Congrats on your Aussiedoodle! They’re very intelligent dogs with an eye for detail and a passion for people. If you’re wondering about what kind of food to feed your special dog, you’ve come to the right place. While there aren’t any breed-specific nutritional needs, your choice of food should depend on your dog’s life stage and the quality of the ingredients.
In general, all dogs need a food that contains a lot of protein, a moderate amount of fat and good carbs, and ingredients as close to the natural source as possible. Here are the foods we chose that reflect these criteria along with reviews of each one.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food |
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Budget Buy | Nutro Ultra Large Breed |
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Merrick Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food |
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Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat Recipe |
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Best for Puppies | Acana Wholesome Grains Puppy |
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Aussiedoodles
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall
For the best overall dog food for Aussiedoodles, you should consider The Farmer’s Dog. This top-tier subscription service is perfect for your Aussiedoodle as it combines the optimal blend of animal-based proteins, fresh and simple produce, and vitamins and minerals. In addition, each recipe has been formulated with the company’s board-certified veterinary nutritionists to ensure it provides 100% complete and balanced meals for your pooch.
The Farmer’s Dog prepares its recipes in USDA kitchens, gently cooking each at low temperatures and then quick-freezing them. This ensures safe shipping and easy storing when it arrives at your door. Because each meal for your dog is packaged and delivered only when it’s time for them to be shipped out, the food is truly fresh and never needs to contain preservatives.
After filling out a survey about the age and health of your dog, the company’s algorithm will provide you with the perfect diet based on your pup’s individual needs. You can choose one or a mixture of all three wholesome recipes: turkey, beef, or chicken. Then, when it comes time to serve your Aussiedoodle its food, remove the pre-portioned meal from your fridge, open it, and pour it into your dog’s bowl.
Because The Farmer’s Dog is such a high-quality subscription plan, you should expect to pay more for it than your average department store dog food. Overall, though, we think this is the best dog food for Aussiedoodles that you can find this year.
- Pre-portioned meals
- Convenient deliveries on your schedule
- Formulated in USDA kitchens
- Made with high-quality USDA-certified animal proteins
- Made to order to remain fresh and wholesome
- Meal plan customized for your Aussiedoodle’s needs
- May be pricier than non-subscription service dog foods
2. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food – Budget Buy
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley |
Protein content: | 22% |
Fat content: | 13% |
Calories: | 3,566 kcal/kg |
Conveniently, Nutro Ultra is the best food for Aussiedoodles for the money and is also available in most stores if you dislike online shopping. We like how Nutro features natural ingredients that aren’t genetically modified.
This food contains chicken meal, but that’s not to be confused with chicken by-product meal. Chicken meal is ground-up muscle tissue, but chicken by-product meal is the leftovers after the humanly edible parts of the chicken have been used. Pet owners often try to avoid chicken by-product meal because it can be questionably sourced.
We like how Nutro Ultra sources nutrients from high-quality meat, fruits, vegetables, and healthy whole grains such as brown rice and whole grain oats. Like Acana Wholesome Grains, Nutro Ultra manages to utilize top-quality grains while keeping their product wheat-free. This kibble features a healthy blend of 15 superfoods such as spinach and blueberries, but we wish it also included helpful supplements such as taurine and probiotics.
- Affordable
- Available in most supermarkets
- Uses high-quality, non-GMO ingredients
- Contains chicken meal, but no chicken by-product
- Chicken is the main ingredient, which may be an allergen concern for some dogs
- Lacks taurine
- No probiotics
3. Merrick Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Turkey Meal, Barley |
Protein content: | 28% |
Fat content: | 15% |
Calories: | 3,640 kcal/kg |
Your dog can eat a little closer to his natural diet with this freeze-dried, raw food. We like how beef is the first ingredient, followed by chicken, turkey, and hearty whole grains. This formula includes beneficial supplements like taurine and probiotics and avoids common ingredients that might not be so helpful, such as potato, peas, and lentils. We like how it’s easy to order on Chewy and commonly found in pet stores. Our only regret is that it tends to be a little more costly than the dry, processed foods on our list.
- Formed from freeze-dried, raw ingredients
- Features healthy whole grains
- Includes taurine
- Contains probiotics
- Avoids pea protein
- More expensive than dry, processed kibble
- Contains chicken, which is a common dog food allergen
4. Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Beef, Deboned Pork, Beef Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum |
Protein content: | 27% |
Fat content: | 17% |
Calories: | 3,370 kcal/kg |
We thought this food was another good option for Aussiedoodles because it’s gluten-free, but not grain-free. Oat groats, whole oats, and millet provide healthy fiber. The first three ingredients are beef and pork as opposed to a plant source or meat by-product, which is great for protein content, and there are even more meat ingredients further down the list. We like how Acana uses beef instead of chicken because poultry is a common dog food allergy. Taurine is a good supplement that supports eye and heart health, and it’s something we seek out in all of our dog food choices. Probiotics are an excellent inclusion for gut health, a vital factor in your dog’s overall health. The only bad thing about this food is you can’t typically find it in the supermarket, so you’ll just need to add it to your Chewy order or make a trip to the pet store to purchase.
- Gluten-free, yet contains wholesome whole grains
- Beef and pork recipe
- Relatively inexpensive for high-quality ingredients
- Contains taurine and probiotics
- Not available in most supermarkets
5. Acana Wholesome Grains Food – Best for Puppies
Main ingredients: | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Whole Millet |
Protein content: | 28% |
Fat content: | 19% |
Calories: | 3,540 kcal/kg |
We’re so happy that Acana makes a puppy version of our overall best choice! Your new Aussiedoodle puppy will love this protein-rich formula. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, and turkey and catfish are included further down the list. Oats, oat groats, and millet provide a good serving of fiber, and the pumpkin and squash are excellent vegetable additions. We like how this food has no artificial ingredients and avoids using peas, potatoes, and lentils. The taurine, vitamin, and probiotic supplements are also a plus.
- Gluten-free while including good sources of whole grains
- Features three types of meat proteins (chicken, turkey, fish)
- Includes taurine and probiotics
- Chicken is the main ingredient
6. Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oats, Barley, Turkey Meal |
Protein content: | 27% |
Fat content: | 16% |
Calories: | 3,652 kcal/kg |
Nulo features a hearty blend of chicken, fish, and turkey meat that together make up 77% of the protein in the food. We love how this formula is loaded with vitamins and includes taurine and probiotics. Nulo avoids pea protein, which is a common ingredient in dog food, but recent studies show it may be linked to heart disease.
This food is available on Chewy but may have limited availability in some stores. Thankfully, the price seems reasonable for such a high-quality product.
- 77% of the protein content comes from chicken, turkey, and fish
- Includes taurine
- Features probiotics
- Avoids pea protein
- Chicken is one of the main ingredients, which may be a problem for some dogs
- May not be available in all stores
- Also Read: Nulo Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons
7. Wellness Core Digestive Health – Best Choice for Seniors
Main ingredients: | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Protein |
Protein content: | 28% |
Fat content: | 10.5% |
Calories: | 3,336 kcal/kg |
Senior dogs have nutritional needs that are different from their younger life stages. At this time in their life, weight gain can be problematic, so they need relatively less fat than they used to. This formula from Wellness Core meets the lower fat requirement for senior dog food and still manages to pack on a lot of protein, vitamins, and minerals. We also like how this food not only included taurine and probiotics, but also included prebiotics for ultimate digestive health.
We’re not crazy about the pea protein listed as one of the main ingredients due to the previously mentioned potential heart disease concerns, but overall everything else about the food looked beneficial.
- Meets a senior dog’s need for a low-fat food
- Features probiotics and prebiotics for extra digestive support
- Contains pea protein
- Chicken is the main ingredient, which may be an allergen for some dogs
8. Taste of the Wild Ancient Streams with Ancient Grains
Main ingredients: | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet |
Protein content: | 30% |
Fat content: | 15% |
Calories: | 3,640 kcal/kg |
This is a good choice for an Aussiedoodle who needs to avoid common proteins such as chicken or turkey. Salmon is rich in omega-3s and so good for that thick, furry coat! We like how this food features taurine and probiotics, along with a good blend of vitamins and minerals. Taste of the Wild is available on Chewy but may not be as easily found in stores. Some independent pet stores carry it, but bigger chains likely will not.
- Salmon is the main protein source
- Includes taurine
- Includes probiotics
- Not available in big chain stores
9. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-free Recipe
Main ingredients: | Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas |
Protein content: | 25% |
Fat content: | 15% |
Calories: | 3,600 kcal/kg |
If you’re Aussiedoodle has food allergies, this is a great choice that avoids common meat protein and all grains. Salmon is very nutritious, but we’re not crazy about peas being one of the main ingredients. We do like the inclusion of taurine and probiotics.
The primary reason this one wasn’t higher on the list is because it’s grain-free, but we realize it might be the perfect choice for a dog who needs this diet for medical purposes.
Like other food by Taste of the Wild, you can find this one on Chewy and some pet stores, but few chain stores will carry it.
- Salmon is the main ingredient
- Contains taurine
- Includes probiotics
- A good chicken-free, grain-free choice for dogs who may be sensitive
- Peas are one of the top five ingredients
- Not available in all stores
10. Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Pork & Applesauce Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Pork, Pork Meat Meal, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Pea Protein |
Protein content: | 24% |
Fat content: | 14% |
Calories: | 3,613 kcal/kg |
This food might be a good choice if your Aussiedoodle needs an alternative protein source rather than the regular chicken, beef, or turkey. Fromm is a family-owned company five generations strong, and their food has only been recalled once (March 2016 for potentially too much vitamin-D), which is an impressive claim in the world of dog food.
We were impressed with the fruits, vegetables, and healthy supplements such as taurine and probiotics. We don’t like how pea protein is one of the top five ingredients.
Other than that, the only reason Fromm wasn’t higher on our list is that it’s a little tricky to source. This food is no longer sold on Chewy and is listed on Amazon for a considerably higher price than you’ll find in a pet store. If you’re lucky enough to find it at a local pet store, you’ll probably buy at a price average or below the price of other comparable brands.
- Pork is the first ingredient
- Good source of whole grains
- Contains taurine
- Includes probiotics
- Family-owned company which undergoes rigorous quality checks
- Contains pea protein
- Can be a little hard to find in-stores and online
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Foods for Aussiedoodles
While there are no breed-specific requirements for food, there are several things you should consider when searching for the best food for your Aussiedoodle. Here are the criteria we looked for when choosing food to review and some points to include in your own research:
Look for wholesome ingredients as close to nature as you can find them.
This is the reason we liked The Farmer’s Dog and Merrick Real Beef and Brown Rice Freeze-Dried Food. The only downside is human-grade or raw food tends to be pricier than dry food. At the very least, we recommend finding food that doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients and is minimally processed.
Avoid grain-free foods unless recommended by your vet.
You might notice our list may look a little different than some because we don’t recommend many grain-free foods. This is because dog allergies are more likely to be related to a common protein, such as chicken, rather than grains.
Recent studies show a strong correlation between dogs on grain-free diets and dogs who develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition that decreases blood flow. While more studies need to be done before we draw any definite conclusions, we decided to play it safe and only offer a few grain-free reviews for the pups who are medically required to be on a gluten-free diet.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Avoid pea protein if possible.
Recent studies have linked pea protein to heart disease in dogs. A few products we reviewed have pea protein because it can be tough to avoid this ingredient altogether, but we always mentioned it in the list of cons.
Consider the specific nutritional needs for different life-stages.
Puppies require a different type of food than adults that’s higher in fat. Seniors sometimes have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight and could benefit from a low-fat, low-calorie food for dogs aged 7+. Normal, adult dog food should have balanced portions of protein, fat, and carbs.
Our Selection Process for Dog Foods for Aussiedoodles
To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.
Conclusion
For the best overall dog food for Aussiedoodles, we picked The Farmer’s Dog because it’s specially formulated by pet nutritionists, features high-quality meats, and is easy to store and serve. Our runner-up was Nutro Ultra Large Breed because we thought it was the best food for the value. Merrick Healthy Freeze-Dried Dry Dog Food ranked third on our list for being a premium choice.
For puppies, we chose Acana Wholesome Grains Puppy because it’s a similar formula to our overall best choice, but for young pups. This food featured a hearty meaty trio and provided a good source of fiber through the whole grains.
While all of the foods we chose to review have good qualities, you know your Aussiedoodle best, so consult your vet and talk about their individual needs to find the perfect food for your pup.
Featured Image Credit: IK Photography, Shutterstock