10 Best Dog Foods for Mini Aussies – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks
By Kit Copson
Updated on
Miniature Australian Shepherds—Mini Aussies for short—are popular family dogs, their cuteness, charm, intelligence, and affectionate natures winning hearts in a snap. For loving dog parents, ensuring that their pooches get quality food that will contribute to a longer, healthier life is paramount.
Mini Aussies are a generally healthy breed with a decent lifespan, but they have been linked to a few health issues—weight control1 and joint problems2 are two. For this reason, we’ve narrowed our top picks for the best dog foods for Mini Aussies with the help of this information.
If you’re feeling a bit lost as to which food to choose for your Mini Aussie, check out our reviews for our top recommendations.
A Glance at Our Winners of 2023
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service |
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Best Value
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula |
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dry Food |
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| Best for Puppies |
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Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dry Food |
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| Vet’s Choice |
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Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Food |
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Mini Aussies
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, turkey, pork, and beef protein sources, a variety of fruits and vegetables |
| Protein content: | Varies depending on the recipe |
| Fat content: | Varies depending on the recipe |
| Calories: | Varies depending on your dog’s meal plan and needs |
Our best overall dog food for Mini Aussies is The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food, a dog food delivery service that recommends a meal plan based on your dog’s needs and sends it out in pre-portioned packages. On the website, you simply fill in a questionnaire about your dog—their age, size, breed, any health conditions they have, their activity level, etc, and the Farmer’s Dog will recommend recipes that would work best for your dog.
The Farmer’s Dog creates recipes with natural ingredients and USDA-approved protein sources. It works closely with veterinary nutritionists to ensure safety, quality, and recipes that are suitable for dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes, including special dietary requirements. We love how personalized The Farmer’s Dog is—your dog’s name even comes on the food packets—and that it creates healthy recipes for all types of dogs.
On the downside, the Farmer’s Dog is far from the most budget-friendly option. Though the approximate daily cost appears low at first, it really adds up if you’re in for the long run. Some users have also mentioned finding the packaging frustrating, but the Farmer’s Dog team has said that this is something they’re working on improving.
- Made with real meat and fresh vegetables
- Nutritionally complete
- Healthy supplements added (fish oil)
- Cooked in human food facilities
- Meets FDA and USDA standards
- Expensive
- Packaging issues mentioned by users
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, brown rice |
| Protein content: | 24% min |
| Fat content: | 14% min |
| Calories: | 3,618 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup |
Our best value for the money pick for your Mini Aussie is Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula for adult dogs. The first ingredient is deboned chicken, and it also contains brown rice and a variety of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, blueberries, and cranberries.
The formula contains a variety of vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s teeth, bones, and immune system, and also glucosamine, which helps support the joints. Added LifeSource bits are included for an antioxidant boost.
Though we wouldn’t exactly call Blue Buffalo a cheap brand, it does come in at a few dollars less on average than many other high-quality brands. User reviews are largely positive, with users praising how well-received it was by even picky pooches.
Some, however, mentioned that their dogs didn’t take well to the LifeSource bits, and others simply didn’t enjoy the taste. This is pretty normal when trying out new foods, though.
- Supports bones, teeth, and immune system
- Added glucosamine for joint support
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
- Antioxidant-rich LifeSource bits
- Some dogs leave out the LifeSource bits
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken meal, barley |
| Protein content: | 20% min |
| Fat content: | 5.5% min |
| Calories: | 271 kcal/cup |
Since Mini Aussies are prone to weight issues, you might want to consider Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Dry Dog Food if you’re worried about your dog getting a little hefty. This formula is specially designed for dogs that need fewer calories in their daily diets and for dogs that need a bit of weight management.
The main ingredient is chicken meal, and the formula contains Omega-6, vitamins E and C to support the immune system, and L-carnitine, which turns fat into energy. Users have praised how easy this food is to digest and how their dogs were able to feel like they were eating more despite eating less!
Of course, not every dog enjoyed the taste, but this is to be expected. Some users commented that they found the kibble size too large, so it may not be the best choice for very little dogs.
- Contains Omega-6, vitamin E, and vitamin C
- May benefit dogs that need weight management
- Contains L-carnitine
- Vet-recommended
- Kibble may be too large for smaller dogs
4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, rice |
| Protein content: | 28% min |
| Fat content: | 18% min |
| Calories: | 4,167 kcal/kg, 406 kcal/cup |
For your Mini Aussie puppy, we recommend Purina’s Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend. Made with chicken and rice, this formula also contains added DHA to support the brain and visual development and live probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system. Added antioxidants give the immune system a boost.
Calcium helps aid your puppy’s bone and teeth development, and omega-6 contributes to a soft and healthy coat. Several users have left glowing reviews for this food, with some believing it to have helped their puppy with a sensitive stomach, and others praising how it seemed to contribute towards better skin and coat condition.
Some found the kibble pieces a little hard for their extra small puppies and some got a tad gassy, but a large percentage of users were more than happy with the product.
- Suitable for puppies under 1-year-old
- Added DHA
- Supports brain, vision, and immune system
- Contains omega-6 and antioxidants
- Pieces may be a bit tough for small puppies
- May make some dogs gassy
5. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Lamb, barley |
| Protein content: | 24% min |
| Fat content: | 12% min |
| Calories: | 3,655 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup |
Our vet’s recommendation for Mini Aussies is this lamb and barley recipe by Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Food. This formula contains probiotics, taurine, glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants to support your dog’s overall health, and contains no GMOs or by-products. It’s also preservative-free.
The first ingredient is fresh lamb. Along with lamb and barley, the recipe is packed with antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like blueberries and spinach which are great for immunity in particular. Positive reviews mention that the food is easy to eat and contributes towards a shiny coat and overall health in a variety of ways.
Other reviewers who were less pleased shared that their dogs seem to be taking more bathroom trips on this food and some simply didn’t like it. This can happen when changing dog foods, though, whichever brand you go for.
If your dog has a chicken allergy, we don’t recommend this product as, although lamb is the main ingredient, it still contains chicken fat.
- Supports overall health
- Contains probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants
- Contains no GMOs or meat by-products
- May not sit well with every dog
- Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies (contains chicken fat)
6. Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Lamb, rice |
| Protein content: | 23% min |
| Fat content: | 14% min |
| Calories: | 3698 kcal/kg, 373 kcal/cup |
Another lamb recipe for our list—the Eukanuba Adult Dry Food formula with lamb as the first ingredient is designed for small and medium-sized breed adult dogs. It’s especially worth considering if you’ve got a sprightly Mini Aussie on your hands, as this formula was designed for active, energetic dogs.
A blend of protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate supports your active dog’s joints and muscles, while DHA and vitamin E contribute to healthy brain development and an active mind. Eukanuba includes 3D Dentadefense to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean.
Reviews are largely positive, with many users attesting to how much their dogs enjoyed this recipe. One user pointed out that, though the main ingredient is lamb, the recipe still contains chicken meal—something to be aware of if your dog has a chicken allergy.
- May be beneficial for active, energetic dogs
- Supports joints and muscles
- Helps keeps teeth and gums clean
- Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies (contains chicken meal)
7. Purina One Plus Healthy Weight High Protein Formula
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, rice flour |
| Protein content: | 27% min |
| Fat content: | 8% min |
| Calories: | 3,346 kcal/kg, 320 kcal/cup |
Purina One Plus Healthy Weight High Protein Formula is designed to help dogs maintain a healthy weight—something Mini Aussies are known to have problems with. Real turkey is the main ingredient, and it contains added vitamins, minerals, and four antioxidants. This combination helps support overall health, particularly the immune system and joint health.
For this reason, this recipe may be especially beneficial for active Mini Aussies, overweight Mini Aussies, and those that are a combination of both! Some users said that they went with this food after a vet recommendation, and some say that it has really helped their dogs on their weight loss journey.
Those who were less impressed with the product found it powdery in the bag and too expensive for what they got.
- May help with weight management
- Made with real turkey
- Joint and immune system support
- Contains four antioxidants
- Some users have described it as “powdery”
- Expensive
8. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Roasted bison, roasted venison |
| Protein content: | 32% min |
| Fat content: | 18% min |
| Calories: | 3,719 kcal/kg, 422 kcal/cup |
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula is one of Taste of the Wild’s most popular and bestselling recipes. Taste of the Wild creates recipes designed to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild. As such, this recipe is high in protein (32%) and contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and added prebiotics and probiotics for gut health.
The recipe is made with real roasted bison, roasted venison, and a range of fruits and veggies including blueberries, raspberries, and sweet potatoes. From checking out user reviews, we can see that many dog parents have been consistently feeding this recipe, impressed by the tastiness and how much their dogs love it.
In terms of negative reviews, some found that their dogs became gassier after eating this recipe, and some believe it not to be a great option for sensitive dogs.
- High in protein
- Mimics a dog’s “natural” diet
- Prebiotics and probiotics support the digestive system
- Supports muscle development, joints, and immunity
- May not sit well with sensitive dogs
9. Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Mobility Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Brewer’s rice |
| Protein content: | 15.3% min |
| Fat content: | 23.6% min |
| Calories: | 4068 kcal/kg 496 kcal/cup |
Since Mini Aussies are known for their potential to develop joint problems, your vet may recommend this Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d + Mobility Dry Dog Food designed to support the kidneys and joints simultaneously. This diet must be prescribed by a veterinarian, proof of which you have to show at checkout.
This product is low in sodium, contains EPA and DHA, and is infused with antioxidants, the goal being to improve dogs’ overall quality of life and keep them bright and active for longer. Positive reviews suggest that the product has been beneficial for dogs with kidney and mobility issues. Others were disappointed that their dogs just wouldn’t eat it and some found the price way too high.
- Vet and nutritionist-developed
- Supports the kidneys and joints
- Contains EPA, DHA, and antioxidants
- Low in sodium
- Must be prescribed by a vet
- Expensive
10. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal |
| Protein content: | 26% min (new), 26% min (original) |
| Fat content: | 13% min (new), 11% min (original) |
| Calories: | New: 3529 kcal/kg, 309 kcal/cup, Original: 3477 kcal/kg, 316 kcal/cup |
If your Mini Aussie is of the older variety, you might want to check out this senior formula by Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food. Labeled “The Superfood Plate”, chicken is the main ingredient, but additionally, it contains lamb and salmon as secondary proteins and a range of “superfoods”, including chia, kale, coconut, and blueberries.
Many reviewers have been pleased with the product, describing better coat conditions, reduced shedding, and higher energy levels. Others found the kibble size too large, and some describe how their dogs seemed more flatulent after eating this recipe.
- Formulated for senior dogs
- Contains three protein types
- Contains a range of “superfoods”
- Largely positive reviews
- Potential for gassiness
- Kibble size may be too large for some dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Mini Aussies
When choosing the best dog food for your Mini Aussie, there are a few factors to take into consideration. First of all, we recommend checking the ingredients label carefully, especially if your dog suffers from allergies as sometimes, it’s not clear just by looking at the front of a packet whether or not a product contains allergens.
Other important factors to consider are your budget, your dog’s protein preferences, and whether they’re on some kind of special diet. Does your Mini Aussie suffer from weight issues? Joint issues? How active are they? Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase to narrow down recipes that will best suit your dog’s specific needs.
Your dog’s age is another crucial factor. For example, if you’ve got a puppy, you’ll want to make sure the food is suitable for their age and developmental needs. The same goes for adult dogs and senior dogs, who may have different needs. Also, take size into consideration—you don’t want to accidentally pick up a recipe for giant breeds if you’ve got a Mini Aussie!
Final Verdict
Before we let you go, let’s rewind a little and recap our top picks. Our best overall dog food for Mini Aussies is The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food meal delivery service. We like this company’s emphasis on creating foods to suit every dog’s individual needs, which gives such a personalized feel to the whole experience.
Our best value for the money pick is Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula—this recipe is a tad cheaper than many other high-quality dog foods and there’s a real emphasis on holistic health with Blue Buffalo. For our premium choice, we went for the more expensive but highly-reviewed Hill’s Science Diet Light recipe for dogs with weight issues.
For puppies, we chose Purina Pro Plan’s shredded blend chicken and rice formula, which is designed to support your puppy’s overall health as they grow. Finally, our vet’s choice pick is the Complete Health Adult Lamb and Barley recipe by Wellness.
We hope our reviews have helped you get a better idea of what’s out there for your Mini Aussie, and that you’re able to click away with your own top pick in mind!
Featured Image Credit: PxHere
