Best dry dog food for blue heelers

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Also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Blue Heeler is a loyal, smart, and hardworking dog that can also make an excellent family pet. But with their high-energy personality and the need to be on the go, this is a breed that also needs the right diet to fuel their active lifestyle.

Closely related to the wild Dingo, and originally bred to herd cattle in the harsh outback, the Blue Heeler thrives on a high-quality, protein-rich diet that provides optimum nutrition. We look at how to plan mealtimes for your Aussie and what makes the best dog food for Blue Heelers so you can keep them at their active best throughout their life stages.

Key Takeaways

1. The Blue Heeler is a high-energy dog that needs the right diet to sustain his activity levels and good health
2. Blue Heeler puppies need more calories to support growth than an adult dog
3. High-quality protein should be at the heart of the best dog food for Blue Heelers
4. It’s important not to over-feed Blue Heelers, especially as they age, as they can be prone to obesity
5. You should periodically change your Blue Heeler’s dog food to keep him excited about mealtime
6. Always ensure your Blue Heeler has access to plenty of fresh water and don’t let treats make up more than 10% of their daily diet.

1. Best Dry Puppy Food for Blue Heeler: ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free

Key Features

Brand:  Orijen

Allergens: eggs, legumes

First 5 ingredients: chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, whole mackerel

Primary Proteins: chicken, turkey, fish

Calories: 475 kcal/cup

Flavor: chicken and turkey

Type: dry food

Life Stage: puppy

A growing Blue Heeler pup needs quality and with Orijen’s dry puppy food you can be sure you are getting premium animal protein and an age-appropriate approach to nutrition.

First up, 85% of the ingredients are from animal sources, with this Blue Heeler puppy food recipe bursting with chicken, turkey, and fish. And that means ample amino acids, DHA, and healthy fats to support your pup’s growth and development. Plus, your little pooch gets an extra burst of taste thanks to the freeze-dried raw coating. 

The kibble size is pup mouth friendly and the whole recipe is grain, gluten, corn, soy, and artificial free. Just a bowl full of flavor and goodness to keep your little Blue Heeler dynamo coming back for more.

Pros

High percentage of animal protein for nutrients and energy release

The freeze-dried coating is tasty enough for the pickiest of pups

Cons

Some pet owners report that this kibble has quite a strong smell

2. Best Wet Food for Blue Heeler Puppies: Whole Earth Farms Whole Grains Recipe

Key Features

Brand:  Whole Earth

Allergens: sweet potato

First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, salmon, brown rice

Primary Proteins: chicken

Calories: 415 kcal/can

Flavor: chicken

Type: wet food

Life Stage: puppy

If your pup is more drawn to wet food, this super-moist and tasty pate formula could be a winner. Made with whole grains for maximum vitamins and minerals, as well as deboned chicken, turkey, and whitefish, plus chicken fat for extra flavor, the recipe is ideal for growing puppies.

The quality protein levels are high and yet easy to digest, so while there are grains, this is a good choice for tum-sensitive pups too. Corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredient-free, there are also no lentils or peas. Instead, you get a straightforward, nutritious, and delicious wet dog food that any Blue Heeler puppy will lap up.

Pros

Easy for small pups to digest and packed with flavor

Cons

The pureed texture might not be to every dog’s taste

3. Runner-up Dry Puppy Food: Instinct Raw Boost

Key Features

Brand:  Instinct

Allergens: egg, tomato pomace

First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, peas, egg product, tapioca

Primary Proteins: chicken

Calories: 485 kcal/cup

Flavor: chicken

Type: dry food

Life Stage: puppy

A close second to our best dry dog food for Blue Heeler puppies, Instinct has combined raw meat with teeth-supporting dry kibble in a nutritious two-in-on formula.

Cage-free chicken is the protein of choice, so you can be sure of its quality and flavor. And added into the protein mix are chicken meal, fish, and eggs for an extra boost of natural DHA for brain and eye development. Specifically formulated for growing pups, you get the calories they need as well as all the essential vitamins and minerals to keep them in active, bouncing health. And, as it is grain-free, there’s nothing to irritate their delicate tums, setting them off on the road to complete and balanced nutrition for life.

Pros

Balanced recipe for high levels of DHA for growth and development

Grain-free so good for sensitive puppies

Cons

The puppy version is only available in chicken

4. Runner-up Wet Puppy Food – CANIDAE PURE Puppy Limited Ingredient

Key Features

Brand:  Canidae

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Salmon Oil

Primary Proteins: Chicken

Calories: 500 kcal/13-oz can

Flavor: chicken

Type: wet food

Life Stage: puppy

Simple yet effective, this limited ingredient wet food for puppies doesn’t sacrifice any flavor and could fast become your little one’s favorite. Used on its own, or with a handful of dry kibble if you are transitioning your Blue Heeler pup to more adult food, Pure is a wet dog food that will go down a treat.

With four named ingredients, including real chicken and with no grains, corn, wheat, or soy, Canidae Pure is also gentle on their tums while ensuring they get all the nutrition they need.

Add in omega-3 rich salmon oil for healthy skin, fur and eyes plus those essential vitamins and minerals, the calorie count is also high to ensure your pup stays active and energized.

Pros

Limited ingredient recipe is ideal for puppies with sensitive digestions

Cons

Could benefit from having more recipe choices in the range

5. Best Dry Food for Adult Blue Heelers: Taste of the Wild Grain-Free

Key Features

Brand: Taste of the Wild

Allergens: peas, sweet potato, tomato pomace

First 5 ingredients: salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas

Primary Proteins: salmon, ocean fish

Calories: 408 kcal/cup

Flavor: salmon

Type: dry food

Life Stage: adult

Designed for all adult dogs, this is also a particularly effective recipe for Blue Heelers that may have some sensitivities with food. Using smoked salmon as a novel protein, this formula is kinder on their stomachs to give them a totally positive dinner-time experience. And, as there are no grains, corn, wheat, or artificial nasties, you can be sure you are feeding your Blue Heeler the best dry food that’s also packed with taste.

The protein level is well above average at 32% so your active, hardworking Aussie gets all the lean muscle and energy support he needs. Add in omegas for their coat and probiotics for their tum, alongside all the essential vitamins and minerals and this is an excellent all-round dry dog food for any adult Blue Heeler.

Pros

Above-average protein for muscle and energy support

Grain, wheat, and artificial additive-free

Cons

The kibble does have quite a strong odor

6. Best Wet Food for Adult Blue Heelers: American Journey Limited Ingredient

Key Features

Brand:  American Journey

Allergens: sweet potato

First 5 ingredients: lamb, lamb broth, lamb liver, sweet potatoes, sunflower oil

Primary Proteins: lamb

Calories: 460 kcal/can

Flavor: lamb and sweet potato

Type: wet food

Life Stage: adult

Not all adult dogs enjoy the texture of dry kibble or prefer a mix of dry and wet. And as your Australian Cattle Dog needs extra energy support, the quality protein in this wet adult dog food from American Journey is one for the job.

Grain-free, and with lamb as the number one protein, this limited ingredient canned food is straightforward and gentle on any sensitive tums. But it is not lacking in essential nutrients or flavor. Lamb combined with sweet potato makes this a moreish recipe that also delivers amino acids, healthy fats, and omegas, plus added vitamin supplements to meet your adult Blue Heeler’s daily nutritional needs.

Pros

Users report this is a good choice if you have a picky dog

Cons

It does contain sweet potato, which can be an irritant for some dogs

7. Also Great: Dry Adult Food Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Grain-Free

Key Features

Brand:  Holistic Select

Allergens: Brewer’s dried yeast, peas

First 5 ingredients: salmon, anchovy and sardine meal, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal

Primary Proteins: salmon

Calories: 448 kcal/cup

Flavor: salmon

Type: dry food

Life Stage: adult

For an extra omega super boost, we really like this dry dog food from Holistic Select. And the salmon, anchovy, and sardine recipe sounds pretty tasty too! But this is for your adult Blue Heeler, and as everyday dry dog food, this is worth a try.

The three-way fish recipe packs an essential omega-fatty acid punch to support not only your pooch’s heart, and eye health but also their skin and coat. Plus, there are essential antioxidants for their immune system, probiotics for their digestion, plus taurine and glucosamine for their joints. The kibble size is satisfying and can easily be mixed with wet food for a little more variety in your pet’s food bowl.

Pros

Super-tasty oily fish mix for essential fatty acids

Cons

Some pooches (and owners) may be put off by the full-on fishy smell

8. Also Great: Wet Adult Food Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe

Key Features

Brand: Blue Buffalo

Allergens: peas, sweet potatoes

First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas

Primary Proteins: chicken

Calories: 451 kcal/cup

Flavor: chicken

Type: wet food

Life Stage: adult

Available in good value 12.5-ounce cans, Blue Buffalo has created a delicious ‘home-cooked’ wet recipe for adult Blue Heelers. The formula is rich and moist, which means this could also make a good alternative if your pooch is under the weather and off their food.

With comforting chicken as the main protein, it also includes nutritious garden vegetables such as carrots, peas, and barley. And, while it does contain grains, it is free of wheat, corn, soy, or unnecessary by-product meals. This is a tasty and affordable wet dog food that offers premium nutrition that supports the energy, muscles, and general health of your active adult Blue Heeler.

Pros

Homestyle recipe provides all the essential vitamins and minerals

Cons

It is high in calories so portion management is needed

9. Best Dry Food for Senior Blue Heelers: Diamond Naturals Senior Formula

Key Features

Brand: Diamond Naturals

Allergens: egg

First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice

Primary Proteins: chicken

Calories: 347 kcal/cup

Flavor:

Type: dry food

Life Stage: senior

Your senior Blue Heeler deserves the best, which is why we rate this kibble from the family-owned Diamond Naturals. Using cage-free chicken, boosted by glucosamine and chondroitin, this high-protein dry food is ideal for aging muscles, bones, and joints. Meanwhile, healthy fats support their heart, eye, and skin/coat health. And the lower calorie value means you can help to manage your older pooch’s weight.

 Add in a K9 specific probiotic supplement, plus added antioxidants sourced from real fruit and veg, and you have a tasty dry dog food to support your dog’s health in his golden Blue Heeler years.

Pros

Ideally formulated to support the specific health and energy needs of older dogs

Cons

Contains grains so may not suit food-sensitive seniors

10. Best Wet Food for Senior Blue Heelers: Nutro Ultra Grain Free Trio Protein

Key Features

Brand:  Nutro

Allergens: egg, tomato pomace

First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, spinach, tomatoes

Primary Proteins: chicken

Calories: 98 kcal/tray

Flavor: chicken, lamb, and whitefish

Type: wet

Life Stage: senior

Grain-free and with a highly palatable formula, Nutro’s Ultra Trio of Protein is a great choice for senior Blue Heelers who prefer something softer to eat. Combining chicken with lamb and whitefish, this senior wet food is nutritionally balanced while giving your pet a delicious taste.

There’s lots of lovely complex carbs, including yam, chia seeds, apples, and blueberries, to ensure your heeler gets the vitamins and minerals he needs. And, as it is grain-free, it is easier for older dogs to digest. Serve on its own or with kibble for an enticing crunch.

Pros

Highly digestible, nutritionally balanced, and flavor-rich

Cons

The pate formula could benefit from a little more gravy

11. Also Great Dry Senior Food: Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain Free

Key Features

Brand:  Nulo

Allergens: pea fiber, sweet potato

First 5 ingredients: deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, sweet potato

Primary Proteins: trout, turkey and salmon meal

Calories: 396 kcal/cup

Flavor: trout and sweet potato

Type: dry food

Life Stage: senior

If your senior Blue Heeler is getting a little bored of the contents of his food bowl, check out this trout recipe to pique his interest.

Grain and egg-free, with no added artificial ingredients, this is a dry kibble that’s gentle on the stomach but has enough flavor to wake up those tastebuds! The well-sized dry biscuits are easy for older mouths and the trout offers extra omegas as well as taste.

Balanced to support an older dog’s lifestyle, you also get added glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine for their mobility as well as probiotics to help keep their digestive system sweet.

Pros

A novel protein that could revitalize your senior dog’s appetite

Cons

Does contain sweet potato, which may not agree with every dog

12. Also Great: Wet Food for Senior Dogs Chicken Soup for the Soul Chicke Turkey & Duck Recipe

Key Features

Brand: Chicken Soup for the Soul

Allergens: peas

First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, turkey, chicken liver

Primary Proteins: chicken

Calories: 395 kcal/can

Flavor: chicken, turkey, and duck

Type: wet food

Life Stage: senior

If this Chicken Soup for the Soul doesn’t soothe and satisfy your old Blue Heeler, then nothing will! Made from real chicken and turkey, this is a nutritious wet dog food with a comforting flavor to give your pooch some food feel-good.

The main proteins are blended with duck and salmon to add to the taste as well as the health benefits, including essential amino acids and healthy fats. And complex carbs, such as brown rice, barley, and tasty carrots keep those vitamins and minerals topped up. With carefully selected ingredients and no real irritants such as wheat, corn, or soy, this artificial ingredient free pate is any every day treat your senior pup will enjoy.

Pros

Soothing, delicious ingredients make senior nutrition extra comforting

Cons

Does contain Xanthan Gum as a gel binder

Best Dog Foods for Blue Heelers: Buying Guide & FAQs

Your Heeler's Nutritional Needs

Australian Cattle Dogs are medium-sized canines with a high energy levels, athletic body, and smart brain. As a dog that loves a job to do, this is a pooch that's on the go and needs the nutrition and exercise levels to match.

However, this doesn’t mean the Blue Heeler has the same nutritional needs throughout their life stages.  Their food needs to be adjusted as they grow, develop, and age to ensure they are active dogs living their best and healthiest lives.

Puppy

Blue Heeler puppies will require more calorie and nutrient-dense dog food than adult dogs. Puppies are going through an intense growth phase, so their brain and body need extra energy sources to ensure healthy development. The right nutrients also help develop strong and healthy bones, teeth, and immune system. Feeding little and often (3-4 meals each day, depending on their age) is a good way to help a pup sustain their energy levels.

Buying a Blue Heeler dog food specifically formulated for puppies ensures your little bundle of energy gets the right level of protein, carbs, and nutrients they need as well as the appropriate calories. Always follow the instructions to ensure you feed your pup the right amount relating to their size and age and speak to your vet if you are unsure.

Adult

Adult dogs have a slower metabolism than puppies although the Blue Heeler will remain an energy-hungry pooch! However, their nutrient levels change in adulthood so need to be balanced to ensure all their health and wellbeing needs are met.

Adult dogs also don’t need as many calories as a puppy, so always keep this in mind to avoid extra weight gain on your hungry Blue Heeler. Once they reach 12 months old, you need to reduce their daily calories to a level appropriate for an active adult dog of your Blue Heeler’s size.

Senior

Older Blue Heeler dogs inevitably slow down so don’t need as many calories as pups or younger adult dogs. However, they do need more high-quality protein in their diet to support their energy and muscle strength. And their diet needs to also take age-related health conditions such as eye degeneration and joint issues, into account. This means added sources of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and other key vitamins are essential in a complete and balanced diet formulated for senior dogs.

What Food Should You Avoid?

As with all canine breeds, there are some ingredients you should avoid when choosing the best dog foods for Blue Heelers. Some foods can cause or irritate allergies and digestive sensitivities or are generally not good for your dog’s health, including:

• Dairy – dogs are not effective at processing lactose, which is found in dairy, causing digestive issues, and upset. So, keep ingredients such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and dairy by-products to a minimum or avoid them altogether. Your Blue Heeler can get its calcium from other sources, including vegetables.
• Wheat and Gluten – a good source of energy and essential vitamins, grains are not strictly bad for dogs. But they can cause a host of digestive issues if your dog is sensitive. At the very least, avoid processed and refined grains such as corn and wheat and look for alternatives such as brown rice and chia seeds. And if you are concerned, opt for a grain-free or limited ingredient recipe.
• Fillers and additives - for the optimum nutritious diet, it's a good idea to avoid dog food that includes unnecessary fillers used to bulk out the meal. Artificial additives, colors, or preservatives are also on the avoid list as well as sweeteners, which dogs cannot tolerate. And always look for a named protein source such as chicken or lamb so you know exactly what your dog is eating.

Potential Blue Heelers Health Problems

Blue Heelers are generally robust dogs that enjoy good health. But there are a few health issues which you should be aware of, and how their diet can potentially help:

Joint issues

The breed can be prone to joint-related issues such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and patella luxation, or dislocation of the knee. And, due to their athletic nature, tendon and ligament damage are other risk factors for the Blue Heeler. To help support their joint health and reduce symptoms, their diet needs to be rich in naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin as well as calcium, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Eye health

Blue Heelers can also be susceptible to eye issues, especially as they get older. Progressive retinal atrophy is the main concern, which can lead to blindness. Fortunately, a diet full of key nutrients such as lutein, beta carotene, zinc, taurine, and vitamin C can help to support your Blue Heeler’s long-term eye health.

Digestive health

They may be tough-looking dogs, but the Blue Heeler can be a sensitive soul, especially when it comes to its digestive system. Food allergies and sensitivities can be common in the breed.

Regular and consistent feeding times can help keep their stomach calm, as can a grain-free or limited ingredient diet. Added pre and probiotics in their dog food can also boost the gut flora and keep their digestive system happy and healthy.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Blue Heelers

When picking the right dog food for your active and outdoor-loving Blue Heeler, there are some key aspects that can help you make your final choice:

High-quality protein

Your active Aussie will need a high-quality animal protein at the heart of his diet so always check that the dog food has a named protein source for those essential amino acids. Blue Heelers will need at least 25% protein in their dog food. Good sources of protein include fish, grassland animals, and fowl, which can all help to support their muscles and energy levels as well as general health.

Complex Carbohydrates

Your dog also needs vitamin and mineral-rich carbs as part of a balanced diet. Complex carbs such as selected fruits and vegetables as well as Blue Heeler friendly grains and legumes support energy release as well as bodily functions such as eye and heart health as well as the immune system.

Healthy Fats

The right fats are essential for your Blue Heeler’s health, as they are an energy source as well as supporting nutrient absorption, controlling inflammation, and supporting their eyes, skin, and coat. Good fats for your Aussie include chicken fat, coconut oil, and flaxseed.

Fiber

Fiber is needed in your dog’s diet support a healthy digestion. But it needs to be in a soluble form to make it easy for your dog's digestive system to process. Vegetables, brown rice, flaxseed, and apples are all good sources of fiber for your pet.

Vitamins and minerals

The whole dog food formula must be balanced to provide your pet with all the vitamins and minerals they need for good health. As well as the essential vitamins (A, D, C, E, K, B complex) and minerals, look for recipes that include additional supplements such as pro/prebiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many times a day should a Blue Heeler eat?

A:

From their puppy stage to adulthood, a mealtime routine for your Blue Heeler is essential. But the frequency depends on their age and life stage as well as their size and activity levels.

Blue heeler pups from the age of eight weeks need to regulate their sugar and energy levels throughout the day so they need feeding more frequently than adult dogs. For a Blue Heeler puppy, four meals a day – with their total calorie amount split equally – is ideal until they are 12 weeks old when mealtimes can be dropped to three times a day.

From the age of six months, Blue Heelers should be eating two portions of food a day, which will be the feeding pattern for the rest of their adult lives.

Q: Do Blue Heelers need grain-free food?

A:

If your dog is healthy and doesn’t have any digestive issues, then there’s no need to put them on a grain-free diet. Dogs are omnivores and can eat meat, vegetables, and grains. However, there are some grains such as wheat and corn which are known to be irritants so avoid these if you are concerned. And, if your pooch suffers from a sensitive digestive system, then you should consider putting them on a grain-free diet.

Q: Are Blue Heelers prone to skin allergies?

A:

Despite their robust reputation, Blue Heelers can be prone to skin and food sensitivities. They can also be allergic to grass, dust, and pollen. In addition, the breed can also develop hypothyroidism, where the body doesn’t make enough of the hormone, thyroid. One of the symptoms of this condition is excessively dry skin and coat.

In these circumstances, a limited ingredient or grain-free diet can be beneficial in managing skin allergies in a Blue Heeler.

Q: How and when should I switch from puppy to adult dog food?

A:

As a rule, it is appropriate to transition your Blue Heeler pup to an adult formula when he reaches 80-90% of his expected adult weight. To make the transition, introduce smaller amounts of the adult food to your pup's existing puppy formula over a period of time, increasing the amount as you reduce their old food until they are comfortably eating just the adult formula. This is to prevent irritating sensitive stomachs and ensure your pup takes to their new meal.

Q: When should I switch to senior dog food?

A:

Even if your older Blue Heeler is still acting like an overgrown puppy, their body – and their nutritional needs – are changing. Most breeds enter their senior years between the ages of seven and 10, although large dogs can start the senior phase from as young as five.

As a Blue Heeler is a medium-sized dog, around the ages of seven or eight are the best times to start considering a change to their diet. Switching to an age-appropriate diet such as senior dog food formulas ensure they are getting the complete and balanced nutrition for their needs.

Q: Can I feed my Blue Heeler vegan food?

A:

You can give Blue Heelers vegan and vegetarian food, but you need to carefully choose the right product. Your Heeler is an energetic dog and needs enough protein to support its on-the-go lifestyle.

It's possible to get the right amount of protein from plant-based sources such as lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, and pintos. However, you need to ensure that these ingredients are not going to upset your dog if they have sensitive digestion.

You may also need to supplement your dog’s vegan food so they get sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals, such as B12 and L-carnitine. This means it's a good idea to discuss your dog’s nutritional needs with a veterinarian before switching them to a full vegetarian or vegan diet.

Q: How often should I rotate dog food?

A:

The thinking behind rotating your dog’s food is three-fold: prevent boredom, offer the benefits of different types of protein, and manage any digestive sensitivities they may have.

If you want to rotate the contents of your Blue Heeler’s food bowl, every three months or so is a good time to switch things up. If you do change their dog food (whether that’s the formula, recipe, or a new brand) do it gradually so your dog's digestion can transition to the new food.

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