German Shepherds are not allowed to take in chocolate, grapes and avocados, raisins, garlic, onions, wild mushrooms, leeks, walnuts, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and salty food items. Other foods that are poisonous include xylitol and yeast dough hops, raw potatoes, green tomatoes, food that is rotten and high-fat meals.
Here, I’ll explain the food items your German Shepherd can’t eat due to their toxic nature, and I’ll also tell you what to do if the German Shepherd accidentally eats something toxic. There’s also an added bonus feature to watch a short video chat with a certified vet on the toxins in dog food.
So, for a complete guide on what items German Shepherds aren’t allowed to consume, keep reading!
What Can German Shepherds Not Eat?
You might be shocked by the variety of foods that dogs should not consume. In actual fact, Frontiers in Veterinary Science say that dog poisoning incidents typically result from ignorance. So, if this article will save only one German Shepherd, I’ll be more than satisfied!
Let’s dive into my top poisonous foods you German Shepherd can’t eat. Certain poisonings can cause the death of your dog, based on the amount and toxicity consumed.
Alcohol
German Shepherds are not able to drink alcohol since it can cause alcohol poisoning that affects the liver and brain. It might cause a decrease in blood sugar levels. vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, seizures, respiratory failure and, ultimately, death. It’s only a tiny quantity of alcohol for it to cause damage to your pet.
Certain pets might drink alcoholic beverages straight from the glass or lick them up off the floor if they accidentally spill, and you have to be on guard.
You’ll also have to be extra cautious in the case of growing fruits at home because when the fruit is removed from the trees and begins to decay, it creates alcohol (alcohol). Do not let your German Shepherd in a place in a place where they have access to fruits.
Also, be aware of also the “hidden places” where alcohol is lurking, e.g., unbaked yeast bread dough or some desserts, especially in the case of a “sweet tooth” like me! Be sure to keep food away from the table or work surfaces. If you do forget you forgot, ensure that your dog isn’t able to reach the food items!
Avocado
Avocado is a hazard that is not suitable for the German Shepherd. The skin, pit, leaves and the bark of avocados are contaminated with persin, a poisonous toxin.The fruit’s fleshy inside does not contain more persin than the other parts of the plant. However, it’s still not safe for dogs to eat.
Make sure your dog is kept away from the plants if you’re growing avocados in your home. Additionally, the avocado seeds may get stuck in your stomach or intestines, and a blockage could be fatal.
If your dog is eating many avocados, symptoms of poisoning are diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort. The fat content high in the fruit may result in pancreatitis in dogs that are sensitive.
Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, etc.)
German Shepherds should not consume tea, coffee or any caffeine beverages. A large amount of caffeine consumption by dogs can be a significant issue and could be fatal in extreme cases. Do not let your dog slurp down your tea and coffee. Keep him away from chocolate, cocoa as well as colas and energy drinks.
Caffeine is also found in cold medicine as well as in supplements and painkillers. Common symptoms of caffeine poisoning are excessive activity as well as restlessness, and an increase in heart rate.
Cherries
German Shepherds are not allowed to consume cherries. While it’s true that the fruit of the cherries can be eaten safely, the fruit may cause stomach upset. The cherry pit, the stem leaves and the pits contain cyanide, which can be harmful. Therefore, it’s not worth the risk of feeding cherries to your pet.
If you consume it in large quantities, be aware of dilation of pupils, breathing difficulties as well as bright red gums and shock
Chocolate (including Cocoa)
Chocolate is a danger for dogs. The main problem in chocolate lies with theobromine, which is found in all types of chocolate, even white.
The most potent kinds are unsweetened and dark-baking chocolate. The more dark it gets more poisonous because of the greater concentration amounts of cacao particles. Thus the severity of the poisoning is largely dependent on the type of chocolate quantity consumed, as well as the size of the dog.
Chocolate can cause dogs to vomit and suffer from diarrhoea. It could also cause seizures, heart problems seizures, death, and tremors. There is a Pet Poison Helpline that advises that certain chocolate products could contain other toxic substances, such as macadamia nuts, coffee beans, raisins or xylitol. There may be double danger in the near future!
Garlic
While garlic is a good choice for German Shepherds in small quantities, larger amounts could be dangerous. Your dog will have to consume much to become sick. Garlic is part of the Allium family and is related to leeks, onions as well as Chives (see below) as well as poisonous for dogs. However, garlic has five times the powerful.
Consuming a lot of garlic may harm the red blood cells of your dog, which can result in their rupture, which might result in anemia. Your German Shepherd might show signs of diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and breathing issues. The other issue here is that the signs of garlic poisoning may be delayed and may not become visible until a few days later.
Grapes (and Raisins)
Fruits like raisins and grapes are extremely harmful to German Shepherds. They can cause kidney problems in dogs, even a tiny quantity can cause a dog to become sick. Scientists do not yet know the exact cause of the toxicity, and also the precise dosage is not known.
Additionally, there are other dried varieties, such as currants and sultanas, and products that contain grape extracts, like grape juice, raisin cereal as well as granola and bread made from raisin trail mix, and baked goods like raisin cookies or bars. All of these are potential sources of poison.
The early signs are vomiting or diarrhoea and lethargy. To find out more about the reasons dogs shouldn’t eat grapes and what you should be doing if your dog has eaten one of them, read this article: Can German Shepherds consume Grapes? (And What to Do If Your GSD Consumes Them).
Hops (used in Home Beer Brewing)
German Shepherds are not allowed to consume hops (the flowers of the plant that is used for the brewing of beer) since they’re poisonous. If you’re a homebrew enthusiast, it is important to ensure that hops are out of the pet’s reach since scientists aren’t yet able to determine the cause of the toxicity.
If you suspect that your German Shepherd may have ingested hops, the signs and symptoms are malignant hyperthermia and increased breathing, a rapid heart rate and vomiting. In extreme instances, death may occur.
Horse Chestnuts (Conkers)
German Shepherds are not allowed to consume horse chestnuts. They are a source of poison known as Aesculin. It is found throughout the tree, which includes the leaves. The signs include vomiting, severe diarrhoea, excessive drooling and thirst, restlessness, as well as shaking.
These symptoms can manifest in as little as an hour after eating or be delayed for as long as two days.
The horse chestnut is widespread throughout the UK and in temperate areas across Europe, Asia, and North America. Conkers that have been ripe will fall to the ground during the fall and summer months. However, do not confuse them with the sweet American chestnut, as they’re completely different. Conkers can be poisonous to dogs; they must eat plenty in order to be afflicted with any serious poisoning.
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Macadamia Nuts
German Shepherds are not allowed to take macadamia nuts for food as even one handful of nuts, whether roasted or raw, could make dogs sick because of their toxicity. Macadamia nuts may cause serious muscle weakness, weakness of the back legs and, high temperatures, vomiting, and muscle shaking, based on the number of nuts consumed.The unidentified danger of macadamia nuts (also called Australian nuts) impacts muscle and nerve function. Some dogs might also suffer from pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) because of the oil and fat content of macadamia almonds (like Avocados). The symptoms and signs usually show within 12 hours of ingesting.
Moldy Food
Foods that have been contaminated with mold, such as pasta, bread, cheese, nuts, as well as other food items that are decaying, can be harmful to the health of your German Shepherd. Foods that are contaminated with mycotoxins and a particular mycotoxin known as aflatoxin are known to cause liver failure. It is characterized by vomiting as well as restlessness, incoordination seizures, and a high temperature. Make sure you ensure that compost is kept out of pets who are within reach.
Be careful not to offer your dog something that is mildly mouldy or allow him to go to the garbage! Get a dog-proof trash container, such as the Touchless Pet-Proof Trash Can from Amazon, that prevents your pet from lifting the lid. I like this particular model because it’s 100% contactless and is equipped with carbon odour filters which neutralize odours, making your home seem cleaner.
Mushrooms (Wild)
German Shepherds shouldn’t consume mushrooms since they could be poisonous. There are a myriad of mushroom species, and although only a tiny fraction are considered as poisonous, if your dog consumes a poisonous one, it can cause him to become extremely sick or even cause death.The signs and symptoms of poisoning vary based on the type of mushroom consumed. Watch out for signs of vomiting and diarrhoea, tremors, seizures, as well as changes in urination or thirst (kidney malfunction). Certain toxins in mushrooms can cause dogs to suffer from a rapid onset (within 15-20 minutes); however, others may not show signs for as long as 24 hours.
A small amount of cleaned white mushrooms bought from the market are usually secure, including White button and Portobello varieties. But I’m not a big mushroom lover, so I do not give them to my dog.
Nutmeg
German Shepherds shouldn’t consume nutmeg since it is poisonous to dogs because of the myristicin compound. If a dog consumes significant amounts of nutmeg, the poisoning may cause hallucinations and disorientation, and heart rate increase, stomach pain, dry mouth and even seizures.
But nutmeg poisoning is highly unlikely to occur if your pet consumes food that contains just a tiny amount of nuts, but I thought I’d put it here to inform you of the hazards. The dog will have to consume a significant amount of nutmeg to trigger severe toxic effects.
Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives
German Shepherds are not allowed to consume shallots, onions, leeks, or chives (either raw, cooked or dried) because they can be poisonous to pets in general when eaten in large quantities. Consuming too many onions can cause the red blood cells of your dog to rupture, leading to anaemia.
I’m certain that you’ll think it does not sound very pleasant! The foods in the Allium family, including garlic (see above), can cause nausea or vomiting and stomach pain, diarrhoea and breathing issues. The symptoms of poisoning can appear delayed.
Potato (Raw or Green )
German Shepherds should not consume raw potato (or the green variety) since it’s toxic to dogs. It is a poisonous substance known as solanine. when your dog consumes an excessive amount of it, the substance will impact the nervous system of his. The signs to watch out for are blurred vision, diarrhoea, vomiting as well as a low temperature and a slower heart rate.
White potatoes are part of the nightshade family of vegetables that includes tomatoes. They make solanine a natural defence against insects.
It is acceptable to give your German Shepherd a small amount of cooked potato since the cooking process dramatically decreases the amount of solanine.
Rhubarb Leaves
German Shepherds should not consume rhubarb leaf because they contain the toxic substance oxalic acid. dogs. Your dog might suffer from vomiting, drooling, nausea, lethargy and shakes, as well as changes in thirst and urine. But, they’ll need to consume a significant amount in order to cause poisoning.
The stalks of the rhubarb plant is suitable for German Shepherds when used in tiny quantities. They can be beneficial if your dog suffers from constipation.
If you are growing the rhubarb yourself, You must be cautious and ensure that your German Shepherd is not left unsupervised since acute renal failure could occur.
Salt
German Shepherds shouldn’t consume excessive amounts of salt since taking in too much salt could cause your dog to become extremely thirsty and can lead to dehydration or sodium poisoning. In excess, thirst or urination could be a problem, and salt could cause damage to the kidneys. In the event of salt poisoning, it is a grave risk as death could result.
Signs of too much salt can include diarrhoea, vomiting as well as depression, tremors, seizures, and high temperatures.
It’s not the best option to share salty snacks with your favourite friend. It’s only necessary to consider the amount of thirst you feel after eating salty pretzels, popcorn or chips. This is why I do not give my German Shepherd such snacks.
Star Fruit
German Shepherds are not allowed to consume star fruits as this exotic fruit is toxic to dogs because of Oxalic acid. The digestive system of your dog absorbs salts of oxalate in star fruit, which can cause an acute kidney failure. The signs and symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting as well as urine with blood as well as more frequent urination and thirst.
Your German Shepherd could get sick after eating just small amounts of this fruit. He could show signs within a time.
Tomato (Green)
German Shepherds should not consume tomatoes that are green as they contain a poisonous substance known as solanine that could cause heart issues in breathing, trouble breathing, and extreme stomach upset. However, they’d need to eat a huge amount before they reach this point. A tiny amount of tomato can result in GI discomfort, at the very least.
While the ripened red part of the tomato is usually thought to be to be safe for pets, its green components (stems and the vines) and tomatoes that are not ripe need to be avoided.
Solanine can also be present in green or raw potatoes (see the previous paragraph). I was certainly not conscious of this fact, and I will keep my German Shepherd out of my uncle’s garden from now on!
Xylitol (Sweetener)
German Shepherds are not allowed to eat an ingredient called xylitol (sweetener) as well as any food with xylitol in them as it’s harmful to dogs. Xylitol could cause the blood sugar of your dog to fall and lead to liver failure that is acute and may lead to death. Initial signs include vomiting, lethargy and seizures or coordination issues.
A significant increase in poisonings is evident due to the rising demand for xylitol to be an ingredient in many sweeteners. It is used in a variety of items like chewing gum, candy baked goods, as well as diet food items and toothpaste!
I’m no longer letting my dog kiss my fingers after I’ve cleaned my teeth. Another one of the dangers hidden from view!
It is also important to be aware that certain peanut butter brands have the chemical xylitol. Always make sure to check before buying or purchasing an organic product with no added ingredients. added.
Yeast Dough
German Shepherds cannot take in yeast dough. The dough is a rising mass that causes gas in the dog’s digestive tract. Then, it expands, and when it expands, it creates an obstruction of the bowel or a stomach that’s bloated. This may cause it to turn. The result is an emergency that could be life-threatening and requires abdominal surgery.
If you consider it, bread dough must grow, and when your dog consumes it, exactly what happens inside your dog’s stomach and it functions as an oven!
Furthermore, as yeast is fermenting the dough in order to increase its rise, it releases alcohol, which can lead the body to poisoning by alcohol! The first signs of alcohol poisoning are abdominal swelling or bloating. Your dog might suffer from lethargy, retching weakness, collapse, or shock.
Walnuts (Black)
German Shepherds should not consume black walnuts since they’re extremely poisonous. The walnuts in black contain a nebulous toxin that could cause seizures and shaking. Another risk is when the walnuts are sitting on the ground for sometimes and then turn mouldy. The mould is an additional toxin.
The only nuts that are acceptable for German Shepherds to consume are almonds, peanuts, and cashews. But, they must be eaten in moderation because of their fat content, which can cause diarrhoea and stomach upset. Foods that are with a high-fat content could cause pancreatitis and obesity.
Let me be honest: I’m not a fan of giving my German Shepherd nuts as I’m afraid of her eating them. They’re very calorific! Since there is a huge assortment of nuts available, I’ve written this post about German Shepherds and nuts.
What Foods Can a German Shepherd Eat?
Dogs can be fed various human food provided they’re given in moderation. Be aware that each dog is unique (just as humans), So it’s recommended to seek advice from your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether a certain food is safe for your dog to consume.
I make sure that the food items I give to my German Shepherd are safe, cooked, healthy and free of salt or other seasonings. Here are some healthy foods that your dog can try and go through my extensive review of the 34 human food items that German Shepherds are able to eat for more suggestions.
Lean Meats
German Shepherds are able to eat small pieces of cooked meat as long as all visible fat is eliminated. My German Shepherd loves pork, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and venison.
Make sure there aren’t any bones present in the meat prior to you feed your dog the meat since cooked bones can be dangerous to Your German Shepherd. The bones could break into pieces that could cause the dog to choke and cause severe injury to your dog’s throat, mouth or the insides.
It is also recommended to stay clear of processed meats like gammon, bacon and sausage due to their high salt content or the amount of seasoning. However, a small piece of meat will not cause harm.
Fresh Fruits
Slices of bananas, apples and watermelons are delicious treats for your pet. But, it is important to remove the pits or seeds from fresh fruit such as apricots, nectarines or plums, peaches and so on. They are contaminated with cyanide and is dangerous for your dog if taken in high quantities.The pits also pose a choking risk that could create obstructions within your dog’s intestines when swallowed.
Read my full post for more information on the types of fruit German Shepherds can enjoy. There’s plenty to choose from, and I have listed 29 examples!
Vegetables
It’s okay to allow your German Shepherd to eat a healthy snack of carrots, cucumber, green beans as well as sweet potato. A variety of other vegetables are suitable to feed in moderation as well. But there are certain vegetables that are best avoided!
This is my complete guide to what kinds of foods German Shepherds can consume. This massive guide explains the advantages of each vegetable and provides tips on how to give them to your pet.
Cooked Rice and Pasta
German Shepherds can be fed prepared plain rice or pasta cooked. Plain white rice cooked is an alternative if your dog suffers from stomach issues, as it is digestible and easy to prepare.
Rice is usually used on commercial food for dogs; in actual fact, my German Shepherd’s diet has 29% the brown, whole grain variety of rice, which is a healthier form of rice. If you’re an avid “pasta-lover” like me, you might find my post about how to tell whether German Shepherds can be fed pasta and pasta interesting read.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, like cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and Ice cream, are generally suitable for dogs of German shepherds to consume in small quantities. However, eating too much dairy may cause vomiting or diarrhoea. This is due to dogs having low levels of lactase, a digestion enzyme which breaks down sugars found in dairy products.
Animals who are lactose intolerant should not consume dairy products. However, my German Shepherd can tolerate occasional little amounts of ice cream or milk. Actually, when you see how she takes milk in her mouth, it would be as if she was the size of a cat!
But she can’t take even the smallest amount of cream whipped, as just a few licks could cause the girl “the runs” – the cream is not on the list!
Fish
German Shepherds can enjoy fish. It’s a great source of protein and abundant fatty acids with omega-3s that are good for the coat of your dog’s skin and overall the immune system. Fish should be completely cooked (which eliminates dangerous bacteria) without adding any seasonings or oils. Also, make sure it’s not contaminated with bones.
Fish is commonly included in high-quality dog food, and upon examining the food I feed cold-pressed to my German Shepherd, I found that it has 7 per cent of sea-fished fish and fish oil as well as dried green-lipped mussels, an ingredient rich in omega-3 fats.
There are concerns with more long-living species of fish, such as mackerel, tuna, or swordfish, that have more mercury levels. If you decide to go with those species, just feed them occasionally a small amount. For a special treat to my German Shepherd, I prefer to feed her fresh salmon that she loves!
I have to admit that I must admit, my German Shepherd also enjoys little amounts of mackerel or tuna that is tinned and added to her diet, and I believe that it’s a great idea to consider the benefits over the risk. However, we’ll see if you agree!
Final Thoughts
It is now clear what foods can be poisonous for your German Shepherd and what you should do if he happens to eat something that is toxic.
If your dog is staring at you with looking sad and longing eyes, hoping to eat a piece of “human food,” don’t take the time to offer the dog something without confirming that it’s safe. It’s likely that you’ll refer to this post if you are ever uncertain.
I am not responsible if you decide to offer your GSD the raisin cookie or even a sip of beer! Always consider any decision you make to feed your dog food that is not specifically intended to be given to them by your vet.