Quick answer
For most Australian Shepherds, our top pick is Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula. It provides easily digestible salmon protein, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and is tailored for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your Aussie is a puppy, consider the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Salmon & Rice Formula, and for a budget-friendly option, Diamond Naturals Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe delivers solid nutrition at a lower price point.
What to consider for Salmon Dog Food For Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized, high-energy herding dogs with a thick double coat. They benefit from a salmon-based diet because salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote a shiny coat. Additionally, salmon is a novel protein for many dogs, making it a great choice for Aussies with food sensitivities or allergies to chicken or beef. When selecting a salmon dog food, look for a named salmon source (e.g., salmon, salmon meal) as the first ingredient, and ensure the food is complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. Consider your Aussie’s activity level, age, and any specific health concerns such as joint issues or allergies.
What to look for in a dog food
First, ensure the food carries an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy for the appropriate life stage (adult maintenance, growth, or all life stages). Look for a named meat source like salmon, salmon meal, or ocean fish meal as the first ingredient. Protein content should be between 22% and 32% for adult dogs, and fat between 12% and 18% to support energy needs. Calorie density typically ranges from 350 to 450 kcal per cup; adjust based on your dog’s activity level. For Australian Shepherds, a large-breed formula is not necessary, but medium-breed formulas are appropriate. Joint support from glucosamine and chondroitin is beneficial, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed help maintain coat health.
How we chose these picks
- Evaluated ingredient quality, with a named salmon source as the first ingredient.
- Checked for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements for the correct life stage.
- Considered protein, fat, and calorie levels appropriate for Australian Shepherds’ energy needs.
- Prioritized formulas with added omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Reviewed customer feedback for palatability and digestive tolerance.
- Selected products from reputable brands with rigorous quality control.
- Included options for different budgets and life stages.
- Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.
What to avoid
- Avoid foods where the primary protein source is an unnamed “meat meal” or “poultry meal” instead of a named fish meal.
- Be cautious with grain-free or legume-heavy recipes due to the FDA’s ongoing investigation into a potential link between these diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Grain-inclusive formulas are generally a safer default unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.
- Do not feed an “all life stages” food to a large-breed puppy, as it may have inappropriate calcium and phosphorus levels. For Australian Shepherd puppies, choose a puppy-specific formula.
- Avoid abrupt diet changes; transition over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new food with the old.
For more guidance, explore our dog guides, dog food, and dog nutrition sections.
