34 Human Foods German Shepherds Can Eat (How To Feed Treats Safely)

Most German Shepherd owners like to give their dogs human food now and again. But have you ever picked something up from the refrigerator or your plate to give to your dog, only to stop and wonder whether it’s safe, or even healthy, for him to eat? So, what foods can German Shepherds eat?

German Shepherds can eat a range of human foods such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots, peas, pumpkins, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter.

Although most top-quality commercial dog food is optimized for dogs’ needs, adding a human’s diet is an excellent supplement to your German Shepherd’s nutrition. In this article, you’ll learn:

• Human foods your German Shepherd can & can’t eat.
• Feeding tips and advice.

Welcome to my complete guide on the human foods your German Shepherd can eat. Let’s dive in!

Safe Human Foods For German Shepherds

Although dogs metabolize foods differently than humans, many “people” foods are perfectly safe and healthy for German Shepherds to eat. Health benefits include joint strength, allergy immunity, cleaner teeth, and fresher breath.

Here is a list of human-grade foods German Shepherds can eat:

Apple

German Shepherds can eat apples. They are a good source of fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and C, essential for maintaining healthy bones and tissue. Most dogs like the crunchy texture and the sweet taste of apples, which helps keep their teeth clean and freshen their breath.

Don’t: Cut the apple into small pieces and don’t feed the seeds or cores.

Banana

German Shepherds can eat bananas. They are high in potassium, supporting kidney and heart functions, and high in vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are also low in sodium.

Don’t: Bananas are high in sugar, so feed sparingly and don’t feed the peel as it’s hard for your dog to digest.

I like to give my German Shepherd a couple of small pieces of banana when we are out on a long hike, and it helps to provide her with a quick energy boost.

Beef

German Shepherds can eat beef.

Caution: Ensure the beef is lean, plain, and with no salt or seasoning.

You should cook all meats you give your German Shepherd unless your dog is used to a raw diet and the food is hygienically prepared. A few shredded pieces always go down a treat and can be part of your dog’s nutritious and well-balanced diet.

Berries

German Shepherds can eat strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Berries contain many valuable antioxidants that prevent or slow down damage to cells and strengthen the immune system. They are full of vitamin C and fiber and are low in sugar, making them kind to teeth.

Frozen berries can also be a welcome treat in hot weather to help cool your German Shepherd down and keep him hydrated.

Bread

German Shepherds can eat bread as long as it’s plain white or brown. However, you should only feed it now and again because it is high in carbohydrates and calories and has little nutritional value to dogs. Make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to wheat.

It is also low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Warning! Don’t let your dog eat the uncooked yeast dough if you make your bread at home. It can rise in his stomach, causing severe problems, from bloat to alcohol toxicosis from the fermented yeast.

Broccoli

Broccoli is okay for your GSD to eat in small quantities. It’s high in fiber and vitamin C and is excellent for the immune system. Broccoli also helps protect against heart disease and helps maintain healthy skin and bones.

Caution: It contains a chemical that can cause significant gas in some dogs, so you should experiment first as it could be pretty unpleasant for everyone in the home!

Cantaloupe

German Shepherds can eat cantaloupe. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and potassium. It is also high in antioxidant qualities to promote healthy cell function and help to reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancer and arthritis.

Melon (including the honeydew variety) is low in calories and high in water content, making a nice and refreshing treat for your dog.

Caution: It is, however, high in natural sugars, so only feed one or two pieces. Remember to remove the seeds and rind.

Carrot

German Shepherds can eat carrots, and they are an excellent food to feed your dog, either cooked or raw. They are low in fat and contain high amounts of fiber and potassium. They also contain beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A, which is good for healthy eyes, bones, and the immune system.

Either raw or frozen carrots are great to give your puppy if they are teething.

Cashews

German Shepherds can eat cashews. They are one of the safer nuts to feed but only as an occasional snack.

Caution: Ensure they are free of salt and do not feed chocolate-coated cashews, as both chocolate and salt are highly toxic to dogs if eaten in large quantities.

Always supervise your dog when giving nuts.

The high protein and fat content make them ideal for active dogs during a long hike.

I have a more in-depth article about nuts and which ones are safe for dogs; Can German Shepherds Eat Nuts?

Cheese

German Shepherds can eat cheese. This high-value protein treat is a great human food that your GSD will love. Cheese is full of nutrients, including calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins A and B12. However, it is high in calories and fat, and you should only feed in moderation.

It is good to cut cheese into tiny pieces as training treats when training your German Shepherd.

Some dogs may be unable to tolerate cheese due to the lactose, so you will need to experiment first. However, it’s one of the dairy foods containing a lower amount of lactose, so they may be okay.

Warning! You mustn’t feed blue cheese and other “moldy” cheese as the mold produces a mycotoxin poisonous to dogs.

Chicken

Your German Shepherd can eat chicken, and as a high-protein food provides your dog with lots of energy. It’s also a great source of Omega 6 fatty acids, good for the skin and coat. Chicken also contains glucosamine for healthy bones and essential amino acids.

• Make sure the chicken is plain and avoid the skin as this is high in fat.
• Don’t feed raw chicken due to the risk of salmonella unless your dog is used to a raw diet and you buy specially prepared raw food for him.
• Never feed cooked chicken bones as these are fragile and can break in your GSD’s mouth, causing nasty injuries. They can also cause your dog to choke.

Many dog foods contain chicken. Nonetheless, I always add pieces of leftover roast chicken to my German Shepherd’s bowl – and it certainly doesn’t last long!

Coconut

German Shepherds can eat coconut. Coconut contains abundant antioxidants to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help prevent viruses.

Your GSD’s skin and coat will also benefit from the oil coconut contains. Coconut is an excellent human food to feed your GSD.

It may seem kind of weird, but coconut is a fruit! It, therefore, doesn’t contain most of the proteins that cause tree nut allergies or sensitivities, such as cashews or almonds.

Caution: You can try feeding your dog a small piece to see if he likes it but remove the shell first.

Corn

German Shepherds can eat corn. Corn is a starchy vegetable that can provide your dog with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. As it’s high in carbohydrates, you should only feed a small amount.

• Do not feed the cob as this is a choking risk, and avoid canned corn as it’s usually high in sodium.
• You should not give popcorn containing butter or salt to your dog. Plain popcorn can be okay, although I would avoid it because there’s a risk that the kernels could get stuck in your GSD’s teeth.

It’s not the best choice of vegetable for your dog, and I’m sure you will have noticed that it tends to pass through the gut pretty much intact! However, I think it’s a good choice if your dog needs a quick energy boost during periods of high exercise.

Cucumber

German Shepherds can eat cucumber, and they offer lots of nutritional value. They contain calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium and are loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1.

Cucumbers are often the topic of many discussions. They are technically a fruit, although you may find them amongst the vegetable display in the store. In any case, slice it up, and your German Shepherd will enjoy it.

Eggs

German Shepherds can eat eggs. They are an excellent source of protein and are loaded with healthy vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Eggs are best cooked first before feeding your dog, as there is a risk of salmonella in raw eggs, although this risk is low.

You can further minimize this risk by using free-range eggs and storing them in a cool, dry place.

Eggs are known for having a perfect balance of nutrients. Despite the controversy around eggs decades ago, scientists have since concluded that their high levels of dietary cholesterol are not associated with heart disease and that saturated fat has a far more significant effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Green Beans

German Shepherds can eat green beans. They are highly nutritious and are good for overall health. Green beans contain many vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are low in calories.

It’s best to cut them up into small pieces to prevent choking and aid digestion.

You can also give canned green beans to your dog as long as they don’t contain salt or other additives.

Milk

German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk contains high amounts of calcium, which is good for healthy teeth and bones. It’s also fortified with vitamin D and contains potassium (good for the heart), essential amino acids, nourishing vitamins, minerals, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Check out the photo of my German Shepherd enjoying a small amount of milk in her bowl. However, as in all dairy foods, it depends on whether your dog can tolerate the amount of lactose it contains.

Noodles

Noodles are made with soft flour milled from common (bread) wheat mixed with water or eggs. They contain micronutrients such as iron, folate, manganese, and B vitamins.

A small treat of plain noodles is a safe human food for German Shepherds.

If your German Shepherd has an allergy to eggs, avoid egg noodles! Likewise, if your dog has a wheat allergy, he should not eat noodles.

Caution: One other thing to watch for is that dried noodles often contain a high amount of salt (sodium), so you will need to check this first. Japenese ramen noodles are loaded with sodium or flavored with soy sauce, and you should not feed these to your dog.

Oatmeal

German Shepherds can eat oatmeal. This staple food is high in fiber and loaded with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also contains linolic acid that helps to keep your dog’s skin healthy.

Oatmeal is also a great alternative if your German Shepherd is sensitive to grains or wheat, although, contrary to popular belief, food allergies in dogs are rare.

Mix the oatmeal with water instead of milk, as some dogs can’t tolerate milk, and serve cooked without butter or syrup. Your German Shepherd will enjoy one or two spoonfuls added to his food.

Caution: Remember, this food is a carbohydrate and is high in calories, so feed in moderation.

Parsnip

Parsnips are an excellent vegetable to feed your German Shepherd as they contain plenty of potassium, folic acid, and vitamins C and B6.

They are good for healthy kidney function, support your GSD’s nervous system and metabolism, and contain antioxidants to help fight cancer.

They are better fed cooked, but you can give them raw as long as you chop them into small pieces. Sometimes I like to mash some cooked parsnip and add it to my dog’s bowl as she enjoys the sweet taste.

Caution: Make sure only to feed sparingly, though, as parsnips are quite starchy (like other root vegetables such as beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots).

Pasta

German Shepherds can eat pasta as long as it’s cooked and given plain. The photo is of my dog Willow with a massive plate of pasta in front of her. Of course, she can’t have all that, just a few pieces!

Pasta is usually made from semolina flour, milled from durum (hard) wheat. Water or eggs are then added where it’s mixed into a dough, made into various shapes and sizes, and finally cooked by baking or boiling.

People once believed this staple food to be fattening and starchy; however, pasta is now considered nutritious, providing lots of energy. 

Caution: Avoid pasta sauces as they often contain garlic and onions, poisonous to dogs. GSDs with a wheat allergy or a sensitivity to grains or eggs shouldn’t eat pasta.

I have a more detailed article on German Shepherds and pasta that you may find helpful.

Peanuts

German Shepherds can eat one or two plain unsalted peanuts as they are rich in healthy unsaturated fats and fiber and many vitamins and minerals.

However, you must not forget about their high fat content, which can cause your dog to have a stomach upset as fat is harder to digest.

It’s weird, but did you know that peanuts are not nuts? Technically speaking, peanuts are legumes, similar to peas and lentils, as they grow in pods that mature beneath the ground. However, for nutritional and culinary purposes, peanuts are considered nuts!

Peanuts are also high in calories, and you must also consider the general risks of choking. Although they are okay for your GSD to eat as they are not toxic, I’ve mentioned the risks.

It isn’t something I’ve fed my dog, but I’ll let you decide when it comes down to whether you should feed your dog peanuts.

Peanut Butter

German Shepherds can eat peanut butter as it is a nutritionally well-rounded treat containing protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

It also has various minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins E and B, and is a good source of folic acid.

Ensure the brand you buy is organic, with nothing added. Some brands contain xylitol (sweetener), and you must avoid these as xylitol is toxic to dogs, so ensure you carefully check the label.

It’s perfect for concealing pills and stuffing interactive toys like KONG.

Peas

Peas are good for boosting energy levels as they are starchy carbohydrates. They are also gentle on your German Shepherd’s digestive system. They are good for the eyes, heart, and skin and contain vitamins such as vitamins A, K, and B. Peas also contain iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

I think peas are an excellent human food that you can easily add to your GSDs bowl at mealtimes.

Caution: Fresh or frozen peas are okay. However, avoid the canned variety due to their high salt content.

Pineapple

German Shepherds can eat pineapple. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, contains fiber that is good for your dog’s digestion and immune system, and has bromelain to help absorb proteins. As it’s pretty sugary, only feed this tasty treat sparingly.

Frozen pineapple chunks make an excellent treat in warm weather and help keep your GSD hydrated, but do not feed canned pineapple due to its high sugar content.

This fruit is also ideal if your dog needs a quick energy boost during periods of intense activity.

Pork

Your German Shepherd can eat pork as long as it’s cooked and free from seasonings and spices. This high-protein food is rich in many vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc and contains nine essential amino acids necessary for your dog’s growth and maintenance.

• You shouldn’t give raw pork to your dog as it contains a parasite that can cause an infection – unless your dog already eats a specially prepared raw diet.
• You should remove all fat as too much fat can lead to an upset stomach and inflammation of the pancreas.
• Avoid cooked pork bones as they are very brittle and can splinter into sharp pieces in your dog’s mouth or lower his digestive tract. Pork bones are also a choking risk.
• Processed pork meats such as bacon, ham, and sausage, should also not be given to your dog due to their high salt content.

Potato (Cooked)

German Shepherds can eat potatoes. This starchy vegetable is packed with nutrients and contains many vitamins, minerals, and fiber, including vitamin C, B6, and potassium, to fight disease and aid digestion.

They provide lots of energy as a high carbohydrate food, so feed sparingly.

• When giving potatoes to your dog, you should remove the skin and cook them.
• Also, you must not provide raw potato (or if the potato is green on the outside) as it contains solanine which is a toxic compound; however, the cooking process removes this danger.
• You can mash, bake, or boil them but don’t add butter or salt.

Pumpkin

German Shepherds can eat pumpkin, including the seeds. Nutritionally, it’s loaded with a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and iron, and contains a high amount of the antioxidant beta-carotene.

It’s full of both insoluble and soluble fiber and is suitable if your dog is constipated or has diarrhea!

Rice

German Shepherds can eat plain white rice. However, brown whole grain rice is a healthier option. Rice is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, iron, vitamin D, thiamine, and riboflavin. It is often added to commercial dog foods, but look out for brown rice when choosing your food brand.

Rice is a carbohydrate, and therefore, you must feed in moderation, but as long as your GSD maintains a healthy weight, a little rice added to your dog’s meal now and again will cause no harm.

Cooked plain white rice (not brown) is often given to a dog suffering from diarrhea. White rice is preferred as dogs need the starch, as brown rice can be harder to digest because it’s not as processed. White rice is low in fiber and helps runny poop as it binds stools together.

Salmon

German Shepherds can eat salmon. Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids with various functions, including keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy, supporting his immune system, and reducing inflammation. It is a high source of protein found in many top-quality dog foods.

• Never feed raw salmon and ensure it’s thoroughly cooked as it contains parasites that can cause poisoning.
• Also, make sure it has no bones, so it’s best to choose a boneless fillet if you decide to give your dog some of this tasty “people” food.

Sweet Potato

German Shepherds can eat sweet potatoes. They are good for your dog’s overall health and are more nutritious than white potatoes.

They contain beta-carotene, which is good for growth and vision, are a natural source of fiber, and contain vitamins such as C, B6, E, and A.

• As sweet potatoes are a starchy carbohydrate, they are probably best avoided if your dog is overweight, less active, or diabetic.
• Sweet potatoes should be cooked (and the skin removed) before feeding to your German Shepherd. You can bake, mash, or puree them.

Due to their nutritional value, they are a popular source of carbohydrates in high-quality dog foods. 

Tuna

German Shepherds can eat tuna fish, and it’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and eye health and make your dog’s coat shiny.

Tuna also contains many healthy vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, B12, B6, iron, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.

There is often mixed opinion as to whether dogs should eat tuna due to its higher levels of mercury compared to other fish; however, as with most human foods you give to your German Shepherd, moderation is key.

Caution: If feeding a small amount of canned tuna, make sure it comes in water with no added salt. My dog devours a few chunks of tuna scattered over her food.

Turkey

German Shepherds can eat turkey. This high-protein food is rich in vitamins, including vitamin Bs, thiamine, and riboflavin. It’s loaded with minerals, including zinc and phosphorous – and selenium to help regulate metabolism.

It’s no wonder this high-energy food is a prevalent ingredient in commercial pet foods, and it’s no surprise that cooked turkey is terrific to give to your dog from your plate as long as it’s plain and without seasonings such as onion or garlic. Turkey breast is also healthier as the legs contain more fat.

You should not feed the skin as it’s high in fat. Ensure there are no bones in the meat, as cooked bones can easily splinter in your dog’s mouth or become a choking hazard.

Yogurt

German Shepherds can eat yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein and can act as a probiotic, so it’s excellent for your dog’s digestive system. As with all dairy foods, some dogs cannot tolerate yogurt, so you must first experiment with a small amount.

There are two types of yogurt that your German Shepherd can enjoy. These are Greek yogurt and low-fat, plain, natural yogurt.

Check out the below photo of my German Shepherd lapping up some yogurt! She loves an occasional blob of yogurt added to her food.

Make sure the yogurt doesn’t have artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) or added sugar and fat, and only feed a tablespoon or two to prevent a tummy upset.

To learn more about yogurt, check out my article, Can German Shepherds Eat Yogurt?

German Shepherd Feeding Guide For Human Foods

When feeding your German Shepherd human foods, there are a few important safety rules you need to consider:

• You should feed foods given to your German Shepherd in moderation. The general rule is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
• You should introduce different foods gradually. This will avoid any unwanted side effects.
• Meats should be cooked unless your GSD is used to a safely prepared raw diet. Ensure the meat is lean with all fat removed and free of bones, as small bones can easily splinter and cause damage to your dog’s mouth or throat, cause choking, or a digestive blockage.
• Avoid processed meats such as sausage, ham, and bacon as they contain high amounts of salt or seasoning.
• Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products. There are different levels of lactose in dairy foods, so your German Shepherd may be able to tolerate some foods and not others. For example, my GSD can eat cheese and plain yogurt, but she cannot handle even a few licks of heavy whipping cream! For more information, check out my article, Are German Shepherds Lactose Intolerant?
• You should cook fish as it can contain bacteria. Don’t add additional oils or seasonings, and remove all bones. Longer living fish species such as mackerel and tuna may contain high amounts of mercury, so feed sparingly – if you opt for these types.
• Seeds or pits must be removed from fruit such as nectarines, peaches, and plums as they contain toxic cyanide traces. The pits are also a choking hazard. I haven’t listed all fruits here, just some popular ones, as I have a separate guide that lists all the fruits you can give your German Shepherd.
• Most vegetables should be cooked as most dogs will find them easier to digest. However, some can be given raw such as carrots and green beans. You can find out loads more on what vegetables German Shepherds can eat in my complete guide.

What Can German Shepherds Not Eat?

Poisoning episodes in dogs are usually due to a lack of knowledge by the owner. So, while we learn what human-friendly edibles German Shepherds can eat, we should also look at what foods they can’t eat.

Below you will find a list of the human cuisines your German Shepherd can’t eat due to their toxicity. Some of the poisonings could result in severe illness or even the death of your dog. It depends on the quantity of the food consumed and the level of toxicity.

The above list covers the main foods that your German Shepherd can’t eat. However, if you are unsure about anything your dog has accidentally consumed, the Pet Poison Helpline not only lists foods but also includes plants, medicines, and household items.

Alternatively, if you suspect your dog has consumed something toxic, consult your veterinarian immediately, as timing can mean life or death in serious cases of dog poisoning. The sooner it’s treated, the better chance your dog has of a full recovery.

Final Thoughts

There are many foods your German Shepherd can safely eat; however, it’s important to remember that all dogs are individuals, just like humans. It’s always best to get advice from your vet if you’re in doubt if a particular food is okay for your dog to eat.

Although I feed my dog high-quality, nutritious food, I do like to occasionally add “people” food to her bowl as a topping. I think it’s nice to mix things up for her and let her taste different flavors and textures.

I also enjoy giving my German Shepherd other foods as treats, such as small pieces of cheese, raw carrot to crunch on, or a frozen strawberry or two in the summer months. Whatever you decide to give your dog, remember to follow the safety guidelines outlined above!