A high-energy breed, the Australian Shepherd needs plenty of energy-rich protein, which helps build muscle and provide the energy these Aussies need to perform their jobs. If your Aussie doesn’t receive enough protein in their diet, they can experience muscle loss and a drop in energy level. 

An adult Australian Shepherd who is not strenuously exercising generally needs a diet with a fat percentage about half of the food’s protein percentage. For example, if your dog’s food has a protein percentage of 26%, a fat percentage of about 13% would be appropriate. On the other hand, if your Australian Shepherd is working, herding, or training for agility, they may need a performance diet that has higher protein and fat percentages.

In addition, their protein should come from animal sources rather than plant proteins. Meat-based protein is easier for dogs to digest, so the first several ingredients listed on your dog’s food should be animal proteins, like whole meat proteins. Ollie uses only the best human-grade meats, like lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey, to provide nutrient-rich energy for your pooch.

Dietary fat is important to help your dog feel full and satisfied. However, too much fat can make your Australian Shepherd obese, especially if they are a typical house pet who is not working. An appropriate fat level for a non-working adult Australian Shepherd is around 13%, while a dog who is herding or training for competitions will need a higher fat percentage, to ensure enough energy to perform their job.

Fat also helps your dog keep a healthy skin and coat, and aids in absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Ollie includes moderate fat from multiple high-quality sources, including animal proteins, eggs, and cod liver oil, to deliver usable energy and high levels of essential fatty acids.

Despite what you may see or hear, dogs do need carbohydrates in their diet. Fiber and prebiotics come from carbohydrate sources, which also provide energy. An ideal diet for your Australian Shepherd should contain roughly 20% to 30% carbs, which should come from complex carbohydrate sources, like barley, brown rice, squash, pumpkin, or berries.

Ollie’s recipes are packed with superfood ingredients, like kale, spinach, blueberries, pumpkin, and butternut squash. These whole foods are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, to provide your pup with healthy energy, digestive fiber, and a bolstered immune system.

Your Australian Shepherd’s nutrition plays a critical role in their overall health and wellbeing. These common conditions can be positively impacted by feeding an appropriate, healthy diet:

• Joint issues — As an active working breed, Australian Shepherds are prone to joint disease and hip dysplasia. Feeding them a diet rich in high-quality protein sources will help keep them lean and provide the building blocks for strong muscles, bones, and joints. 

• Epilepsy — Anti-seizure medications can make your Aussie gain weight, but a food with lean proteins, no fillers, and zero empty calories will help them feel full and maintain an ideal body condition. Dogs on potassium bromide medication must also consume appropriate salt levels, so a food with no additional salt and artificial preservatives is best.

Your dog is your best friend, and you want to do everything possible to keep them healthy and happy. Packed with fresh ingredients and high-quality nutrients, an Ollie diet may help your Australian Shepherd avoid health issues.