Crunchy, savory, and irresistible options that make tails wag instantly, perfect for rewards, bonding, and pure canine joy.
Anyone who’s ever owned a German Shepherd knows the truth: these dogs live for two things. Pleasing their humans and eating absolutely everything in sight (preferably both simultaneously).
While your GSD would probably eat a shoe if you looked away long enough, there are certain foods that trigger an almost cartoonish level of excitement. Picture spinning, prancing, and the kind of focus usually reserved for squirrels and doorbell sounds. Ready to discover what really makes your German Shepherd lose their mind in the best possible way?
1. Peanut Butter: The Ultimate Canine Kryptonite
If there were a food hall of fame for dogs, peanut butter would be the first inductee. German Shepherds go absolutely bonkers for this creamy, protein packed spread, and honestly, who can blame them? The sticky texture keeps them occupied, the nutty flavor drives them wild, and the protein content actually offers legitimate nutritional benefits.
But here’s the critical part: not all peanut butter is created equal when it comes to your GSD. You absolutely must check the ingredient list for xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s extremely toxic to dogs. Stick with natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts (and maybe a pinch of salt). Your German Shepherd will lick their chops for hours afterward.
When your German Shepherd discovers peanut butter for the first time, you’re not just giving them a treat. You’re fundamentally changing their entire understanding of what food can be.
Use peanut butter frozen in a Kong for mental stimulation, smear a tiny bit on their favorite toy, or simply let them lick a spoonful off a long handled spoon while you trim their nails. The possibilities are endless, and the enthusiasm? Absolutely guaranteed.
2. Cheese: The Training Secret Weapon
Walk into any dog training class, and you’ll see experienced handlers clutching small bags of cheese like it’s made of gold. There’s a reason for this: cheese works. German Shepherds, with their food motivated personalities and eager to please attitudes, respond to cheese like it’s the canine equivalent of winning the lottery.
The beauty of cheese lies in its versatility. Mild cheddar works wonderfully for most GSDs, while others prefer mozzarella’s stretchy appeal or the crumbly texture of parmesan. You can cut it into tiny training cubes, shred it over their regular food, or use string cheese for convenient, mess free rewards during outdoor adventures.
| Cheese Type | Best For | Lactose Level | Portion Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Training rewards | Moderate | Pea sized pieces |
| Mozzarella | Low fat option | Lower | Small chunks |
| Cottage Cheese | Upset stomachs | Higher | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Parmesan | Food topper | Very low | Light sprinkle |
Keep portions small, though. While German Shepherds can typically handle small amounts of cheese, too much can lead to digestive upset or unwanted weight gain. A little goes a long way when it comes to motivating your GSD.
3. Cooked Chicken: Simple, Irresistible Perfection
There’s something primal about the way a German Shepherd responds to chicken. Perhaps it’s the protein rich scent, the tender texture, or simply the fact that it tastes incredible. Whatever the reason, plain cooked chicken (no seasonings, no oils, no sauce) ranks among the most universally beloved foods for GSDs.
Boiled or baked chicken breast, cut into small cubes, becomes instant currency in the world of dog training. Need your German Shepherd to master a difficult command? Chicken. Want to see the fastest recall you’ve ever witnessed? Chicken. Trying to convince your GSD that the vet’s office isn’t a torture chamber? You guessed it: chicken.
The magic of chicken isn’t just in the taste. It’s in watching your German Shepherd’s ears perk up, their entire body quiver with anticipation, and their brain shift into hyperfocus mode.
Many trainers keep bags of cooked chicken in the freezer, ready to thaw for training sessions or special occasions. The bland, easily digestible nature of plain chicken also makes it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness.
4. Sweet Potatoes: Nutrition Meets Deliciousness
Here’s where things get interesting: German Shepherds absolutely love sweet potatoes, and unlike some items on this list, you can be genuinely generous with portions. These orange powerhouses pack vitamins A, C, and B6, plus fiber that supports digestive health.
Baked, boiled, or dehydrated, sweet potatoes offer incredible versatility. Some GSDs prefer them mashed and mixed with their regular food, while others go crazy for dehydrated sweet potato chews that provide long lasting entertainment. The natural sweetness appeals to dogs’ taste preferences without any added sugars or questionable ingredients.
You can even make homemade sweet potato treats by slicing them thin, brushing them lightly with coconut oil, and baking until crispy. Your German Shepherd will think you’ve opened a gourmet bakery specifically for them. And honestly, their reaction might just convince you to do it again.
5. Carrots: The Crunchy Obsession
Don’t underestimate the humble carrot. Many German Shepherds develop what can only be described as an addiction to these orange vegetables, and it’s one habit you can fully encourage. Carrots are low calorie, high fiber, and excellent for dental health. The satisfying crunch provides both mental stimulation and jaw exercise.
A German Shepherd crunching through a whole carrot is experiencing pure, unadulterated joy. It’s nature’s chew toy with bonus nutritional benefits.
Baby carrots work perfectly as training treats, while full sized carrots become entertaining chew sessions. Some owners freeze carrots for teething puppies or hot summer days. The cold, hard texture soothes sore gums and provides refreshing relief.
Interestingly, many GSDs develop strong preferences: some want them raw and crunchy, others prefer them steamed until soft, and a select few enjoy them roasted. Experiment to discover your dog’s personal carrot preference, then use this knowledge to your advantage during training or as a healthy between meal snack.
6. Blueberries: Tiny Flavor Explosions
Watch a German Shepherd eat blueberries and prepare to be entertained. The way they delicately pluck each berry, the confused look when one rolls away, the determination to find every single escaped fruit… it’s comedy gold. Beyond entertainment value, blueberries pack serious nutritional punch: antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
These little blue gems work beautifully as training rewards because they’re small, relatively low calorie, and incredibly motivating. Frozen blueberries provide extra entertainment value and help cool dogs down during warm weather training sessions.
Start with just a few berries to ensure your GSD’s digestive system handles them well. Most German Shepherds tolerate blueberries beautifully, but as with any new food, introduce gradually. Once you’ve confirmed they agree with your dog’s stomach, you’ve gained a healthy, exciting treat option that’ll have your GSD literally bouncing with joy.
7. Watermelon: Summer’s Perfect Treat
Picture this: it’s a scorching summer day, your German Shepherd just finished an energetic play session, and they’re panting heavily. Enter watermelon, the ultimate warm weather reward that hydrates while it excites. Remove all seeds and rind (both can cause digestive issues), and offer your GSD chunks of pure pink refreshment.
The high water content makes watermelon particularly valuable during hot months when keeping your German Shepherd properly hydrated becomes crucial. The natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, and the cold temperature (especially if you’ve refrigerated it) offers welcome relief from summer heat.
Many German Shepherds initially approach watermelon with suspicion. “What is this wet, pink thing?” their expression seems to ask. Then comes the first taste, followed by an immediate attitude shift. Suddenly, watermelon becomes the most exciting thing that’s ever happened, and you’ll find yourself with a fruit obsessed GSD who recognizes the sound of you cutting watermelon from three rooms away.
Cut watermelon into bite sized cubes for easy serving, or freeze pieces for an extra special frozen treat. Just remember: moderation matters. While watermelon is safe and healthy, too much can lead to stomach upset. A few pieces go a long way toward making your German Shepherd incredibly happy.
