What to Feed an Australian Cattle Dog? Diet & Feeding Chart

The Australian Cattle dog requires A LOT of food! Due to their hard-working and active nature, this breed needs a lot of calories to help sustain them. But how much does an Australian Cattle dog need to eat daily?

This guide covers how to feed them, as well as looking at the best dog food and so much more!

How Much Should I Feed My Australian Cattle Dog Each Day?

How much you should feed your Australian Cattle dog depends on their age, stage of life, weight and activity level. Let’s have a look at how much these dogs should be eating throughout their life stages.

Australian cattle dog puppy feeding recommendations

Australian Cattle dog puppies are bundles of energy to support healthy growth and development. They require high-quality puppy food rich in proteins, minerals, fats and calories.

• From four to ten months old, an Australian Cattle dog puppy weighing around 17 kg should be eating a 3/4 cup of dry food three times each day.
• When your puppy reaches 12 months old, you can feed them between 2 – 3 cups per day, shared between two meals

Australian cattle dog adult feeding recommendations

An adult Blue Heeler should be eating around 2-3 cups of dry food a day, depending on their activity levels. Remember that they should be getting a lot of exercise, and their hunger levels will reflect this.

Senior cattle dog feeding recommendations

Older Australian Cattle dogs may require slightly less food as they age because, usually, they will become less active. Senior Queensland Heelers should be fed at least 2 cups of dry food daily, shared between two meals.

Pregnant cattle dog feeding recommendations

Pregnant Australian cattle dogs tend to need a bit more food, and their big meals are split into smaller meals given more often throughout the day. By the time a Blue Heeler is 8 weeks pregnant, she should be getting fed an additional 50% of what she was previously eating prior to her pregnancy.

Please note that when it comes to Australian Cattle dog feeding, each individual dog is different.

Raw, Fresh, or Commercial Food: Which is Best for My Cattle Dog?

Many people choose to feed completely raw food to their herding dog, but there are many perks to feeding them fresh and commercial food.

If you are choosing a fresh or raw food diet for your Cattle dog, you should speak to your vet about exactly what your dog’s meals should consist of and how much should be given.

With commercial food, there’s no need to do this as the dog food will be specially made and have instructions on the back, so you’ll never be confused about how much to give them.

FAQs

Can I give my Cattle dog treats?

Yes, but sparingly. Too many treats can be bad for a dog and lead to them becoming overweight.

Are Australian Cattle dogs fussy eaters?

As both a puppy and an adult dog, the breed is not known to be fussy.

How much water do Cattle dogs need?

These dogs require a lot of water to keep hydrated, particularly in hot weather and when exercising.

Final Thoughts on feeding your Australian cattle dog

To keep your Australian Cattle dog in peak condition, ensure your dog’s food is the best quality you can afford. This medium dog is incredibly active and hardworking, with the appetite to prove it.