What’s the Best Fresh Food for Australian Shepherds?

Photo by Chewy
Australian Shepherds are energetic, eager-to-please, and smart dogs originally bred for herding. These pups are known for their striking coat and boundless enthusiasm, which means they thrive when both their mind and body are well-nourished.
So, feeding your Australian Shepherd a high-quality, balanced diet is essential for supporting their active lifestyle and maintaining their health.
One excellent option for pet parents looking to provide nutritious, minimally processed meals is fresh dog food.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh dog food is a nutritious, minimally processed dog food option made with whole ingredients.
- Chewy’s Get Real Fresh Food offers high-quality, pre-portioned meals for dogs delivered to your door.
- Fresh food supports energy levels, coat health, and digestion, making it a great fit for Australian Shepherds.
What Is Fresh Dog Food?
Fresh dog food is made with whole ingredients—such as meat, veggies, and grains—and is cooked rather than heavily processed, like traditional kibble.
Unlike traditional kibble, which is heavily processed to be shelf-stable, fresh food is often gently cooked and refrigerated or frozen to preserve its nutritional value. It’s formulated to meet your dog’s dietary needs while offering a taste and texture that many dogs prefer.
Fresh food is often recommended by veterinarians for dogs who benefit from a more natural, wholesome diet.
What’s the Best Fresh Dog Food for an Australian Shepherd?
If you’re looking for the best fresh food for your Australian Shepherd, Chewy’s Get Real Fresh Food is an excellent option. Made with real, wholesome ingredients and gently cooked to retain nutrients, Get Real is specially formulated to support your pup’s health at every life stage.
Get Real is a meal subscription featuring pre-portioned packs that are delivered right to your door. There are three recipes to choose from, and the food is delivered frozen so you can thaw it before serving.
Another fresh food option for Aussies is JustFoodForDogs. It’s available in frozen or a shelf-stable form, with several flavors and recipes to choose from. It also has veterinary diets available to support Australian Shepherds with specific health needs.
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Fresh food diets offer several potential benefits—particularly for active dog breeds like the Australian Shepherd.
Fresh Food Is Nutrient-Dense for Higher Energy Levels
Australian Shepherds need at least an hour or two of exercise every day. Because of this, they burn calories quickly and need reliable energy throughout the day.
Since fresh dog food is nutrient-dense and made with high-quality protein sources, it can help fuel your Aussie’s active lifestyle.
It Promotes a Shinier Coat and Healthier Skin
The balanced blend of proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins in fresh food can support your dog’s skin and coat health—helping them look as good as they feel.
This is a big perk for Australian Shepherds in particular, who tend to have food allergies that result in dry, itchy skin.
Fresh Food Is Easier to Digest
Fresh foods are typically easier for dogs to digest compared to heavily processed kibble. For Australian Shepherds, who can be prone to food sensitivities, this can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
It Helps Your Dog Have Smaller, Firmer Stools
One less-glamorous but very real perk of fresh food is improved stool quality. With fewer fillers and more digestible ingredients, dogs eating fresh food often produce smaller, less odorous stools.
Always talk to your veterinarian about the best dog food for your pup—they are your best source of intel when it comes to your specific Aussie’s health.
Attributions
This article was created with assistance from AI tools. The content has been reviewed for accuracy and edited by a human.






