Is your Aussie a picky eater? Or maybe too energetic? Choosing the right diet is key for this active, smart breed. Aussies need food that fuels their energy and supports their health.
Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized herding breed. They were first bred to work on ranches and farms. Today, many Aussies are still working dogs or compete in dog sports.
To stay in top shape, Aussies need a high-quality diet. Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different nutritional needs. This guide will help you pick the best food for your Aussie’s life stage.
How to Feed Your Aussie at Every Stage
Puppies (birth to 12 months):
- Feed a puppy formula with DHA for brain development
- Look for calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones
- Puppies need 3-4 meals a day
Adults (1-7 years):
- Choose a food with at least 18% protein and 5% fat
- Aussies need more calories than less active breeds
- Feed 2 meals a day
Seniors (7+ years):
- Look for a senior formula with glucosamine and chondroitin
- Less active seniors need fewer calories to avoid weight gain
- Seniors may prefer a wet food that’s easy to chew
Top 5 Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds
Here are our top picks for the best dog food for Aussies:
| Brand | Formula | Life Stage | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Honest Kitchen | Grain-Free Beef Recipe | All Life Stages | Human-grade, dehydrated raw, high protein | Nutrient-dense, highly digestible | Expensive, requires rehydration |
| Taste of the Wild | High Prairie Grain-Free | Adult | Novel proteins, K9 probiotics, antioxidants | Diverse protein sources, digestive support | Recent recall concerns |
| Purina Pro Plan | Savor Shredded Blend | Adult | Probiotics, vitamin A, omega fatty acids | Balanced nutrition, palatable | Contains corn, wheat, and soy |
| Instinct Raw Boost | Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck | Adult | Cage-free duck, raw kibble coating | High animal protein, minimally processed | Premium price point |
| Canidae | Pure Puppy Recipe | Puppy | DHA, ARA, antioxidants, probiotics | Limited ingredients, supports development | Soft consistency |
1. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food
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The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Recipe is our top pick for Aussies of all ages. It uses human-grade ingredients like ranch-raised beef.
The dehydrated, raw formula preserves nutrients. It has 31% protein for lean muscles.
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
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For adult Aussies, we like Taste of the Wild High Prairie. It contains novel proteins like bison and venison.
This grain-free food has K9 probiotics for digestion. It also contains antioxidants from fruits and veggies.
3. Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Turkey & Chicken Formula Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend is a good choice for active adults. The kibble has real turkey as the first ingredient.
Live probiotics support digestion and immune health. It also has vitamin A and omega fatty acids for skin and coat.
4. Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck Dry Dog Food
Instinct Raw Boost mixes high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces. We like the grain-free duck recipe for Aussies.
If your Aussies have lived a long and active life in your service, you owe it to them to provide the most nutritious food possible to care for any of their service-related health issues in their senior years. Wellness CORE’s senior recipe was explicitly made to help our active dogs with their hip and joint health.
5. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Puppy Real Chicken, Lentil and Whole Egg Recipe Dry Dog Food
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For Aussie puppies, we recommend Canidae Grain-Free Pure Puppy. It has chicken as the main protein source.
This limited-ingredient food is easy for puppies to digest. It contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.
Choosing the Best Food for Your Aussie
When shopping for dog food, look at the first five ingredients. Avoid foods with unnamed meat meals or byproducts. Whole meats like chicken, beef, and lamb should be first.
Your Aussie’s food should contain:
- High-quality animal protein sources
- Moderate levels of animal fat
- Low to moderate carbohydrates
- Essential vitamins and minerals
Some Aussies may have food sensitivities or allergies. Symptoms can include itching, ear infections, and digestive upset. If you notice issues, talk to your vet. You may need to switch to a limited-ingredient or novel protein food.
If you have a newborn Aussie, do not feed it solid food, at least for the first six to eight weeks! It is imperative that your puppy nurse from their mother as her milk is not only the most nutritious food for your newborn, but it also imparts antibodies necessary for your puppy to fight off diseases. If for some reason, the mother can’t nurse her pup, there are milk substitutes and formulas that should be available in your local pet stores.
Final Thoughts
Your Australian Shepherd’s diet plays a big role in their health and happiness. Choose a food that matches their age, size, and activity level. Don’t hesitate to ask your vet for personalized recommendations.
With the right nutrition, your Aussie will have the energy for anything! Whether they herd sheep or play fetch, they’ll be fueled and ready. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect food for your best friend!