The 10 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds in 2024
Australian Shepherds are gorgeous dogs known for their athleticism. Aussie owners know that these dogs need a lot of exercise, and it isn’t uncommon for them to be used as working dogs on farms.
Therefore, it’s important to feed Australian Shepherds a quality diet that provides them with the energy they need to keep up with their daily activities. This often means high-calorie, high-protein and high-fat foods.
To make things easier on you, we’ve created a list of great options for your Aussie as well as a guide to help you determine how much to feed your dog (and how to get her to eat it!). But first, let’s take a look at some of the factors you should consider while shopping around for dog food.
- What to Consider When Choosing Dog Food
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds 2024
- 1. Best Overall Dog Food: Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus
- 2. Best High-Protein Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
- 3. Best Budget Dog Food: CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula
- 4. Best Low-Calorie Dog Food: Nutro Ultra Adult
- 5. Best Senior Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Senior
- 6. Best Premium Dog Food: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- 7. Best Puppy Food: Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food
- 8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula (for Adults)
- 9. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula (for Puppies)
- 10. Most Palatable Dog Food: Purina ONE Tender Cuts in Gravy
- Buying Your Dog Food and Having Them Eat It, Too
- Bon Appetit!
What to Consider When Choosing Dog Food
Lots of us tend to get caught up in the ingredient list when browsing dog foods, but there are so many other important factors.
AAFCO Standards
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an authority on pet nutrition. Every year, it publishes standards for pet food manufacturers to follow. It also provides definitions of ingredients and outlines minimums and maximums for guaranteed analyses at each life stage. Furthermore, it publishes guidelines for feeding trials so manufacturers can test their recipes on dogs before releasing a diet to the public.
Responsible pet food manufacturers follow AAFCO guidelines and print an AAFCO statement on the bag. All of the foods on our list meet AAFCO standards.
Guaranteed Analysis
A quick check of the guaranteed analysis will tell you the percentage of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in kibble. Since Aussies are athletic dogs, you’ll typically want a food that is high in protein and fat.
However, if your Australian shepherd is a retired senior, you may not want a high-fat food as it could lead to weight gain. Use the guaranteed analysis to help you make the best choice for your dog.
Some foods have different amounts of moisture in them, so you need to compare them on a dry matter basis. We’ve converted all the foods on our list to a dry matter basis so you won’t have to.
Ingredients
Looking at the ingredient list is important, but not for the reasons you may think. In fact, veterinary nutritionists are urging people to stop making their choices based on ingredient lists alone.
The main reason to look at the ingredient list is to be sure that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that your dog is allergic to or that you’re uncomfortable feeding to your dog. After the FDA found a link between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free foods, many people switched away from grain-free diets and prefer to avoid products that include legumes.
In general, it’s also good to avoid ambiguous ingredients. For instance, “meat meal” could be made of any kind of meat. Some dogs are intolerant of or allergic to certain meats, so it’s important to know exactly what’s in your pup’s food.
Palatability
Palatability is how good (or bad) a food tastes to your dog. Since our dogs have to eat the same thing every day, it’s important that they like it!
Stool Quality
When you’re looking at foods in a store or online, you aren’t going to know how it’ll affect your dog’s poop. However, your dog’s stool is an indicator of how his body is handling food. Poop that is too hard or too soft is a sign that your dog’s diet may not be the best for them.
We’ve gathered info on each of the products on our list so that you’ll have a sense of how dogs’ stool is affected.
Health
Your dog’s health is directly affected by his diet. Some of the foods on our list have certain benefits such as being optimal for dogs with allergies or improving the look and feel of the coat.
Now that you know what to look for, we’re going to take you through the best food for your Australian shepherd.
Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Australian Shepherds 2024
1. Best Overall Dog Food: Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The high-protein formula can sustain energetic and working Australian Shepherds of all ages, and 88% of the protein comes from animal sources. It’s also affordable!
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: All life stages
- Calories/cup: 406
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 32%
- Fat: 21%
- Fiber: 3%
Ingredients
Eighty-eight percent of the protein in this food is taken from animal sources, with 2% being from plants and vegetables and 10% from grains. Unlike many dog foods, this one does not have peas or legumes in the recipe, which is great for anyone looking to avoid such ingredients.
While the recipe is still a solid formulation, it used to be better in the past with meats taking up the first three slots. Now, the second ingredient is grain sorghum, instead. Since ingredients are listed by weight, we know that there is a decent amount of grain sorghum in this product.
Luckily, the first ingredient is beef meal, which is a dry, concentrated source of meat that isn’t making the first slot due to water weight.
Palatability
Though we aren’t willing to taste test this ourselves, we can say that dogs love it! Even picky eaters are interested in this food. While the saying that a “healthy dog is a hungry dog” is certainly true, dogs that eat this food seem to have their hunger satisfied for longer.
Stool Quality
Dogs eating this food typically have great stool quality. It is firm as it should be, and some dogs may poop less frequently and experience less gas. If your dog has loose stools, this food may be worth a try. On the other hand, there are some dogs who experience stools that are a little too hard and dry.
Health
Victor Hi-Pro Plus keeps Aussies as their usual active and energetic selves. Not only that, it’s great for their coats, keeping them thick, shiny, and beautiful. If your dog has sensitive skin, this food may also help keep breakouts under control.
Other
This food is stinky! Not in a rancid or moldy way, but it definitely has a strong smell.
Pros
- Affordable
- High protein formula with 88% of protein sources being animals
- Recipe is free of legumes
- Dogs remain satisfied for longer when eating this food
- Dogs on this diet are less gassy
Cons
- Previous formula appeared to have better ingredients
- Food has a strong smell
2. Best High-Protein Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This food is affordable, high in protein and fat, and takes 91% of its protein from animal sources. This is a great diet for working Australian Shepherds.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Adult
- Calories/cup: 470
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 36%
- Fat: 28%
- Fiber: 4%
Ingredients
Diamond uses cage-free chicken in this formula, an ingredient some of us humans don’t even treat ourselves to. Ninety-one percent of the protein is from chicken and egg ingredients, and there is added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health — a nice touch since Aussies may suffer from arthritis later in life. This product does not contain any corn, wheat, soy, or legumes.
Palatability
Dogs gobble this food down, so the taste must be satisfactory. In fact, even picky eaters are happy to eat this, no toppings necessary.
Stool Quality
You may notice soft stool as you’re transitioning your dog to this food (even if you’ve read our guide (and are doing it right), but it should clear up within a week. After that, stools are regular and firm. Dogs on this diet do tend to be a bit gassy, but that’s due to the high protein, high-fat formula.
Health
The high-protein, high-fat formula of this food is perfect for active and working Australian shepherds. It helps them keep weight on and prevents exhaustion during strenuous activity. This food keeps muscles in good shape and makes fur soft and shiny. Some dogs have even experienced relief from itchy, dry skin.
Other
The kibbles in this food are large enough to use as training treats but may be too large for some interactive toys.
Pros
- Affordable
- High-protein, high-fat formula helps working Aussies maintain a healthy weight
- Provides ample energy for active dogs
- 91% of the protein comes from chicken and egg ingredients
- Does not contain legumes
Cons
- Only comes in a 40-pound bag
- Dogs on this diet may be gassy
3. Best Budget Dog Food: CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This food is great for multi-dog households. The first three ingredients are concentrated sources of animal proteins, and dogs on this diet tend to poop less and have less stinky stools.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: All life stages
- Calories/cup: 468
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 26%
- Fat: 16%
- Fiber: 4%
Ingredients
This formula doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, or soy, but it does have peas in it. Unlike many of Canidae’s products, it is not grain-free. This recipe also has omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, as well as probiotics to support digestion. The first three ingredients are chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal, which are concentrated sources of animal proteins.
If you’re looking for an all life stages formula that doesn’t have peas in it, try Victor Hi-Pro Plus.
Palatability
Though we aren’t up to tasting this ourselves, dogs seem to enjoy it. Some picky eaters even like it without any gravy on top.
Stool Quality
Dogs on this diet typically produce healthy, less stinky stools. The quantity of stool produced is less as well. Not only that, if you feed this to your Aussie, you may notice reduced gas with a less offensive aroma.
Health
This food is great for an Aussie’s thick coat; it will keep it shiny and may even reduce shedding. Even though this food is meant for all life stages, its high-calorie formula may not be suitable for a retired Aussie that prefers to laze around the house.
Pros
- First three ingredients are meat meals
- Dogs on this diet have less stinky poops and toots
- Picky eaters enjoy it without any toppings
Cons
- High-calorie formula may not be suitable for inactive senior dogs
- Contains peas
4. Best Low-Calorie Dog Food: Nutro Ultra Adult
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The unique size and shape of this kibble makes for easy munching regardless of a dog’s size and also seems to win over picky dogs. Nutro is free of GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Adult
- Calories/cup: 341
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 28%
- Fat: 16%
- Fiber: 4%
Ingredients
Nutro Ultra Adult is made with all non-GMO ingredients. It doesn’t contain any chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein. It also does not use artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This recipe is without legumes, so it’s a great option for those who want a pea-free food.
Palatability
Lots of dogs leave their food in their bowls all day long, letting it sit for hours before finally eating it. Nutro Ultra has won over many a picky eater and is not likely to last long after hitting your dog’s dish.
The kibble itself is small, thin, and oval in shape; this makes it easy for both large and small dogs to eat. This also seems to be the reason why some picky dogs are willing to eat this kibble.
Stool Quality
Dog’s on this diet typically have regular, firm stools that aren’t especially stinky. Speaking of stinky, dogs seem to experience less gas, as well!
Health
Aussies are already beautiful dogs, but prepare to receive compliments on your baby’s soft, lustrous coat. Nutro Ultra Adult also supports this energetic breed in whatever athleticism you have planned for the day.
Some dogs with sensitive skin and allergies have seen improvement in symptoms, such as a reduction in hot spots and itching, while on this diet. However, this food does have a number of extra ingredients (blueberries, chia seeds, kale, coconut, spinach, etc.) which may not work out for especially sensitive dogs.
Other
Sometimes dog food can be smelly, which isn’t the case for this particular recipe. It’s also lower in calories than most of the foods on our list, which can be a great option for Aussies struggling with weight management.
Pros
- Unique shape of kibble is great for picky eaters and easy to eat for small and large dogs alike
- Dogs on this diet seem to have less gas and less offensive stool
- Some dogs have found relief from allergy symptoms such as hot spots and itching
- Recipe does not contain legumes
Cons
- Multitude of ingredients may upset dogs who’s allergies or digestive issues are especially sensitive
5. Best Senior Dog Food: Diamond Naturals Senior
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This food is affordable despite using quality ingredients such as cage-free chicken. It helps senior dogs maintain a healthy weight and a beautiful coat.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Senior
- Calories/cup: 318
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 28%
- Fat: 12%
- Fiber: 3%
Ingredients
This food uses meat from cage-free chicken and has added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is also free of legumes for those looking to avoid them.
Palatability
Picky dogs and voracious eaters alike enjoy the flavor of this kibble, and it seems to keep them satisfied for longer. The size and shape of the kibble are similar to Cheerios; it’s thin and easy for old dogs to chew.
Little dogs also have no trouble with this, which is great if your Aussie isn’t your only fur baby. While most dogs are happy with the shape of this kibble, some especially picky eaters might not care for it.
Stool Quality
This diet will keep your Aussie’s stools normal and healthy. They may even produce less waste that is less stinky.
Health
This food can help your Aussie keep that pep in their step by providing appropriate energy for a senior dog. It’s also great for keeping the coat sleek and maintaining a healthy weight. Some dogs with allergies have even seen an improvement in symptoms, such as reduced dandruff and itchiness.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy for old dogs to chew
- Helps seniors maintain a healthy weight
- Formula does not contain legumes
Cons
- Picky eaters may not like the Cheerio-like shape of the kibble
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Despite being formulated for sensitive skin and stomachs, this product still has a decent amount of protein and fat for active dogs. If your dog has skin issues, this food may be able to help get things under control.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Adult
- Calories/cup: 508
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 30%
- Fat: 18%
- Fiber: 5%
Ingredients
This food contains no wheat, soy, corn, beef, chicken, or turkey, so it’s great for dogs who have food allergies. It also doesn’t contain any artificial colors or ingredients. However, it does include peas. Even if your Aussie doesn’t have allergies, this food could still be a good choice as it has good ingredients and is high in calories, protein, and fat.
Palatability
This Purina sensitive skin and stomach formula gets the seal of approval from our four-legged friends. They seem to love the taste, as they are quick to clean out their bowls!
Stool Quality
Poop is not a problem with this food. Stool is regular, firm, and often reduced in quantity. Dogs may be less gassy, too!
Health
This food is well known for having a positive effect on dogs with skin issues like allergies. This is no surprise since Purina took the time to conduct feeding trials to ensure the quality of this product. If your Aussie is suffering from dry, flakey, itchy skin, then you should seriously consider trying this food.
As the name of the food suggests, it’s also beneficial for dogs with stomach problems. Dogs with digestive issues such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease have experienced relief from their symptoms.
This diet is great for keeping Australian shepherds soft, sleek, and energetic.
Other
This food is high in calories which is both good and bad. Working Australian shepherds require a lot of energy, but it may be a bit much for companion Aussies who are less active. Check out Nutro Ultra Adult if you’re looking for a high-protein, low-calorie alternative.
This food is also available in a puppy formulation.
Pros
- This food has successfully reduced symptoms in dogs with skin and stomach issues
- Proper nutrition leaves fur shiny and healthy
- High-calorie formula is great for active Australian shepherds
- Feeding trials have been conducted for this food
Cons
- Pricy
- Contains peas
7. Best Puppy Food: Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Puppies eating this Wellness formula are healthy and energetic. The food is tasty and helps regulate stool. Wellness also has a program that allows you to recycle the bag in order to reduce waste.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Puppy
- Calories/cup: 450
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 32%
- Fat: 20%
- Fiber: 5%
Ingredients
This puppy formula is made without any GMOs or artificial preservatives. It also doesn’t contain any meat by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, but it does contain peas. Wellness included a number of vitamins and minerals for healthy growth, such as DHA for brain development and calcium for bone growth.
Palatability
Wellness has puppies running to their bowls to chow down on this food. Picky puppies love it, and the size of the kibble is easy to eat. It also works great as a training treat and isn’t too stinky to keep in your pockets.
Stool Quality
Puppies can have sensitive stomachs and are often known for their “soft serve” turds. On Wellness, puppies have solid, healthy poops.
Health
Wellness will have your Australian shepherd puppy’s coat gleaming. Not that puppies need more energy, but this food will ensure that they have plenty of it.
Other
Wellness is making an effort to be green. You can recycle Wellness pet food bags at participating retailers or mail them using pre-paid shipping labels.
Pros
- Keeps puppies healthy and energetic
- Kibble doesn’t have a strong smell
- Wellness has a recycling program to keep kibble bags out of landfills
Cons
- Formula contains peas
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Blue Buffalo uses quality ingredients that create a tasty diet for dogs. Though not marketed for sensitive tummies, the lack of common allergens such as wheat and soy may be beneficial for such issues.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Adult
- Calories/cup: 378
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 27%
- Fat: 16%
- Fiber: 6%
Ingredients
Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection dog food doesn’t have any corn, wheat, or soy, nor does it contain chicken or poultry by-product meals. It is also free of artificial flavors and coloring. Blue Buffalo does not use any meat with added hormones or antibiotics in their products. This product does contain a number of pea products, though.
Palatability
This food is tasty! Or, at least, dogs seem to think so. They scarf it up without leaving any behind. Even picky eaters enjoy it. However, there are some dogs who pick out the “Life Source” bits but eat the rest of the kibble.
Stool Quality
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is sure to keep your dog regular with healthy, solid stools.
Health
Even though this food isn’t marketed toward pets with sensitive skin or stomachs, it has helped dogs with such problems find relief. This diet is likely to keep your Aussie energetic and maintain her beautiful coat.
Other
The kibbles in this food are great for old and young dogs alike. The food isn’t too hard for older dogs nor is it too big for younger dogs.
Pros
- Shape and size of kibble is great for younger and older dogs
- May be a good option for dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs
- Keeps stool regular and firm
Cons
- Some dogs do not like the Life Source bits
- Contains peas
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This food is free of common allergens such as wheat and soy, so it shouldn’t cause your puppy distress. It’s appetizing and supports healthy growth.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Puppy
- Calories/cup: 398
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 30%
- Fat: 18%
- Fiber: 6%
Ingredients
This food is free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors and colors, and chicken (and poultry) by-products. Blue Buffalo does not use any meat that has added hormones or antibiotics, either. The formula also includes DHA and ARA, fatty acids found in mother’s milk that support brain and eye development.
The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal, which are great sources of protein. For those looking to steer clear of foods with legumes, unfortunately, this product does contain peas.
Palatability
Puppies are excited to eat this food and it smells appetizing to them. There’s a good chance your Aussie will enjoy the flavor. Even picky eaters are interested!
Stool Quality
Dogs who eat this food have firm, healthy stools. In fact, their stool may even be a bit less stinky.
Health
Puppies being fed Blue Buffalo often have soft, shiny coats. Though not formulated to help with sensitivities, some dogs with digestive and skin issues have shown improvement while on this diet.
Pros
- Supports brain and eye development
- Meat comes from animals that were not given hormones or antibiotics
- Free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and colors
Cons
- Contains legumes
10. Most Palatable Dog Food: Purina ONE Tender Cuts in Gravy
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Dogs find this canned food super delicious. It’s high in protein but formulated to help with weight management.
Quick Facts:
- Life stage: Adult
- Calories/can: 350
- Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis):
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 15%
- Fiber: 8%
Ingredients
This food is high in protein which is great for active breeds like the Australian Shepherd. It also has omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, along with antioxidants that support the immune system.
Because the main meat ingredient is lamb, this is a great choice for dogs who are allergic to chicken and poultry. On the other hand, this food does contain wheat and soy, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for dogs who are sensitive to such ingredients. For those looking to avoid legumes, this product is free of peas and lentils.
Palatability
It’s no surprise that dogs relish the taste of this food. After all, it is chunks of meat in gravy. This is a great option for picky eaters who won’t eat their dry food without some toppings.
Stool Quality
Dogs eating this food have healthy, firm stools.
Health
This recipe is relatively low in calories (350 per can), so it is great for weight management. It also won’t upset your dog’s tummy.
Other
Because this is meat in gravy instead of ground meat, it is much easier to mix in with other food. The can itself has a pull tab similar to a soda can, so you won’t need a can opener.
If you use this as a topper for dry food, then it’s affordably priced. However, if you were to feed this on its own it would get quite expensive. An Australian shepherd would likely need to eat four to six cans per day to meet daily calorie requirements (which you can figure out using our guide). A high-protein kibble alternative would be Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete dog food.
Pros
- High protein
- Highly palatable
- Pea-free
- Affordable as a topper
Cons
- Expensive if fed on its own
- Contains wheat and soy which some dogs may be allergic to
Buying Your Dog Food and Having Them Eat It, Too
Once you’ve chosen a food, you’ll need to know how to safely change your dog’s diet and determine exactly how much she should be eating. But first, we have to address some potential issues with shopping online for dog food.
Problems With Buying Dog Food Online
Buying dog food online is incredibly convenient; unfortunately, it comes with its own set of problems. One of the biggest issues is that dog food bags can get ripped during the shipping process. This may affect the freshness of the kibble. If you receive a ripped bag, you should definitely reach out to the company to request a refund.
On Amazon in particular, there seems to be another problem with dog food, which is receiving a product that looks different in some way. Usually, it is the kibbles themselves. They may be dustier, differently sized or shaped, or a different color.
If any of the kibble you get looks different than what you’re used to, do some research to see if the brand changed their recipe. If not, you may want to request a refund. Many customers have reported their dogs getting sick after being fed kibble that looked different than usual.
It’s uncertain whether these were instances of a counterfeit product or just a lack of freshness. To reduce the likelihood of such a mishap, make sure you purchase products on Amazon from pet food manufacturers themselves rather than third-party sellers.
How to Safely Switch Your Dog to a New Food
You’re likely reading this article because you’re looking to change your Australian shepherd’s diet. However, if you simply buy new food and give it to your dog, it may cause gastrointestinal upset that often leads to diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, you need to slowly transition your dog onto the new diet. Luckily, this is easy!
All you need to do is mix your dog’s new diet with her old diet over the course of about a week or two:
Day 1-3: Mix your dog’s dinner so that 25% is the new food
Day 4-6: Mix 50% of the new diet and 50% of the old diet.
Day 7-9: Mix 75% of the new food and 25% of the old food.
Day 10: Feed 100% of the new diet.
If you notice your dog has diarrhea at any point, don’t add more of the new food. Stay at the percentage you’re on. If the diarrhea doesn’t clear up, it may be a sign that the new food isn’t the right choice for your dog. This is why you should always start with small bags when trying a new food.
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
Determining how much to feed your Australian shepherd isn’t exactly a perfect science. The suggestions on dog food labels are just that, and they don’t take into consideration a dog’s breed, age, or activity level. You can use these guidelines as a starting point and adjust your dog’s portion as needed.
However, a better method would be to calculate your dog’s caloric needs while taking into account factors like age, activity level, and even whether or not he’s been neutered. The Veterinary Medical Center of Ohio State University (OSU) describes just how to do so.
First, you need to calculate your dog’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER). Do this by multiplying her weight in kilograms raised to ¾ power by 70: A 40-pound Aussie is about 18kg, so her RER would be 611 calories.
Next, you will need to multiply the RER by another number to determine the final amount of suggested daily calories.
We’ve taken this table from the Veterinary Medical Center of OSU:
| Neutered adult | RER 1.6 |
| Intact adult | RER 1.8 |
| Inactive/obese prone | RER 1.2-1.4 |
| Weight loss | RER for ideal weight 1.0 |
| Weight gain | RER for ideal weight 1.2-1.8 |
| Active, working dogs | RER 2.0-5.0 |
| Puppy 0-4 months | RER 3.0 |
| Puppy 4 months to adult | RER 2.0 |
Using this chart, a 40-pound (18kg) active Aussie would need 1,223 calories per day ().
Though this method is more accurate than using a dog food label, you may still need to make adjustments by observing any fluctuations in your dog’s weight or energy levels.
Tips for Picky Eaters
Some dogs seem to be uninterested no matter what kibble you buy. It’s exhausting to buy brand after brand of kibble, so we’ve got some tips to help you.
Put Warm Water in Your Dog’s Food
It may seem strange, but some dogs actually like their kibble better after it’s become mushy and soggy with water. Perhaps the water helps release the flavor of the kibble better. Either way, it’s worth a try. It’s also easier for dogs with missing teeth to eat their food this way.
Mix in Some Canned Food
There’s nothing like canned food to get a dog excited about dinner time. We prefer canned foods that have gravy in them, like Purina’s Tender Cuts in Gravy, because they’re much easier to mix with kibble. The gravy also allows you to stretch the product further: mix in a few spoonfuls and store the unused portion in the fridge for later.
Top It With Chicken Broth
You can either let the food sit and get soggy in the broth or just mix it in. Making your own chicken broth is easy, but if you prefer to buy something from the store, just make sure that it is low sodium and free of ingredients like onions that are harmful to dogs.
Bon Appetit!
Dog owners are often more considerate of their dog’s diet than their own. We’re all willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our dogs are eating a healthy, balanced diet. With so many options on the market, though, shopping for dog food can be overwhelming. Just remember that as long as your dog has a healthy coat, normal stools, and her usual energy, her kibble is doing its job.
