The Total Guide To What Human Foods German Shepherds Can Safely Eat
We all know that owning a dog can be a rewarding experience, especially when your dog is a protective and faithful breed such as the humble German Shepherd.
Known for their fierce loyalty and dedication, German Shepherds are one of the world’s most popular dogs and are loved for their confident natures and willingness to learn.
Because of this, you may have found yourself wanting to reward your German Shepherd with a snack from your personal pantry, an affectionate decision that could greatly endanger your dog’s overall health and well-being.
For although dogs are considered a man’s best friend, this does not mean that they can eat the same food as humans.
So if you want to know what human food is safe for your German Shepherd to consume, then we’re here to help.
In this article, we are going to take you through the various human foods that your dog is allowed to eat, while also outlining how these foods should be served and how they can benefit your German Shepherd’s overall diet.
So let’s take a look and see…
What Human Foods Your German Shepherd Should Eat
Apples and fruit
If you are growing concerned about your German Shepherd’s health, then a great way to supply them with vitamins and minerals is by introducing apples into their diet. Guava are also a great option.
Known for their sweet and refreshing taste, apples contain high amounts of calcium and fibre and are a great source of Vitamins A and C.
The fruit also comes with the added benefit of being able to clean your dog’s teeth and should be served in small slices with the seeds and core removed.
Bread
We understand that the notion of a dog eating bread may sound strange, but bread is yet another human food that German Shepherds can readily enjoy. Same goes for most cereals.
However, this does not mean that you should give your dog bread on a regular basis, as the confection is high in carbohydrates and does not provide any nutritional value.
Bread also comes with the risk of containing uncooked yeast, which can cause serious long-term problems when consumed by dogs.
Cheese
If you are the kind of person who loves cheese, then you’ve probably wondered if the snack is suitable for your German Shepherd to eat – well, we’re here to tell you that it is.
Although cheese contains various minerals and proteins, you should only give it to your dog in moderation, as it is also high in calories and can cause obesity when eaten in large amounts.
You should also avoid feeding your German Shepherd blue cheese, as the mold produces a mycotoxin that is fatal to dogs.
Cashews
Although there are some nuts that you should never give to your German Shepherd, cashews definitely aren’t one of them.
Known to contain high levels of protein and fat, these nuts are a great source of energy for active dogs and should be served plain without seasoning or chocolate.
However, do we recommend that you supervise your dog when feeding them nuts, as some breeds have been known to exhibit severe allergies.
Eggs
Despite past controversies, eggs are now considered a great source of protein and can be used to provide your German Shepherd with a range of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
For the best results, it is recommended that you cook any eggs before serving them to your dog, as this will help to reduce the risk of salmonella, although the chances of your German Shepherd contracting the disease are extremely rare.
Green Beans
When it comes to human food that is healthy for your German Shepherd to eat, there’s nothing better than a bowl of delicious green beans.
Loaded with important vitamins and minerals, green beans are also high in fiber and can be served to your dog in small pieces to prevent choking or indigestion.
If you do not have fresh green beans, then you can also feed your dog canned beans, as long as they do not contain any salt or harmful additives.
Meat
Unlike humans, dogs require a large amount of protein in their diet, which is often provided through meat-based products such as commercial dog food or kibble.
So if you are interested in serving unprocessed meat to your dog, then you need to make sure that it has been properly cooked to avoid the risk of disease.
The meat should also be served plain and without seasoning, as salt can also be dangerous for your German Shepherd’s health. The best meats to serve your dog will usually include chicken or beef.
Noodles
If you have been searching for human food that you can give your German Shepherd as a treat, then look no further than a big bowl of hearty noodles.
Made using a combination of flour and eggs, noodles are known to contain high amounts of iron and protein and are a great source of Vitamin B for your beloved pooch.
However, we do not recommend giving your dog noodles if they are allergic to eggs or gluten, as this could lead to other health problems in the future.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is considered one of the most popular foods in the world, but did you know that it can also be eaten by dogs?
Featuring a range of vitamins and minerals, peanut butter can make a delicious snack for your German Shepherd, but should be served in moderation due to its high amount of calories and fat.
Because peanut butter is such a high-value treat it is often used during training sessions and should only be served using organic brands.
Salmon
Like many top-quality dog foods, salmon contains a high amount of protein, which makes it the perfect addition to any German Shepherd’s diet.
The fish also contains Omega-3 and can be used to keep your dog’s fur shiny, while also maintaining their immune system and reducing the chances of inflammation.
However, you should never feed your dog raw salmon as it could contain poisonous parasites that could pose a threat to your dog’s health and overall longevity.
Related Reading: Is Canned Tuna Bad For Dogs? How To Know What’s Safe & What Isn’t