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

When it comes to selecting a suitable puppy feeding regimen, ignorance is not bliss. 

Your puppy is a treasured family member who is counting on you to make the right choices now to ensure their health and happiness for many years to come.

There are a lot of questions when you get a new puppy for the first time. 

As you nurture your puppy into a healthy and happy adult, you will face many trials and have a lot of fun.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your Australian Shepherd is to provide them the best food available from the beginning.

Is It Necessary to Feed My Puppy Every Day?

When you first get your puppy, feed it the same food that the breeder (or whatever you are obtaining them from) is feeding them currently, then gradually transition them to the diet you choose over the course of 7 to 10 days. 

Give them 25% new/75 percent old for the first transitional feeding, then 50%/50 percent after 2–3 days, and finally 75 percent new/25 percent old after 2–3 more days.

 Finally, you'll be feeding all of the new stuff to your children. 

Slow down the transition if your puppy starts to show signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

You'll be feeding your puppy three times each day during this time. 

Feedings should be spaced out by around five hours. 

So, if the first feeding is at 8:00 a.m., the second one should be around 1:00 p.m., and the last one should be around 6:00 p.m. 

Housetraining will be aided by sticking to a regimen like this. 

You can keep a watch on them after they've eaten so you can take them outside.

 This will assist them in becoming housebroken sooner.

Australian Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart

What Should I Feed My Puppy and How Much Should I Feed It?

The frequency with which you feed is merely one aspect of the equation.

 The next question is: how much will it cost? 

The answer is that it is debatable. It all boils down to the quality of the food you're feeding. 

If you feed inexpensive dog food, you will most likely have to feed more. 

Cheap dog food is typically less digested and nutrients are less physiologically accessible, so more of it passes through your puppy (and into your yard) without giving nutritional benefit.

It is recommended that you spend more on higher quality food to ensure that your puppy develops as healthily as possible (the highest quality you can afford). 

These dog diets have a higher nutritional content, ensuring that your developing puppy receives the nutrients it requires for proper development. 

You'll save money by having to feed your puppy less and, perhaps, by having reduced long-term vet expenditures because your puppy will be healthier in general.

It also depends on the specifics of how much to feed on your puppy's feeding schedule. 

As a guide, follow the directions on the dog food packaging. 

Begin there, followed by a consultation with your veterinarian. 

Each brand has its own personality. 

As a general rule, you should be able to feel your puppy's ribs but not see them. 

There should also be a slight curvature in the waistline. 

You've probably overfed her if she's the shape of a beach ball.

Australian Shepherd Puppy, 2 Weeks

Your puppy should still be depending on his mother for food at two weeks old. Her milk satisfies all of his requirements. 

You can begin the weaning process at around 3 and a half weeks.

It's a good idea to have a puppy milk formula available before doing this, just in case something goes wrong with the mother.

It will come in handy during the weaning phase if you didn't require it before three to four weeks of age.

To help puppies with weaning, start with a puppy milk formula. 

As long as the mother dog is able to feed her pups, she will do so, but augmenting what she can provide will help to reduce the demand on the mother and start the process of accustoming the pup to self-feeding.

Australian Shepherd Puppy, 4 Weeks

At this age, it's time to start weaning the puppies.

There's no reason to separate the mother from her pups. 

Suckling is becoming increasingly unpleasant as their teeth mature, and she will spend less and less time feeding them as a result.

Mother dogs regurgitate food for their puppies during weaning in the wild. 

If your Australian Shepherd mother dog does this, don't be frightened.

It's time to start introducing food once the pups start drinking the milk formula from the saucers you've provided.

Use crushed puppy chow that has been soaked in milk to soften it. 

Reduce the formula and increase the solid food over the next three days until your puppies are only eating solids.

Start with a 12 to 34 cup of high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food every day, or consult the box for a recommended weight and weigh it on your kitchen scale to make sure you're on the right track.

Australian Shepherd Puppies, 6 Weeks

Your puppies should be weaned by 6 weeks of age, but it's best to leave them with their mother and siblings for another week or two. 

Most experts think that the optimal time to adopt pups is when they are seven to eight weeks old.

Meanwhile, you should feed your puppies four times per day, as per our Australian Shepherd puppy feeding schedule, which is the routine they will follow until they are about four months old, when feeding frequency should ideally be three times per day.

Approximately one cup of food (if it's a nutrient-rich brand) will be fed to your weaned puppy every day, spaced out over meal times.

Interact with the puppies, introducing them to others and, if possible, their future families, to get them used to social interaction outside of the litter and your immediate family.

Australian Shepherd Puppy, 8 Weeks

It's time to place your puppies in their everlasting homes.

If they're responsible pet owners, they'll be prepared to inquire, “How much does an Australian Shepherd puppy cost to feed?” ” However, they require further assistance. Inform their new family about the puppy food you've been feeding them.

If they wish to switch brands, they'll have to do it gradually, taking into account the puppies' sensitive digestion. 

Explain the process of changing foods to them, and warn them that if their stools are frequently loose during a diet change, they should slow down or try a different food.

Feeding frequency will now be three times per day, with the times being consistent to assist the puppy feel secure and establish a regular feeding routine.

 As a general rule, Australian Shepherd puppies now require approximately one and a half cups of high-quality puppy chow each day.

Australian Shepherd Puppy, 10 Weeks

As the puppy grows bigger, the feeding amount increases, but the three-times-daily feeding frequency remains the same.

 Keep an eye on your puppy's appetite and weight.

When picking brands, you can still utilize the 1.5 cup rule, which means that each meal should contain around half a cup of puppy food.

The most important aspect of an Australian Shepherd puppy's development at this time is socialization.

He's energetic, interested, and eager to meet new people, other dogs, and other pets in his new home.

While it's crucial to keep in mind that he's still a newborn with a limited attention span, he's ready to learn quickly.

Puppies of Australian Shepherds are notoriously “mouthy,” preferring to pinch and chew on the things they adore – even their new family!

It's time to teach them bite restraint, and at this age, they'll pick it up quickly.

Australian Shepherd Puppy, 12 Weeks

The amount of food your puppy need to maintain a healthy weight is increasing, so be sure to stick to the guidelines and keep an eye on your puppy for signs of being underweight or overweight.

Follow the feeding instructions carefully, and be very careful not to overfeed – we know he's adorable, but being overweight isn't good for him! 

Depending on your puppy's size and overall condition, use the box guidelines or make an educated guess of 1.5 to 2 cups of puppy chow every day.

Your puppy will still need to be fed three times a day, and training should start right away. Remember that Australian Shepherds enjoy collaborating with their owners and will do so well into adulthood.

Meanwhile, if you're concerned that your puppy is too small or too fat while following the proper feeding program, don't hesitate to call your veterinarian.

A New Puppy Food Brand Is Launched

Continue providing the same food for at least two or three weeks after bringing your new Australian Shepherd puppy home. 

Dogs' digestive systems are fragile, and rapid dietary changes can cause stomach problems.

Canines do not adjust to new foods in the same manner that people do, therefore changes to their diet must be made gradually.

If you do decide to switch puppy food brands, gradually introduce the new food into the old over the course of five to seven days. 

For the first two to three days, combine three-quarters of the present food with a quarter of the new meal. 

Then, for the next two or three days, give him equal portions of old and new food.

Finally, you should have three-quarters new food and one-quarter old food during the last two or three days. 

They should have adjusted to the new diet by now. 

Slow or stop the transfer if you notice signs of an upset stomach. 

Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, increased gas, and a loss of appetite.

Diets for Australian Shepherd Puppies

When it comes to feeding an Australian Shepherd puppy, choosing the appropriate diet is critical to their growth. 

They grow quickly in the first few months of life as their bones grow larger, muscles become stronger, and their immune systems mature.

Puppies and young adult dogs require more calories than canines of the same size that are older. 

This faster pace of development will be supported with a high-quality, nutrient-dense meal specifically created for puppies. 

Whole meat proteins like chicken, beef, and lamb should be listed as the first several ingredients while looking for puppy food.

Healthy fats provide energy to growing puppies, while omega-3 fatty acids aid in the quality of their skin and coat.

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that promotes brain growth. 

Although commercial meals will provide feeding instructions on their package, you should consult a veterinarian because the ideal portion size varies from puppy to puppy.

As an Australian Shepherd Puppy grows older, the way he or she eats changes.

The Care and Feeding of an Australian Shepherd Puppy

When you bring your puppy home, he or she will be developing quickly, and at this stage, the puppy will require a large amount of food per pound of body weight. 

As your puppy grows older, their pace of growth slows, thus the amount of food they require does not increase as much as you may expect! 

Due to the fragile digestive systems of many puppies, their daily food supply must be divided into multiple little parts.

When should an Australian Shepherd Puppy be fed?

At the age of eight weeks, your puppy should be eating at least four meals every day. 

Simply weigh and divide their daily meal supply into four portions each morning. 

Most puppies can be reduced to three parts at three months of age. 

If you make this decision too soon, your puppy will most likely develop an upset stomach.

At six months, your puppy may be able to eat only two meals.

For the rest of their lives, some dogs eat only two meals per day. 

Others thrive on one meal every day from the age of one year.

What Should an Australian Shepherd Puppy Be Fed?

When you're walking down your grocery store's pet food aisle, the sheer amount of options can be intimidating. 

That doesn't even include products accessible only at specialty pet stores or at your veterinarian's office.

There are also home-cooked and raw diets to consider, which adds to the complexity. We've divided the primary alternatives into four groups:

• Kibble
• Food that is wet
• Uncooked (BARF)
• Homemade

Naturally, each Australian Shepherd puppy diet has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We'll go over each one separately so you can make an informed decision.

Kibble for an Australian Shepherd Puppy

Dry kibble is by far the most popular puppy food, and it's also the simplest, cheapest, and most widely available option. 

There's nothing wrong with this option as long as you choose a high-quality brand that delivers sufficient nutrients for a developing puppy.

However, there are a variety of brands with differing levels of quality, and many of the less priced options will not be as healthful.

Cheap fillers and preservatives can be found in some dry chow. 

Dry food has the advantage of being simple to prepare and store. 

Kibble may be slightly better for your puppy's teeth than commercially prepared wet food due to the crunchy surface's abrasive impact. 

Commercial food, on the other hand, contains carbs, and dogs who eat it should wash their teeth on a frequent basis.

Wet Food for an Australian Shepherd Puppy

Many puppies prefer the taste of canned wet food to that of dry kibble, despite the fact that it is more expensive.

So, if your puppy isn't eating, try feeding wet food to remedy the problem. 

Other advantages include the absence of preservatives, a higher protein content, and maybe fewer carbs than dry food.

On the disadvantage, it's much more expensive, and it can't be stored for very long after it's been opened.

Australian Shepherds who are only fed wet food will most likely require additional dental care.

Another approach is to combine dry and wet food, which provides a semi-moist meal with the advantages of both types of food.

Raw Food for an Australian Shepherd Puppy (BARF)

While some individuals choose to feed their Australian Shepherd puppy raw food, this is a controversial diet.

In the wild, dogs would consume raw meat and bones before becoming tamed. 

Advocates would say that feeding a raw food to dogs has various health benefits, including:

• Immune system enhancement
• Enhancing digestion
• Teeth that are cleaner
• Skin and coat that is healthier

However, other specialists believe that a raw chicken diet increases the risk of salmonella illness. 

Although a raw diet is high in protein, it must be supplemented with other foods in order to maintain nutritional balance.

Bones can be a choking hazard, according to some who oppose raw feeding.

 Bone fragments may potentially induce an intestinal blockage or internal puncture, which is a concern. 

All of these issues are discussed in detail in our main raw feeding article.

If you think a raw diet is ideal for your Australian Shepherd puppy, talk to your veterinarian first to be sure it will meet their nutritional requirements.

Keep in mind that adhering to a raw diet necessitates proper preparation and storage. 

To limit the risk of bacterial infection, proper handling and cleaning practices will be required. 

However, this is no different than how you would treat raw meat for your household.

Making a Homemade Diet for an Australian Shepherd Puppy

Cooking a customized diet for an Australian Shepherd puppy might be time-consuming.

You'll need to be incredibly knowledgeable about all of the nutrients a puppy requires for appropriate growth and development.

This is a huge duty because even a minor imbalance or deficit can result in serious health issues.

Before starting your puppy on a homemade diet, always consult with your veterinarian to develop a proper meal plan.

A homemade diet has the advantage of allowing you to know exactly what you're feeding your dog.

Kind of food I should give my Australian Shepherd puppy

There are several elements to consider when determining how much you should feed your Australian Shepherd puppy.

The metabolism of each dog is unique. 

Use the amounts on the package as a general guideline, but keep in mind that many puppies don't require as much as the recommended amounts. 

The amount of food a puppy should eat depends on their age, size, and activity level, as well as the type of food and brand.

When a pup is between the ages of one and three months, Purina recommends feeding them 2/3 to 2 cups of food each day.

They should get 1 34 to 3 13 cups of milk between the ages of four and five months.

It should be 113 to 314 cups at six to eight months.

It rises from 212 to 4 cups in nine to eleven months.

They will receive 213 to 5 14 cups every day between the ages of one and two years old.

The best approach to ensure your puppy is eating the proper amount is to speak with your veterinarian.

As you might expect, the number of calories burned by a dog who is out herding all day and one who sleeps about the house differs significantly. 

These medium-sized herders are a hardworking, nimble type. 

Australian Shepherds, descended from a line of Europe's finest sheepherders, have a high energy level and require one to two hours of daily exercise. 

This should be taken into account if your Australian Shepherd does not run and play a lot. Calories are needed less by dogs who aren't as active. 

It's critical to maintain track of your dog's weight and be aware of their physical condition.

Is My Puppy the Correct Size?

Despite its busy lifestyle, the Australian Shepherd has a voracious appetite and can easily gain weight.

Hip dysplasia is also a problem with Australian Shepherds.

This orthopedic condition causes lameness and severe arthritis, and carrying more weight might make it worse.

Being overweight puts your puppy at danger for heart problems, diabetes, and cancer, in addition to hip dysplasia.

This article will tell you how much a puppy should weigh throughout the course of his first year.

However, assessing by eye and touch is sometimes a better approach to determine if your puppy is the right weight.

By placing your hands on either side of his ribcage, you should be able to readily feel his ribs.

When looking at him from the side, his abdomen should tuck in somewhat.

Your puppy's ribs, on the other hand, should not be evident. If that's the case, he's most likely underweight.

This could indicate a variety of underlying issues, especially if his appetite appears to be normal.

Hypoglycemia and parasites are two possibilities.

It's time to take your puppy to the vet if you feel he or she is overweight or underweight.

What if my Puppy is still hungry after all this time?

Your Australian Shepherd puppy is still hungry despite the fact that you've been following a proper diet plan.

This does not imply that he should be given more food or more goodies at mealtimes.

Dogs are voracious eaters, and it's not unusual for them to beg for more food even after they've finished their meal.

There are a few things you can do to encourage your puppy to eat more slowly.

Feeding puzzles are meant to conceal their food, making it difficult for them to consume it rapidly.

It turns eating into a game while also providing cerebral stimulation.

Another alternative is to feed your puppy fewer meals throughout the day.

What happens if my puppy refuses to eat?

It can be unnerving when your new puppy refuses to eat.

While it's always possible that they're unwell, there could be other, less serious causes for their refusal to eat.

If he refuses to eat right after you bring him home, it's possible that he's simply not used to his new surroundings and is stressed.

Until he adjusts, a small puppy will mourn his mother and siblings.

He may be unable to eat due to his teething pain.

Try wet food if you've only been giving him kibble.

Even adding a little warm water to dry food might make it taste better.

It's possible that they're not eating because they don't like the brand of food you've chosen.

In the end, puppies can't go for lengthy periods of time without eating or drinking.

If your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day, take them to the veterinarian.

Australian Shepherd Background

The Australian shepherd is a medium-sized herding dog with medium-length fur and an agile, athletic frame that hails from Australia.

The breed's progenitors arrived in the United States via Australia, hence the name. 

This shepherd-type dog is incredibly smart, loyal, and hardworking. 

It is a fantastic companion dog for people who have a lot of energy. 

It is also capable of herding, dog sports, search-and-rescue, and service dog duties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)