AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD : DIET

The Australian Shepherd, or “Aussie”, is a vivacious, energetic dog with a very curious nature. Therefore, your Australian Shepherd’s diet needs to be adapted to their high metabolism and activity level. Food is essential to your dog's health, so choosing the most suitable diet for your Australian Shepherd is one way to guarantee them a healthy life.

Australian Shepherd Dietary Needs

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that typically expend a lot of energy throughout the day. They are very active, playful, and curious, and need to exert themselves sufficiently, both physically and intellectually, in order to stay healthy and well-balanced. Australian Shepherds have a very high energy expenditure rate: when they're not sleeping, they're almost constantly in action. Their food, therefore, needs to provide them with enough energy throughout the day.

Australian Shepherds are predisposed to joint problems: hip and elbow dysplasia are frequent afflictions for these dogs. As such, their food needs to contain nutrients which support their bones. They are also prone to skin diseases; although their beautiful coat protects them from bad weather, they tend to have sensitive skin. Your Australian Shepherd’s diet should therefore contain the right balance of minerals, vitamins, and trace elements to protect them from these potential disease risks.

What type of food should I give my Australian Shepherd?

Australian Shepherds require a full diet with a lot of hydration. They need high-quality food containing key nutrients, such as a large percentage of animal proteins and fats, to maintain their muscle mass, as well as a sufficient energy supply - enough to allow your pooch to fully enjoy their day and to exercise as much as they please.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphates are essential for strengthening your Australian Shepherd's joints. This is essential for these large dogs, whose well-developed musculature can put pressure on their joints. Fatty acids, like Omega 3 and 6, also help to maintain their joints, while keeping their skin and coat healthy, and protecting them from the risk of dermatitis, for example. Because of their high energy levels, Australian Shepherds tend to eat very quickly and want to exercise right after a meal. To avoid the risks of digestive disorders, probiotics and prebiotics work miracles!

What food supplements should I give my Australian Shepherd?

Depending on the results you're looking for, there are several natural food supplements that you can offer your Australian Shepherd. These include:

• Brewer's yeast which provides them with group B vitamins - ideal for helping your pooch to recover after physical activity while promoting a shiny, healthy coat.

• Prebiotics and probiotics which are excellent for the health of their intestinal flora and contribute towards good digestion.

• Grapefruit seed extract which has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties - very effective in helping maintain your furry friend's skin and coat.

• Green-lipped mussel powder which is great for relieving joint pain in your Australian Shepherd, who could easily suffer from hip dysplasia.

How often should I feed my Australian Shepherd?

Australian Shepherds can weigh anywhere from 19 to 34kg, depending on whether they’re male or female. The amount of food required can therefore vary widely from one dog to another. You can expect your furry friend to consume between 280 and 400g of food per day, depending on their size and weight. Be aware that eating too much or too quickly can cause your dog digestive problems, such as gas or indigestion. To prevent this, distribute your Australian Shepherd's diet over several meals throughout the day (ideally 2 to 3), and give them their food in a quiet place at a fixed time each day. This helps to limit the risk of poor digestion and also reduce their feelings of hunger.

Finally, hydration is essential for your Australian Shepherd’s health. Remember to always have one or more bowls of fresh water available and to refresh the water each day. You can also rehydrate your Australian Shepherd by adding a little lukewarm water to their food.