A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : a growth diet for a medium-sized puppy helps support development without excess energy.
Adult : the ration must be adjusted to the actual activity level to maintain an athletic body condition.
Senior : a more digestible and sometimes less caloric food helps preserve weight, mobility and overall comfort.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A balanced diet adapted to its activity level is essential for the Australian Shepherd. Good-quality kibble generally covers its nutritional needs well, whereas a poorly balanced homemade ration more easily leads to deficiencies or excesses. The choice of food must always take into account its age, its metabolism and its exercise intensity.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies according to weight, activity, sterilization and the richness of the food. A sporting or very active dog will not have the same needs as a companion animal living more calmly. It is preferable to adjust the ration based on body condition rather than follow a fixed number all year round.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 15 - 20 kg | 200 - 260 g | 2 |
| 20 - 25 kg | 240 - 320 g | 2 |
| 25 - 30 kg | 300 - 380 g | 2 |
| 30 - 32 kg | 340 - 420 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary transition must be gradual over about one week in order to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little while monitoring appetite, stool quality and overall condition.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times, with increased attention after exercise, when traveling and during hot periods. A very active dog may have markedly higher water needs on certain days.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats can be useful in training and in activity, provided they remain moderate and are included in the total ration. It is better to favor small, easily digestible rewards rather than very fatty extras given out without control.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it at random.
- Split into two meals for better digestive comfort.
- Adjust the intake on days of intense sport or rest.
- Monitor body condition once a month.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, alcohol, xylitol and cooked bones should be avoided because they can cause serious digestive, neurological or hematological disorders. As with all dogs, some human medications are also dangerous without veterinary advice.
