The Best Dog Food for Blue Heelers (Australian Cattle Dog)

Key Facts

• The #1 Best Overall dog food for blue heelers is Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice.
• When shopping for a new dog food for your blue heeler, consider the following nutrients first: protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and joint support.
• Next, consider your dog’s life stage, any food allergies or sensitivities, and digestion.
• Remember many dog food manufacturers include peas, lentils, other legumes, and potatoes in their recipes, especially to replace grains in grain-free varieties. Since these ingredients have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious and usually lethal heart condition, it’s best to avoid feeding them to your dog if possible.

The Australian cattle dog, often known as the blue heeler, is a strong, tough, muscular, and compact dog that’s related to the dingo. These high-energy herding dogs are smart enough to regularly trick their owners, and can be destructive when they get bored.

The ideal dog food for blue heelers is one that is high in protein and fat, similar to their ancestors’ raw diets. You have to feed them multiple times a day, and they require a lot of calories. We recommend an age-appropriate premium meal with enough protein and fat, as well as lean meats and nutritious veggies.

Blue heelers make good family pets if they are socialized with children and other animals when they’re puppies. The blue heeler is a generally healthy species with a lifetime of 12 to 14 years. However, this breed is susceptible to a number of genetic health problems, some of which may shorten its life. Also, many of these dogs suffer from musculoskeletal problems as they get older, which is why omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin are so important for this breed.

Now that you understand more about your blue heeler’s nutritional requirements, you’re ready to choose one of the dog foods from our review. 

A-Z Animals’ Top Picks for Dog Food for Blue Heelers

1. Overall Best Food for Blue Heelers: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Our choice for the #1 Best Overall food for blue heelers is Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food. This high-protein, grain-free recipe is packed with tasty bits of real chicken. In fact, the first ingredient is deboned chicken! This will not only satisfy your dog’s appetite, but it can also help them build lean muscle mass. 

This formula also includes antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals selected by experts to support your dog’s immune system health, life-stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Healthy carbohydrates, including sweet potatoes and peas, replace grains and provide energy to fuel your dog’s active lifestyle. It also includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.

Just as important as what it includes is what this recipe doesn’t include: chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

A few reviewers reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues after eating this food.

It’s also important to note that legumes, including peas, have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious, usually fatal, heart disease in dogs.

Pros and Cons of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Overall Best

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Food

• Contains real chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas
• Added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants
• High protein option, best for active dogs
• Made from the finest natural ingredients

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2. Best for Puppies: ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you have a blue heeler puppy, we recommend that you feed them ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food. This dry food contains all of the micronutrients that your developing puppy requires. There’s a lot of protein and good fats in this formula because it’s 85% meat. In fact, because this puppy food is so high in the fat and calories they need to develop, it may not be suitable for puppies that are overweight.

This recipe contains no processed meats and is made using free-range chicken and turkey as well as wild-caught fish. It’s also free from artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, PHA, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin are all incorporated in this dog food to keep your pet’s skeletal system healthy.

ORIJEN is manufactured in the United States, and it’s available in a variety of convenient sizes.

Switching puppies to this formula takes longer than it does with most dog foods. You’ll need to give your pet some additional time to adjust. Furthermore, if the appropriate activity level is not obtained, the meal may be difficult to digest. And, like the previous dog food, this one includes legumes, which have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.

Some reviewers reported that their puppies didn’t like this food.

Pros and Cons of ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

Best for Puppies

ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

• Contains a lot of protein and good fat
• Contains no processed meats
• Available in a variety of convenient size options
• No artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives

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3. Best for Seniors: Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food

All-natural ingredients, such as chicken and menhaden fish meal, are used in nutrient-dense Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food. These animal protein sources provide vital amino acids, which are beneficial to your senior Australian cattle dog’s immune system. 

Omega fatty acids are found in chia seeds and fish oil, which are good for your older dog’s skin, vision, joints, and coat. Finally, this delectable recipe is easy to digest.

If you’re looking for a grain-free option for your senior dog, this is a great choice. Calcium and phosphorus are included for healthy teeth and bones, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. And it’s free from grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, byproducts, coloring agents, and preservatives.

Like the other grain-free recipes on our list, this one includes peas, which have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious, and usually fatal, heart disease in dogs. While some dogs require a grain-free diet due to food allergies or sensitivities, others thrive on formulas that include grain. Your veterinarian can help you weigh the benefits and risk of a grain-free diet.

Some reviewers said that their dogs experienced digestive issues after eating this food. Others reported that their dogs didn’t like it.

Pros and Cons of Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food

Best for Seniors

Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain-Free

• Contain chicken and menhaden fish meal
• Chia seeds and fish oil provides Omega fatty acids
• No soy, maize, or wheat
• Easily digested

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4. Best Value: Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie is proof that high-quality dog food doesn’t have to be expensive. This natural dry dog food recipe includes extra vitamins, minerals, and taurine, as well as tasty protein that dogs instinctively love. Real beef is always the first ingredient, followed by real venison and real lamb. In fact, this nutrient-dense mix includes 30% high-quality protein to keep your dog full and happy.

There are no grains, gluten, or fillers in this recipe, and no artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives, either. It’s pure deliciousness.

This recipe does include peas in several forms (dried, starch, protein). As mentioned above, studies have linked peas and other legumes to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.

Some pet parents reported that their dogs experienced digestive issues, including diarrhea, after eating this food. Also some reviewers said that their dogs didn’t like this food.

Pros and Cons of Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie

Best Value

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Open Prairie

• Budget-friendly choice
• Extra vitamins, minerals, and taurine
• Contains real beef, venison, and lamb
• No artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For in Food for Blue Heelers

Blue heelers are highly active dogs that need a diet that will help them maintain their activity, metabolism, immunity, and general health. Your blue heeler requires a balanced diet that includes protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and joint support. Let’s take a deeper look at these nutrients in this section.

Protein 

Protein is usually the most sought-after element by pet owners. What’s less well understood is that it’s not the protein itself that makes the difference, but rather the protein’s overall composition. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which dogs require to survive. Canines need 22 amino acids, 12 of which their bodies produce. The remaining ten they must get from their food in order to maintain the health of their muscles, bones, and overall health.

It’s not enough to just hunt for foods that are “rich in protein.” You’ll want one that’s high in protein or has a balanced amino acid profile. Also, pay attention to the protein quality in the food.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are an essential element of your pet’s diet. Most pet owners want to maintain their pets’ fat levels as low as reasonably achievable because they believe fat is unhealthy and causes issues like high cholesterol. 

Contrary to popular belief, the canines generally don’t suffer from high cholesterol and require lipids in their diet to sustain their immune system, preserve their skin and hair, and, most essential, provide energy. The recipe should comprise at least 10% to 15% healthy fats in a balanced diet.

Your dog will convert fat into energy due to all of their hard work, which is crucial for a cattle dog. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as salmon, flaxseed, and canola oil, are good fats to search for when reading labels. 

Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients

To be healthy, all dogs require vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are two of the most vital nutrients to keep an eye out for. Probiotics should also be on your list for your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and antioxidants for their coat, skin, and immune system. They should also consume a sufficient amount of fiber and calcium. 

Joint Support

Sadly, because of your dog’s active lifestyle, he or she is more likely to develop hip and elbow dysplasia later in life. That’s not to mention the fact that 65% of senior dogs will get arthritis. This can be painful for your dog, and it can limit their movement greatly, even before they hit their glory days.

Fortunately, you can give supplements to your pet to help them not only relieve discomfort but also minimize tissue degeneration between their joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin-rich dog diets are both good for reducing discomfort and preventing these disorders. 

Additionally, nutrients like fish oil function as an anti-inflammatory, lowering discomfort and increasing mobility in your dog. If you’re looking for good dog food, look for one that has at least one of these elements. But keep in mind that chondroitin works best when combined with one of the other ingredients.

Other Considerations

Life Stage 

When you’re choosing what you feed your companion, you should also take their age into account. Puppies, for example, require more protein and fat to help them develop, but they do not require glucosamine supplements. Senior dogs, on the other hand, stand to gain from joint support and other elements that are inappropriate for pups.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Ingredients like wheat cause allergies and sensitivities in many Blue Heelers. Wheat, maize, and soy-based formulas might be difficult for certain dogs to digest. Grain-free formulations are available, thankfully. Just make sure they’re receiving enough protein and other nutrients to be healthy. And be sure to discuss the link between legumes and other starchy vegetable and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with your veterinarian.

Digestion 

This is related to the last point, but your dog’s digestion is equally vital. Healthy microorganisms will be added to their digestive tract through foods that contain probiotics, which will destroy any bad bacteria. This is necessary since dogs are known to eat things they shouldn’t.

Up Next

• What Foods Can Dogs Eat Safely, and Which Are Dangerous? — Stop! Before you give your dog anything off your plate, check out our comprehensive guide to which foods you can — and can’t — feed your dog safely.
• The Best Ceramic Dog Bowls — Reviewed and Ranked — We’ve rounded up the best ceramic dog bowls, including one that you can customize with your blue heeler’s name.
• The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds — After a long day of herding cattle — or just hanging out with the family

• What Foods Can Dogs Eat Safely, and Which Are Dangerous? — Stop! Before you give your dog anything off your plate, check out our comprehensive guide to which foods you can — and can’t — feed your dog safely.
• The Best Ceramic Dog Bowls — Reviewed and Ranked — We’ve rounded up the best ceramic dog bowls, including one that you can customize with your blue heeler’s name.
• The Best Orthopedic Dog Beds — After a long day of herding cattle — or just hanging out with the family — nothing’s better than curling up on an orthopedic dog bed.