This Australian Shepherd feeding chart shows how much to feed at every age, from an 8 week old puppy to a senior dog. An Aussie's needs depend more on its workload than on its weight, so the calculator starts from your dog's real activity level.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Australian Shepherd at a glance
Enter your dog's weight and age. Puppies also get an estimate of their adult weight. Open "Your food" to add the numbers from your bag, mix in wet food or work out a monthly cost. Then fine tune using body condition, since every dog and every food is a little different.
Life stage: adult
Activity, goal and neuter status apply from 18 months. Growing dogs are fed by age and weight.
Dry food label
If the bag lists kcal per kg as well, grams per cup = kcal per cup ÷ kcal per kg × 1,000.
Mixed feeding
Use the kcal per can, tray or pouch printed on the wet food label.
Cost
Exact amount: 2.875 cups
Based on a dry food with 456 kcal per cup. If you give treats, take their calories out of the daily total, and recheck body condition every two to four weeks.
Resting energy (RER) is 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75, then multiplied by a factor for life stage and activity. The Merck Veterinary Manual uses 3 times RER for puppies under 4 months and 2 times RER after that. The Pet Nutrition Alliance lists 2 to 3 times RER for growth, 1.8 for an intact adult, 1.6 for a spayed or neutered adult, 1.2 to 1.4 for an overweight prone or inactive adult and 1.0 for weight loss, and stresses that individual dogs can vary by as much as 50 percent from these estimates.
How this page applies them: 3.0 under 4 months, 2.5 from 4 to 6 months, 2.0 from 6 to 12 months and 1.8 from 12 to 18 months while Aussies fill out. The 2.5 and 1.8 growth steps are our own estimates inside the published growth range. Adults use 1.5, 1.8 and 2.2 for low, moderate and high activity, and seniors 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7; apart from 1.8 these are our own estimates. Spayed or neutered adults and seniors get about 11 percent less, the same gap as between 1.8 and 1.6. Dogs herding stock for hours every day can need more than the high setting, see the working Aussie section.
Calories are divided by your food's energy density, 456 kcal per cup and 120 g per cup unless you enter your own. Treats are capped at 10 percent of the daily total and water is estimated at about one ounce per pound. The adult weight estimate divides your puppy's weight by the typical share of adult weight for its age from the growth table below, plus or minus 12 percent.
The fastest way to see how much an Australian Shepherd eats at each stage. Ranges run from a smaller female to a larger male of the same age, using a dry food with 456 kcal per cup.
| Age | Typical weight | Meals per day | Cups per day | Grams per day | kcal per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 weeks | 9 to 14 lb | 4 | 1⅜ to 1⅞ | 160 to 220 g | 600 to 840 |
| 3 to 4 months | 14 to 31 lb | 4 | 1⅞ to 3⅜ | 220 to 400 g | 840 to 1,520 |
| 4 to 6 months | 19 to 43 lb | 3 | 1⅞ to 3½ | 230 to 425 g | 880 to 1,620 |
| 6 to 9 months | 26 to 55 lb | 3 | 2 to 3⅜ | 235 to 410 g | 890 to 1,560 |
| 9 to 12 months | 34 to 62 lb | 3 | 2⅜ to 3¾ | 285 to 450 g | 1,090 to 1,710 |
| 12 to 18 months | 38 to 65 lb | 2 | 2⅜ to 3½ | 280 to 420 g | 1,070 to 1,590 |
| Adult, moderate activity | 40 to 65 lb | 2 | 2⅜ to 3½ | 290 to 420 g | 1,110 to 1,590 |
The adult row covers intact dogs. Spayed or neutered adults need about 11 percent less, shown in the adult chart below.
Four things decide the daily number: current weight, life stage, activity level and neuter status. The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized herding dog, and the American Kennel Club lists males at 50 to 65 pounds and females at 40 to 55 pounds. In a study of almost 1,900 Swedish Aussies weighed as young adults, the average was 23.4 kg (about 52 pounds) for males and 19.4 kg (about 43 pounds) for females.
Activity matters more for this breed than for most. A working ranch dog and an apartment Aussie of the same weight can need very different amounts, so pick the activity level that matches your dog's real routine, not its energetic reputation.
Australian Shepherd puppies of the same age can differ by 10 pounds or more, so feeding by current weight is more accurate than feeding by birthday. Find your puppy's weight in the left column, then read across to its age.
| Puppy weight | 2 to 4 months | 4 to 6 months | 6 to 12 months | 12 to 18 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 1⅜ cups, 170 g | not typical | not typical | not typical |
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 1⅞ cups, 230 g | not typical | not typical | not typical |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 2⅜ cups, 290 g | 2 cups, 240 g | not typical | not typical |
| 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 2⅞ cups, 340 g | 2⅜ cups, 285 g | not typical | not typical |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | 3¼ cups, 390 g | 2¾ cups, 325 g | 2⅛ cups, 260 g | not typical |
| 35 lb (15.9 kg) | not typical | 3 cups, 365 g | 2⅜ cups, 290 g | not typical |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | not typical | 3⅜ cups, 405 g | 2¾ cups, 325 g | 2⅜ cups, 290 g |
| 45 lb (20 kg) | not typical | not typical | 3 cups, 355 g | 2⅝ cups, 320 g |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | not typical | not typical | 3⅛ cups, 380 g | 2⅞ cups, 345 g |
| 55 lb (25 kg) | not typical | not typical | 3⅜ cups, 410 g | 3⅛ cups, 370 g |
| 60 lb (27 kg) | not typical | not typical | 3⅝ cups, 440 g | 3¼ cups, 395 g |
| 65 lb (29 kg) | not typical | not typical | not typical | 3½ cups, 420 g |
Daily totals for a food with 456 kcal per cup, to the nearest eighth of a cup. Split into four meals before 4 months, three meals until 12 months, then two.
Energy needs per pound are at their lifetime peak. Four small meals of a complete puppy food work best, and the weekly weigh in shows whether the amount is right.
Growth is still quick but slowing. The calculator uses 2.5 times RER here, our own step between 3.0 and 2.0. Move to three meals. Do not raise portions just because the puppy seems endlessly busy: a lean, active puppy is exactly what you want.
Most Aussies are close to adult height by their first birthday and reach about 95 percent of adult weight. Keep the waist visible and cut back slightly if the ribs are getting harder to feel.
Females are often done by their first birthday, while males can keep filling out until about 18 months. The calculator uses 1.8 times RER for this window, our own estimate. Switch to adult food once the dog is close to its expected adult weight.
Use this to check whether your puppy is on track. Shaded bands show the typical range for males and females, and the line shows the middle of each range. The calculator uses these same figures to estimate your puppy's adult weight.
| Age | Male weight | Female weight | Share of adult weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 11 to 14 lb | 9 to 12 lb | About 22% |
| 3 months | 17.5 to 23 lb | 14 to 19 lb | About 35% |
| 4 months | 24 to 31 lb | 19 to 26 lb | About 48% |
| 6 months | 33 to 43 lb | 26 to 36 lb | About 66% |
| 9 months | 42.5 to 55 lb | 34 to 47 lb | About 85% |
| 12 months | 47.5 to 62 lb | 38 to 52 lb | About 95% |
| 18 months | 50 to 65 lb | 40 to 55 lb | Adult |
Adult ranges follow the AKC breed profile. The Australian Shepherd sits in the 15 to 30 kg size class of published growth standards, but no Aussie specific growth curve exists, so the monthly figures are our own estimate from that size pattern. The parents' size is a useful guide to your puppy's likely adult size.
Australian Shepherds are medium sized, so a standard complete puppy food works. They do not need a large breed formula unless the parents are unusually big.
The AAFCO floor for puppy food. Adult maintenance food needs at least 18%. Most quality puppy formulas run a few points higher.
Adults need at least 5.5%. Fat is the most calorie dense nutrient, so a rich puppy food makes overfeeding easier.
AAFCO's growth range for all sizes, with a calcium to phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 2:1. A complete puppy food already gets this right.
These figures come from the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles (published in the AAFCO Official Publication). They are floors and ceilings, not targets, and any food labelled "complete and balanced" for growth or for all life stages already meets them.
Do not add calcium or other supplements to a complete puppy food, and avoid rich toppers. If you are comparing labels, our guide to puppy food brands is a good place to start.
Feed by current weight and activity, then adjust every few weeks based on body condition. Most pet Aussies fit the moderate or neutered column. Choose high only for dogs that truly work or train hard most days.
| Weight | Low activity | Moderate activity | High activity | Neutered, moderate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 2 cups | 2⅜ cups | 3 cups | 2⅛ cups |
| 45 lb (20 kg) | 2¼ cups | 2⅝ cups | 3¼ cups | 2⅜ cups |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | 2⅜ cups | 2⅞ cups | 3½ cups | 2½ cups |
| 55 lb (25 kg) | 2⅝ cups | 3⅛ cups | 3¾ cups | 2¾ cups |
| 60 lb (27 kg) | 2¾ cups | 3¼ cups | 4 cups | 2⅞ cups |
| 65 lb (29 kg) | 2⅞ cups | 3½ cups | 4¼ cups | 3⅛ cups |
| 70 lb (32 kg) | 3⅛ cups | 3¾ cups | 4½ cups | 3¼ cups |
Daily totals for a food with 456 kcal per cup, split into two meals. Low, moderate and high use 1.5, 1.8 and 2.2 times RER for an intact dog. Neutered moderate uses 1.6.
Cups change from brand to brand. Calories do not. If your food is denser or lighter than 456 kcal per cup, work from these numbers and divide by the kcal per cup printed on your bag, or enter that number in the calculator.
| Body weight | Resting energy (RER) | Intact adult (1.8) | Neutered adult (1.6) | Weight loss (1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg (40 lb) | 612 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 980 kcal | 610 kcal |
| 20 kg (44 lb) | 662 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 1,060 kcal | 660 kcal |
| 23 kg (51 lb) | 735 kcal | 1,320 kcal | 1,180 kcal | 740 kcal |
| 25 kg (55 lb) | 783 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 1,250 kcal | 780 kcal |
| 27 kg (60 lb) | 829 kcal | 1,490 kcal | 1,330 kcal | 830 kcal |
| 30 kg (66 lb) | 897 kcal | 1,620 kcal | 1,440 kcal | 900 kcal |
Weight loss calories should be calculated from the target weight, not the current one. The calculator does this for you.
Busy is not the same as working. An Aussie that follows you around the house all day is mentally active, but not burning a herding dog's calories. Many owners overestimate exercise, so start at moderate and let the waist decide.
The AKC puts Australian Shepherd life expectancy at 12 to 15 years. Most slow down somewhere after age 8 and need fewer calories, even if their weight has not changed yet.
| Weight | Low activity | Moderate activity | Neutered, moderate | Meals per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 1¾ cups | 2 cups | 1¾ cups | 2 |
| 45 lb (20 kg) | 1⅞ cups | 2¼ cups | 2 cups | 2 |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | 2⅛ cups | 2⅜ cups | 2⅛ cups | 2 |
| 55 lb (25 kg) | 2¼ cups | 2⅝ cups | 2¼ cups | 2 |
| 60 lb (27 kg) | 2⅜ cups | 2¾ cups | 2⅜ cups | 2 |
| 65 lb (29 kg) | 2½ cups | 2⅞ cups | 2⅝ cups | 2 |
Daily totals for a food with 456 kcal per cup. Low and moderate use 1.3 and 1.5 times RER for an intact senior. Neutered moderate uses about 1.33.
Four meals until about 4 months, three until about 12 months, then two for life. Here is what that looks like in a normal day.
Exact times do not matter. Consistency does. For Aussies that work or train, feed the larger meal after the day's main exercise, once the dog has cooled down, and leave about an hour between a full meal and hard work in either direction.
Most pet Aussies never work stock. For the ones that do, calories rise with the hours spent working, and the calculator's high setting is only a starting point.
Daily walks, fetch, training classes. Use the moderate setting and adjust by body condition. Most companion Aussies stay lean here.
Agility, flyball or frisbee several times a week. Use moderate on rest days and high on heavy training days, or settle on a weekly average.
Hours of work most days, often outdoors in heat or cold. Needs can go above the high setting. Increase food in 10 percent steps and weigh the dog weekly during busy seasons.
A more energy dense performance food can help a hard working dog get enough calories without a huge volume of food. When the season ends, switch back gradually and cut the amount, or the extra calories turn into weight.
Many Australian Shepherds carry a mutation in the MDR1 gene. It does not change what they should eat, but it changes which medicines are safe, including some given for stomach upsets.
The mutation, first described in ivermectin sensitive collies, stops a protein that pumps certain drugs out of the brain. Affected dogs can have serious neurological reactions to normal doses of some medicines.
In a study of 178 Australian Shepherds, about 30 percent carried at least one copy. Other sources put it closer to half, depending on the population tested.
Never give loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea or livestock ivermectin products to an Aussie without your vet's approval. VCA notes that the low ivermectin doses in heartworm preventives are considered safe, but higher doses are not.
A simple cheek swab DNA test tells you whether your dog carries the mutation. Share the result with every vet who treats your Aussie, and mention it before any sedation, dewormer or anti diarrhea medicine.
The charts give a starting point. Your dog's body tells you whether it is right. The WSAVA 9 point body condition scale puts the ideal at 4 to 5 out of 9.
View from above
Ribs, spine and hip bones are easy to see. Muscle loss may be visible. Feed about 10 percent more and recheck in two weeks.
View from above
Ribs are easy to feel under a thin layer of fat. From above you see a waist behind the ribs, and from the side the belly tucks up.
View from above
Ribs are hard to feel, there is no clear waist, and fat builds up over the back and base of the tail. Cut food by about 10 percent and trim treats.
An Aussie's thick coat hides a lot, especially around the chest and hips. Use your hands, not your eyes: press lightly along the side of the chest and feel for the waist behind the ribs.
Aussies are not one of the breeds most prone to obesity, but neutered pets with less work than their ancestors gain weight easily.
Start with an honest count of everything your dog eats, including training treats, which add up quickly for a breed that trains all day. Staying lean pays off: in a 14 year feeding study, dogs fed 25 percent less than their littermates lived longer and developed chronic disease later.
Swap part of the kibble for low calorie extras like plain green beans if your dog struggles with smaller portions, and turn meals into puzzle games. Very large cuts should only be made with a vet, since dogs fed too little can lose muscle along with fat.
A healthy Australian Shepherd on a complete and balanced food does not need anything added. Joint support can help older and hard working dogs.
EPA and DHA from fish oil have the strongest research behind them for stiff joints. In a controlled study of dogs with osteoarthritis, those fed a food high in fish oil omega-3s bore more weight on their sore legs than dogs on a control food.
Widely used and generally well tolerated, but studies disagree on how much they help. Worth a trial for an older dog with a vet's input, not something a young healthy dog needs.
With MDR1 in the breed, check every supplement or remedy with your vet before giving it, especially anything for anxiety, sleep or stomach upsets.
Everything your Australian Shepherd eats or drinks counts, not just the main meals.
Plan on about one ounce per pound of body weight a day, roughly 40 to 65 ounces (1.2 to 1.9 liters) for an adult. Working dogs, and any Aussie exercising in warm weather, need much more. Carry water on hikes and offer it often during work.
Keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories. For an Aussie eating 1,300 kcal a day, that is about 130 kcal. Training treats count, so choose small healthy dog treats or use part of the daily kibble as rewards.
Small habits that make any feeding chart work better.
Worth doing
Worth avoiding
The daily calorie target stays the same whatever the format. What changes is volume, cost, prep and how easy it is to keep the nutrients balanced.
| Format | Typical energy | Prep | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry kibble | 350 to 500 kcal per cup | None | Easy portion control, lowest cost | Large calorie differences between brands |
| Wet or canned | Much lower per gram | None | Picky eaters, extra moisture | Cost and volume for a medium dog |
| Raw | Varies with fat content | Thawing, strict hygiene | Owners willing to follow a complete recipe | Bacteria, nutrient balance |
| Fresh or home cooked | Varies by recipe | High | Food sensitivities, full ingredient control | Unbalanced homemade recipes |
For raw diets, the FDA's testing of commercial raw pet foods found Salmonella and Listeria in a meaningful share of samples, a risk for the people in the house as well as the dog. Home cooked diets are safe from that angle but easily drift out of balance on calcium and other minerals. Whichever format you use, pick a recipe that is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage, or one written by a board certified veterinary nutritionist.
Itchy skin and upset stomachs are common reasons owners change an Aussie's food. With this breed, also check that no medicine or remedy is behind a stomach upset.
Itching all year round, especially the paws, face, ears and rear end, repeated ear infections, and sometimes soft stool or more frequent bowel movements. Seasonal itching points more toward environmental allergies.
A review of published cases found beef, dairy, chicken and wheat were the most commonly reported food allergens in dogs. The trigger is almost always a protein, so "grain free" alone rarely solves it.
Blood, hair and saliva tests sold for food allergies are not reliable, and vets generally do not use them to diagnose one. During the trial, enter the new food's kcal per cup in the calculator, since therapeutic diets often differ a lot from regular kibble.
For a sensitive stomach without allergy signs, the fix is usually simpler: a gradual food change, consistent meal times, fewer fatty extras and gentle treats. Vomiting, blood in the stool or diarrhea lasting more than a day or two needs a vet, and so does any treatment with medicines.
Whether you are moving from puppy to adult food, or between a pet food and a working season food, go slowly over 7 to 10 days.
Recalculate portions when the switch is done. A new food almost never has the same kcal per cup as the old one, and feeding the same number of cups can quietly add or remove a lot of calories. If stools go soft at any step, stay at that ratio for a few extra days before moving on. For a second opinion on the new portion, our dog food calculator works out daily amounts in cups, grams and ounces for any breed.
The charts on this page assume a healthy dog. These situations need a different plan.
Energy needs stay fairly stable until the last third of pregnancy, then rise to about 1.6 to 2 times resting energy. At peak lactation, three to four weeks after whelping, the Pet Nutrition Alliance puts needs at 2 to 6 times resting energy, so a mother with a large litter can need more than twice her normal amount. Many breeders switch to a puppy or all life stages food in late pregnancy.
Dogs herding stock for hours a day, or training hard for sport, need a feeding plan built around the workload, often with a performance food. The pet chart may underfeed them.
Epilepsy treatment, hip or elbow disease, food allergies and kidney disease all change what and how much a dog should eat. The diet should come from your vet, and the chart becomes background information.
A severely underweight dog needs a gradual refeeding plan from a vet. Jumping straight to a full portion can cause serious problems.
Feeding a different breed as well? Compare with our Border Collie feeding chart, German Shepherd feeding chart, Siberian Husky feeding chart and Labradoodle feeding chart, or use the general dog calorie calculator for mixed breeds.
The amounts on this page are general estimates meant as a starting point, not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every dog's metabolism, health and food are different, so confirm portions with your vet, especially for puppies, seniors, pregnant females and dogs with health conditions.
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