Australian shepherds are great dogs. They were bred for herding and working, which means they need to eat a healthy diet that keeps them happy and healthy. You’ll want to feed your Australian shepherd a diet that supports their muscle, joints, bones, and of course, their smart mind. This tends to include dog food that includes the right amount of protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
That said, some dog food is better than others, so in this article, we help you make the right choice. Read on to discover the best Australian shepherd food.
What to Consider When Looking for the Ideal Australian Shepherd Food
Getting the best Australian shepherd dog food comes down to choosing an option that your dog loves, sure, but you also need to make sure they’re getting the right amount of nutrients. Learn about some factors to consider when choosing dog food for your Aussie below.
Food Quality
The quality of the food is by far the most important part of choosing dog food for your canine companion. Australian shepherds are energetic dogs that love to play, work, and explore their surroundings. For this reason, you’ll want to get high-quality food that’s rich in protein to support strong muscles and joints.
Australian shepherds can also struggle with obesity, especially if they’re not active, so make sure you choose dog food options that aren’t loaded with fillers. Overall, you want the most protein in the least amount of calories.
Food Allergies
Australian shepherds tend to be healthy dogs, but if there’s one thing that creeps up on them, it’s their food allergies. Not every Aussie will have a food allergy, but they do tend to have sensitive stomachs, and some Australian shepherds may be allergic to eggs, dairy, and even beef.
You’ll know they’re allergic to these foods if they refuse to eat them, end up with skin problems, or if they have ear infections often. The best Australian shepherd dog food won’t contain these allergens, and you may even want to consider hypoallergenic dog food just to be safe.
Type of Australian Shepherd Dog Food
The type of dog food is also important, and the most common options are wet and dry food. While both options can work for your dog, there are benefits and drawbacks to both options. When it comes to dry food, it’s more affordable and easier to store, but you’ll find that it’s less nutritious, and sometimes your Australian shepherd may not enjoy the taste.
Wet food, on the other hand, is more expensive and harder to store, but it tends to be more nutritious. Plus, wet food often tastes better, and your Australian shepherd may enjoy it more.
The Ideal Australian Shepherd Dog Food
There are a lot of Australian shepherd dog food options available, and it can seem overwhelming at times. To help you make the right choice, we take you through the top three best Australian shepherd dog food options below; for even more options, check out this detailed guide.
1. Purina’s Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend
Our top pick is Purina’s Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend. If you have an Australian shepherd puppy or even a young adult, it’s the best dog food on the market.
This is because it’s packed with vital nutrients that support healthy growth, including protein for muscle growth and antioxidants for your dog’s immune system. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids to support their coat.
2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe
If you’re looking for dog food options that are good for an Aussie with a sensitive stomach, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Recipe is the best choice. It keeps out common allergens that can bother an Aussie’s stomach, and the main ingredient is smoked salmon. The smoked salmon offers omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy coat and plenty of protein and healthy fats.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a great choice if your Aussie has a sensitive stomach. It’s loaded with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and plenty of other nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy. The only drawback is that it’s not as nutrient-dense as some of the other options we’ve covered.
Get the Ideal Australian Shepherd Food
The best Australian shepherd dog food is the one that your Aussie loves to chow down on. Make sure you consider the factors we covered in this article and choose the dog food that best suits your Aussie’s unique needs. It’s also not a bad idea to choose a few food options until you find one that works for your dog.