Last updated on September 23, 2022
Have you ever wondered what human foods can you feed your Australian Shepherd? Not all human foods are good for dogs. So, before feeding your pet with human foods, it’s best if you research first.
I talked to a few veterinarians as well as a couple of Australian Shepherd owners to see which human foods are good for dogs. What I found out was interesting.
Australian Shepherd feeding habits
Feeding your Australian Shepherd properly is very important. The Aussies are very active dogs. They have an endless stamina supply. As such, Aussies need to feed with high-quality food. A healthy diet not only gives them energy, but it affects the overall health of the dog. Their magnificent coat is also influenced by their food intake.
Being medium-sized dogs, the Aussies weighs somewhere between 45 to 65 pounds. They need a well-balanced diet. As a very active breed, Aussies require more calories than lazier dogs. Puppies require more calories than adult dogs.
The Australian Shepherd needs to eat 3-4 cups of dog food per day, divided into two meals. Be aware that Aussies love food. If not controlled, they can eat a lot and, thus be prone to becoming obese and overweight. Regulated feeding and daily exercise are the most effective ways to avoid this.
What Human Foods Can I Feed My Australian Shepherd
When it comes to food, dry dog food is your best choice. It is specially designed for dogs and contains all the nutrients your pup needs. Dry food also helps you to observe your dog’s water intake. Besides dog food, your Aussie can also eat certain human foods. Certain vegetables and meats are good for your pup’s health. We’ve compiled a list of human foods acceptable for Aussies, divided into two categories.
1. Meat, fish, and poultry
Dogs need proteins. Proteins supply their bodies with much-needed amino acids. Your Aussie will need regular protein intake, which can be found in fish, meat, and fish. Fish is an especially very good source of healthy fats and amino acids. Bear in mind, fish bones can be dangerous for dogs. Make sure you clean the fish before feeding it to your dog. Here are some meat, fish, and poultry food you can feed your Aussie with:
Beef:
A very common ingredient in many dog foods. Excellent source of proteins and minerals. Make sure the beef you feed your Aussie doesn’t have any seasoning, as some may be harmful.
Chicken:
The most common component of canine food. Rich with proteins much needed by your Australian Shepherd. Do not fish your pup with raw chicken, it can cause Salmonella poisoning. Also, be aware of the small bones, as they can be a choking hazard.
Eggs:
Eggs should be included in your Aussie diet, containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Make sure you cook them beforehand, as they also can contain Salmonella. Otherwise, eggs are perfectly safe for your pup to consume. You can also feed your Aussie with some crushed eggshells.
Pork:
Fresh pork meat is a good idea due to the proteins and fats it contains. However, do not feed your pup processed pork meat. It contains lots of salt and other seasonings which are not healthy for your Aussie. Also, raw pork should be avoided to prevent bacterial infections.
Salmon
As a source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can be good for your Australian Shepherd. However, do not give it to your pup often. Besides nutrients, salmon also contains a parasite that can kill your dog. Feed your Aussie limited amounts of boneless salmon and always make sure it’s cooked, not raw.
Sardines
The only fish that can be consumed altogether with its bones. Sardines are a chewy source of protein and calcium, needed for the Aussie’s bones. They also need to be cooked beforehand.
Turkey
Full of much-needed proteins, the turkey is another poultry that should be boneless before eating. Your Aussie can eat it plain, but do not feed it with stuffed and seasoned turkey.
2. Vegetables
There is no healthy diet without vegetables included. Veggies contain nutrients that are not found in meat. Rich in fibers, antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes, vegetables must be included in your Aussie diet. Whether some need to be cooked, the majority can be fed raw. The best way to cook veggies is by boiling or steaming. Vegetables good for your Australian Shepherd:
Broccoli:
Broccoli can be fed to Aussies raw or cooked. It is a very healthy vegetable that contains many healthy nutrients, and it has low calories.
However, it should be fed to dogs occasionally. Although healthy, broccoli can displease your Aussie’s digestive system.
Green Peas:
High in nutrients, low in calories, the green peas are a perfectly safe treat for your Australian Shepherd. Many dog foods contain green peas. Avoid feeding canned green peas to your Aussie, as they contain salt.
Celery:
Make sure you slash the celery in smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. Even though it is a source of vitamins and minerals, celery should be fed in smaller amounts.
Carrots:
Another vegetable that should be cut into smaller bits. Carrots are a great source of fibers, minerals, and vitamins, and are perfectly safe for your Aussie to consume. You can feed your pup with both cooked and raw carrots.
Mushrooms:
The same rules apply to dogs as to humans when it comes to mushrooms. Eat only what you’ve bought, avoid wild mushrooms. You can never know which mushroom is poisonous, so be extra cautious when walking your dog in areas where mushrooms grow.
Plain mushrooms are safe but avoid mushrooms combined with spices. As they are most commonly cooked with onions and garlic, these mushrooms might harm your Aussie.
Potatoes:
Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, but also carbohydrates. As such, feeding lots of potatoes to your Aussie might make it obese and overweight.
Same as you would do with you, always cook the potatoes before feeding them to your pup. Raw potatoes contain ingredients that are poisonous for your Australian Shepherd.
Sweet Potatoes:
Rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes are very good for your Aussie’s immunity and vision. If fed in smaller amounts, they are a healthy snack for your furry friend.
Be careful though, Hypervitaminosis A can be a serious issue for your Australian Shepherd. If your dog eats too many sweet potatoes, it may lead to muscle and bones problems.
Rice:
Rice is one of the best human foods you can feed your Aussie. Easily digestible, rice can help with your dog’s stomach issues. Feed your dog with plain rice without spices.
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