Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd: Complete Guide (2025)

Australian Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs that need the right nutrition to maintain their boundless energy and sharp minds. These herding dogs burn through calories quickly due to their high activity level and natural athleticism.

Adult Australian Shepherds need 1,300-1,800 calories per day spread across quality protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support their active lifestyle. High-quality dog foods specially formulated for active breeds provide the ideal balance of nutrients your Aussie needs.

Dietary Needs Specific To The Breed

Australian Shepherds have specific nutritional requirements based on their high energy levels and muscular build. These active herding dogs need precise nutrient ratios and high-quality ingredients to maintain their health and performance.

Size And Energy Level

• Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with exceptional energy levels. They need a diet that fuels their active lifestyle and supports their muscular physique.
• Your Aussie needs 25-30% protein content to maintain lean muscle mass. Active adults require 1,300-1,700 calories daily, depending on exercise level.
• These dogs have fast metabolisms and benefit from 2-3 smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large serving.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia and joint problems can affect Australian Shepherds. Foods with glucosamine and chondroitin help support joint health.
• Many Aussies have sensitive stomachs. Choose foods with probiotics and fiber to promote healthy digestion.
• Food allergies are common in the breed. Watch for signs of sensitivity and consider limited-ingredient diets with novel proteins if needed.

Key Nutrients For The Breed

Essential nutrients:

• High-quality protein (25-30%)
• Healthy fats (15-20%)
• DHA for brain development
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health

Their double coat requires proper nutrition. Foods rich in omega fatty acids help maintain skin health and coat shine. Antioxidants boost immune system function, while calcium supports bone development. Choose foods that meet AAFCO standards for complete nutrition.

Best Food Options

Australian Shepherds need nutrient-dense food with high protein content to support their active lifestyle and maintain their health. Quality ingredients and balanced nutrition make a big difference in their energy levels and coat condition.

Farmers Dog: A Fresh, Human-Grade Option

Fresh, human-grade dog food offers excellent nutrition for Australian Shepherds. The Farmers Dog creates custom meal plans using real meat, vegetables, and essential nutrients.

Each meal contains:

• Fresh meat as the first ingredient
• Whole vegetables like sweet potatoes
• No artificial preservatives
• Proper vitamin and mineral balance

The food arrives frozen and portioned for your dog’s specific needs. You can adjust portions based on your Aussie’s activity level and weight goals.

Benefits Of Fresh, Balanced Diets

Fresh dog food helps maintain your Aussie’s energy levels and muscle mass. The natural ingredients are easier to digest than processed kibble.

Key benefits include:

• Better coat condition
• Improved digestion
• Steady energy levels
• Healthier weight management

Fresh food also contains more moisture, which helps keep your dog hydrated. Many owners notice improved stool quality and reduced allergic reactions when feeding fresh diets.

Treat Options

Choosing the right treats for your Australian Shepherd helps support training efforts and provides essential nutrients. Quality treats can serve as valuable rewards while contributing to your dog’s daily nutritional needs.

Recommended Treats For The Breed

Australian Shepherds respond well to high-protein, natural treats, like the ones Healthy Bite offers, that match their active lifestyle. Fresh or freeze-dried meat treats provide excellent protein sources without unnecessary fillers. Small, low-calorie options work best for frequent training sessions.

Consider these treat types:

• Freeze-dried meat pieces
• Small biscuits with natural ingredients
• Dental chews for oral health
• Raw food bites made from beef or lamb

Look for treats with simple ingredient lists and avoid artificial preservatives or colors.

Treats For Training And Supplementation

Training treats should be tiny and easy to eat quickly so your Aussie can stay focused during sessions. Soft treats work better than crunchy ones for immediate consumption.

Healthy supplemental options include:

• Natural pumpkin treats: Support digestion and provide fiber
• Fish-based treats: Add omega-3 fatty acids
• Fresh vegetables: Offer as low-calorie rewards
• Single-ingredient dried meats: Provide pure protein

Keep treat portions small, limiting them to 10% of your Australian Shepherd’s daily caloric intake. Break larger treats into smaller pieces for training sessions.

Places To Buy Online

Finding reliable online retailers for your Australian Shepherd‘s food helps ensure consistent quality and convenient delivery to your doorstep. Many platforms offer competitive prices and subscription options to save money.

Trusted Platforms For Purchasing Dog Food

• Fresh pet food delivery services like The Farmer’s Dog provide convenient auto-shipping options straight to your home. Amazon and Chewy are two major retailers with extensive dog food selections and fast shipping.
• These platforms maintain strict quality control standards and often offer detailed product information and customer reviews.
• You can set up automatic reorders to prevent running out of food. Most sites provide free shipping on orders over $50.

Exclusive Offers And Promotions

• Sign up for retailer newsletters to receive special discounts and promotional codes. Many sites offer 15-30% off your first order, like The Farmer’s Dog, which offers 80% off the first box.
• Subscribe & Save programs typically give 5-10% off recurring deliveries. Some retailers provide loyalty rewards programs where you earn points on purchases.
• Seasonal sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday feature deep discounts on premium brands. Watch for limited-time offers like free treats or bowls with food purchases.
• Stack manufacturer coupons with site-wide promotions when possible for maximum savings.

Feeding Guidelines

Australian Shepherds need precise feeding guidelines to maintain their high energy levels and stay healthy. Your Aussie’s nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, and health status.

Tips On Portion Sizes

The amount of food your Australian Shepherd needs depends on their weight, age, and activity level. Adult Australian Shepherds typically need 2-3 cups of food per day, split between meals. Puppies need more frequent meals in smaller portions. Feed your Aussie puppy 3-4 times daily until they reach 6 months old.

Use this basic portion guide:

• 20-30 lbs: 1.5-2 cups daily
• 30-40 lbs: 2-2.5 cups daily
• 40-65 lbs: 2.5-3 cups daily

Feeding Schedules

Set consistent meal times for your Australian Shepherd. Adult dogs do best with two meals per day, spaced 8-12 hours apart. Morning feeding should happen before exercise to prevent bloat. Evening meals work best 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Your puppy needs a stricter schedule:

• 8-12 weeks: 4 meals daily
• 3-6 months: 3 meals daily
• 6+ months: 2 meals daily

Transitioning To New Food

Make food changes slowly over 7-10 days to avoid digestive issues. Mix the old and new food using this schedule:

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food
• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food
• Days 7-8: 25% old food, 75% new food
• Days 9-10: 100% new food

Watch for signs of digestive upset like loose stools or decreased appetite during the transition.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food for your Australian Shepherd makes a big difference in their health, energy, and happiness. A balanced diet with high-quality proteins and healthy fats helps your active dog stay fit and strong.