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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+17
Feeding
# Feeding your Australian Shepherd well
United States
The Australian Shepherd needs a complete and digestible diet, capable of supporting an often sustained activity without promoting weight gain. Energy density, the quality of animal proteins and the regularity of intake are essential to maintain its muscle mass and its recovery.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- 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 homemade meals?
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.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
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 per 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 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
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
## Don't overlook water
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.
A little extra
## 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
## Make mealtimes count
- 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 feed these foods
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.
## Ready to welcome your Australian Shepherd?
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-shepherd)
## Compare Australian Shepherd with other breeds
- [Australian Shepherd vs. Border Collie](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/australian-shepherd-vs-border-collie)
- [Australian Shepherd vs. German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/australian-shepherd-vs-german-shepherd-dog)
- [Golden Retriever vs. Australian Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/golden-retriever-vs-australian-shepherd)
## Discover other breeds
[Miniature American Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd)
[Australian Cattle Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-cattle-dog)
[Border Collie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-collie)
[Kelpie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kelpie)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
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