---
title: "Australian Cattle Dog - Feeding and nutrition | Pedibase"
description: "Complete Australian Cattle Dog feeding guide: portions, food types, meal frequency, and age-specific advice, from puppy to senior."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+8
Feeding
# Feeding your Australian Cattle Dog well
Australia
The diet must cover the high needs of an active dog while maintaining a lean and muscular silhouette. The ration varies greatly depending on the level of exercise, the season, the age and the individual size. A veterinarian can help adjust it for a working dog, a growing puppy or a neutered subject.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- Puppy: Use a complete food for medium-sized puppies, divided into three meals, to support steady growth without excess energy.
- Adult: Adjust the energy density and the ration to the actual activity level, with two daily meals and monitoring of body condition.
- Senior: Favor a digestible formula maintaining muscle mass, adjusted to decreased activity and any potential joint needs.
Which food?
## Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
Complete, high-quality kibble, formulated for medium dogs and adapted to the activity level, is a practical solution. A balanced home-prepared ration can also be suitable if it is calculated with a veterinary nutritionist. Digestible animal proteins, a controlled energy intake and the balance of minerals are priorities.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
The daily amount is determined based on ideal weight, body condition, activity and the energy density of the food. The manufacturer’s guidelines serve as a starting point, then the ration is adjusted according to changes in weight and body shape.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 - 23 kg | 250 - 320 g | 2 |
| 24 - 27 kg | 300 - 370 g | 2 |
| 28 - 30 kg | 340 - 420 g | 2 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
Any change of food must be gradual over seven to ten days, by gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. This transition limits digestive upsets. In the event of persistent diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite, veterinary advice is necessary.
Hydration
## Don't overlook water
Fresh, clean water must remain available at all times, particularly after exertion and in hot weather. During long outings, regular breaks should be planned and enough water carried, without letting the dog drink a very large amount all at once after intense exercise.
A little extra
## Treats in moderation
Treats are chosen in a small format and given in moderation, especially during training. Their caloric intake must be deducted from the daily ration. Low-fat rewards or part of the day's kibble make it possible to multiply reinforcements without promoting weight gain.
Good habits
## Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the daily ration rather than using an approximate measure.
- Split the food into two meals for the adult.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and just after the meal.
- Check weight and body shape every month.
- Deduct treats from the day's ration.
### Never feed these foods
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic in quantity, leek, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and any product containing xylitol are dangerous. Cooked bones can break and cause an obstruction or a perforation, while very fatty foods expose in particular to digestive disorders and pancreatitis.
## Ready to welcome your Australian Cattle Dog?
Find a verified breeder near you and get off to a great start, right from the food bowl.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-cattle-dog)
## Discover other breeds
[Australian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd)
[Kelpie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kelpie)
[Bearded Collie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bearded-collie)
[Miniature American Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
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