What is the best dog food for Australian Shepherds?
Australian Shepherds are a very active and energetic breed of dog. They require high-quality nutrition to get through their long workday and to live a happy and healthy life.
The best dog foods for this breed is one that is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
The best food for your Australian Shepherd depends on the dog’s age, diet preferences, activity level and health conditions.
Dogs also have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives.
To help you keep your Australian Shepherd in the best shape of his life for as long as possible, we put together a helpful guide that includes a list of the best foods for Australian Shepherds.
In addition to our recommendations and our dog food reviews, this post includes our favourite top tips, tricks and facts about Australian Shepherds.
What type of food should an Australian Shepherd eat?
Aussies require a high-protein, high-fat diet that supports their active lifestyles and long coats.
If you’re searching for a protein-rich formula for your Aussie, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food is the best option.
But every pup is different. As a result, I’ve included reviews of the finest options for Aussie diets, ranging from kibble to wet.
Have you been searching Google for things like best puppy food for Australian Shepherd or best dog food Australian Shepherd and found yourself overwhelmed with choice?
Whether you choose dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine what is the best food is by reading the label and looking at the AAFCO Statement. (1)
Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet, even if you’re choosing the best dog food brand for Australian Shepherds.
VIDEO: How To Prolong the life of your Dog!
Table of Contents
All of the dog foods on this list are in accordance with the AAFCO nutrient profile recommendations for dogs.
11 Best dog foods for Australian Shepherds
Best Grain Free Dry Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Key feature: High protein diet based on multiple animal sources
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 370 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, High Protein
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for Overall
Taste of the Wild dog foods is known for using high-quality protein sources as its primary ingredients and is considered the best dog food for an Australian Shepherd puppy.
This formula features real meat that provides a 32% protein content from buffalo, lamb, and chicken.
Active breeds need high-protein diets. And Aussies are among the most energetic dogs in the world.
High-quality protein gives your pup’s muscles the support they need to stay active. [2]
The grain-free formula includes whole fruits and vegetables to provide complex carbohydrates. These ingredients also support overall wellbeing by increasing concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants.
This food is also gluten-free and suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
Specific canine strains of probiotics support gut health. Probiotics help enhance nutrient absorption by breaking down food and regulating digestion. [3]
Aussie owners share that this dog food helps maintain muscle mass in active dogs. But you may also notice an increased frequency of bowel movements.
Best Australian Shepherd Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Key feature: Puppy formula with high-quality protein
- Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 398 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Soy, No Protein
- Life Stage: Growth
- Best for: Aussie Puppies
Aussie puppies are tiny, fluffy balls of energy that need specialized nutrition to support healthy growth.
This puppy formula provides 27% crude protein from real deboned chicken to meet this breed’s need for high-quality protein.
Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the best dog food for an Australian Shepherd puppy.
Protein provides the basic building blocks for muscle development as puppies grow. Additional animal protein from menhaden fish meal is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
These healthy fats are essential for brain and eye development in young dogs. [4]
When training with your puppy, providing consistent rewards for desirable behaviors is the key to establishing a connection.
Check out our expert review of the best puppy training treats for your Australian Shepherd puppy.
Concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals meet your Aussie puppy’s requirements for healthy bone growth. Vitamin E and other antioxidants boost the weak immune system of young puppies and should be plentiful in the best food for Australian Shepherd puppies.
This kibble is perfectly sized for smaller jaws. It also helps remove tartar from tiny pearly whites. The formula is also free of corn, wheat, soy, or chicken and is generally considered the best dog food for Australian Shepherd puppy.
Aussie owners recommend this formula for promoting steady growth and energy in active puppies.
Best Natural Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Key feature: High Protein plus Glucosamine & Chondroitin to help promote healthy joints .
- Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 398 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Life Stage: Growth
- Best for Aussie Adults
This recipe by Nutro Ultra includes a blend of holistic superfoods to give your dog the best nutrition he can thrive on.
The ideal mix is based on premium lean proteins, a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy oils.
Nutritional Profile Includes:
- Protein-rich NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality protein and our blends of 15 vibrant superfoods, like coconut, chia, kale, blueberries, and other quality ingredients
- Made with no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon—chicken is the #1 ingredient—specially formulated for large breed adult dogs
Ultra Large Breed has a natural source of Glucosamine & Chondroitin to help promote healthy joints and keep your furry friend active and vibrant, plus Sunflower Oil, rich in Linoleic Acid to help your dog have healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Specially fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine.
Taurine provides added health benefits for dogs as a natural antioxidant as well as for healthy eyesight and hearing.
Best Senior dog Food for Australian Shepherds
American Journey Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Key feature: High-protein diet for active older Aussies
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 355 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, High-Protein
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best for: Senior Aussies
Most elderly dogs require less protein as they age. But good dog food for Australian Shepherds who are a little more senior, should consist of a high-protein diet, which can help keep your older Australian Shepherd active.
This formula features a 30% crude protein content from deboned chicken.
High-quality protein can also help prevent muscle loss in older dogs.
Years of enthusiastic playing can strain your pup’s joints as he ages. Most senior dog food will include glucosamine to help protect joint cartilage. [5] Chicken meal provides a natural source of this chondroprotective nutrient.
This senior dog food also features coconut oil. This superfood provides medium-chain triglycerides, which can help maintain brain health as your dog ages.
Fiber is not a primary source of energy. But a fiber content of 7% helps regulate sensitive old digestive tracts. Fiber-rich foods act as a prebiotic to nourish the good bacteria in the digestive system.
Australian Shepherds who eat this diet may experience enhanced mobility and overall health. But some Aussie owners complain that the formula made their dog stink.
Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Diet
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Lamb
- Key feature: Grain-Free Recipe for Sensitivities
- Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 16.5% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 447 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Life Stage: Growth
- Best for Aussie Adults
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Diet is made of just a few hand-picked ingredients that won’t aggravate dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.
While it is pretty simple, it is complete and balanced for everyday feeding.
Instinct Limited Ingredient dog food is made with 1 protein & 1 vegetable.
No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives for pets with food sensitivities.
Made with grass-fed lamb, an easily digestible protein that provides all the essential amino with Guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidantspromote healthy skin and coat, plus immune health
Omega fatty acids are included to improve your dog’s skin and coat quality, which is essential if your dog has allergies.
In order to remain complete and balanced, this kibble has added vitamins and minerals which support the immune system and ensure that your dog stays happy and healthy.
Traditional Carbs are replaced by Easily digestible peas and tapioca, healthy carbs that won’t cause stomach upsets or make your dog itchy.
Best Human Grade Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dried Apples
- Key feature: 100% Human Grade
- Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6.5% Crude Fiber, 8.5% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 446 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, No byproducts, preservatives, GMO ingredients, hormones, or antibiotics
- Life Stage: Adult & Senior Dog
- Best for Overall
With this human-grade recipe produced in a human-grade facility, this is a great choice if you are looking for high-quality and highly digestible meals for your Australian Shepherd.
This dehydrated food retains a higher nutritional value than cooked foods which makes it healthier and tastier.
This grain-free dehydrated adult dog food is packed with 100% real free-range chicken and a variety of fruits and vegetables including bananas, de-cored apples, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, and more!
It is some of the best food for Australian Shepherd pups and grown dogs.
Nutritional Profile includes:
- World’s first pet food made in the USA with 100% human-grade ingredients produced in a human food facility. Unlike most pet food, this recipe is 100% human grade – made with human-grade ingredients & produced in a human food facility. That means higher quality ingredients & more safety standards, just like you’d expect from your own food.
- GRAIN FREE, FREE RANGE CHICKEN: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken dog food is made with real whole food ingredients like free-range chicken, green beans & apples, which are gently dehydrated for maximum nutrient retention and easy digestion.
- Dehydrated whole foods maintain their vitamins and minerals so that your furry friend gets all the nutrition he needs—just add water!
- Grain-free formula made without corn, wheat, soy, or added sugars made especially suitable for pals with food sensitivities.
- Contains no by-products, preservatives, GMO ingredients, hormones, or antibiotics because your pup deserves nothing but the best.
- This recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.
- SUITABLE FOR ADULT DOGS: Complete & Balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes including adult and senior dogs.
Best Dog Food For Shepherds If You’re On A Budget
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat
- Key feature: Budget-friendly formula with real meat as the first ingredient
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 2.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 368 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Best for Budget Aussie Food
This formula’s 26% crude protein content comes from the cage-free chicken. Other affordable diets use meat by-products as the first ingredient.
But those competitors do not include enough high-quality protein for active breeds like Australian Shepherds.
Real fruits and vegetables provide natural sources of antioxidants like vitamin C.
Antioxidants enhance immune health and protect tissue from oxidative damage. [6]
Salmon oil is high in omega fatty acids that support coat health. These healthy fats encourage the natural oil production necessary to maintain your Aussie’s long coat.
Nutrient absorption and digestion get support from a probiotic content of 80 billion CFU. This formula is also suitable for sensitive stomachs and free of corn, wheat, and soy.
Budget-conscious Aussie lovers recommend this food as a high-quality but affordable alternative to premium brands. But a few reviews share that some dogs may not find the taste appealing.
Best High Protein Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Wellness Core Grain-Free Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
- Key feature: Grain-free dog food with whole-food ingredients
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 317 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, High-Protein
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Premium Aussie Food
This grain-free formula is exceptionally high in protein and ideal for Australian Shepherds. The 34% protein content from deboned chicken supports active dogs who need healthy muscles.
This grain-free formula also contains added taurine, making it safe for heart health. This amino acid may improve cardiac function by reducing blood pressure. [7]
The inclusion of ‘superfoods’ like spinach, blueberries, and kale increases this dog food’s nutrient concentrations.
The recipe does not include any fillers that could cause food intolerances or increase this high-protein recipe’s calories.
Added glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce inflammation and manage joint pain.
Many Aussie owners notice an improvement in the overall health of their pets when feeding this dog food. It is also very palatable and an excellent choice for picky eaters.
Best Grain Free wet Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Lamb Broth, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, Lamb Liver
- Key feature: Grain-free wet food based on beef
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 322 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Wet Food for Australian Shepherds
High-quality protein is provided in this dog food by several animal sources. Beef, lamb, and venison offer a complete amino acid profile and high protein content for active dogs.
An 82% moisture content reduces the other crude percentages in wet formulas. But this is still a high-protein dog food ideal for Australian Shepherds.
Aussie owners with picky dogs highly recommend this dog food. Wet food has a taste and texture that is more appealing to fussy pups.
Lamb liver and other organ meats provide excellent sources of Vitamin A. [8]
Adequate levels of vitamin A help protect your dog’s eyes and vision. Aussies are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, so supporting eye health is vital.
This grain-free formula also features added taurine and complex carbohydrates. These ingredients make it a suitable recipe for dogs with high energy needs.
Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Canidae Pure Grain-Free Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Key Feature: Limited Ingredient diet for dogs with Allergies
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 496 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, Chicken-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Aussies with Allergies
Some Australian Shepherds may suffer from food allergies. Limited-ingredient diets like this one use simple recipes designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Eliminating common allergens from the recipe helps limit the potential for allergic reactions. This dog food uses a single source of protein to provide a 32% crude protein content.
Most allergens are proteins, so a single protein source helps prevent your pup from developing new allergies. [9]
Salmon is also an excellent source of healthy fats necessary for coat health in Australian Shepherds.
This recipe only uses eight ingredients to provide comprehensive nutrition. It does not include any grains, soy, wheat, or corn.
Added taurine in this recipe helps promote cardiovascular health. This grain-free recipe also provides adequate sources of complex carbohydrates from potatoes and peas for energy.
This food has a high caloric content that is not suitable for overweight Aussies. But many owners report success managing their dog’s allergies with this formula.
Best Joint Care Dog food for Australian Shepherds
Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat
- Key Feature: Mobility diet supports dogs with joint conditions
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 367 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Mobility Diet
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Aussies with Joint Problems
This mobility dog food provides joint support and high-quality sources of protein. Chicken meal provides 28% protein content for this formula.
Aussies are active dogs who can strain their joints over years of excessive wear and tear. They are also predisposed to hip dysplasia and other skeletal conditions that can cause arthritis.
The Australian Shepherd best food will consist of high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to help reduce joint inflammation. [10] Reducing inflammation in irritated joints is critical for managing joint pain.
A high concentration of glucosamine and chondroitin helps regenerate healthy joint cartilage. These popular ingredients are frequently used in mobility formulas to manage joint discomfort. [11]
Vitamins E and C act as antioxidants to help protect joints from free radical damage. [12]
Most owners report improvements in their Aussie’s mobility within the first month of beginning this diet. But, the kibble may be too large for smaller Australian Shepherds.
Best Supplements for Australian Shepherds
You may be surprised to learn that there are far more effective dog joint solutions than the standard synthetic joint additives found in other joint supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM.
Most hip and joint supplements rely on manufactured ingredients that “mimic” the 4 main building blocks found in joints- Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic acid, and Collagen. But in this formula, a lot of the ingredients never get absorbed and into the actual joints.
Full Bucket’s Canine Cush is the first joint supplement product with FOUR formulas that reduces pain, inflammation & Anxiety and delivers the FOUR MAIN building blocks directly to the joints.
Check out our page on Canine Cush for Dogs.
Best dog food for Australian Shepherds
Aussies require a high-quality diet that matches their busy lifestyle. When looking for the ideal dog food for your Aussie, you must consider a number of factors.
The best advice you can get on feeding your dog is to feed him or her the finest food you can afford. The differences between high-quality and low-cost meals aren’t just about your budget.
Cheaper brands of dog food often feature higher concentrations of carbohydrates and may be missing essential ingredients that keep your Aussie at his or her best.
Look for companies that follow AAFCO recommendations and use high-quality ingredients. Choose meals with meat-based components listed as the first two to three items. Avoid meals containing excessive chemical preservatives or filler materials like wheat, corn, and soy.
In today’s market, there are so many dog food brands. How do you tell the trustworthy ones from the questionable ones? You can keep your dog healthy by reading our article about what toxins you should look for in some dog food brands.
What to Look for in Australian Shepherd Food
Start with high-quality puppy food or adult dog food to ensure that your Australian Shepherd’s nutritional needs are met. While the Aussie may be classed as a big breed if it reaches more than 50 pounds at maturity, its energy level is greater than many big breeds.
This implies that large-breed dog food may not be rich enough in nutrients for the Aussie. The Aussie’s coat may need more fat, and its body mass may need more energy to burn.
Protein is a vital nutrient for your Aussie, along with the calcium it needs for strong bones. You should aim at least 24 percent of protein in your pet’s food, but many brands contain more than 25 percent of their ingredients as protein.
Look for the first ingredient to be named meat, rather than one called byproduct or animal fat.
The best raw dog food for Australian Shepherds will contain lots of protein. The ingredient list, with its order of dominance by weight, appears on the product’s label.
Whether you are shopping for the best food for Australian Shepherds, or the best treats for Australian Shepherds, always go for Quality!
A high-quality dog treat is your best training tool when it comes to training a dog. Discover the best human-grade dog treats for Australian Shepherds in our blog.
How Much and How Often Should You Feed Australian Shepherds?
The calorie consumption of an Australian shepherd should be around 30 calories per pound of bodyweight each day. Their food intake will vary according on their age and level of activity.
Between 35 and 60 pounds is the adult weight of this breed. So you would feed an adult Aussie with average activity levels of around 1,000 to 1,800 calories per day.
Active dogs require more energy in order to function properly. However, older dogs have lower calorie needs as they become sedentary. Puppies require greater amounts of food.
| Puppy Age | Daily Amount of Food |
|---|---|
| 2 – 3 Months | ⅔ – 2 Cups |
| 4 – 5 Months | 1 ¾ – 3 ⅓ Cups |
| 6 – 8 Months | 1 ⅓ – 3 ¼ Cups |
| 9 – 11 Months | 2 ⅓ – 4 Cups |
| 1 – 2 Years | 2 ⅓ – 5 ¼ Cups |
You can also split your Australian’s meals into two per day to minimize digestive difficulties from overfeeding. Puppies might benefit from eating three or more times a day.
Consider these factors when choosing dog food for your Australian Shepherd
- A high-quality source of animal protein.
Protein is needed to create strong muscles. To improve digestibility and provide all essential amino acids, it should come from high-quality animal sources.
Creatine is needed to maintain high energy levels for improved exercise performance. This comes from red meat and fish, but can also be supplemented.
- Moderate-to-high fat content. Fat is a concentrated source of energy for canines in the form of calories. Because Aussies are so active, they may require a greater fat content than usual.
- Complete and balanced nutrition. Ensure that the meal you choose has an AAFCO statement of nutritional quality verifying that it meets your dog’s minimum nutritional needs.
If you are looking for the best raw food to feed Austalian Shepherds, check out our blog on the best food for Australian Shepherds.
- Nutritious and digestible carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are good for dogs. They provide dietary fiber, essential nutrients, and energy in the form of starchy vegetables, whole grains, and fresh fruits. Simply keep the carbohydrate quantity moderate by focusing on animal-based components.
- Avoid dog foods that contain byproducts, fillers, or artificial additives since they are the least nutritious and edible components for your dog. The shorter the ingredient list, in general, the better!
Major Health Conditions Effecting Australian Shepherds
MDR1 defect
Because of the faulty MDR1 gene, certain breeds are more sensitive to certain medicines such as ivermectin-type heartworms (including moxidectin, selamectin, and doramectin), loperamide (for diarrhea), acepromazine (for sedation), butorphanol (for pain relief), and gabapentin (for seizure control). The levels of these drugs in the blood can be toxic to affected breeds.
Hip displaysia
Hip dysplasia affects a wide range of dog breeds. While more breeders are hip-scoring in order to eliminate this fatal illness, it may occasionally occur, particularly if the puppy is overfed at a young age.
Auto-immune diseases
Other common health problems in Aussies include:Thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, glomerulonephritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, Leg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Lupus, myasthenia gravis, patellar luxation, renal dysplasia, systemic lupus erythematosus
Elbow Dysplasia
Progressive forelimb lameness is a frequent cause of forelimb dysfunction in many large breeds, due to a number of possible flaws, including osteochondrosis and an uneven growth rate between the radius and ulnar bones of the forearm. This problem is yet another incentive not to overfeed a dog that is growing.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy in dogs is characterized by muscular spasms and shaking, like it is in people. There is no known cause of true epilepsy in dogs. Dogs suffering from seizure typically respond to frequent medication.
”CBD has been used for both dogs and humans with epilepsy because of the fact that it reduces seizures by calming down excess electrical activity in the brain” Check out our expert review on CBD for Seizures in Dogs.
Australian Shepherd Preventative Care & What To Look For
Breeders may use a variety of DNA tests to look for the Multi-Drug Resistance Gene, hereditary cataracts, Pelger Huet Anomaly, Collie Eye Anomaly, and Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (a form of eye disease), so ask which testing your breeder uses.
Breeders should also be looking into elbow and hip testing as these are also becoming available.
The Orthopedic Foundation of Animals offers a hip scoring procedure that can be done on dogs as young as four months old, but they must be at least two years of age before both hips can be scored.
This is done by taking x-rays and measuring the space around the femoral head and comparing it to a standard. If the dog’s hip scores are an average of less than .3, they may be classified as dysplastic.
Be cautious about acquiring a rare white Australian due to the double merle or “lethal white” gene, which is passed down from two merle parents and increases the risk of vision and hearing problems.
During your 6-month check-ups, ask your veterinarian to check your dog’s hips, eyes, and heart on a regular basis. Also, keep weight gain and overfeeding to a minimum during the growing period.
If your dog has the MDR1 gene (which can be identified), you should inform your veterinarian so that certain medications may be avoided. Some of the medicines are suitable for regular dosages, but all have alternatives, so they should usually be avoided just to be careful.
5 Cool Facts About Australian Shepherds
1. They are not actually Australian.
The Australian Shepherd was probably developed in the Basque region of Spain. Australians and Americans called the dogs Australian Shepherds after their Basque shepherds took them to Australia and then to the United States.
The breed as we know it today was created solely in the United States.
2. Native Americans considered them sacred.
According to legend, Native Americans referred to Australian Shepherds as “ghost eye” and considered them holy. These dogs do not always have blue eyes, but pale blue “ghostly” eyes are frequent among the breed
3. Australian Shepherds love to be close to their family members.
They will follow you from room to room, outside, and even the restroom. Having one might be comparable to having a shadow, especially if you are your Aussie’s “favorite person.”
4. One was a frisbee superstar!
In the 1970s, Australian Shepherd Hyper Hank and his owner Eldon McIntire became well-known for their brilliant Frisbee act.
The skilled disc team won competitions all over the country, appeared at Super Bowl XII’s pre-show, and even entertained with the Carters at the White House. The energetic dog was named after his overflowing enthusiasm
5. They often have two different colored eyes.
Heterochromia is a condition in which an Australian Shepherd’s eyes are of two different colors, as is the case with many other dog breeds. Aussies might have brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes. Some Aussies have more than one color within the same eye.
Australian Shepherd dog food
The best dog foods for Australian Shepherds requires a high-protein and high-fat diet to support their activity and coat health.
So, what is the best dog food for Australian Shepherds? In my opinion, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food is the best dog food for Australian Shepherds that need high-quality protein.
This breed is a smart, devoted, and enjoyable companion. Your canine buddy deserves the greatest nutrition available to help him live his fullest possible dog existence.
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract!
Discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-read our blog on: The best Probiotic for Dogs.
References:
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-food-label-lessons-what-is-an-aafco-statement
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5672309/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766488/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312017422_Brain_food_for_puppies
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356289/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508397/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292607/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292607/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292607/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9659552/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308779320_Glucosamine_and_chondroitin_in_mobility_foods_for_dogs
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508397/
