You’ve just got yourself a German Shepherd, and now you’re incredibly excited. It’s time to feed your pet dog, but you’re clueless. What do German Shepherds eat?
Variety is said to be the spice and life; where food is concerned. This is nothing but facts. Just like you, your German shepherds enjoy variety in food. But then again, not all food is suitable for consumption by your German Shepherd. This article will inform you of the foods that are safe for consumption, alongside the harmful ones to ensure your dogs stay away from.
What Human Foods Can German Shepherds Eat?
Apart from feeding your German Shepherd with the recommended dog foods, you can also spice up its diet with some human foods that are also suitable for consumption by them. Some of them are:
• Rice
Your German Shepherd can be fed plain white or brown rice, although brown rice is a healthier option. Rice is an excellent source of fiber, iron, vitamin D, calcium, thiamine, and riboflavin. Most times, it is also added to commercial dog foods.
• Potatoes
Potato is another healthy food that your German Shepherd can eat. Potato is a starchy vegetable packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and potassium. It will help fight diseases and aid digestion. As a high carbohydrate source, it will also provide energy.
However, please do not give your dogs raw potatoes as they contain solanine, a toxic compound(cooking takes out this danger). You can bake, mash or boil them but do not add salt or butter.
• Pork
Your German Shepherd can be fed pork as it is well-cooked and free from seasoning and spices. However, raw pork should not be given to your German Shepherd as it contains parasites that can cause infection. All fats should also be removed to prevent stomach upset and inflammation of the pancreas.
Pork meat is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids for your dog’s growth and maintenance.
NB: processed pork meat such as bacon, ham, and sausages should be avoided because of their high salt content.
• Chicken
Chicken is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids and is suitable for the skin and coat. It also contains glucosamine for healthy bones. Chicken can be fed to your German Shepherd, although you must ensure it is plain and avoid the skin as it is high in fat.
Due to the risk of salmonella, it is not advisable to feed raw chicken to your German Shepherd.
• Oatmeal
This meal is another human food that can be fed to your German Shepherd. It is a staple food high in fiber and loaded with nutrients. It also contains linoleic acid that helps keep your dog’s skin healthy. It is a carbohydrate and is high in calories, so it should be fed in moderation.
• Other foods include pasta, noodles, broccoli, eggs, milk, cheese, corn, parsnip, peanuts, peas, pumpkins, etc.
What Fruits Can German Shepherds Eat?
As with foods, you should also know that not all human fruits can be served to your German Shepherd. Some fruits your German Shepherd can have are:
• Cantaloupe
It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and potassium. Cantaloupe is also highly antioxidant, helps promote cell functions, and reduces the risk of severe diseases like arthritis and cancer. It would be an excellent addition to your German Shepherd’s meal.
• Apples
German shepherds can eat apples as they are an excellent source of fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and C. They are also essential for maintaining healthy bones and tissues. When feeding apples to your German Shepherd, ensure to cut them up and do not feed them the seeds and core.
• Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, copper, and fiber and help support kidney and heart functions. However, they are high in sugar and should be fed in small quantities. They should also not be fed with the peels.
• Carrot
Carrot is another excellent fruit that you can feed your German Shepherd. German shepherds can eat carrots, either cooked or raw. They are low in fat and contain fiber and potassium in the right quantities. Carrot is good for healthy eyes, bones, and immune systems.
• Cucumber
German Shepherds can eat cucumbers as they offer a lot of nutritional value. Cucumbers are a great source of calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium and are also loaded with vitamins. These properties will make a very healthy treat for your dog.
• Other fruits are coconuts, pineapples, and berries.
What Can a German Shepherd Not Eat?
There are some toxic foods and fruits that your German Shepherd should not eat. These foods will cause harm to your German Shepherd in many ways. Some of the toxic foods and fruits are:
• Alcohol
• Garlic, chives, and onions
• Caffeine
• Xylitol
• Grapes, raisins, and sultanas
Dangerous or harmful foods to German Shepherds are:
• Corn on the cob
• Meat on the bone
• Bread dough (any dough with yeast at all)
There are various safe foods your German Shepherd can eat, but just like humans, it’s best to know what foods your dog is allergic to before adding them to its meal. You can visit your vet if you need more clarification about a particular food to feed your dog.
To keep your German Shepherd from accidental snacking, you can use the following tips,
• Lock pantry doors
• Snaplock bins
• And ensure to tell your guests to resist feeding your dog without permission.