Australian Cattle Dog feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Australian Cattle Dog.
An active adult of about 18 kg usually needs around 1,000 to 1,300 kcal a day, which is roughly 270 to 350 g of a quality dry food (around 3 to 3.5 cups). Working dogs on farms may need 20 to 40 percent more, while pets with modest exercise need less.
Most ACDs are keen eaters but not generally prone to obesity if exercised well. Adjust portions according to body condition, aiming for a visible waist and ribs easy to feel. Use food puzzles, snuffle mats or scatter feeding to turn meals into work, which suits the breed's busy mind far better than a bowl emptied in 30 seconds.
Australian Cattle Dog feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 17 kg | 820 kcal | 220 g (2.3 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 17 kg | 940 kcal | 255 g (2.5 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 19 kg | 1020 kcal | 275 g (2.8 cups) |
| Male, very active | 19 kg | 1270 kcal | 345 g (3.5 cups) |
Puppy portions need measured weight, growth stage and the food’s energy content. A breed-average curve is not a feeding plan. Calculate with measured inputs and review the result with your vet.
Bowl capacity
1800 ml
21.5 cm across
Product height estimate
29 to 35 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
0.9 to 1.1 L
keep fresh water freely available
Adult examples assume midpoint breed weights, neutered pets and food with 370 kcal per 100 g. Cups assume 100 g per cup; actual food density varies. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.