Why the 20 kg dog reacted first
Your German Shepherd likely consumed a larger portion of the contaminated raw food in one sitting compared to the terrier. Bacterial load matters — a bigger dog eating more means more pathogens entering their system at once. Even if both ate from the same bowl, the Shepherd's portion size could have been double or triple the terrier's, overwhelming his gut faster.
Vomiting and diarrhea are the body's way of expelling harmful bacteria quickly. The terrier might have ingested fewer bacteria, giving his immune system time to manage the invasion without obvious symptoms. However, "no symptoms" doesn’t mean "no risk" — asymptomatic pets can still spread bacteria through their feces.
The silent carrier risk in small dogs
An 8 kg terrier can harbor Salmonella or E. coli for days without showing signs. His smaller body mass doesn’t necessarily make him more resistant; it just means the same bacterial count may take longer to cause visible illness. Monitor his stool consistency and energy levels closely for the next 72 hours.
Until both dogs are cleared, treat them as potential carriers. Wash your hands after handling either dog, and avoid letting them lick faces or share toys. Their feces could remain infectious for weeks, so clean outdoor areas with a bleach solution (1:32 dilution) immediately.
Why separation matters now
Even if the terrier seems fine today, shared spaces like beds or water bowls could re-expose the Shepherd to bacteria during his recovery. Isolate them for at least a week — especially during mealtimes — to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate food/water dishes, and wash them with hot, soapy water after each use.
Raw diets require strict hygiene protocols many owners overlook. If you continue feeding raw, prepare portions separately in a sanitized area, and never let pets eat from communal bowls. This incident highlights how easily one pet’s tolerance can mask a household-wide hazard.
When to involve the vet beyond symptoms
For the Shepherd, dehydration is the immediate concern after vomiting and diarrhea. Check his gums — if they’re dry or pale, he needs fluids urgently. For the terrier, a fecal test may be wise even without symptoms, as shedding bacteria could endanger humans or other pets.
Dogs recovering from foodborne illness often benefit from a bland diet (boiled chicken + rice) for 2–3 days. But if either dog shows lethargy, blood in stool, or refuses food for over 24 hours, skip home care and go straight to the vet. Small dogs like your terrier dehydrate faster than you might expect.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Raw Dog Food Poisoning in Dogs and Cats emergency guide.