The Australian Shepherd, often called an "Aussie," is a highly intelligent and energetic breed originally developed for herding livestock. Despite their name, they were bred in the United States and have since become beloved companions and working dogs around the world. Aussies are known for their beautiful coats, keen intelligence, and boundless energy, making them ideal for active families and individuals. Their strong work ethic and eagerness to please make them excellent candidates for obedience training, agility sports, and even therapy work. However, their high energy levels require ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Aussies are extremely loyal to their families and may be reserved around strangers, making early socialization important. They thrive in environments where they have a job to do, whether herding, competing in dog sports, or accompanying their owners on outdoor adventures. With proper training, exercise, and nutrition, Australian Shepherds make wonderful lifelong companions.
Feeding your Australian Shepherd well isn’t just about filling their bowl; it’s about fueling their body, supporting their health, and giving them the best chance to thrive. With so many choices, from canned dog food and kibble to grain-free formulas and the increasingly popular raw diet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the dietary and nutritional needs of Australian Shepherds at every stage of life.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Dogs
When it comes to nutrition, most dogs, regardless of breed, have surprisingly universal needs. Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. That means meat is their biological staple, but they can survive by scavenging and eating other food types, including some plant matter. Think about it like this: a human can technically live on fast food: burgers, chips, fizzy drinks. But will they feel their best? It’s the same story with dogs. Modern dogs may appear different from their wild ancestors, but biologically, they remain remarkably close to wolves.
Dogs have little requirement for carbohydrates, especially refined ones. However, most commercial dry dog foods are loaded with them, often making up more than 50% of the recipe. Why? Because carbs like grains, legumes and starchy fillers are cheap to bulk out food, not because they benefit your dog. That’s why more and more dog owners are turning to grain-free dog food or making the transition to feeding their dogs a fresh diet. Better digestion. More vitality. Shinier coats. Healthier teeth. Because when your dog eats better, they live better.
The Raw Food Diet: A Biologically Appropriate Approach
Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. Let’s be honest: you don’t see wolves in the wild rummaging in wheat fields or sniffing out dried biscuits. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
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Contrast that with ultra-processed commercial dog food. While convenient, it’s the exact opposite of raw. The high-heat manufacturing process depletes nutrients, denatures proteins, and creates inflammatory compounds. Worse still, the added carbs, synthetic vitamins, and often rancid heated fats can contribute to a long list of chronic health issues that are now on the rise - not just in dogs, but in humans too.
The great news? As more dog owners become aware of the benefits of fresh, natural feeding, the industry is evolving. But as with any dog food, quality matters. That’s why choosing a trusted supplier like ProDog matters. It’s not about being perfect or doing everything at once. Even introducing just a few raw meals a week, or adding a fresh food topper like raw meat, a cracked egg, or a spoonful of bone broth, can deliver meaningful nutritional benefits for your dog. So, wherever you are on your journey, whether you’re just starting to explore raw food for an Australian Shepherd or already making small changes, know that it all counts.
Portion Sizes and Feeding Guidelines
When it comes to portion sizes, there’s no universal answer. Just like people, every dog is different with their own metabolism, energy levels, and health goals.
The advice below is specifically for dogs eating a complete, balanced raw diet made from natural, whole food ingredients, such as ProDog’s FEDIAF-compliant Complete Raw Dog Food meals. As puppy parents who may be used to commercial dog food or dry dog food, switching to a fresh feeding approach can feel like a significant change. Raw feeding offers significant advantages in terms of nutrient absorption and overall health.
Nutritional Needs at Different Life Stages
Every stage of your Aussie's life-whether puppyhood, adulthood, or their senior years-comes with unique nutritional needs tailored to their age, activity level, and overall health. NutriCanine’s fresh, personalized meal plans are crafted to meet these evolving needs, ensuring that your dog receives the perfect balance of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients at every life stage.
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Puppyhood
Australian Shepherd puppies have high energy needs and require a diet rich in protein and healthy fats to support their rapid growth. Essential nutrients like DHA promote brain and eye development, while calcium and phosphorus ensure strong bones and joints. Puppies should be fed multiple small meals throughout the day to maintain energy levels and prevent hypoglycemia. A balanced, fresh-food diet with natural, human-grade ingredients helps support digestive health and overall well-being.
For safe growth, it’s important to feed a raw puppy-specific formula. ProDog’s raw puppy food meals are formulated to FEDIAF nutritional standards and expertly portioned for convenience. Not sure how much to feed? Puppy feeding guidelines are different from adult dogs and change as your young dog grows. Aussie puppies should eat four times daily from weaning to three months.
Adulthood
Adult Australian Shepherds thrive on a diet that balances protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. High-quality animal proteins support muscle maintenance, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote skin and coat health. Since Aussies are an active breed, they require sufficient calories to match their energy output, but portion control is essential to prevent weight gain. A fresh-food diet free from preservatives and artificial ingredients ensures optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
Australian Shepherds typically should be fed approximately 1.25 cups of dry dog food per meal, twice a day. Some members of the breed are prone to getting overweight, so be sure to keep an eye on your dog's calorie intake. Your Aussie’s exact nutritional requirements may vary based on their size, age, activity level, and food brand.
Transition to an adult diet for your Australian shepherd should occur when they reach approximately ten to 12 months. Generally, Australian shepherds are innately energetic and require sufficient calories to support their lifestyle, yet overfeeding can easily lead to obesity. As such, regularly monitoring their weight and adjusting food portions is crucial.
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Senior Years
As Australian Shepherds age, their metabolism slows, and they may become less active, requiring adjustments in their diet. Lower-calorie meals help prevent obesity, while high-quality protein maintains muscle mass. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, support cognitive function and joint health. Senior Aussies may also benefit from easily digestible foods with added fiber to promote digestive health. For senior Australian shepherds, the ideal diet composition should include 18 to 200% protein, 10% fat, and adequate fiber. Moreover, feed two to three cups daily, providing 1,077 to 1,403 kilocalories.
Addressing Specific Health Concerns Through Diet
Like all breeds, Australian Shepherds have specific health concerns that owners should be aware of. A well-managed diet can play a significant role in mitigating these issues.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in medium to large breeds, including Australian Shepherds. This hereditary condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, leading to arthritis and mobility issues over time. Symptoms may include limping, stiffness, and reluctance to exercise. While genetics play a major role, environmental factors such as rapid growth, excessive weight, and improper exercise can also contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact exercise, and providing joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help manage symptoms and improve joint health.
Hip and elbow dysplasia affects the joints, making weight management critical in reducing pain and discomfort.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects some Australian Shepherds, causing recurring seizures. While the exact cause is often unknown, it is believed to have a genetic component in many cases. Seizures can vary in severity, from mild episodes of confusion to full-body convulsions. Proper veterinary diagnosis is essential, as medication can help control seizure frequency and severity. Maintaining a consistent routine, reducing stress, and providing a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, may support brain health and minimize potential triggers.
MDR1 Gene Mutation
Due to the MDR1 gene mutation, many Australian Shepherds are highly sensitive to certain medications, including some dewormers, sedatives, chemotherapy drugs, and heartworm preventatives. This genetic mutation affects how their bodies process these substances, leading to severe or even life-threatening reactions. Symptoms of adverse reactions can include vomiting, tremors, seizures, excessive salivation, and difficulty breathing. Because the MDR1 mutation is relatively common in Australian Shepherds, genetic testing is highly recommended to determine if a dog carries the mutation. If an Aussie tests positive, owners should always inform their veterinarian before administering any new medication.
When dogs have this condition, it can affect how their body processes certain drugs and medications. The MDR1 gene makes dogs more sensitive to certain ingredients found in commonly used medications for flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, diarrhea, and certain cancers. The MDR1 gene can be detected with a DNA test.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a genetic eye disorder that causes the gradual degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. This condition is hereditary and currently has no cure, but early detection can help manage its progression. Symptoms often begin with night blindness and progress to full blindness over time. Regular veterinary eye check-ups can help monitor eye health, and while there is no treatment to reverse PRA, a diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, may support overall eye function and slow degeneration. Providing a stable environment with minimal obstacles can also help affected dogs adjust to vision loss.
Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Some Australian Shepherds may have food sensitivities or allergies, requiring a specialized diet. Fresh, single-protein meals with limited ingredients help identify and eliminate allergens. Novel proteins like duck or lamb may be easier for sensitive Aussies to digest. Avoid common allergens such as wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives, which can trigger digestive issues and skin irritation. Adding probiotics and prebiotics can support gut health and improve digestion.
American Natural Premium - the best dog food for Australian shepherd dogs - helps you prevent or manage the onset of these conditions. First, the premium dog food is free from grains, legumes, and chicken, making it the best food for dogs with allergies.
Weight Management
If an Australian Shepherd becomes overweight, a carefully controlled diet is necessary to help them return to a healthy weight. Lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables help keep them full without excessive calories. Portion control, along with scheduled feeding times, prevents overeating and helps regulate metabolism. Fresh-food diets with natural ingredients support digestion and promote nutrient absorption. Regular exercise, combined with a diet rich in essential nutrients and healthy fats, can help manage weight while maintaining muscle mass.
Despite their high energy levels, some Australian Shepherds can be prone to gaining weight as they age, so frequent reevaluation of their dietary needs is important.
Additional Tips for a Healthy Aussie
- Maintain your dog’s hydration.
- Consider an elimination diet by replacing common farmed meats like beef and chicken with novel proteins such as venison or goat raw dog food, both available in ProDog’s Exotics range.
- Raw food arrives frozen, so ensure you have sufficient freezer space.
- Want to personalize the bowl? You can safely use most real foods in moderation, but there are a few ingredients to avoid. If you’re feeding ProDog’s complete meals (such as our Smart Chubs or Complete Recipe) no additional ingredients are needed. They’re expertly balanced and nutritionally complete.
- Got a picky eater? It might not be the food.
Transitioning to a New Diet
Thinking about making the switch but not sure where to start?
- During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite.
- Digest, our dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food.
- Need help? Our team of canine nutritionists is here to support you every step of the way.
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