best dog food for blue heeler puppies

5 Best Dog Foods For Blue Heeler Puppies (2024)

How to Select the Best Dog Food for Blue Heeler Puppies

The Blue Heeler puppy is a whirlwind of energy. This adorable little pooch traces its roots to Australia where the breed was developed as a working dog whose primary role was to herd cattle over large plots of land. A dog breed that requires regular vigorous exercise on a daily basis, the Blue Heeler puppy does not thrive in a home where a more sedentary lifestyle prevails.

Intensely devoted to their family members, Blue Heeler puppies bond very deeply with their loved ones; so much so that they are sometimes referred to as Velcro dogs. The Blue Heeler has several different handles and is also often referenced as the Australian Cattle Dog.

Blue Heeler puppies are both exceptionally intelligent as well as athletic. These two characteristics combine to make them well-suited to such activities as hiking, agility, Rally, obedience, herding trials, and much, much more.

Because the Blue Heeler pup is highly active, this breed requires a diet that can fuel its daily performance needs. The best dog foods for Blue Heeler puppies base their formulation on lean, meat-based proteins and are also nutritionally balanced to help support each phase of this energetic breeds growth.

The ideal diet for the Blue Heeler pup should consist of a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Blue Heeler Puppies

Blue Heeler puppies require a high performance food to help them maintain their energy reserves as they grow. The best dog foods for Blue Heeler puppies list suggested serving sizes on the side of their packaging. These guidelines can be very helpful in determining how much to feed this delightful and highly active breed.

It is a good idea to use the suggested serving sizes on the bag of food as a starting point. These amounts can be adjusted with the dogs weight, activity level, and appetite serving as helpful guides until the correct portion is determined.

In addition to the minimum requirements for protein and fat in a food for the Blue Heeler pup, it is vitally important that this poochs diet contain the correct proportions of calcium and phosphorus to support a healthy rate of bone growth. These are defined as 1.2 parts of calcium for each included unit of phosphorus.

Though Blue Heeler puppies are not prone to becoming overweight, their food intake should still be monitored as this breeds high activity level often means they can easily become too thin. Free feeding is strongly discouraged as it is too difficult for owners to track how much the dog is actually eating each day.

Dietary Requirements for Blue Heeler Puppy Foods

Since the Blue Heeler puppy is an active athlete, this little pooch requires a diet that can meet its high performance needs. A diet suitable for such an energetic little dog should include a meat-based protein as its main ingredient. Whole meats are the best selection, but a meat meal is also an excellent option.

By-products are comprised of parts of an animal that were not suited for sale for human consumption. As a result, they are typically inferior in quality and not the best option to meet the needs of a high energy breed like the Blue Heeler puppy. Additionally, plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs and are also best avoided.

The dietary fiber found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help the Blue Heeler puppy to enjoy good digestion. Since this breed is not typically predisposed to developing allergies, the Blue Heeler puppy can eat a grain-inclusive or a grain-free diet with no ill effects.

Healthy fats are the building blocks that help a diet to be well-rounded. These fats support brain and eye development and also help to keep the Blue Heeler puppys energy tank stoked. Additionally, these fats also support coat and skin health. Healthy fats are best taken from animal sources such as oily fish and chicken fat, but safflower oil and canola oil also offer ample servings.

All diets benefit from the addition of helpful supplements. The best dog foods for Blue Heeler puppies often contain at least one of the following items: prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, or chondroitin.

Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Blue Heeler Puppies

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Blue Heeler puppy:

• Lean, meat-based proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list

Blue Heeler puppies thrive on a diet that takes a meat-based protein as its primary ingredient. Though whole meats are the best option, a diet that bases its formulation on a meat meal is also an excellent choice.

Foods that list plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat or meat by-products in their recipe are inferior in quality to the needs of this active breed. They are best avoided.

• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients

Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, and mystery ingredients add no nutritional value to a food. Any puppy food that contains any of these elements should be avoided.

• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements

Supplements can play an important role in the Blue Heeler puppys growth and development. Among the most beneficial supplements to look for in a food for an active breed pup like the Blue Heeler are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

All puppy foods considered for the Blue Heeler pup should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it is a complete and balanced diet.

Best Dog Food For Blue Heelers: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

The Blue Heeler is an affectionate nickname for the Australian Cattle Dog. In the early 1800s, these dogs were bred with Australian Dingos to herd cattle in rugged terrain like the Australian bush. Breeders required a dog who could be smart, strong, and athletic enough to succeed in their tasks, despite harsh conditions.

Blue Heelers are wonderfully bright dogs with high-energy needs. They need jobs to thrive. All that energy simply has to go somewhere. Because they lead highly active lifestyles, its only right that these dogs receive the nutrition necessary to fuel their drive. This is where you, as their pet parent, come in.

You know that your Australian Cattle dog deserves the very best nourishment. However, finding the perfect food can be very confusing with so many options. We understand how important it is that owners know everything there is to know about feeding their dogs well. We created this guide to provide all the knowledge you need to maximize your dogs nutrition without any guesswork.

At A Glance: Best Dog Food For Blue Heelers

Note: Clicking the above links take you to Chewy.com or Amazon.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Eating And Exercise Habits

Australian Cattle dogs grow up to be medium-sized dogs, so there isnt a huge amount of growth that happens from the time they are puppies. Despite this, you still shouldnt slack on the quality of nutrition they need because these are dogs who have a ton of energy. This energy must be fueled by the right kind of nourishment. As your dogs owner, its your job to find appropriate food for them to eat throughout each life stage. Its important that you also promote good eating habits for your dog at an early age.

Dogs need to have scheduled meals as soon as they are around eight weeks old. To help them regulate their sugar and energy levels better throughout the day, you should be feeding them four portions of food a day. You can transition them from four meals to three when they reach about 12 weeks. When they are at six months old, they can eat two portions of food. They remain at two portions of food throughout their lives.

Bear in mind that the portion sizes are determined by how heavy your dog is. You should measure out their food at the start of the day and then divide it into portions. Kibble pieces are also great as treats when teaching them commands and tricks. Feeding them kibble when they complete tasks correctly helps them look forward to their kibble and curbs pickiness.

Youll find that your Heeler requires more calorie and nutrient-dense food than they would as adults. This is because puppies simply need the extra energy so that they can learn, play, and grow properly. A dogs first year of life is the one most important to its development, so its important that they be eating food that is full of nutrients. Eating right ensures your puppy develops strong bones and teeth, as well as healthy organs and a hardy immune system.

As adults, they have a slowed-down metabolism though probably not as slow as other dogs given this breeds high need for activity. Their adult food does not need to be as nutrient-dense as it was in puppyhood. They should be eating according to only their needs, as overfeeding them can lead to obesity. Because they are least active in their senior years, older Heelers are most in danger of becoming obese, and as such, should be eating the least.

Heelers absolutely need exercise every day. This is the best supplement they can have to their diet. Regular exercise of around 90 hours a day is imperative in keeping these dogs fit. Try to engage them in high-intensity exercises such as running or jogging together. You can also opt to play fetch with a ball or frisbee.

Its important to keep these dogs occupied because too little stimulation can lead to boredom and frustration. These, in turn, can cause your Blue Heeler to become destructive and you may as well say goodbye to your favorite pair of shoes. Keeping your dog busy with a job is the easiest way to hold their satisfaction. It helps their overall health and happiness, which is precisely what you want as their pet parent.

Dietary Needs

Generally, your dogs food has recommended serving sizes that correspond to their weight and activity level. You can follow these suggestions to make mealtimes easier. However, if you ever find that you are in doubt as to how much you should be feeding your Heeler, its always wise to consult a veterinarian.

A Heelers diet is going to consist mainly of protein from real meat sources. This should be true of any other dog, but Australian Cattle dogs especially need it because of their energy needs. They also need a good amount of fat and carbohydrates to stay energized. Supplement their diet with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They need well-rounded nutrition throughout each life stage. Puppies

A dogs most important developmental stage is puppyhood. Theres very little growing to be done outside of it, and this holds true for your Blue Heeler as well. They also have the highest energy when they are a puppy, so you should invest in high-quality food that answers their needs, both in growth and in fuel. Proper growth ensures good bone, organ, and immune system development. Fuel helps them have the energy to play, strengthening their muscles and sharpening the mind.

Growing up can really take a toll on your dog. This is why it is important to feed them food containing roughly 25% protein and 8% fat. This may seem like a high amount, especially for a smaller dog, but this is just enough for your Australian Cattle dog to develop their athletic bodies nicely. Protein from real meat is essential in supplying your pup with energy and growing power. Fat may be scary to some owners, but dont be too alarmed. Its an essential part of any dogs diet. It serves plenty of roles, such as helping your dog regulate their body functions, reducing inflammation, and boosting nutrient absorption.

Your puppy should be getting a good amount of Omega fatty acids as well. These fatty acids imbue your dog with compounds found in mothers milk: DHA, EPA, and ARA. These compounds are instrumental in your puppys retinal and cognitive development. Dogs should have sharp eyes and a sharp mind, after all. Omega fatty acids also have the added bonus of nourishing the skin and coat. Supplement this with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. These help to fortify the immune system as well as maintain overall health.

As a puppy, they require food that caters to their every need. So its crucial that you only get them food labeled puppy formula. Only puppy formula dog food gives them complete nutrition. It may be tempting to purchase all life stages food, especially if youre in a household that already has more than one dog. We strongly advise not to do this, as its impossible for food not specific to puppies to meet their needs. There is no one-size-fits-all dog food, as your dogs dietary requirements change with age, size, weight, activity levels, and even the special needs of their breed.

Australian Cattle dogs need extra help as young pups to regulate their sugar and energy levels. You can further explore this with your veterinarian, but its a good idea to feed very young Australian Cattle pups multiple small meals per day until they are old enough to only handle two larger ones. Its important to establish a routine very early on in your dogs life. Dogs thrive on routine, and your Blue Heeler pup definitely benefits from it, as they were bred to work. Teaching them discipline with their food makes them better behaved, but also has the added benefit of promoting regular body functions.

Adults

These pups grow to maximum height at around ten months. While they reach maximum weight at around 15 months old, its a good idea to begin the transition from puppy food to adult food when they are ten months old. As always, if you are unsure about your dog entering a new life stage, be sure to ask your veterinarian. Transitioning them into new food takes time. Somewhere around a week or two is good. A gradual transition from old food to the new is best, slowly increasing the ratio of new food to old food until you only have adult food left. Its important that this is done carefully, as changing food too quickly may shock your dogs digestive system. This should be done anytime you are making a switch to a new food, whether your Blue Heeler is in a new life stage or simply needs a change of pace.

Since they had begun eating two meals per day when they were six months old, your Blue Heeler should have no problem sticking to those two meals even in adulthood. This is because adult dogs are a lot better at regulating their blood sugar levels than puppies are. These guys eat larger servings since their adult food isnt as calorie-dense as the food they had in puppyhood. This can help them feel full throughout the day. Bear in mind that adulthood is when obesity starts to become a real problem, so take extra care in not overfeeding your dog.

Since hardly any growth happens when your dog become an adult, the primary focus of their nutrition goes into maintenance. Maintaining the body they grew as a puppy is a lot of work, so the food you choose for your dog should provide a sufficient amount of nutrition. Their adult food contains a lot of protein, as it is important to keep their muscles strong they need it for when theyre outdoors working. However, they should be eating less fat. Other nutrients are also essential to their well-being, so look for a formula that contains plenty of superfoods rich in those nutrients. Carefully tending to your Blue Heelers health and wellness keeps them on track to a long and happy life.

As you need to prevent obesity at all costs, you could try to look for food that contains a good amount of fiber. Fiber is great for helping your dog feel full, with the added benefit of keeping their digestion regular. Ensure your Blue Heeler is eating the right amount of food every day and that they are getting ample exercise. This is the best way to keep weight gain at bay.

Seniors

At somewhere around ten years, you may notice that your Blue Heeler is slowing considerably from when they were younger. Since they are active dogs by nature, you may want to verify if your dog qualifies as a senior by checking in with your vet first. Upon receiving confirmation, it is time to transition them from adult food to senior food. Its important that this is done even more carefully than before, as senior dogs are far more prone to having sensitive stomachs than younger dogs.

Your senior should eat the least amount of food at this stage in their life, primarily because of their lessened activity. A dog that slows down also has a slowed metabolism, which can make food harder to process. This can lead useful energy to be converted into fat, which means weight gain for your dog. As your dog is most susceptible to illnesses in their senior years, you should make sure that they are not eating too much. Unfortunately, senior dogs are also the most prone to obesity. You should make doubly sure that they arent eating too much.

Senior dogs food also focuses on maintaining their health, with added emphasis on vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These not only help your dog feel great from the inside out but also fortify its natural defenses. The immune system is particularly important to protect when your dog has gotten older, as their body cannot handle illnesses as well as it did in their youth. Special focus is also placed on maintaining bone and joint health. Since your Blue Heeler has spent its life being very active, there is likely much wear and tear on his joints. Strengthening them with Glucosamine and Chondroitin is the best way for your dog to stay active even through their golden years. Since your dog thrives on an active lifestyle, this also ensures their happiness.

Older dogs also have a weaker digestive system than before, so they should be fed a diet that is easier on the tummy. They could greatly benefit from a simple, limited-ingredient diet. There are brands that offer limited-ingredient dog food that still offers complete and balanced nutrition for your older Blue Heeler. Fewer ingredients reduce the likelihood of your dog developing allergies from their food and can increase nutrient absorption. A grain-free diet is also a good idea for the same reasons. Your senior dog also not be able to tolerate fat as well as they used to, but most senior food contains less fat, so you neednt worry about that too much.

Stomach Sensitivities And Other Problems

Many dogs experience some form of stomach upset or sensitivity at some point in their lifetimes. These can be triggered by food ingredients that they are allergic to, or if their food is changed too quickly. This can cause indigestion concerns, including flatulence, loose stools, upset stomach, gastrointestinal pain, and vomiting. Owners must take extra care with what they feed their Blue Heelers.Stomach sensitivities can create downtime for your dog, which they do not enjoy as they need to work.

To further promote good digestion, you can look for dog food that contains prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are substances that your dogs gut flora can feed on, thus helping further with digestion. Probiotics are live bacteria that augment digestive power. These ingredients work wonders in improving your dogs digestion. If your Heeler is still experiencing stomach troubles, you may need to look into switching them to a simpler diet.

Joint Concerns

Unfortunately, this breed is predisposed to a few different health conditions. You can reduce the risk by feeding the right diet. These dogs are highly active, making them prone to arthritis and other joint issues like elbow and hip dysplasia. Mobility problems can be very painful and damage your dogs self-esteem and quality of life, especially when they are as active as the Blue Heeler. Invest in food that contains naturally-sourced Glucosamine and Chondroitin for better joint and bone support. This preserves their agility, so they can keep working, playing, and exploring.

Eye Health

Your Blue Heeler may also be prone to eye ailments like progressive retinal atrophy. You can help prevent this disease by giving your dog food with good amounts of eye-healthy nutrients. These include chelated zinc, lutein, beta carotene, and vitamin C. If youre looking to build heart strength as well as eye health, Taurine is a good option. Taurine is the amino acid most present within your dogs retina, so enough of this can really help in preserving your dogs eyesight.

Feed Your Blue Heeler Well

Well get to our top choices for the best food for Blue Heelers shortly, but first, we have something to discuss. We are proud to give you the best, most wholesome choices for your dogs food. This means that our recommendations are all-natural foods that promote holistic health. These foods are developed by canine nutritionists and veterinarians and are beloved by pet owners and pets the world over.

Every product we present contains the exact nutrients your dog need for their current life stage and breed size. This helps them stay healthy fur-ever. Every brand we feature also complies with the rigorous standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This means that each product is proven to meet your dogs dietary requirements. We are confident that we are giving you the best choices for your pups nutrition.

When choosing your dogs food, its important to check the ingredients label. Heres what you should look out for in terms of the best ingredients for your dogs food as well as what you should avoid.

What To Feed Your Blue Heeler

A dogs health depends almost entirely on the quality of food that you feed them. This is essential for an active life spent mostly outdoors. Here are some points to consider about the most important ingredients in your Blue Heelers food.

Proteins

The majority of your Blue Heelers diet is going to come from protein, and its important that this protein be sourced from real meat. Its common for a lot of lower-grade dog foods to rely on plant-based proteins to make the food seem meatier. While this is fine for adding fiber, it should not be relied on as a source of protein as plant proteins are simply inferior to meat proteins. Check the ingredient label on your dogs food and make sure that real, specific meat is defined as the first ingredient. If the meat is properly identified, you have a clearer picture of what is going into your dogs bowl and, subsequently, their nutrition.

A few great sources of protein for your dog are fowl, fish, and grassland animals. Having more than one source of protein from real meat can give your dog a more varied diet. This often gives them more health benefits. For example, food with both fish and chicken in it not just provides ample protein but also has a lot of healthy fat and Omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are indispensable in your dogs coat and skin health.

Fruits And Vegetables

Dogs love eating meat, and your Blue Heeler is certainly no different. However, meat alone cannot provide your dog with the complete nourishment they need for a balanced diet. Thus, its important that your dogs food includes fruits and vegetables that are rich in nutrients. It shouldnt be too difficult to find a dog food that accommodates these needs since most high-quality dog food contains these superfoods. Some of these include leafy greens and berries, which are instrumental in giving your dog vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Senior dogs benefit most from this addition as it helps boost their weakened immune systems, as well as give them more nutrition even when they are eating less. Nutrients from fruits and vegetables are essential for proper bodily function. They also help with organ function, preserve eyesight, and ensure the thyroid works properly.

Healthy Fats

People often assume the worst of fat, to the point that they would rather not include it in their dogs or even their own diets. Fat is actually essential to a healthy diet. Your dog needs it to function. Fat burns far more efficiently than carbohydrates do, making it a good source of energy that helps your Heeler go for long hours of work and play. Its also essential in nutrient absorption, as well as transferring those nutrients across your dogs cells. Fat is also used to control inflammation.

Some good sources of fat are chicken fat, flaxseed, and coconut oil. Fish, as mentioned earlier, is also a great source of fat and is rich in Omega fatty acids. Besides keeping your dogs coat and skin healthy, Omega fatty acids are also essential in your dogs eye and brain development. While all dogs should be eating good amounts of healthy fats, your Blue Heeler puppy needs a larger amount to keep them energized and growing up strong.

What NOT To Feed Your Blue Heeler

In your quest to feed your doggo well, you should want to prevent allergies, sensitivities, and other adverse effects that stem from your dogs diet. Many low-quality dog food brands on the market contain ingredients that may be harmful to your pet. Lets take a closer look at the ingredients you should always avoid.

Dairy

As good as dairy can be, its simply not something that your dog can process well indigestion. Dogs dont have the capacity to digest lactose very well, so its highly likely that even a little dairy can really irritate your dogs stomach. This can cause pain, flatulence, watery stools, and even vomiting. Look out for food that contains milk, cheese, and yogurt. These are best avoided. Also, avoid milk by-products such as skim milk powder and whey powder.

If you are worried that your Blue Heeler isnt getting the minerals they need that they can easily get from milk, you can always take a good look at their foods nutrition facts. They can still get the nutrients they could have gotten from milk from other sources. Vegetables are a great source of minerals. Your dog will be happier since it wont have an irritated tummy.

Wheat, Gluten, And Other Carbohydrates

A lot of people think that grains are bad for dogs. This isnt entirely true. Whole grains can offer complex carbohydrates, which are an excellent source of energy that can keep your dog going. However, not all dogs do well with grains. Some dogs have sensitivity to grains, and may be better off on a grain-free diet. But, given the controversy surrounding grain-free foods and cardiovascular health concerns, be sure to check with your vet before switching your dog to this diet.

Grains you should avoid are ones that have been refined and processed, such as corn and wheat. Soy may not be a grain, but its another carb that your pets may not take well to. You can look for better sources of carbohydrates in ingredients like chia seeds, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. These are great sources of energy that also have a low glycemic index great for dogs who need to watch their blood sugar.

Fillers And Additives

Youll often find labels like meat or meat meal among the ingredients with no clue as to what the meat actually is. Because of this, owners are not able to discern the nutritional value of the meat used. This could compromise your pets nutrition or even actively harm them. As such, avoid generic labels altogether and only purchase food that clearly states what the ingredients are.

You should also avoid food that contains artificial ingredients. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives offer no nutritional value and may even cause health problems over time. You should only look for food that offers ingredients that are whole and natural. This way, you can be certain that your dog is receiving the exact nutrition they need without any questionable fillers and additives.

How To Choose The Best Dog Food

With all these factors in mind, we created a list of the best dog food for your Blue Heeler. These choices are delicious and satisfy even the pickiest pets. More importantly, they are deeply nutritious. These foods can satisfy the complex dietary needs your dog has throughout its lifetime. Since these needs change as they age, we have listed different product recommendations for each stage of life. These products are from brands that are renowned all over the world. They are loved by pet owners for their reliability and adored by pets for their flavor.

Our recommendations include five different options for each life stage: puppy, adult, and senior. These all cater to the needs your pet has at these stages. And if youve found your dog has gained too much weight, we have also listed options that help them shed the pounds while staying nourished. All our choices are sure to give your dog the balanced nutrition they need to learn, play, explore, and lead long and happy lives.

Best Dog Food For Blue Heeler Puppies

Your puppy has a long and active life ahead of them, and the first year of their life is when they are most active. Puppies have high-energy needs and need food to fulfill those needs. This can only be found in food specifically formulated for puppies, labeled as puppy formula.

Since Blue Heelers grow up to be hardworking dogs, you must set a good foundation for their health while they are still a puppy. This gives them a great start in life and sets the stage for wellness for all their years. Puppyhood is the most important developmental stage of your dogs life, so its important that they are eating food that contributes to their healthy development.

Here are some of our favorite choices for your puppy.

American Journey Lamb Puppy

• Grain-free formula.
• Budget-friendly.
• Salmon & flaxseed oil for Omega 3s.
• Free of corn, wheat, and soy.
• Sweet potatoes and chickpeas provide energy.
• 380 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber.

Start your dog on the path to a lifetime of adventure with American Journeys puppy kibble. Since their formulas feature real meat, your puppy has the high-quality protein they need to learn, explore, and play. This protein helps build lots of lean muscle in your Blue Heeler, preparing them for an exciting life outdoors. For extra energy, this formula also includes ultra-digestible sweet potatoes and peas. Your dog also gets vitamins and minerals from superfoods like kelp, carrots, and blueberries. These help your young pup develop healthy organs and a strong immune system.

We love this recipe also includes Omega fatty acids, which are great for the skin and coat. More importantly, these offer DHA, ARA, and EPA the building blocks needed for proper cognitive and retinal development.

Adirondack Protein High-Fat Puppy

• Slow cooked in the USA in small batches.
• No artificial flavors, fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or potatoes.
• Nutritionally complete and balanced recipe designed for all breeds of puppies and performance dogs.
• 30% protein to fuel muscles and 20% fat to support cognitive development.
• Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from menhaden fish oil and flaxseed promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
• Made in Adirondacks family-operated facility in Ohio.

Your Blue Heeler pup is going to need tons of protein in order to grow up to be healthy and active. Adirondack provides 30% of protein to your dog in the form of super-concentrated chicken meal and fish meal. Ample amounts of chicken fat also give your Heeler an astonishing 20% of fat. Fat is a highly efficient fuel that keeps your pup energized for longer, setting them up for a lifetime of persistent excellence.

We love this recipe does not include artificial flavors or colors. And there are no fillers, soy, corn, wheat, or potatoes. Instead, your dog gets wholesome goodness from menhaden fish oil and flaxseed both great sources of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. These promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat. Pearled barley fortifies your pups heart strength, as well as helps to regulate insulin response.

Farmina N&D Medium & Maxi Puppy

• Food vitamins retain their freshness through a coating system that allows them to be included post cooking.
• 90% of protein is from animal sources.
• Contains no whole peas, legumes, meals or by-products.
• Suitable for all life stages, specially formulated for puppies.
• Excellent for adult dogs requiring extra nutrition such as agility dogs, hunting dogs, protection dogs, show dogs and dogs under physical stress.

This puppy food is specially formulated for medium-sized dogs like your Blue Heeler. Aptly, it provides a ton of protein, 90% of which is derived from animal sources. These include real chicken, chicken fat, eggs, and herring. This delivers a whopping 35% of crude protein. As such, this formula is really well-suited for dogs who have high-energy needs and might need an extra boost to their athleticism. This recipe is also full of superfoods that are sure to give your puppy the nutrients they need to grow up healthily.

We love Farmina includes pomegranate, apple, spinach, carrots, and sweet orange all fantastic sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe contains no whole peas, legumes, meals, or by-products. Instead, your Heeler pup will be feasting on all the right stuff they need to feel powerful well into adulthood.

Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free

• Boosted nutrition for large breed puppies with high-protein kibble + freeze-dried raw.
• Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient.
• Balanced mix of poultry, fish, and meat.
• Natural DHA from chicken eggs.
• Free from grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, and artificial colors and preservatives.
• Made in the USA.

Instincts Raw Boost puppy formula is absolutely delectable. This kibble contains plenty of high-quality protein sourced from cage-free chicken. Its also mixed in with freeze-dried bits of raw chicken, so your little pup is getting all the benefits raw food has to offer. This recipe also includes varied sources of protein, as it also features eggs, turkey meal, lamb meal, and menhaden fish meal. You also have Omega-3 fatty acids from chicken fat and salmon oil.

We love the natural DHA found in these fatty acids is great for your Blue Heelers eye and brain development. Instinct never includes grains, wheat, soy, potato, corn, by-product meal, and artificial colors and preservatives in their recipes. This way, you can rest assured your pup grows up ready for a life of fun and excitement.

ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free

• Includes a blend of free-range chicken and turkey.
• Also includes cage-free eggs, and wild fish.
• Grain-free recipe.
• Contains vegetables, like zucchini and squash.
• No fillers, artificial colors, artificial flavors.
• 449 Calories per cup.
• 38% Protein, 20% Fat, 6% Fiber.

Orijen is one of the best brands you can go to for nutrition that focuses on high-quality protein. They pride themselves on creating products that provide the wholesome nutrition your doggo would have gotten in the wild. Orijens WholePrey philosophy ensures that your dog gets all the nutrients from whole prey.

We love this food that goes beyond just meat: think organs, bones, and cartilage too. This may sound a bit strange, but rest assured that this stuff is what your dog has evolved to eat. This recipe also does not include grain, making it a good option for Blue Heeler pups who may have sensitivities.

Best Dog Food For Adult Blue Heelers

While your Blue Heeler had its highest energy needs as a puppy, their adult life is also very active. In adulthood, food should be less calorie dense but still provide the fuel needed to keep going day after day. Heelers are prone to weight gain, which could lead to obesity. You can mitigate this by controlling their portion size as well as their daily exercise. This is the best means of protecting them from a myriad of diseases that can stem from obesity.

In keeping your adult healthy, you must work hard to maintain the body they developed in puppyhood. You can do this by giving them food that has the nutrition suitable at this point in their life balanced with their activity level. This ensures they have healthy and happy years ahead of them. Here are some of the best foods available on the market that are sure to satisfy.

The Farmer's Dog

• Cooked fresh, flash-frozen, and shipped to you.
• Personalized meal plans.
• 4 healthy, vet-designed options: beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.
• Made with human-grade ingredients (no fillers or preservatives).
• Manufactured in the United States.
• Calories and nutritional values vary based on recipe.

The Farmers Dog (TFD) partnered with nutritionists to ensure their all-natural, human-grade food is balanced and complete for adult dogs. They offer four grain-free recipes with customized meal plans for your dog based on its age, current weight, ideal weight, activity levels, and more. Each recipe uses one sole meat protein, which is always the first ingredient and has its own blend of vegetables and other nutritious ingredients to provide the prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and more.

We love all of their recipes have a TFD Nutrient Blend meaning every formula is enriched with even more vitamins and chelated minerals (which dogs find easier to absorb) to support your pups immune system. They never use artificial preservatives that can irritate doggy digestive systems found in many pet foods.

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream

• Grain-free recipe.
• Made from real, sustainable sources.
• No corn, wheat, or fillers.
• No artificial flavors or colors.
• Made in the United States.
• 360 Calories per cup.
• 25% Protein, 15% Fat, 3% Fiber.

Taste of the Wild prides itself on delivering wholesome nutrition that your dogs ancestors would have eaten in the wild. This makes their products highly digestible and super efficient when it comes to nutrient absorption. This recipe includes protein from real salmon, salmon meal, and ocean fish meal. The use of these high quality seafoods translates into high-quality protein and tons of good fats and Omega fatty acids that do wonders for your dogs skin and coat.

We love that your dog gets loads of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from superfoods like fish, tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries. These nutrients help provide your Heeler with the wellness they need and the fuel for their active lifestyle. Since this recipe is grain-free, its ideal for dogs who may have grain allergies.

Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus

• Budget-friendly.
• Promotes digestion.
• Made from gluten-free grains.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• Made in the United States.
• 406 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 20% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

Victors Hi-Pro Plus formula is sure to give your Blue Heeler all the fuel they need to take on their workand soon, the world. This kibble is nutrient-dense and contains tons of premium protein sourced from beef, chicken, fish, and pork meals. This gives your dog the lasting energy they need to perform at their peak, whether at work or play. This recipe contains gluten-free grains that are perfect for your high-energy dog who needs the extra carbs but can do without a tummy stressed from gluten.

We love this formula is specially enriched with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. These are all essential to the maintenance of your Blue Heelers powerful body. Since the formula is highly digestible, your dog should have no trouble making the most of its nutrients. This way, they are free to tackle any task that comes their way.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult

• Grain-free adult food.
• Antioxidant-rich for immune health.
• Made with red meat.
• Chicken-free recipe.
• Peas and sweet potatoes for digestive health.
• 393 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 15% Fat, 6% Fiber.

Blue Buffalo is one of the most respected brands in the dog food industry. This is because they are able to provide complete, balanced nutrition that focuses on dogs natural love for meat. The Rocky Mountain recipe is packed full of other proteins, so you know your pup is going to love it. Protein contributes to building muscle mass that is lean and strong. This kibble is grain-free, making it perfect for dogs who need more simplicity in their diets lest they trigger stomach sensitivities. Complex carbohydrates are still present, amping up the recipes deliciousness and energy fuel.

We love Blue Buffalo also includes its exclusive LifeSource Bits in this recipe. These are made with a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dogs immune system and keep them healthy enough to enjoy their active lifestyles.

Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus

• Budget-friendly.
• Promotes digestion.
• Made from gluten-free grains.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• Made in the United States.
• 406 Calories per cup.
• 30% Protein, 20% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

Craves grain-free formula gives your athletic, adult Blue Heeler all the nutrients they need without any of the tummy aches theyd get from grain-inclusive recipes. This formula includes premium protein from lamb and venison. These are excellent at providing your dog with the energy and amino acids needed for lean, healthy muscles. This amounts to a total of 34% crude protein.

We love how you wont find any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients in this kibble. It simply focuses on the nutrition your dog needs to lead an active lifestyle. Pet parents of picky eaters are happy to know that this recipe is absolutely delicious. True to its name, Crave provides your dog with delectable dinners theyll always crave.

Best Dog Food For Senior Blue Heelers

Your dog loves being active outdoors, but there might come a time when they slow down compared to their younger days. This likely means they have entered their senior years (though if you arent sure, ask your veterinarian). A senior dog needs to eat even less than they did in adulthood because the reduced activity makes them more susceptible to weight gain. Since your dog is most prone to obesity, they should eating fewer calories in their senior years. Obesity can lead to a lot of health issues and mobility problems that can seriously harm your dogs quality of life, so its best avoided. Feeding your dog the best food in the correct amounts can lead to a much longer and more fulfilling life.

Your senior dog also has a much more sensitive stomach at this point in their life. You should then look for food that is easy on the digestive system. You can keep an eye out for ingredients like prebiotics which feed your Heelers natural gut flora and probiotics which are live bacteria that can boost your dogs digestive power. Fiber is also instrumental in promoting good digestion, as well as helping your dog feel full even though their portion sizes are smaller. Proper digestion means more efficient absorption of nutrients, which is crucial for seniors. They should be getting ample amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote their overall health and fortify the immune system. A strong immune system is especially important in older dogs to protect against disease.

Here are some of the best foods weve found that are perfect for your senior Blue Heeler.

Nulo Senior Grain-Free

• Grain-free recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, tapioca, artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives.
• Proprietary formula 80% animal-based protein for more amino acids and better flavor using fewer carbs and low glycemic ingredients.
• May reduce food sensitivities or allergies.Joint support for dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties promote joint flexibility and pain relief.
• Patented bc30 probiotic supports healthy gut flora, aids in food digestion and metabolism regulation.
• Promotes healthy weight and stamina with l-carnitine.
• Made in the USA.

Nulo understands that your senior dog is going to need the extra help to stay healthy throughout their golden years. As such, it takes out all of the bad stuff that your senior doesnt need. You wont find any wheat, soy, corn, white potatoes, tapioca, or artificial ingredients in their recipe. Instead, you get deboned trout, turkey meal, and salmon meal. These give your dog lots of protein and fewer carbs. This makes it easier to digest and helps control blood sugar levels due to the foods low glycemic index.

We love Nulo also includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin because Blue Heelers love to run around. They need extra support for their joints. Add a patented BC30 probiotic for easier digestion, and youve got a complete kibble that helps keep your older Heeler thriving.

Wellness Complete Health Senior

• 1st ingredient is deboned chicken.
• Taurine for a healthy heart.
• Green Tea extract provides an antioxidant boost.
• No corn, wheat, soy, or by-products.
• 416 Calories per cup.
• 22% Protein, 10% Fat, 4.25% Fiber.

Wellness senior formula gifts your older canine with food that is fresh, nutritious, and satisfying. With real deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients, your dog will feast on their dinner with gusto while getting nourishment from high-quality protein. This formula contains superfoods like apples, blueberries, carrots, and spinach, which are essential in keeping the organs healthy and the immune system strong. Your Blue Heeler loves to work and play, and they should do so without pain. Thus, Wellness has also added Glucosamine and Chondroitin for strong bones and joints.

We love this formula also contains Taurine for eyesight support and a healthier heart. Green tea extract combats cell destruction and wards off free radicals. Wellness does not include wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial ingredients in this recipe just complete, delicious Wellness your dog is sure to love.

Nulo Senior Grain-Free

• Grain-free recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, tapioca, artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives.
• Proprietary formula 80% animal-based protein for more amino acids and better flavor using fewer carbs and low glycemic ingredients.
• May reduce food sensitivities or allergies.Joint support for dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties promote joint flexibility and pain relief.
• Patented bc30 probiotic supports healthy gut flora, aids in food digestion and metabolism regulation.
• Promotes healthy weight and stamina with l-carnitine.
• Made in the USA.

Blue Buffalo is back on this list with their senior Life Protection formula. This formula, as its name suggests, is meant to preserve your dogs health and well-being essentially, their life. Each Life Protection formula uses real meat for high-quality protein. The one weve linked uses deboned chicken to help maintain muscle mass in their old age.

We love this formula also includes whole grains that are easily digestible for added energy from complex carbohydrates. Youll find garden fruits and vegetables in this kibble, so you can expect it to amp up the nutrient levels. The all-important Glucosamine and Chondroitin preserve your Heelers mobility and joint health. LifeSource Bits are also among the ingredients, ensuring your Blue Heeler gets complete nourishment that keeps them living their best life.

Solid Gold Young At Heart Senior Grain-Free

• Specially crafted for senior sidekicks.
• Features probiotic support for gut health.
• 100% free from grains and gluten.
• Highly-digestible formula is easy on sensitive stomachs, and is great for older canines of all sizes and breeds.
• Made in the USA.
• No fillers, corn, wheat, soy, grain, gluten, carrageenan, or artificial preservatives.

Solid Gold has created a formula just for senior dogs that is sure to put some spring back in their step. Your dogs golden years can be just as colorful as the days of their youth with this gluten-and-grain-free recipe. Real chicken as the first ingredient means that your Blue Heeler is getting all the protein they need to stay strong as they age.

We love that Solid Gold crafted this recipe with reduced calories and the right amount of nutrients, so your dog doesnt put on weight but stays nourished, even when they are eating less. This formula is easily digestible thanks to its high-quality ingredients and probiotic support. It also features antioxidant-rich spinach to boost your Heelers immune system, plus 20 other unique superfoods like watercress, blueberries, and broccoli.

Orijen High-Protein Senior

• Fresh chicken meat is the first ingredient.
• Vegetables include butternut squash, and spinach.
• Includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
• Uses only low-glycemic carbohydrates.
• Grain-free formula.
• 414 Calories per cup.
• 38% Protein, 15% Fat, 8% Fiber.

Orijens senior formula features the same protein-focused philosophy as their other formulas. This is excellent for dogs who might need extra help in keeping their muscles strong, or even those who are so active you can scarcely guess theyre seniors. Your dog certainly benefits from the delicious, high-quality protein theyll get from cage-free eggs, free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught flounder, Atlantic herring, and Atlantic mackerel. All this good stuff is sure to fuel your dogs energy and keep them young at heart.

We love that this formula is composed of 85% protein from meat and 15% fruits and vegetables for a good balance of nutrients. Since Orijen feeds your Blue Heeler the diet they have evolved to eat, this formula is easy on the tummy making nutrient absorption that much more effective.

Best Dog Food For Overweight Blue Heelers

Since they are working dogs, Blue Heelers need to be trim and fit their whole lives. Whether outside doing their jobs or playing, its always important for owners to manage how much they feed their dogs. Too much food makes your dog gain weight. If this happens, they will need to go on a diet. Nipping obesity in the bud is essential to your dog staying complication-free into their later years. Giving your dog the right food as they lose weight is crucial in their journey back to optimal health.

There are many weight management recipes available on the market, but its important that you purchase one that gives your dog a fully balanced nutrition. Fewer calories should not mean that your dog is getting less than complete nourishment. It should be packed with protein to fuel your dogs energy in preparation for all the extra exercise they are doing. Sticking to low-quality foods may impede your dogs success in its weight loss. Cheap fillers often add pounds instead of helping take them away.

Here are some great, high-quality options for your Heeler to munch on during their weight loss journey. These are so delicious. They wont even know theyre on a diet.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight

• Low-calorie formula for overweight dogs.
• No corn, wheat, or soy.
• No poultry by-products.
• L-carnitine for lean muscle.
• Increased fiber for digestion.
• 326 Calories per cup.
• 20% Protein, 9% Fat, 10% Fiber.

Blue Buffalo offers so many different formulas that are great for dogs from all walks of life. Their Healthy Weight recipe focuses on bringing your overweight Blue Heeler back to a good size, so they can stay efficient at work and play. The focus is always on delivering high-quality nourishment that is balanced and complete, even as your dog is eating fewer calories. Real chicken serves as the primary protein source, giving your Heeler the energy they need for exercise to get them back in shape. Wholesome garden veggies and fruit provide tons of nutrients to nourish your dog even as they lose weight.

We love how LifeSource Bits provide extra nourishment and boost the immune system. This is indispensable as you want your dog to be protected as they shed the pounds. All-in-all, Blue Buffalo offers a delicious means of getting to a healthy weight, so your dog can enjoy life fully.

Nutro Ultra Weight Management

• Made from lean animal protein.
• Nutrient-dense formula.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin boost.
• No artificial colors or preservatives.
• Taurine for heart health.
• 335 Calories per cup.
• 23% Protein, 10% Fat, 4% Fiber.

Nutros Healthy Weight formula from their Ultra line helps your dog lose weight with the help of superfoods and a trio of proteins. Your Blue Heeler needs all the protein they can get, so the presence of farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, and salmon are certainly welcome. Having all these different types of meat in the diet helps your dog build extra muscle, which is useful for all the exercise they are doing in their weight loss journey.

We love this recipe is delicious and keeps your dog satisfied even when they are eating less. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also included in this recipe because your Heeler needs joint support as they carry extra weight on top of their legs. Youll be glad to know that superfoods like pumpkins, apples, and spinach all work together to provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for good health. You wont have to worry about incomplete nutrition as your dog is losing weight. Nutros got all the bases covered.

Final Thoughts

Your Blue Heeler is an energetic spirit who wants nothing more than to explore the great outdoors with you. They thrive on doing their jobs excellently and live for your pride in them. They are a wonderful, diligent, loyal companion who is sure to brighten your life. Feeding them the correct diet ensures they stay healthy and strong throughout their years.

You can amplify your doggos enjoyment of life by investing in its wellness. Besides feeding the best dog food you can get, you should also take them for frequent exercise though they wont have any trouble letting you know when they want it. Also, remember to bring them to the vet for regular checkups, so youre always in the know about your dogs health. Taking care of your Blue Heeler may be a lot of work, but it is always worth it. Their zest for life is contagious, and youll always find yourself looking forward to the next day with your little buddy. Your bond with your Heeler is sure to last a lifetime, so make that life a healthy one.