The Australian Cattle Dog, often known as the Blue Heeler, is a strong, tough, and petite hound developed for an active life. These tenacious herding dogs are smart enough to trick their owners on a regular basis, and they’re linked to other Australian animals like Dingos, who require comparable nourishment.
That means the ideal dog food for Blue Heelers is one that is strong in protein and fat, similar to their predecessors’ raw diets. You’ll have to feed them multiple times a day, and they’ll need a lot of food. An age-appropriate premium meal with enough protein and fat, as well as lean meats and nutritious veggies, will be excellent.
Since they are happiest when they are working, Blue Heelers make good family pets if they are socialized with children and other animals from the time they’re puppies. The Blue Heeler is a generally healthy species with a lifetime of 12 to 14 years. However, this breed is susceptible to a number of genetic health problems, some of which may shorten its lifetime.
However, most of these dogs suffer from musculoskeletal problems, which is why Omega-3 fatty acids are so important. You’re prepared to start searching for dog food now that you know more about your Blue Heeler’s nutritional requirements.
Remember that the finest Australian Cattle Dog’s diet is prepared with natural ingredients, is high in animal protein and lipids, and has healthy supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. These are our top four recommendations.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Blue Heelers
Purina Pro Dry Dog Food – Best Value
Looking for affordable dog food? The Purina Pro Plan SPORTS Formula Dry Dog Food is your best choice. This healthy meal uses the 30/20 plan meaning it contains 30 percent protein and 20 percent healthy fats to keep your pup going strong.
Available in either chicken or salmon, both flavors are made with real meat, and it has no artificial flavors or preservatives. What this food does contain is amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is also a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, as well.
The Purina Pro Plan is formulated for active dogs and includes EPA and glucosamine to protect joints. Unfortunately, the source of the glucosamine comes from poultry by-product meal. Pet owners should also note that this formula contains corn, as well.
Beyond that, this USA based brand is easy to digest. You can choose from five different size bags, and the dry meal is appropriate for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Overall, this is the best dog food for Blue Heelers for the money.
Cons
Contains poultry by-product meal
Pros
Contains glucosamine and EPA
Easy to digest
30/20 formula
High in protein
Packed with vitamins and minerals
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Turkey Recipe – Best Overall
For the Blue Heeler, our best overall pick for dog food has to go to The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe. If you haven’t heard of The Farmer’s Dog yet, we will happily introduce you to this convenient food subscription service that only offers healthy, fresh dog food delivered to your door.
It may be easy to get scared off by a subscription service, but The Farmer’s Dog is very responsive, customer (and dog) oriented, and easy to cancel at any time. Now onto the main point; the turkey recipe smells like it should be served to people, and that’s because it’s of high enough quality to meet those standards. Fresh food can be a bit more expensive but is well worth it.
This recipe features fresh turkey as the number one ingredient, which is a great protein source for those with food allergies or intolerances. It also contains chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and fish oil providing an excellent source of fiber, nutrients, and Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
The turkey recipe does have the lowest amount of protein among the recipe choices, but offers a great fat-to-protein ratio and is formulated to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs. All of the food offered by the company is formulated by veterinary nutritionists and is crafted per AAFCO guidelines. Keep in mind that you will need to make some room in your fridge or freezer.
Cons
Expensive
Storage space needed in fridge or freezer
Pros
Great protein source for allergy sufferers
Made with high quality, fresh turkey as the number one ingredient
Formulated by Veterinary Nutritionists using AAFCO guidelines
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food – Best For Puppies
The ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is our top choice if you have a Blue Heeler puppy. This dry food is packed with all the nutrients and minerals your growing pup needs. Made with 85 percent meat, there is an abundance of protein and healthy fat.
Made with free-run chicken and turkey plus wild-caught fish, this formula has no rendered meats. Furthermore, it has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. What this pooch chow does have is omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, PHA, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin to keep your pet’s bones and joints healthy.
ORIJEN is sourced and made in the USA. You can pick it up in either a 12-ounce bag or a 4.5, 13, or 25-pound option. Made specifically for puppies, this meal is higher in fat and calories to help them grow, however, this may not be right for pups with a few extra pounds.
Beyond that, you should note that this food takes longer to transition than other formulas. You will need to give your pet extra time to get used to it. What’s more, the meal can be difficult to digest if adequate exercise is not being met.
Cons
Hard to digest
Needs a longer transition time
Pros
High in protein
No artificial ingredients
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Grain-free formula
Holistic Select Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice
If you need a grain-free meal for your Blue Heeler, the Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food is right for you. This formula contains no meat by-products, wheat, gluten, fillers, plus no artificial ingredients.
This is a natural dog food that comes in a tasty salmon, anchovy, and sardine flavor that dogs are wild for. The chow is full of prebiotics, probiotics, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. What’s more, there are also live yogurt cultures to promote healthy digestion; which incidentally makes this meal easy on your pup’s stomach.
Made in the USA, the Holistic Select dog food comes in a 4, 12, or 24-pound bag. The only drawback to this formula is it does not have any joint support supplements such as glucosamine. Also, buyers beware that this is a higher-priced premium option.
Cons
More expensive
Does not contain joint supporting supplements
Pros
All-natural ingredients
Packed with vitamins and minerals
No artificial ingredients
High in protein
Grain-free formula
Iams Proactive Dry Dog Food
Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food is a mini-chunk formula that is especially great for pups with smaller teeth. It comes in a chicken flavor, and it is available in six different sizes. With a lot of nutrients, this food contains healthy levels of protein and fiber.
Beyond that, you will find Omega 6, probiotics, antioxidants, and L Carnitine for a healthy metabolism. You should note that you can also find grain in this formula, so pups with sensitivities are not recommended.
Unfortunately, this product also contains chicken by-product meal, although, chicken is the first ingredient; which means it is the higher concentrated ingredient. There is also no wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. Additionally, there is no glucosamine for joint support.
Finally, you want to be aware that the formula in the Iams dog food is harder to digest for many dogs. Other than that, this is a dry food for adult pups.
Cons
Does not contain joint support supplements
Contains chicken by-product meal
Hard to digest
Pros
High in protein
No artificial preservatives
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Another good food for your Blue Heeler is the Diamond Naturals High Protein Dry Dog Food. It is formulated for extremely athletic pups who need a good deal of protein and other minerals. Available in a chicken and rice flavor, you can pick this up in a 40-pound bag.
This dog food is packed with all the stuff your cattle dog needs. It contains antioxidants, probiotics, plus it has a great amino acid profile. Your pet will also benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint support.
The Diamond Naturals dog food does not have any corn, wheat, or fillers. It also doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Made in the USA, the highly digestible formula is made with cage-free chicken that is featured as the first ingredient. There are also more than enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your pup healthy. Designed for Adult dogs, this is the best dog food for Blue Heelers this year.
Cons
Not one
Pros
No artificial ingredients
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
High protein
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Easy to digest
No corn and wheat
Instinct Ultimate Natural Canned Dog Food
If you prefer a wet food for your furry friend, the Instinct Ultimate Natural Wet Canned Dog Food is a good choice. You can pick either beef or chicken, and it comes in a case of six 13.5-ounce cans. This is a grain-free diet that has no fillers, potatoes, corn, wheat, or soy. It also does not have any artificial colors, preservatives, or carrageenan.
Although this food lacks a lot of nasty ingredients, it also does not have any joint supplements either. That being said, you will find omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals essential to your adult dog’s needs. Be aware, though, this chow is recommended for dogs ranging from puppies to seniors, yet the formula is better suited for adult dogs.
You should also consider that this formula does not have as much protein as other brands, and it does have a higher concentration of salt. Also, the Instinct food can be harder to digest for some pups. It is recommended that you mix the wet with some dry food. Finally, it is sourced and made in the USA.
Cons
Lower protein
Higher in salt
Pros
Grain-free
Packed with vitamins and minerals
No artificial ingredients
American Journey Chicken & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Another great canned food is American Journey Chicken & Turkey Recipe. This canned food has a high moisture content that makes it a great choice for dogs that struggle with eating kibble. It’s also cheaper than many other canned foods of similar quality, making it an economical choice. This food has a balanced, protein-based diet with mostly high-quality chicken and turkey protein. The main plant matter is potato, which isn’t the worst nor the best vegetable option, as it adds some lower-quality protein to the recipe and doesn’t have many of the vitamins necessary.
This food relies on added vitamins and minerals to make up for it. Like many canned foods, it has a stronger odor that dogs love, but some reviewers reported it took some getting used to. Overall, it’s a great choice for some owners, but not for everyone.
Cons
Stronger smell
Includes some plant protein from potatoes
Few fresh veggies
Pros
Easy-to-eat wet food
Balanced protein-based diet
Budget-friendly canned option
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
The number seven spot goes to the Taste of The Wild Dry Dog Food. This pooch chow is made with smoked salmon, as it’s the number one ingredient that is both wild-caught and farm-raised. Available as dry dog food, there is only one size option for this chow.
Packed with protein, the Taste of The Wild food is grain-free and contains no wheat, corn, and fillers, plus no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It also does not have any eggs or egg products for those pups with sensitivities.
The formula in this meal has a good amino acid profile, antioxidants, probiotics, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, there is nothing to support joint health, not to mention, it is higher in fat and lower in fiber. This makes it harder to digest, and it can upset your pup’s tummy.
Made in the USA, the kibble in this food is hard, and we do not recommend it for smaller dogs or those with small and sensitive teeth. Overall, this is our least favorite option for you Blue Heeler pal.
If your Heeler is a work hard/play hard kind of dog, you’ll want to get an active-dog specific food like Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Active Dog Formula. Active formulas have a higher level of protein than most dog foods, supporting your dog’s lean muscles and giving them energy that will last all day. It’s packed with healthy protein—in fact, it’s 92% meat product. It contains some whole grains, but it is a little lighter on fruits and vegetables, with the main vegetables being tomato and carrot powders.
If you choose to feed your dog this formula, make sure to watch carefully, as it’s easy to overfeed your dog on a protein and fat-heavy dog food like this. This food isn’t ideal for less active dogs, so you’ll have to watch carefully to avoid obesity.
Cons
A little light on fruits and veggies
Easy to overfeed
Not ideal for less active dogs
Pros
Great for all life stages
No corn, wheat, or soy
92% meat protein
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Blue Heelers
What Makes A Good Product in This Category?
Australian Cattle Dogs, or as we affectionately call them, Blue Heelers are very active individuals who require a diet that will support their lifestyle, metabolism, immune system, and overall health. Just as each one of us requires certain ingredients, so do different breeds of dog.
When it comes to your Blue Heeler, they need a good combination of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and joint support. Let’s take a closer look at these things below:
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are an important part of your furry-friend’s diet. Many pet owners try to keep the fat as low as possible because of the false assumption that fat is bad and will lead to problems like high cholesterol.
In truth, dogs don’t suffer from high cholesterol, and they need fats in their diet to support their immune system, maintain their skin and fur, and most importantly give them energy. In a balanced diet, the formula should contain at least 10 to 15 percent healthy fats.
As mentioned, your pup is going to turn the fat into energy, and for a cattle dog, this is essential. Not only that, but these fats will also provide many other benefits. Good fats to look out for are omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and fish, flaxseed, and canola oil. You can also look for chicken, pork, sunflower, and corn oils. Stay away from lards and tallow, though.
Joint Support
Unfortunately, due to your pup’s extra active lifestyle, they are more prone to developing hip and elbow dysplasia in their lifetime. That is besides the fact that 65 percent of older pups will end up with arthritis. This can be painful for your pooch, and it can significantly reduce their mobility; even before reaching their golden years.
Thankfully, supplements can be given to your pet to not only reduce the pain but also prevent the breakdown of the tissue between their joints. Dog foods that have glucosamine and chondroitin are both recommended to reduce pain and help prevent these issues from happening.
Also, ingredients such as fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory which will help reduce pain and make your pup more mobile. When shopping for a good dog food, try to find one that will contain at least one of these ingredients. Be aware though, chondroitin typically works better in conjunction with one of the other two ingredients.
Protein
Protein is typically the number one ingredient pet owners want to find. What is not commonly known, however, is that it’s not the protein that is important, but the makeup of the protein altogether that makes the difference.
Protein is made up of amino acids that dogs need to live. Canines use 22 of these acids, 12 of which their body produces themselves. The other ten they need to get from their diet to keep their muscles, bones, and body healthy.
Amino acids are the stepping stones of protein. Unfortunately, if one of the acids is missing, your pooch will not be able to gain the benefits of the others. So, what does all this mean? Well, it is not enough to look for food that is just “high in protein”. You need one that has the right protein or has a good amino acid profile.
The difficult part of the equation here is that nutrition labels do not list amino acids. Instead, look for AAFCO adequacy labels as they provide standards for amino acid levels for pups. Also, be aware of the quality of the protein in the food.
Shopping Tips
Although we have gone over some essentials for your Blue Heeler, they are by no means the be all end all of your pup’s nutritional needs. There are other ingredients and factors you should consider before choosing a food. Take a look at these other things you should consider:
Allergies: Many dogs suffer from allergies and sensitivities from ingredients such as grains. Formulas that contain wheat, corn, and soy can be hard for certain pets to digest. Luckily, there are grain-free formulas. Just be sure they are getting the amounts of proteins and other nutrients they need.
Life Stage: The age of your pet should also play a role in what you are feeding them. For example, younger dogs need more protein and fat to help them grow, but they do not need supplements like glucosamine right away. On the other hand, senior pets benefit from joint support and other ingredients that would not be appropriate for puppies.
Vitamins and Minerals: All dogs require vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. Some of the important nutrients you should be on the lookout for are vitamins A and E. You should also look for probiotics to help their digestive system, and antioxidants to help with their fur, skin, and immune system. You also want to have a good dose of fiber and calcium, as well.
Digestion: This is connected to the last one, but healthy digestion is also important for your pup. Foods that contain probiotics will add healthy microorganisms to their digestive tract that will kill any harmful bacteria. As dogs are known to chow down on some “questionable” things, this is essential
Important Things to Know
Now that you know the important things to look for, you should also know what it is not a healthy ingredient for your pooch. Although the FDA regulates pet food, and only necessary ingredients can be added, there are still some questionable ingredients floating around.
Some formulas cause a lot of debate among pet professionals and enthusiasts. For example, meat “meals” are highly contested. Depending on how the “meal” is made, it can be either very nutritious or very unhealthy for your pet.
That being said, there are some universal things dogs should not be consuming. Take a look at this list of things you should avoid in dog food:
Artificial preservatives
Soy
Ethoxyquin
Vegetable oil
Meat by-product meals
Artificial flavors and colors
High levels of salt
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
High levels of sugar
Propylene Glycol
High levels of yeast
Corn Syrup
BHA/BHT
STPP
Cellulose
Rendered fat
White Flour
MSG
This list is long, we know. Having a general idea, though, of what is not going to benefit your dog is important to keep them living a strong and healthy life. Besides these ingredients, dogs should also not be fed onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, candy, oily foods, garlic, and caffeine. All of these things can be toxic to your pooch.
Should my Blue Heeler eat raw meat?
Some people claim that Blue Heelers need raw meat because they are natural hunters. Others worry about the harmful bacteria and parasites present in raw meat. A little raw meat isn’t bad if it is not the primary part of your dog’s diet. We recommend high-quality beef, chicken, or turkey. It’s best to avoid raw pork meat.
What healthy treats can I give my Blue Heeler?
Vegetables make excellent treats for dogs. They are healthy, and your Blue Heeler can digest them. You can also find healthy dog treats at pet food stores. Consult with your veterinarian to find out what dog treats are best for your Blue Heeler.
What is the best way to store dry dog food?
You can store dry dog food in a cool, dry place. It is helpful to transfer dry dog food from the bag into a large canister with an airtight lid.
Does my Blue Heeler need vitamins and supplements?
Dogs that eat a complete and balanced diet do not need supplements. Talk to your veterinarian If you think your Blue Heeler needs supplements.
Is expensive dog food better than generic dog food?
Yes. Pricier brands are better, and they usually aren’t available in a supermarket. You need to go to a pet store to buy high-quality, expensive dog food. Supermarkets stock generic brands rather than the healthiest dog food.
Which dog food brand is the best?
There are many prominent dog food manufacturers. They include Iams, Hill’s Science Diets, American Journey, Purina, and Merrick. The best dog food for your Blue Heeler depends on its unique dietary requirements. Talk to your veterinarian to find out what is best for your dog.
What tests are done to ensure dog food safety?
Manufacturers use standardized animal feeding tests designed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These trials help them find the right balance of nutrients for dog food.
Isn’t my Blue Heeler bored eating the same food?
No. Your Blue Heeler has fewer taste buds than humans, so it doesn’t get bored eating the same food.
Can my Blue Heeler eat table scraps?
Most table scraps are harmful to your dog’s digestive system. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, obesity, and other health conditions.
What is in dog food?
Dog food features a variety of ingredients, such as meat, poultry, seafood, and animal byproducts. It also contains natural or artificial preservatives to keep dog food fresh on the shelf and color to make it look more attractive.
Is cat food good for my Blue Heeler?
No. Dogs and cats have different dietary needs. Your Blue Heeler may survive on cat food, but it won’t thrive.
Are rawhides bad for my Blue Heeler?
No. You can satisfy your dog’s natural instructs by giving them rawhides. They can also help relieve tooth pain during canine teething. But if your dog has special dietary needs and allergies, it may have a bad reaction to rawhides.
Can my Blue Heeler be a vegetarian?
Yes. Some Blue Heelers can be vegetarian as long as their meals contain protein from plant-based sources. There are many commercial vegetarian dog foods out there, but you should first discuss your dog’s diet with your veterinarian.
When should I switch from puppy to adult dog food?
Puppy food is different from adult dog food. It is suitable for a rapidly growing pup. You can begin to switch to adult dog food when your Blue Heeler reaches 80 to 90 percent of its anticipated adult weight.
How much should I feed my Blue Heeler?
The amount your Blue Heeler needs to eat depends on various factors, including life stage (puppy, adult, pregnant or lactating), lifestyle, size, and general health. Buy high-quality food, weigh your dog and then read the feeding guidelines provided on the food label. Every dog is unique, so you may need to adjust its feeding accordingly.
What is the difference between prescription and regular diets?
Prescription diets help manage disease symptoms or slow disease progression. They usually contain carefully selected ingredients for complete and balanced nutrition. Plus, they have tighter quality-control standards, and the recipes don’t change unless new research becomes available. Unlike regular dog food, prescription dog food is available through veterinarians.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed our review of the seven best dog foods for Blue Heelers. We understand that your furry-friends health is important, and choosing the right food can be difficult. If this has helped relieve that stress in any way, we consider it a job well done.
Overall, though, if you want the best food available for your Blue Heeler, go with the The Farmer’s Dog. This has all the vitamins, nutrients, and essential ingredients your pet needs. If you want a cheaper choice, try the Purina Pro Plan SPORT Formula Dry Dog Food. The cost-friendly option is packed with everything your active pal needs to be healthy and happy.
