Raising a dog requires a careful deliberation of its diet in order to keep it healthy. The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not you prefer a homemade or commercial diet for your pet. Both options have their own set of pros and cons. Your cheapest bet would be to go for a commercial diet, but if you delight in keeping your dog in its best shape possible, homemade would be a great choice – especially with the help of a nutritionist who can design a well-balanced meal for your Australian Shepherd in its different life stages.
Here is a breakdown of diet options you can choose from:
- Kibble
This dry, ball-shaped food is available at grocery stores and pet stores. The quality of kibble differs, and you need to make sure you do your homework in researching for the best brand.
- Moist food
Just like kibble, the quality of moist food varies according to brand and price range.
- Prepared raw
Found in most pet stores, prepared raw food is the closest you can get to an all-natural diet.
- Raw
Based on natural sources such as animal meat and vegetables, this type of diet allows you to tailor-fit your dog’s meal plans to the nutrients it needs.
Whatever diet you choose for your Australian Shepherd, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Always look for food that is rich in fillers such as corn or rice.
- Depending on what you feed your dog, its coat condition or energy level may be affected. Always be on the lookout if your dog is not being its normal self, as its diet can have an effect on its appearance and behavior.
- Stay away from generic pet food and invest in the highest quality dog food you can afford.
Just like in humans, calorie count matters. Check the packaging for the number of calories to ensure that your dog gets its daily caloric count. This is very important as obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems.
By: Kevin Wood