Australian Shepherds are built for activity – whether it’s herding, agility, or running. To keep up, they need vet-formulated meals to fuel sustained energy, strong joints, and a healthy body.
Learn why fresh dog food is the ideal diet for your Aussie.
Fresh dog food, formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists with high-quality protein and balanced nutrients is ideal for supporting lean muscle, joint health, and long-term wellbeing in Australian Shepherds.
When comparing options, look for:
High-quality animal protein as a primary ingredient – preferably human-grade
Essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 at a healthy ratio (Lyka use a ratio of 1.1:1 - 4.4:1)
Real food ingredients such as vegetables, berries, and superfoods
Essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamins B, D, E and zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
Formulation that meets recognised nutritional standards such as AAFCO or FEDIAF
Diets made without artificial preservatives, added sugars or unnecessary fillers like beet pulp.
Australian Shepherds have high energy demands and place consistent stress on their joints, which makes optimal nutrition essential. Their diet plays a key role in supporting mobility, maintaining a healthy weight, and promoting long-term wellness.
Lyka dog food is designed for active dogs like Australian Shepherds. Each meal is formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for targeted support across key areas of Aussie health.
Active dogs can put consistent stress on their joints. Nutrition that supports healthy joints and mobility helps them stay ready for whatever’s next. Lyka meals include Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) from fish oil or algae oil, to help manage inflammation, while high-quality protein maintains muscle mass to support joint health.
Even active Australian Shepherds can gain weight if they eat too much. Maintaining a lean body condition reduces unnecessary strain on joints and supports long-term mobility. Each Lyka meal offers balanced macronutrients and low-GI carbohydrates for steady energy and metabolic stability. Your Aussie’s Lyka plan is personalised based on their size, activity level, and health to ensure appropriate calorie intake.
Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs, with up to 80–90% affected by age three. Alongside brushing and regular vet dental care, nutrition can help support a healthy oral environment. Lyka meals include kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum), to help control plaque and tartar accumulation.
Digestive health plays a key role in your dog’s nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Lyka meals contain naturally occurring prebiotics from fibre-rich wholefood ingredients (like psyllium husk and a variety of fruits and vegetables) that help support a healthy, balanced gut microbiome.
Healthier dog food, delivered conveniently on a flexible plan.
Just peel and serve.
Get a custom meal plan based on your dog’s health needs.
Meals are prepared daily, snap-frozen and delivered direct.
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The best dog food for Australian Shepherds is complete and balanced, with nutrient levels suited to their activity, health concerns, and life stage.
But not all dog food is the same.
Essential nutrients are more easily absorbed if they’re delivered via highly digestible real ingredients. It’s the same principle as a healthy human diet.
Fresh dog food is made without artificial preservatives, sugars, or unnecessary fillers like beet pulp – ingredients commonly used in ultra-processed dry food.
Compared to raw food, gently cooked fresh meals can be easier on the stomach, while still maintaining nutrient integrity.
Different dog breeds don't need different food, as long as their meals provide for their daily nutritional and energy needs. Breed traits — such as activity level and predisposition to certain health conditions — can influence nutritional needs.
When choosing Australian Shepherd dog food, look for minimally processed food made with real, whole ingredients and formulated to be nutritionally complete.
Kibble is convenient but highly processed. Raw diets retain nutrients but may not suit all dogs. Home-cooked meals can lack balance unless guided by a veterinary nutritionist.
Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with gently cooked, real food ingredients.
Active breeds, like Australian Shepherds, benefit from nutrients that support recovery and mobility. Omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation, while antioxidants support cellular health. Nutrients from animal protein, such as taurine and L-carnitine also play a role in supporting heart health and energy metabolism.
Not necessarily. If your dog has a grain allergy or sensitivity, then a grain-free diet can help. But some grain-free diets have simply replaced grain with a high proportion of legumes that can cause digestive issues and have been linked to an increase in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Australian Shepherds benefit from a diet that is complete and balanced, with high protein, moderate fat and low-GI carbohydrates.
Whether your Aussie is a working dog or loves a long off-leash run, they need the right kind of diet to support their active bodies.
Diets containing high-glycaemic index carbohydrates are rapidly digested and can contribute to energy fluctuations and weight gain if not balanced with activity. Low-glycaemic index carbs provide a steadier release of energy.
If your Australian Shepherd has a complete and balanced, nutrient dense diet, like Lyka, they’ll get all their daily requirements. But if your pup has a health condition, it can be helpful to give them targeted supplements for an extra boost.
Lyka’s Joint Supplement contains green lipped mussels which are rich in Omega-3, glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin to amplify the benefits of Lyka meals to support joint health.
If your Australian Shepherd has a complete and balanced, nutrient dense diet, like Lyka, they’ll get all their daily requirements. But if your pup has a health condition, it can be helpful to give them targeted supplements for an extra boost.
Lyka’s Joint Supplement contains anti-inflammatory support to amplify the benefits of Lyka meals for improved mobility and joint function.
