Australian Shepherd feeding chart
Herding Group · Large breed
How much to feed a Australian Shepherd, based on the NRC 2006 energy model and this breed's typical weight range — not a single manufacturer's generic chart.
Feeding notes for Australian Shepherds
- Very high working-dog energy needs — a sedentary companion Aussie typically needs meaningfully less than the activity factor appropriate for a dog actively herding or doing agility.
- Some individuals carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which affects sensitivity to certain medications (not food) but is worth knowing before this breed is ever prescribed drugs.
Calculate this breed's daily feeding amount
Australian Shepherd feeding calculator
Every complete dog food sold in the US must list this under the AAFCO calorie content statement on the bag or can — usually as kcal/cup or kcal/kg.
More Herding Group breeds
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed a Australian Shepherd?
A Australian Shepherd at its typical adult weight of about 52 lb (23.6 kg) has a resting energy need of roughly 749 kcal/day before any activity multiplier. Use the calculator above with your dog's actual weight, life stage, and your food's own calorie density for an exact daily amount.
What is the typical adult weight of a Australian Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds typically reach an adult weight of 40–65 lb (18.1–29.5 kg), though individual dogs vary with sex, line, and body condition.
When does a Australian Shepherd stop growing?
As a large-sized breed, a Australian Shepherd typically reaches its adult weight by around 15 months old, though full skeletal and muscular maturity isn't complete until roughly 18 months.
How many meals a day should a Australian Shepherd puppy eat?
Puppies under 4 months generally do best with 4 meals a day, tapering to 3 meals from 4 months until they approach adult size, then settling into 2 meals a day as adults — use the life-stage selector in the calculator above to switch between these.