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.
