How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Australian Cattle Puppies
The Australian Cattle puppy is an adorable little ball of energy. A pooch known by several different names including Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, or Halls Heeler among others, this athletic pup is sure to keep its family on their toes.
The Australian Cattle puppy is a proud member of the herding group. This working dog was originally intended to herd livestock on its owners’ property. It is from this occupation that it has earned the name “heeler” since the dog would often nip or bite the heels of cattle to drive them into the desired position.
An extremely energetic breed, the Australian Cattle puppy needs daily activity sessions to remain physically and mentally well. Due to the dog’s high activity needs and its young developing body, it is recommended that this pup be exercised for shorter periods several times a day as opposed to one lengthy vigorous session. Australian Cattle puppies that are not regularly exercised can develop destructive behaviors. They are fiercely intelligent, and thus, also require mental stimulation.
A pup with intense devotion towards its family, the Australian Cattle puppy is often referred to as a “Velcro dog” due to its intense desire to always be in the presence of those it loves most. Though the breed is a loving and dedicated family companion, this pooch can be aloof and standoffish with strangers and is not always a fan of other animals due to its high prey drive.
In order for the Australian Cattle puppy to truly thrive, it is important that the breed be fed top quality nutrition. The best dog foods for Australian Cattle puppies contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. They should also include the correct amount of calcium to phosphorus to support a healthy rate of bone growth. This is rated as 1.2 parts of calcium for every included unit of phosphorus.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Australian Cattle Puppies
Australian Cattle puppies need a premium quality diet to fuel their daily reserves of energy. The best dog foods for Australian Cattle puppies are nutritionally balanced and comprised of only the most beneficial ingredients for developing puppies.
Determining how much of a food to feed an Australian Cattle puppy can be as much of a challenge as selecting the food itself. The best means to arrive at the correct portion size is by using the suggested serving sizes printed on the bag of food as a starting point. This amount can be adjusted gradually until the proper meal size is found.
Free feeding the Australian Cattle puppy is strongly discouraged. The breed is not predisposed to weight gain since it is highly active. Instead, the opposite can be true; the puppy may begin to lose weight and may even skip eating altogether if allowed to eat whenever it chooses throughout the day. Measuring all food and monitoring daily intake is an important part of keeping the Australian Cattle puppy in a good body condition.
Dietary Requirements for Australian Cattle Puppy Foods
To help the Australian Cattle puppy to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness, it is important that this pup be fed a diet that is suited to the needs of highly active puppies. The best dog foods for Australian Cattle puppies base their formulation on a meat-based protein. Whole meats and meat meals are ideal; however, plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy; and by-products should be avoided as they are not of sufficient nutritional quality for this breed.
Foods that contain chemicals, additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors offer no nutritional benefit to the Australian Cattle puppy. In addition to this, these ingredients can be common allergens for many dogs.
Carbohydrates play an important role in the diet for this breed. Since the Australian Cattle puppy is not predisposed to allergies, it can eat a grain-free or grain-inclusive diet without suffering any ill effects. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may make up the carbohydrate content of the food. The main priority of any carbohydrate included in a diet for the Australian Cattle puppy is its fiber and antioxidant content.
Healthy fats are the building blocks of a quality diet suited to the needs of the Australian Cattle puppy. It is from these nutrients the pup gains the support it needs for brain and eye development as well as coat and skin health. Animal sources such as chicken fat and oily fish are best, but plant-based oils such as safflower and canola are also excellent purveyors of essential fatty acids.
It is always a great idea to consider a food that includes supplements in its formulation. The most beneficial supplements for Australian Cattle puppies are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Australian Cattle Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for an Australian Cattle puppy:
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Meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
Any diet suited to the active Australian Cattle puppy should take a meat-based protein as its first ingredient. Whole meats and meat meals are the best options. Owners should avoid foods that contain plant-based proteins like soy, corn, and wheat, as well as diets based on by-products.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to a growing Australian Cattle puppy. Any foods containing these items is best left on the shelf.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Among the most beneficial supplements to look for in a food for the Australian Cattle puppy are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Australian Cattle puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.