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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds.
The Miniature American Shepherd, also known as MAS for short, is a breed known for its agility and intelligence, requires a diet that matches its dynamic nature. But with a sea of dog food brands, how do you identify the best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds? With our expertise in canine nutrition and a deep understanding of the breed’s specific needs, we’ll provide a detailed and comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect meal plan for your friend.
This article provides MAS’s best dog food brands, from understanding how diet affects your Miniature American Shepherd’s health to deciphering dog food labels. Let’s dive right in!
What Is The Best Food For Miniature American Shepherds?
Providing your Miniature American Shepherd with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Miniature American Shepherd, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.
As a small to medium breed, the Miniature American Shepherd has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Miniature American Shepherd should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:
Health
Activity level
Age
Weight (size)
Food & Miniature American Shepherd Health
Generally, Miniature American Shepherds are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns.
Although certain health issues that Miniature American Shepherds may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Miniature American Shepherds with a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
Some of the most common health issues faced by Miniature American Shepherd include the following:
Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Miniature American Shepherds. Food allergies in Miniature American Shepherds may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is an eye disorder where the cells in the retina degenerate and die, leading to blindness. PRA is a genetic condition; tests are available to identify if a dog carries the gene responsible for this disorder.
MDR1 medication sensitivity. Dogs with a mutation in the MDR1 gene may have severe adverse reactions to some commonly used medications. This is due to a defect in a drug-pumping protein that is crucial in limiting drug absorption and distribution, especially to the brain.
Hip dysplasia. This is a common skeletal condition, especially in larger dogs, where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit together properly, leading to discomfort, pain, and eventually arthritis.
Elbow dysplasia. This joint issue occurs when the various growth rates of the three bones making up the dog’s elbow cause joint laxity. This can lead to painful lameness.
Food & Miniature American Shepherd Activity Level
The relationship between food and the activity level of a Miniature American Shepherd can be significant. The food provided to a dog can directly impact their energy levels, metabolism, and overall well-being, affecting their activity level.
The quantity and frequency of feeding can also influence Miniature American Shepherd’s activity levels. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, negatively impacting their energy levels and overall health. Conversely, underfeeding or inadequate nutrition can leave them lacking the energy to engage in physical activities. It’s important to note that the activity level of a Miniature American Shepherd can vary from one individual to another. While some may naturally have a higher energy level and require more calories, others may be more laid-back and need fewer calories.
Food & Miniature American Shepherd Age
Miniature American Shepherds have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. Providing them with a diet that meets these needs is essential for their health and well-being.
Miniature American ShepherdPuppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage.
Adult Miniature American Shepherds. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs.
Senior Miniature American Shepherds. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health.
Miniature American Shepherd-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For
Here are the desirable characteristics of Miniature American Shepherd dog food.
Avoid common allergens. Miniature American Shepherd often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Miniature American Shepherd dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef.
Probiotics. Miniature American Shepherds can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Miniature American Shepherd’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
Digestibility. Miniature American Shepherds can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Miniature American Shepherds. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
High in antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidants can help support eye health, which is particularly important considering the breed’s susceptibility to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Antioxidants, such as Vitamins A, C, and E, can help slow the degeneration of the retina. Foods with blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes are often high in these essential vitamins.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish and flaxseed, can help promote joint health. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.
Glucosamine and chondroitin. Look for dog foods that include glucosamine and chondroitin in their ingredient list. These compounds help support joint health and potentially alleviate hip and elbow dysplasia symptoms.
Small-size kibble. Choose a food specifically designed for your dog’s size and age. Miniature American Shepherds are not large dogs, so they don’t need a diet designed for large breeds.
Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Miniature American Shepherds
AAFCO approved
High-quality protein as the first ingredient
Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
Made in the USA
Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Your dog’s preferences
Keep in mind that every Miniature American Shepherd has specific dietary needs. Seeking advice from a veterinarian can assist you in selecting the best food that meets your Miniature American Shepherd’s requirements.
Chapter 2: The Reviews
The best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds reviewed
Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds.
Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Miniature American Shepherd’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Miniature American Shepherd’s food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.
Flavors: Turkey, beef, chicken & pork┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Turkey, beef, chicken & pork •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Fresh •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Raised Right wins the spot for the best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds. This brand stands out because they use human-grade ingredients to create recipes that are portioned and delivered straight to your door. Feeding your dog fresh food like Raised Right offers many research-backed health benefits, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Raised Right dog food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained. This means that your Miniature American Shepherd will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raised Right stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Raised Right takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure that your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell them about your dog’s food allergies, tear stain issues, bad breath, joint problems and more, and they will cook and personalize your dog’s meals to meet your pet’s needs.
Key Features
Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Pros
Level of customization is unmatched
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
Nom never uses feed-grade ingredients
Does not process ingredients to be shelf-stable
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
Our Video Review
Best Dry Dog Food For Miniature American Shepherds — Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango Unkibble dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Miniature American Shepherds. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Unkibble is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Unkibble as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. It’s perfect for Miniature American Shepherds because it’s been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
UnKibble recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.
Key Features
100% human-grade. Real ingredients
Simple, limited ingredients. Use radically simple recipes ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support and more
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Meals customized for your dog’s weight, breed and activity level
Exceeds industry standards
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
GMO and hormone free
Custom plans and scoops
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Our Video Review
Our readers have access to save 20% off your first order of Spot & Tango. Just use this link to get started. The discount will be applied automatically.
Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon •Life stage: Puppies •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Fresh •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Miniature American Shepherd puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula is designed specifically for Miniature American Shepherd puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish •Life stage: Adult •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Miniature American Shepherds. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Miniature American Shepherd pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.
Key Features
Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Cons
It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
Best Food For Senior Miniature American Shepherds — Orijen
Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish┊ Life stage: Senior ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Fresh┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish •Life stage: Senior •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Fresh •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Miniature American Shepherd is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Miniature American Shepherd healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Miniature American Shepherd to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.
Key Features
Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
85% quality animal ingredients
Great feedback from senior dog parent
Cons
A bit expensive
Raw Food For Miniature American Shepherds — Instinct
Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Raw •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Miniature American Shepherds, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Miniature American Shepherd a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Never cooked
Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.
Best Food For Miniature American Shepherds With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s
If you are looking for the best food for Miniature American Shepherds with sensitive stomachsHill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Miniature American Shepherd.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Miniature American Shepherds With Allergies — Royal Canin
Flavors: Natural┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Natural •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Hypoallergenic •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Whether your Miniature American Shepherd suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Miniature American Shepherd. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds with skin allergies
Best dog food for itchy skin Miniature American Shepherds
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Grain-Free Food For Miniature American Shepherds — Open Farm
•Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Premium •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Does your Miniature American Shepherd dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Miniature American Shepherd nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Wet •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Are you looking for the best-wet food for Miniature American Shepherds? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
USDA certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
Offers health-specific options
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Food For Miniature American Shepherds
Best dehydrated dog food for Miniature American Shepherds.The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Miniature American Shepherds to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
Best food topper for Miniature American Shepherds.Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diets food for Miniature American Shepherds.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Miniature American Shepherd has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds to lose weight.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Miniature American Shepherd needs to lose weight.
Best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your Miniature American Shepherd gain lean muscle mass.
Miniature American Shepherd Food Calorie Requirements
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Miniature American Shepherd usually weighs between 20 and 40 pounds, meaning most Miniature American Shepherds need between 585 and 985 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
How to Switch Miniature American Shepherd Dog Food
If you decide to switch your Miniature American Shepherd’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:
Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4: 100% new food
Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Miniature American Shepherd seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.
Health Dietary Changes In Miniature American Shepherds
If your Miniature American Shepherd is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.
Condition
Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes
Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs
Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis
Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and Scaling
Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and Crustiness
Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels
Best Dog Food For Miniature American Shepherds — Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for Miniature American Shepherds is a vital decision that directly impacts their overall health and well-being. These active and intelligent dogs require a balanced diet to support their energy levels, maintain a healthy weight, and promote optimal performance in their daily activities. When choosing dog food for MAS, it is important to consider their specific nutritional needs. Look for high-quality brands offering a well-balanced formula for active breeds. It’s worth noting that individual MAS dogs may have unique dietary preferences or sensitivities, so observing their response to different foods and consulting with a professional can help identify the most suitable options.
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