Have you recently brought home a squirming ball of fur? If so, you are probably wondering what is the best dog food for Australian Shepherd puppies? Your Australian Shepherd pup is a breed that was bred for working. It possesses strong herding instincts and the energy to carry out the task. That is why you need to pick a brand of puppy food that offers energy while helping to build strong bones and muscles.
- EDITOR’s PICK
- Adirondack 30% Protein and High-Fat Recipe for Puppy – Best High Protein
- Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium – Best for Growing Puppy
- ORIJEN Puppy High-Protein – Uses real meat
- Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Puppy Food – Best Animal Protein
- Instinct Puppy Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food – Best Grain Free
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food – Best for Older Dogs
- Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain-Free Dry Food – Best for Puppy’s Stomach
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food – Most Affordable
Choosing the Best Food for Australian Shepherd Puppy Needs
Most veterinarians recommend a dry kibble for an Australian shepherd puppy. It is easier on dogs with sensitive stomach problems, Raw foods might seem like a good choice because they harken back to your puppy’s canine ancestors’ dietary choices but, they can upset your young dog’s tummy. Dry formulated puppy foods have been researched and scientifically studied to provide the best nutrition for your dog without overloading the animal’s system. A dry chow is hands-down the healthiest choice for feeding not only a puppy but also adults and seniors.
Editorial Top Three Best Dry Dog Food for Australian Shepherd Puppies
We took over 65 hours to research these dry dog foods. Each one is good for your puppy’s dietary needs. Here you will find a list of the top suitable choices. They meet your growing puppy’s physical requirements and are also brimming with flavor so your pooch will fall in love with the taste. These first three choices are also the best dog food for mini Australian shepherd puppy needs. All the reviews present crucial information so you can make an informed decision on which food best fits your pup’s needs.
1. Adirondack 30% Protein and High-Fat Recipe for Puppy & Performance Dogs
Best High Protein
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Looking at your bundle of fur, you might not realize that he/she will grow into a very active adult. Australian Shepherd was bred to herd for long stretches of time, so they are brimming with physical energy. The Adirondack Classic formula has 30% protein and is brimming with flavor. The food undergoes a slow-cooking process that helps preserve the taste while making the food highly digestible. The recommended dog food is made entirely in the USA for quality assurance. This is our top choice because it’s a classic and a fantastic all-around food to meet the needs of your high energy Aussie pup.
Characteristics:
A crunchy kibble in tiny bites that are suitable for a puppy’s small mouth and baby teeth.
- Affordable
- Free of corn, wheat, and soy to reduce the likelihood of potential allergies
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Cooked at a low temperature for an extended time period so your pet can rapidly absorb all nutrients
- Slow cooking brings out the flavor in each crunchy bite
- All-natural ingredients
- Must monitor the food amount per day so the puppy does not put on excessive weight
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is this food grain-free?
A: No, but it contains no soy, wheat, or corn which many canines have a hard time digesting.
Q: Does the food come in different flavors?
A: No, it is only available in classic.
Q: Can I feed my adult dog or cat with this food?
A: Yes, this food is suitable for dogs, cats, and puppies who have high energy needs.
Conclusion:
Adirondack is a classic dog food at an affordable price that meets the needs of your growing Aussie.
2.Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy
Best for Growing Puppy
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the things that we like about Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy is that it is available in different flavors so if your pup turns his nose up to one then you can always go with another. Choose from roasted venison and bison, smoked salmon, and more. Each one is a mouth-watering flavor that most youngsters and adults adore. All Taste of Wild foods are also grain-free. The first ingredient in each bag is always meat which makes every bowl close to your dog’s ancestral wild diet. Taste of Wild foods are one of the more popular choices on our list of the best Aussie foods. This is our runner up (second choice) for the best dog food for an Aussie because it is grain-free and will meet the needs of any pup with grain allergies.
Characteristics:
Each bite is a crunchy delicacy. The bits are average sized so perfect for young dogs. You don’t have to worry about choking as you might with smaller chunks.
- Grain-free
- First ingredient is meat
- Available in a variety of flavors
- Bags often differ dramatically in flavor
- Cost is over other comparable brands
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where is Taste of the Wild manufactured?
A: All of the Taste of the Wild foods are manufactured in the USA.
Q: Do they use artificial flavors and coloring?
A: Taste of the wild uses no artificial flavors, coloring, or preservatives.
Q: Is the food easy to digest?
A: Yes, all Taste of the Wild foods are formulated for easy digestion.
Conclusion:
Taste of the Wild is a premium food that is available in several flavors so your pup will never grow tired of the taste.
3. ORIJEN Puppy High-Protein
Uses real meat
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The price of ORIJEN Puppy High-Protein food is expensive compared to other brands, but many dog owners swear by this food. Puppies are always begging for dishes of this flavorful kibble. The food has been scientifically formulated to offer maximum protein for a pup’s growing bones and muscles. It has 38 percent protein with 16 percent carbohydrates. The food’s breakdown is 85 percent meat and 15 percent fruits/veggies. It contains no grain. This is a very balanced food that is like the diet of a wolf and meets all your Australian Shepherd’s nutritional needs. This is an outstanding food choice and would have scored number one but it is very expensive which puts it out of the budget of many dog owners.
Characteristics:
It comes as an easy to crunch kibble that most dogs adore. The size is perfect; not too large or too small.
- Uses real meat
- Features 38 percent protein
- Has 15 percent of fruits and veggies
- Grain-free
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where is ORIJEN made?
A: All their foods are manufactured in the USA. Their fruits and veggies are sourced from farms in Kentucky.
Q: What do they mean by whole animal ingredients?
A: ORIJEN uses all parts such as the meat, cartilage, organs, and bone because they believe that a canine in the wild would consume such a diverse diet.
Q: Does ORIJEN contain fillers?
A: No, ORIJEN foods contain absolutely no fillers like other brands.
Conclusion:
ORIJEN is one of the best puppy foods available and meets all the nutritional needs of an Australian Shepherd puppy.
EDITOR’s PICK |
|---|
1. Adirondack 30% Protein and High-Fat Recipe for Puppy |
| Best High Protein |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
2. Taste of The Wild |
| Best for Growing Puppy |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
3. ORIJEN Puppy High-Protein |
| Uses real meat |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Additional Five Top Dog Foods for an Australian Shepherd Pup
Here is a list of five additional dog foods that you might want to consider feeding your Aussie.
4. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Puppy Food
Best Animal Protein
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nulo Freestyle is not only grain-free but also contains no tapioca, potatoes, wheat, or soy which are often used as fillers. The food has no artificial preservatives or flavorings. It comes fortified with calcium and phosphorous to help build a strong skeletal system in a young dog. Also, the mineral helps form the nervous system and aid in blood coagulation. It also has DHA to boost cognitive development.
Characteristics:
The kibble is 80 percent animal protein so very tasty for dogs. A robust, crunchy nugget, most dogs adore Nulo.
Every dog food has pros and cons. Here is a list of Nulo Freestyle’s pros and cons:
- High meat/low carb ratio
- 80 percent animal protein
- Contains amino acids
- Has BC30 probiotics for better digestion
- DHA for enhanced cognitive skills
- Calcium and phosphorus for bone growth
- Kibble is a bit large
- Some pups do not like the flavor
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is the food 100 percent grain-free?
A: Yes, it is 100 percent grain-free.
Q: Does it have beans and peas?
A: Yes, it has beans and peas which some consider a filler.
Q: Does the food come in flavors?
A: Yes, Nulo Freestyle is available in other flavors such as turkey or salmon.
Conclusion:
Nulo Freestyle is an affordable dog food choice that does boast natural ingredients.
5. Instinct Puppy Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Best Grain Free
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instinct is a grain-free puppy food that contains only freeze-dried raw chicken from cage free birds. It also contains calcium and phosphorus to help your young dog develop strong bones and teeth. There is DHA for further brain and eye development. This is a balanced food for puppies such as Australian Shepherds.
Characteristics:
A crunchy kibble that is composed of freeze-dried chickens. Most dogs find it exceptionally yummy.
Here are the pros and cons of Instinct Puppy:
- Made from real freeze-dried chicken
- The chickens are cage-free for optimum health before being added to the puppy food
- Has calcium and phosphorus for optimum bone and tooth development
- DHA for eyes and brain function
- Expensive compared to other brands
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is the number one ingredient chicken?
A: Yes, the number one ingredient is free-dried chicken.
Q: Does it have supplements?
A: Yes, it contains DHA, calcium, and phosphorus.
Q: Do dogs like the flavor?
A: Most dogs adore the taste of the freeze-dried chicken
Conclusion:
Unlike many brands, Instinct uses cage-free chicken that is then freeze-dried for the best flavor.
6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food
Best for Older Dogs
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue Buffalo has two flavors: chicken and brown rice or lamb and oatmeal. Both types have meat as their number one ingredient. In addition, there are whole grains, fruit, and garden veggies. The food also has DHA and ARA which are found naturally in a mother’s milk. They help to boost brain development and support the immune system.
Characteristics:
A robust kibble, most dogs find the formula palatable and will readily eat it.
Here are the pros and cons of Blue Buffalo Life Protection:
- Made from real meat, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Contains DHA and ARA
- Meat is the number one ingredient
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can the food cause an allergic reaction in certain dogs?
A: The whole grains can spur an allergic reaction in certain dogs.
Q: Why is DHA and ARA important?
A: DHA and ARA boost cognitive ability and helps the eyes develop.
Q: What are the other main ingredients in Blue Buffalo?
A: Veggies and fruits are also added to the formula to meet all your dog’s needs.
Conclusion:
Blue Buffalo is a favorite brand. Most dogs find the food acceptable and thrive on eating it.
7. Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain-Free Dry Food
Best for Puppy’s Stomach
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wellness takes great pride in the fact that they offer 100 percent grain-free food to create a truly balanced diet for your puppy. Meat remains the number one ingredient in their foods. In addition, there are ample vitamins and minerals. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. It contains no wheat, soy, corn, meat-by-products, or artificial fillers.
Characteristics:
Crunchy flavor bites that appeal to most dogs. Not too hard and not too large for your puppy’s mouth.
Here is an outline of the pros and cons of Wellness Complete:
- Grain-free
- Made in the USA
- Available in a variety of flavors such as whitefish or chicken
- Some ingredients come from China
- Allergic reactions have been noted
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is Wellness Complete made in the USA?
A: The food is manufactured in the USA, but it sources its ingredients from other locations.
Q: Does the food contain vegetables?
A: Yes, it does contain some.
Q: Is it available in a variety of flavors?
A: Yes, it does come in a variety of flavors.
Conclusion:
Wellness Complete is an affordable food choice for your Australian Shepherd puppy with meat as the number one ingredient.
8. Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
Most Affordable
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purina has made a name for itself in the dog food industry. Their Pro Plan line is their top food choice. It features high-quality ingredients to meet all your puppy’s needs. It features a natural source of glucosamine for your pup’s joints and cartilage development. DHA sourced from fish oil have been added to promote brain and vision growth.
Characteristics:
The bites are small nuggets so it will easily fit your Aussie’s growing mouth. The bites are loaded with flavor that most dogs find good.
Here is a brief list of the pros and cons of Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
- Established brand
- DHA sourced from fish oil
- Natural glucosamine
- Small nuggets for puppy
- Some puppies have an allergic reaction
- Molds easily
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is the puppy food made in the USA?
A: Yes, Purina is a proud USA brand.
Q: Is the bag resealable?
A: Sadly, the bag is not resealable.
Q: Do they have a guarantee?
A: If there is something wrong with the bag of food, then you can return it for another bag.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for an affordable dog food type from a respected brand then you might want to consider Purina Pro Plan for this established brand.
Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd Puppy
If you want to pick a premium dog food for your Australian Shepherd puppy then this list of eight dog foods should help you decide. The first three are our top choices with Adirondack Classic taking the lead position because it is a classic food with flavor, excellent ingredients, and an affordable price. The two second food on the list Taste of the Wild which is a premium food for an affordable price. We loved ORIJEN and it would have easily taken first place, but the price tag is way out of the budget of most people. The final five choices are also all acceptable Aussie pup food choices with their own unique perks.
EDITOR’s PICK |
|---|
1. Adirondack 30% Protein and High-Fat Recipe for Puppy |
| Best High Protein |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
2. Taste of The Wild |
| Best for Growing Puppy |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
3. ORIJEN Puppy High-Protein |
| Uses real meat |
| Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
