Australian Shepherds are a medium-size breed best known for their agility and intelligence. They are also usually very easy to train, being great at obedience, agility, herding, and all dog sports. Since they are such energetic dogs, they can become destructive if not exercised enough or if they lack proper basic training.
When looking for the best dog food for Australian Shepherd, you should be aware that the AAFCO recommends for adult Aussies to have at least 18 percent protein in their diet and a minimum of 5 percent fat from sources such as chicken fat, fish, and salmon oil.
You should not lose sight that being such an active animal, Australian Shepherds who don’t exercise as much can put on a lot of weight if not following a proper diet.
11 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds
If you have an Australian Shepherd with a sensitive stomach or food allergies, which is not uncommon, CANIDAE might be a great choice for you!
Key Specifications
- Sizes – 4lb, 12lb and 24lb
- Protein – Fresh duck
- Probiotics – Yes
- Grain-Free – Yes
- Why It’s Recommended – With 8 key ingredients, it’s great for sensitive stomachs
They rely on simple recipes formulated for sensitive pets with a limited selection of components between 7 to 10 all-natural key ingredients that are easily digestible. You can choose from a variety of formulas made with real meat or fish first, and paired with whole ingredients.
We have selected one made with 8 key ingredients, having fresh duck meat as the main source of protein. Aside from the fresh duck, you can find a variety of whole foods like duck and turkey meat, sweet potatoes, peas, chicken fat, potatoes, and alfalfa. This selection is great at being gentle on the digestive tract.
The addition of probiotics in every piece of the kibble after cooking also helps aid healthy digestion, and is enriched with antioxidants it offers a boost to their immune systems and to top it off – even includes omega fatty acids for a shiny coat.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Made with fresh duck meat
- Enriched with antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- A simple formula to ensure easier digestion for dogs with food allergies.
Cons
- A few cases of vomit and/or diarrhea on dogs
- Can give some dogs bad breaths
Even if your pet isn’t sensitive to certain types of food, they are still going to love the great taste of CANIDAE!
2. Crave
Crave Grain-Free
$42.49
Some experts believe that house pets, like dogs and cats, should have the same nutrition as their ancestors had in the wild, a protein-rich diet.
Key Specifications
- Sizes – 4lb, 12lb and 22lb
- Protein – Lamb and Venison
- Probiotics – No
- Grain-Free – Yes
- Why It’s Recommended – High-protein and grain-free recipe
CRAVE shares this same philosophy and is dog food made out of a high-protein recipe in order to provide your pet with the energy needed to pursue high-level exercise and maintain healthy lean bodies. In all their formulas, you will find high-quality animal proteins with a flavor your pet will love.
This dog food is made using real lamb meat, and your Australian Shepherd is bound to thrive on it. Made with 34% protein, this grain-free recipe can provide the complete source of quality carbohydrates necessary to boost your dog’s energy.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Made with lamb and venison as the number one ingredient
- No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy protein
- Enriched with antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
Cons
- Some dogs don’t like the taste of it
- There are a few complaints of causing problems to dogs due to its high protein levels
Crafted using only the highest quality ingredients, CRAVE is a no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and you also won’t find artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
3. Orijen
Orijen Original
Another great option among premium dog foods, Orijen, offers your dog portions made using freeze-dried ingredients to lock in all of the natural benefits of their fresh and regional nutrients.
Key Specifications
- Sizes – 4.5lb, 13lb and 25lb
- Protein – Deboned chicken and turkey
- Probiotics – No
- Grain-Free – Yes
- Why It’s Recommended – All-natural balanced ingredients
It’s prepared to mimic what would be the dog’s natural diet making this a great Australian Sheperd dog food.
As its main high-quality protein ingredient, Orijen Original uses free-run chicken and turkey meat, wild-caught yellow flounders, and whole eggs, which will provide your Aussie with a whopping 38% protein diet.
This dog food is packed with a number of wholesome foods like peas, pumpkins, kale, apple, and much more, and because of that, this is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with the addition of only zinc supplement.
Pros
- Grain-free
- High-quality protein like deboned chicken and turkey meat
- Meats as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
- It contains DHA and EPA from fish, great for immune and nervous systems.
Cons
- There are complains of bad batches and quality control issues
- Some articles state that this product contains unhealthy levels of additives
Due to Orijen’s fresh poultry, meats and fish, it provides a rich and natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, contributing to your dog’s shinier coat. It also contains DHA and EPA from the fresh saltwater fish, which are essential for your dog’s immune and nervous systems.
4. Earthborn Holistic
If you have an Australian Shepherd prone to skin or food allergies, you should consider a dog food made without grain, gluten or potato, just like this special formula by Earthborn.
Key Specifications
- Sizes – 14lb and 28lb
- Protein – Lean red meat lamb meal
- Probiotics – No
- Grain-Free – Yes
- Why It’s Recommended – Grain, gluten-free great for sensitive stomachs
This is a perfect grain-free alternative diet with a premium lamb meal, a high-quality protein source to develop and sustain energy and muscle function.
You will also find carefully chosen vegetables and fruits, like pears, apples, blueberries, carrots, spinach, and cranberries which will help meet your dog’s daily nutritional needs without other supplements.
To achieve optimum nutrition, there are chelated minerals, which are easily absorbed into the tissues of your dog’s body, and L-carnitine, to help to convert body fat into muscle and energy, supporting lean muscle mass and overall body conditioning for a healthy, active lifestyle.
The balanced omega fatty acids will play a vital role in establishing the lipid barrier of the skin, supporting healthy maintenance of your dog’s skin and coat.
Pros
- Grain and gluten-free
- Balanced ratio of omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat
- Made with lean red meat lamb meal as its high-quality protein source
- Some users say this dog food was great for their dogs with a sensitive stomach
Cons
- Some dogs don’t like the taste of it.
- There are complains of dogs increasing the quantity of poop
- There are complains of being too hard for dogs
As you can see, Earthborn is a high-quality product can provide your dog with excellent digestibility and nutrient absorption.
5. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo
$33.98
Blue Buffalo is a super tasty and well-balanced holistic formula, always featuring real meat as the number 1 ingredient; in this case, it’s made using protein-rich deboned chicken and brown rice.
Key Specifications
- Sizes – 6lb and 15lb
- Protein – Deboned chicken and brown rice
- Probiotics – No
- Grain Free – No
- Why It’s Recommended – High-protein recipe great for dogs with allergies
It also contains L-Carnitine to help develop and maintain your dog’s lean muscles, and wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits. Formulated with a precise blend of proteins and carbohydrates to meet a smaller dog’s higher energy needs, Blue Buffalo doesn’t contain extra calories and will help your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
This high-protein recipe is enhanced with vitamins and minerals and the BLUE’s exclusive Life Source Bits, which is a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance.
And to help prevent degradation and preserve potency, these nutrients are processed at a lower temperature than the rest of the ingredients.
It also has glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and overall mobility, and an optimal balance of omega fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Pros
- Made with deboned chicken and brown rice
- Enriched with antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Many people say it really helped with their dog’s allergies and diet.
Cons
- There are complains of bad batches
- There are complains of provoking seizures
- There are complains of vomit and/or diarrhea on dogs
Another great advantage of Blue Buffalo is the True Blue Promise to produce no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and also no corn, wheat or soy, also especially, no artificial flavors or preservatives.
6. Hill’s Science
Hill’S Science
$57.99
Hills science provides a blend of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and essential omega-6 fatty acids. This dog food will provide your dog with daily nutrition needed for the overall well-being of Australian Shepherds.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 38.1 lb
- Dimensions – 23.8” X 19.8” X 6.5” inches
- Shipping – only in the United States
- Warranty – yes
- Why we recommend – It’s a nutritious dog food that provides adult canines with essential nutrition that helps them live a long happy, healthy life.
This nutritious dry dog food is recommended for Australian Shepherds that weigh 55 pounds or more. It’s essential that adult dogs receive the right amount of balanced nutrition as they age. This dog food provides natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine which are both highly supportive of joint health and increased mobility.
As a parent to an Australian Shepherd, you want to provide a healthy diet that is high in protein to help maintain a healthy weight and lean muscles. This dog food is created in the United States using high-quality ingredients from around the world.
Your dog will see a shiny coat within 30 days of eating this healthy dry dog food. The exclusive blend of vitamins, omega-6 fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients create a healthy body and a shiny coat.
A healthy immune system is essential for dogs to live a long healthy life. The ingredients in this dog food are specially formulated to support a healthy immune system. Having a strong immune system helps your dog heal quickly, Plus helps fight off bacteria, germs, and illnesses.
Pros
- Provides natural sources of glucosamine
- Provides natural sources of chondroitin
- Supports joint health
- Supports improved Mobility
- Ingredients are high quality
- Offers an exclusive blend of vitamins and essential omega-6 fatty acids
- Promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin
- Supports a strong and healthy immune system
- Contains a clinically proven blend of antioxidants
- Contains vitamin C and E
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
- Only suited for dogs weighing 55 lb or more
Hill’s Science Diet for adults is an excellent way to provide your dog with daily essential vitamins and nutrients. Your dog will love the chicken and barley flavor and always ask for more!
7. Purina One Smartblend
Purina One smart blend natural adult dry dog food comes in a delicious lamb and rice flavor your dog will love! This dog food is excellent for helping to keep your dog’s immune system strong and healthy.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 31.4 lb
- Product dimensions – 5.5” X 20” X 24” inches
- Shipping – Only in the United States
- Warranty – yes
- Why we recommend – It supports a healthy and strong immune system that helps adult dogs maintain a healthy life.
As a parent to an Australian Shepherd chances are you are doing your best to provide a balanced and healthy diet. As your dog becomes an adult, many dog owners have difficulty finding the right food for their dog. This smart blend of ingredients is made with high-quality protein sources and list real lamb as their number 1 ingredient.
The specially formulated kibble includes natural sources of glucosamine that contribute to maintaining healthy joints. The ingredients also contain a blend of antioxidants that provides a dual defense to support a strong immune system.
You can choose to purchase a variety of different sized bags of food such as 8, 16, 31, 40-pound bags. This makes it easy to test out the dog food in the beginning by just purchasing a smaller bag then increase to a more significant amount depending on how much your dog eats or how many dogs do you have.
Pros
- A variety of size options available
- High-quality protein sources
- Contains real lamb
- Contains antioxidants
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals
- Supports a healthy coat and skin
- Supports a strong immune system
- Maintains healthy joints
- Includes natural sources of glucosamine
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
- Only suitable for adult dogs
This nutritious dog food will help your dog maintain healthy joints, a strong immune system, a shiny coat, and more. The delicious lamb flavor encourages your dog to enjoy every meal.
8. Rachael Ray Nutrish
Rachael Ray Nutrish
$33.98
Rachael Ray Nutrish contains U.S. farm-raised beef. It also includes natural prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, and other essential ingredients that help keep your dog healthy throughout their lifetime.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 28 pounds
- Dimensions – 24” X 18” X 5.5” inches
- Shipping – Only in the United States
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It provides a balanced, healthy diet with a taste of dogs’ love.
Are you looking for a natural dog food that supports healthy digestion? If so, this is the dog food you need. It contains real beef that is farm-raised in the United States among other ingredients that support a healthy digestive system.
This natural dog food contains minerals and vitamins that are essential for your dog’s health. It also contains natural prebiotics that helps support a healthy digestive system when dogs eat this food on a regular basis.
This dog food does not contain poultry by-product meal, wheat gluten, wheat, or other filler ingredients. You can choose from a variety of size bags such as 6,14, 28, and 40-pound dog food bags.
Dogs that enjoy the taste of beef will keep coming back for more when they know this dog food is in their bowl. This real beef, peas, and brown rice recipe will become their favorite flavor Dog food.
Pros
- Farm-raised beef
- Support a healthy digestive system
- Contains natural prebiotics
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial preservatives
- No by-product meal
- No Wheat
- No filler ingredients
- No wheat gluten
- Provides essential vitamins
- Includes essential minerals
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
The Rachael Ray Nutrish is excellent for dogs that have sensitivities to other types of ingredients. It helps support a healthy digestive system and provides well-balanced nutrition. Your dog is going to enjoy the taste and benefit from the healthy vitamins and minerals as well as other natural ingredients in this dog food!
9. Nulo
Nulo grain-free all-natural dog food contains clean ingredients that help your dog maintain robust energy levels and a healthy weight. Your dog will enjoy the delicious flavor of salmon, lamb, or turkey.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 11.2 pounds
- Dimensions – 5” X 2” X 4” inches
- Shipping – Only in the United States
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It contains 100% all-natural ingredients that help your dog maintain a healthy weight and improve their energy levels
This grain-free dog food provides a balanced diet with the flavor dogs enjoy. Pet parents that are concerned about their dogs consuming certain ingredients that trigger allergies can put their trust into trying this healthy natural dog food.
Does your dog have difficulty digesting soy, wheat gluten, corn, greens, artificial colors, or flavors? If your dog is unable to eat food that includes the ingredients just mentioned you will definitely want to try Nulo dog food!
This dog food is excellent for dogs with allergies and sensitive digestive systems. The ingredients are rich in protein, low-carb, and include probiotics. The combination of these ingredients helps dogs live a long healthy life.
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids nourish your dog from the inside out and make their skin and coat shiny and healthy. The salmon and pea recipe creates unique flavor dogs enjoy!
Pros
- 100% all-natural ingredients
- Grain-free
- Helps maintain a balanced diet
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Boost energy levels
- Doesn’t include allergy-triggering ingredients
- Promotes healthy skin
- Promotes lean muscles
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
- Only available in three size options
Nulo is a natural dog food that helps your dog maintain excellent overall health. The dry kibble is fun for your dog to crunch on and enjoy at every meal. You also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of flavors such as Salmon, turkey, and lamb.
10. Taste Of The Wild
Taste of the Wild contains real salmon. It provides optimal nutrition for overall good health and strong muscles.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 30.2 pounds
- Dimensions – 18” X 25” X 5.2” inches
- Shipping – only in the United States
- Warranty – yes
- Why we recommend – It’s highly digestible and rich with nutrients which provides your dog with a well-balanced diet
Does your dog enjoy the taste of salmon? This particular dry dog food contains real salmon which is smoked to perfection and provides your dog with the flavor they love.
Since the number one ingredient is salmon, it provides your dog with protein and amino acids that are essential for overall good health. The other ingredients are vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables and fruits in the dog food provide the perfect amount of antioxidants along with fatty acids for optimum health benefits.
Your dog’s coat will be shiny, and their skin will be healthy when eating this dog food as a regular part of their diet. All of the ingredients in this kibble are created from sustainable sources from around the globe. It does not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, corn, wheat or other filler ingredients. You can trust that you are providing your dog with a healthy diet.
Dogs that have digestive issues will benefit from consuming this ingredient rich dog food. It contains probiotics that thrive in the GI tract which makes it easier to digest compared to other dog foods.
Pros
- Real salmon is the number one ingredient
- Rich in protein
- Supports lean and strong muscles
- Deliciously smoked salmon flavor dogs love
- Contains essential fatty acids
- Provides your dog with antioxidants needed for overall good health
- Contains added vitamins and minerals
- Produces a shiny coat
- Supports healthy skin
- No artificial colors
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial preservatives
- Does not contain filler ingredients
- Nutrient-rich for Optimum Health
- Easy to digest
- Includes probiotics that are good for the GI tract
- Made by a family-owned and trusted business
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
- Only available in bags up to 30lbs
Your dog will enjoy the delicious taste of salmon and the health benefits that go along with this healthy dog food. As a pet parent, you will be proud to provide your dog with excellent nutrition to help keep them happy and healthy.
11. Wellness Core
Wellness Core
Wellness Core is 100% grain-free. It provides your dog with a balanced and complete diet for everyday nutrition.
Key Specifications
- Weight – 26 pounds
- Dimensions – 16” X 4.8” X 24.5” inches
- Shipping – Only in the United States
- Warranty – Yes
- Why we recommend – It provides a well-balanced and nutritious diet for your dog to experience optimum health
Did your veterinarian recommend a protein-focused diet for your dog? If so, this naturally grain-free dog food is the one you need. It contains protein every dog loves such as chicken and turkey: the other nutritious ingredients are vegetables, minerals, and essential vitamins.
Dogs that have allergies often are restricted to eating diets without artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. You won’t find any artificial ingredients in this dog food or meat by-products, soy, wheat, or corn.
All dogs require protein in their diet it’s essential for their overall well-being. However, many commercial dog foods don’t provide enough protein to help your dog reach its optimal health level. This particular dog food provides optimum protein that encourages strong bones, healthy muscles, and overall good health.
Pros
- 100% grain-free
- A complete and balanced daily diet
- Protein-focused nutrition
- Rich with premium proteins
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
- All-natural ingredients
- No soy
- No corn
- No wheat
- No artificial preservatives
- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Only ships in the United States
- The largest bag is only 26 pounds
Does your dog enjoy eating turkey and chicken? Some dogs are naturally attracted to eating poultry such as chicken and turkey. This dog food contains healthy ingredients as well as the delicious flavor dogs love! Your dog will enjoy eating this nutritious food on a daily basis.
As a pet parent, you want to provide your dog with the best nutrition to help them experience their optimum health levels. Choosing this dog food will make you feel confident you are providing an overall nutritious and well-balanced diet for your dog.
Bottom Line
After analyzing quite a few dog food brands, we can safely point out that the clear winner is Orijen Original Dry Dog Food. This all-natural, grain-free formula has a very high-protein diet for your Australian Shepherd to thrive and be as active and playful as he can be.
Orijen is a super premium food which has free-run chicken and turkey meat as its main ingredients but also contains wild-caught yellow flounders and whole eggs to create a 38% protein diet. You can also find numerous wholesome foods, making this is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with the addition of only zinc supplement.
It will provide glucosamine and chondroitin for your dog’s shinier coat and DHA and EPA, which are essential for your dog’s immune and nervous systems. Your furry friend will surely love it, but when changing foods, you should always follow a schedule to gradually insert the new food. For all other specialty or breed-specific foods click here.
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Nadia
Nadia is passionate about all things dog related and is one of the leading writers at Dog Struggles. Her attention to detail and expertise means you can rest assured knowing her product recommendations & reviews are the best of the best.
