What Should Australian Shepherds Eat? (Complete Diet Guide)

Feeding your Australian Shepherd the right diet is essential for their energy, coat health, and overall well-being. A proper Australian Shepherd diet supports their active lifestyle and long-term health. are highly active dogs, which means their nutritional needs are different from more sedentary breeds.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Australian Shepherds should eat at every stage of life, what ingredients to look for, and what foods to avoid.

Proper training is just as important as nutrition—check out our guide on training your Australian Shepherd puppy.

Australian Shepherd Diet: Nutritional Needs

Australian Shepherds require a balanced diet that includes:

• High-quality protein for muscle development
• Healthy fats for energy and coat health
• Carbohydrates for sustained activity
• Vitamins and minerals for immune support

Because they are so active, Aussies often need more calories than the average dog.

“Exercise also plays a big role in your dog’s health. You can learn more about Australian Shepherd exercise needs here.”

Best Food for Australian Shepherd Puppies

Puppies grow rapidly and need nutrient-dense food.

Look for puppy food that includes:

• Real meat as the first ingredient
• DHA for brain development
• Calcium and phosphorus for bone growth

Feed puppies 3–4 times per day until about 6 months old.

Best Food for Adult Australian Shepherds

Adult Aussies need a diet that supports energy and maintains a healthy weight.

Choose dog food that:

• Contains high protein (20–30%)
• Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Avoids fillers like corn and soy

Feeding is typically 2 meals per day.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods can be harmful or even toxic to Australian Shepherds:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Excess fatty foods
• Artificial additives and preservatives

Always check ingredients before feeding anything new.

For a more complete and regularly updated list of toxic foods, refer to trusted resources like the ASPCA:

For a full list of toxic foods for dogs, visit the ASPCA foods to avoid feeding your pet

How Much Should You Feed an Australian Shepherd?

The amount depends on:

• Age
• Weight
• Activity level

Highly active Aussies may require significantly more calories than less active dogs.

Always follow feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging and adjust as needed.

Wet Food vs Dry Food vs Raw Diet

Each option has pros and cons:

• Dry food (kibble): Convenient and cost-effective
• Wet food: More palatable and hydrating
• Raw diet: Natural but requires careful planning

Many owners choose a mix of dry and wet food for balance.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog a proper Australian Shepherd diet is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy and happy.

By choosing high-quality ingredients and adjusting based on your dog’s needs, you’ll set them up for a long and active life.