Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherd

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food

Image courtesy Purina

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Formula is a great choice for Australian Shepherds. The food is made with real chicken, and it is grain-free to help your pup digest food more easily.

This recipe is also rich in omega-fatty acids to keep your pup’s coat and skin healthy. Plus, the food is free from artificial ingredients, so you can be sure that your pup is getting a nutritious meal.

Best Dog Foods For Australian Shepherd In 2022

So, its only natural that the pet parents of Aussies would want to reward their pups with high-quality, nutritious food thats tasty enough to wolf down. While there are a lot of options available, some are more life-enriching than others.

Australian Shepherds might seem nearly indestructible while theyre chasing a ball or protecting you from the mailman, but the breed does suffer from a handful of common issues. By feeding your dog the right type of chow, you can help to prevent painful or uncomfortable ailments like dry, flaky skin, or excruciating joint pain.

Just as with humans, the general life expectancy for domesticated dogs is on the rise, and better access to balanced and targeted diets may be partially responsible for that increase. Its not uncommon to see a 15-year-old Australian shepherd gently coasting through old age, especially if that pup was well-cared for during its life.

Providing an exceptional life begins with putting down the right food. Understanding what your Australian shepherds body needs, craves, and can benefit from is crucial to choosing the best dog food for them. However, its also essential to understand when and how much to feed your pup. Fortunately, doing a little research and following a food chart can help.

Top 9 Best Dog Foods For Australian Shepherds Adults Seniors & Puppies

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Australian Shepherds are beloved working dogs with the constant need to stay active. Developed in the 19th century, breeders used several herding breeds to create the dog we know today.

Despite the breed’s name, Australian Shepherds aren’t Australian at all. However, the breeds used to develop these pups hail from Australia and New Zealand.

Thanks to their rich heritage and a gene pool from very active ancestors, Australian Shepherds are workhorses! They’re instinctively protective and perform well on modern-day cattle ranches.

Of course, they’re lovable companion family dogs, too.

Whether your Australian Shepherd works to keep your ranch running smoothly or is a source of love and cuddles, keeping them healthy is paramount. The best way to do that is with high-quality food.

Thanks to their active nature, Aussies require a well-balanced diet that supports their muscles, maintains their energy levels, and fends off disease. Cheap kibble from your local supermarket isn’t going to cut it. These pups need the very best to truly thrive.

Not sure where to start your search? We have to covered. Check out our top picks for the best Australian Shepherd dog foods below.

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How To Measure The Right Amount Of Dog Food For Your Australian Shepherd

Research has shown that most owners over-measure a cup of dog food. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs.

See how and how not to measure ONE cup of dry dog food in the picture below:

Note that one cup of dog food equals 8 oz of dog food or ~237 milliliters of dog food.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection

Rating:

Chicken and Brown Rice Adult is one of 21 dry recipes rated in our review of the Blue Buffalo product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for:Adult Aussies

Blue Life Protection derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

The formula contains no BHA or any other artificial chemical preservatives. Its fortified with Blues proprietary Life Source bits a specific blend of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals for optimal immune health.

Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewWe most recently switched from Purina Pro sensitive stomach meal and Ranger loves it! When he hears that kibble hit his Stainless steel bowl he struts over to the kibble leaving trails of drool. His stool seems to be smaller, which is what I was looking for

Rating:

Regional Red is one of 9 dry recipes covered in our review of the Orijen product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, deboned wild boar, deboned goat, deboned lamb, lamb liver
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: All Life Stages
• Best for:All Australian shepherds

A meat-rich, dry kibble made by a top company known for its superior, biologically appropriate designs. A bit pricey yet still worthy of serious consideration.

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Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food

Image courtesy Victor

Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food is a great choice for Australian Shepherds. The food is made with real chicken, and it is grain-free to help your pup digest food more easily.

This recipe is also rich in omega-fatty acids to keep your pup’s coat and skin healthy. Plus, the food is free from artificial ingredients, so you can be sure that your pup is getting a nutritious meal.

How Much Food To Feed A 40

You should feed your 40-Pound Australian Shepherd 2.8 cups of dry dog food every day.

Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your Australian Shepherd over the day.

Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Australian Shepherd also assumes that you feed your Australian Shepherd a dog food that has an energy content of 389 kilocalories per cup, and that your Australian Shepherd is reproductively intact.

Also, we assume that your Australian Shepherd is not overweight or underweight.

Use our Australian Shepherd food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Australian Shepherd.

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Ingredients To Avoid When Feeding Your Australian Shepherd

Like most dog breeds, you should not feed your Australian Shepherd the following food. If your dog accidentally ingests any of the following foods, contact your vet as soon as possible.

• Onions and garlic
• Caffeine
• Artificial flavors and preservatives

While it might be tempting to slip your dog a little treat from your table, any human food with milk, cheese, meat, and yogurt can do more harm than good.

Nutro High Endurance Adult Dog Food

The Nutro Natural Choice pet food company is known for using high-quality ingredients in their formulas and for performing rigorous quality checks on their products. This company offers a wide array of different products for dogs and cats, including formulas that are specially designed for puppies, adults, and senior dogs as well as breed-specific and working breed formulas. The Nutro High Endurance Adult Dog Food formula is made with a 30/20 protein-to-fat ratio which is ideal for high-energy and working breeds. This formula is designed to ensure balanced energy and accelerated muscle recovery it also contains advanced antioxidants for immune system support. The Nutro High Endurance Adult Dog Food formula is made with chicken meal and whole brown rice as the top two ingredients followed by whole grain oatmeal, chicken fat, and fish oil. Overall, this formula provides balanced nutrition that is ideal for active and working breeds like the Australian Shepherd.

Read Reviews About Nutro High Endurance Adult Dog Food

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Carbohydrates With A Lot Of Complexity

Carbohydrates are essential in maintaining a healthy canine diet. Grains and plants, such as vegetables and fruits, give energy and a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for human health and well-being. Not to mention fiber, which you should include in your Aussies diet if she suffers from digestive difficulties.

Canidae Limited Ingredient Puppy

• Contains real chicken as the first ingredient, paired with whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, and peas.
• Complete and balanced goodness for older dogs.
• Made using 9 or fewer key ingredients that are easily recognizable, perfect for sensitive dogs.
• Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals.
• Premium proteins and regeneratively farmed ingredients nourish pets and the planet.

From their Pure range, this formula comprises of only 9 key ingredients. Chicken, fish meal and dried whole eggs are the main protein sources which fuel your puppys muscle growth and maintenance, as well as providing omega fatty acids and DHA and ARA. It has the highest calorie content which is fantastic for puppy growing power and energy needs.

His coat and skin will be nourished with flaxseed too, and it is also grain free and uses potatoes, lentils, and peas for his fiber needs.

We love that this recipe is a limited ingredient formula, so this is great dog food for gassy stomachs.

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Should You Give A Mini Aussie Puppy Supplements To Keep Him Healthy

Because we only want the better or the best for our pets, it seems to reason that we would go any mile to maintain them in good shape. This might indicate that we need to experiment with some nutritional supplements on the puppies.

The problem is that the term supplement refers to anything that helps replenish a nutrient that is lacking. A healthy puppy on a well-balanced diet should not require any additional supplements.

If you believe your dogs food lacks something, always consult with your veterinarian before supplementing your puppys diet. You run the risk of overdosing him on a nutrient and causing him to become ill.

Physically active dogs will require more calories to meet their energy requirements. On the other hand, senior dogs have fewer calorie requirements as their metabolism slows down with age.

More significant caloric requirements should be fed puppy food explicitly made for them. It is necessary to adjust the food you feed your Aussie puppy as he develops. Heres an illustration of the amount of food that your growing puppy may require as he matures:

Overeating too rapidly can cause stomach trouble in your Aussie, so dividing their food into two meals per day will help to prevent this problem. In addition, puppies may benefit from three or more meals each day.

Effect Of Neutering/spaying On How Much Food Your Australian Shepherd Eats

Neutered/spayed dogs tend to get fat twice as easily as intact dogs.

Studies have shown that neutering/spaying may increase your Australian Shepherd`s appetite for more food. Also, your Australian Shepherd`s physical activity decreases after neutering/spaying. These factors lead to weight gain.

Neutering may lead to more weight gain in male Australian Shepherds because neutered dogs roam less .

Therefore, the amount of food that you give to a neutered Australian Shepherd should be reduced after you neuter your Australian Shepherd to prevent weight gain.

Use our Australian Shepherd food calculator to calculate how much food to feed a neutered/spayed Australian Shepherd.

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The Ideal Australian Shepherd Diet

An Aussie Shepherd weighs 50 pounds when mature. It is a large breed that requires highly-nutritious food for energy. However, some of the large-breed dog food readily available in the market does not contain sufficient calorie density for an Aussie Shepherd.

The energy requirements of an Australian Shepherd go up when it is very active. For such a dog, you need a working or active breed formula. Such food supports lean muscle mass. It also contains a high calorie and fat content that meets the energy needs of an energetic Aussie.

An ideal Australian Shepherd diet should also provide high-quality proteins to your doggo. In addition, such a diet includes building blocks that your Shepherd requires for solid muscles. Notably, you should assess its level of digestibility. Also, the diet should provide the essential amino acids that your dog needs.

The diet of your Shepherd should also have a moderate-to-high fat content. Fat converts into calories to become a good source of energy for your dog. Given the high energy requirements for Aussies, they require high-fat content food.

Your Aussies also require a diet with digestible and nutritious carbohydrates. So, you should consider starchy vegetables, whole grains, and fresh fruits for your dog. Such food provides energy, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients to your dog. However, keep the carbohydrates levels down and focus on the animal-based ingredients.

Special Considerations For Feeding Australian Shepherds

One of the most important things you need to remember about the Australian Shepherd breed is that it is a very high-energy and active breed. Not only does this mean that you need to provide your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis, but you also have to make sure that his energy needs are being met. To make sure your Australian Shepherd gets the energy he needs, consider feeding him an active or working breed formula. These formulas are typically a little higher in fat to support a fast metabolism they are also rich in protein to support lean muscle mass. If your Australian Shepherd is not very active, do not feed him an active or working breed formula because the extra calories could lead to obesity. Choosing the best dog food for Australian Shepherds really comes down to your individual Australian Shepherds energy level.

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Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe

Another wonderful choice from Wellness is this chicken, salmon, and oatmeal formula. The dry kibble has 29 percent protein and a good amount of fat.

In addition to the primary protein sources, this recipe utilizes complex carbs for a steady supply of energy all day long. Pair that with the omega fatty acids, and your pup is ready for healthy development.

The food also includes antioxidants, probiotics, and a nourishing blend of vitamins. It’s a complete diet that meets all of your young pup’s needs.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Peas
• Caloric Content: 3,911 kcal/kg or 450 kcal/cup
• Life Stage: Puppy

How Much And How Often Should You Feed Australian Shepherds

Australian shepherds are medium-sized dogs that should eat around 30 calories per pound of body weight daily. Their caloric intake will vary depending on age and activity level.

This breed has a mature weight of between 35 and 60 pounds. So you would feed an adult Aussie with average activity levels around 1,000 to 1,800 calories per day.

Active dogs will need more calories to support their energy needs. But senior dogs have lower caloric needs as they slow down with age.

Puppies have higher caloric requirements and should eat special puppy chow. The amount you feed your Aussie puppy will change as he grows. Here is an example of the amount of food your growing puppy may need as he ages.

Splitting your Aussies food into two meals per day will help reduce digestive upset from overeating too quickly. Puppies may benefit from three or more meals per day.

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Mixing Dry And Wet Dog Food

Both dry and wet food have specific nutritional values. Mixing dry and wet dog food might upset the balance of calories and specific nutrients in your pets diet. To avoid such complications, always consult your veterinarian doctor and get his advice on the matter according to your pets health condition.

Now, lets get to know Rosie before we get this to the wraps:

Nutrience Originals Medium Breed Dog Food

The Nutrience pet food company is based in North America and it creates small-batch formulas made with quality ingredients. This company doesnt use any corn, wheat or soy in their products they also avoid by-products as well as artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. Another factor that makes Nutrience unique is that it offers a medium-sized breed formula. Many pet food companies offer formulas for large- and small-breed dogs, but only a few offers formulas specially designed for medium-sized breeds like the Australian Shepherd. The Nutrience Originals Medium Breed Dog Food formula is made with chicken meal and brown rice as the top two ingredients followed by green peas, oatmeal and chicken fat. This formula is designed to ensure the maintenance of lean muscle mass while also supporting your dogs immune system and digestive system. This formula would be a good choice if your Australian Shepherd is only moderately active if you are not training him for herding or other dog sports.

Because the Australian Shepherd is such a high-energy breed you need to be intentional about selecting a commercial dog food diet that will meet his calorie needs. If you need a place to start in selecting a food for your Australian Shepherd, consider one of the brands reviewed above.

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Taste Of The Wild High Protein Dog Food

Taste of the Wild High Protein Dog Food contains highly digestible proteins from roasted venison and bison suitable for growing Australian Shepherds puppies. This dog diet contains sweet potatoes and peas to provide Aussie puppies with the right amount of energy needed to remain active all day. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes are added to provide antioxidants for the wellbeing of your pets.

• Fortified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and silky fur.
• It contains a K9 strain of probiotics for digestion and immunity.
• No synthetic flavor, color, wheat, corn, and grains.