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What’s the best dog food for an Australian Shepherd?
The answer to that critical question depends on the AGE of YOUR particular pet.
That’s because…
Aussie puppies… adults… and seniors EACH have different nutritional needs.
For example…
Adult Aussies can thrive on just about ANY quality dog food… wet or dry.
But…
Aussie puppies have a higher risk1 of developing a crippling form of hip disease… a risk which may increase if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium… while they’re growing.2
What’s more… there are OTHER age-related nutritional differences, too.
For example…
Senior Aussies need more protein… and fewer calories… than younger dogs.
Here’s the point…
Since there are no “official” nutrient standards for ANY breed…
It’s super important to choose a dog food that’s designed to match the nutritional life stage of YOUR particular Aussie.
The Three Nutritional Life Stages of Australian Shepherds
Since Aussies are considered medium breed dogs, the life stages below can be used as a guide to help you find the best possible food for your dog.
Our Top Recommendations
On the page below…
We’ll share the Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended brands… each optimized for the age of your Aussie.
And we’ll also answer the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Aussies.
Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Australian Shepherds for December 2024.
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Best Dry Food For Australian Shepherds
Orijen Regional Red
Regional Red is one of nine dry recipes covered in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Regional Red gets most of its animal protein from beef, wild boar, lamb, pork, and beef liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% estimated carbs, yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A meat-rich, high-protein dry kibble — ideal for active breeds like Australian Shepherds — made by a top company known for its superior, biologically appropriate designs. A bit pricey, yet still worthy of serious consideration.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein from a range of meat
- 85% quality animal ingredients
- Freeze-dried liver coating
Main Ingredients Beef, wild boar, lamb, pork, beef liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All australian shepherds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We love this food! Ever since we started feeding this, we have noticed our dog has needed to eat less, has more energy and sheds less. We are halfway through our second 13lbs bag and our dog still stands over his bowl, licking his lips while we scoop his favorite food ever!"
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Best Wet Food For Australian Shepherds
The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Tender Turkey Stew
The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Tender Turkey Stew is one of five wet recipes featured in our review of the Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews range.
The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Tender Turkey Stew sources the majority of its protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44.4% protein, 11.% fat and 36.4% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 25%.
It’s made from 100% human-grade ingredients, with no gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives. You can feed it as a main meal for your Australian Shepherd or as a tasty topper.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Dog Food (Wet) range here
Things we like
- High amount of protein from cage-free turkey
- Human-grade ingredients
- No fillers, carrageenan or, artificial flavors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey bone broth, quinoa, carrots, broccoli, tapioca Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Australian Shepherds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen.com"My dog loves this food. I mix some in with her kibble and she gobbles it up. I love the ingredients and that it's made in a human grade facility in the USA. Highly recommend."
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Best Fresh Food For Australian Shepherds
The Farmer's Dog Pork Recipe
Pork Recipe is one of four fresh human-grade formulas covered in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line.
The formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs, which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
The company custom designs each feeding plan based on your dog’s age, weight, breed type, and activity level, and then packages an exact portion size, according to the number of calories needed to keep your dog at its ideal weight.
The food is delivered to your door on a flexible schedule. Once inside your home, the product should be stored in your freezer. Then, thawed in your refrigerator as it’s needed.
The Farmer’s Dog is ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get, yet without all the hard work. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Gently cooked to preserve nutrients
- Personalised feeding plans
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, cauliflower Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Aussie adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"My dog was beginning a downward slope. We decided to make a change to her food...and we chose Farmer's Dog...The difference is ASTOUNDING. She eats with gusto, her energy levels are back up, her teeth and coat are even better quality...she's like a whole different dog. I honestly feel that Farmer's Dog saved her."
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Best Food For Australian Shepherd Puppies
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy With Deboned Chicken
Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy acquires most of its animal protein from chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
We like the inclusion of Omega-3, DHA-rich fatty acid from salmon oil which helps support brain and vision development during growth. This classic, scientifically designed, grain-inclusive formula also contains just the right amount of calcium to make it an ideal option for growing Aussie puppies.
Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Salmon oil to boost puppy development
- Ideal level of calcium
- Good amount of protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Australian Shepherd Puppies Sample buyer review...
"6 month old lab loves this food. He had been on Purina Pro Plan from the breeder but I wanted to change it up for some higher quality ingredients. He gobbled this down and is so excited to eat. Great weight, energy & shiny healthy coat. Also- the food has no smell which is so nice compared to other dry foods."
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef & Brown Rice Recipe
Real Beef is one of 13 dry recipes contained in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
Merrick Healthy Grains Real Beef derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh beef and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs, delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
Not to be confused with Merrick’s grain-free product line, this classic, grain-inclusive design contains absolutely no meat by-products and no BHA or other cancer-causing synthetic preservatives. Affordably priced. Easily recommended and a top option for adult Aussies, especially for pet parents on a budget.
Read our review of the full Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Beef and pork protein
- No meat by-products
- No nasty preservatives
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Australian Shepherds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Based on my own research, Merrick is one of the higher-quality dog food brands. Yet, it remains reasonably affordable. Plus, my dog seems to like it. I will definitely be buying this again."
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Best Dog Food For Australian Sheperds With Allergies
Zignature Turkey Formula Limited Ingredient (Wet)
Zignature Turkey Formula Limited Ingredient (Wet) is one of 11 wet recipes contained in our review of the Zignature recipe range.
Zignature Turkey Formula Limited Ingredient (Wet) gets most of its protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.2% protein, 34.1% fat and 14.7% estimated carbs, creating a high fat-to-protein ratio of about 79%.
The limited-ingredient recipe means it’s suitable for Australian Shepherds with allergies, with a high amount of protein-packed turkey with plenty of riboflavin and selenium.
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- High amount of protein
- Limited ingredients
- High amount of moisture to aid hydration
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, chickpeas, alfalfa meal Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Australia Shepherd dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has a severe allergy to something in dry dog food (I suspect yeast), so I am VERY careful with her diet. Between Chewy and my independent pet store, I have a good supply of Zignature canned dog food. Thank you SO MUCH for providing a safe food for my dog!"
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Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult with Real Chicken
Large Breed Puppy is one of nine dry recipes contained in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult receives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31.1% protein, 18.9% fat and 42% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 61%.
We’re also pleased to note this formula contains an iron amino acid complex and two other chelated minerals for superior absorption and nutrition. Chelated minerals like these are typically found in better-quality brands. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains chelated minerals
- Chicken-based protein
- Ideal for large breeds
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), whole grain barley, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31.1% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Australian Shepherd puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Perfect size lil nuggets for our pup. We had to purchase an insert for her food bowl to slow down her eating frenzy! Kaya gives this brand a 5 star paw review!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to switch to a new food... without making your Aussie sick
In the following video…
Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your Aussie’s risk of getting sick… when you decide to switch to a new dog food.
Do Australian Shepherds need special dog food?
The pet food industry has never established any “official” nutrient standards specifically for Australian Shepherds. However, because Aussie puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional requirements, it’s important to feed a dog food that’s designed to match the life stage of YOUR particular pet.
What's the best dog food for an Australian Shepherd puppy?
Since they’re known to have a slightly higher risk of developing hip disease, Aussie puppies may benefit from eating foods that contain a more controlled balance of calcium and other nutrients.
So, even though Aussies are considered medium-breed dogs, it’s probably safer to feed your young Aussie a food that’s designed specifically for large breed puppies.
Like (for example) the Wellness Large Breed Puppy food mentioned above.
In addition, you’ll find a complete list of The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Large Breed Puppy Foods here.
How much food should I feed my Australian shepherd?
A landmark study conducted by researchers at Purina found that dogs fed an amount of food to keep them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer… than other dogs.8
Since every Aussie is different, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “ideal” for each animal.
So, start with the suggested serving size printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that amount up or down… to reach and keep your Aussie at ideal weight.
What's the best dog food for a senior Australian shepherd?
According to doctors at VCA Hospitals, larger breed dogs tend to age sooner than smaller breeds. Which is why some Aussies may be considered “senior” at 7 to 10 years of age.
If your Aussie is 7 years (or older), you may wish to visit our best senior dog foods page here for some exceptional recommendations.
Final word
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