Best Dog Food for Mini Aussies [Reviewed in 2021]

Last Updated on 01/23/2021 by Veronica Jones

The Miniature Australian Shepherd, also known as the Mini Aussie, is a breed that’s known for being active and constant play. They tend to be loving around people and need a lot of room to stay active around the house.

However, with that activeness comes the responsibility of feeding them properly. That’s when you may be looking for the best dog food for Mini Aussies. Don’t worry – in this article, we give you some suggestions to give your pet the nutrition that they deserve.

Best Mini Aussies Dog Food Reviews

Here are our top picks for the best dog food for Mini Aussies:

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight

Since Mini Aussies are known for having issues with obesity, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight is a good choice for them. Containing deboned chicken but without the by-products, this one focuses on high-quality protein. It also has some whole grains for your dog’s energy, such as oatmeal.

Veggies, such as whole peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots, are good sources of carbohydrates for your Mini Aussie while the blueberries and cranberries provide healthy antioxidants. It also has omega 3 fatty acids coming from Menhaden fish and omega 6 fatty acids from flaxseed. These will help maintain your dog’s shiny and healthy skin and coat.

Like most Blue Buffalo dog foods, this one has Life Source Bits, which are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, packed in crunchy kibble bits. Because it is cold-formed, the potency of each kibble piece is good enough to retain the nutrition that your dog needs. It is available in two sizes: 6-lb. and 15-lb. bags.

Pros

• Has antioxidants for the immune system
• Contains deboned chicken
• No by-products
• Has veggies and fruits
• Has omega fatty acids

Cons

• Not entirely grain-free

 

2. CANIDAE PURE Weight Management Limited Ingredient

Yet another dog food that focuses on weight loss problems, the CANIDAE PURE Weight Management Limited Ingredient has chicken as the first ingredient and it only has 9 simple ingredients in total: chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, peas, garbanzo beans, potatoes, sun-cured alfalfa, and chicken fat. Because it is grain-free, it will be okay for dogs that have sensitive tummies. What’s more, the probiotics included will help with their GI tract.

Containing 12 pounds of healthy bites, this one also has omega 6 & 3 fatty acids so that your dog will have a healthy skin and coat. It contains no additives, by-products, or fillers that are not necessary for your dog’s diet so it will add more nutrition and less unimportant ingredients.

What’s more, the Mini Aussie food has antioxidants for immunity, which comes from its veggies such as alfalfa and beans. While it is grain-free dog food, it also contains fiber from peas and sweet potatoes. Fiber is ideal for helping with your dog’s digestive problems, especially with weight management.

Pros

• Grain-free
• Limited ingredients
• Probiotics for sensitive tummies
• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Chicken is the first ingredient

Cons

• Only one bag size is available
• Not for dogs with a no-chicken diet

 

3. Cesar Small Breed Dry & Wet Dog Food

If you are looking for filet mignon to go with your dog’s kibble, the Cesar Small Breed Dry & Wet Dog Food is for you. Available in sizes of 2.7, 5, and 12-lb. packs, this celebrity-endorsed dog food is made with real beef as the first ingredient with a total of 26 nutrients for small breeds.

Because it comes in a resealable package, storing it won’t be a problem. It comes in both dry and wet dog food types and contains fish oil that will help with your Mini Aussie’s coat health. If you’re looking for a dog food that isn’t tough on your wallet and is ideal for small breeds like the Mini Aussie, this is a good choice.

The bits are crunchy and on the hard side but do have a few soft pieces so this would appeal to dogs that want something to crunch and make their teeth sharper (or to take out their stress).

Pros

• Not too expensive
• Has fish oil for coat health
• Has crunch and soft bits
• Real meat is the first ingredient
• Resealable package

Cons

• Not entirely grain-free
• Doesn’t contain as many veggies as other brands

 

4. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

For adult Mini Aussies, the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet is yet another option for you. It is a turkey and potato recipe so if your Mini Aussie is tired of chicken, this is an alternative mix. Turkey is the first ingredient while it also contains Life Source bits that are crunchy and made with antioxidants and nutrients for your dog. In addition to that, it has omega fatty acids for their skin coat and health.

Because it doesn’t contain regular chicken and is also grain-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, it is okay for dogs that have food allergies. The fiber in peas and pumpkin will help your dog’s digestive tract to run smoothly while the cold-formed processing ensures each kibble has sufficient nutrients for your dog to absorb.

We like that it has small kibble sizes that are appropriate for the Mini Aussie’s miniature jaws. If your dog’s vet advised a single-animal protein source, this is a dog food to consider for your pet.

Pros

• Single-animal protein, turkey is the first ingredient
• Grain-free, dairy-free, and egg-free
• Ideal for dogs with chicken allergies
• Has omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Small-sized kibbles for ease of eating

Cons

• The smell might not appeal to some picky eaters
• A little on the pricier side

 

5. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Yet another mix that has small bites for the Mini Aussie, the Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is a beef and rice formula that most dogs will love. It comes in various sizes of bags and contains no fillers. For your dog’s immune system, it has vitamins A, E, selenium, and zinc to keep them healthy and strong.

Moreover, this dog food is easy to digest for sensitive tummies due to the simple ingredients while the omega fatty acids will support their coat health. If your Mini Aussie is prone to joint problems, the glucosamine content of this dog food will help keep them in good shape, especially since this breed is prone to hip dysplasia.

The tender morsels of this dog food are small enough to make them easy to digest for small breeds such as the Mini Aussie. A dog that is a picky eater with other foods will most likely love this one due to its flavor and smell.

Pros

• The bites are small enough for a Mini Aussie
• Has glucosamine for joint health
• The smell and taste will appeal to picky eaters
• Has antioxidants for immunity
• Has omega fatty acids for coat health

Cons

• Not entirely grain-free
• Minor packaging or shipment issues

 

6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Small Breed

For Mini Aussies that are often playing outside, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein (Natural Adult Small Breed) is packed with protein thanks to chicken as the first ingredient. It is also a grain-free formula that’s okay for sensitive dogs. Moreover, it has omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that will help your dog’s skin and coat health.

As with other Blue Buffalo formulas, it has crunchy and healthy Life Source bits along with the regular kibble. Available in two sizes (4.5 and 11-lb. bags), this one contains no artificial flavors or preservatives so you’ll only give quality food for your Mini Aussie. It has healthy carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes and peas to boost their energy. What’s more, it has blueberries and cranberries to supply your Mini Aussie with antioxidants.

With 30% protein for high energy needs, this one is also shaped in smaller kibble sizes that Mini Aussies will find it easy to eat up. Moreover, it has calcium and phosphorus so it is also beneficial for your dog’s bones and teeth. It even has 5% fiber for a healthier digestive system and 400 mg of glucosamine for joint health.

Pros

• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Great for active dogs due to 30% protein
• Has omega fatty acids for coat health
• Grain-free formula
• Has calcium and phosphorus for bone health

 

Cons

• Some dogs might not pick up the Life Source bits
• The smell might be a little off-putting

 

7. Taste of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food

One of the most well-renowned grain-free mixes out there is the Taste of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food, which is applicable for the Mini Aussie. Containing 32% protein, this one is ideal for highly-active dogs and it is also gluten-free if your pet has a sensitive tummy.

Available in different bag sizes, it contains venison and garbanzo beans as a healthy mix of protein for muscles and fiber for digestion. What’s more, it has antioxidants and fatty acids to support their skin and coat.

Made without fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and the like, this dog food is ideal for Mini Aussies that suffer from tummy issues thanks to its GI-tract-friendly probiotics. The included garbanzo beans not only hold fiber for easier digestion but also packs protein and other minerals for your dog’s well-being.

In addition to that, you’ll feel less guilt due to the pasture-raised venison so you know it comes from a reliable and sustainable source. What’s more, it has DHA from salmon oil, which will be helpful to fight off eye problems and will help with their cognitive development, especially for growing Mini Aussies.

Pros

• Gluten-free
• Grain-free
• High amounts of protein
• Real venison is the first ingredient
• Has fiber for a healthy digestion

Cons

• Not for dogs with egg allergies
• Packaging and storage issues

 

Things We Considered Before Buying

With our reviews above, here are the criteria that you should know about before buying the best dog food for Mini Aussies:

1. Quality Protein. Nearly any dog needs a lot of protein in their bodies to maintain their muscle strength with every activity. Quality proteins are best obtained when the dog food has only one main ingredient or at least reputable sources and no by-products.

Common sources of protein that you will find in most dog food in the market are:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Venison
• Salmon
• Turkey

Before buying food, it’s best to know if your dog is allergic to certain types of meat. Some dogs are on a no-chicken diet as advised by their vet.

2. Your dog’s age. Consider different dog food formulas for puppies, seniors, and adults, as different stages of life require a different amount of fats and protein to prevent overweight and keep their energy up.
3. Your dog’s lifestyle. Highly-active dogs require more protein and calories to keep up with their daily activities. However, if your dog isn’t too active then it’s best to give them fewer fats and calories.
4. Free from fillers. A healthy dog food mix is one that contains little to no grain, especially if your dog is sensitive to it. Consider a dog food that has no preservatives or artificial flavors – only real meat (and veggies for antioxidants).
5. Glucosamine and chondroitin. Mini Aussies are known to have hip dysplasia so it helps to have these joint-improving ingredients in your dog food.
6. Omega fatty acids. If your Mini Aussie is suffering from coat and skin problems, look for omega fatty acids that are found in salmon or fish oil, which are abundant throughout most dog food brands today.

 

Conclusion

Mini Aussies will live longer and play harder if they are given the right kind of diet for their needs. For all stages of life and every living arrangement, there’s always an appropriate kind of dog food for your pet depending on their breed. We hope you liked our top picks for the best dog food for Mini Aussies!