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Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherds 2024
Written by a Labrador Retriever lover Tim Falk
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 06/06/2023, edited: 03/15/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
There’s a lot to love about the Australian Shepherd. With its history as a herder, this intelligent and athletic breed isn’t afraid of a hard day’s work. But while they love getting their paws dirty, these gorgeous canines also have a whole lot of love to share with their family.
If you want to give your Aussie Shepherd the best nutrition, look for a food with:
- a high-quality source of animal protein
- fat to make sure their energy needs are met
- fiber for a healthy gut
- omega fatty acids to keep your Aussie’s beautiful coat in tip-top shape
Of course, with so many different products available, finding the right food for your dog can be a daunting challenge. To make it easier, we’ve put together this list of 4 of the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds.
Overview
Orijen Senior
Best for seniors
Your dog’s nutritional needs change as they grow older, and Orijen Senior can provide the key nutrients they need in their twilight years.
This protein-rich recipe features chicken, turkey, and fish, and it’s designed to mimic the diet your dog’s ancestors would have consumed in the wild. The ingredients list from Orijen also reflects what percentage of the recipe is made up of each key ingredient, giving you a better idea of exactly what your pet is eating.
Read our full Orijen dog food review to learn why we think this is one of the best dog foods for Aussies, paws down.
Top 5 ingredients
- Fresh chicken
- Raw turkey
- Fresh chicken giblets
- Raw whole herring
- Raw whole hake
Bag sizes
- 4.5 pounds
- 25 pounds
Orijen Senior
Why Wag! loves Orijen Senior
- 85% premium animal ingredients.
- Freeze-dried liver coating to make it extra-appetizing for your golden oldie.
- Good source of protein to promote healthy aging.
Considerations & concerns
- Expensive.
- Some complaints that the food smells a little “fishy.”
- Not a hit with some picky eaters.
What pet parents say about Orijen Senior
“We have 2 dogs over 10 years old and they were not only becoming picky eaters but also having issues such as throwing up their food sometimes. This food solved all those issues and they love it!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Mars Petcare Inc.
The Farmer's Dog
Best fresh food
If you want to feed your Australian Shepherd high-quality fresh food, The Farmer’s Dog is well worth a closer look. This pet food subscription service prepares its recipes in USDA kitchens using human-grade meat and veggies. Meals are then cooked, pre-portioned based on your dog’s calorie needs, and delivered to your door within just days of being prepared.
Read our full review of The Farmer's Dog fresh food to learn more about the ingredients list, pros, cons, and FAQs.
The Farmer's Dog flavors
- Turkey
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pork
The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food
Why Wag! loves The Farmer's Dog
- Personalized meal plans customized to suit your pet’s nutritional needs.
- Human-grade ingredients.
- Pre-portioned to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
- 24-hour customer service.
Considerations & concerns
- Expensive.
- You’ll need to provide your email address to check out the nutritional breakdown of The Farmer’s Dog recipes.
- Some customers complain about delivery issues.
What pet parents say about The Farmer’s Dog
“This healthier diet may cost a little more than the dried or canned food but it has saved me hundreds of dollars on vet bills.”
Read more reviews on The Farmer’s Dog.
Product image sourced from The Farmer's Dog website. Copyright The Farmer's Dog.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables
Vet recommended
If your pup prefers canned food, this Homestyle Recipe from Blue Buffalo is our pick as the best canned food for Australian Shepherds.
Using chicken as its lean protein source, this food features natural ingredients to help your dog stay happy and healthy. There are no chicken by-product meals used, while ingredients like flaxseed, carrots, peas, and sweet potato provide a host of nutritional benefits for your pet.
Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, member of Wag!’s licensed veterinary team, personally recommends Blue Buffalo to her clients:
“Blue Buffalo dog food products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs. They offer formulations containing limited ingredients, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary sensitivities.”
Check out our full Blue Buffalo dog food review to find out more about what the brand has to offer for your pup.
Top 5 ingredients
- Chicken
- Chicken broth
- Chicken liver
- Carrots
- Peas
Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Why Wag! loves Blue Buffalo
- Features chicken as the main protein source and chicken liver for protein, iron, and vitamin A.
- Antioxidant-rich cranberries and blueberries support a healthy immune system.
- Carrots provide beta-carotene and are a source of fiber.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Homestyle Recipe also comes in Lamb, Beef, Turkey, and Fish recipes if your dog would prefer a different protein source.
Considerations & concerns
- Contains carrageenan, which is a controversial ingredient in the eyes of some.
- Some buyers report that their dogs simply don’t like the taste of this food.
- Some complaints about the moisture content of this food.
What pet parents say about Blue Homestyle Recipe
“I have four small picky dogs and they seem to really like this! No meal by products, no strong dog food smell, and it has real vegetables that are not chopped up in it. Note, I only use it as a food topper on their kibble, but I’m sure they’d be happy if I gave them the whole can instead.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe
Best for puppies
Searching for the best food to help your Australian Shepherd puppy enjoy a nutritious start to life? We recommend checking out this Wellness Complete Health puppy food, which is packed full of goodness to help your pup grow big and strong. It includes DHA for healthy brain development, calcium and phosphorus to support bone growth, and vitamins and minerals to promote a strong immune system.
If your Aussie really loves this food, adult and senior Complete Health recipes are also available.
And if you want to learn more about the Wellness range of pet food, check out our full Wellness dog food review.
Top 5 ingredients
- Deboned chicken
- Chicken meal
- Oatmeal
- Ground barley
- Peas
Bag sizes
- 5 pounds
- 15 pounds
- 30 pounds
Wellness Puppy Food
Why Wag! loves Wellness Complete Health
- Features salmon to provide omega fatty acids as well as key vitamins and minerals.
- Includes antioxidant-rich tomatoes, spinach, and blueberries.
- No meat by-products or artificial preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
Considerations & concerns
- There are cheaper options available.
- Some buyers report that their pups don’t like the taste.
- Some buyers complain that this food causes an upset stomach for their pup.
What pet parents say about Wellness Complete Health
“Our French Bulldog puppy came home from the breeder with soft stools and lots of gas. She was on a quality kibble, but it wasn't agreeing with her. We swapped her to Wellness, and she loves it. She actually finishes her meals instead of just picking at them. Her gas is gone and her stools are now normal. We are switching our senior dog to this brand too because the pup has done so well on it.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Wellness Pet Food.
FAQ
What should I feed my Australian Shepherd?
Do Australian Shepherds have sensitive stomachs?
How much should I be feeding my Australian Shepherd?
What is the best dog food for Australian Shepherds?
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?