- Last Modified
Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
The Australian Shepherd, a sturdy farm dog embodies the essence of the American West. From Europe and honed in California, these canines are closely associated with cowboy culture and the rodeo scene. With their size and intense stare, they are clever and agile workers renowned for their strong instinct to herd anything within view.
Aussies may not suit everyone. Their cleverness and vigor require an owner. Yet for those in search of an enduring and trainable companion for work or play the Australian Shepherd stands unrivaled.
The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated for Australian Shepherds. Being highly active and agile breeds necessitates a diet that sustains their energy levels and promotes their overall well-being. Like athletes gearing up for a competition Australian Shepherds need a thoughtfully balanced diet to fuel their bodies nourish their minds and sustain peak performance.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Australian Shepherds
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Choosing the food for Australian Shepherds can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Australian Shepherd Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Checklist for Choosing Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Look for high-quality ingredients
One key aspect that sets dog foods apart aside from the cost is usually the quality of the protein sources. It's best to opt for ingredient lists that feature meat sources. When it comes to nutrient sources steer clear of anything with descriptive modifiers like derivatives, additives or byproducts. For grains and additional ingredients that offer carbs, vitamins and minerals opt for options like oats, seaweed and rice of cereals or wheat.
Ensure your Australian Shepherds's food has adequate protein
This nutrient is crucial for providing your friend with the necessary energy and amino acids to support muscles and their immune system. Look for foods with high quality protein sources such as chicken, lamb, beef or fish.
Find foods with appropriate fat content
This is vital for maintaining your pup's health. Despite sounding negative it actually aids in developing healthy brain tissue and serves as an energy source for your furry companion. Puppies should have diets containing between 10 to 20% crude fat and they can come from meat sources or a supplement like fish oil.
Feed your Australian Shepherds the right amounts of bone health nutrients
It's important to provide your pet with calcium, phosphorus and potassium through their diet as Australian Shepherds are prone to bone and joint issues like Hip Dysplasia. These nutrients play roles in various health functions, especially in building and maintaining strong healthy bones. While these nutrients make up less than 5% of your pet's meals, it is crucial to ensure that your pet's food contains sufficient amounts to meet your dogs requirements. Typically aim for around half, to one percent of each of these nutrients in their diet.
Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds July 2024
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Barley
- Oatmeal
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has deboned chicken and chicken meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active Australian Shepherds.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, oatmeal, and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine hydrochloride which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large Australian Shepherds breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried chicory root provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some Australian Shepherds.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains peas.
Sample Review from buyers
As soon as I opened the bag, I could tell the difference by the smell. My dogs love it, even our fussy one! Yes, it is more expensive, but now I am not adding a can of wet dog food to it so saving money there.
2. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Whole Herring
- Chicken Liver
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High protein level: This food has chicken, turkey, salmon, and others as ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active great danes.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Lentils, pinto beans, navy beans and others provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as pollock oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large great danes breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some great danes.
- Pricy dog food: This dog food is on the expensive side.
Sample Review from buyers
Orijen Original has been my primary choice of dog food for many years. Occasionally if it's not available I'll purchase other Orijen formulations, but overall I trust that Orijen dog food is high-quality and nutritious.
3. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Peas
- Ground Brown Rice
- Salmon Meal
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, and salmon meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active goldendoodles.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Ground brown rice and oatmeal provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, and others provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some goldendoodles.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains plant protein sources like peas.
Our puppy came home on this food and I like the ingredients. He is not having any loose stool, and he gobbles it down. The reviews regarding diarrhea made me nervous, but has not been the case for us. Our vet was happy with the food choice.
4. American Journey Protein & Grains Large Breed Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Salmon
- Whitefish Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)
- Brown Rice
- Peas
- Rice Bran
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has Salmon, whitefish meal, and dried egg product as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active goldendoodles.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, peas, and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and chicken fat are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large goldendoodles breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried chicory root provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
- Affordable dog food: This dog food is on the affordable side.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Salmon, whitefish, dried egg product and peas could be potential allergens for some goldendoodles.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains peas.
Sample Review from buyers
This food has been great so far with my danes. They love the salmon over the chicken which is probably best for them in the long run. Great overall value for the price and has a great nutrition values. the case for us. Our vet was happy with the food choice.
5. Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Chicken-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Beef
- Pork Meal
- Salmon Meal
- Sweet Potatoes
- Potatoes
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has beef, pork, and salmon as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active australian shepherds.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large australian shepherd breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried yeast provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Peas, pork, salmon, and egg could be potential allergens for some australian shepherds.
- Pricy dog food: This dog food is on the expensive side.
Sample Review from buyers
I am very happy with this product and would recommend this dry food to anyone. My dog seems to be happy and healthy with this brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Australian Shepherd puppy to adult food?
Between 8 and 12 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
Share this post