Have you ever heard of the Blue Heelers? If so, you will be surprised to know that these adorable, ever active pups are also what we famously call the Australian Cattle Dogs.
The Blue Heelers are expressly active delightful pups who are ready to run all day and who boast an enviably powerful appetite to match their energetic lifestyle.
Typically, their vibrant personality includes herding cattle to open or pasture and rounding them up. So, it is not surprising that their diet needs special attention to sustain its vibrant nature.
These Australian cattle dogs mandate a specific, wholesome diet that only the best, nutrition-filled food can offer. Generally, they require substantial fat and protein content for proper growth and building strong muscles for running, hence the need to treat your pet with the best dog food around.
However, choosing the best food for Blue heelers is no easy task, especially considering the diverse assortment of options available. So, to help you make an informed decision, here is our review of the best dog food for Blue Heelers.
Table of Contents
The Best Dog Food for Blue Heelers Are:
Now that you have a vague idea of what Blue Heelers are and their subsequent nutritional needs, it is time to shop for some quality food for your pet!
However, as you would expect, the market is filled with a wide array of products, which can make it rather challenging to narrow down on the best Australian Dog food.
To help you get a glimpse of what to look for, here is our detailed review of our top 7 picks for the Best Blue Heeler dog food including their perks and drawbacks to help you make an informed choice for your furry pet:
Product | Details | ||
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1. Diamond Naturals (Dry) Dog Food | Top Pick |
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2. Holistic Select Dry Dog Food |
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3. Purina Pro (Dry) Dog Food |
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4. Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food |
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5. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Sweet Potato & Salmon Recipe) |
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6. Iams Proactive (Dry) Dog Food |
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7. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food |
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1. Diamond Naturals (Dry) Dog Food — Best Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dog
The Diamond Naturals is our favorite choice for the best Blue Heelers dog food and a good reason. This high protein dry dog food suits exceptionally athletic pups in need of ample proteins among other essential nutrients.
It comes with all the necessary elements your cattle dog requires, for a healthy and remarkably active lifestyle — as it should be!
The US-made Diamonds Naturals Blue Heelers formula boasts an adequate 26% protein content from cage-free chicken and chicken meal. It also features 16% fat content to afford your pup the energy it so needs to run around all day long.
Specially designed to suit adult dogs, this wholesome is our top recommendation if you are looking to treat your blue heeler with all the vital nutrients and minerals for proper growth and development.
Besides this though, we love that this highly digestible dog formula comprises cage-free chicken, which features as its first ingredient.
This is among other essential nutrients including probiotics, antioxidants, as well as a fantastic amino acid profile. This, combined with the chondroitin and glucosamine components, is why we are confident that this is the ideal food to help your cattle dog get adequate joint support.
What’s more, you can make your pick from the rice and chicken flavors on offer for a tasty, wholesome Blue Heeler dog food formula.
Overall, it is easy to see why we favor this formula as the best choice for your Blue Heeler.
Specs
- Protein content (26%); Fat content (16%)
- Features cage-free chicken and chicken meal
- Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics for improved immunity
Pros
- No artificial ingredients
- High protein content
- Ample minerals and vitamins
- Easily digestible
Cons
- None
Rating – 4.8/5
2. Holistic Select Dry Dog Food — Premium Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dog
As the name notably suggests, the Holistic Select dog formula is just that, an all-inclusive cattle dog formula for your pet! While it might come off as a relatively pricey option considering it is a premium product, it is, however, a worthwhile purchase, especially considering its all-inclusive composition.
As a first, the Holistic Select natural dog food is the ideal dry dog food, particularly since it is grain-free. You will also love that it contains no wheat, meat by-products, fillers, gluten, or any artificial ingredients.
What’s more, it is purely a natural dog food which is available in a delicious sardine, anchovy, and salmon flavor that your cattle dog will go wild for! This chow is adequately packed with probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, antioxidants, and of course, protein.
Also, we love the new live yogurt cultures included to boost digestion, subsequently making it an easy formula for your pet’s stomach. This is in addition to its availability in three distinct 24, 12, and 4-pound convenient packages to choose from.
Specs
- 29% Protein; 14% fat Content
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
- Antioxidants
Pros
- Grain-free product
- High protein content
- All-natural ingredients
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Lacks necessary joint supporting elements like glucosamine
Rating – 4.6/5
3. Purina Pro (Dry) Dog Food — Best Value Dog Food for Australian Cattle Dogs
Are you looking for the most affordable Blue Heelers dog food? Search no more as the Purina Pro dog food is just that!
The Purina Pro Plan Sports Formula is a healthy dry dog meal that follows the 30:20 meal plan with 30% protein content plus 20% healthy fats content to keep your cattle dog strong, healthy and active.
We particularly love that the Purina Pro is available in two distinct flavors (salmon and chicken) with both options comprising real meat, with no preservative and artificial flavors whatsoever.
What’s more, this dry dog food contains omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants in addition to a good touch of minerals and vitamins for a wholesome meal.
This Australian cattle dog food is especially boosted with glucosamine and EPA to protect the joints properly. Nonetheless, one factor we especially want you to note is that the glucosamine is derived from poultry by-product meal, and this product also contains corn.
Besides this, though, this USA-manufactured product is made to digest rather easily. We like that it comes in five varying bag sizes and that it suits adult cattle dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Generally, this is undoubtedly our favorite pick for the best Blue Heelers dog food on the market for the money!
Specs
- Designed for adult dogs
- Weighs 37.5 pounds
- Available in 5 different size options
Pros
- Easy to digest
- High protein content
- Contains EPA and Glucosamine
- Reasonable Price
Cons
- Comprises poultry by-product meal
Rating – 4.5/5
4. Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food — Best Dog Food for Puppies
Wondering what to offer your Blue Heeler puppy? Well, just like an adult dog, puppies too need a taste of good quality food, and the Hill’s Science Dry Dog Diet Food is the best formula in the industry.
Like all other options on our list, this exclusive puppy dry food product comprises all the minerals and nutrients necessary for the proper growth of your cattle dog puppy.
Manufactured to suit Blue heeler puppies specifically, this dry dog food product boasts adequate protein and fat content to boost growth. The primary ingredient is non-by product lamb meal in addition to 29% protein from eggs, and 16% fat content from pork, all that are in line with the recommended amounts.
Besides this, we also like that this formula comprises ample calcium to ensure your Blue Heeler puppy develops healthy and sturdy bones. Also, this formula features Omega 6 fatty acids to give your pup a healthy and shiny coat.
Like with all Hill Science products and other premium quality dog food, this formula does not include any artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Without a doubt, we are convinced that it is the appropriate dog food to feed your pup for healthy and optimal growth.
Specs
- Best for puppies
- Weighs 30 pounds
- Contains grains
Pros
- Free of any artificial elements
- High protein content
- Manufactured using natural glucosamine and chondroitin ingredients
- Promotes a shiny and healthy coat and skin
Cons
- Contains grains
Rating – 4.4/5
5. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Sweet Potato & Salmon Recipe)
This grain-free product is among the most nutritious dog food for Australian cattle dogs in the market. Besides the convenience of affordability, this formula also features premium quality ingredients.
Deboned salmon is the primary ingredient in this dog food. It is a quality source of protein and boasts a tasty flavor that your adorable blue heeler will undeniably guzzle.
Furthermore, this protein-rich dog food has also been manufactured to promote the proper development of lean muscle mass, effectively helping your dog maintain its blooming and active characteristics.
The American Journey grain-free formula also comprises salmon oil and flax seeds to offer your blue heeler the essential omega fatty acids needed for optimal skin and fur health. Ideally, with these fatty acids, your dog can benefit from a shiny coat.
With the grain-free characteristics of this recipe, this means that it is a fantastic option for dogs that are allergic to grains in addition to those that have sensitivities on ingesting grains.
Better yet, it also includes some vegetables and fruits to offer your pet all the necessary minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins for optimal, healthy growth.
Finally, with the unique ingredient composition, your dog can benefit from a healthy immune system allowing it to resist and fight infections successfully. This combined with the sweet potatoes and chickpeas, you have an all-inclusive dog formula that supports easy digestion, healthy immune system, and promotes proper muscle growth.
Specs
- Adult dog food
- Grain-free formula
- Weight: 24 pounds
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Grain-free
- Protein-rich
- Includes fruits and nutrition vegetables
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not GMO-free
Rating – 4.3/5
6. Iams Proactive (Dry) Dog Food
The Iams Proactive Australian dry dog food comprises virtually everything necessary for a puppy or senior cattle dog to lead a healthy and active life. This distinct dry food package is basically a mini-chunk dog formula which is particularly remarkable for puppies with relatively smaller teeth.
Your pup friend will especially adore its delicious chicken flavor, which is packed with ample fiber and protein ingredients for proper growth. What’s more, it also comprises probiotics, Omega 6, L Carnitine, and antioxidants that promote a healthy metabolism.
One notable feature though we noticed is that despite featuring chicken as its first ingredient, this Australian dog formula also includes chicken by-product. The manufacturers also ensure that it is free of soy, wheat, or any artificial colors and preservatives, which can hamper your Blue Heeler’s health.
Finally, the Proactive Iams Dog food comes in six different package sizes, affording you a diverse array of options to choose from. Our only concern nonetheless, is the presence of grain, which means it is not necessarily suitable for sensitivity-rid Australian dog puppies.
Specs
- Grain-containing
- 7 pounds
- Adults, Puppies
Pros
- No artificial additives/preservative
- Includes essential minerals and vitamins
- High protein content
Cons
- Relatively hard to digest
- Includes chicken by-product meal
Rating – 4.2/5
7. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Just like its name, this dry dog chow is an excellent cattle dog formula to get your Blue Heeler up riled up and ready to move.
Available as an exclusive dry dog formula, Taste of the Wild meal comprises smoked salmon as its prominent ingredient. It is a natural grain-free dog food option that contains healthy levels of protein, a decent amino acid profile, probiotics, antioxidants, as well as omega 6 and 3 fatty acids.
Better yet, we noticed that it does not include any preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors, or any egg products that affect sensitive pups.
The only notable drawback with this dry dog formula is its high fat and low fiber content that otherwise renders it difficult to digest. Other than this, it is an excellent treat for your Blue Heeler.
Specs
- Adult
- Grain-free
- 28 pounds
Pros
- Free of artificial ingredients
- Protein-rich
- Essential minerals and vitamins
Cons
- Hard to digest
- Lacks joint supporting ingredients
Rating – 4.1/5
Buyer’s Guide: What To Consider When Buying Dog Food For Your Blue Heeler
When choosing the best food for your Australian pet, there are numerous things to consider, including their level of activity, age, health, and so on.
Besides these individual factors, however, you must get the right food composition that will boast the necessary nutrients that your pooch requires for optimal growth.
To help you get the ideal meal for your Blue Heeler pup, here are a few factors you should consider when shopping for the best dog food for Blue Heelers:
Protein
This is the essential ingredient in dog food and the top element in the best dog food for blue heelers. Protein features amino acids that are necessary for your pup’s survival.
The best dog food for Australian dogs go beyond the protein-rich characteristic. You must pick a formula with the appropriate protein or one with a decent amino acid profile.
The best Blue Heeler formulas will have AAFCO adequacy labels since they outline standards for levels of amino acids for Australian dogs.
Joint Support And Bone Health Ingredients
Due to the extremely active trait of Blue Heelers, these pets are highly susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, conditions that can hamper mobility.
Fortunately, by feeding your cattle dog various specific nutrients, you can help alleviate this pain, as well as prevent tissue breakdown between the joints.
Therefore, in your shopping spree for the best Australian dog food, go for the formulas that contain at least one or two of these distinct ingredients.
Healthy Fats
Our Blue Heeler furry friends need adequate fat content in their diet to not only boost their immunity but also increase their energy levels. Typically, a healthy Australian Dog diet must contain at least between 10 to 15% fats
When shopping for your cattle dog’s food, go for formulas that contain essential fats, including omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, canola oil, flaxseed, and fish. Alternatively, you can check for corn, chicken, sunflower, and pork oils-but avoid tallow and lards.
Other Factors To Consider
Vitamins and Minerals
Blue Heelers aside, every dog needs minerals and vitamins for survival. Among the most essential are Vitamin E and A. Similarly, check for probiotics as they work on their digestive system, antioxidants for their immunity and skin/fur, and a decent portion of calcium and fiber, too.
Life Stage
Age also plays a vital role in what you feed your furry friend. Younger pups, for instance, need more fat and protein for proper growth.
In comparison, older pups alternatively benefit more from joint support among other ingredients that may not necessarily suit little puppies.
Allergies
Like us, dogs too suffer from sensitivities and allergies from various components like grains. Dog food with corn, wheat, and soy may be difficult for some dogs to digest easily.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a detailed review of the best dog food for Blue Heelers on the market. Now that you understand some of the basics about your adorable cattle dog nutritional requirements, you can confidently make a prudent decision.
However, before settling on your final product, understand your furry friend, consult with your Vet, and then pick the ideal formula.
The outright top pick from these seven as reviewed above is Diamond Naturals (Dry) Dog Food. This is an all-natural grain-free formula that works well for dogs of virtually any age. It is a wholesome meal that comprises all essential nutrients for the proper growth of your cattle dog.
So, if you want your Australian Cattle Dog to have the best chance of survival, it is a worthwhile investment.