How Much Should an Australian Shepherd Eat a Day?
Australian shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and loyal dogs, and these pups need the right diet to stay healthy and to fuel their daily activities. Feeding your dog the correct diet can help them thrive and ensure that their chances of developing certain health issues, such as obesity, are lower.
As the days go by, this can help them achieve a long lifespan with minimal health issues. The amount you feed your dog is equally as important as the nutrition inside their food, and you may be wondering how much to feed your Australian shepherd each day.
Below, we discuss your Australian shepherd’s nutrition needs and the average amount of food you can expect your dog to need each day.
What Are an Australian Shepherd’s Nutrition Needs?
Australian shepherds need a high-quality diet of dog food that is packed with protein and the right nutrients to support their active lifestyle. They should not eat too many foods with a high amount of additives, and limited-ingredient, balanced dog foods are the best choice to ensure your dog doesn’t get an upset stomach.
You should keep in mind that your dog might have differing nutritional needs, and you may need to purchase dog food based on your specific dog’s preferences and health. You should also note that you can feed your Australian shepherd either wet food or dry food, or a combination of these foods.
Both wet and dry can be great options for meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.
Do All Dog Foods Offer the Same Nutrition?
Not all dog foods are made the same, and this is something you need to take into consideration when you start to think about how much your Australian shepherd needs to eat a day and the type of diet they will be consuming.
In general, you should be purchasing a food that is designed for your dog’s age, such as puppy food, adult dog food, or senior dog food. The nutritional and caloric makeup of these foods is different to support your dog throughout all of their life stages. You can also opt for special blends, such as blends for joint health or a sensitive stomach, as needed.
When switching between types of food, make sure that you make the transition slowly to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. You should also watch your dog closely as they try new foods to ensure they are not allergic to them and that they enjoy the food. Both wet food and dry food diets are acceptable for Australian shepherds, and you may want to combine wet and dry throughout your dog’s daily meals.
How Much Should an Australian Shepherd Eat a Day?
Your Australian shepherd can eat between one and a half to three and a half cups of food per day, depending on the exact food you are feeding and how active your dog is. You should also take into account your dog’s size, as larger and more active dogs will need more food than smaller ones.
Look at the caloric and nutritional information on your chosen Australian shepherd dog food and compare it to your dog’s needs in order to give them the right amount of food without accidentally over- or under-feeding your pup.
When Do I Consult a Vet About My Dog’s Diet?
If you are having a hard time pinning down your dog’s caloric needs, or if you are concerned that your Australian shepherd might have some kind of food allergy, speak to your vet . Some Australian shepherds do have sensitive stomachs, and others might develop allergies to certain grains, poultry, or fish that are found in many dog foods.
Signs of an allergy in your dog include itchiness, loss of fur, upset stomach or diarrhea, lethargy, and even aggressive behaviors. You may need to switch your dog to a grain-free food or avoid certain types of protein in their diet if they have an allergy.
Keeping Your Australian Shepherd Happy and Healthy
When it comes to your dog’s health, you no doubt want to make sure that your pup is eating a healthy diet full of nutritionally dense food. Getting the right amount of calories and nutrients is important for all dogs, and especially for Australian shepherds, as these dogs are high-energy and need the right diet to stay in good condition.
If you have any concerns when choosing the right Australian shepherd dog food, make sure to speak with your veterinarian or consult breed-specific food guides.
