best grain free dog food for australian shepherd
Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd: 2024 Update!
Australian Shepherds are one of the most strikingly beautiful and popular dogs around. They are renowned for their intelligence, agility, and striking appearance, but they are not typically considered hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic dog breeds are those that produce fewer allergenic proteins and shed less dander, making them a better choice for people with allergies.
Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, have a double coat that can shed year-round and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. While individual reactions to dog allergies vary, Australian Shepherds are not generally recommended for those seeking a hypoallergenic pet.
According to the AKC, these beautiful herders have surged in popularity in recent years, and are now among the twenty most popular breeds in the world.
Read on so that you will know what the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds are.
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Fast Facts
While their name would have you believe theyre originally from the land down under, the Australian shepherd was actually first bred in America.
Aussies are smart, hard-working, easy to train and have the boundless energy necessary for a life of herding, which is what theyre bred to do. To keep up with the rigors of their work, they need a nutritious diet thats rich in protein.
Australian shepherds are a medium sized dog, typically weighing in between 45-65 pounds and standing 1 -2 tall. The average Aussie lives about 12-15 years.
Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds
Today, weve learned everything youll need to know about your Aussies special needs, and the ingredients that they need in their food to thrive. Now, well take a look at some of the best options available for Australian shepherd puppies, adults, and seniors.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| 60% Off First Order |
American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
| CHECK PRICE ON CHEWYCheck Price on Amazon | |
| 50% Off First Order | |
Dr. Tim's Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula
| CHECK PRICE ON CHEWYCheck Price on Amazon | |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
| CHECK PRICE ON CHEWYCheck Price on Amazon | |
Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
| CHECK PRICE ON CHEWYCheck Price on Amazon | |
Primal Raw Pronto Lamb Recipe Dog Freeze-Dried Food
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Wild Frontier Puppy Recipe with Turkey & Duck
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Nulo Freestyle Trout & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe
| CHECK PRICE ON CHEWYCheck Price on Amazon |
What Is The Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd?
- Ollie Fresh Pet Food
- American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
- Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
- Dr. Tim's Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
- Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
- Primal Raw Pronto Lamb Recipe Dog Freeze-Dried Food
- Wild Frontier Puppy Recipe with Turkey & Duck
- Nulo Freestyle Trout & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery
First 5 ingredients (Turkey Feast): Turkey breast, turkey liver, kale, carrots, lentils
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Ollie dog food is a delicious option that is comprised of human-grade ingredients. It is a unique option that offers a tasty meal your Aussie will enjoy. Their meals do not include any artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers.
If you want to feed your dog a raw diet, but you dont want to be responsible for it, you can outsource that responsibility to a company like Ollie. It produces excellent raw meals for your dog that can help clear up pickiness and skin issues your dog may be experiencing.
Whole veggies and fruits help with antioxidants and vitamins to promote bone health, coat health, and proper brain function.
You can design your dogs meal plan directly on the website, and the meals are delivered to you to be frozen or refrigerated until you need them. Theyre easy to do, and if youve got the budget, you may transform your dogs mealtime.
Ollie teams up with canine nutritionists to help create the most fulfilling raw food diet for your pet. You have meals delivered, making everything simple, and you can fill out a questionnaire to find the right dog food for your Aussie.
Pros
- Easy raw food
- Human grade ingredients
- Limited ingredient formula
- Delivery is convenient
- Whole protein options
Cons
- Requires refrigeration
- Takes time for dogs to get used to it
2. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned lamb, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chickpeas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Majority of its protein sources are from lamb, chicken and turkey. Also, there's a bit of Menhaden fish meal and pea protein making it high in protein and healthy fats which is necessary in a dog's body.
American Journey has fast developed a reputation as one of the premier dry dog food manufacturers on the planet. Their foods are packed with wholesome ingredients, and a healthy dose of protein and fat to provide working dogs with the fuel they need to thrive.
This blend derives the majority of its protein from lamb, chicken, and turkey. Theres also a bit of Menhaden fish meal and pea protein. A healthy dose of chicken fat and salmon oil provide flavor, texture, and the healthy fat your dog needs to thrive.
Sweet potatoes, blueberries, and carrots provide your dog with the complex carbs necessary to maintain a high energy level. In addition to salmon oil, kelp is also added to help your dog achieve a beautiful shiny coat.
This food is also loaded with antioxidants which help to prevent the oxidative stress that is a major contributor to joint damage, and DHA is also added to encourage healthy brain and vision function. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also present, which helps your dogs joints stay in top condition.
Overall, American Journey delivers premium ingredients and all of the extras your dog needs to perform at their best, at a price point thats more affordable than most premium foods. For those reasons, its our favorite for adult Aussies.
Pros
- Loaded with the protein, fat and complex carbs your dog needs
- Affordable
- Contains antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin for healthy joint function
Cons
- Not ideal for sedentary dogs
3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
With real Salmon and Ocean fish meal as the primary protein sources, it boasts 32% protein content to promote strong bones, joints and lean muscles.
This dry dog food by Taste of the Wild is made with real Salmon and Ocean fish meal as the primary animal protein sources.
Sweet potatoes and peas deliver energy that is easily digestible while real fruits and vegetables are included to provide antioxidant support as part of a balanced diet.
Taste of the Wild incorporates a K9 probiotic blend into their recipe that was created to encourage a well-functioning digestive system.
Added vitamins and minerals provide your pup with adequate nutrition. This formula does not include artificial flavors, colors, or fillers.
Pros
- Easy to digest ingredients
- No artificial colors or flavor
- No fillers
- Gluten-free and grain-free
Cons
- Not certified organic
- May contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)
4. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
First 5 ingredients (Beef Mash): Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Formulated with fresh ingredients that are safe enough for human consumption. Nom Nom only incorporates real, whole, organic ingredients minus the preservatives.
Nom Nom is a pet food company that was founded in 2015 by a small collective of pet enthusiasts who made a commitment to improve the health of dogs and cats everywhere.
This California-based pet food company set out to turn the pet food industry on its head by offering fresh, custom meals for dogs similar to meal-prep services like Maple and Sprig for humans.
Nom Noms fresh food is made and hand-packed in the USA. They are partners with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate their nutritionally-balanced recipes in accordance with AAFCO standards. All of their food is cooked in small batches in their USDA-regulated kitchen.
They carefully source their ingredients from reputable farms in the U.S. Each partner must go through an extensive certification process to become a supplier. All of their food is made only with whole, fresh & organic ingredients.
Pros
- Each recipe is vet-formulated
- Made from fresh, natural ingredients
- Met AAFCO nutritional standards
- Improved oral/dental health
- Easy to use portion sizes
Cons
- Price a bit expensive
- Fresh pet food has a shorter shelf life compared to kibbles and canned goods
5. Dr. Tims Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula
First 5 ingredients: Chicken liver, Chicken meal, Brown rice, Chicken fat, Menhaden fish meal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
For that athletic dog, this kibble is what he needs. With 87% coming from animal protein sources, this formula will fuel his daily active lifestyle.
Veterinary professional Dr. Tim Hunt has developed this food especially for high energy working dogs to provide them with the nutrition they need to excel. Dr. Tims Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula is one of the most advanced foods weve seen, and its packed with protein and fat.
A whopping 87% of the protein from this food is derived from animal sources, which provide your pup with the most useful and bioavailable protein sources. The majority of the protein in this blend is derived from chicken and fish.
This food is also extremely high in healthy fats, which not only provides a great flavor and texture for your pet but also helps ensure that they have healthy skin and a beautiful and lustrous coat.
A special probiotic blend also helps to provide your pup with immune system support, while supporting gastrointestinal health as well.
At over 500 calories per cup, this is one of the most energy-packed foods on the market, and it provides working dogs with the fuel they need for a day on the range.
This food is a bit more expensive than some brands, but if youre serious about providing your high energy Aussie with the best, its an option to take a closer look at.
Pros
- Provides working dogs with the energy they need
- Extremely high in protein and fat
- Contains probiotics
Cons
- Not appropriate for lower energy dogs
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
If your fussy pet is not happy with the usual flavor kibble, allow him to try this nutrient-dense formula from Blue Buffalo. Made from real Salmon plus chicken and fish meals, it will be a breath of fresh air for him.
Blue Buffalos salmon recipe uses their famous LifeSource bits for essential nutrients and vitamins.
Deboned salmon provides an excellent source of essential fatty acids and high-quality proteins essential for your Australian Shepherds high energy. Fish is excellent at helping dogs maintain a beautiful coat and this one should be no different.
Theres no soy or corn, and its gluten and wheat free. It uses whole, quality products with none of our usual suspects with skin or other food allergies.
Its meant to mimic the ancestral diet your canine would have had before the days of human couches and apartment living.
Pros
- Packed with the delicious real salmon
- Whole proteins with salmon as the first ingredient
- Excellent source of essential fatty acids
- LifeSource bits for extra nutrients
- Grain-free food
Cons
- On the expensive side for a budget food
- 24 pounds is the largest option for many sources
7. Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, De-Boned Chicken, De-Boned Turkey
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Packed with high quality, multi-protein sources, this kibble is bursting with essential amino acids, antioxidants, probiotics and prebiotic fibers to boost overall well-being.
Go! Is a newer dog food company that places a serious emphasis on animal-based proteins. Theyre owned by the Canadian manufacturer Petcurean, and theyre one of the only manufacturers that dont source a single ingredient from China.
When you take a look at the ingredients in this food, youll notice that there are tons of animal proteins listed. Beyond the first five we mentioned above, theres also trout and duck in this blend, as well.
This food also contains tons of complex carbs from delicious fruit and vegetable sources. Youll find pumpkin, squash, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, alfalfa sprouts.
These provide your pup with plenty of energy sources, while also feeding them the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need for optimal performance.
Prebiotics and probiotics are also included to support your dogs immune system and help them maintain their gastrointestinal health.
We love that this food is packed with so many great sources of protein and complex carbs. While there are plenty of antioxidants to support joint health, we would have also liked to see glucosamine and chondroitin, which are unfortunately missing. The only other knock against Go! Fit is its a bit on the pricey side. The per pound price of this food is about $2.84.
Pros
- Packed with protein from animal sources
- Tons of complex carbs from fruits and vegetables
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Grain-free food
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesnt contain chondroitin or glucosamine
8. Primal Raw Pronto Lamb Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Lamb (with ground bone), Lamb Liver, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Kale
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Bring some goodness into your pet's bowl by letting him try this dry dog food. Crafted from USDA beef along with farm-grown veggetables and fruits, it delivers both nutrition and flavor.
Primal Raw Pronto Lamb Recipe is a convenient and nutritious meal option for dogs. Made with grass-fed lamb meat, organs, and bones, this recipe provides a complete and balanced source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The food is freeze-dried to preserve the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients, and can be easily rehydrated with water before serving.
It is free from grains, gluten, and artificial preservatives, making it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. The food is also supplemented with organic produce, including kale, squash, and blueberries, to provide additional fiber and antioxidants.
To prepare, simply add water to the food and allow it to rehydrate for a few minutes before serving. This is a convenient option for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a high-quality, raw diet without the hassle of preparing it themselves.
Pros
- Highly digestible
- Made with high-quality, organic components
- Tasty and convenient
- Free from grains, gluten, and artificial preservatives
- Great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
- Easy to prepare: just add water
- Gives all the benefits of a raw diet
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires proper handling and storage to prevent bacterial contamination
9. Wild Frontier by Nutro Grain-Free Puppy Food
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Chicken meal, Split peas, Dried potatoes, Chicken fat
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This puppy recipe features a variety of meaty proteins: turkey, duck, chicken meal and pork meal, as well as nutrient-rich meat organs making it a balanced, complete and protein-rich formula.
This protein-packed blend features turkey and chicken meal as their main sources of protein. Youll also find duck, liver, pork, fish meal and potato protein as well.
Several sources of organ meat also provide your puppy with vital nutrients, in addition to protein. Altogether, 36% of this food is protein, which provides your puppy with the fuel they need to build lean muscle.
Theres also plenty of healthy fats to provide flavor and texture while building healthy skin and a shiny coat for your pup.
While this food provides a balanced blend of protein and fat, it doesnt contain many complex carbs or fiber, which detracts slightly from their overall score.
Probiotics and prebiotics are also missing. However, this food should still be a perfect choice for your pup, provided that they arent a working dog.
Pros
- Rich in animal protein and organ meat
- Plenty of healthy fats
- All ingredients derived from animals or plants
Cons
- No prebiotics or probiotics
- Lacks complex carbs
10. Nulo Freestyle Trout & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Trout, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Yellow Peas, Sweet Potato
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This senior formula got its proteins from salmon meal, trout and turkey. It offers superior nutrition to your senior companion plus it also has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Nulos Freestyle recipe uses proteins from fish sources including whole trout and salmon meal. It supplements with turkey meal as well giving senior dogs a high protein beginning to their kibble.
Sweet potato is a good source of complex carbohydrates to keep energy levels stable with the addition of L-Carnitine to help your senior dog digest the meal properly.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin offer joint and hip support while pure probiotic strains help keep the digestive system working well. Chicken and egg proteins further encourage muscle resilience and a healthy coat.
Fruits and veggies offer base nutrients while the whole kibble formula mimics an ancestral diet of a variety of foods found in the wild.
Nulo was inspired by the nutrition of world-class athletes, and the small company aspires to give pets a proper nutritional foundation in the way they would have consumed in the wild.
They have a patented probiotic that encourages adequate digestion, and over 80% of protein sources in Nulo foods comes from whole meats. It began in the search for better nutrition for animal diabetes and obesity caused by terrible food and is based in Texas.
Pros
- Multiple, whole sources of protein
- Hip, joint, and digestion support
- Egg proteins
Cons
- The name is misleading for dogs who have poultry allergies
- Some seniors dont like the taste
Australian Shepherds Caloric Needs
By nature, Aussies are an especially energetic breed. Theyre used to spending their days herding animals on acres of property. To keep up with the demands of their work, they require a high protein, high-calorie diet to sustain themselves.
The caloric needs of an Aussie can range widely, depending on their age and activity level. More active dogs will require more food each day than a dog who is more docile. The dog food company Merrick has a handy calculator you can use to determine the caloric requirements of your pup based on their size, age, and activity level.
The Nutritional Needs of Australian Shepherds
When it comes to nutrition, its a good idea to look at the recommendations from AAFCO as a baseline for what dogs need in their diets.
AAFCO is the organization that regulates the pet food industry, and they recommend that a dogs diet consist of at least 18% protein and 5% fat. For puppies, those numbers jump up to 22% protein and 8% fat.
Most quality dog food manufacturers greatly exceed those percentages. Considering how active Aussies are, youll want to look into foods with around 30% protein and 12% fat.
Whats in the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
When it comes to food, your dog needs four things: protein, fat, complex carbs and fiber. These four components work together to provide your pup with the balanced nutrition they need to thrive.
Protein At the centerpiece of any dogs diet is protein. Protein gives dogs the fuel they need to build muscle and remain strong and healthy. The vast majority of the protein in a dogs diet should come from meat.
Depending on your dogs individual preferences, beef, poultry, and seafood all make perfect protein sources for dogs. When youre looking at the ingredients list for a particular brand of food, pay special attention to the first three ingredients listed.
Ideally, all three of these ingredients should be meat. Whole meat sources are best, but meat meals (which is meat with the water removed from it) are also fine. Avoid any dog food that contains ingredients like meat by-products, or meat digests.
These ingredients are a tell-tale sign of an inferior quality dog food, and your pup deserves better. Considering how active and strong Aussies are, a high protein content of around 30% or higher is ideal for these dogs.
Fat While fat tends to get a bad rap, especially in human diets, the truth is that good fat is a vital part of every diet, and there are many health benefits associated with these kinds of fats.
Fats help to give food its taste and texture, and they also provide critical nutrients that your pup needs to thrive.
A diet thats rich in healthy fats will help to provide your pup with a healthy coat and clear skin.
Healthy fats have also shown the ability to protect against cardiovascular disease. While the sources of fat are many, always look for food that contains omega III, which will help fortify your dogs skin and coat.
Complex Carbs While complex carbs are less critical to a dogs diet than protein and fat are, theyre still important. Complex carbs are especially important for active breeds like the Australian shepherd because they act as an energy source for your pup.
Keep in mind that simple carbs that come from grains such as wheat, corn, sugar or soy are not the kind of carbs you want to see in your dog food. In fact, its best to avoid feeding your dog these kinds of grains wherever possible.
These grains are mainly used by manufacturers to bulk up their bottom line, without any sort of additional benefit for your dog. On the other hand, complex carbs from sources like fruit and vegetables are very useful, and they should be a part of your dogs diet.
Not only do they provide an energy source, but complex carbs are also a good source of the vitamins and minerals that your dog needs in their diet.
Fiber The final component of your dogs diet is fiber. Fiber helps to keep your dogs digestive system working properly, helps keep them regular, and it also helps your dog to feel full.
Fiber can be especially important if your pup is a bit overweight, and theyre on a weight management diet to get them back to their ideal size.
As a general rule, a fiber content of around 4-5% is perfect for most dogs.
Unique Needs of Australian Shepherds
Beyond feeding your pup a diet thats rich in protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fiber, there are a few other things to consider. Aussies are predisposed to some different health conditions, and you may be able to protect them from those conditions by adhering to a diet that helps protect against these conditions.
Allergies One health concern that affects many Aussies is allergies. While there are many different kinds of allergies, food allergies are the most prevalent among Aussies.
The best way to protect your dog against possible allergens is to feed them a wholesome and grain-free diet thats rich in natural ingredients. More often than not, a dogs food allergies are caused by grains such as wheat, corn or soy. Avoiding these ingredients may help your dog to stay allergy free.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Many dog breeds, including Australian shepherds, are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip or elbow bones dont fit snugly into their sockets, which can then allow those bones to pop out of place.
While these conditions are usually hereditary, there are some dietary steps you can take to help protect your dog from developing these conditions. A diet that includes glucosamine and chondroitin will help protect your dog's joints and bones, which may help to prevent the onset of this condition.
Cancer Cancer is prevalent throughout most dog breeds, including Aussies. While theres little you can do to prevent your dog from developing cancer, you can help reduce the chance of your dog developing cancer by feeding them a wholesome diet thats rich in natural ingredients.
In some cases, dogs develop cancer because of harmful ingredients that can be found in dog food. By avoiding bargain-priced foods and sticking with foods that limit or eliminate the use of non-natural ingredients, you may be able to reduce your dogs cancer risk.
