As a German Shepherd owner, I also occasionally give my dog homemade food. Most dog owners, I’m sure, do the same thing when it’s convenient for them. But have you ever questioned whether it is safe and healthful to feed your German Shepherd human foods given that you undoubtedly also give them access to the food stored in your refrigerator? You must now be wondering what kind of food your German Shepherd will eat and whether it will be nutritious.
German Shepherds may consume a variety of human foods, including chicken, fish, eggs, meat, and pork. They can eat vegetarian fare in addition to non-vegetarian meals. They can also consume fruits and vegetables such as apples, peas, carrots, pumpkins, and bananas. They are also capable of consuming prepared foods including rice, pasta, bread, and yogurt.
On the other hand, we also feed our German Shepherds high-quality commercial dog foods, and supplementing their diets with homemade food is a terrific way to meet their demands.
In this article, we’ll talk about several handmade foods that our German Shepherds can consume and which foods they shouldn’t receive to prevent illness.
So let’s begin with the session on feeding homemade food to German Shepherds, recommendations, and guidance.
Table of Contents
Can We Give German Shepherds Homemade Food To Eat?
Oh, Yah! You can feed the German shepherd meals that you make at home. If you believe that German Shepherds cannot consume homemade food, you are mistaken, and it will undoubtedly be inexpensive. The appropriate nutrients that are found in commercial supplements are also present in home-cooked cuisine.
Let’s quickly review the development of dog food: Dogs were already here and coexisted with humans when they first evolved. Dogs were mostly carnivores thousands of years ago when they coexisted with humans and shared their food. It is also evident that the dogs had some exposure to human foods.
But as time went on and people became more developed, they began keeping dogs as pets for purposes of protection, labor, and other activities. The concept of giving dogs homemade food is not new; people used to share their food long year ago also.
James Spratt, one of the greatest industrialists of his era, created the first dog biscuit in the middle of the 1800s. He made the first commercial dog food, which transformed the entire country, using components like beef blood, beetroot, wheat, and vegetables. By the 1920s, the production of canned dry food was already underway.
Year after year, in the mid of 1800 century the first dog biscuit was cooked by one of the great businessmen of that time James Spratt. He used the ingredients like beef blood, beetroot, wheat, and vegetables as it was the introduction of the first commercial dog food and it revolutionized the whole nation. Now the manufacturing of canned dry food was also under process by the 1920s.
How To Feed Homemade Foods To our German Shepherds: Providing All Nutrition!!!
We all want to ensure that our dogs receive all the nutrients they need, whether they come from homemade or store-bought food, without endangering their health. We should check for their safety first before moving forward.
Let’s quickly review how everyone should ensure their safety before feeding homemade foods:
- If you are feeding homemade food to your German Shepherd then you must follow the diet rule. This rule contains the diet or treats you are giving should be in a disciplined manner. German Shepherd’s diet can’t be ignored as feeding your dog without any schedule may lead to giving birth to many health problems.
- Giving homemade food to your German Shepherd is a terrific concept, but you should gradually alter the quantity and quality of food as they become older. It will prevent unwanted health issues.
- Every German Shepherd owner should also follow the safety rule while giving meat to their German Shepherds. Meat should be fully cooked, and lean, without fat and bones as small bones may damage the mouth and throat. It may also lead to choking and some type of digestive problems.
- Processed meat should be avoided from a safety point of view as there has been some research where clear that excessive use of processed food may give birth to hazardous diseases like cancer.
- If you give fish to your German Shepherds, it must be fully cooked as it contains bacteria that may affect their health. Excess of additional oil should be avoided and bones should be removed properly before feeding them.
- You should be careful in feeding dairy products to your German Shepherd. As dairy products contain lactose and if your dog is not able in digesting lactose then it may result in abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea consuming milk products ever when I feed my dog dairy product they have the same problem of vomiting, it is mainly caused by the deficiency of the enzyme lactase.
- When you feed fruits to your dog the seeds must be removed as they contain some part of cyanide which is no doubt toxic and may result in a major problem of choking.
If your German Shepherds are eating vegetables then they must be cooked properly as it has great advantages. The pet finds easy digestion after its consumption. Some vegetables can be given raw such as peas, carrots, Daikon Radishes, etc. You will also be provided a complete guide regarding various vegetables German Shepherd eats later in this blog.
What Human Food German Shepherds Can Eat: A Complete Guide!
German Shepherds take pleasure in the healthy treat that their owners provide them. It’s time to go into more depth about the numerous human meals that German Shepherds can consume and love. We have divided human food into two categories for your convenience:
- Veg Human Foods
- Non-veg Human Foods
All of the fruits and vegetables we consume daily fall under this category. Just like humans, dogs like German Shepherds also like foods rich in the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and metabolism. We are aware that fruits and vegetables are a part of vegetarian meals.
We’ll start by talking about some of the fruits German Shepherds enjoy eating:
Apple
German Shepherds like to eat apples as this fruit is rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins. All these components are highly helpful in maintaining their health. It also provides essential nutrition to their bones.
Simply chop it into little pieces, remove all of the seeds, and then give it to your German Shepherd. However, keep in mind that giving seeds to your dog will not be healthful in any way.
Banana
My German Shepherd dog likes bananas very much, if he can speak then he can tell you it’s yummy to eat bananas!!!
So guys German Shepherds enjoy eating bananas which also contain vitamins, fiber, potassium, and copper. Before feeding your dog a banana you should know that it contains high sugar so feed the banana meagerly avoiding peels that are hard to digest.
Bananas are considered quick energy boosters and can be a healthy treat for active dogs like German Shepherds. You can try this fruit when you are opting for some time as it will provide the quick energy that your German Shepherds will need.
Berries
Berries are a wonderful fruit that German Shepherds can also eat. This kind of fruit provides essential antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and stop cell damage. It is perfect for fruits with lower sugar, fiber, and vitamin C content.
Especially in the summer, this fruit is perfect for your German shepherd, though how much to give him will depend on his preferences. Try another fruit if you decide not to feed them.
Coconut
German Shepherd also likes eating coconut which is a good source of oxidants that enhance the immune system and prevent various viruses. The oil coconut that is present in it is very helpful in the dog’s skin and fur.
You all will be wondering but coconut comes in the category of fruit but does not contain much protein. You can try this fruit by serving them in small pieces but be sure to remove its shell before feeding them.
There are also various fruits that we like and can be given to them. Now, let us look at the vegetables that German Shepherds can eat.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best vegetables for feeding German Shepherds but in small quantities. It is a rich source of fiber and vitamin C as it is a great immune system booster. It also prevents various heart diseases and is highly beneficial for bones.
Its only disadvantage is that it contains some sort of chemicals which may be harmful and provide them with gas problems. It will be an unpleasant situation so think once before feeding them.
Carrot
In my opinion, a carrot is a great food to feed your dog as it can be given raw or cooked. It has not any disadvantages and contains also all the nutrients like fiber, potassium, vitamins, etc.
It benefits bones, the immune system, and good eyesight because of its nutrients. Simply chop them into pieces and serve them as the best dish without stopping to consider what to serve. Without a doubt, your dog will enjoy it.
Because of its nutrients, it is helpful for good eyesight, bones, and the immune system. You should not think anymore before feeding just cut into pieces and give them as the best dish. Your dog will like it.
Cucumber
German Shepherds eat cucumbers also, which are a good source of potassium, vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and copper. Cucumbers are great for your health because they are low in fat and 95% water.
When you feed this delicacy to your German shepherd in small pieces, I have not any doubt that they will like it. This fruit should be tried by all dog owners because it is the most popular and provides a number of advantages.
Beetroot
Red beetroot is one of the healthiest fruits to feed our German Shepherds. This fruit is beneficial to consume since it contains essential vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, and B12. Iron and vitamin A are also present.
Giving this fruit to your German Shepherd can greatly help their skin and fur, and it also relieves conjunctivitis. It will be an excellent treatment if your dog has a cough. In addition, it guards against gastrointestinal illness and maintains heart health.
So, guys, breaking this meal up into small pieces will also make a nice treat for your dog, who will undoubtedly like it.
Bread
I think bread is the most available commodity at the home and this human food also comes in the category of veg. Oh yes! German Shepherds can eat bread whether it is plain or stuffed.
Bread is a good source of carbohydrates and calories as it can be given to dogs as a proper meal. This human food has disadvantages also as it does not fulfill all the nutritional value for dogs containing very less value of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
You should be careful while feeding your dog and follow the diet rule, the homemade bread should be fully cooked otherwise it may stick to their intestine and harm their digestive function.
Beans
German Shepherds eat green beans also as it is highly nutritious. Feeding green beans always make our dog healthy because it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and fiber.
You can also give this treat whether fully cooked or raw without thinking about anything as it has not any type of disadvantage. It is also good for a dog’s digestive system.
Cashew
Cashew is one of the categories of nuts with high protein and fat which is ideal for active dogs. It can also be given to your German Shepherd as a refreshment but in a planned manner.
Make sure there is no salt in it because feeding them a lot of salt is poisonous and will harm their health.
Milk
A German Shepherd can also drink milk. You should know that it contains high potassium, vitamin D, and calcium which are highly helpful in making bones and teeth stronger.
If you have a German Shepherd puppy then you should feed them in a bowl as you can also take the help of a spoon for making them drink. It will always help them in growth.
Cheese
Dogs like German Shepherds undoubtedly enjoy cheese, which is a popular delicacy among humans. Additionally, because it is abundant in protein, calories, and fat, it is very beneficial for preserving excellent health.
My dog also eats cheese and loves it very much when I start giving him little pieces of it. Once more, it depends on your dog’s preferences; if your dog doesn’t like to eat cheese, don’t try to feed it to him.
Try feeding your dog little slices of cheddar cheese; they will undoubtedly like it as a treat. You should avoid blue and mold cheese as it includes some form of toxicity that may impair your dog’s health.
Pasta
Oh Yeah, many dogs including German Shepherds also want a change in their taste. It also works the same and can be given to German Shepherds. Being staple food, Pasta is also nutritious and provides instant energy.
No doubt if you want to change their taste you can provide it unless it is fully cooked. If not fully cooked then it may harm your dog as it is made from semolina flour. You can also add eggs while cooking pasta as it will also increase their nutrition.
Pasta sauces should be avoided as they contain onions and garlic which may affect your German Shepherd’s health.
Potato
Potatoes can also be given to your German Shepherd unless it is fully boiled and its skin removed. Raw potato must not be given as it contains toxic material but at the same time cooking process removes all such so you do have not to worry while feeding this vegetable to your dog.
Potatoes contain vitamin C, iron, magnesium, carbohydrates, and other essential components which provide a lot of energy. You can either feed them boiled or fried potatoes but you should feed them in limited quantities and feeding fried potatoes contain spices which may again affect your dog’s overall health.
Rice
Rice is another human food that can be given to German Shepherds but only when it is fully cooked. However, it is two types white rice and brown whole grain rice, you should be choosy in the brand. I prefer brown whole-grain rice which is the healthier option.
It is a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, fiber, and vitamins which will only help in increasing their health. Considering its carbohydrate component you should provide it at a moderate level as per their diet. Feeding this also maintains their healthy weight.
Various veg items can be eaten by German Shepherd-like corn, oatmeal, parsnip, peanuts, peanut butter, peas, and all types of fruits that grow in nature. You only will have to see the nature of the fruit and vegetable that don’t affect their health.
Now it’s time for us to discuss some of the nonveg food that German Shepherds can eat. So let’s begin:
Also Read: How To Brush Your German Shepherd?
Chicken
Chicken, One of the good sources of protein, fatty acid, and glucosamine can be given to dogs. The presence of glucosamine allows the bones to be strong and healthy. They also like chewing the bones of chicken and it strengthens their teeth also.
Raw chicken should be fed to German Shepherds because of the risk of salmonella. If Your dog is on a raw diet then you should buy specially prepared raw food. Chicken is the most popular diet among dogs and is liked very much. You should feed them as per their schedule.
However, cooked chicken bones should be neglected as it’s better to take the proper suggestion from the nutritionists for better suggestion. For every healthy dog, it’s important to provide healthy snacks and food.
Eggs
German Shepherd eats eggs also and is also the most liked food among dogs. They are rich sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. You should cook eggs fully before feeding your dog and never take risk of giving a raw egg as eating its upper hard part may cause severe problems in their health.
Cooked Eggs can be mixed with other veg food if you want to make them eat. Eggs also prevent various types of diseases and should be given as a healthy snack.
If we talk about raw eggs then it can also be safe to feed to your German Shepherd. However, there is always a low risk of Salmonella bacteria present in raw eggs that most German Shepherd owners must think.
Fish
Fish is another food that falls in the category of nonveg and is eaten by a dog as a diet. It is a healthy diet containing omega- 3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2. It is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and minerals such as zinc, iron, iodine, potassium, and magnesium
Because of its healthy nature, one should not avoid this meal given to their dog unless it is fully cooked and bones are fully removed. Feeding raw fish can cause many abdominal problems and should be avoided.
If your dog has food allergies after eating the non-veg items then it can be extremely dangerous and degrade their health.
Beef
Again this nonveg food is also liked by the dog very much containing all the essential nutrients like iron, protein, zinc, riboflavin, selenium, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenate, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium which does not only allow them in remaining healthy but it also prevents from various diseases.
The only thing to consider is that you should cook them completely as raw beef contains many types of bacteria which may harm their health. It is also an energy booster and will be highly beneficial for all active dogs.
Apart from those, various types of non-veg food can be given to your dog making sure that their bones are properly removed and fully cooked.
What Human Food Can German She, such as peas, carrots, Daikon Radishes, can be given rawpherds Not Eat?
Due to ignorance, the majority of dog owners are unaware that the human food they feed their pets may include dangerous ingredients. They should be aware of all the food categories that can include hazardous ingredients as a precaution.
We have discussed the human foods our German shepherd can eat and now we will discuss the human foods that may affect their health and may be toxic.
For your better understanding, I will provide you with a list so that you can easily notice the human food that should not be given to your dog.
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Corn on the cob
- Avocado
- Artificial sweetener
- Cooked bones
- Onions
- Garlic
- Salt
- Coffee
- Tea
All of the foods on the above list could be hazardous to your German Shepherd, but in the worst-case scenario, if your German Shepherd unintentionally ingests some sort of poison, it would be best to contact your veterinarian right once. Ignoring this condition could seriously hurt your German Shepherd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Can German Shepherds Eat Rice?
Rice is high in carbohydrates, proteins, and dietary fibers, all of which are beneficial to the German Shepherd. Because rice is easily digested, German Shepherds can eat it. However, keep in mind that the rice must be properly cooked, as uncooked rice may cause stomach issues.
Q2. Can German Shepherds Eat Biscuits?
German Shepherds can have biscuits in moderation. Though biscuits are not harmful to dogs, certain dogs may be allergic to wheat or sensitive to grain, and because grain is the main ingredient in biscuits, the best alternative may be grain-free biscuits, which are also widely available on the market.
Q3. What is a German Shepherd’s Favorite Food?
Every German Shepherd has a different taste, however, based on their origin and history, most of them prefer to eat chicken, meat, fish, dry dog food, eggs, carrots, or turkey. Remember they are highly energetic and will need a proper nutritional diet to remain active most of the time.
Final Thoughts:
Always consider dogs as individuals and take care of them just like humans. Although there are various human foods that German Shepherds can eat safely in the case of any doubt, you should urgently consult your vets.
They also need proper nutrition like us however I also feed human foods more often noticing their taste and health. I think mixing with other dog food products enhances the taste as well as proper nutrients.
Foods whether that are human-made or commercial all have the same function, providing all the nutrients they need for their growth without affecting their health. Guys, I will now conclude my discussion by saying “keep yourself safe and healthy as well as your dog”. Hope you enjoyed reading these informative tips regarding human foods for dogs.