Human Foods German Shepherds Should Never Eat

General nutrition information compiled from product labels and published sources, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian is the right person to choose a diet for your dog, especially one with a health condition.

A German Shepherd will happily eat whatever hits the kitchen floor. That makes it worth knowing which people foods are a problem and which are fine as an occasional snack. The answers below are grouped by theme, so you can jump to the one you need.

The toxic foods named here follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list. This page covers no doses, because the amount that matters depends on the dog and the product. Your veterinarian or poison control decides that.

The Basics

What can German Shepherds not eat?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control list includes chocolate, grapes and raisins, the sweetener xylitol, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine. Cooked bones and very fatty scraps cause trouble in other ways. The sections below take these one at a time.

Why are some human foods harmful to dogs?

Dogs process some compounds differently than people do, so a food that is harmless to us can poison them. Other foods are not poisonous but cause choking, blockages or stomach upset. Labels written for people also rarely warn about dog risks.

Does a German Shepherd's size make it safer?

Not reliably. The AKC lists adult males at 65 to 90 pounds and females at 50 to 70 pounds, but a large dog can still be seriously affected by a toxic food. Do not assume size protects your dog, and call for advice after any suspected ingestion.

Foods That Are Toxic

Is chocolate dangerous for German Shepherds?

Yes. The ASPCA lists chocolate as toxic to dogs, and dark chocolate and baking chocolate are generally the more concerning kinds. Keep cocoa products, brownies and baked goods out of reach, and call for advice if your dog eats any.

Can German Shepherds eat grapes or raisins?

No. The ASPCA lists grapes and raisins as toxic, and the reason is still not fully understood. That is why no amount is considered a safe test. Check trail mix, cereal and baked goods for hidden raisins.

What is xylitol, and where is it hiding?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs. It turns up in sugar-free gum, mints, some baked goods and some nut butters. Read the ingredient list on anything sweet before your dog gets near it.

Are onions and garlic a problem?

Yes. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic, along with related foods such as chives and leeks, as toxic to dogs. Cooked, raw and powdered forms all count. Leftovers, gravy and seasoned meat often contain them, so skip table scraps from savory dishes.

Are macadamia nuts toxic?

Yes. The ASPCA includes macadamia nuts on its list of foods dogs should not eat. Cookies and trail mixes that contain them are the usual way dogs get into them.

Can German Shepherds have alcohol?

No. The ASPCA lists alcohol as toxic to dogs, and that covers drinks as well as food made with it. Unbaked yeast dough is also on the ASPCA list. Keep both away from the counter edge and the trash.

What about coffee, tea and other caffeine?

The ASPCA lists caffeine as a hazard for dogs. Coffee grounds, tea bags and energy products should all be kept out of reach, and spilled drinks wiped up quickly.

Foods That Cause Other Problems

Are cooked bones safe?

No. Cooked bones can splinter, and fragments can cause choking or injury in the mouth or gut. Ask your veterinarian before giving any bone or hard chew, and take the carcass out with the trash.

Are fatty scraps and leftovers okay?

Rich, greasy foods like bacon, fat trimmings and fried leftovers can upset a dog's stomach. A sudden big change from regular food is a common cause of trouble. If your dog gets into the roast pan, call your veterinarian for advice.

Does how I feed my German Shepherd matter for bloat?

It can. The AKC lists bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) as a health concern for the breed. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center names eating too quickly, large meals, feeding once a day, raised food bowls and exercise soon after eating as risk factors. Cornell suggests two or more meals a day with smaller kibble. Because a swollen, hard belly with retching is an emergency, call a veterinarian right away if you see it.

Do treats matter for a growing German Shepherd puppy?

They do. Cornell advises against overfeeding fast-growing large-breed puppies and against adding calcium or vitamin D to a growing puppy's diet. Keep treats small and few, and ask your veterinarian before adding anything beyond a complete puppy food.

My dog has a digestive condition. Should I be extra careful?

Yes. German Shepherds are predisposed to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), according to a Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine conference paper. Dogs with a diagnosed digestive problem should only get snacks your veterinarian has approved. No food replaces veterinary care for it.

Can German Shepherds Eat...?

Can German Shepherds eat peanut butter?

Some can, in small amounts, but read the label first. Any product that lists xylitol is off limits. Choose a plain version with a short ingredient list.

Can German Shepherds eat fruits and vegetables?

Many plain, washed options, such as carrot sticks, blueberries and apple slices without seeds, are common dog snacks. Skip grapes and raisins, onions and anything seasoned. When you are unsure about a particular food, check the ASPCA list or ask your veterinarian before offering it.

Can German Shepherds eat cooked chicken or eggs?

Plain, fully cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is a common treat. Cooked egg is too. Leave out the butter, garlic and onion that usually go with them in a people recipe.

Can German Shepherds eat cheese or other dairy?

Some dogs tolerate a small bite and others get gassy or loose stools. Try a tiny piece of a plain, simple cheese and watch how your dog does. Stop if the stomach is upset.

Emergencies

What should I do if my German Shepherd eats something toxic?

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away, even if your dog looks fine. Look up the current phone number on the ASPCA website and keep it handy. Have the packaging ready so you can say what was eaten and about when. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to.

Should I wait for symptoms to show up?

No. Signs can be delayed, and early advice gives your veterinarian more options. A quick call costs far less than waiting and hoping.

What should be the main food, then?

A complete and balanced dog food, with snacks as small extras. Our label-by-label comparison of German Shepherd dog foods shows how we compared label data. We did not run feeding trials or taste tests. Your veterinarian decides what suits an individual dog.