Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd: A Complete Nutritional Guide for Herding Dogs

If there’s one word that best describes every Australian shepherd, it would be “smart.” However, with such high levels of intelligence and activity, Australian shepherds require a special diet to keep up with their lifestyle. Fortunately, there’s American Natural Premium, the best dog food for Australian shepherd dogs.

An Overview of Australian Shepherd Dogs

Australian shepherds or Aussies were originally bred in Europe and honed to perfection on the ranches of California. This medium-sized breed is intelligent, agile, and has an intense focus. Moreover, these dogs can command with their stare alone. As such, Aussies have a strong instinct to herd.

Equally important, this breed needs an owner who understands how to channel their energy and capabilities. Simply put, they are not ideal for a laid-back pet owner looking for a sedentary companion. Consequently, Australian shepherds also need a special diet to fulfill their unique needs.

Dietary Needs of Australian Shepherd Puppies

Australian shepherd puppies are bundles of energy, flourishing rapidly due to their high metabolic rate. Therefore, they demand a diet of quality nutrients to sustain their growth and boundless vitality.

• Protein, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: An optimal diet for an Australian shepherd puppy should comprise 25-30% protein, 12-16% fat, and 4% fiber.
• Feeding Portions: Provide one to four cups of nutrient-dense food daily, delivering between 1,016 and 1,629 kilocalories.
• Feeding Schedule: Aussie puppies should eat four times daily from weaning to three months. Eventually, when the puppies reach four months, transition them to three meals daily.
• Nutritional Supplements for Growth: On the one hand, commercial diets provide all the necessary nutrients for puppy development. Therefore, you don’t need to supplement their diet. On the other hand, if you give a homemade diet, consult a veterinary nutritionist to establish an appropriate plan.

Dietary Mistakes To Avoid

Despite the best intentions, dietary missteps can impede your Australian shepherd puppy’s health and development. Notably, overfeeding is common, leading to obesity even in active breeds. Likewise, undernourishing these energetic puppies can result in underdevelopment.

Additionally, avoid foods with fillers and additives, which provide little nutritional value and can disrupt digestion. Lastly, remember that human food can contain toxic ingredients.

Transitioning to an Adult Australian Shepherd Diet

Transition to an adult diet for your Australian shepherd should occur when they reach approximately ten to 12 months. Furthermore, switching to an adult diet must gradually increase amounts of adult dog food until it completely replaces the puppy formula.

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd

American Natural Premium is the best dog food for Australian shepherd dogs because every recipe contains high-quality protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Beyond choosing a specific brand, look for dog food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.

• Protein, Carbohydrate, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: An adult Australian shepherd’s diet should have 25% protein, 25% carbohydrates, 12% fat, and 4% dietary fiber.
• Feeding Portions: An adult Australian shepherd should consume between 1,301 and 1,754 calories daily, typically translating to eight to ten cups of a balanced dog food formulation.
• Feeding Schedule: Aim to provide your adult Australian shepherd two meals per day, ideally spaced 12 hours apart.

Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions

Generally, Australian shepherds are innately energetic and require sufficient calories to support their lifestyle, yet overfeeding can easily lead to obesity. As such, regularly monitoring their weight and adjusting food portions is crucial. A slight increase may be best for more active dogs, while less active ones may require fewer calories.

Special Considerations for Herding and Senior Australian Shepherd Dogs

Herding breeds, such as the Australian shepherd, owe to their historical roles as aids in livestock management. Consequently, these vigorous activities demand an increased nutritional intake to sustain their energy levels. Therefore, Australian shepherds working in the field may need a diet that replenishes their muscle tissue, provides sustained energy, and supports mental acuity.

On the other hand, as your Australian shepherd ages, their metabolism and activity levels change. As a result, you must adjust their diet to match these changes. For senior Australian shepherds, the ideal diet composition should include 18 to 200% protein, 10% fat, and adequate fiber. Moreover, feed two to three cups daily, providing 1,077 to 1,403 kilocalories. Lastly, feed senior dogs two times a day unless otherwise advised by a veterinarian.

Special Considerations for Australian Shepherd Dogs With Health Conditions

Hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, and obesity are among the health conditions that Australian shepherds may be prone to. On the one hand, hip and elbow dysplasia affects the joints, making weight management critical in reducing pain and discomfort. On the other hand, allergies — which are commonly food-related — require eliminating the allergen from their diet.

American Natural Premium — the best dog food for Australian shepherd dogs — helps you prevent or manage the onset of these conditions. First, the premium dog food is free from grains, legumes, and chicken, making it the best food for dogs with allergies. Second, every cup provides all the micro and macronutrients that your dog needs. Accordingly, you feed your Australian shepherd dog less, but its body absorbs enough nutrients.

Australian Shepherd Lifespan

The Australian Shepherd, known for its intelligence, agility, and herding instincts, is a beloved breed with a loyal following. How long do Australian Shepherds live? On average, their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years, although with proper care and attention, many can live even longer. This impressive lifespan is a reflection of the breed’s overall good health and vitality. Owners can ensure their Australian Shepherd enjoys a long, healthy life by providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups to identify and address any health issues early.

Despite their generally robust health, Australian Shepherds can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and various eye disorders like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. By staying informed about these potential issues and seeking timely veterinary care, owners can help manage and mitigate health risks. Regular physical activity and mental stimulation are essential for this energetic and intelligent breed, as they help maintain physical health and prevent behavioral problems related to boredom and inactivity. With the right care and environment, Australian Shepherds can thrive and bring joy to their families for many years.

Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food

American Natural Premium offers a balanced commercial dog food alternative that surpasses homemade meals in nutrition and convenience. The best dog food for Australian shepherd dogs guarantees that every serving meets the precise nutritional requirements of the breed. As such, we eliminate the guesswork and potential imbalances commonly associated with home-prepared diets.

Moreover, American Natural Premium’s quality control guarantees consistency in every batch, which provides a level of assurance that’s difficult to maintain with homemade food. Additionally, you can redirect the time and effort saved by choosing a trusted commercial food for more beneficial activities with your dog.

Contact American Natural Premium Today

Having an Australian shepherd means having the responsibility to provide the best care possible, starting with an ideal diet. American Natural Premium offers a wide range of premium dog food choices that cater to the specific nutritional needs of Australian shepherds. To ensure your dog’s well-being and happiness, choose only the best dog food for Australian shepherd dogs — American Natural Premium. Contact us for bulk orders.