Australian shepherds are growing popular. These amazing dogs are intelligent and active, with great herding instincts and incredible rodeo abilities! This means you will be spending your life with a fur-covered ball of energy right from puppyhood.
However, these dogs have evolved into hard workers with a voracious appetite. As a result, choosing the right diet for your Australian Shepherd puppies is important.
The best puppy food for Australian Shepherds should provide a comprehensive, balanced diet with components that support their active bodies and brains. You will want something with a lot of fat and protein but not a lot of carbohydrates. The ideal options will also be within your budget!
Choosing between wet, dry, and specialized alternatives like grain free might be difficult. However, we will assist you in selecting the best Australian Shepherd puppy food.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Active Puppies
We evaluated the many different products and found out that the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is the best for Australian Shepherd puppies.
In fact, the Blue Buffalo; Chicken & Brown Rice Formula is one of the most popular products in the company’s collection.
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Deboned chicken
- Barley
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Chicken meal
Right from the start, your little Australian Shepherd puppy requires the best combination of nutrition. You can put your trust in Blue Buffalo when it comes to your puppy’s health and well-being. Real meat, garden vegetables and fruits, and whole grains are all part of this high-quality diet. The formula also includes LifeSource Bits, a precise combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients. The recipe is for puppies and includes delicious chicken and brown rice flavors. A complete and balanced diet provides all of the nutrients required for a young Aussie puppy’s growth and development.
2. The American Journey for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs
This protein-rich recipe from the American journey is a complete nutrition diet for your Australian Shepherd to keep up with their high-intensity daily activities.
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Peas
- Sweet Potatoes
- Deboned Salmon
- Turkey Meal
With delightful flavors of sweet potato and salmon, the grain-free recipe has even the pickiest eater wagging her tail at mealtime. The mix is based on healthful components that give your puppy sustained energy. It’s also high in essential fatty acids, which help keep your Aussie’s thick fur and skin in top shape. The diet is also excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs, since it is free of corn, wheat, soy, and other artificial additives and fillers.
3. VICTOR Select Nutra Formula for Pro Active Puppies
This meal by Victor is ideal for both pro-active puppies and adult dogs!
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Blood Meal
- Yeast Culture
- Chicken Meal
- Chicken Fat
- Whole Grain Millet
Fill your pup’s dish with enjoyment and superior nutrition with this gourmet diet prepared from delectable and nutrient-dense ingredients. The protein-rich mix contains vital fats to keep your dog’s coat and skin in the greatest shape. It also provides modest levels of carbs to help your Aussie keep up with its high energy levels. The food is suitable for dogs with strong physical needs and hence, is one of the top options for lively dogs like Australian Shepherds.
4. Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch for All Life Stages
This, Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch with salmon, herring, and whitefish meal as the main ingredients, makes delectable seafood for your beloved Aussie.
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Herring Meal
- Peas
- Canola Oil
- Pea Protein
- Salmon Meal
All of the above nutrients ensure that your Australian Shepherd gets enough protein to keep healthy and active. The recipe also includes a variety of natural fibers from fresh vegetables and fruits such as apples, carrots, peas, blueberries, spinach, and cranberries, in addition to protein. These nutrients are also high in antioxidants, which help to maintain good health. This Coastal Catch recipe is high in nutritional absorption and simple to digest.
5. Purina Pro Plan Formula with Probiotics for Picky Eaters
The Purina Pro Plan Formula is a one-of-a-kind recipe that your Australian Shepherd puppy will adore!
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Poultry By-Product
- Rice
- Chicken
- Beef Fat preserved with mixed Tocopherol
- Gluten-Free Corn
With real chicken as the primary source of protein, the formula provides advanced nutrition. The dual-texture recipe of this meal is its outstanding feature. It’s also perfect for picky eaters since it has both crispy kibble and tender shredded bits that offer a lot of taste. In addition to deliciousness, the formula includes antioxidants to help with general development, growth, and immunity. For early Aussie puppies, the highly digestible meal is a comprehensive and balanced solution.
6. Purina Pro Plan Classic Savor for Active Puppies
This Purina Pro Plan blend is a surefire favorite if you’re seeking a tasty wet-food choice for your beloved Australian Shepherd.
Top 5 ingredients:
- Beef
- Beef liver
- By-Products of Meat
- Chicken
- Rice
The protein-rich composition is filled with necessary nutrition in every bite, and it’s made with delectable beef flavors. The formula includes biotin for a healthy coat and skin, as well as carrageenan for improved immunity. This is a full diet choice that may be offered on its own or as a dry food topping. The diet is a highly recommended wet food alternative for a dog with an active lifestyle, as it is packed with potent antioxidants and other necessary nutrients.
7. CANIDAE Grain-Free Formula for All Life Stages
The CANIDAE All Life Stages formula is a drool-worthy wet food choice for all life stages of Australian Shepherds and other active puppies!
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Dried Egg Product
- Brown Rice
- Chicken
- Chicken liver
- Chicken broth
The recipe, which is made with real chicken and the best and most healthy ingredients, is cooked in a flavorful broth. Even the pickiest eater will be unable to resist the tantalizing tastes, which are high in protein and other critical elements.
8. Dr. Tim Pursuit Formula for Big and Active Puppies
The Dr. Tim’s grain-free recipe is a superb piece of work!
Top 5 Ingredients:
- Sugar-Free Dried Beet Pulp
- Whole Oat Groats
- Chicken Meal
- Chicken Fat
- Brown Rice
The recipe contains five sources of high-quality protein to support your super-active pooch’s adventurous lifestyle. It is suitable for large and active canines. The main ingredients in this protein-packed recipe are turkey and chicken, as well as a blend of other nutritional supplements and botanicals. From the inside out, this particular mix nurtures and maintains your pet’s health.
9. Nutro Ultra for Puppies with Low Immunity
This Nutro Ultra recipe includes a blend of holistic super foods to provide your dog with the greatest nutrition possible.
Top 5 ingredients:
- Lamb Meal
- Chicken Meal
- Chicken
- Brewers Rice
- Whole Brown Rice
The recipe includes premium lean meats, a range of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, nutritious oils to keep your Aussie’s hair and coat in tip-top form, and whole grains to keep their overall energy levels up are all part of the ideal diet. The diet has everything your dog requires to keep his immune system robust, his mind sharp, and his heart healthy.
Buying Guide
The moderate Australian Shepherd dog breed is recognized for its intelligence and ability to herd. While those are the most well-known characteristics of the Australian Shepherd breed, their eagerness to please and trainability make them extremely versatile.
This section contains all of the information you require to assist you in selecting the best food for your Australian Shepherd puppy.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing the Best Australian Shepherd Puppy Food
To keep up with their high-energy lifestyle, these hyperactive Australian Shepherds require a specific diet. Their dietary needs are comparable to those of a German Shepherd. Here are some essential things to check to ensure that your Aussie boy or girl is getting the finest nutrition possible.
High-Quality Protein
High-quality protein is essential for Aussie dogs. Foods that start with meat are better for dogs. Always check the ingredient list to determine if the protein source is mentioned first or second. Poultry, pig, fish, and a variety of fish are all good sources of high-quality protein. Choose foods that contain both whole meats and meat by-products.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats and saturated fats are both vital in your dog’s diet. It’s crucial to keep the quantity in check, especially for Australians who have a tendency to gain weight. Canines, like humans, are unable to produce fats on their own. They also require omega-3 and -6 necessary fatty acids that help maintain the health of their fur and skin. Animal-based fats, such as chicken fat, are also acceptable choices, but you should look for added oils in dog food in particular. Some good choices are fish oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil.
Essential Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential for a well-balanced dog’s diet. It’s fine to choose food with whole-grain ingredients unless your Australian Shepherd puppy is sensitive or allergic to grains. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are excellent for boosting your Aussie’s energy. Carbohydrates that provide antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for your dog’s diet are also necessary. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or a problem that prevents it from eating grains, avoid grains and carbs.
Australian Shepherds Puppies Nutritional Needs
Despite the fact that Australian Shepherds have their own set of habits, qualities, and dispositions, their nutritional requirements are very similar to those of other dogs. As previously stated, provide your dog with a complete and balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
If Australians do not exercise consistently, they are prone to accumulating too much weight too quickly. As a result, it’s critical to focus on a healthy lifestyle as well as a calorie-dense diet option.
In general, an Australian Shepherd should consume 30 calories per pound of body weight each day, although this varies depending on their gender, age, degree of exercise, and overall health.
Feed your young Aussie puppy three to four times per day. Make sure their daily calorie intake is divided appropriately!
Food You Should Never Feed an Australian Shepherd Puppy
The following foods are harmful to Australian shepherds, as they are to most dog breeds.
- Garlic and onions: They’re responsible for the death of red blood cells in dogs, resulting in anemia.
- Xylitol: This common sweetener found in candies, gums, baked goods, and toothpaste has the potential to cause liver failure in your dog.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which can cause serious digestive and cardiovascular problems in dogs, as well as death.
- Caffeine: Caffeine-containing coffee, caffeinated teas, and other foods and beverages can induce digestive issues, vomiting, restlessness, and a high heart rate in dogs, as well as mortality.
- Alcohol: Has the same effect on dogs as it does on humans. Side effects of alcohol on dogs include diarrhea, respiratory issues, and vomiting. If your Aussie takes too much alcohol it can lead to death.
Conclusion
Our best choice for your Australian Shepherd puppy is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection. This product has all the nutrients your dog needs to maintain good health and weight. We highly recommend this product!
We hope that this list of the best food for Australian shepherd puppies has helped you choose the right diet for your puppy.
Visit Chewy to purchase the products!
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