In Overview: Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
Hello Australian Shepherd Owners!
We love this popular breed and have done a ton of research to make sure we find the Best Dog Food for the Australian Shepherd. Our goal is to find brands that are affordable, but good quality and also some higher price point options for people that want the freshest option for their pup. Everyone is on a different budget, so we have options for everyone below.
Australian Shepherds are also smart, lively, and need food that’s packed with protein and fat. They love to run and of course were bred as a herding breed, so good quality food is a MUST!
We’ve made a list of the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds, considering factors like their age, health, and dietary needs. See below for information on each of them!
Research
Vetted
Assessed
Picks
– The Paw Paw Pick –
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
– The Paw Paw Pick –
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
- Made with protein-rich lamb meat that supports muscle health.
- The fiber-packed, whole grain brown rice aids with digestion.
- The dry kibble is made with a healthy, limited-ingredient recipe
- Free of soy, gluten, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.
- Paw-fect for pups with allergies, digestive sensitivities, and skin irritation.
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food
- Each JustFoodForDogs variety box features four of their most popular, whole food recipes—see which one your pup likes best!
- Formulated to support your dog’s overall health, including improved digestion, healthier skin and a shinier coat, increased energy, easier weight management and more excitement at mealtime.
- Crafted with 100% fresh, human-grade ingredients and no fillers, preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT or artificial colorings.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice
- Essential, high-quality protein for healthy muscle development, and carbs for energy for an active life.
- Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth.
- Glucosamine is added for joint health and mobility support.
- Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants contribute to your pup’s immune system health.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
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Overview
The food is full of protein from salmon. It has ingredients like sweet potato and flaxseed, which are good for dogs with sensitive tummies. The ingredients in this food, like amino acids and important nutrients, are just right for Australian shepherds, They help keep them healthy and make sure their immune system is strong.
This food doesn’t have any grains, and it does not have any corn, soy, or wheat. Those things can make allergies become worse for some dogs. But, it’s important to think that if your dog needs food without grains because it might not be good for all pets.
You can get this food in different sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your budget. They also have wet and dry options, so even if your dog is picky, they’ll still be happy. Some pet owners said that this food sometimes breaks into small pieces at the bottom of the bag.
Pros
- Contains salmon as a top source of protein
- Includes sweet potatoes and flaxseed to aid dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Contains amino acids to boost dogs' immune systems
- Available in wet and dry options
Cons
- At the end of the day it is kibble, people who prefer fresh food may not like this
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food
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Great for puppies and adult dogs, this recipe is high in calcium and phosphorus, which help promote healthy bone and tissue growth. And since JustFoodForDogs’ meals are frozen, you can have peace of mind knowing that they are completely free from preservatives and other harmful materials.
JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from venison. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat, and 39.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, JustFoodForDog’s fresh frozen meals are free from fillers, preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT, or artificial coloring.
Pros
- Crafted with fresh, human-grade ingredients.
- Great for active, underweight, or picky Dogs.
- Nothing artificial.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands, but super fresh!
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice
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Overview
Lots of pet owners love this food because it’s known, and it’s clear why. The food has only natural stuff, like real meat and delicious vegetables. It also has vitamins, minerals, and stuff that help your dog’s immune system stay strong. There’s something called glucosamine in it that’s good for your dog’s joints, and it also has calcium and phosphorus to keep their bones and teeth strong.
The food doesn’t contain any grains, and it doesn’t have chicken or other parts from poultry. But, just remember, not every dog should eat food without grains. Also, some people who have this food say their pets don’t like it.
Pros
- Contains LifeSource Bits
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains natural ingredients
- No animal by-products
Cons
- Mixed reviews on taste, but a solid staple that many vets recommend
Choosing The Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
With this information in mind, you can start looking for the best dog food for Australian Shepherds. First and foremost, look for natural ingredients when you’re checking out foods. Try to stay away from foods that have lots of added ingredients to keep them fresh and free from added artificial flavors. The main source of protein in dog food should always be real animal protein. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and starchy vegetables are all good choices for what your dog eats. Also, think about these things:
Price
In any business, what you get is usually what you pay for. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot to give your pet good food. Before you adopt a dog, find out how much food is ideal for that breed and what age usually costs in a month. Then, you can make a plan for buying good food that won’t make you choose between quality and money.
Durability
If you’re feeding the same food to different dogs in different life stages, get something that’s made for “all life stages.” This is great for puppies, adults, or pregnant and nursing dogs. Puppies and moms need more nutrition than other dogs, and foods with this label should give them what they need.
Freshness
It’s best to get food that’s as fresh as possible. It’s not good if the food’s been sitting on the shelf for a long time. Try to find foods that stay good for a while. If you are a dog food store, always ask how long the food has been sitting.
How We Picked the Best Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
Every breed has things that make them different, like how they look and what they like. They also need different things to eat. That’s why we were really careful when we picked the best dog food for Australian shepherds. We thought about quality, nutrition, the type of food, and the price. Here’s what helped us choose:
Quality
First, we looked at how good the ingredients are, how the food is made, the quality of the packaging, and how it was made. We focus on brands that provide a good nutrient profile.
Nutrition
Every breed needs different kinds of food to stay healthy. If they don’t get what they need, they could have problems. We made sure each food had enough good stuff to keep your dogs healthy.
Type
There are two kinds of dog food, wet and dry. We wanted to make sure you had both options for your dog. Each dog owner is different and prefers different options for their pup.
Price
When it comes to good quality, you shouldn’t give up. But we made sure the food we picked is affordable in the long run. You will find JustFoodForDogs to be a bit pricier since it is fresher than some of the kibble brands. We personally have found many Australian Shepherds love the fresh food, but it is not an option for everyone.