Best Dog Food For Blue Heelers – Awesome Options Based On Different Considerations

In this article, I will review the best dog food for Blue Heelers in 2022.

The Blue Heelers (or as they are still known as Australian Cattle Dogs) are very intelligent and energetic dogs. 

This lifestyle should only be supported with the best possible diet. So this breed needs a lot of calories, high protein and fat, healthy carbs, omega fatty acids, and joint support. 

I have some experience with these dogs, but I also researched to find the best food for them. 

I have found that the overall dog food for Blue Heelers is the CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe. 

However, the list in my article contains 10 products. You should check all of these, as I have collected them based on different criteria.

Best Blue Heeler dog food reviews

Below you will find recipes that are great for Blue Heelers. All comply with AAFCO nutritional guidelines for dogs. 

But more importantly, in my research, I took into account the nutritional needs of Blue Heelers. 

Moreover, I also selected products based on different aspects (puppy, adult, senior formula, wet food, etc.). Therefore, I hope you find the dog food that works best for you.

Overall best:

CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

This Canidae recipe has many benefits, and that’s why I chose the best dog food for Blue Heelers. The product satisfies all of this breed’s nutritional needs, and the quality of the ingredients is impeccable. 

The recipe includes high-quality protein sources such as Salmon, Salmon Meal, and Menhaden Fish Meal. They provide a 32% protein content, which is ideal for active dogs like Blue Heelers. 

In addition, they contain omega-3 fatty acids, thus supporting the health of the skin and coat, as well as the brain and joints. Canola Oil contains additional omega fatty acids, which increases the total omega-3 content of the product to 1%. 

Salmon Meal and Menhaden Fish Meal contain cartilaginous parts of fish, making them great sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Then, it is no wonder that 1,200.00 mg/kg and 1,500.00 mg/kg of these two compounds are present in the product. 

The product is gluten-free and grain-free, so dogs with really sensitive stomachs can eat it too. Grain-free carbohydrate sources can be found among the ingredients such as Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes. They are well digestible and nutritious. 

The added vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics help your Blue Heeler get a complete and balanced diet.

A lot of owners are happy with the product. Due to its high-calorie content, it is ideal for dogs that do a lot of exercises. In addition, it has a good effect on skin and coat problems as well as the sensitive digestive system. However, many customers find it expensive.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.8

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Runner Up:

Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe

The runner-up on my list is Merrick’s grain-free dry dog ​​food with beef. In terms of quality, this product also perfectly meets the nutritional needs of Blue Heelers. 

It contains high-quality animal protein sources such as Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal. This gives most of the impressive 34% protein content. In addition, meals contain a lot of glucosamine and chondroitin (800 mg/kg). 

You can see that everything is in place for Australian Cattle Dogs living a very active lifestyle to get all the useful nutrients. 

The recipe contains 0.8% omega-3 fatty acids. This is slightly lower than for Canidae but still quite good. 

Although there are many animal sources among the ingredients, still, we can see plant proteins (potato and pea protein). I do not consider this to be advantageous, as in this case, it can be known that a certain part of the 34% comes from plant sources. 

The added fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals maximally support the immune system of Blue Heelers. 

Customers are usually satisfied with this product. Dogs love the taste. There are some complaints about the size of the kibble on the internet. Although the manufacturer says it has been formulated for breeds of all sizes, it is not suitable for large dogs.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.6

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Best affordable:

Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula

You can reduce the cost of keeping a dog by buying cheap dog food. Of course, not only do you look at the price tag, but the quality is also important. That’s why this Diamond Naturals is a great choice. 

Ingredients include grains like Brown Rice and Cracked Pearled Barley. They are well digestible, nutritious, and energize your Blue Heeler all day long. 

The protein content is 26% given by Chicken and Chicken Meal. We know that chicken is very good quality meat. The meal form contains the joint supplements needed for regular exercise and joint health. 

The fat sources of the product are Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, and Salmon Oil. This gives a favorable omega fatty acid profile that helps alleviate various skin complaints and inflammations. The 0.4% omega-3 content is not the highest, but it can still be beneficial for dog health. 

I especially like this product to contain superfoods like Kale or Spinach in addition to the usual fruits and vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. These vegetables provide maximum support for your dog’s immune system with their vitamin and mineral content. Different prebiotics serve a similar purpose. 

Most dogs love the taste of this product. Many owners have reported that the digestive and skin complaints of dogs are gone due to this diet. If you are looking for the best cheap dog food for your Blue Heeler, be sure to consider this product.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.6

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Premium option:

ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for the best premium brand available for your Blue Heeler, be sure to consider Orijen. This company produces biologically appropriate diets. This means that their products are rich in animal protein sources (85%) and contain healthy fats and plants. 

Six Fish, as its name suggests, contains six types of fish. These are Atlantic Mackerel, Atlantic Herring, Monkfish, Acadian Redfish, Flounder, and Silver Hake. 

This will give the recipe a 1.8% omega-3 fatty acid content. This is positive in several ways. After all, these fatty acids are good for dogs’ skin, coats, and brains. And their anti-inflammatory effect is good for the joints. So you can easily see why I recommend this dish for the very active Blue Heelers. 

The recipe also includes fish meals. This is important because it also gives your Blue Heeler access to glucosamine and chondroitin.

Among the ingredients are plenty of healthy legumes as a source of carbohydrates. Examples are Red Lentils, Pinto Beans, Green Peas, Green Lentils, or Navy Beans. They also contain a lot of nutrients and fiber, which improves digestion. The added prebiotics serve a similar purpose as they create a good environment for beneficial gut bacteria. 

In addition to the main ingredients mentioned above, we also find fruits and vegetables. Although the product does not contain added vitamins and minerals, it is unnecessary to the healthy ingredients listed. 

The product gets a lot of positive reviews on the internet. Dogs love the taste and positively affect various health problems (skin, coat, and digestive issues). Since this is a premium product, most complaints are about the price. But if you want the best for your pooch, be sure to consider it.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.8

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Best Wet food for Blue Heelers:

Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Wet Dog Food

Blue Heelers are generally not picky. But if your pup is like that, you might want to try wet food. Another reason for this is various dental problems. I found that the best wet food for Blue Heels is the Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe. 

Its high protein content of 11.5% comes from sources such as Beef, Beef Liver, Egg Product. These are all high quality ingredients that provide active dogs with the necessary amino acids. 

The manufacturer also did not forget about omega fatty acids. The recipe includes Flaxseed and Menhaden Fish Oil. This way you can be sure that with this product you can properly support your dog’s skin, coat, brain, and joints. 

The added fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals guarantee the smooth functioning of the immune system. 

The product is a bit expensive according to dog owners. However, most reviews are positive. Dogs love its taste, and it has been observed to solve many digestive and skin problems.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.7

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Best Grain-Free dog food for Blue Heelers:

Merrick Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe

Finding the best grain-free dog food is significant when choosing this diet for your Blue Heeler. Several members of my list are grain-free, but I would like to announce a winner in this category. This is none other than Merrick Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe. 

Grains-sensitive pups will be happy with Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Peas. These carbohydrate sources not only provide energy but are also very healthy. 

The recipe has a 34% protein content of Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal. The latter two are great sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. As a result, this food contains 1,200 mg/kg of these two important joint support compounds. 

The product also uses omega fatty acids to help the health and overall health of active Blue Heelers. This is due, among other things, to Flaxseed and Salmon Oil. 

Wholesome carbohydrate sources are high in fiber, which is good for digestion. But the ingredients also include prebiotics that further promotes digestive health. 

This Merrick product contains added fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals like all high-quality dog food. 

Online reviews are excellent about this dog food. Dogs love its chicken flavor. Sensitive stomach pooches have benefited a lot from this diet.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.7

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Best food for Blue Heeler puppies:

Holistic Select Puppy Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine Meal Recipe

It is critical for puppies to get the best quality nutrients possible. For them, glucosamine is less important than adults and the elderly, but they need the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids. That’s why I chose Holistic Select as the best Blue Heeler puppy food. 

This recipe contains 1.8% of these fatty acids. This will obviously help your puppy develop cognitively. 

High calcium and phosphorus content promote bone development. But that’s not all. 

Ingredients include added fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics. These are all in the product to support your young pooch’s immune system. 

Overall, dog owners are pleased with this product. Very picky dogs don’t eat it. However, its health benefits are indisputable. It has relieved sensitive stomach and skin problems in many dogs.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.7

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Best food for senior Blue Heelers:

Wellness Complete Health Senior Deboned Chicken & Barley Recipe

The metabolism of elderly dogs slows down over time. This means they need fewer calories. So your senior Blue Heeler needs food moderated in fat and calories but contains enough protein. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also critical for joint integrity. 

Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food meets these dietary requirements to the maximum. Deboned Chicken and Chicken Meal contain the amino acids needed to maintain muscle mass and 7-800 mg/kg glucosamine and chondroitin. 

Carbohydrates are given by grains like Oatmeal, Ground Barley, and Ground Brown Rice. They are very healthy and nutritious in the diet of dogs. 

The product’s fat content is 10%, making the total caloric content 416 kcal/cup. This will prevent your old dog from gaining excess weight. 

Ingredients include sources of omega-3, such as Flaxseed. Added fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics are responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system. 

According to online reviews, dogs really like this recipe and will be especially energetic about it.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.7

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Best food for Blue Heelers with allergies:

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets

Dog food allergies can develop in any breed. So Blue Heelers may also be prone to it. In this case, it is worth finding the best possible dog food for allergies. The Natural Balance product currently under review is perfectly suited for Blue Heels suffering from this condition. 

The number of ingredients is limited, which means it contains one type of protein source and few other ingredients. This makes it very easy to filter out protein or carbohydrate sources that are causing the problem. 

Salmon and Menhaden Fish Meal are the main sources of protein in this product anyway. Fish rarely causes allergic reactions, so it is often recommended for allergic dogs. 

Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, and Potatoes also rarely behave as allergens. Plus, they’re very nutritious and healthy. 

Sunflower Oil and Menhaden Fish Oil contain many omega fatty acids, which are excellent for relieving skin problems caused by allergies. 

The recipe contains added vitamins as well as minerals. This will give you maximum support for your pup’s immune system. Brewers Yeast is a very healthy ingredient. However, you should choose yeast-free dog food if your dog has a yeast allergy or a common yeast infection. 

Dog owners are pleased with the product. It tastes excellent and has helped with several skin coat and gas problems. Some people complain about the price, but I think good quality should be paid for.

Pet Worshiper rating: 9.7

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Best Blue Heeler food for joint issues:

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Biologically appropriate diets are suitable for providing dogs with the best possible nutrients. It is no different with the Orijen Original formula either. Thanks to high-quality protein sources, the recipe contains 600 mg/kg of glucosamine and chondroitin. 

In addition, the content of omega-3 fatty acids is quite good: 0.8%. It follows that this recipe is especially suitable for Blue Heelers struggling with joint and mobility problems. 

Of course, if your dog has issues like this, be sure to consult your veterinarian about proper diet and treatment.

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Buying guide: What to look for in the best dog food for Blue Heelers?

There are plenty of dog foods on the market, and you have to find the one that works best for you. The basis of healthy life in dogs is proper nutrition. The Blue Heelers or also known as Australian Cattle Dogs, are very active. The selected dog food should support this activity. Therefore, the ingredients must be of high quality and nutritious. 

Otherwise, the AAFCO statement label is usually a good starting point. This is because this statement is applied to products that meet the basic dog nutritional requirements.

I list various ingredients and other aspects below. With these in mind, you will easily buy the best possible product for your Blue Heeler.

High-quality animal-based proteins

Proteins are essential for dogs. This is because they provide the amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle mass, and they are also excellent sources of energy. Blue Heelers perform best on a high protein diet. This means a crude protein content of about 28-30%. In some cases, it can be more. 

And most importantly: The main source of protein should be animal meat or meat meal. Avoid excessive plant proteins (e.g., pea protein) because these are less nutrient-rich nutrients for dogs.

Examples of best animal proteins are chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or duck.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Due to the active lifestyle, you should pay special attention to supporting the joints of Australian Cattle Dogs. Dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin helps lubricate the joints. These two compounds help prevent and treat various joint problems.

The best sources of glucosamine and chondroitin are various meat meals. In addition to meat, they also contain the cartilage of the animal. Of course, you can also give your dog these joint protectors in supplement form.

Fruits and vegetables

There are safe fruits and vegetables for dogs. After all, these ingredients naturally contain useful nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The best fruits are blueberries, cranberries, apples, etc. Among vegetables, real superfoods are spinach, kale, or broccoli. But frequent grain-free carbohydrate sources are also considered healthy vegetables. Examples are sweet potatoes, pumpkins, or peas.

Healthy fats

Fats are extremely important in the diet of dogs. On the one hand, they are excellent sources of energy. On the other hand, they play a key role in thousands of bodily processes. 

Third, they help in the utilization of certain vitamins. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have good effects on the brain, skin, and coat health, as well as anti-inflammatory effects. (Therefore, joints are also promoted). 

The best sources of omega-3 are fish oil and flaxseed. Other animal fats are also very healthy and also mouth-watering. Excellent examples are chicken fat, beef fat, etc.

The Blue Heeler food should be high in fat. After all, an active lifestyle must be supported with the right amount of energy. But, don’t worry; your agile pup will not become obese. The ideal dog food has a fat content of at least 15%.

Digestible Carbs

Dogs can digest carbohydrates. Moreover, they can be quite important sources of energy. However, you should know that Blue Heelers need fewer carbs. Therefore, there should be a greater focus on proteins and fats. 

Of course, the quality of carbohydrates is a crucial aspect. The best choices are whole grains, which are very digestible and nutritious. Best examples are rice, oats, and barley. 

But if your dog is allergic to grain, you may want to look for grain-free dog food. Carbohydrate sources for these recipes include potatoes, sweet potatoes, and various legumes. 

In some cases, you may also want to eliminate potatoes or legumes from your dog’s diet for some reason. In this case, look for suitable potato-free dog food or legume-free dog food.

Micronutrients

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contribute to the healthy development of dogs. They support the immune system and promote virtually every bodily process. These micronutrients are found naturally in vegetables and fruits. 

However, many manufacturers also add them to their recipes as a supplement. You can easily find it out based on the ingredient list.

Probiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics have an excellent effect on the intestinal tract of dogs. This makes digestion more efficient and has a good effect on the functioning of the immune system. Many digestive problems can be treated with appropriate prebiotics and probiotics.

Fiber

The fibers create the right environment for beneficial gut bacteria. This will make digestion more efficient, which will also contribute to overall health.

What ingredients you should avoid?

High-quality dog ​​foods contain natural ingredients. Anything other than that is a cause for concern. You should know what ingredients are included in the worst dog foods or worst dog treats. I will list these below.

Fillers

We call fillers the ingredients that manufacturers put into their recipes for cost-effectiveness. Thanks to them, the food will be bulky, but its nutritional value is deficient. Examples of such ingredients are wheat, corn, soy, and their hull and husk portions. 

Fillers are not necessarily harmful, but they do not meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

Artificial ingredients

Artificial ingredients, like fillers, tend to be included in poor-quality dog ​​food because of their cost-effectiveness. Examples are preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers. Not only are they unnecessary, but they can also cause outright harmful reactions from dogs. 

Meat by-products

No by-products have a place in dog food. However, meat by-products are quite common in the recipes of certain brands. These are parts of the animals that remain during processing. (For example, chicken legs, claws, eyes, intestines, etc.) 

These ingredients are unfit for human consumption. So why would you give them to your beloved dog?

Harmful human foods

By default, I don’t think it’s a good idea to give your pup food human food. This can be dangerous. If you decide to do so, you need to know which human foods are safe and unsafe for dogs. For example, avoid chocolate (and any caffeinated foods or drinks) and xylitol. 

There are also unhealthy alternatives to vegetables and fruits. Examples include avocado, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic.

Bone can be an important and useful part of the Blue Heelers diet. However, never give boiled bones to any dog. This can cause tooth problems and intestinal blockage.

Common health issues in Blue Heelers and how diet can help them

Australian Cattle Dogs are basically a healthy breed. However, they may be prone to various musculoskeletal problems. These include hereditary and non-hereditary diseases.

• Arthritis: This condition makes the lives of many dogs more difficult. It is essentially inflammation in the joints that can cause a lot of pain. It can be caused by old age, injury, excessive joint wear, or poor joint or bone development. Blue Heelers are very active and do a lot of exercises. Therefore, unfortunately, they are also more prone to this disease. Obesity can also cause arthritis in the long run, as the body is exposed to more strain. Therefore, this condition can also be treated by diet. Weight loss takes the load off the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can also help with the problem.
  
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These two conditions are joint disorder that develops when the bones and joints of dogs do not develop well during growth. They can cause arthritis in the long run. These diseases are hereditary but can also be caused by improper diet. It is crucial to give each canine dog food that is appropriate for its stage of life. This is why puppy, adult, and senior formulas are needed. Pre-existing hip or elbow dysplasias are well treated with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3. Of course, you also need to talk to your vet.
  
• Patellar luxation: This is a disease in which the kneecap moves out of its direction. In most cases, this is an inherited condition, but with proper weight management and the joint supplements mentioned so far, there is a good chance that complaints can be reduced.

I should note that in addition to glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3, it is also worth paying attention to the various minerals in dog food. The most important of these are calcium and phosphorus. This is because these two minerals play a key role in the development of bones and teeth. 

So for your puppy Blue Heeler, be sure to buy the best quality puppy formula as it will contain the best possible amount of nutrients.

More shopping tips to find the best Blue Heeler food

Based on what has been said so far, I hope you know exactly which ingredients are the ones that need to occur in a proper Australian Cattle Dog diet. At least as important is the list of ingredients and foods to avoid, but this is not the end of my article. I will share more tips with you below.

Life Stage Matters

You can’t just choose one product from the hypermarket shelf. You must read on the label what stage of life that particular formula is for dogs. For example, a puppy needs far more calories, protein, and fat than a senior dog. But this is just one example and one aspect among many.

Consider your pup’s allergies

All dog breeds, including Blue Heelers, are prone to different food allergies. If you notice any allergic symptoms in your dog (skin problems, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), consult your veterinarian. If you find the ingredient that is causing the problem, be sure to eliminate it from your pooch diet. 

A practical solution for this is limited-ingredient diets. These usually contain a single source of protein, making it easy to screen out those that trigger allergic symptoms. 

If your Blue Heeler is allergic to yeast or prone to yeast infection, you may want to buy yeast-free dog food.

How much should you feed your Blue Heeler?

Blue Heelers are very active dogs, so they need a lot of calories. The exact amount depends on your dog’s age, health, and how much exercise he does a day. An average adult Blue Heeler needs 20 to 30 calories a day per pound of body weight. Puppies need more than this, 25-35 kcal per pound of body weight. For senior Blue Heelers, this number is 15-25 kcal. 

You may also want to consult your vet and monitor your dog’s weight on an ongoing basis. This will prevent obesity or excessive weight loss in the long run.

Blue Heeler Puppy Caloric needs

Age	Weight	Daily calories
3 Months	12-14 lb	300-490 kcal
4 Months	16-18 lb	400-630 kcal
5 Months	19-22 lb	475-770 kcal
6 Months	23-26 lb	575-910 kcal

Adult Blue Heeler Caloric needs

Age	Weight	Daily calories
12 Months	31-35 lb	620-1050 kcal
13 Months	31-37 lb	620-1110 kcal
16 Months	32-45 lb	640-1350 kcal

Senior Blue Heeler Caloric needs

Weight	Daily calories
31-35 lb	465-875 kcal
31-37 lb	540-1000 kcal
32-45 lb	615-1125 kcal

From the numbers above, you can see that there are big differences between the minimum and maximum calorie intake. This is because I multiplied the weight variations by the calorie variations. As I mentioned before, be sure to stick to the minimum calorie intake. Excess will only be needed with regular and active exercise.

How often should you feed your Blue Heeler?

Really young Blue Heeler puppies should split the food into at least four meals. This frequency may decrease to 3 meals after 3 months of age. 

Blue Heelers older than 6 months are already doing perfectly well with 2 meals a day. 

Avoid 1 meal a day if possible. This is because it would be too much food for your dog at once, which increases the risk of bloat. You should also check with your vet about the exact frequency of meals.

Frequently asked questions

Below I answer questions that are commonly raised about the nutrition of Blue Heelers.

So what is the best dog food for Blue Heelers?

Blue Heelers can have a healthy and happy life if we provide them with the right diet. 

This diet should include a lot of calories from real meat, digestible carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is also good to support the joints of these dogs for an active lifestyle. Glucosamine and chondroitin are best for this. 

The best Blue Heeler food is CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe. This product meets all the above criteria. 

Of course, you might want to check the rest of my list for any individual differences. 

Remember; consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.

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