How Much To Feed An Australian Cattle Puppy? [2022] (Answered)

Australian Cattle Dogs are devoted to their families and protective of them, although they are apprehensive of strangers. 

They excel at canine sports such as agility, obedience, rally, flyball, and flying disc contests in addition to herding. 

Beware, first-time pet parents and apartment dwellers: these dogs require a lot — a lot! — of mental and physical activity in order to remain happy and healthy, as well as to avoid boredom and harmful behavior. 

This breed may be right for you if you have a large home with plenty of room to run and can keep up with such an active puppy.

How Much Should An Australian Cattle Puppy Eat?

The suggested daily quantity is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

The amount of food consumed by your adult dog is determined by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity.

Dogs, like people, are unique beings who require different quantities of food.

An active dog will obviously require more than a passive dog.

It also matters what kind of dog food you buy; the better the dog food, the more it will nourish your dog and the less you will have to shake into his bowl.

Australian Cattle Puppy Feeding Chart

Australian Cattle Puppy Feeding Chart

It may be required to calculate your Australian Cattle Dog's RER, or Resting Energy Requirements, in order to determine the amount of food that should be provided to him.

Your dog’s RER may be calculated using a simple technique of the multiplication of his body weight measured in kilograms and elevated to the power all of ¾.

To utilize the RER method, you'll need to weigh your puppy as he develops to do the computation, which should be considered a rough estimate. 

As with any guide, you should keep a close eye on your puppy during the process to ensure that he is in good health.

You should decide whether you will feed him dry or wet food (we will discuss this in more detail later).

However, remember that overfeeding your puppy in one sitting can be unhealthy for him. 

The exact quantities that they should be fed will vary based on the type of food he is provided.

Feedings of 4 parts per day should be given to your 8-week Australian Cattle Dog as a general guideline.

For your 12-week puppy, you'll cut this amount in half and feed him simply three parts.

You can feed him twice a day by the time he's six months old. 

In any case, you should consult with your veterinarian to ensure that everything is in order.

How Much To Feed An Australian Cattle Puppy?

Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, 2-Week-Old

When it comes to feeding, there isn't much you can do at this point. 

This is because, at two weeks old, your Australian cattle dog puppy will require more nutrition from his mother than you will.

The mother and littermates will provide the majority of the nutrition and warmth need at this period.

However, it is not rare for the mother to reject some puppies, and in most situations, the youngest youngster is the one who is rejected. 

If this happens, you will be responsible for the abandoned puppy's needs.

To do this, you'll need to use a heating pad and place it under a blanket to replace his mother's warmth and keep his core temperature warm.

You should set this heating pad to a medium temperature since you don't want it to get too hot because the puppy is already in a vulnerable situation.

You'll also need to feed him a canine milk replacer through a bottle, or a tube if your Australian Cattle Dog isn't old enough to be fed through a bottle.

Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, 4-Week-Old

At this age, your Australian Cattle Dog puppy will go through a variety of developmental changes. 

He'll usually start weaning at 4 weeks old when he transitions from his previous fluid diet to a solid one.

As a dog owner, you should make this transition as painless as possible, as a young puppy may find it challenging. 

This can be accomplished by ensuring that the meal he has provided is not too firm, but rather watery, or the consistency of a thick soup. 

This will allow your puppy to practice chewing.

You must select whether this will be store-bought food or homemade, but it should be a little less than a quarter cup four times a day. 

Keep in mind that he might occasionally drink his mother's milk.

Soon, he'll get the hang of chewing, and you'll be able to progressively lower the amount of liquid in the food.

You can then start introducing harder meals, but make sure the brand is consistent, as suddenly changing the type of food you offer him may trigger an upset stomach.

Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, 6-Week-Old

At this point, your young Australian Cattle Dog will be used to solid food and will require little to no time spent nursing with his mother.

You should up his feeding rations because he will become more energetic as he explores his environment.

He should be given 1 cup of food every day, but it should be spread out over four meals throughout the day. 

You can start with 14 cup four times a day and observe how he responds to this regimen.

Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, 8 Weeks

As the dog owner, you will now be solely responsible for feeding your puppy. 

They should be able to survive in the absence of their moms, who will no longer groom and feed them.

At this stage, you should feed him a total of 12 cups of food every day, divided into four meals.

Also, prioritize nutrient-dense foods that include the nutrients required for growth.

Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, 10-Week-Old

Feeding your Australian cattle dog puppy three times a day is now possible. 

It's fine to progressively shorten feeding periods without reducing the amount of food consumed

Your puppy should be able to survive on one and a half cups of food every day, but if you see that he is hungry or losing weight, you can raise the amount significantly.

Another way to tell is if you see him searching through the trash looking for food. 

During the day, you're attempting to dodge a hungry puppy. 

You will have a better-behaved dog in the future if you stick to a rigid regimen.

Australian Cattle Dog Puppy, 12-Week-Old

This is the time to start increasing the amount of food you offer your puppy. 

You can also cut down on feedings to twice a day. 

Throughout the day, he should drink about 2 glasses.

You'll notice that he'll be eager to eat when it's time for his meals because his appetite will be normal, but you should still keep an eye on him and examine his health.

 Ensure that this diet is nutrient-dense at this vital stage of his growth.

Depending on how he responds in terms of weight loss or gain, you should raise or decrease the amount of food he receives. 

Consider his activity level, which for a healthy puppy should be frequent amounts of exercise throughout the day.

Australian Cattle Dogs Feeding Instructions

Every commercial puppy food package has a starting point for the amount of food you should give your Australian Cattle Dog puppy printed on the side.

Because the instructions are frequently written in small print, you may need to use your reading glasses! 

These resources are useful, but they are only that.

Before you pour the food into a dish, keep in mind that the amount listed is for the entire day!

And during training sessions, a significant portion of your puppy's food may be consumed.

Understanding The Instructions – Quantities

On the back of most puppy food packages, there will be a printed table with numerous columns and rows. 

Each column will most likely represent the size of a distinct breed. 

This is the adult size of the breed, not the size of your puppy right now.

Because the Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog, you should concentrate on that column.

After that, each row will represent your dog at various weights.

As they grow, you'll adjust the overall amount of their daily ration.

Getting Your Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Weighed

You might find it useful to weigh your dog every now and then.

You can do this by weighing yourself without your puppy on the bathroom scales.

Then you weigh yourself while holding your puppy.

Taking the first weight and subtracting it from the second.

Points to Remember

The daily ration must be divided into several portions.

For some puppies, the manufacturer's estimate is excessive (and too little for others)

It's critical to use your puppy's food as a training tool.

If necessary, seek veterinarian advice.

Australian Cattle Dogs Different Ages of Puppy Portion Sizes

By dividing the daily total into multiple little meals, we provide the proper portion sizes.

Because pups have small stomachs and are prone to diarrhea if they consume too much in one sitting, dividing the daily feed into enough amounts is critical.

Your 8-week-old puppy will most likely require four servings of food per day on the day you bring him home. After that, you can reduce the number of sections as follows:

• 4 parts – 8 weeks
• 12 weeks – three installments
• 6 months – divided into two halves

If your dog develops loose feces, you should increase the number of portions (not the amount of food).

If these symptoms last more than twelve hours, contact your veterinarian.

Quantities That Are Exact

Because each brand is unique, we are unable to print exact quantities. 

Fillers are more common in lower-cost products, and puppies may require more of them.

Food quantities for high-end brands may appear to be insignificant at first glance! 

However, if your puppy appears to be well fed, he is almost definitely getting adequate food.

Scheduling Example For Your Australian Cattle Dogs

A puppy could be eating at 8 weeks.

• 7am
• 11am
• 3pm
• 7pm

Of course, the exact times are up to you, but if you want to get a good night's sleep, avoid feeding a puppy late at night!

Puppies who eat late are more likely to have to poop in the middle of the night.

Food as a Training Aid For Your Australian Cattle Dogs

Puppies have a lot to learn, and the most effective teaching methods are all based on food. Especially at the beginning.

While this food is commonly referred to as “training treats,” the best food to use for training is your puppy's own kibble.

Simply weigh out your puppy's portions for the day ahead of time and use these rations for any training treats. 

This ensures a well-balanced diet for your puppy.

Are you running out of time?

After training, some people worry that there won't be enough food to put in the puppy's bowl.

It makes no difference if you eat almost all of the puppy's food this way.

It won't hurt them if they don't eat from a bowl.

Selecting the Best Food for a Australian Cattle Dog Puppy

You'll want to make sure your Australian Cattle Dog puppy gets the nutrition and nourishment they need to grow into a healthy and muscular adult.

How do you know the meal you've chosen is the finest for your Australian Cattle Dog puppy? 

Look at the label!

To begin, make sure the food you've purchased has been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

The AAFCO certifies that pet food is balanced and complete. 

The association's endorsed foods should have a label on the package.

Second, make sure you're buying the right food for the right period of life. 

The food should be clearly labeled ‘for pups' in this scenario.

Puppies require precise levels of nutrients, therefore feeding an adult food to a Australian Cattle Dog puppy will harm its health and development.

The third step is to double-check the ingredients. 

You'll want to be certain that the meal you've chosen is high in nutrients and free of fillers.

A growing Australian Cattle Dog puppy's nutritional requirements are very particular, and puppies require a lot of animal protein and fat.

A high-quality dog chow, for example, will have at least 22.5 percent protein.

What Should I Feed My Puppy Australian Cattle Dog?

Kibbles? Is there any food that is wet? What do you mean, raw food? 

When it comes to the finest food types for your Australian Cattle Dog puppy, you have a lot of alternatives.

The most common form of food given to puppies is kibble. 

As a result, this would be an excellent choice for a Australian Cattle Dog puppy.

Check the label to make sure you're getting the right nutrients at the right life stage.

Low-cost kibble has a lower nutritional value. 

To achieve the correct number of nutrients, you'll have to feed a puppy extra kibble, which is unpleasant.

If your Australian Cattle Dog puppy is only eating kibble, make sure they're getting plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Is It Safe to Feed a Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Wet Food?

Because it is a gentler transition from their mother's milk, Australian Cattle Dog puppies may prefer wet dog food or canned food.

It's also a lot simpler to swallow for teething Australian Cattle Dog puppies.

It does not, however, provide the same dental benefits as crunching on hard kibbles.

Many dog owners provide a mix of wet and kibble food to their pets.

Check the label to ensure that the wet food you purchase for your Australian Cattle Dog puppy has enough nutrients and is the right life stage.

Is It Best To Feed A Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Raw Food?

Dogs' raw food diets are growing more and more popular.

It's a good choice if you understand the benefits and drawbacks of feeding this diet to a Australian Cattle Dog puppy.

If you're interested in feeding your Australian Cattle Dog puppy raw food, our guide on Raw Food for Puppies is a great place to start.

Calories will be burned quickly by high-energy Australian Cattle Dog puppies. 

They require approximately twice the amount of calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog.

This is what keeps them going in their games and propels them forward!

The first six months are when your Australian Cattle Dog puppy will grow the most. 

Then, around their first birthday, their growth rate will slow down until they achieve their full adult weight.

Australian Cattle Dogs Nutritional Requirements

At the withers, male Australian Cattle Dogs stand about 18-20 inches tall. Female ACD stand between 17 and 19 inches tall at the withers. 

Dogs can weigh anywhere from 35 to 50 pounds, depending on their size. 

This is a very active, energetic breed, as previously said. 

Some dogs will be on the move so much that no matter how much you feed them, they will remain incredibly slim.

The breed's conformation standard can be found here. 

There is also a working standard for the Australian Cattle Dog.

An active adult Australian Cattle Dog weighing 45 pounds requires an average daily calorie intake of 1212 kcal, according to the National Research Council of the National Academies.

Dogs who have been spayed or neutered, as well as those that are older, may require fewer calories.

Certain dogs may require more calories depending on their level of activity and metabolism.

For example, your Australian Cattle Dog (45-pound dog) may not drive cattle, but if you do flyball or agility with him, you may need to feed him roughly 2020 kcal or more, depending on how demanding the work is. 

Adult dogs absorb fewer calories than puppies and young adult dogs.A 30 pound young Australian Cattle Dog puppy (4-12 months) requires approximately 993 kcal per day. 

Your dog's food consumption must continuously be adjusted based on his activity level and other considerations.

For all life phases, most Australian Cattle Dogs should be able to eat any good quality dog food.

Because this isn't a particularly large or little breed, you can give it “medium” dog food; however, most dog foods that aren't intended for large or small breeds don't have a designation. 

It's possible that they're a brand's original recipe.

You have the option of selecting a puppy chow that is suitable for all puppies. 

Most breeders advise feeding this food to your puppy until he reaches about 90% of his adult size.

Puppies can be fed an all-life-stage dog food (which is occasionally AAFCO-approved for “growth and reproduction”). 

Simply make sure the nutrients are appropriate for puppies, particularly the calcium levels and calcium to phosphorus ratio. 

Because they are usually familiar with how their puppies grow and develop, you should ask your breeder about the food they recommend for their puppies.

Switching From Australian Cattle Dog Puppy Food To Adult Food 

Australian Cattle Dog puppies benefit from multiple, little meals throughout the day.

Begin with four meals spread out throughout the day.

You can feed your Australian Cattle Dog puppy twice a day once they reach the age of six months.

A Australian Cattle Dog puppy is considered an adult after one year and can eat adult food.

Throughout their first year of life, your puppy should still have frequent vet visits, and this is a wonderful time to discuss what they're eating.

Your veterinarian can assist you in adjusting and fine-tuning how much to feed a Australian Cattle Dog puppy for maximum health.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight in a Australian Cattle Dog Puppy

Puppies should not be given free food since they have a tendency to overeat.

Overfeeding a puppy or a dog at any stage of life can cause joint discomfort. 

Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to joint diseases, which can be exacerbated by obesity.

Maintain a healthy weight for your puppy. 

To make sure you're on the proper track, look up Australian Cattle Dog puppy growth and weight charts.

Run your hands over your dog; if you press hard enough, you should only be able to feel the ribs. 

The knobbles on your puppy's spine should not be visible, and they should have a waist.

Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned that your Australian Cattle Dog puppy is eating too much or too little.

A body condition chart can also be used to establish if your Australian Cattle Dog puppy is at a healthy weight.

You can simply keep track of how much and how often your dog eats if you know how much and how often he should eat.

If his weight is fluctuating or his energy level is dwindling, you can change his diet as needed.

He will also be less likely to seek food if he knows when he will be fed.

An Australian Cattle Dog's Healthy Diet

Commercial Foods of the Highest Quality

The Association of American Feed Control Officials requires all commercial dog foods labeled “premium” to meet specified nutrition standards. 

The meals are evaluated either by a nutritional profile provided by the manufacturer or by passing a feeding trial. 

The AAFCO contains two feeding profiles: one for development and reproduction, which is intended for puppies and breeding females, and another for adult maintenance, which is intended for adults. 

The AAFCO publishes a list of ideal components and amounts for a healthy diet on its website, and if your Australian cattle dog consumes commercial kibble or tinned, “wet” food, be sure it meets these standards.

Foods Prepared at Home

If you prepare the food yourself, feeding your Australian cattle dog home-cooked food is a great idea. 

However, the AAFCO has very rigorous guidelines governing the sale of pet foods, so if you feed food prepared by someone else, be sure it contains permitted components in proper amounts. 

Combine 50% human-grade animal protein, such as muscle and organ meats, fowl, or oily fish like salmon and tuna, with 25% slow-burning, complex carbs to prepare for your dog. 

Sweet potato, brown rice, barley, and quinoa are all good sources of carbs. 25 percent vegetables and fruit, such as apples, bananas, green beans, and pumpkin, should be added to the meat and carbohydrate mixture.

Diet of Raw Foods

Although physicians are divided on whether giving raw food to Australian cattle dogs is healthful, many breeders and trainers support it. 

A raw food diet may combine cooked carbohydrates like brown rice or sweet potato with raw meat protein and raw fruits and vegetables, or it may completely avoid prepared foods. 

Use raw veggies such as carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli, or add ground bone meal for bulk instead of carbohydrates to provide 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 cutting surfaces to avoid microbial contamination.

Supplements

Supplements are acceptable additions to their diet due to the quantity of energy consumed by Australian cattle dogs, whether they are working with livestock or merely competing in working trials and conformation competitions. 

Before giving your dog nutritional supplements, consult with your veterinarian, although natural materials like eggshells are fine to eat. 

Feed small amounts of eggshells that have been dried in the oven and ground in a coffee grinder, which are a good source of natural calcium. 

Because the calcium is unconcentrated, there is little chance of overdoing it.

 Hip dysplasia is common in Australian cattle dogs, which can be helped by feeding glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in the amounts recommended by the veterinarian.

Australian Cattle Dog Background

Australian Cattle Canines are a picture of energy and agility, with excessively vigilant eyes, as dogs of exceptional stamina and staying strength. 

They're small and symmetrical, and with a double coat, they should appear well-muscled. 

The undercoat is smooth, quick, and dense, while the outer coat is tough, quick, and weather-resistant. 

They may move quickly and unexpectedly, flowing freely and ceaselessly with great energy from the hindquarters.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a result of a carefully planned breeding effort. 

Over the course of 60 years, different dogs with unique abilities were crossbred. 

During the 1830s, a collie-type dog was mated with the native wild Dingo. 

Timmon's Biters was the result, and it barked less and drove the herds better.

After 10 years, blue-merle smooth-coated collies were crossed with the Dingo, and the best of the litter was kept. 

Hall's Heelers were the name given to these dogs. 

Further breeding trials were conducted with Timmon's Biters, Hall's Heelers, and Dingos. 

A male Dingo was bred with a blue merle collie in one experiment.

After that, a Dalmatian was introduced, making the breed good with horses but not so well with herding. 

Breeders have attempted to cross the Bull Terrier with the Bull Terrier. 

However, the dogs became too rough as a result of this, and they were bred out. 

They can still be observed in those today, in their head shape and attitude, but very subtly. 

The black and tan was later applied, which brought back the old herding ability. 

The Australian Cattle Dog, which has been faithful to the breed since 1893, was the final dog to be utilized in the breeding program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)