Table of Contents
Despite the name Australian Shepherd (Aussie), the breed does not come from the land down under; they're from California.
There are two types of Aussies out there: ‘original’ or standard and the miniature.
They are a busy breed that enjoys having a job to do, which makes feeding them and finding the best dog food for Australian Shepherds a challenge.
Aussies are medium to long-haired and come in several striking colors.
These dogs have brown or blue eyes, and some even have both at the same time!
Aussies are a relatively long-lived breed, topping out at around 12 years of age.
They are considered a medium to large-sized breed with an average weight of 40-65 pounds.
There are a few health conditions that Australian Shepherds are prone to, and proper nutrition is the best way to fend them off.
I'll get into more details about these conditions in a moment and mention some of the best Australian Shepherd dog food brands that I often recommend to my patients.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food, SPORT Active 26/16... | 697 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large... | 2,501 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Puppy Dry... | 3,006 Reviews | Check Price |
|
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food,... | 9,313 Reviews | Check Price |
|
NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken... | Check Price |
What Affects the Nutritional Requirements of Aussies?
Aussies, as a herding breed, need daily activity and mental stimulation.
If not with an active, engaging family, Australian Shepherds can develop behavioral issues.
The most common stems from boredom, such as anxiety, barking, and destructive tendencies.
Daily walks and a ‘job’ such as playing flyball or being a part of an agility club will help keep behavioral problems at bay.
These dogs are great as working dogs on farms or for owners who want an agility, dock jumping, or nose work partner.
Australian Shepherds can be subject to a genetic condition called hip dysplasia, which is the abnormal growth of the hips.
Over time, the abnormality can cause painful hip arthritis, even in puppies.
While hip dysplasia is not a huge problem in the Aussie breeding population, it still occurs enough to warrant caution when buying and feeding your puppy.
Nutrition has a large role in hip dysplasia in some individuals, especially when puppies are over-fed, consume excess dietary calcium, and grow too quickly.
The Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds (Puppies)
Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet, including this one, can replace a consultation with a vet.
Aussies seem to come out of the womb as bundles of energy.
They will keep you on your toes and try to herd you any chance that they get. High energy also means a high demand for solid nutrition.
Don’t be fooled, though. Your Aussie may seem like he’s starving to death, but trust me, he’s not, so please don’t overfeed.
As a certified veterinarian, I have seen many puppy parents over the years looking for the best dog food for Australian Shepherd pups.
Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy
I recommend Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy. Give your Aussie a great start by feeding Royal Canin Medium breed puppy formula. This food is created specifically for higher energy medium-sized dogs and has the proper kibble size and shape to boot.
Medium-sized breeds have a large range for their optimal adult weight, and Royal Canin has developed a clever feeding recommendation chart for each bag of food.
Ask your breeder about your pup’s parent’s size and weight and set that as your “target” adult weight.
The recommended daily ration will then be determined by your Aussie’s age up to 12 months.
High-quality ingredients include DHA-rich fish oil for a healthy coat and beet pulp for improved digestion.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Large Breed Puppy Formula
I also recommend Purina Pro Plan Focus Large Breed Puppy Formula as one of the best dog foods for Australian Shepherd puppies.
If your Aussie puppy comes from ‘bigger-boned’ parents, it is a good idea to invest in good large-breed puppy food.
Purina Pro Plan’s Focus formula boasts an impressive range of benefits and is a great value.
Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids help support optimal brain development, and the inclusion of high-fiber peas in the formula helps promote satiety and digestive health.
The Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds (Adult Dogs)
Aussies become adults at 12 months of age.
When you transition from puppy food to the best dog food for Australian Shepherds in the adult stage of life, it is okay to switch brands.
Your dog’s nutritional needs vary greatly depending on his lifestyle and activity level.
Whichever food you choose, be sure to mix the old food and the new food together for 4-5 days before solely feeding the new adult food.
You also need to consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist on the best dog food for Australian Shepherds in this stage of life.
Normal Body Condition Australian Shepherds
A great place to start for an active, normal body weight/condition Aussie in a low-active home is Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 26/16. Purina Pro Plan provides quality nutrition for the average Aussie in their 26/16 formula.
At 26% protein and 16% fat, your dog will have plenty of spunk for long walks, playing Frisbee, and chasing the kids around the yard.
This balance of energy will help prevent unwanted weight gain. It also contains quality ingredients for a healthy coat, like biotin, fish, and eggs.
Very Active/ Sporting Australian Shepherds
If your Aussie is very active — engaging regularly or competitively in activities like agility, herding, or flyball — it is best to invest in food that keeps up with them.
A very popular and effective source of nutrition that can be easily tweaked to your dog’s needs is Hill's Science Diet.
The Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed dry dog food contains advanced nutrition to support joint health and improve mobility in 30 days. EPA from fish oil helps keep joint cartilage healthy, supporting improved mobility.
High-quality protein and natural fibers keep your dog satisfied between meals, and to help your furry friend keep a shiny coat, this dog food made with natural ingredients contains omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E to nourish the skin.
The Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds (Senior Dogs)
Australian Shepherds are considered senior or geriatric at around 9 years of age.
As they age, their nutritional requirements change as well.
It is best to choose food that will help support them and their medical challenges.
Aussies are some of the smartest dogs on the planet, but age can take its toll on their cognitive abilities.
With that in mind, it is smart to seek the best dog food for Australian Shepherds that fosters brain function.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Recipe
I recommend Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Recipe. Nutro has quality, affordable senior food that will support your Aussie’s health from head to toe.
It provides high levels of beneficial ingredients such as yeast, sweet potato, rosemary extract, ALA, and DHA essential fatty acids — with their minimum levels right on the product label.
This food also gets high ratings for taste, enticing even the pickiest of eaters.
Picky Eater? No worries.
As some Aussies get older, they become picky about what is on their plate.
If your dog’s appetite appears to be slacking, have him checked by your veterinarian.
Sometimes, dental disease and other medical issues can cause picky eating.
In this case, even the best dog food for Australian Shepherds won't help.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken and Barley Entrée
You can also tempt him with Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken and Barley Entrée. This canned food is sure to tempt even the choosiest of Aussies. It can be fed alone as a complete, balanced diet or in addition to dry kibble.
Sometimes, it takes just a little to get them going and keep them going.
Older and mobility issues? I recommend the best dog food for Australian Shepherds in this category, too!
Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d
The Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d is my go-to in this situation. Many Aussies suffer from arthritis after years of wear and tear on their joints.
Active dogs are more prone to injury and onset of degenerative joint disease (DJD), no matter their age.
If your Aussie suffers from arthritis, it is worthwhile to talk to your veterinarian about this Hill’s prescription diet.
This j/d formula has one of the highest levels of chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega-3s out there on the market.
It helps preserve cartilage and decrease inflammation naturally with essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
It can also help your dog’s mobility in as little as 21 days.
This diet is not only recommended for seniors but can also benefit overweight and ideal-weight adult dogs.
Related Articles:
- The Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Foods for Upset Stomachs
- Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Profile
- Texas Heeler Dog Breed Profile (Australian Shepherd & Cattle Dog Mix)
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.
Want to share this?
