should only eat plain air-popped popcorn and not any kind of processed popcorn.
Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Shetland Sheepdogs, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. So if your Shetland Sheepdog eats a small amount of plain air-popped popcorn as an occasional treat, it’s fine—just make sure you don’t give him the whole bowl!
However, there are some things to consider: first, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Shetland Sheepdog’s teeth. Second, if you give your Shetland Sheepdog peanut butter or butter on his popcorn, it could cause an upset stomach (or worse) if he eats too much at once. Finally, avoid giving your Shetland Sheepdog popcorn that has been coated in chocolate or other sweets—those aren’t good for Shetland Sheepdogs either!
Turkey
Yes, Shetland Sheepdogs can eat turkey. However, provide your Shetland Sheepdog with cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless meat. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it provides protein, fatty acids and minerals that are essential for your Shetland Sheepdog’s health.
It is important to avoid turkey skin because it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful substances.
The recommended amount of white meat turkey or dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight is 20 grams or 15 grams, respectively.
Yogurt
Can Shetland Sheepdogs eat turkey?
Yes, but with some caveats. Turkey is safe as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Shetland Sheepdog. Turkey breast meat is the best option for Shetland Sheepdogs because it provides more protein, fatty acids and minerals. However, avoid turkey skin because it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey because it might contain harmful additives like sodium nitrite.
The general rule of thumb is that 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight is an appropriate amount.