2023’s Best Australian Shepherd Dog Foods
You may have questioned if there are better ways for your pets to keep safe when there are so many options for you.
We’ve compiled a list of high-quality pet foods in this article.
Below is a complete selection of the finest dog foods for your Australian Shepherd that will provide your pet with plenty of nutrients and flavor. We’ve kept the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula at the top of our list; let’s look at what it has to offer your pet!
Quick Picks: 2023’s Best Australian Shepherd Dog Foods
5 Best [Must-Have] Dog Food for Australian Shepherd
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Best Overall
Life Protection Formula by Blue Buffalo Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for Adults
Chicken flesh and brown rice are combined with garden veggies and fibers in the Best Buffalo Life Protection Formula. This ensures that your Australian Shepherd puppy is in the best possible health. The greatest healthy food for your pet is Blue Buffalo Life. After consulting with veterinarians and nutritionists, the elements in this formula were chosen.
The Blue Buffalo formula is ideal for your dog’s diet. Real chicken flesh, brown rice, vegetables, and fibers are all included. To assist your dog in maintaining a healthy weight, the calories are neither too low nor too high.
Blue Buffalo Formula is high in protein to aid muscular growth and development and carbs to keep your puppy healthy and active. This food contains no additional fat calories to assist your Australian Shepherd puppy in maintaining a healthy weight.
Calcium and phosphates (in suitable levels) are special elements in this mix to keep your pet’s bones healthy and strong. Furthermore, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals will strengthen your pet’s immune system and digestive tract.
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Takeaway
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a crispy, oven-baked kibble that your dog will love!
2. Best For Allergy Prone Australian Shepherd – Purina Pro Plan
Dry Dog Food for Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
Purina Pro Plan is the ideal diet for your Australian Shepherd who suffers from allergies. Salmon is the primary element in Purina Pro Plan, with bread and rice as active secondary ingredients. Salmon is high in proteins, which can help your pet reach his or her daily protein requirements.
Oatmeal and prebiotic fibers in Purina Pro Plan aid digestion in your Australian Sheperd. These substances help safeguard their digestive system, resulting in a healthy gut. This dog food is appropriate for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Purina Pro Plan nourishes your pet’s skin, keeps his coat healthy, and keeps his stomach in good shape. It also helps to improve their immune system.
Vitamin A and Omega fatty acids are two special elements in Purina Pro Plan. These components help to keep your dog healthy and free of illnesses. Purina Pro Plan is free of artificial tastes and colors.
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Takeaway
The combination of chemicals in this product helps your dog grow strong bones and healthy joints. So you won’t have to worry about their bone density going down as they get older.
3. Best For Lean Muscle Development – Taste Of The Wild
Free Dry Dog Food – Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-
Taste Of The Wild is a grain-free, protein-packed food. It is the greatest dog food intended to enhance muscular growth since it contains 32 percent protein.
You can be sure that Taste of the Wild will make your pet want to eat more without making them fat. The main ingredients are roasted bison and roasted deer.
This adult dog food includes a special blend of ingredients in the perfect proportions to encourage lean muscle growth.
Every ingredient in our dry kibble goes through a thorough testing process to guarantee that it is as enticing to your Australian Shepherd. Taste Of The Wild contains active ingredients such as vitamin A, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin B, and niacin. All of these elements are essential for the health and nutrition of your dog.
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Takeaway
The probiotics and antioxidants in this supplement support your Australian Sheperd’s immune system while also increasing their overall health.
4. Purina One Smart Blend – Best For Heart Health
Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina One Smart Blend is a mixture with chicken as the main ingredient and rice as the secondary ingredient. It contains meat and is high in protein, which will help your Australian Shepherd gain muscle mass. It also keeps their hearts healthy and strong.
Purina One Smart Blend is the best dog food for keeping your dog’s heart in good shape.
There are no additional vitamins, artificial flavors, or colors. Purina One Smart Blend has a low glycemic index. It is popularly recommended for adult dogs and contains no fillers or artificial flavoring.
Antioxidants are added to help maintain your pet’s intestines healthy and strong and boost their immune system. It also contains calcium and phosphorus salts, essential for bone growth. Glucosamine, on the other hand, keeps their joints healthy and flexible.
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Takeaway
Purina Meaty morsels and thick kibbles are one clever combination. It’s one of the top Australian Shepherd kibbles.
5. Royal Canin Dry Food – Best For Dogs With Special Dietary Requirements
Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food
Shepherds with sensitive digestive systems, vulnerable skin, and double-layered bones should eat Royal Canin Dry Food from 15 months and up.
Chicken-flavored meat kibbles with easily digestible proteins, fish oil, and fibers from Royal Canin Dry Food. Proteins make up a significant component of this meal, which aids in the maintenance of their skeletal system.
Royal Canin contains fish oil. Their coat shines, and their skin is protected from burns when they eat dry food. Fibers help to keep the gut healthy and reduce bloating.
Furthermore, chondroitin and glucosamine are included in Royal Canin Dry Food to help maintain their bones and joints strong and flexible.
Vitamins A, B, and E are also included in Royal Canin Dry Food. All of these things keep kids safe from bacterial illnesses in their intestines.
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Takeaway
For Shepherds, this kibble is easy to chew and rather soft. Natural flavor provides scent and increases hunger in your pet dog.
Factors To Keep In Mind Before Buying Dog Food
Carefully consider the following:
- Age
- Breed
- Activity Level
- Dietary Requirements
All of these considerations must be considered. A healthy diet includes all of the nutritious ingredients listed in the review section.
Dry Or Wet?
It depends on several factors, including your veterinarian’s recommendation and your budget, to mention a few.
Dry Food is cheaper as compared to wet dog food. However, to keep your pet healthy, you must carefully select both the brand and the ingredients.
Wet Food consists of water. Because your dog will drink more food to fill their tummy, the higher the water content, the higher the budget.
Mixing Dry And Wet Dog Food
The nutritional values of both dry and wet meals are different. Mixing dry and wet dog food might throw off your pet’s calorie and nutrient balance. To avoid such complications, always see your veterinarian expert and get his advice on the topic based on your pet’s health state.
Nutritional Needs of an Aussie Dog with Health Issues
As a responsible dog owner, you must be aware of any illnesses your Aussie may be suffering from. In addition, it is advisable to be cautious of what you feed him before and throughout his illness.
Choosing Dog Food for Sick Aussies
Choosing the proper food or diet for your dog can help prevent illnesses and keep them happy and healthy.
Australian Shepherds with allergies may be more sensitive to dog food components. For sensitive dogs, a limited-ingredient diet is optimal.
This breed is also susceptible to eye conditions such as cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Collie Eye Anomaly. Taurine-containing supplements can boost their eye health.
Joint and bone abnormalities, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, are also frequent in Australian Shepherds. So seek out foods that include glucosamine and chondroitin.
And even though Aussies are high-energy dogs, they can nonetheless get obese. Monitor the amount of food you give your dog and select food with weight maintenance.
In addition to Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDS), cancer, blindness, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and persistent pupillary membrane, Australian Shepherds can suffer from additional health issues.
If your Australian Shepherd suffers from any following conditions, consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations.
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
For Australian Shepherds that have difficulty digesting grains or chicken, it is preferable to use dog food for sensitive stomachs. Keep an eye out for foods with restricted ingredient lists to lessen the likelihood of experiencing an adverse response.
Canidae Grain-Free PURE Salmon and Sweet Potato Dog Food
Top ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal
Type: Dry
Looking for a portion of dog food with restricted ingredients devoid of poultry and grains? Then you should include this Canidae fish recipe on your list.
This food is intended for dogs with digestive and skin sensitivities with eight nutritious ingredients. It delivers comprehensive and balanced nourishment without any additives.
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Best for Sensitive Coat and Skin Issues
Changing your dog’s diet may help lessen the problem if he has sensitive skin. Find a dog food with Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids if your pet has problems with its coat or skin.
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top ingredients: Lamb Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca
Type: Dry
This new formulation of Earthborn is now a limited-ingredient, high-protein dog food without peas.
The vitamins, minerals, natural antioxidants, and L-Carnitine will aid your dog’s immune system, muscular mass, fat burning, and skin and coat health.
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What Should Australian Shepherds Eat?
Australians are known to get overweight if they consume too many calories and do not engage insufficient physical activity.
Therefore, they do not require high-calorie foods. Their daily caloric needs are approximately 30 calories per pound per day, depending on their health and level of physical activity.
To ensure that your dog is receiving adequate nutrition and immune system support, verify that their diet contains the following ingredients:
Excellent-Quality Protein
Not only should the pet food you choose contain sufficient protein, but it should also be of high quality. Ensure that the first or second ingredient of the food you buy is meat.
Foods containing chicken, fish, beef, and pork are excellent protein sources.
Healthy Fatty Acids
The diet of your Australian Shepherd must include saturated oils and good fats. You must also ensure that your dog’s food contains Omega-3 (DHA) and Omega-6 fatty acids. This contributes to a healthy coat and skin.
Canola oil and flaxseed oil are sources of healthy fats. However, for optimal Omega-3 and Omega-6 absorption, you should focus on foods containing fish oil, such as salmon oil.
Essential Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are advantageous for all dogs. Carbohydrates provide energy and can also provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Additionally, fruits and vegetables include fiber, beneficial for dogs with digestive issues.
Because they are difficult to digest, you should avoid eating meals that contain by-products, fillers, and artificial additives.
Despite their particular characteristics, Aussies have nutritional requirements similar to those of other dogs. Adult Australian shepherds require at least 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. In contrast, pups and lactating females require at least 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat.
Active Australians should seek foods with approximately 30 percent protein and 12 percent fat.
Never Feed an Australian Shepherd These Foods
As with most dog breeds, the following foods can be hazardous to your Australian Shepherd.
Garlic and Onions: Responsible for destroying canine red blood cells and causing anemia
Xylitol: Common sweeteners found in sweets, gums, baked goods, and toothpaste can have a detrimental effect on your dog’s blood sugar levels, resulting in liver failure.
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which can cause serious digestive and cardiac problems, and even death in dogs.
Caffeine: Coffee, caffeinated teas, and other caffeinated foods and beverages can induce digestive issues, vomiting, restlessness, and a fast heart rate in dogs, as well as mortality.
Alcohol: Affects canines similarly to how it affects humans. It can cause diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can result in death.
While it may be tempting to offer your dog a snack from your table, human foods such as milk, cheese, meat, and yogurt can be harmful.
Is a grain-free diet superior for Australian Shepherds?
If your dog has a gluten sensitivity or allergy, you should avoid feeding them grains and carbohydrates. If not, you should ensure that your dog’s diet contains grains rich in nutritious elements.
The selection of a grain-free diet for your Australian Shepherd depends on their dietary requirements.
Should you feed your Australian Shepherd dry kibbles, wet kibbles, raw food, or homemade food?
Australian Shepherds enjoy dry food, canned food, or a combination of the two. Simply ensure that it supports their activity level.
Your Australian Shepherd can receive appropriate nutrients from both wet and dry meals. However, wet food offers your additional dog moisture. Ideal for dogs with urinary issues or who do not drink enough water.
Wet food can be more delicious for your dog and lure finicky eaters.
Raw food is another alternative for your dog, but it can increase their exposure to germs that cause foodborne illness. You will have greater control over what your dog eats, but the process is time-consuming and costly.
Fruits and Vegetables Your Australian Shepherd Can and Can’t Consume
Australian Shepherds do well on a diet that includes the following vegetables:
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Peas
- Green beans
- Cucumber
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
However, there are numerous more fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot consume.
A Handmade Recipe for Your Australian Shepherd to Try
Home-cooked dog food is an alternative to purchasing wet or dry food at a local pet store or on Chewy or Amazon for your Australian Shepherd.
There are numerous homemade dog food recipes online that can help you meet the nutritional needs of your Aussies. Just be conscious of what your dog can and cannot endure.
You can try this recipe on your Australian Shepherd. There are 440 calories, 23 grams of protein, 64 grams of carbs, and 9.8 grams of fat per serving.
Ingredients:
- ½ (16 ounces) a pack of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower mix
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 6 cups water
Instructions:
- Add the water, ground turkey, rosemary, and rice into a large Dutch oven
- Stir the mixture until the turkey breaks up and distributes evenly through the mixture
- Bring the food to a boil over high heat before reducing the heat
- Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes
- Then add the frozen veggies and cook for 5 more minutes
- Remove from the heat and allow it to cool
- Keep it in the fridge until you use it
Australian Shepherd Feeding Chart
Growing pups require more food than adult dogs, though this varies by breed. Dietary management is critical for Australian Shepherds.
You will likely feed your adult dog twice per day. However, puppies will require more frequent feedings.
Check out this quick guide below:
Age / Total cups of kibble per day / Meals per day
- 1-3 months / ⅔ to 2 / 2-3
- 4-5 months / 1 ¾ to 3 ⅓ / 2-3
- 6-8 months / 1 ⅓ to 3 ¼ / 2-3
- 9-11 months / 2 ⅓ to 4 / 2-3
- 1-2 years / 2 ⅓ to 5 ¼ / 2
- Adult / 3 to 5 / 2
If you are still uncertain how much to give your dog, see the feeding instructions on the container.
How Do You Go From Puppy to Adult Dog Food?
At approximately 4 to 5 months, you should move your Australian Shepherd to adult food. Mix puppy food with adult food and gradually increase the amount of adult food over time.
Also required is a gradual shift from an old diet to a new one.
Best Dog Treats for Australian Shepherds
Dog treats are fantastic incentives during training or when your Aussie behaves well. However, this increases his daily consumption. Although it is beneficial, it must be administered in moderation.
Consider tasty snacks such as Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats and Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Dog Treats for your Australian Shepherd.
What’s the Best Dog Food for Your Australian Shepherd?
Finding high-quality dog food for your Australian Shepherd can help him live a happy and healthy life. It can also be a factor for him to spend long years with you if his typical lifespan is greater than yours.
Just be cautious while selecting, especially when switching your dog’s diet. It can maintain him in tip-top shape, but it can do more harm than good if you don’t read labels and know what your dog requires.
And keep in mind that you’ll be giving this dish to your dog for quite some time. So you should examine if it’s always accessible at the shop or online and whether it’s affordable.
Health Issues Frequent in Australian Shepherds
Aussies are a vigorous and robust breed. However, they are susceptible to specific health issues. Here are some prevalent ones you should be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder in which the femur is not properly aligned with the hip socket’s pelvic socket. Regular assessment of the hip is required to prevent this condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
The issue is evident far in advance of your dog becoming blind. This disorder is also preventable by routine exams.
Knee Dysplasia
This is another inherited disease produced by differing bone growth rates that comprise the elbow.
Obesity
Australians enjoy food and have a robust appetite. They must consume enough food to sustain their energy levels. However, it is essential to utilize these calories wisely and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Feed your Australian Shepherd according to their degree of activity to prevent obesity.
Multiple Drug Tolerance (MDS)
Australian Shepherds are one of the uncommon dog breeds prone to a disease that causes extreme drug sensitivity. Important for preventing MDS is testing before providing dosages.
Conclusion
“Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula” is our pick for the best dog food for Australian Shepherds.
We won’t go over all of the health advantages it offers your Australian Shepherd because you already know about them. Yet, to summarize everything, we might make a broad remark.
It is simply the greatest product in this review because it provides the best outcomes and has no known or documented adverse effects.
Frequently asked questions about Dog Foods For Australian Shepherds.
To give energy, the Australian Shepherd, like all dogs, requires a high-quality diet rich in animal protein with a good balance of vital fatty acids. The breed also needs additional support because of its thick double coat.
The suggested daily quantity is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. To keep your Aussie in good shape, measure his food and feed him twice a day rather than leave food out. If you’re not sure if he’s overweight, have him take the eye and hand exams.
Depending on his size, you should feed your mini Aussie anywhere between 2 and 3 12 cups of food. At this stage, you can limit his meals to merely 2 to 3 times per day, although more than once per day is still necessary for his growth and development.
Australian Shepherd Symptoms of Sensitive Stomach Problems Australian shepherds, like other dogs, can develop gastrointestinal problems. They can be OK one minute and then start vomiting the next.
Australian Shepherds are prone to skin allergies, likely related to genetic causes. However, like with other dogs, their genes, upbringing, allergen exposure, and general exposure all have a role.
When your Australian Shepherd reaches adulthood, he or she should be switched to an adult formulated diet for medium to big dogs. If you’re unsure, remain with puppy food until your veterinarian suggests otherwise.
What’s the bottom line? Pedigree is a one-star rated plant-based dry dog food. It contains many poultry by-products or meat and bone meals as its principal animal protein sources. This is a terrible concept.
Most dogs don’t need to be bathed every day every four to eight weeks, but it makes them look better, reduces odors, and keeps their skin healthy. Dogs only need to be bathed every four to eight weeks. However, the best interval between showers depends on your pet’s breed and coat type.
Is Aussies Attractive? Australian shepherds, sometimes known as Aussies, are known for their cuddling love. These dogs are loyal and lively, and they adore their owners as much as they enjoy playing.
If your Australian Shepherd has sufficient energy and healthy body weight, they are eating enough.
If your dog begins to lose or gain weight, you must alter its daily food consumption. However, some owners prefer to administer joint supplements to their active Australian Shepherds before the onset of pain.
Changing your Australian Shepherd’s diet should be done gradually. Mix the new food with the old food and gradually increase the amount of the new food until the old food is entirely eliminated.
Australians are typically not picky eaters. They enjoy food and typically devour their kibble quickly. There are also several factors to consider if your dog is becoming finicky or refuses to eat.
Fortunately, there are numerous varieties and flavors to select from.
Ensure that the food you purchase in the United States has an AAFCO declaration of nutritional quality. This verifies that the meal will satisfy your dog’s minimal dietary needs.
