Welcome To Our Complete Guide To The Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherd Dogs!
Giving You Reviews Of The Top Brands For Australian Shepherd Adults, Puppies, And Mini’s. As Well As The Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherds With Allergies or Joint Issues.
Australian Shepherds are a medium size breed.
They are robust, animated, and highly intelligent animals who love to work as much as they love to play.
Australian Shepherds were developed in America (not Australia!) to be a working breed and are excellent stock dogs.
Today this versatile and vibrant dog numbers in the top twenty of the most popular dog breeds.
These strikingly beautiful dogs are quick learners who were originally bred for the wide open range where they could herd, “till the cows came home.”
Established as a rough and ready breed, Aussie’s are as intelligent as they are agile and thus take to training quite naturally.
Active dogs need a good diet to support them.
And the Australian Shepherd certainly falls into this category.
You can check out our top choices for the best dog food for Australian Shepherd dogs here:
| BEST DOG FOOD FOR AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD | BENEFITS | OUR RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Crave Dog Food | Grain Free, High Protein Dry Dog Food |  |
  | Nature's Variety Instinct Dog Food | Limited Ingredient, Grain Free, Natural Dry Dog Food | |
  | Nutro Ultra Dog Food | High Quality Protein, Wet Dog Food | |
  | Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food | Grain Free, Natural Dry Dog Food |  |
  | Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food | Real Beef, Canned Wet Dog Food | |
We give more detailed reviews of these and plenty more options besides below.
Including some great puppy, senior and mini blends. Helping you to find the best dog food for Australian Shepherd dogs of any size or age.
Best dog food for Australian Shepherd dogs
Due to their nimble and alert nature Aussie’s make an enthusiastic partner for outdoor activities and sports such as Frisbee.
Their innate intelligence coupled with their trainability also make them excellent search and rescue as well as service dogs.
Like all breeds, energetic Australian Shepherds have their own unique set of needs, which of course extends to their dietary requirements.
If you own an Aussie, you’ve no doubt wondered, “What is the best dog food for my Australian Shepherd?”
Australian Shepherd dog food should be tailored to your dog’s size, stage of life and activity level.
If your dog has special needs, these also need to be considered when you buy Australian Shepherd food.
For example, Australian Shepherd food allergies are not uncommon. But luckily there are many formulations of good dog food for Australian shepherd dogs and puppies that cater to this and other unique needs.
Vision problems, including conjunctivitis and cataracts, are common in this breed, with epilepsy also a concern.
Skin and respiratory problems are not uncommon among Aussies, and neither are joint issues.
Specialized dog food takes into account these distinct needs by augmenting the food to include target ingredients.
For example, glucosamine will help your pet’s body to create new cartilage. And chondroitin can help defend her joints from cartilage-destroying enzymes.
There is also a wide array of dog foods for pets with sensitive stomachs and/or allergies.
Hypoallergenic dog foods have limited ingredients to aid in digestion, and do not contain ingredients that cause common allergic reactions.
Best dog food brand for Australian Shepherds
If you’re not sure which types and brands of food will meet your particular pooch’s nutritional needs, we’re compiled a list of the best reviewed foods for medium, active breeds like your terrific and talented Australian Shepherd!
If you have a puppy, mini or special needs Aussie, we have dog food reviews for these distinct dog breed segments as well.
Best puppy food for Australian Shepherd
Puppy food contains special ingredients to support developing bodies. Puppy food is designed to meet younger canine needs such as emerging dental health and immune system function, and adult dog food formulas should not be substituted.
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy Dry Dog Food
This highly rated Iams Proactive Health puppy food comes packed with ingredients to support your growing dog’s specialized dietary requirements.
Including antioxidants for her developing immune system and omega-3 DHA for healthy brain development.
Chicken is the number one ingredient and you can buy this puppy food in bags that range from 3.3 to 30.6 pounds.
Tuffy’s Pet Food NutriSource
This Tuffy’s Pet food is specially formulated to meet the needs of medium breed, active, and developing pups.
Chicken is the number one listed ingredient for a high-quality source of protein with absolutely no chicken by-products included.
Best puppy food for Mini Australian Shepherd
The dimensions of the medium breed Australian Shepherd is definitely not in the small dog category, as they can range from 30 to 60 pounds, and stand up to 26 inches.
Conversely, a miniature Australian shepherd is considered a small dog. Standing between 13 to 18 inches in height.
Like the larger version, the mini is sturdy and athletic, and makes an excellent herder. Albeit with smaller stock, including goats and sheep.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not a toy breed, so a dog food specially formulated for active medium to small breed puppies is in order.
ROYAL CANIN SIZE HEALTH NUTRITION MINI
This highly-rated Royal Canin puppy food is specially formulated with key ingredients for a growing dog’s dental and digestive health needs.
The food comes in 2.5 and 13 pound sized bags, and has “intensified energy content” to support even the most lively of pups!
Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Puppy
Active puppies will benefit from Purina Pro Plan Savor.
A formula packed with high-quality protein, antioxidants and omega acids that support growing bodies. Phosphorus and calcium are present to support dental health.
This unique and delicious food is the perfect blend of both kibble and shredded soft pieces for both texture and variety.
Australian Shepherd puppy food amount
Now that we’re on the subject of Australian Shepherd puppy food, let’s take a look at just how much the puppies should eat each day.
Three to four small meals daily are recommended for puppies up to the age of six months, and two should suffice thereafter.
Look on the can or bag to determine how much you should feed your little one. But be aware that manufacturers can over estimate quantities a little.
Keep an eye on your pup’s weight and adjust accordingly.
And if in doubt, also seek the advice of your trusted veterinarian. They can advise you on your Australian Shepherd’s unique needs.
Best dry dog food for Australian Shepherds
These dry foods are grain free and contain the large amounts of high-quality protein that robust dogs require.
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food
Crave Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food contain 34% high-protein ingredients.
It comes in several varieties of high quality dry food – chicken, lamb and venison, salmon and ocean fish.
You can be assured that each formulation is grain, soy, corn and wheat free and has no artificial flavors preservatives or colors.
Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
This top rated Rachael Ray Nutrish food from one of today’s top chefs comes in both a beef and turkey variety.
Each flavor with 30% high quality protein listed on the label.
Packed with vital nutrients, the food contains absolutely no by-products or unwanted fillers, gluten or grain.
Could this be the best dog food for Australian Shepherd members of your family?
Best wet dog food for Australian Shepherds
Dogs love the savory aroma and textures of wet dog food, and these top rated choices will ensure that your pooch comes running when it’s mealtime!
NUTRO ULTRA Wet Dog Food
This NUTRO ULTRA Wet Dog Food is specially formulated to contain a balanced and complete nutritional profile. Designed to be the best dog food for Australian Shepherd sized dogs.
More than 10 superfoods are included to maintain lean muscle mass. The formula is bursting with omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat and skin.
Purina Pro Plan Savor Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for something a little different to serve your treasured pooch, he’ll will love Purina Pro Plan Savor Wet Dog Food.
These unique entrée slices come smothered in a tantalizing gravy sauce.
You can buy a package of 12 13-ounce cans in a multitude of flavors that include beef, chicken, lamb and turkey.
Best hypoallergenic dog food for Australian Shepherds
These dog food options are excellent choices for dogs with sensitive digestive systems, and for those times when you want to provide your Aussie with a limited ingredient dog food.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dry Dog Food could be the best dog food for Australian Shepherd dogs that suffer with sensitive stomachs.
Available in 4, 12, and 24 pound bags, the first ingredient listed is either beef, lamb or turkey, depending on the flavor.
The protein variable is an industry high 32% and there are no fillers or grains to interfere with digestion.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe
This Instinct Grain Free limited ingredient dog food boasts just one protein and one vegetable.
Designed to ensure easy digestion for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
It’s made in the USA and contains no dairy, eggs, corn, wheat, or soy.
Best dog food to support Australian Shepherd joint health
Joint health can be an issue for Aussies, and these top rated choices are specially formulated to address this issue.
EUKANUBA Adult Dry Dog Food
This Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog food contains naturally sourced chondroitin as well as glucosamine to aid in supporting joint health.
It also has high levels of omega fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
The fiber in this formulation comes from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOS to aid in nutrient absorption as well as promote stress-free digestion.
Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food
You can buy this joint-friendly Dogswell Happy Hips dog food in either the chicken or chicken with sweet potato variety.
Real chicken is the number one listed ingredient in both versions, and you have peace of mind knowing that it comes with both glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy bones and joints.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
Best dog food for senior Australian Shepherds
Metabolism rate and digestive fitness change as dogs age, and these options address both of these issues faced by senior Aussies.
NUTRO ULTRA Wet Dog Food
Packed with over 10 superfoods, and bursting with omega fatty acids, this Nutro Ultra Senior Wet Dog food provides excellent nutrition for your senior Aussie.
It also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint health.
The high-quality combined protein sources include lamb, chicken, and salmon to aid in easy digestion.
EUKANUBA Senior Maintenance Dog Food
This specialized Eukanuba Senior Maintenance dog food is formulated with ingredients to aid your older dog’s metabolism.
A precise ratio of carbs, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are designed to support an optimal weight and energy level.
Natural beet pulp is included as a fiber source to both aid in digestion and promote nutrient absorption.
Australian Shepherd food amount
A complete, well-balanced and healthy diet is one that supplies the body with the proper, absorbable nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy weight and body condition.
Dogs are omnivores which means that they can eat meat, vegetables, and grains. For most dogs, the best dog food is one that is high in protein and low in fillers. When you scan the label on your dog’s food, the first ingredient should not be a grain or vegetable.
You can also look to the food label for assurance that you are buying the best dog food brand for Australian Shepherds, or the best dog food for Australian Shepherd puppies.
You can buy with confidence when you see an endorsement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) certifying that the product is, “complete and balanced.”
A complete dog food will have all of the nutrients that dogs in a particular life stage require.
A balanced dog food provides nutrients in the correct ratios for your dog, depending on his age, needs, etc.
At the peak of health, Aussies are vibrant and zippy, and they require a diet that matches their dynamic physical needs.
Best dog food for Australian Shepherd pups to adults
Overall the best dog food for Australian Shepherd dogs is one that is packed with protein, contains zero fillers, and is balanced and complete.
Our reviews of the best Australian Shepherd dog food includes formulations that address known Aussie health issues such as joint health, as well as foods for senior dogs and those with sensitive digestive systems.
We’d love to hear your feedback about any of our best dog food for Australian Shepherd reviews!
Sources
- AKC
- AAFCO
- The Australian Shepherd Club of America
- Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc
- Weissl, J., et al, Disease Progression and Treatment Response of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Australian Shepherd Dogs, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2011
- Shelton, G.D., et al, Canine masticatory muscle disorders: A study of 29 cases, Muscle & Nerve, 1987
- Hoffmann, I., Canine multifocal retinopathy in the Australian Shepherd: a case report, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2012
Jody says
Thanks for info. All three needs differ. Australia shepherd 3and 75 lbs. Bad allergies and food related flu seizures.
Australia shepherd mini 9 yes and 50 lbs. Arthritis. Loves all food.
Last Australian poodle 3 and 30 lbs.
Two 3 yr olds are good finicky.
Dominique says
My mini aussies been on WHOLEHEARTED for a year now. His new vet recommended i change to purina, Royal canine, or science diet. Also mentioned that there wasn’t a need for grain free food for him. I thought grain free was good? Can someone give me another opinion.
Michael t says
I would like to know the best dog food my Australian Sheppard just turned two years old and I wanna make sure she gets the best that she could get for her people tell me I’m in the Roddick as everyone tells me but I want my dog to get the bestss if she was my was my child.