What Do German Shepherds Like To Eat?

So you have a German Shepherd—what a great addition to your family!  A big part of taking care of your Shepherd is learning about their nutritional needs.  You may be curious about what German Shepherds like to eat?

What Do German Shepherds Like To Eat?

Fifty years ago, caring for a dog was more simple; Fido could eat table scraps at mealtime, and not as much thought was given to the nutritional value of his intake.   However, times have changed.

If your Shepherd is like Allie, they will pretty much devour anything placed in front of them after a quick sniff inspection.

The only thing I have found that Allie doesn’t like to eat is celery.   German Shepherds will naturally like to eat foods such as meats, some fruits, and vegetables.

What Human Foods Can German Shepherds Eat?

While German Shepherds can eat human food not all human foods are safe for your GSD.  They like chewing on the occasional raw bone, but should not be fed cooked chicken bones.

Avoid anything spicy or with sugar, and NEVER give your dog chocolate; it can be fatal. In addition, steer clear of foods like grapes, raisins, and garlic.

Click here to read more about human foods you shouldn’t feed your German Shepherd.

Here are examples of some human foods German Shepherds like to eat:

• Cooked chicken breast
• Hot dogs
• Peanut butter
• Carrots
• Frozen or regular yogurt
• Rice
• Beef
• Pork
• Sweet potato
• Cheese
• Cooked eggs
• Pizza crust
• Watermelon
• Apples

German Shepherd Favorite Foods

Although there are many foods your German Shepherd may like to eat, not all of your German Shepherd’s favorite foods are good for your dog to eat regularly.

Although preferences vary from dog to dog most German Shepherds gravitate toward items containing beef, lamb, fish, and chicken.

Shepherds do like cheese, although this should be enjoyed in moderation, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress in these gentle companions.

Allie loves cheese but it doesn’t love her (if you know what I mean).  However, carrots, peanut butter, and hot dogs are some of her favorite foods that agree with her sensitive stomach.

German Shepherd Stomach Problems

There’s nothing quite as upsetting to you as a German Shepherd with an upset stomach.   German Shepherds are prone to stomach and digestive tract sensitivity, and they can suffer from diarrhea and other stomach discomforts.

It is important to keep a watchful eye on both input AND output and note changes in both, making sure you communicate these to your vet if anything is abnormal.

Have a conversation with your vet about the best supplements and dog food options for your dog that will promote optimal health and wellness.  In cases of severe sensitivity, you may even want to have your GSD tested for food sensitivities and food allergies so that you can begin to eliminate things that are not healthy from his diet.

Allie has a sensitive stomach.  Her stomach issues were much worse when she was younger, and I spent a lot of time finding the right food that agreed with her stomach.

When her stomach was really upset, her vet suggested incorporating chicken breast and white rice into her diet to help it settle.  I think she liked the chicken and rice better than her normal dog food:)

Finding a dog food that incorporates the nutritional requirements for a healthy GSD, includes some of your German Shepherd’s favorite foods and agrees with their sensitive stomachs will keep them healthy and happy for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Every German Shepherd will vary in what their favorite food is.  Just like different people have a preference for different types of foods.  Some will like almost anything (like mine), and others will be pickier.

What food does your German Shepherd like?  Let me know in the comments!