Pastoral group · Breed guide
Australian Shepherd: weight, routine and daily dose
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is an American breed. The Royal Kennel Club describes it as a sheepdog developed to work on the ranches of the USA, with its roots in the Spanish sheepdogs that Basque shepherds took with them when they emigrated to America in the 19th century.
The instinct to work is still very much present, the RKC notes, and the breed can still be seen in its original role as well as across many canine disciplines. It is one of the more demanding breeds to keep busy: the RKC suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. For a dog that spends so much of the day on the move, the shape of the day matters — where meals fall around the longest walks or training sessions, and keeping feeding times steady even when the schedule is full.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 18–29.5 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2–3 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 40–60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4–6 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Australian Shepherd need?
A typical adult Australian Shepherd weighs 18–29.5 kg, which crosses 2 rows of the DIGEST+ feeding guide. Weigh your own dog and use the row for its current weight — the table shows each case.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days | Every 4 weeks |
The bottle label prints 25 kg in two rows (11–25 kg and 25–40 kg). We use the 11–25 kg row at exactly 25 kg; if your dog is heavier than 25 kg, use the 25–40 kg row.
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Australian Shepherd
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
| 3 tablets/day | 40 days | 80 days | 120 days | from £0.50 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Australian Shepherd owners
- With two or more hours of activity a day, plan meals around exercise. The PDSA advises avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times, so let your dog cool down and settle before eating, and allow time after a meal before hard running.
- Two meals a day fit naturally around morning and evening exercise, and give you an easy anchor for a daily supplement.
- Keep fresh water available after exercise and at every meal.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Australian Shepherd: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Australian Shepherd have a day?
Typical adult Australian Shepherds weigh 18–29.5 kg, which crosses more than one row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 11–25 kg: 2 tablets/day; 25–40 kg: 3 tablets/day. Weigh your dog and use the row for its current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Australian Shepherd?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days; At 3 tablets/day one bottle lasts 40 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
When should I give an Australian Shepherd a supplement on a busy training day?
Give it with the meal that happens at the most reliable time — often the meal after the main exercise session, once your dog has settled. Keeping it to the same meal each day matters more than the exact hour. If your dog has an upset stomach, speak to your vet.
Should my Australian Shepherd eat right before exercise?
It is better to let your dog finish a meal and rest before vigorous exercise; the PDSA advises avoiding exercise around meal times. After a hard session, let your dog cool down before feeding. Your vet can advise on timings for a dog in heavy training.
Can every Australian Shepherd have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Australian Shepherd is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Australian Shepherd | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated