What Is The Best Dog Food For Mini Australian Shepherds

The 10 Best Dog Foods For Australian Shepherds In 2021

Australian Shepherds are gorgeous dogs known for their athleticism. Aussie owners know that these dogs need a lot of exercise, and it isnt uncommon for them to be used as working dogs on farms.

Therefore, its important to feed Australian Shepherds a quality diet that provides them with the energy they need to keep up with their daily activities. This often means high-calorie, high-protein and high-fat foods.

To make things easier on you, weve created a list of great options for your Aussie as well as a guide to help you determine how much to feed your dog . But first, lets take a look at some of the factors you should consider while shopping around for dog food.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult

• PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dogs…
• HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free dog food, made…
• ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of…
• A NATURAL DOG FOOD: Blue dry dog food is made with the finest…

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Following on from the Wilderness puppy formula, this recipe uses deboned Beef and fish meal as the first two ingredients, with deboned Lamb and Venison listed further down. Blueberries, cranberries and added vitamin supplements keep him fighting fit.

This is a grain free recipe and peas and sweet potatoes provide healthy complex carbohydrates that are gentle on his digestive system, and probiotic ingredients such as lactobacillus acidophilus help to support a healthy gut flora.

We love that this recipe is Chicken and poultry free, which is great for those Aussies who are allergic to, or simply do not like, poultry ingredients.

Q: How Do I Change My Aussies Diet

A: If for whatever reason you want to change your Aussies diet, its important to do it gradually and slowly. Never switch your pets diet overnight start by serving your pets favorite old food mixed with new food, gradually increasing the amount of new food until theres more new than old in his bowl and hes happily eating it. Finally, switch to the new food completely.

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Foods We Recommend: Australian Shepherd Puppies

When do Australian Shepherds grow out of the puppy stage?12-15 months old

Aussie puppy diets require a diet with higher caloric content, preferably from quality animal sources. Remember when feeding new food, your puppy may have or may develop allergies to grains and may need a grain-free food. Here are some of our top picks for Australian Shepherd puppies:

Noxgear Lighthound Led Illuminated & Reflective Dog Harness

For Australian Shepherds who are active at night or enjoy camping, we suggest this dog harness from Noxgear. Its innovate design will keep your Aussie illuminated from all angles, for up to 12 hours. The rechargeable LED lights can be removed from the harness so you put it in the washing machine for easy cleaning. Although this dog harness is high-tech, the fabric is lightweight and durable so your Aussie will always be comfortable.

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Common Australian Shepherd Health Problems

Aussie dogs are generally a healthy, lively and smart breed. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. The following ones are the most common:

• Hip dysplasia: A heritable condition where the femur doesnt fit normally into the pelvic socket of the animals hip joint. Regular hip evaluation is recommended.
• Elbow dysplasia: Another heritable condition caused by different growth rates of bones that make up the elbow. Regular elbow evaluation is recommended.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy : Degenerative eye disorder that causes blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors. Its detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness, so get regular ophthalmologist evaluations.
• Multiple drug sensitivity : Aussies are one of the breeds that can be affected by the condition that makes the animal highly sensitive to common veterinary drugs, including a heartworm preventative ivermectin. Testing is recommended.
• Obesity: Because theyre such energetic dogs, Aussies have hearty appetites, which if not properly channeled, can spiral out of control. This is especially dangerous if your pet is not physically active. Make sure your pet eats enough but definitely too much.

Canidae Pure Real Duck Dog Food

Should proteins be your foremost priority in dog food?

Yes, there is no doubt about it. Dogs are descendants of wolves and that is why they have to intake proteins in much quantity.

To attain this, this meal fulfills this requirement by adding real meats like salmon, lamb, turkey, duck, boar bison, and chicken, paired with sweet potatoes, peas, and chickpeas.

Moreover, added probiotics for easy digestion, high proteiningredients to aid Australian Shepherd gain lean and strong muscles

To have overall health this meal carries vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. To make your friend more beautiful it has Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to improve the quality of the coat and skin.

Key Features

Also Check: Is Royal Canin Dog Food Made In China

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food Recipe

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Barley

Your little Australian Shepherd puppy requires the best blend of nutrition right from the start. You can trust Blue Buffalo for the health and well-being of your little pup. This high-quality food includes real meat, garden vegetables and fruits, and whole grains. On top of that, it also contains a precise blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients, which it calls the LifeSource Bits. The recipe is designed for puppies and features delicious flavors of chicken and brown rice. The complete and balanced diet includes all the nutrition that supports the growth and development of young Aussie pups.

Natures Variety Instinct Lid Grain

If youre concerned about food allergies for your Australian Shepherd, this Natures Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck is a good option. It features a single source of novel protein with digestible grain-free carbohydrates and plenty of healthy supplements. This recipe is made with duck meal as a concentrated source of protein with plenty of omega fatty acids.

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Top 5 Picks For Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherds In 2021

Unique Needs Of Australian Shepherds

Beyond feeding your pup a diet thats rich in protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fiber, there are a few other things to consider. Aussies are predisposed to some different health conditions, and you may be able to protect them from those conditions by adhering to a diet that helps protect against these conditions.

Allergies One health concern that affects many Aussies is allergies. While there are many different kinds of allergies, food allergies are the most prevalent among Aussies.

The best way to protect your dog against possible allergens is to feed them a wholesome and grain-free diet thats rich in natural ingredients. More often than not, a dogs food allergies are caused by grains such as wheat, corn or soy. Avoiding these ingredients may help your dog to stay allergy free.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Many dog breeds, including Australian shepherds, are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip or elbow bones dont fit snugly into their sockets, which can then allow those bones to pop out of place.

While these conditions are usually hereditary, there are some dietary steps you can take to help protect your dog from developing these conditions. A diet that includes glucosamine and chondroitin will help protect your dog’s joints and bones, which may help to prevent the onset of this condition.

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What You Should Avoid Feeding Your Australian Shepherd

Like all dog breeds, Aussies should not be given the following foods:

• Onions and garlic: These kill your dogs red blood cells, which can cause anemia. A tiny bit of either onion or garlic is fine, but a lot of these can cause food poisoning.
• Chocolate: Because chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause serious digestive issues, heart problems and even death in dogs, you should never offer it to your Aussie .
• Xylitol: This sweetener, often found in gums, candies, toothpaste and various baked goods, can cause your dogs blood sugar to drop dangerously and even lead to liver failure.
• Alcohol: Alcohol affects dogs similarly to humans, however, it takes a lot less to hurt your pet. Various alcoholic drinks can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems and even death.
• Caffeine: Coffee, caffeinated teas and other beverages and foods that contain caffeine are strictly forbidden for dogs. Small amounts can cause vomiting, digestive problems, restlessness, while large amounts lead to rapid heart rate, seizures and death.

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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Feeding Schedule And Amount

Originally bred as capable, smart herding canines, Aussie Shepherds are medium-sized, active dogs who are usually happiest when they have time to play, run and chase. To keep them healthy it is essential to provide them with the right amount of food that includes a lot of nutrients.

You must be wondering:

How much should I feed my furry friend? Well, figuring out the answer is a bit tricky, but we are here to help you with that.

When you are deciding how much to feed your pooch, the most important consideration is his activity level. Other essential factors are the size and age. On the average, an Aussie needs about 1 ½ to 2 cups of high-quality food for pets daily.

If he eats properly and exercises regularly, he will have a long and healthy life. So, you need to stay alert when it comes to your dogs physical condition to ensure he is getting the proper amount of food.

• Adult

As we already have mentioned, how much food your pet consume should depend on his level of activity, build, metabolism, age, and size. About 1 ½ to 2 cups of high-quality food divided into two meals per day. If you have a senior dog, you should reduce the calorie level intake by 20%.

• Puppies

Puppy requires food that will help him develop his muscles and boost his growth. On average, he will need about 3 to 4 meals per day. His food needs to feature about 25 to 30% of protein, phosphorus, calcium, and fat. And when he is 4 months old, you can give him quality pup food 2 times per day.

What Not To Feed Your Australian Shepherd

Similar to all dog breeds, you should not feed your Australian Shepherd the following:

Chocolate

Chocolate has theobromine, which can lead to digestive problems, heart problems, and at times, death in dogs. You must not feed it to your pet, mostly dark chocolate.

Alcohol

Alcohol affects dogs the same way it affects human beings, although your pet will be affected by consuming a lot less. Some alcoholic drinks can cause breathing issues, diarrhea, vomiting, and even death.

Onions and garlic

Your pet should only consume a minimal amount since plenty of them can lead to food poisoning. Whats more, they kill your Aussies red blood cells which might lead to anemia.

Caffeine

Any food that contains caffeine must never be given to dogs. Even the smallest amounts can result in restlessness, vomiting, and digestive problems. Huge amounts, on the other hand, will cause seizures, fast heart rate, and death.

Xylitol

This is a sweetener typically found on some baked goods, candies, toothpastes, and chewing gum. It can lead to a severe drop in your pets blood sugar and at times, result in liver failure.

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Chais Choice 3m Reflective Dog Harness

This dog harness is crafted to take pressure off your Aussies neck and throat in the case that they are pulling on the leash. The comfortable design is sure to keep your dog safe and secure during any outing. We like this Chais choice dog harness because it can double as a car safety restraint. Other safety features of this harness include reflective trim, availability of vibrant colors for high visibility and a built-in handle. You can adjust this dog harness at multiple points to ensure the best fit for your Australian Shepherd.

Best Dog Food For Mini Aussies

The Miniature Australian Shepherd, also known as the Mini Aussie, is a breed thats known for being active and constant play. They tend to be loving around people and need a lot of room to stay active around the house.

However, with that activeness comes the responsibility of feeding them properly. Thats when you may be looking for the best dog food for Mini Aussies. Dont worry in this article, we give you some suggestions to give your pet the nutrition that they deserve.

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

The 1st pick on the list of best Food for Australian Shepherd is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural dry food.

It is a precise mixture of proteins and carbohydrates to meet your Shepherds required needs and it has no extra calories to help your dog get obese.

Blue is made up of real chicken to help your Shepherd achieve healthy muscles and also contains whole grain, fruits, and garden veggies.

Each ingredient used would be loved by your dog and make yousatisfied by watching improvements in your Shepherds growth.

With reduced calories from the fat, it keeps your dog in healthy weight but increased the level of protein to aid the Shepherd to meet his high needs.

A healthy immune system is required to have optimal growth in all aspects to support its antioxidants, vitamins, minerals are selected by professional vets.

All the natural ingredients are made enhanced with minerals and vitamins to keep your dog healthy, agile, and fit.

To have your trust in this product, it carries no chicken by-product, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Key Features

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy

• PACKED WITH REAL BEEF: A recipe inspired by the Rocky Mountains,…
• HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness puppy food is made with the…
• ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of…
• A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest…

If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This recipe uses red meat as the main source of protein, such as Beef, Lamb and Venison, as well as fish meal. With the second highest protein content on this list it is great for those pups who are super energetic or getting ready to be a working ranch dog when they are older.

It is a grain free formula that instead relies on wholesome veggies for your pups energy and fiber, such as peas, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

We love that this recipe includes Blue Buffalos exclusive LifeSource Bits, which are cold-formed pieces of kibble that are full of optimized nutrients for puppies.

Read Also: Iams Intestinal Plus Puppy

Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food For Australian Shepherds

Is your dog tired of the same old kibble? Sometimes a little canned food is in order, either on its own or mixed in with dry dog food. This Canidae recipe is formulated for all ages, breeds, and sizes, and starts with real chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver along with brown rice and barley for nutrient-rich carbs. Other protein options include a chicken, lamb, and whitefish combo as well as a lamb and brown rice recipe .

Australian Shepherd Feeding Chart

Growing puppies need more food than adults, but each dog will vary. Portion control is essential for Australian Shepherds.

Youll probably be feeling your adult dog two meals a day. But puppies will need to be fed more regularly.

Check out this quick guide below:

If youre still unsure about how much to feed your dog, check the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

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