How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd Puppies
Australian Shepherd puppies are hardy, happy creatures. A dog breed with energy to spare, the Australian Shepherd puppy requires a high-quality food that has been specifically formulated with the needs of a growing puppy in mind.
The basis of any well-balanced diet suited to an Australian Shepherd puppy is protein. High protein diets which contain a moderate to high percentage of healthy fats ensure the Aussie puppy has the energy to fuel its development and activity as well as the correct nutrients to support a healthy body condition.
Australian Shepherd puppies can be prone to food sensitivities. If this is a problem for your puppy, it’s best to speak to a veterinarian who can discuss options for hypoallergenic diets that also meet their nutritional requirements for growth.
The best dog foods for Australian Shepherd puppies prioritize ingredients that are easy to digest.
How to Feed Australian Shepherd Puppies
To help determine the correct amount to feed an Australian Shepherd puppy, the bag of food will provide a suggested serving size. This can be a starting point with amounts being adjusted to meet the pup’s activity level. The puppy’s hunger level and body condition are helpful guidelines.
The best dog food for the Australian Shepherd puppy should be spread out into four or five meals that are fed throughout the day to prevent hunger and low blood sugar (blood glucose) levels.
Dietary Requirements for Australian Shepherd Puppy Foods
Australian Shepherd puppies require a diet that is higher in both protein and healthy fat than adult Aussies do. The ideal amounts are a minimum of 22 percent of protein derived from animal origins and at least 8 percent healthy fats.
The foundation of the Australian Shepherd puppy’s diet should be a high-quality protein. While whole meats are the preferred protein source, meat meals are perfectly acceptable.
Healthy fats provide Australian Shepherd puppies with the energy they need to enjoy their active lifestyle and continue their growth trajectory. These should be sourced from animals and can include such healthy fats as chicken fats or fish-based oils such as mackerel or salmon. Plant-derived oils such as sunflower and canola can also offer some vital omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, critical components of any well-balanced food for an Australian Shepherd puppy.
Another important component of an Australian Shepherd puppy’s diet is the inclusion of critical vitamins, minerals, and supplements to ensure a well-balanced food. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega 3 acid that is extremely beneficial to puppies and can promote healthy brain development. The addition of probiotics and prebiotics also aid digestion, an important component of the best foods for Australian Shepherd puppies.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Australian Shepherd Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for an Australian Shepherd puppy:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
One of the first ingredients in any high-quality puppy food should be animal protein. Whole meats are the preferred option; however, meat meals also provide excellent nutrition.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements can greatly enrich an Australian puppy’s diet and promote optimal health. The most important ones to look for in a food for this breed include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), probiotics, and prebiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Australian Shepherd puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.