The Australian Shepherd, sometimes known as the “Aussie,” is a medium-sized breed renowned for its intelligence and herding skills. These dogs are also quite active. Therefore, a premium meal that is high in protein and fat and designed for energetic breeds is the finest food for Australian Shepherds.
The Australian Shepherd was really created in the United States, despite its name. They are more distantly linked to the Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog and closely related to the Border Collie. Despite their reputation as excellent herders, Australian Shepherds are quite adaptable due to their trainability and desire to please. Consider an Aussie if you’re searching for a dog who is smart, enjoys playing, and gets along with kids.
The Foundations of Dog Nutrition
Dogs need protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in their diets. The building block, protein supports lean muscle mass maintenance in older dogs and growth and development in puppies. Fat helps your dog absorb fat-soluble vitamins and is a concentrated source of calories. Dogs require a range of nutrients, some of which can be obtained from nutritious carbs (though your dog has no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates themselves).
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) suggests that dog food contain a minimum of 18% protein for adult dogs and a minimum of 22% protein for canine growth and reproduction (puppies and lactating females). These figures are 8% and 5% for fat, respectively.
Feed your dog high-quality food that is created with actual, whole-food sources of these nutrients in order to satisfy these requirements. The first element on the list should be animal protein! Because not all dog meals have the same number of calories, you should compare the calories in a cup to the recommended feeding amounts for your dog’s age and weight.
AAFCO guidelines exist to promote the adherence of minimal nutritional criteria in commercial pet food products. The very terrible dog foods can be weeded out by looking for an AAFCO declaration of nutritional adequacy on the label. It is worthwhile investing the time and research to have a deeper understanding of the dog food industry because the statement itself isn’t a comprehensive assurance of quality. Here are some excellent sources for more information on the subject:
- Our comprehensive guide to deciphering dog food: What You’re Really Feeding Your Pet: Your Guide
- The American Kennel Club’s Guide to Reading Dog Food Labels (AKC)
- An internet resource called The Canine Food Project provides in-depth details on everything from dog nutrition to popular dog food components to stay away from.
Suitable Canine Nutrition for Australian Shepherds
A quality source of animal protein serves as the foundation of the best dog food for Australian Shepherds, which also includes healthful, natural components. We’ve produced a list of our top selections for wet and dry diets for puppies and adult dogs to assist you in making the best decision for your Aussie.
Dog food Nutro Ultra Adult
A combination of holistic superfoods are used in this Nutro Ultra mix to offer your dog the nourishment it needs to thrive. Premium lean proteins, a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy oils to maintain the health of your Aussie’s fur and coat, and whole grains to maintain their level of general energy make up the ideal diet. Everything your dog needs to maintain a strong immune system, a bright mind, and a healthy heart is in this recipe.
Chicken & Rice Shredded Blend Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dog Food
The Australian Shepherd puppies will undoubtedly enjoy this unusual food, which is a good choice. It provides cutting-edge nutrition with real chicken as the main protein source. This food’s dual-texture composition, which includes both crispy kibble and tender shredded chunks that provide terrific flavor to the mixture, is its best feature.
In addition to deliciousness, the formula includes antioxidants to help immune system and general growth and development. For early Aussie puppies, the highly digestible meal is a full and balanced solution.
Adult 7+ Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food
This formula from Hill’s Science Diet is a great choice if you’re searching for comprehensive nourishment for dogs seven years of age or older. This recipe was created with older dogs in mind and contains immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Without the use of artificial colors, odors, or preservatives, omega fatty acids refresh your Aussie’s coat and skin.
Overall, this is a wise decision for your elderly Australian.
Food in a can, Purina Pro Plan Savor Beef & Rice Entrée
If you’re looking for a tasty wet-food choice for your cherished dog, this blend is a surefire hit. Every mouthful of this protein-rich formula’s beef tastes is filled with vital nutrients. Carrageenan is added for higher immunity in adult dogs, and biotin is added for a beautiful coat and skin.
This comprehensive diet choice can be consumed alone or as a garnish for dry foods. For athletic dogs like the Aussie, this diet is a highly suggested wet food alternative because it is packed with potent antioxidants and other necessary nutrients.
Analysis: minimum 9% protein, minimum 6% fat, maximum 1.5% fiber, and maximum 78% moisture.
Dog food made by Blue Buffalo Life Protection for Healthy Weight
With Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Healthy Weight Formula, you may aid your obese Australian shepherd in losing weight and improving their health. The two primary components of the diet are chicken meat and brown rice, which fuel your dog’s everyday activities while serving important purposes like creating muscle, bone, and skin tissue.
Additionally, it makes use of grains like oats and barley, which offer important fibers for supporting the digestive system without adding too many calories. This diet causes your Australian shepherd to lose weight in a healthy way by using L-carnitine to turn extra fat into energy. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin will help to strengthen their joints, and omega fatty acids will help their coat look better and feel softer.
Grain-free Duck & Potato LID Reserve Dog Food from Natural Balance
Some of the most allergy-prone canines are Australian shepherds. Feeding them Natural Balance LID Reserve Dog Food is necessary. The recipe’s mild ingredients, such as duck meat and sweet potatoes, keep your dog active and lean without irritating their skin or resulting in rashes.
Additionally, the dish contains flaxseed to boost immunity and a variety of fibre to improve digestive health. When it comes to preventing allergies, the food is devoid of all allergens like gluten, cereals, maize, wheat, soy, and chemical additives. And despite having such a short ingredient list, the food is nevertheless reasonably priced for a diet with few ingredients.
Analysis: Protein (minimum) 24%, Fat (minimum) 10%, Fiber (maximum) 4%, and Moisture (maximum) 10%.
FAQs
How much Australian Shepherd food should I give him?
These very active canines can often consume 30 calories per pound of weight every day. To determine the proper feeding amount, take into account things like their age, physical activity level, and health status.
Can I alter my Australian Shepherd’s diet?
You can, indeed. It is best to make the change to your Aussie’s diet gradually and over time if you want it to be more suitable. Replace the meal just sometimes. Start combining the new food with the old food first, then progressively add more new food until it is totally replaced.
