The Australian Shepherd needs food matched to activity, age, body weight, and condition. For this breed, it is not enough to look at the table on the package and pour a "rough" portion. An Aussie who trains agility daily, runs in the forest, or works intensively with the owner has different needs than a dog of the same breed who has calm walks and plenty of rest at home.

Good food  for the Australian Shepherd should provide complete protein, an appropriate amount of fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and ingredients supporting muscles, joints, skin, and coat. However, the most important thing is one: the diet must fit the specific dog, not just the breed name.

Australian Shepherd and diet — why does this breed have special needs?

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is a dog made for work, movement, and cooperation with humans. It is medium-sized but often has a high demand for activity. Long walks, training, scent games, agility, frisbee, or obedience affect energy expenditure and feeding methods.

However, this does not mean that every Australian Shepherd should eat high-energy food. This is a common mistake. A dog that trains several times a week and is very active may need a more calorie-dense diet. An Aussie living in an apartment, going for walks, and exercising mainly recreationally often functions better on moderately caloric food.

In practice, it is best to observe three things: the dog's silhouette, stool, and energy. Weight loss despite appetite, quick fatigue, or dull coat may suggest the diet does not meet the dog's needs. Weight gain, looser stools after larger portions, or lethargy more often indicate excess calories or poorly chosen composition.

This approach is in line with WSAVA recommendations  , which treats nutritional assessment as an important part of routine dog care and points to the need for an individual evaluation of condition, body weight, feeding history, and the specific animal's needs.

What is the best food for an Australian Shepherd?

The best food for an Australian Shepherd is complete food  , well tolerated and matched to the dog's daily rhythm. The composition should include a specific source of animal protein, an appropriate level of fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and ingredients supporting joints and skin.

Good food for an Aussie should have:

• clearly described source of meat or fish,
• an appropriate amount of animal protein,
• fat matched to the dog's daily workload,
• omega-3 fatty acids, for example from fish oil,
• vitamins and minerals in proper proportions,
• good digestibility,
• simple composition without random additives that cause gas, itching, or loose stools in the dog.

There is no one perfect food for every Australian Shepherd. Food for a puppy is chosen differently than for an adult sports dog, and differently again for a senior who has less movement and a slower metabolism.

Food for an Australian Shepherd puppy

An Australian Shepherd puppy should be given food intended for growing dogs  . During the growth period, the proportions of calcium, phosphorus, protein, fat, and energy are important. The goal is not for the puppy to grow as fast as possible. Too rapid weight gain can unnecessarily strain the joints.

A young Aussie usually eats more often than an adult dog. At first, it may be 3–4 meals a day, then gradually transition to 2–3 meals. Portions need to be controlled because Australian Shepherds can be greedy, and owners easily "overfeed with their eyes."

Practical tip: weigh the puppy every 1–2 weeks and observe its silhouette. If it becomes round, do not increase the portion just because it "keeps looking for food." If it looks slim but is active, has good stool, and develops properly, first check the calorie content of the food, and only then increase the amount of food.

Food for an adult Australian Shepherd

An adult Australian Shepherd should eat food matched to its real lifestyle. A working, regularly training, or very active dog may need food with higher calorie content and a higher fat proportion. A moderately active dog often functions better on food with medium energy content.

The most common mistake looks like this: the owner sees the phrase "active dog" and immediately chooses sports food. However, not every Aussie lives like a sports dog. If the dog has an hour-long walk, some playtime, and rests the rest of the day, too high-calorie food can quickly lead to overweight.

It is worth assessing an adult dog by its silhouette. The ribs should be felt under the fingers but not sharply visible. The waist should be noticeable from above, and the belly slightly tucked in from the side. If the dog starts to look "massive" but is not more muscular, the problem is usually excess calories.

How much food should an Australian Shepherd eat daily?

The amount of food for an Australian Shepherd depends on body weight, age, activity level, calorie content of the food, and the number of treats. There is no single portion for the entire breed. A dog weighing 18 kg will eat differently than a dog weighing 30 kg.

Approximately, an adult Australian Shepherd may need:

At about 18 kg
about 220–280 g dry food daily with moderate activity or 280–350 g with high activity. It is worth checking the calorie content of a specific food because differences between products can be large.

At about 22 kg
about 260–330 g daily with moderate activity or 330–410 g with high activity. The dog's body condition should be checked every 2–3 weeks.

At about 26 kg
about 300–380 g daily with moderate activity or 380–470 g with high activity. For regularly training dogs, the portion should also be adjusted to recovery and exercise intensity.

At about 30 kg
about 340–430 g daily with moderate activity or 430–520 g with high activity. Treats, chews, and training rewards must be added to the daily portion.

These are approximate values, not strict doses. One food may have about 330 kcal per 100 g, another over 400 kcal, so when determining the portion, it is worth combining the manufacturer's recommendations, body condition observation, and general rules regarding how much food for a dog  feed depending on body weight, age, and activity.

If the Aussie has an intense training week, the portion can be larger. If it has less activity for a few days, it does not need to get as much as on workdays. A fixed portion throughout the year often does not suit seasonally active dogs.

Dry or wet food for an Australian Shepherd?

An Australian Shepherd can eat dry food, wet food, or a mixed diet. It is important that it is complete, well tolerated, and properly calculated in terms of calories.

Dry food is convenient, easy to portion, and works well for training, scent mats, or food toys. Wet food has more moisture, a stronger smell, and can be helpful for dogs that drink little water or have a smaller appetite.

A mixed diet can also be a good solution, but it requires counting. "A bit of dry" and "a bit of wet" still make up one daily portion. If the caregiver does not control the amount, the dog may get too many calories, even though each part alone seems harmless.

Choosing dry or wet food  should depend on the dog's digestion, the caregiver's convenience, and the feeding method throughout the day, not on fashion.

For Aussies, feeding methods that help the dog calm down also work well: snuffle mat, food ball, slow feeder bowl, or simple food tasks. This is especially useful for dogs that get easily excited.

How to store food after opening?

The way food is stored affects its freshness, smell, and quality. Even well-chosen food can lose value faster if left open, in a warm place, or exposed to moisture.

Dry food should be stored in a dry, cool place, preferably in the original, tightly sealed packaging. It is not advisable to keep it near radiators, ovens, in sunlight, or in a damp pantry. After opening, it usually stays fresh for several weeks, but the exact storage time depends on the manufacturer's recommendations, temperature, and humidity at home.

Wet food after opening should be refrigerated. It is best to transfer it to a clean container or tightly cover the can. Usually, it should be used within 24–48 hours unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

Food left in the bowl also has a limited shelf life. Dry food can last longer but should not stay in the bowl for days. Do not leave wet food out all day — if the dog does not eat it, it is best to throw away leftovers and wash the bowl.

Do not serve food if it has changed smell, color, consistency, or mold has appeared. For dry food, a musty smell, moisture in the bag, or clumped kibbles are concerning. For wet food — sour smell, slimy consistency, or bloated packaging.

Australian Shepherd eats too fast — hunger or emotions?

Some Australian Shepherds eat very quickly. The owner often thinks: "he is hungry." Sometimes the portion is indeed too small, but in Aussies, rushing at the bowl can also result from excitement, stimulation, competition with another dog, or lack of a calm routine.

If the dog swallows food, coughs while eating, burps, or walks restlessly around the house after a meal, it is worth slowing down feeding. Helpful tools may include:

• slow feeder bowl,
• snuffle mat,
• food toy,
• dividing the portion into two smaller meals,
• a few minutes of calming down before serving food.

Example: the dog returns from an intense walk, is excited, panting, waiting by the kitchen, and lunges at the bowl. In such a situation, it is not always necessary to increase the portion. Often it is better to let the dog rest first, drink some water, and only then serve the food..

When a dog eats too fast , the problem is not always with the food. Sometimes you need to work on emotions, predictable routines, and calm waiting for the meal.

Australian Shepherd and training treats

Aussies learn very well through rewards, but training treats must be counted in the daily portion. This is especially important for dogs that have several short sessions a day. Obedience training, walks with rewards, scent mats, and an evening chew can together add up to a significant calorie surplus.

It’s best to choose small pieces. The reward shouldn’t be large or distract the dog for long. Precision matters in training, not the size of the treat.

A practical example: if an Australian Shepherd gets 320 g of dry food daily, and during training eats 40 g of the same food as rewards, 280 g should go into the bowl. If the owner puts the full portion in the bowl plus rewards, the dog gets an excess every day. After a few weeks, this may show on the scale.

Diet for an active and sporting Australian Shepherd

An active dog needs good recovery. With greater effort, the demand for energy, protein, fat, water, and muscle-supporting ingredients increases. However, it’s not just about adding more food. It’s more important that the diet matches how intensively the dog works and how quickly it recovers after effort.

For an Australian Shepherd training regularly, it’s worth paying attention to a few things.

Energy need energy for work, movement, and recovery. If the dog trains intensively, runs, jumps, or participates in canine sports, it may need food with higher caloric content. This doesn’t always mean a bigger bowl — sometimes more energy-dense food served in a controlled portion works better.

Muscles need high-quality animal protein. For an active Aussie, this is especially important after training, long walks, and work requiring high concentration. If the dog tires quickly, recovers slowly, or loses muscle mass, it’s worth looking at the protein quality in the food.

Joints are heavily strained during jumps, quick turns, running, and play with sudden changes of direction. That’s why proper body weight, omega-3 fatty acids, and ingredients supporting the musculoskeletal system are important. Overweight in an active dog acts like extra weight with every step.

Intestines also respond to an intense lifestyle. Training stress, travel, competitions, or sudden changes in food can cause looser stools. That’s why it’s better to avoid dietary experiments with sporting dogs right before competitions, trips, or intense weekends.

Hydration is just as important as the food itself. An active dog loses water faster, especially in summer, during long walks or training sessions. Constant access to fresh water is essential, and for dogs that drink little, wet food can be a practical part of the diet.

For sporting dogs, a big mistake is a sudden change of food before competitions, trips, or an intense weekend. The intestines like stability. If the diet is to be more caloric, it is best to introduce it gradually and observe stool, energy, and appetite.

Australian Shepherd with overweight — what to do?

Overweight in Australian Shepherds is not just a matter of appearance. Extra kilograms strain the joints, reduce endurance, and can hinder activity. In a dog that naturally likes movement, overweight quickly affects daily functioning: the dog tires faster, runs less willingly, and has a harder time recovering after exercise.

First, you need to count everything the dog eats during the day: food, wet additives, chews, training treats, table scraps, and “small pieces” from household members. Very often the food itself is well chosen, but the problem is the extras, which no one treats as a real portion of food.

When reducing weight, it is not worth drastically cutting portions. The dog may then be hungry, frustrated, and less willing to work. It is better to set a realistic daily portion, limit high-calorie extras, divide meals into calmer feedings, and gradually increase exercise. A well-managed process shows that dog weight loss It should not mean stress or starvation, but a smart change of daily habits.

If weight increases despite diet control, the dog loses weight too quickly, or symptoms like apathy, shortness of breath, lameness, vomiting, or diarrhea appear, consult a veterinarian and rule out health problems.

 

Australian Shepherd allergy sufferer — when does food matter?

Itching, licking paws, red skin, recurring ear infections, loose stools, or bloating may suggest that the diet is not suitable for the dog. However, this does not always mean a food allergy. Causes may include parasites, environmental allergies, skin infections, intestinal problems, or poorly chosen food.

If you suspect an allergy, do not change the food every few days. This makes it difficult to assess what is really harming the dog. It is wiser to consult the symptoms with a veterinarian and only then plan an elimination diet or choose food with a specific protein source.

In such a situation, a well-chosen dog food for allergy sufferers   can be part of the treatment but should not replace diagnostics or an elimination diet established with a veterinarian.

Australian Shepherd health and nutrition

Diet does not replace veterinary prevention but can support the dog’s overall condition. For the Australian Shepherd, maintaining a proper body weight is especially important because overweight increases joint strain. It’s also worth observing coat quality, skin condition, energy, stool, and recovery after exercise.

For this breed, the owner should also be aware of health issues that require special attention: eyes, joints, epilepsy, sensitivity to certain medications, and the MDR1 mutation. These are not problems solved by food alone. A good diet can support the body but does not replace examinations, diagnostics, or conscious breeding choices.

The topic of Australian Shepherd health is worth discussing separately, especially regarding eyes, joints, epilepsy, the MDR1 mutation, and conscious breeding choices.

Can diet affect the behavior of an Australian Shepherd?

Diet can affect well-being, energy levels, and digestive comfort, but it won’t train the dog or replace training. An Australian Shepherd that itches, has stomach pain, or poorly tolerates food may be more restless and less focused.

On the other hand, barking, destroying things, difficulty resting, or problems with being alone usually require work on emotions, routine, and activity. For this breed, the Australian Shepherd’s character is very important: the need for cooperation, quick learning, sensitivity to the owner’s emotions, and difficulty resting without a clear routine.

The most common feeding mistakes for the Australian Shepherd

Feeding “by eye.” The Australian Shepherd is active, but that doesn’t mean it can eat without control. Treats, chews, and training rewards also have calories.

Choosing food that is too high in calories. The breed alone is not enough to consider a dog an athlete. High-energy food makes sense only when the dog really works a lot.

Changing food too often. If a dog gets chicken once, then lamb, then wet food, and then homemade additions, it’s hard to assess what benefits them and what causes problems.

Ignoring stool and skin. Loose stools, gas, itching, licking paws, or dull coat are signals that it’s worth looking at the dog’s diet and health.

Solving everything with food. Diet is important, but it does not replace exercise, rest, training, diagnostics, and good care.

Feeding after training without counting calories. After activity, a dog may seem very hungry, but an extra portion after every effort can quickly lead to excess.

Changing portions just because the season has changed. Cooler days do not always mean a higher calorie requirement. What matters is the dog's actual activity, body shape, and condition.

Poor food storage. Dry food should not be left open or in a humid place, and wet food should be refrigerated after opening. Even well-chosen food can lose freshness if stored improperly.

When to consult a veterinarian?

It is worth consulting a veterinarian about an Australian Shepherd if symptoms appear that may indicate a health problem, not just poorly chosen food.

Do not delay consulting if the dog:

• loses or gains weight quickly despite portion control,
• vomits frequently,
• has chronic diarrhea or loose stools,
• scratches intensely or licks paws,
• has red skin or recurring ear infections,
• limps after exertion,
• reluctantly gets up, jumps, or goes up stairs,
• has seizures,
• has worse vision or bumps into objects,
• reacts unusually after taking medication.

In such situations, changing the food may be part of further action, but first, the cause of the symptoms must be found.

FAQ

What is the best food for an Australian Shepherd?

The best food for an Australian Shepherd is a complete, easily digestible food suited to the dog's activity level. It should have a good source of animal protein, an appropriate fat level, omega-3 fatty acids, and ingredients that support skin, coat, muscles, and joints.

How many times a day should you feed an Australian Shepherd?

An adult Australian Shepherd is usually fed twice a day. A puppy should eat more often, usually 3–4 times a day, and then gradually transition to fewer meals. For sporting dogs, feeding times should be adjusted to training sessions.

How much food should an Australian Shepherd eat?

It depends on body weight, age, activity, and calorie content of the food. An adult Australian Shepherd can eat approximately from about 220 to over 500 g of dry food daily, but the exact amount depends on the specific product and the dog's condition.

Does an Australian Shepherd need food for active dogs?

Not always. If the dog trains intensively every day, food for active dogs can be a good choice. If it has moderate activity, too high-calorie food can lead to overweight. The diet should be matched to the actual lifestyle, not just the breed.

Can an Australian Shepherd eat wet food?

Yes. An Australian Shepherd can eat wet food, dry food, or a mixed diet. Wet food can support hydration and is often more appealing in taste. However, you need to control the total daily calorie intake, especially when combining it with dry food.

How to store food after opening?

Keep dry food in a dry, cool place and in a tightly sealed package. Store wet food in the refrigerator after opening and usually use it within 24–48 hours, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Do not feed food that has changed in smell, color, or consistency.

What to do if an Australian Shepherd constantly wants to eat?

First check the portion, calorie content of the food, and number of treats. If everything is correct, the cause may be boredom, excitement, or a learned habit. It’s also worth ruling out health problems, especially if the dog is losing weight, has diarrhea, vomiting, or changes behavior.

Can an Australian Shepherd have a food allergy?

Yes, like any dog. Symptoms may include itching, paw licking, ear problems, loose stools, gas, or vomiting. Diagnosis and elimination diet are best determined with a veterinarian.

Does diet affect the behavior of an Australian Shepherd?

Diet can affect mood, energy level, and digestive comfort, but it doesn’t replace behavioral work. If an Australian Shepherd barks, destroys things, can’t relax, or struggles with being alone, routine, activity, rest, and training should also be reviewed.

Should an Australian Shepherd eat more in autumn or winter?

Not always. The food portion should depend on the dog’s actual activity, not just the season. If the weather shortens walks and the dog moves less, increasing portions can lead to overweight. More food may be needed when an Australian Shepherd trains a lot despite the cold, spends long time outside, or starts losing weight.

How to feed a dog in autumn when it has less exercise?

If the dog has shorter walks and rests more at home in autumn, don’t increase portions “just in case.” It’s better to control treats, chews, and training rewards, as they often provide excess calories. The autumn bowl should be stable: the same well-tolerated food, fresh water, and a portion matched to activity.

Can a worse appetite in autumn mean a dog has a cold?

It might, but it’s not worth assuming right away. A decreased appetite can result from a change in routine, less activity, stress, stomach problems, or infection. If symptoms like cough, apathy, fever, nasal discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea appear, the topic of autumn cold in dogs should be assessed medically, not just nutritionally.

Summary

An Australian Shepherd needs a diet tailored to its lifestyle, not just the breed name. An active Aussie may need more energy and better recovery, but a dog with moderate activity shouldn’t eat like an athlete.

The best results come from combining well-chosen food, controlled portions, a calm feeding routine, regular exercise, and quick response to health symptoms. Watch the body condition, stool, skin, coat, energy, and behavior after meals — these best show whether the diet truly benefits the dog.

 

Elżbieta Górnik – dog and cat nutrition specialist at BULT.
Co-creates expert articles and guides for caregivers, combining nutritional knowledge with the daily care practice of dogs and cats.