How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

How much are you guys feeding your cattle dogs? My guy is 1 year old and 55 pounds so I’m worried I may be over feeding, he’s very active though and doesn’t appear to be overweight? from AustralianCattleDog

The Australian Cattle Dog, often known as the Blue Heeler, is a strong, tough, and petite hound developed for an active life. These tenacious herding dogs are smart enough to trick their owners on a regular basis, and they’re linked to other Australian animals like Dingos, who require comparable nourishment. 

That means the ideal dog food for Blue Heelers is one that is strong in protein and fat, similar to their predecessors’ raw diets. You’ll have to feed them multiple times a day, and they’ll need a lot of food. An age-appropriate premium meal with enough protein and fat, as well as lean meats and nutritious veggies, will be excellent. 

Since they are happiest when they are working, Blue Heelers make good family pets if they are socialized with children and other animals from the time they’re puppies. The Blue Heeler is a generally healthy species with a lifetime of 12 to 14 years. However, this breed is susceptible to a number of genetic health problems, some of which may shorten its lifetime. 

However, most of these dogs suffer from musculoskeletal problems, which is why Omega-3 fatty acids are so important. You’re prepared to start searching for dog food now that you know more about your Blue Heeler’s nutritional requirements. 

Remember that the finest Australian Cattle Dog’s diet is prepared with natural ingredients, is high in animal protein and lipids, and has healthy supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. These are our top four recommendations.

A-Z-Top Picks for Dog Food for Blue Heelers

  1. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice
  2. How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

    • Made for dogs who are really active
    • Rich in antioxidants and probiotics
    • Contains no corn, grain, or fillers
    • Cage-free chicken is the primary component

    Check Chewy Check Amazon

  3. ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food
  4. How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

    • Contains a lot of protein and good fat
    • Contains no processed meats
    • Available in a variety of convenient size options
    • No artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives

    Check Chewy Check Amazon

  5. Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain-Free
  6. How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

    • Contain chicken and menhaden fish meal
    • Chia seeds and fish oil provides Omega fatty acids
    • No soy, maize, or wheat
    • Easily digested

    Check Chewy Check Amazon

  7. Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie
  8. How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

    • Budget-friendly choice
    • Extra vitamins, minerals, and taurine
    • Contains real beef, venison, and lamb
    • No artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives

    Check Chewy Check Amazon

  9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Food
  10. How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

    • Contains real chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas
    • Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants
    • High protein option, best for active dogs
    • Made from the finest natural ingredients

    Check Amazon

1. Overall Best Food for Blue Heelers: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Something you’ll want to make sure there is plenty of in dog food is protein. Blue Buffalo’s recipe is packed with tasty bits of real chicken. This will not only satisfy our dog’s appetite, but it can also help them build lean muscle mass. 

Another great thing about this kibble is that it’s grain-free and made with a mixture of healthy carbohydrates. Your dog will love the taste and nutrition of the peas and sweet potatoes. Making sure your dog’s joints, coat, and skin stay healthy is essential and the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the food do just that! 

Fido will benefit from the blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins in each scoop of Blue Buffalo kibble. We appreciate that it can be fed to Blue Heelers of all ages and helps them keep a powerful immune system. 

Overall Best

How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Food

  • Contains real chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas
  • Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants
  • High protein option, best for active dogs
  • Made from the finest natural ingredients

Check Amazon

2. Best for Puppies: ORIJEN Dry Dog Food

If you have a Blue Heeler puppy, we recommend the ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food. This dry food contains all of the micronutrients that your developing puppy requires. There’s a lot of protein and good fat in this dish because it’s 85% meat. 

This recipe contains no processed meats and is made using free-range chicken and turkey as well as wild-caught fish. It’s also free of artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, PHA, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin are all incorporated in this dog food to keep your pet’s skeletal system healthy.

ORIJEN is designed and manufactured in the United States. They have it available in a variety of convenient size options. This puppy food is heavier in fat and calories to help them develop, but it may not be suitable for puppies who have gained a few pounds. 

Aside from that, you should be aware that this formula takes more time to change over than others. You’ll need to give your pet some additional time to adjust. Furthermore, if the appropriate activity level is not obtained, the meal may be difficult to digest.

Best for Puppies

How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

  • Contains a lot of protein and good fat
  • Contains no processed meats
  • Available in a variety of convenient size options
  • No artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives

Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Seniors: Instinct Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost

All-natural ingredients, such as chicken and menhaden fish meal, are used in this nutrient-dense dish. These livestock protein sources provide vital amino acids, which are beneficial to the immune system of your adult Australian Cattle Dog. 

Omega fatty acids are found in chia seeds and fish oil, which are good for your skin, vision, joints, and coat. Finally, this delectable dish has no soy, maize, or wheat and is easily digested.

If you’re looking for a grain-free option for your doggo, this is a great choice. Calcium and phosphorus are included for healthy teeth and bones, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for bone health. Grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, byproducts, coloring agents, and preservatives are not used.

Best for Seniors

How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain-Free

  • Contain chicken and menhaden fish meal
  • Chia seeds and fish oil provides Omega fatty acids
  • No soy, maize, or wheat
  • Easily digested

Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Value: Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food

Dog food doesn’t have to be expensive. Since Australian Cattle Dogs love to eat, it’s important to consider a budget option. Rachel Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food is our budget-friendly choice. 

This is a natural dry dog food recipe with extra vitamins, minerals, and taurine, as well as tasty protein that dogs instinctively love. For an even more savory experience, real beef is always the first component, followed by real venison and real lamb. 

It’s a nutrient-dense mix with 30% high-quality protein to keep your dog full and happy. There are no additional grains, gluten, or filler ingredients in this recipe, and no artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives, either. It’s pure deliciousness.

Best Value

How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie

  • Budget-friendly choice
  • Extra vitamins, minerals, and taurine
  • Contains real beef, venison, and lamb
  • No artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For in Food for Blue Heelers

Blue Heelers are highly active dogs who need a diet that will help them maintain their activity, metabolism, immunity, and general health. Various dog breeds, like different people, require specific needs in their diet. Your Blue Heeler requires a balanced diet that includes protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and joint support. Let’s take a deeper look at these items in this section.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are an essential element of your pet’s diet. Most pet owners want to maintain their pets’ fat levels as low as reasonably achievable because they believe fat is unhealthy and causes issues like high cholesterol. 

Despite popular belief, the canines generally don’t suffer from high cholesterol and require lipids in their diet to sustain their immune system, preserve their skin and hair, and, most essential, provide energy. The recipe should comprise at least 10% to 15% healthy fats in a balanced diet.

As previously said, your dog will convert fat into energy due to all of their hard work, which is crucial for a cattle dog. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as salmon, flaxseed, and canola oil, are good fats to search for when reading labels. 

Joint Support

Sadly, because of your dog’s busy lifestyle, he or she is more likely to develop hip and elbow dysplasia later in life. That’s not to mention the fact that 65% of senior dogs will get arthritis. This can be uncomfortable for your dog, and it can limit their movement greatly, even before they hit their glory days.

Fortunately, you can give vitamins to your pet to help them not only relieve discomfort but also minimize tissue degeneration between their joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin-rich dog diets are both good for reducing discomfort and preventing these disorders. 

Additionally, nutrients like fish oil function as an anti-inflammatory, lowering discomfort and increasing mobility in your dog. If you’re looking for good dog food, look for one that has at least one of these elements. But keep in mind that chondroitin works best when combined with one of the other ingredients.

Protein 

Protein is usually the most sought-after element by pet owners. What’s less well understood is that it’s not the protein itself that makes the difference, but rather the protein’s overall composition. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which dogs require to survive. Canines need 22 amino acids, 12 of which their bodies produce. The remaining ten they must have from their food in order to maintain the health of their muscles, bones, and overall body.

It’s not enough to just hunt for foods that are “rich in protein.” You’ll want one that’s high in protein or has a balanced amino acid profile. Also, pay attention to the protein quality in the food.

Life Stage 

When you’re choosing what you feed your companion, you should also take into account their age. Puppies, for example, require more protein and fat to help them develop, but they do not require glucosamine supplements right soon. Senior dogs, on the other hand, stand to gain from joint support and other elements that are inappropriate for pups.

Vitamins and Minerals 

To be healthy, all dog needs vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are two of the most vital nutrients to keep an eye out for. Probiotics for their gastrointestinal tract and antioxidants for their coat, skin, and immune system should also be on your list. You should also consume a sufficient amount of fiber and calcium. 

Allergies

Ingredients like wheat cause allergies and sensitivities in many Blue Heelers. Wheat, maize, and soy-based formulas might be difficult for certain dogs to digest. Grain-free formulations are available, thankfully. Just make sure they’re receiving enough protein and other nutrients to be healthy. 

Digestion 

This is related to the last point, but your dog’s digestion is equally vital. Healthy microorganisms will be added to their digestive tract by foods containing probiotics, which will destroy any bad bacteria. This is necessary since dogs are known to eat various things.

The Different Types of Dog Food for Blue Heelers: Pros and Cons Compared

To choose the appropriate kind of dog food for your pet, you must first understand the many varieties available. The most popular types of dog food are dry kibble and soft wet food. There are also refrigerated organic versions, as well as prescription dog food. Each kind is best suited for certain use situations and has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

  • Dry dog food: It usually comes in a variety of flavors and bag sizes. It’s the most common type of dog food and doesn’t have too many downfalls. 
  • Wet dog food: This type of dog food comes in a can and should be used within 24 hours of opening. There are several different flavors and it can be beneficial for senior dogs or those with dental issues. 
  • Organic dog food: You can make or order organic dog food for your Blue Heeler if you prefer. While you know everything that will go into this type of food, it can get quite expensive and time-consuming. 

Verified Review: User Experience of Food for Blue Heelers

We think the best way to find out if something is worth your hard-earned money is to read the reviews. The same can be said for trying a new dog food. One user on Chewy has this to say about our overall top choice, Diamond Naturals High Protein Dog Food:

“Our two dogs have turned up their noses at some of the most expensive dog food on the market. We tried all kinds of sauces to get them to eat. This food ..they will eat it dry, but they are more eager when we put a little hot water on it and stir. They’ve been eating it for years now, and are very healthy and energetic. Our granddaughter’s new dog liked it much, also. Very high-quality ingredients.” 

It’s important to find food that your dog loves. You don’t like eating food that doesn’t taste good so why should Rover? An Amazon reviewer for Instinct Nature’s Variety Skin & Coat Health Raw Boost Recipe has this to say:

 “My 80-pound American Staffordshire Terrier loves this food. He drools while eating it. I have been feeding him an Instinct for about a year and a half. He has been getting the skin and coat formula for about 4 months. I’ve noticed his coat is much softer and shinier than it was. The food is high priced but the noticeable difference in my dog makes it worth it. I tried other foods and either my dog wouldn’t eat it or I didn’t see any benefits. My dog has skin allergies so we’ll see how he does when allergy season starts.”

Needless to say, our top four dog foods for Australian Cattle Dog are a hit with pet parents! Which one are you going to try? 

Products For This Review

How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy
Whole Earth is a great option to feed your dog.
How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy
Hill Science diet is a popular dry dog food brand for veterinarians. They also make a line of urinary care dog food.
How much should i feed my blue heeler puppy
Diamon Natuarals are made from pure natural ingredients.

Best forProductBest OverallBlue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry FoodBest for PuppiesORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog FoodBest for SeniorsInstinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain-FreeBest ValueRachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie

About the Author

Kirstin Opal


When she's not busy playing with her several guinea pigs, her 14-year-old dog, or her cat Finlay Kirstin is writing articles to help other pet owners. She's also a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There's nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial.

The Best Dog Food for Blue Heelers (Australian Cattle Dog) for 2022 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is it possible for Blue Heelers to consume eggs? 

Eggs are generally beneficial for canines, and they’re also found in wild canine diets. From the shell to the yolk, every portion of the egg includes nutrients that are good for dogs. They should, however, be consumed in moderation, as with other good things.

Is it possible for Blue Heelers to consume raw meat? 

Use raw veggies such as carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli, or add minced bone meal for volume rather than carbs to provide a fully raw diet that provides ample energy for these working dogs. If you’re going to utilize raw meat, make sure to clean your kitchen equipment and chopping areas to avoid microbial contamination.

Why is it that my dog eats grass? 

The plant matter is important in a dog’s diet, and grass provides a rich source of fiber. Because a dog’s capacity to digest food and release feces is harmed by a lack of leafy greens, grass may actively help their physiological processes operate more efficiently.

How much Blue Heeler food should I give him? 

You should up his food rations since he will become more energetic as he explores his environment. He should be given one cup of food every day, but it should be spread out over four meals during the day. You can start with a quarter cup four times per day and observe how he responds to this regimen.

What is the best food to feed a Blue Heeler?

The 8 Best Dog Foods for Blue Heelers:.
The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food Turkey Recipe – Best Overall. ... .
Purina Pro Dry Dog Food – Best Value. ... .
Holistic Select Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice. ... .
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food – Best For Puppies. ... .
Instinct Ultimate Natural Canned Dog Food. ... .
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food. ... .
Iams Proactive Dry Dog Food..

How often do you feed a Heeler puppy?

Multiple, small meals each day are best for Blue Heeler puppies. Start with four meals throughout the day. After you Blue Heeler puppy reaches six months old, you can feed them twice a day. After about one-year, a Blue Heeler puppy is considered an adult and can switch to adult food.

How much should a 5 month old Blue Heeler weight?

Growth Of A Male Blue Heeler.

How much should u feed a puppy?

PUPPY FEEDING CHART.