The best dog food for an Australian Shepherd should include a well-balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality ingredients, appropriate caloric content, and nutrients are critical to support their muscular build, high energy levels and maintain their stunning coat.
Whether your Australian Shepherd is a puppy, an adult, or a senior, Open Farm’s dog food helps meet their dietary needs, promoting a happy, healthy, and active life for your pet.
Ingredients to Look for in Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
High-quality dog food should contain the right blend of nutrients to promote your Aussie’s overall health and vitality. The best ingredients in dog food include:
High-Quality Animal Protein Sources
Given their active nature and muscular physique, protein is essential for muscle growth, repair and maintenance. Look for dog foods that list a named source of animal protein, such as chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb, as the first ingredient.
Open Farm has a great selection of high-quality protein dry food for dogs, like our Grain Free Senior Turkey & Chicken dry food which contains 100 percent animal welfare-certified turkey and chicken fed a healthy vegetarian diet without growth hormones or antibiotics.
As dogs age, their metabolism and digestive system may become less efficient. Cage-free protein sources can be more nutrient-dense, offering a concentrated amount of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals vital for senior dogs’ overall well-being.
To maximize your senior Aussie’s nutrient intake, try our RawMix dog food, which features protein-packed kibble covered in bone broth with added chunks of nutrient-dense meat, poultry or fish freeze dried raw.
Raw protein diets are often beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Novel protein sources such as venison are also a good choice for Australian Shepherds with sensitive stomachs.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are a concentrated energy source and support healthy skin and a shiny coat, promote brain development and aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
Look for dog foods that contain animal fats, such as chicken fat or salmon oil, such as our Chicken & Salmon Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in ingredients like flaxseed or fish oil are beneficial for their anti-inflammatory properties and support for skin and coat health.
Digestible Carbohydrates
When selecting dog food, look for ancient grains like barley, steel-cut oats and quinoa as these provide slow-release energy and are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Grain-free options like our Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Dry Dog Food containing sweet potatoes, field peas or lentils can be a good choice, particularly for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies. These foods also provide important dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Essential vitamins and minerals support many bodily functions, from bone health to immune function, and should be a key component of their diet.
Look for dog foods fortified with vitamins such as vitamin A for eye health, vitamin E for skin health, and B vitamins for metabolic support. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are essential for bone health, especially in growing puppies and older dogs.
A well-rounded dog food for an Australian Shepherd should include a balanced blend of these essential vitamins and minerals derived from natural food sources rather than synthetic supplements.
Always ensure that the dog food you choose is complete and balanced and meets the minimum nutritional requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Your Australian Shepherd also needs adequate water and hydrating foods to replace the electrolytes lost during activity. Adding bone broth to rehydrate their kibble can be an excellent way to ensure they get enough water. Increasing immunity and joint health are other benefits of bone broth for dogs.
How Much Should I Feed My Australian Shepherd?
If you are wondering how much should I feed my dog, the amount of food your Australian Shepherd should eat depends on several factors, including age, weight, activity level and overall health. A healthy male Australian Shepherd weighs approximately 55-70 lbs. and a female weighs 35-55 lbs. so as a general guideline, you can feed your pup the following:
Puppies
Australian Shepherd puppies have smaller stomachs but require more calories per pound of body weight because they’re growing and highly active. They generally need 1 to 2.5 cups of dry food divided into 3-4 meals a day.
Adult dogs
You can feed Adult Australian Shepherds typically eat 1.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. However, highly active adults may require more food to meet their energy needs.
Senior dogs
As Australian Shepherds age, their metabolism slows down and they become less active. This means senior Aussies generally require fewer calories than adults unless they have health conditions that require a special diet.
Give Your Australian Shepherd the Best Nutrition Possible
Remember, every dog is an individual, and their nutritional needs can be influenced by age, weight, activity level, and health status. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice and ensure the food you choose is appropriate for your Aussie.
This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup’s medical history best!
