Australian Shepherd: feeding, nutrition and health

Feeding a Australian Shepherd: what matters

The Australian Shepherd is a working breed, and its energy needs vary dramatically with actual activity. A dog engaged in sport or work needs a higher-energy food with plenty of quality animal protein for muscle recovery, while a less active companion needs its energy intake reined in considerably.

Because Aussies are extremely food-motivated, it's easy to unintentionally overfeed them treats during training. It's worth counting treats into the total daily ration for this breed, and using part of the regular food as training rewards instead of adding extra calories on top.

For puppies, given the risk of hip dysplasia, a medium- to large-breed food with controlled calcium and energy content is important, supporting slow, even growth rather than rapid weight gain.

What to watch for

• Energy needs vary dramatically with actual activity; a working dog needs considerably more calories than a companion.
• Overfeeding treats during training is a real risk, since Aussies are strongly food-motivated.
• Rapid puppy growth raises the risk of hip dysplasia; the goal is a lean, slowly growing puppy.
• The MDR1 mutation affects tolerance of certain drugs and parasite preventives; tell your vet about it.

Practical feeding tips

• Match the food ration to your dog's actual activity, not a breed template; the gap between a companion and a working Aussie is huge.
• Count training treats into the total daily ration, or use part of the kibble ration itself as rewards.
• For puppies, choose a medium- to large-breed food with controlled calcium; the goal is slow, even growth.
• Have your dog genetically tested for the MDR1 mutation and share the result with your vet before choosing medications or parasite preventives.
• After intense exercise, make sure your dog rehydrates well and replenish energy gradually.

Feeding schedule by age

Health risks that diet affects

MDR1 gene mutation

Up to half of Australian Shepherds carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which raises sensitivity to certain drugs, such as higher doses of ivermectin or some anti-diarrheal medications. It isn't strictly a nutritional issue, but owners should have their dog genetically tested and inform their vet before starting any medication or choosing a parasite preventive.

Idiopathic epilepsy

Australian Shepherds have an elevated rate of seizures with no clear structural cause. Treatment is led by a vet, and for some dogs a diet higher in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) is considered as an add-on to medication, though starting one is always a decision for the treating vet.

Hip dysplasia

As with other medium to large breeds, this inherited hip joint defect is made worse by rapid growth and excess weight during puppyhood. A medium- to large-breed food with controlled energy and calcium content helps lower the risk.

High energy needs and risk of underfeeding

A working or heavily exercised Aussie has such a high energy expenditure that a standard companion-dog food may not cover its needs, leading to weight loss and fatigue. The ration needs to be set according to actual workload, not a breed average.

Temperament and exercise

The Australian Shepherd is among the most energetic breeds around, and without enough physical and mental stimulation it becomes frustrated, destructive, and prone to anxiety. Its dietary energy needs match those of an athlete rather than a couch companion, provided it's actually working or engaged in intense sport.

Aussies are extremely food-motivated, which makes training easier but also raises the risk of overfeeding through treats. For less active dogs living more as companions than working animals, the food's energy content needs to be scaled back substantially to match actual activity.

This breed carries a drug sensitivity caused by a genetic mutation affecting how substances cross the blood-brain barrier. This mainly concerns veterinary medications such as ivermectin, but owners should be aware of it when choosing parasite prevention or any other treatment.

Coat: Medium-length, dense, weather-resistant double coat; sheds moderately, more heavily twice a year.