A smaller, apartment-friendly version of the Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussies have spiked in popularity over the past few years thanks to their adorable teddy bear faces, intelligence, and energetic personalities. If you’re
owned by or are considering getting one of these fluffy balls of fun, you might be wondering what you should feed your Mini Aussie to help them stay fit and healthy. While these dogs are generally fairly healthy overall, they are prone to a few health conditions that might benefit from certain diets. To help you decide between the countless dog diets on the market, we’ve collected reviews of what we think are the 10 best dog foods for Mini Aussies in 2023. No matter what age, energy level, or weight your Mini Aussie is, there’s an option on this list for you!
A Glance at Our Winners in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Offers custom-tailored dog food recipes
Uses whole food ingredients
Delivered fresh with no preservatives
Click to Save 50% +Free Shipping!
Best Value
Iams ProActive Health Dry Dog Food
Low in fat and calories to maintain proper weight
Widely available in stores
Fiber helps dogs feel full and curb overeating
Check Price
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Highly digestible, easily absorbed protein
Kibble encourages chewing and slower eating
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and prebiotics
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Purina ProPlan Development 30/20 Puppy Food
Developed especially for active breed puppies like Mini Aussies
Contains added nutrients for brain and joint health
High in quality protein
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Dry Dog Food
Scientifically formulated for joint health
Helps keep your dog at an appropriate weight
Contains glucosamine and fatty acids
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Food For Mini Aussies
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with The Farmer’s Dog
Main ingredients: Meat and veggies (actual recipes vary by the dog)
Protein content: Tailored to each dog
Fat content: Tailored to each dog
Calories: Varies by recipe
Our pick for the best overall dog food for Mini Aussies is a fully customizable diet from The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. This company works with a veterinary nutritionist to design a dog food recipe tailored to your Mini Aussie’s specific dietary needs. If your pup has food sensitivities, weighs a little too much, or is getting on in years, The Farmer’s Dog will adjust their diet as needed to compensate. All the diets are made with whole food ingredients–meats and veggies–nutritionally balanced to meet all U.S. standards and cooked fresh for shipping straight to your door.
The Farmer’s Dog is only available via online subscription plans and is a bit pricier than many grocery or pet store brands simply because of the ingredients used and how it is prepared. Unfortunately, Mini Aussie owners in Alaska or Hawaii won’t be able to feed The Farmer’s Dog, as the company only ships to the lower 48 states.
Pros
Offers custom-tailored dog food recipes
Uses whole food ingredients
Delivered fresh with no preservatives
Cons
Can get expensive
Only ships to the lower 48 states
Our pick for the best dog food for Mini Aussies for the money is Iams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. Mini Aussies—ironically, given their name—are often too fond of eating and wind up becoming overweight. This diet helps curb that problem thanks to its lower fat and calorie content. Iams Healthy Weight also contains fiber, which both helps your dog feel full faster and helps the digestive process. It also contains ingredients to support metabolism. Iams products are generally widely available in stores.
Offers custom-tailored dog food recipes
Uses whole food ingredients
Delivered fresh with no preservatives
- Offers custom-tailored dog food recipes
- Uses whole food ingredients
- Delivered fresh with no preservatives
Can get expensive
Only ships to the lower 48 states
- Can get expensive
- Only ships to the lower 48 states
Main ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 307 kcal/cup
Check Price on Chewy
Users generally have positive things to say about this diet, noting that it did seem to help their dogs lose weight. Some reported that picky dogs didn’t care for the taste or kibble shape of this food.
Pros
Low in fat and calories to maintain proper weight
Widely available in stores
Fiber helps dogs feel full and curb overeating
Cons
Some dogs don’t care for the taste or kibble size
Developed for medium-sized dogs, right in the Mini Aussies’ weight range, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Dry Dog Food fits right into the active lifestyle of these pups. The proteins in this food are highly digestible, providing energy and muscle-building pop for the Mini Aussie. The kibble design encourages dogs to chew thoroughly, helping them clean their teeth and eat more slowly. This diet contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and prebiotics to support overall immune health, the skin and coat, and digestion.
Low in fat and calories to maintain proper weight
Widely available in stores
Fiber helps dogs feel full and curb overeating
- Low in fat and calories to maintain proper weight
- Widely available in stores
- Fiber helps dogs feel full and curb overeating
Some dogs don’t care for the taste or kibble size
- Some dogs don’t care for the taste or kibble size
Main ingredients: Brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal, oat groats
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
Royal Canin Medium does contain by-products, which some dog owners prefer to avoid. Some users also reported that the kibble was a bit too big for some medium dogs.
Pros
Highly digestible, easily absorbed protein
Kibble encourages chewing and slower eating
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and prebiotics
Cons
Kibble may be too big for some medium dogs
Contains by-products
For high-energy Mini Aussie puppies, consider Purina Pro Plan Sport Development 30/20 Chicken & Rice High Protein Puppy Food. This diet is designed for the budding canine athlete or pups who are always on the move! The high protein content helps encourage sustained growth and build muscle as your Mini Aussie gets older. It also contains nutrients such as glucosamine to support bone and joint health, extra important for active pups.
Highly digestible, easily absorbed protein
Kibble encourages chewing and slower eating
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and prebiotics
- Highly digestible, easily absorbed protein
- Kibble encourages chewing and slower eating
- Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and prebiotics
Kibble may be too big for some medium dogs
Contains by-products
- Kibble may be too big for some medium dogs
- Contains by-products
Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 20%
Calories: 472 kcal/cup
Purina ProPlan Sport Development contains other nutrients keyed on brain health, encouraging mental as well as physical strength in your Mini Aussie puppy. As one of Purina’s more specialized over-the-counter diets, this one could be tough to find in stores if online shopping isn’t an option for you.
Pros
Developed especially for active breed puppies like Mini Aussies
Contains added nutrients for brain and joint health
High in quality protein
Cons
Could be hard to find in stores
While Mini Aussies are generally considered a healthy breed, some of the common health concerns they do have involve bone problems, such as hip dysplasia. Combine that genetic health history with an already active dog and your Mini Aussie’s joints could require some support at some point. If so, consider Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Joint Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food, a food formulated to improve joint health and mobility. This diet contains glucosamine and fatty acids, both known for their ability to aid in easing joint pain and strengthen cartilage. J/D diet also keeps the calories under control, because an overweight dog puts even more stress on their joints.
Developed especially for active breed puppies like Mini Aussies
Contains added nutrients for brain and joint health
High in quality protein
- Developed especially for active breed puppies like Mini Aussies
- Contains added nutrients for brain and joint health
- High in quality protein
Could be hard to find in stores
- Could be hard to find in stores
Main ingredients: Whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, flaxseed, chicken meal
Protein content: 17%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 364 kcal/cup
This diet does require a prescription and, like many vet-prescribed diets, is on the high side when it comes to price.
Pros
Scientifically formulated for joint health
Helps keep your dog at an appropriate weight
Contains glucosamine and fatty acids
Cons
Requires a prescription
Can be expensive
Another diet option for the active Mini Aussie, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with multiple protein sources and includes fruits and vegetables. We’ve included this diet on our list for pet parents who favor grain-free diets, however, these foods are not without controversy. You should check with your vet to determine if your Mini Aussie truly needs to avoid grains because most dogs do not. Taste of the Wild is made in the USA and contains no artificial flavors or colors.
Scientifically formulated for joint health
Helps keep your dog at an appropriate weight
Contains glucosamine and fatty acids
- Scientifically formulated for joint health
- Helps keep your dog at an appropriate weight
- Contains glucosamine and fatty acids
Requires a prescription
Can be expensive
- Requires a prescription
- Can be expensive
Main ingredients: Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal
Protein content: 32%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 422 kcal/cup
Most users reported good experiences with this diet, although some questioned whether there had been a recent recipe change that made their dogs avoid eating. Some also found the kibble too hard for their dogs to chew.
Pros
High in protein from multiple sources
No artificial colors or flavors
Made in the USA
Cons
Possible recent recipe change, new taste rejected by some dogs
Hard kibble
Formulated for medium-sized dogs but more reasonably priced than the Royal Canin diet, Eukanuba Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food targets your Mini Aussie’s weight and body type. The balance of protein, fats, and carbs in this food is ideal for dogs who are as active as larger breeds but smaller in size. It contains nutrients for both joint and brain health as well. Eukanuba Adult Medium kibbles are designed to help scrub teeth as your dog chews, supporting their oral health. This food is manufactured by an established company, focused on canine sports nutrition.
High in protein from multiple sources
No artificial colors or flavors
Made in the USA
- High in protein from multiple sources
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Made in the USA
Possible recent recipe change, new taste rejected by some dogs
Hard kibble
- Possible recent recipe change, new taste rejected by some dogs
- Hard kibble
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 383 kcal/cup
Most users gave this diet good reviews, especially noting their dogs seemed to love the taste. Some reported that reliable availability could be a concern, however.
Pros
Formulated for active, medium-sized dogs
Kibble helps scrub teeth when chewed
Contains nutrients for joint and brain health
Cons
Some issues with reliable availability
If you or your Mini Aussie prefer canned food to dry, consider feeding Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food. This tasty food is also beneficial to Mini Aussies with delicate tummies or skin issues. The main ingredients are easy-to-digest and added fatty acids and Vitamin E target skin and coat health. This diet contains meats, grains, and vegetables in a stew-like texture. Science Diet foods are routinely sold and recommended by veterinarians. For those who like to support good causes when they shop, Hill’s maintains partnerships with many animal shelters, helping to provide food for the rescued pets.
Formulated for active, medium-sized dogs
Kibble helps scrub teeth when chewed
Contains nutrients for joint and brain health
- Formulated for active, medium-sized dogs
- Kibble helps scrub teeth when chewed
- Contains nutrients for joint and brain health
Some issues with reliable availability
- Some issues with reliable availability
Main ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver
Protein content: 2.8%
Fat content: 1.9%
Calories: 253 kcal/cup
This diet receives positive reviews overall from users, although some did note that the food has a strong smell. Another random complaint was that the can is hard to open using the pull tab.
Pros
Easy to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Contains nutrients for skin and coat health
The company supports animal shelters with food donations
Cons
Can is sometimes hard to open
Strong-smelling food
When your Mini Aussie gets a little older, it’s time to switch to senior dog food. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is one option to consider. Because your Mini Aussie might (finally!) slow down a little as they age, this diet is lower in fat and calories to help keep their weight under control. It also contains added calcium to help strengthen aging bones and antioxidants to boost your older dog’s immune system. Nutro is made with non-GMO ingredients, making this a good option for those pet parents who prefer to avoid them.
Easy to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Contains nutrients for skin and coat health
The company supports animal shelters with food donations
- Easy to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Contains nutrients for skin and coat health
- The company supports animal shelters with food donations
Can is sometimes hard to open
Strong-smelling food
- Can is sometimes hard to open
- Strong-smelling food
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, split peas
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 319 kcal/cup
Most users reported positive experiences with this diet, although some noted it has a strong smell for a dry diet. Also worth noting is that this food does contain split peas, a legume. Legumes as food ingredients are being investigated as a potential contributor to heart problems in pets.
Pros
Lower in fat and calories for slowing senior dogs
Contains calcium and antioxidants for bone and immune health
Non-GMO ingredients
Cons
Strong smell
Contains legumes
- Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Corn, brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 309 kcal/cup
The Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Dry Dog Food targets dogs with a variety of behavioral issues, which includes some Mini Aussies. Because of their intelligence, energy, and devotion to their owners, Mini Aussies are sometimes prone to developing such issues as separation anxiety, storm phobias, or other fearful behaviors. Royal Canin Comfort Care is designed to help dogs deal with stress and adapt to change more easily. It’s also tailored to help thwart anxious behaviors like excessive barking or pacing. As a highly specialized diet, this food may be hard to find for sale. The price point is also on the higher side, as is common with diets such as these.
Lower in fat and calories for slowing senior dogs
Contains calcium and antioxidants for bone and immune health
Non-GMO ingredients
- Lower in fat and calories for slowing senior dogs
- Contains calcium and antioxidants for bone and immune health
- Non-GMO ingredients
Strong smell
Contains legumes
- Strong smell
- Contains legumes
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Corn, brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 309 kcal/cup
Keep in mind that if your Mini Aussie is displaying anxiety and fearful behavior, simply feeding this diet may not be all it takes to manage these problems. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice or medications as needed.
Pros
Designed to calm anxious behaviors
Helps relieve stress
Cons
Can be expensive
It may be hard to find for sale
Designed to calm anxious behaviors
Helps relieve stress
- Designed to calm anxious behaviors
- Helps relieve stress
Can be expensive
It may be hard to find for sale
- Can be expensive
- It may be hard to find for sale
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Mini Aussie
With so many diet options available for your Mini Aussie, narrowing them down to your final choice can seem overwhelming. Here are some points to consider that may help make choosing the best food for your dog simpler.
What Life Stage Is Your Mini Aussie In?
As you learned in reading our reviews, dog diets are formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of a certain phase of your dog’s life. Senior dogs are not puppies when it comes to energy level or nutrient requirements. As a general rule of thumb, puppy diets are for dogs under a year old, while senior diets are usually for those older than 7 years. Adult diets are for those in-between years. However, every dog ages a little differently so follow your vet’s recommendation on when to switch life stage diets.
Good Advertising Does Not Equal Good Nutrition
Globally, the pet food industry is a massive behemoth that just gets bigger every year. With so much money to be made, dog food brands are under immense pressure to attract buyers to their products. Because of this, they often jump on food fads–such as grain-free diets–or use words like “premium” and “all-natural” in their labeling to convince pet parents that their food is of higher quality. The problem is, those words aren’t regulated to the point that you can feel confident in knowing what they actually describe. There are no standards for either premium or natural ingredients in the dog food industry. All dog food in the U.S. must meet the same minimum nutritional standards anyway, regardless of what ingredients they use or how much they charge.
Does Your Mini Aussie Have Special Health Needs?
Diet alone isn’t always the cure for what ails your Mini Aussie. If you suspect your pup has joint problems, bad skin, or digestive issues, don’t just swap out their diet and call it a day. Any diet changes should be done, slowly, first of all, or you really might be dealing with tummy trouble. Additionally, medical issues should always be diagnosed and managed by a veterinarian. Many conditions may require a combination of solutions, often including a special diet.
Final Thoughts
As the best overall dog food for Mini Aussies, The Farmer’s Dog offers custom nutrition in a kitchen-cooked meal. Our best value pick, Iams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. cuts down on the calories, not the taste. For energetic Mini Aussie puppies, Purina Pro Plan Sport Development 30/20 Chicken & Rice High Protein Puppy Food provides the nutritional force for strong growth. Finally, Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Dry Dog Food offers science-backed nutrition for Mini Aussies with bone and joint concerns. We hope reading these reviews gives you the information you need to provide the perfect meal for your beloved Mini Aussie.
See also: How Long Do Mini Australian Shepherds Live? (Average Lifespan Data & Facts)
Featured Image Credit: Wolfgang, Pixabay
