The medium-sized flock herding dog is a keen worker with mottled patterns and contrasting shades of blue and red. Yes, we are talking about Australian Shepherds, here we will discuss the best dog food for Australian Shepherds.
A food that can keep this remarkably intelligent and hoodwinking dog active and make him stronger towards his exhibition of an irresistible impulse to herd. A brainy and tireless dog Australian Shepherd needs a specialized food that is made with premium ingredients.
It is always beautiful to watch an Australian Shepherd around the flock, everyone likes this dog’s athletic moves, and his way of command inspires everyone.
Domestically grown Australian Shepherds are excellent guards and thrive in a home where brain and energy are put to good use.
Nowadays, they are domestic dogs, but they are the perfect candidates for competitive sport; their quick learning ability and intelligence make them multirole players.
Whatever the duties your dog is performing, he needs food that is easy to digest and provides all necessary nutrients to stay healthy and active. Here we list and review a few best available food like:
1. Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog
- Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey meal, Lentils, Pea protein, and Peas
- Type: No added grains
- Profile: Suitable for dogs of all ages
Wag is an ultimate wonder for a pet. Australian Shepherds are truly remarkable, especially as watchdogs. But, keeping a watch on their diet is equally important. A dog of such a breed must have a significant animal protein portion from a high-quality source that is important to maximize your dog’s growth and digestibility.
Being a solid and active dog in its youth, studies have shown that Australian Shepherds can face knee problems at later stages of life if their diet isn’t regulated from the start.
To keep your best buddy fully active and healthy, you need to take good care of its diet, and that is where Wag dry dog food comes for your assistance. It not only takes good care of your dog’s protein need but also comes with added ingredients such as Lentils, salmon oil rich in Omega 3, salts, veggies, and fats, making it a complete perfect package for your dog.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
A significant factor included in the Wag dry dog food that makes it one of the best dog foods for Australian Shepherd is the balanced animal protein portion in its ingredients which is highly beneficial for your Australian Shepherd.
The well-proportioned and high-quality Turkey protein, making the significant portion of the Wag dry dog food, acts as an essential amino acid producer, which is the primary source of all the energy your dog has over the day till the next meal.
You might also like our recent blog post on the best dog food for anal gland issues available on the separate page.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
- Ingredients: Deboned chicken, Brown rice, Barley, Oatmeal, and Whole peas
- Type: Wholesome whole grains
- Profile: Suitable for adult dogs
BLUE BUFFALO is the ultimate wonder for an Australian shepherd. There is no doubt that an Australian Shepherd has a grace of its own, especially as a barn dog. So, would it not be a good idea to provide him a well-balanced diet to keep your dog in shape and happy? That is why the Blue Buffalo has launched their iconic chicken and brown formula just for your adult Australian Shepherd.
One significant thing about the Blue Buffalo dog food? To start, it is made from real meat! The first thing your dog will bite is the premium quality delicious deboned chicken meat packed with wholesome whole grains and a combo of super tasty veggies and fruits to keep your Australian Shepherd fully active for the day ahead.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
Studies and personal experience of Australian Shepherds have shown that Australian Shepherds are highly active and energetic dogs, all-time ready to explore what is out there. That is why they need more fats in their diet as compared to other dog breeds.
So, after taking a closer look at the diet requirements, the Blue Buffalo finally launched this chicken and brown rice recipe. It is full of fats and other vital ingredients to provide an energized boost to your Australian Shepherd in the form of added calories, making it the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd.
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food
- Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Peas, and whole potatoes, Beet pulp, Chicken fat, and Whole flaxseed
- Type: Zero grain
- Profile: Suitable for adult dogs
RACHEAL Ray will have a beneficial effect on your dog. Taking care of your domestic Australian Shepherd’s diet can be tricky, especially to calculate the exact proportions of various ingredients essential for your dog’s growth and nourishment. That is why Rachel Ray Nourish is here to help you.
The dog food is an all-rounder deal for your Australian Shepherd. Dog food comes with zero artificial ingredients or added preservatives. Just all fresh and original components such as Turkey meal, peas, whole potatoes, chicken fat, Vitamin E supplements, and much more to keep your dog in the best of shape and health.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
Your Australian Shepherd needs wholesome natural ingredients-based dog food. With added preservatives or synthetic ingredients, there is always a chance of going something wrong.
Like some allergy or dietary problems, but that’s not an issue with the Rachel Ray Nourish for sure, making it one of the best dog foods for your Australian Shepherd.
We recently published a detailed resource on the Best Dog Food for Older Small Dogs with Few Teeth; if you own a small older dog, it will help you find a dog food that he can eat easily and can digest without any difficulty.
4. CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food with Whole Grains
- Ingredients: Chicken meal, Turkey meal, Lamb meal, Brown rice, and White rice
- Type: Wholesome grains
- Profile: Suitable for dogs of all ages
CANDICE is a wonder for an Aussie dog. Got a whole family of Australian Shepherds back at home? We know how hard it can be for you to buy multiple dog foods for various life stages of your stages, especially when you have to take care of Australian Shepherds’ special diet needs. That’s why CANIDAE has introduced this remarkable life stages compatible dog food just for your Australian Shepherds.
The dog food is packed with proteins and wholesome whole grains along with Probiotics, Omega 6 & 3 Fatty acids, and antioxidants, all set to take care of all the diet needs of your dog.
Moreover, the CANIDAE experts have indeed performed a remarkable feat after making this product compatible and 100 % safe for all Australian Shepherds’ age levels.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
Carbs are quintessential for your Australian Shepherd. They provide stability to the bowel movement and vital nutrients, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle of your dog, which will not be something to worry about when using CANIDAE dog food, probably the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd!
5. Iams Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Ingredients: Chick, Corn, Chicken By-Product, Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Type: Nutritiousgrains
- Profile: Suitable for puppies
IAMS will make any Aussie shepherd happy. Puppies are without a doubt adorable, but taking care of them so they can grow healthy and sturdy is undoubtedly one heck of a job, especially if they’re Australian Shepherd puppies.
Keeping in mind that there are not many great brands that provide all-in-one dog food for Australian Shepherd puppies, Iams has once again proven why they’re the best dog food manufacturing company for Australian Shepherds.
The Iams puppy dry dog food is a complete package. It comes with the best quality animal protein along with fresh, wholesome grains and veggies without any added flavors or preservatives, making sure that your Australian Shepherd puppies get all the essentials to become a full-grown healthy brave dog.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
After some unfortunate events using unregularized or bad quality dog foods, it’s now essential to check whether the dog food you’re buying has AAFCO certification or not. It is the only professional way to ensure that your dog will get the proper nutrition it needs. So, buying food from AAFCO certified brands like Iams, there’s nothing to worry about.
6. Instinct Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Turkey
- Type: Zero grain
- Profile: Suitable for adult dogs
Finally, giant brands like Instinct have introduced their limited ingredient dog food for the Australian Shepherd. They intend to provide an overall perfect dog food compatible with all the needs of your Australian Shepherd as one of the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds.
Instinct dog food is a complete package based on authentic natural ingredients rich in freshness. The freeze-dried food allowing the dog food to be kept in a shelf jar for a pretty reasonable time; giving treats to your Australian Shepherd has never been this easy.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
For a top-of-the-chain canine-like Australian Shepherd, eating raw food is essential, even for the domestic Australian Shepherds. The metabolism of canines is highly adaptive and responsive to raw food. Instinct limited ingredient dog food makes sure that your dog gets the essential dose of amino acids and carbohydrates along with delicious raw food.
7. VICTOR Purpose – Grain Free Hero Canine
- Ingredients: Beef Meal, Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Meal
- Type: Zero grain
- Profile: Suitable for adult dogs
VICTOR means victory for an Aussie pet. Australian Shepherds are graceful beasts with a heroic look. The same idea VICTOR Purpose kept in mind while introducing their grain-free Hero Canine, dry dog food for the Australian Shepherds.
The VICTOR grain-free Hero Canine, an AAFCO certified dog food, is all that you need for your Australian Shepherd’s diet needs. The dog food is packed with a beef meal, fish meal, Taurine, salts, essential Vitamins, and Omega source top-quality ingredients, ready to make your dog more robust and healthier.
Why it’s best for Australian Shepherds?
This dog food is specifically designed according to the Australian Shepherd’s highly dynamic nature. Australian Shepherds are one of the most active dog breeds. The playful nature can result in joint issues at the later stages of life but not when you got your hands on the VICTOR Purpose premium dog food, probably the best dog food for Australian Shepherds.
To ensure the long-term joints health of your favorite canine, this dog food comes with glucosamine and chondroitin in a regulated amount. The dog food is a next-level step from a company trying to keep your Australian Shepherd healthy while enjoying his favorite meal.
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, high-energy dogs that thrive on activity and need optimal nutrition to fuel their active lifestyles. Choosing the right food for your Aussie is crucial to maintain their energy, health, and vitality. This guide will help you understand what to look for in dog food and recommend some of the best options available.
Nutritional Needs of Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are working dogs, often involved in herding, agility sports, or long outdoor adventures. Their diet must support their high energy levels and active lifestyles. Here’s what to prioritize:
- High Protein Content: Protein is vital for muscle development and recovery, especially in active dogs. Look for dog foods with 25-30% protein sourced from real meat like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.
- Healthy Fats: Active dogs burn a lot of calories. Healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids provide energy and support a shiny coat and healthy skin. Sources include salmon oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Carbs fuel energy. Opt for whole grains (like brown rice and oatmeal) or nutrient-dense carbs like sweet potatoes and peas.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immunity and overall health.
- Joint Support: Ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for active dogs prone to joint wear and tear.
- Caloric Density: Aussies require calorie-dense food to match their energy output. Adjust portions based on your dog’s age, activity level, and weight.
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Real Meat: Chicken, beef, fish, or lamb should be listed as the first ingredient.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, oatmeal, or barley provide sustained energy.
- Healthy Fats: Salmon oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed oil for omega fatty acids.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Blueberries, spinach, and carrots offer antioxidants and vitamins.
- Probiotics and Fiber: Help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and DHA for brain health and joints.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Excessive Corn, Wheat, or Soy: These fillers may trigger allergies or digestion issues.
- Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives can harm your dog’s health.
- By-Products: Low-quality fillers with little nutritional value.Feeding Guidelines for Australian Shepherds
Puppies: Feed 3-4 small meals daily with puppy-specific formulas rich in protein and DHA for development.
Adults: Divide meals into 2 servings per day to sustain energy levels.
Active Dogs: Adjust portions based on activity levels. More exercise = more calories.
Senior Dogs: Choose food with joint support and moderate fat content to prevent obesity.
Tips for Choosing the Right Food
Read the Label: Ensure real meat is the first ingredient, and avoid artificial additives.
Consider Allergies: If your Aussie has sensitivities, opt for grain-free or limited-ingredient diets.
Match Activity Level: Active dogs need higher protein and calorie-dense food.
Try Small Batches: Gradually introduce new food to prevent digestive issues.
The Wrap up
A good source of protein is a basic need that can give the energy to stay in good health and provide energy to perform day-to-day tasks. Other than that, the food should be a balanced one that is easy to digest and easy to swallow.
Our recommended foods have all that an Australian Shepherd needs, you can select anyone that seems best to you and buy a trial pack at the start, and if all remain well, you will buy a large pack.
Can Dogs Eat Mcdonald’s, and Can Dogs Eat Sausage are our new resources to help you decide whether you can feed these human foods to your dog or not.