Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
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Australian Shepherds, often mistaken for Australian breeds, were developed in the United States. They were brought to Australia by Basque shepherds in the early 19th century.
Easy to train and excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports, Aussies make great family dogs.
Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional needs of Australian Shepherds and how to meet them.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Australian Shepherds
| BEST FOR ADULT DOG  4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food | BEST FOR SENIORS  5. Royal Canin Lifestyle Health Nutrition Sporting Life Trail 4300 Dry Dog Food | ||||
| Protein 10% Min | Protein 28.0% Min | Protein 26.0% Min | Protein 19.2% (Min) | Protein 26.0% Min | Protein 24.0% Min |
| Fat 5% Min | Fat 18.0% Min | Fat 16.0% Min | Fat 12% (Min) | Fat -19.0% Min | Fat 12.0% Min |
| Fiber 1% Max | Fiber 4.0% Max | Fiber 3.0% Max | Fiber 4% (Max) | Fiber 4.1% Max | Fiber 3.8% Max |
| Calories 1,372kcal/kg | Calories 387 kcal/cup | Calories 439 kcal/cup | Calories 3688 Kcal/kg or 366 Kcal/cup | Calories 413 kcal/cup | Calories 405 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
Many people believe that dogs need a diet similar to wolves’ ancestral diets or ingredients similar to humans’. However, dogs have evolved over 15,000 years to eat different foods, and their digestive system cannot absorb nutrients from foods that sound appealing to humans. Dog food marketing often relies on pet food marketing instead of nutritional facts.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines for selecting the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds and other breeds include meeting AAFCO approval, having nutritional research backing their formulations, having canine and veterinary nutritionists on staff, and having strong quality control measures.
The FDA has recently warned about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is fatal if left untreated. The FDA has reported 276 cases of DCM since July 2018, affecting breeds of all sizes, not just large/giant breeds.
Due to an investigation, we currently do not recommend grain-free dog foods, particularly those containing peas and lentils. If your veterinarian recommends a grain-free diet for health reasons, you should discuss the matter with them and express any concerns.
We follow current veterinary health research and try to provide you with the best advice possible for your dog. We are recommending the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds that meet our criteria.
Best Rated Dog Food For Australian Shepherds Reviewed
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Calories: 1,372kcal/kg
- Prepared fresh with all-natural ingredients
- Rich in protein and moisture
- Pre-portions according to dog’s caloric needs
- Cost is above market average
- May be too high in fat for some Australian Shepherd dogs
This Nom Nom Tasty Turkey Fare recipe is a great choice because it features turkey as a novel source of protein with digestible carbohydrates including brown rice, carrots, and spinach.
Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion. It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures.
In addition to being loaded with premium animal protein (33% dry matter) and fiber, this formula is supplemented with Nom Nom’s nutrient mix to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Plus, it arrives perfectly portioned for your Australian Shepherd’s age and body weight.
Eukanuba Premium Sport Performance Active Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 387 kcal/cup
- A performance dog food that’s great for active and working dogs;
- Animal proteins promote lean muscles;
- Calcium helps build strong bones;
- Supports healthy hips and joints with glucosamine and chondroitin;
- This formula has 28 percent protein and 18 percent fat so if your dog is not very active these levels could be too high.
This recipe is an excellent choice for active and performance dogs such as dogs that participate in agility and other dog sports.
If your Australian Shepherd is a working dog and engages in herding, this food will help give him the energy he needs. This Eukanuba formula also contains their 3D DentaDefense System that has been proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days.
Purina Pro Plan SPORT Formula Dry Dog Food 26/16
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 16.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.0% Max
- Calories: 439 kcal/cup
- ood for dogs that get normal exercise;
- Keeps your dog in ideal body condition;
- Easily digestible;
- All lifestage formula
- Not designed for canine athletes
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 19.2% (Min)
- Fat: 12% (Min)
- Fiber: 4% (Max)
- Calories: 3688 Kcal/kg or 366 Kcal/cup
- Contains good ingredients for your dog;
- Has natural prebiotic fiber to promote digestive health;
- Easy to digest;
- Contains flaxseed which has its own pros and cons for dogs;
- Contains pea protein as the 8th ingredient;
This Hill’s food also has brown rice with natural fiber for good digestion. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy; and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids improve your dog’s skin and coat with a guarantee from Hill’s. This is a “natural” dog food by a company that typically makes dog foods formulated by highly qualified veterinary nutritionists.
Royal Canin Lifestyle Health Nutrition Sporting Life Trail 4300 Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: -19.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.1% Max
- Calories: 413 kcal/cup
- Excellent formula for Australian Shepherds that work and train hard;
- Formulated for dogs of all weights and sizes;
- Contains healthy grains and natural fibers;
- This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not suitable for all lifestages; however, you would not train a puppy or senior dog intensely anyway.
This formula has 26 percent protein to support oxygen delivery to your dog’s muscles and helps maintain his muscle mass even during long periods of work and training. This Royal Canin formula contains a balanced level of carbs (29 percent minimum) and fatty acids (19 percent minimum crude fat).
Carbs provide energy that can be used quickly when your dog starts his physical effort; and fatty acids are utilized slowly over the entire exercise period to help your dog maximize his performance during sustained activity.
Victor Ocean Fish Formula with Salmon
Product Info
- Protein: 24.0% Min
- Fat: 12.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.8% Max
- Calories: 405 kcal/cup
- 73 percent of the protein in the food comes from fish;
- A good alternative if your dog is unable to eat meat proteins;
- No corn, soy, wheat, or glutens;
- This recipe does include peas as the fifth ingredient listed on the label.
The brand has also been receiving favorable reports from dogs owners that have had their dogs tested for dilated cardiomyopathy. We are happy to be able to recommend some of their dog foods that include grains such as Victor Ocean Fish Formula with Salmon.
This formula is made for all life stages. Fish is the single meat/fish protein. According to the company, 73 percent of the protein in the food comes from fish.
If your Aussie happens to have problems eating meat proteins, this fish formula might be a good alternative. This recipe contains no corn, soy, wheat, and no glutens. However, it does contain peas as the fifth ingredient.
What Kind of Diet Should You Feed Your Australian Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed. If you have an Aussie, he should be able to eat a normal diet for a medium-sized dog. Here are some of the things we look for in choosing the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds.
- Protein
Adult dogs need 18% protein daily, while pregnant and nursing female dogs and puppies need 22%. Most dog foods today have over 18% protein, making it easy to meet this requirement. Moderately active dogs should be fed a food with a protein percentage between 22-26% crude protein, while more active dogs may need a slightly higher protein percentage.
- Fat
Fat is crucial for a dog’s diet, providing energy, taste, and essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Adult dogs need a minimum of 5 percent fat daily, while pregnant/nursing female dogs and growing puppies need at least 8 percent. Most dog foods contain more than 8 percent fat, so concerns about fat intake are minimal.
- Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential for dogs, providing energy, fiber, and protein. They are not just a filler, but a necessary part of their diet. Dogs cannot live on meat alone, so carbohydrates are crucial for their overall health. Some online comments suggest that carbohydrates are “bad” or “full” ingredients.
- Fiber
Dogs require fiber for proper digestion, which comes in soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble fibers like chicory, inulin, and beet pulp help digest matter into gel, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds up passage. Most kibbles have 3-6 percent crude fiber, so if your dog has loose stools, consider a lower-fiber food.
- Probiotics and prebiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics are essential in dog foods, particularly kibbles, to support the gastrointestinal system and immune system. Prebiotics, like chicory and inulin, encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Around 70% of a dog’s immune system is based in the gastrointestinal tract, making prebiotics and probiotics crucial for maintaining health.
- Vitamins and minerals
Dog food companies add vitamins and minerals to their products, particularly kibble, after cooking to ensure the nutrients are still present. High temperatures often destroy the vitamins and minerals in the ingredients, so adding them back ensures your dog receives the necessary nutrients.
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds?
When selecting dog food for Australian Shepherds, it is recommended to choose a grain-based food with a protein percentage between 22-26%, moderate fat between 12-16%, and a fiber percentage between 3-6%. If your dog has health issues, consult your veterinarian about food choices.
Food allergies are less common than people believe, but they do occur. Your veterinarian may recommend a food elimination diet and trial. Other allergies, such as seasonal allergies, contact allergies, and flea bite allergies, are more common in dogs. A proper diagnosis is crucial for your dog’s health.
Special Considerations For Feeding An Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are generally a very healthy, long-lived breed. It’s not unusual for Australian Shepherds to live between 12 and 16 years.
This means that you might need to consider diet changes for your dog at some point as he gets older. Your Aussie may continue to be active, act fit, and prime well past 10 years of age. Even so, like other dogs, they can have some health issues.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
As with many dogs, Australian Shepherds can have some problems with hip and elbow dysplasia. Ideally, the hip joint is a ball and socket that fit together smoothly. If the bones/joints are not formed correctly, your dog can develop problems.
Hip dysplasia can vary from a very minor issue to a problem that is severe. In addition, some dogs that are diagnosed with hip dysplasia by x-rays never seem to show any symptoms; while other dogs that may appear to have perfectly formed hip joints can develop arthritis and other mobility problems.
If your dog has hip dysplasia, it can worsen as he ages. Keeping your dog slim and fit is recommended for dogs with any tendency toward hip dysplasia, since carrying extra weight will put extra stress and strain on the hip joints.
Elbow dysplasia is the name for several growth problems in the dog’s elbow joint. Elbow pain, occasional lameness in a front leg, bone spurs and/or abnormal cartilage, and other bone and joint problems can all indicate that your Aussie might have elbow dysplasia. As with hip dysplasia, the only way to really know for sure is to have x-rays taken.
Puppies and young dogs that have too much calcium while they are growing can be at greater risk for some problems that can lead to elbow dysplasia, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
As with hip dysplasia, it helps to keep your dog slim and fit as he grows. Carrying extra weight can put unnecessary stress on your dog’s shoulders and elbow joints.
You should also be careful not to allow puppies and young dogs to play too roughly or engage in repetitive exercise (such as jogging on pavement) while growing, since it’s believed that this kind of activity can be bad for the bones and joints.
How Much Should You Feed Your Australian Shepherd?
An adult male Australian Shepherd weighs 50-65 pounds and stands between 20-23 inches tall. To determine the appropriate amount of food for your puppy, use calories instead of cups, as different dog foods have different calorie densities.
A three-month-old male needs 1300 calories per day, while a six-month-old male needs 40 pounds and 1233 calories. At one year old, a puppy might weigh 55 pounds and need 1409 calories per day.
At 16 months old, a puppy may weigh 60-65 pounds and need 1600 calories per day. Growth is fast during the first few weeks, so puppies need fewer calories.
Final Thoughts
Australian Shepherds are smart, enthusiastic, and the happiest dogs, making them ideal for ranch work and active families. They are hard-working and ready to move on. For those with Australian Shepherds, we have provided advice on choosing the best dog foods, so feel free to share your choice.
