Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds
Do you have an Australian Shepherd? If so, you know that they are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise and a good diet. In this article, we will discuss the 20 best dog foods for Australian Shepherds in 2022.
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Skin
- Top 10 Best Wet Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
- Top 10 Best Dog Food Brands Recommended by Vets
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Boxers
- Top 10 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Foods
We’ll take a look at both wet and dry food, and we’ll also recommend some specific brands to check out. So if you’re looking for the best food for your Aussie, read on!
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken and Rice
- Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food
- Instinct Raw Boost with Real Duck
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
- Nom Nom Fresh
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
- Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult
- Pupper Chicken Topper
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Adult
- Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food
- Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
- Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food
- Iams ProActive Health Large Breed
- Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon
- Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food
- Wag Dog Food
What type of food do Australian shepherds need to eat?
- Australian shepherds are a medium to large breed of dog, and as such, they need a diet that is high in protein and fat. The best type of food for Australian shepherds is a dry kibble that is specifically designed for large breeds.
- There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best food for your Australian shepherd. The first is to make sure that the food you select is high in protein and fat. Australian shepherds are working dogs, and as such, they need a diet that will give them plenty of energy.
- The second thing to keep in mind is to choose a food that is specifically designed for large breeds. Large breed dogs have different nutritional needs than small breed dogs, and it is important to select a food that meets those needs.
- Finally, you will want to make sure that the food you select is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. These ingredients can be harmful to your dog and should be avoided.
What foods are Australian Shepherds allergic to?
- Australian Shepherds are most commonly allergic to dairy products, chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, and bones. However, they can be allergic to any food ingredient in their dog food, so it’s important to consult with your vet if you think your dog may have food allergies.
- If your Australian Shepherd has food allergies, there are a few things you can do to help them. First, talk to your vet about switching to a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diet.
- There are also a few things you can do to make sure your Australian Shepherd is getting the nutrients they need. Feed them high-quality dog food that is specifically designed for their needs, and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
- Australian Shepherds are working dogs, so they need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Make sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and more if possible.
How often should I feed my Australian Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds are active dogs, so they need a lot of food. The general rule of thumb is to feed your Aussie twice a day. However, some Aussies may do better on three small meals a day. If you’re not sure how often to feed your Aussie, talk to your vet.
Common Health Problems with Australian Shepherds
While Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, there are some health problems that are more common in Aussies than in other breeds. Some of the most common health problems in Australian Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, autoimmune disease, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disease is a general term used to describe a number of different conditions where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including skin problems, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
The right diet can definitely help Australian Shepherds with their future health issues. Feeding your Aussie a high-quality dog food can help reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, autoimmune disease, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Allergies
Aussies are also prone to allergies. The most common allergens include pollen, grass, and dust mites. If your Aussie is allergic to any of these things, it’s important to keep them away from the allergen as much as possible.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common problem in older dogs, and Australian Shepherds are no exception. If your Aussie develops cataracts, they will need to have surgery to remove them.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that leads to blindness. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy, but it can be slowed down with the proper treatment.
The best way to keep your Australian Shepherd healthy is to feed them a high-quality diet and to take them to the vet for regular checkups. If you think your Aussie might be sick, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet for a checkup.
What are some good supplements to add to the best dog foods for Australian shepherds?
There are a few supplements that can be added to the best dog foods for Australian shepherds in 2022. Some good options include omega-three fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These supplements can help with joint pain, allergies, and skin problems.
The right supplements can help your Australian Shepherd stay healthy and active. Omega-three fatty acids can help with joint pain, allergies, and skin problems.
Glucosamine and chondroitin can help slow down the progression of degenerative diseases like progressive retinal atrophy. If you’re not sure which supplements are right for your Aussie, talk to your vet. They can help you choose the best supplements for your dog’s individual needs.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds
Wellness Complete Health Puppy — Best Puppy Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas |
| Food Type: | Dry food |
| Life stage: | Puppy |
Aussie puppies keep growing until they are around 12-15 months old, so they need a lot of fuel! Wellness Complete Health Puppy food is a great option. This food formula, with a mix of chicken and salmon, is a choice for puppies because it is packed with healthy proteins and fats and contains wholesome grains and veggies that keep your puppy going all day long.
This food is generally considered one of the best out there for growing puppies, but it has attracted some controversy for its use of garlic. Although the manufacturers claim that a small amount of garlic can help support your pup’s immune system, it’s well known that too much garlic can cause tummy troubles or sickness in your dog. If your dog has a negative reaction to the food, you might want to switch to something garlic-free.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food — Best Value
| First Five Ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal |
| Food Type: | Dry |
| Life stage: | Adult |
Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection food is one of the most popular dog foods out there, and it’s easy to see why. We found Blue Buffalo Life Protection to be the best dog food for the money. This kibble is made with real meat, whole grains, and delicious veggies, plus added nutrients. The high-quality proteins and fats will help fuel your dog’s active lifestyle. It’s also packed with LifeSource Bits, a nutrient blend that is antioxidant-rich and helps complete your dog’s balanced diet. Available in bags of anywhere from 3-30 pounds, this dry food is easy to store too!
Your average Aussie will love this food, but it isn’t the best for dogs with sensitive stomachs because of the variety of whole grains. If your dog struggles with digestion, it might be best to move to a grain-free or stomach-sensitive food instead.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food — Best Overall
| First Five Ingredients: | Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach |
| Food Type: | Fresh |
| Life stage: | All life stages |
Aussies have a lot of energy, and they love fresh food. Nom Nom’s Turkey Fare is the best overall food for Australian shepherds with a balanced blend of ground meat, easy-to-digest veggies and grains, and vital vitamins. The turkey recipe uses brown rice as its primary grain, making it great for dogs who struggle to digest traditional grains. It has approximately 10% crude protein, 5% crude fat, and 72% moisture—a higher fat and protein blend than some of Nom Nom’s other dog recipes.
Nom Nom operates on a subscription service, both a pro and a con. It’s nice to have food delivered right to your door, without any hassle and at a schedule you choose. It’s also easy to swap out different recipes and see which food blend works for you. And your dog will enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh food, however, the subscription is more expensive than many of the traditional canned or dry dog foods. But, you will be saving on future Vet bills!
Spot & Tango Lamb and Brown Rice Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Lamb, brown rice, spinach, carrots, peas |
| Food Type: | Fresh |
| Life stage: | All life stages |
Spot & Tango is another fresh food option with some delicious alternative recipes to Nom Nom, including Lamb and Brown Rice. We found this a great option for dogs of all life stages who have stomach sensitivities. Lamb and ice are some of the easiest ingredients on a dog’s stomach, so if your dog can’t handle more traditional meats and grains, this is a good alternative.
Like Nom Nom, this food is only available through a subscription service, so getting the food is easy but requires regular deliveries. The meals are designed to be frozen until use, so make sure you have the space to store them and serve them.
Canidae All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Canned Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, brown rice |
| Food Type: | Canned |
| Life stage: | All life stages |
Sometimes dry food isn’t what your dog needs. Canidae’s wet dog foods make great alternatives if your dog needs something that isn’t kibble and fresh food is out of your budget. This canned food is great for any stage of life, from puppies to seniors, because of its high moisture content and healthy recipe. This chicken and rice formula will tempt most dogs. It is rich in animal proteins that will help your dog stay healthy and strong.
It is important to note that it has more fat per gram of protein than most dog foods; this means it isn’t as ideal for dogs who are prone to obesity or less active.
Canidae Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, lentils, sweet potatoes |
| Food Type: | Grain-free, dry |
| Life stage: | Adult |
Canidae’s Grain-free dry dog food is a great choice for many stomach-sensitive dogs, but your dog doesn’t have to be stomach-sensitive to enjoy it. Canidae’s Salmon and Sweet Potato formula makes a delicious meal for any Aussie. It’s packed with healthy fish-based proteins, lots of vitamins and minerals, and other good nutrients. Without the fillers that fluff out most dry foods, this dog food is sure to make your dog’s mouth water. This dog food makes a great choice for adult Aussies.
While this product offers alternative protein sources, the product is made in a facility with shared equipment and might contain traces of chicken, soy, wheat, or other ingredients.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley |
| Food Type: | Dry |
| Life stage: | Adult |
Australian Shepherds straddle the line between medium and large dogs, but their high energy means that large breed dog food is often well-suited to them. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food is a good option for Aussies, and it has high reviews by customers, who say that even picky dogs like it. The food includes amino acids and chelated minerals that increase nutrient absorption, helping your dog to get the most out of his food.
However, this dog food isn’t as protein-heavy as some of the foods on this list. It has a lower level of protein and a higher level of carbohydrates that is less healthy overall. The variety of grains in this food can also upset some dogs’ stomachs.
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil |
| Food Type: | Dry grain-free |
| Life stage: | All ages |
Grain-free diets aren’t for every dog, but sensitive-stomached Aussies might want to give Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Dog Food a try. This dog food is packed with protein that comes mostly from beef, a great source of meat matter for dogs. The protein-heavy diet is also recommended for some senior dogs in smaller portions. Nutrient-rich legumes are the main vegetable matter in this food instead of grains. The food is also fortified with healthy vitamins and minerals, along with a proprietary probiotic strain meant to support healthy gut health and minimize digestive issues. Taste of the Wild is still a smaller brand, so you should expect a higher price than other dry dog foods.
Peas and garbanzo are listed as the second and third ingredients, so they are probably counted as a source of protein in this recipe. Ideally, we would like more animal protein in the first 4 ingredients.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Important Things To Know About Your Aussie
If you are the lucky owner of one of these energetic pups, you know how much energy they have and need to burn. Their instincts tell them to run and herd whatever and whoever is available. You can find them chasing behind cattle, ducks, kids, or even other dogs. If they were let loose at a concert, no one would ever be out of place.
Due to this natural desire to move, your Aussie’s diet needs to be carefully chosen to ensure they are getting the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support their active lifestyle. Take a look at the information below to see what ingredients are the most important.
Low Calories
With such a high energy pooch on your hands, you want to stay away from foods and treats that are high in calories. Not only are these not the best energy-boosters, but they are not the healthiest choice. That being said, you want to avoid white flours and white potatoes, plus a lot of fruits, cheeses, and sugars. Formulas that contain vegetable oil and eggs can also have higher levels.
When it comes to calories, you want to make sure your pet is getting the healthy kind. Each pup needs around 25 calories per pound to maintain their weight. Ingredients such as beans, chicken, and salmon will have healthy calories. Also, keep in mind, everything is better in moderation.
Protein
- Protein is an essential component for your pup. They need a lot of lean meat and other proteins to give their muscles the energy and strength to keep up with their instincts. Sources of good protein are chicken, beef, liver, and lamb. Fish also has a lot of protein, plus it contains fatty acids and omegas that can help the skin and fur.
- Non-meat options are also possible, as well. Vegetables and healthy grains such as peas and brown rice are also a good source of this nutrient. Be advised, however, that peas have been linked to DCM (heart disease) in dogs. The FDA has done recent studies that show high consumption of peas and pea ingredients is problematic.
- Also, some dogs do not tolerate grains well, although there are plenty of grain-free options available.
Glucosamine
As your pooch is so active, they are likely to run into joint issues throughout their life. In fact, 65 percent of all dogs will develop arthritis later in life. Thankfully, there is something you can do to promote joint health and relieve pain. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin will help prevent the breakdown of joint tissue.
Also, ingredients such as fish oil and fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory that can help relieve pain. These ingredients also typically work better when they are combined together.
Do you have a dog that is already suffering from painful joints and low mobility? We have the answer with 10 of the best dog foods with glucosamine. Take a peek and relive some of your pal’s pain.
Probiotics
Have you ever heard that one of the best times to take your pup to the bathroom is right after playtime? That is because physical activity promotes the digestive system. As the Australian Shepherd is one of the most active breeds, you want to make sure their digestion is on the right track.
Probiotics are a great way to ensure everything is moving in the right direction. This natural nutrient adds healthy bacteria to the digestive tract while fighting the negative bacteria that can cause tummy issues. Some good ingredients to look for are garlic (in very small quantities), cheese, yogurt, bananas, apples, and eggs. Again, everything in moderation.
You may also want to consider food with additional probiotic supplements if your pup already suffers from a digestive issue.
Antioxidants
This last piece of the puzzle is essential for your Aussie’s overall health and well being. Antioxidants promote the immune system and help fight off illness and other diseases including cancer. It can also help with their eyes and ears, too.
You can find these healthy nutrients in foods like pecans, some fruits, russet potatoes, and cabbage. Also, dried black and kidney beans are rich in antioxidants, as well.
Keep in mind, there are two types of antioxidants; natural and synthetic. When it occurs naturally, they can contain additional vitamins like C, D, and E. Synthetic varieties, such as BHA and BHT, can also be beneficial. Overall, though, these nutrients can have many health benefits for your pup.
Shopping Tips
Now that you know what to look for in dog food, there are a few other aspects you should be aware of in your choice of Shepherd chow. Let’s take a look at the most important ones below.
- Real Meat: Another hot topic is regarding meat “meals”. Some owners will not purchase anything with this ingredient, while others believe it is beneficial. As a general rule, however, real meat is usually the best way to go. If the food contains both, just make sure the real meat is listed before the “meal” so you know it is the higher concentration.
- Wet vs. Dry: There is a great debate about which type of dog food is better. Both have positives and negatives that can vary depending on the manufacturer. Many pet owners feel a combination is best to give their pet a well-rounded meal. Keep in mind, though, if you start a puppy on a certain kind of food, wet for example, you want to continue with that choice. As mentioned above, switching can be tough on your pet’s stomach. Also, many dogs are not inclined to switch from wet to dry, and you can have a hard time getting them to adjust if you feel the need to switch.
- Flavor: Just like humans, dogs can become bored with their food if they eat the same thing every day. When looking for a brand that will work for you, try to find one that has a variety of flavors so you can mix it up. Be advised, however, even switching from flavor to flavor can take some adjustment.
- Omegas: Though we mentioned this before, Omegas such as 3 and 6 fatty acids are great for your furball’s skin and fur. This is important as Australian Shepherds are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities that can be annoying, itchy, and even painful. Finding foods that are high with these ingredients like fish oil, can help reduce the symptoms.
- Sensitivities: Many dogs can have sensitivities to specific foods and ingredients. For Aussies, this is typically grains. If your pooch has shown signs of wheat intolerance, or they have a tough time with gluten, there are many grain-free meals available that will keep your pet strong and healthy without the tummy upset.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from these reviews, there’s no one best dog food for Australian Shepherds, but there are some stand-out options. Nom Nom’s Turkey Fare is the best overall option, with Spot & Tango Lamb Dog food a great premium alternative. If you want the best value for your dollar, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection food. And for puppies, Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food is a great choice.
