Dobermans are highly active dogs requiring a high-quality diet with a good fat to protein ratio. They eat more than less active dogs due to their energy levels. Adults eat 2 to 5 cups of dry food per day, while puppies from nine months to twelve months eat 4 to 7 cups per day. Dobermans tend to eat fast, which isn’t healthy, but it can be helped by using slower feeding bowls or challenging them to food puzzles. Dobermans can eat many human foods, but let’s look at what Dobermans cannot eat.
Here are 13 food you should not feed your Doberman.
1. Avocados
There is some debate about whether the avocado pulp is safe to feed to Dobermans; however, the bark and seed are highly toxic for dogs. In addition, every part of the fruit contains persin, leading to diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.
Aside from the fruit’s toxicity level, the pit could be a potential choking hazard or get stuck halfway through the intestinal tract, in which case surgery would be the only way to get it removed.
2. Grapes
It would be better if you avoided feeding grapes, grape juice, and raisins to your Doberman as they are highly toxic to dogs. Even one grape could make your Doberman sick. In the worst case, ingesting the fruit could lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.
3. Unripe Tomatoes
You can feed ripe tomatoes to your dog in moderation; however, unripe tomatoes and the plant are harmful to dogs. They contain a glycoalkaloid called tomatine, damaging the nervous system, digestive tract, and kidneys.
4. Bacon
Preserved pork is not suitable for your dog. Bacon is processed meat containing cancer-causing carcinogens, and the meat is highly rich and fatty containing too much salt. It can upset your dog’s stomach in small amounts, while large amounts can lead to pancreatitis, which can be fatal.
5. Sausage
Sausage is processed meat like bacon. It contains carcinogens that cause cancer, and it is highly fatty and salty. This is not good meat to feed to your Doberman.
6. Broccoli
Some dogs can eat broccoli without incident, but many dogs cannot handle broccoli as it can irritate their stomach. For example, your Doberman may not be able to take broccoli too well.
7. Raw Potatoes
Dogs can eat cooked potatoes. However, you must never feed raw potatoes to your Doberman as raw potatoes contain a toxic compound called solanine which can be harmful for dogs.
8. Onions and Garlic
If your Doberman ingests too much garlic or onion, it can destroy his red blood cells due to a toxic principle called N-propyl disulfide, leading to anemia.
9. Nuts
All nuts, including almonds, are toxic to dogs. Some nuts are more damaging to dogs than others, but they should be avoided at all costs. Not only are nuts high in fat, but they are also a potential choking hazard.
10. Raw Eggs
It is perfectly safe for Dobermans to eat eggs. However, raw eggs are not safe, and if you feed raw eggs to your dog, you may expose him to salmonella.
If your Doberman eats an egg contaminated by salmonella, he may get an infection called Salmonellosis. The symptoms of this infection include vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Feeding raw eggs to your dog can lead to biotin deficiency. Biotin is a vitamin that supports healthy metabolism, digestion, skin, and cells.
11. Chocolate
Chocolate contains a toxic agent called theobromine, which is present in all chocolate. The most dangerous form of theobromine is in dark chocolate, unsweetened baking chocolate, and chocolate mulch. Even tiny amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in dogs.
12. Sugary Foods
Sugary foods and drinks affect dogs in the same way they affect humans. Consuming them can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
13. Salt
Eating too much salt can lead to excessive thirst and urination, and at worst, lead to sodium ion poisoning. In addition, consuming too many salty foods can result in vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, depression, and seizures. It may even be fatal.
Table of Contents
What Do Dobermans Like To Eat?
There are many “human foods” that Dobermans like to eat; however, before discussing what those are, it must be stated that their main dog food needs to be high-quality and easily digestible.
A meat source must be first on the list, followed by whole grains. Avoid low-quality foods containing grains like wheat or corn fillers and meat by-products as the top ingredients.
Look for diets approved by the AAFCO ( Association of American Feed Control Officials) and purchase your food from pet supply stores.
Also, make sure the diet is suitable for your Doberman’s age. Any human food you offer to your dog should only be a treat and make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Dobermans like a range of meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and many other foods that people eat; just make sure that they are safe to give to your dog first.
What Meats Can Dobermans Eat?
Meat is the best protein source for your dog, and it keeps him in optimum condition to stay full and healthy. In addition, meat contains taurine, an amino acid that helps to prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
If you plan to make your own dog food, be sure to follow a vet-approved recipe and that it is suitable for your dog’s age. Most meats are appropriate to feed your Doberman; these include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Venison
- Duck
- Raw meat (except for raw pork, the parasite trichinella spiralis larvae is present in raw pork)
Can Dobermans Eat Fish?
Dobermans can certainly eat fish; as long as you cook it thoroughly without additional seasonings or oils, the fish must not contain any bones. Certain species, like tuna, have high mercury levels and are not safe to feed to your dog.
However, salmon is ideal as it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acid which supports your dog’s immune system, decreases inflammation, and keeps your dog’s coat and skin shiny.
What Fruits Can Dobermans Eat?
Dogs have no real need for fruit in their diet as they are carnivores; however, if you wish to offer small pieces of fruit in moderation, it’s perfectly safe for your Doberman to consume.
Many dogs enjoy fruit as a snack, and it helps that they are high in vitamins and fiber and low in fat. However, be mindful that certain fruit seeds, skins, leaves, and plants are toxic to dogs. The following fruits are suitable to offer your Doberman:
- Apples ( Remove the seeds)
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Watermelons
- Blueberries
What Vegetables Can Dobermans Eat?
Vegetables, like fruit, can be offered to your Doberman in moderation. Many commercial dog foods contain vegetables in addition to meat and grains.
You can give vegetables as treats to your puppy, and they have many essential vitamins, along with fiber and potassium to promote healthy muscles, kidneys, and nerves. Everyday vegetables you can feed to your Doberman include:
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Spinach
Can Dobermans Eat Dairy?
Generally speaking, dogs can eat dairy. Your Doberman should be able to eat cheese, butter, eggs, yogurt, and drink milk, albeit in moderation. Keep in mind that many puppies are lactose intolerant, and consuming milk and other dairy products can cause intestinal upset.
Dairy is a safe treat; just offer it to your Doberman in small quantities. You can offer a few tablespoons of milk or yogurt occasionally as a nice reward without the side effects of excessive indulgence.
Can Dobermans Eat Peanut Butter?
While nuts are not recommended to give to dogs, peanut butter is considered a safe treat as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol – a common sweetener used in many products. It’s safe for humans but not dogs. There is dog-friendly peanut butter you can get for your dog; however, some experts state that any type of peanut butter is not safe for your dog.
Can Dobermans Eat Bread?
Dobermans can eat bread, albeit in moderation. White and whole-wheat bread are generally considered safe for dogs, as long as they don’t have any allergies, and it doesn’t cause any stomach upset.
Bread is a filler food and not something to feed your Doberman regularly as it doesn’t contain the nutrients your dog needs to be healthy. Bread is full of carbs which can cause obesity if fed to your dog too often.
Final Thoughts
It’s helpful to know the foods to avoid giving to Dobermans to be able to focus on giving them a high-quality diet that meets their age and activity requirements. Dobermans need higher levels of fat and protein than most other breeds throughout their lifetime, and they get all of their dietary requirements from their commercial dog food.
The human foods they can eat should only be offered in the strictest moderation and not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake. If you are ever uncertain if a particular food is safe to feed to your Doberman, leave it out of his diet until you know if it is safe or not.
Questions Answered