Because of his long, multicolored hair and tapering muzzle, the Shetland Sheepdog resembles a little Collie.
He is an intelligent and diligent breed who constantly appears to be smiling, which contributes to his success as a family companion.
These dogs get along nicely with other dogs and children, and they excel at dog sports and trick training.
At maturity, this breed stands 13 to 16 inches tall and weighs less than 30 pounds.
Despite its small stature, this breed has incredible speed and endurance.
Unfortunately, he is prone to a variety of health issues, some of which can shorten his lifespan from 12 to 14 years.
But, how much to feed a shetland sheepdog puppy?
The best approach to ensure your Sheltie's longevity is to provide him a high-quality diet.
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How Much Should A Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Eat?
Your Shetland Sheepdog's nutritional requirements will vary according to on his age, weight, and degree of activity.
Because this breed resembles a tiny dog more than a large dog, he may have a faster metabolism and a higher calorie requirement than other medium breeds.
As a result, you should choose a high-quality, protein-rich diet with a little greater fat content to meet these high energy demands.
You might also give your dog a special treat every day.
Shetland Sheepdogs typically consume between 1 to 2 cups of food each day, divided into two meals.
Puppies may require three meals while they are still developing, but once they have reached adult size, you should reduce to two meals.
However, if you're training your Sheltie for herding or other dog sports, he may require a third meal to keep his metabolism going.
To determine how much to feed your dog every day, consult the feeding instructions on the package, and keep an eye on his body weight and condition in case you need to make adjustments.
Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Feeding Chart
| Weight at Maturity | Weight at Maturity | 1-1/2 – 3 Months | 4 – 5 Months | 6 – 8 Months | 9 – 11 Months | 1 – 2 Years |
| (lbs) | (kg) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) |
| 3 – 12 | 1.4 – 5.4 | 1/2 – 1 | 2/3 – 1-1/3 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult | Feed as Adult |
| 13 – 20 | 5.9 – 9.1 | 1/2 – 1-1/4 | 1-1/8 – 2 | 3/4 – 1-1/3 | 1 – 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult |
| 21 – 50 | 9.5 – 22.7 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 – 2-3/4 | 1-1/8 – 2-1/3 | 2 – 3 | 2 – 4-1/4 |
| 51 – 75 | 23.1 – 34.0 | 5/8 – 2-1/3 | 1-1/2 – 4 | 1-1/2 – 3-3/4 | 2-1/2 – 4-3/4 | 2-5/8 – 6-1/4 |
| 76 – 100 | 34.5 – 45.4 | 1 – 2-2/3 | 2-7/8 – 3-3/4 | 2-7/8 – 6-1/3 | 3-7/8 -7 | 5-5/8 – 11 |
| 101 lbs and over | Over 45.4 kg | 2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 6-1/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 7 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 11 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
Here Are The Feeding Suggestions For A Shetland Sheepdog Puppy
- Between the ages of eight and twelve weeks, Shetland Sheepdog puppies require four meals every day.
- Feed three meals every 24 hours to shetland sheepdog puppies aged three to six months.
- Puppies aged 6 months to 1 year should be fed twice every 24 hours.
- When your shetland sheepdog reaches the age of one, one feeding each day is generally plenty.
- Adult shetland sheepdogs, on the other hand, eat two smaller bowls. It is your responsibility to become familiar with your shetland sheepdog's eating habits.
Adult shetland sheepdogs have a balanced diet from high-quality dry food, which they can combine with water, canned food, or broth.
Cooked eggs, cottage cheese, and fruits and vegetables are also good for your shetland sheepdog, but they shouldn't account for more than ten percent of his daily food ration.
Puppies of Shetland Sheepdogs should be fed high-quality, name-brand puppy food.
However, you should strive to restrict “table food,” since it can lead to mineral and vitamin deficiencies, bone and tooth problems, and even finicky eating habits and obesity.
Only clean, potable water should be used, and water and food bowls should be washed frequently.
Understanding the Dietary Needs of a Shetland Sheepdog
For optimal nutrition, all dogs require a combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diet.
Protein is, without a doubt, the most important.
Protein offers the building blocks for strong muscles in puppies and helps your dog maintain lean muscle mass as an adult.
Fat is a concentrated source of energy for dogs, especially for high-energy breeds like the Sheltie.
To ensure digestion and bioavailability, both protein and fat should come from animal sources.
Although the Shetland Sheepdog has no specific carbohydrate requirements, these items can provide additional energy, fiber, and vital nutrients.
Because plant foods must be digestible, choose a diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, beans, or legumes as the principal carbohydrate sources.
To maintain good digestion, the formula should also contain between 3% and 5% dietary fiber; too much fiber may upset your dog's stomach.
Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Food
Your Shetland Sheepdog needs a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8% fat in his diet as a puppy.
However, because this is a high-energy breed and because these dogs reach adulthood quickly, more protein and fat may be beneficial.
Diet of Adult Shetland Sheepdogs
When your Shetland Sheepdog has reached adulthood, you can transition to an adult dog food that contains at least 18% protein and 5% fat.
Higher protein levels can help support lean muscle growth while also adding fat to suit the breed's high energy needs.
Diet of Senior Shetland Sheepdogs
Your Sheltie may slow down as he gets older, but small breeds may not reach senior status until they are 8 or 9 years old.
If your dog begins to gain weight, consider switching to senior dog food or one with less fat.
Your Shetland Sheepdog can benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nutritional supplements, in addition to his fundamental protein, fat, and carbohydrate requirements.
Fresh fruits and vegetables give more biologically useful forms of vital nutrients than synthetic pills.
Chelated minerals are mineral supplements that are linked to protein molecules, making them more absorbable.
Prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin can also help your dog's digestion as well as maintain strong bones and joints.
Shetland Sheepdogs Have Special Dietary Requirements
The Shetland Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed, but he is on the smaller side of the range, weighing less than 30 pounds.
As a result, he may require a higher-calorie diet than larger breeds to fuel his rapid metabolism.
Aside from his need for increased energy, the Shetland Sheepdog may also have health issues that must be addressed.
Here's a quick rundown of the health issues that the Shetland Sheepdog may face:
- Eye Anomaly in Collie
- Corneal Dystrophy
- Deafness from birth
- Dermatomyositis \sEpilepsy
- Dysplasia of the Hips
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Ductus Arteriosus Patent Von Willebrand Disease Retinal Atrophy
The majority of the health challenges that the Shetland Sheepdog faces can be divided into three categories: ocular problems, inherited health disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. Hip dysplasia and elbow luxation are two musculoskeletal disorders known to affect the breed.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur bone slips in and out of the hip joint, producing inflammation and joint deterioration.
Elbow luxation is a disorder that is typically present at birth.
The Shetland Sheepdog is prone to collie eye anomaly, corneal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, and optic nerve hypoplasia when it comes to eye disorders.
Collie eye anomaly is an inherited eye condition in which one or both eyes develop abnormally, eventually blinding the dog. Corneal dystrophy causes the corneas to become opaque, affecting the dog's vision, while progressive retinal atrophy causes the retina to deteriorate gradually, perhaps leading to blindness.
Congenital deafness, dermatomyositis, patent ductus arteriosus, and von Willebrand disease are some of the genetic health concerns that the Shetland Sheepdog breed is prone to.
Dogs with a lot of white in their coat and blue eyes may have congenital deafness.
Dermatomyositis is a breed-specific skin disorder that results in hair loss and skin blemishes.
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding ailment caused by a congenital cardiac abnormality called patent ductus arteriosus.
Food allergies do not appear to affect the Shetland Sheepdog at a higher incidence than other breeds, however they are occasionally prone to skin disorders that can be provoked by certain foods.
To lessen the possibility of a negative reaction, offer your dog a high-quality meal made from natural components.
How Many Calories Does A Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Need?
Yorkies weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. Inactive dogs of this size require roughly 150 calories of food each day, according to the National Research Council of the Natural Academies, whereas active dogs require 200 calories.
Yorkie puppies require roughly 400 calories per day until they reach the age of one year.
Because the Yorkie's stomach is so small, these calories must be spread out over numerous meals.
For pups, divide the daily intake into four meals and three for adult Yorkies.
What Human Foods Are Dangerous For A Shetland Sheepdog Puppy?
Shetland sheepdogs should never be fed the following items:
- Beverages containing alcohol
- Tea, coffee, or chocolate
- Raisins or grapes
- spoiled or moldy food
- Garlic, onions, and chives
- Bones from chicken, turkey, or any other poultry
- meals containing salt
- Leaves, stems, and unripe tomatoes
- Dough
Shetland Sheepdog Puppies’ Best Dog Food
Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken
Overall, the best Shetland Sheepdog food is: Try this The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food if you want to provide your Shetland Sheepdog a high-quality diet that comes close to the nutritional purity of fresh food.
Every box contains 14 12 pounds of free-range chicken, 5 scoops of whole-grain oats, 2 14 bunches of carrots, plus a variety of other nutritious items.
Because this meal is dehydrated rather than cooked, it keeps more nutritious value.
It is made entirely of natural ingredients with no artificial additives and is non-GMO.
Pros:
- Dehydrated to maintain nutritional integrity, free-range chicken as the major component, whole-grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, and an optimum protein-fat ratio
Cons:
- Dehydrated food is expensive to offer as a main diet, and some dogs dislike the texture.
Salmon & Brown Rice Dry Food from American Journey
Most Affordable Food: This American Journey Salmon & Brown Rice Dry Food is a terrific alternative for your Shetland Sheepdog if you're seeking for a healthy dog food that won't break the bank.
The first component in this dish is actual deboned salmon, which is high in protein and omega fatty acids.
It's high in natural fiber from digestible whole grains and fresh veggies, as well as antioxidant-rich fruits.
This recipe contains chelated minerals to aid optimal nutritional absorption, and it contains 25 percent protein, 15 percent fat, and 6 percent fiber.
Pros:
- Several animal protein sources, high in vital fatty acids, digestible carbs, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, 25% protein and 15% fat
Cons:
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein); some dogs may find it too heavy in fiber.
Adult Grain-Free Dry Food Taste of the Wild High Prairie
If you're not sure what to feed your Shetland Sheepdog, a popular pick like Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food is a good place to start.
Premium roasted meats like buffalo, bison, and venison are combined with easily digestible grain-free carbs like sweet potatoes and peas in this meal.
It contains omega fatty acids, as well as supplementary lipids from canola oil, to improve skin and coat health.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are used in this dish to provide natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as probiotics for healthy digestion.
Pros:
- Several high-quality animal proteins, easily digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, high in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics
Cons:
- Canola oil is the main source of fat, and it contains some plant proteins (potato and pea protein)
Fresh Food Delivery by NomNomNow
NomNomNow is a super premium food for your Shetland Sheepdog when nothing but fresh food would suffice.
This is a monthly fresh food delivery service that produces personalized meals for your dog and delivers them straight to your door.
You may choose the finest solution for your Sheltie from a variety of recipes, and you can tweak it if he has special nutritional needs.
Every item is portioned correctly for your dog and is delivered fresh, never frozen.
Pour it into your dog's bowl and store the remaining packages in the refrigerator or freezer.
Pros:
- Fresh ingredients, bespoke meals for your dog, delivered right to your door, correctly portioned pouches, and automatic shipments
Cons:
- Limited recipe selection, high feeding costs, and delivery restrictions in some areas.
Grain-free Wellness Simple LID Salmon & Potato Dry Food
If your Sheltie suffers from food or skin allergies, try a limited ingredient recipe like Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Dry Food.
This dish includes easily digested grain-free carbs like as potatoes and peas, as well as beneficial supplements such as chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption and probiotics for better digestion.
Overall, it contains 25% protein, 13% fat, and 5% crude fiber, which is a perfect balance for your energetic dog.
Pros:
- Fewer ingredients, single source of animal protein, digestible grain-free carbs, prebiotics and probiotics, and chelated minerals
Cons:
- Canola oil is the main source of fat, which may be too high in calories for some dogs.
What is the Best Puppy Food for a Shetland Sheepdog?
Shelties adore home-cooked meals, and if you're careful, a home-cooked diet will keep your Sheltie healthy and fit.
Protein, such as fish, chicken, turkey, cattle, or lamb, is the foundation of any home-cooked meal. For an average-sized Sheltie, a quarter pound will suffice.
Cooked rice or yams, as well as vegetables like peas, carrots, and broccoli, should be included in your Sheltie's supper.
Cooked eggs or cottage cheese are good sources of protein for diversity or if you're eating a vegetarian diet.
When preparing raw food for your dog, observe safe handling procedures and immediately wash all tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water.
Switching From Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Food To Adult Food
You should gradually introduce new foods to your dog's diet to allow his system to adjust. Ideally, these modifications should take 5-7 days.
- Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.
- Day 3: 50 percent percent new diet, 50 percent old diet
- Day 5: new diet (75%), old diet (25%).
- Day 7: Completely different diet.
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or other gastrointestinal problems may require a longer transition period.
Monitoring your dog's individual response is crucial to a successful diet shift.
If your dog's stomach distress persists despite your gradual change, it's wise to contact with your veterinarian.
It may be important to switch to a new diet in some circumstances.
What is the recommended amount of water for a Shetland Sheepdog puppy?
If you're housetraining your puppy, you should cease feeding them water about two to three hours before they go to bed.
This helps to avoid mishaps and can hasten the housetraining process.
Even if you do not intend to house train or are finished, you should remove the water a few hours before sleep.
This allows your Sheltie to consume enough of water and then relieve themselves before falling asleep.
This is good for your dog and will save you from getting up and down a lot during the night.
How Much Daily Exercise Does A Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Require?
Shetland Sheepdogs require daily exercise to stay fit, stimulate their minds, and maintain their health.
Shetland sheepdogs appear to benefit from daily activity to avoid boredom, which can contribute to bad behavior.
Many of your shetland sheepdog's innate needs to dig, pursue, herd, chew, and retrieve would be satisfied by going outside.
Your shetland sheepdog's exercise requirements will vary depending on his age and health, but a daily walk down the street and 10 minutes outside are unlikely to suffice.
If your shetland sheepdog is between the ages of six and eighteen months, her needs will most likely be higher.
Shetland Sheepdog Background Information
The Shetland Sheepdog (also known as the Sheltie) was formerly a Scottish farmer's best friend, barking at birds and other animals to keep them out of the garden, and subsequently, through crosses with Scottish herding dogs, keeping sheep herds in line.
At first appearance, they appear to be a smaller version of the Rough Collie, however they are two distinct breeds.
Shelties are fantastic family dogs, especially for kids, but they can be shy or hesitant with strangers.
Because of their protective instinct, they bark rapidly if they believe something is wrong in their territory.
Training is essential to keep this function from becoming a nuisance.
On the bright side, they make excellent watchdogs.
You only need to educate them how to discriminate now.
Any owner of a Sheltie will tell you that their dog is incredibly intelligent.
According to animal intelligence expert Dr. Stanley Coren, this is more than just pride of ownership. In his research of the intelligence of 132 various dog breeds, Shelties came in sixth, with the ability to learn a new command after hearing it less than five times on average and obeying commands at least 95% of the time.
Because of their intellect, willingness to please, and athletic ability, Shelties excel at performance events.
In their size category, Shelties frequently dominate the agility field.
They are also skilled in competitive obedience, flyball, tracking, and herding.
This is a breed that needs to work. Without enough intellectual stimulation, Shelties rapidly become bored and create their own entertainment, which may or may not be to the satisfaction of their owners.
Shelties have a strong herding instinct.
Squirrels, bunnies, and children will be actively pursued and “herded” by your Sheltie by rushing around them, barking, and nipping.
This behavior in Shelties should be discouraged, especially in children, as it can lead to biting.
Allow your Sheltie to herd only if she is engaged in a herding lesson that includes suitable subjects like as ducks or sheep.
Shelties are sedentary inside and can live in an apartment provided they are walked regularly and aren't recreational barkers.
Otherwise, they'll need a fenced yard where they may safely play while not being allowed to “herd” animals, people, or cars.
Shelties have a dense, thick coat that sheds heavily.
Many people are unaware of how much loose hair they are exposing themselves to, and many Shelties are surrendered to rescue organizations each year because they shed.
Make certain that both you and your vacuum can handle the amount of hair.
Shelties are an excellent alternative for someone who works because they may contentedly stay at home alone if they receive adequate attention while their owners are present.
In their natural habitat, companionship, playfulness, instruction, and calm stroking are all good. They will repay your kindness tenfold.
Frequently Asked Question Shetland Sheepdog
How much should an 8 week old Sheltie puppy eat?
When your puppy is 8-12 weeks old, he will most likely require three to four meals per day. You want to make sure you're giving your puppy just enough food, but not too much.
How do you take care of a Shetland sheepdog?
The long, gorgeous double coat of the Shetland Sheepdog is not as high-maintenance as you may think. With a pin brush, brush it once a week. Brush the mane while it is still damp to avoid hurting it. Bathe only as necessary because the rough outer coat and smooth undercoat are both water-resistant and shed dirt.
What do you feed a Shetland sheepdog?
Protein, such as fish, chicken, turkey, cattle, or lamb, is the foundation of any home-cooked meal. For an average-sized Sheltie, a quarter pound will suffice. Cooked rice or yams, as well as vegetables like peas, carrots, and broccoli, should be included in your Sheltie's supper.
How many times a day should you feed a sheepdog?
Food: Feeding senior dogs twice a day is a recommended dog feeding routine. Because senior dogs have less activity, feed them lesser portions. Water: Senior dogs may require more water than younger dogs. Sleep: A senior dog will sleep 16 to 18 hours per day on average, which is more than an active adult dog.
When should I stop feeding my Sheltie puppy food?
“Growth” feeds, which are required during the puppy stage, include greater protein and calorie counts to suit your dog's developmental requirements. When your puppy is six to twelve months old, though, his needs shift. When your puppy reaches adult height and is ready to transfer to adult food, this is frequently the case.