Essential Australian Shepherd Supplies: What you need for your new Aussie

A gorgeous red merle Australian Shepherd

If you’ve decided to adopt a gorgeous Australian Shepherd, you’re probably looking to prepare for your new arrival. Needless to say, you'll need supplies for your new family member, who is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. To make your new Aussie’s arrival as smooth as possible, you’ll need a few basics, such as dog food, a leash, and a dog shampoo at home.

And if you’re buying an Aussie puppy, you’ll also need to have new puppy essentials ready to go before the arrival of your new fur baby. Not only will having these supplies on hand make your new dog's transition to your home smooth, but it'll also make life easier for you and your new companion. To help out, I’ve compiled a list of 10 essential supplies to have ready prior to the arrival of your new Australian Shepherd.

Feeding Supplies

You'll need to provide good nutrition for your new Australian Shepherd as soon as he arrives. In addition to picking the perfect dog food, you'll need to use the best feeding options available to keep that food fresh and improve your Aussie’s diet. With so many ways to feed your Australian Shepherd, it’s hard to know what’s best for your smart friend. That's why I've researched the best feeding options so your Australian Shepherd gets the safest products of the highest quality.

1. High-Quality Puppy Food

Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites Puppy dry food

Your Australian Shepherd's age and health will determine the type of dry food they should eat. Adult dog foods are not nutritionally balanced for puppies. To keep your Australian Shepherd puppy healthy and happy, choose high-quality dog food designed to meet their nutritional needs. The Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites Puppy dry food is an excellent option! It is formulated for the developmental needs of puppies while they grow to their full potential. Give your adorable Aussie puppy delicious chicken flavor in a small kibble size!

2. High-Quality Adult Dog Food

High-Quality Adult Food for Australian Shepherds

Adult dog food made with natural ingredients provides all the nutrition your Australian Shepherd needs. The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is made with natural ingredients, including chicken and brown rice. It's formulated for the health and well-being of adult dogs. Designed to help your dog thrive, this dog food is a high-quality, balanced recipe you and your Aussie can feel great about.

3. Food and water bowl

Your Australian Shepherd's feeding container is the basis for their nutritional health. However, deciding what kind of feeder is best for your dog is a daunting task. That's why it's crucial to evaluate each option for its ease of cleaning, style, and durability. Another factor to consider is the material used. Dog food and water bowls made with stainless steel or ceramic materials are highly recommended. The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Water And Food Bowl is an excellent choice for your Australian Shepherd. It is a perfect choice for both puppies and adult dogs.

Dog Toys and Treats

Dog toys and healthy treats are just as vital to have on hand as nutritious food to welcome your new Australian Shepherd. Aussies are smart and high-energy dogs that do well with plenty of mental stimulation. Snuffle mats, interactive chase toys, chew toys, and puzzle feeders are great ways to keep your Australian Shepherd's mind well-exercised! And when it comes to training, healthy treats are also a must-have.

4. Pet Snuffle Mat

This mat is a unique dog training toy that allows your Australian Shepherd to find snacks or small toys hidden in the mat. It'll help to train your Aussie's smell and consume its boundless energy. In addition, it'll keep your Aussie busy and prevent it from becoming bored and engaging in destructive behavior.

Best toys for Australian Shepherds

5. Dog Treats

Giving your new Australian Shepherd an extra special snack is a great way to start bonding. Dog treats are also a must-have when it comes to training your Aussie. Many dogs love human food, and your Australian Shepherd is no exception. However, most vets advise against sharing your food with your dog. The reason is that our foods often contain substances that are poisonous to dogs. These include but are not limited to onions, garlic, chocolate, and xylitol.

Some human foods, on the other hand, have high levels of unhealthy fats or provide too many calories, which puts dogs at risk of becoming overweight. Some commercially available treats, like Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites Real Meat Dog Treats, break apart easily for smaller mouths, making them perfect for dogs of all sizes.

Dog Walking Supplies

Australian Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs that need a great deal of exercise daily. They love running and jumping in the backyard, as well as accompanying their owners on long walks or, better yet, hikes. So, it goes without saying that you’re going to need a sturdy leash and a harness to walk your new Aussie.

6. A harness and leash set

It’s essential to keep your new Australian Shepherd, whether it's a puppy or otherwise, under your physical control until they’ve adjusted to their new surroundings. Most veterinarians recommend using a dog harness instead of a collar. The reason is to prevent your dog from choking or putting too much stress on their necks. The tobeDRI No Pull Dog Harness is an ideal choice for your Aussie because it's adjustable and comes with a heavy-duty 5-foot dog leash. It's available in 4 sizes, depending on your Australian Shepherd's size.

Comfort Supplies

7. Dog bed

It’s useful to have a comfortable dog bed to provide your new Australian Shepherd with a cozy and appropriate place to snooze. While Australian Shepherds are known for their high energy levels, they’re also champion sleepers, with some spending around 15 to 20 hours daily. When choosing a dog bed for your Aussie, you need to consider the size and shape of the bed to ensure it provides enough space for them to stretch out.

Other crucial factors to consider include comfort and support, as well as durability and ease of maintenance. Aussies are medium-sized dogs weighing around 40-65 pounds. So, consider an orthopedic egg-crate foam bed tailored to fit your dog's body. Orthopedic foam beds are designed to provide comfort and support your dog's muscular frame and joints. The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great choice for your Aussie! For more options, see the top four high-quality dog beds for Australian Shepherds.

8. Dog crate

In addition to providing a den-like space for your dog, a dog crate is an essential item when it comes to potty training your Aussie. That's because dogs generally want to keep their personal space clean. A crate also keeps your dog safe when you can’t supervise them. That’s why choosing the right one for your new Australian Shepherd is such a consequential decision. When choosing a dog crate for your Aussie, look for one that is the proper size.

If your Aussie is a puppy, look for a crate that comes with a divider. The divider panel allows you to adjust the space inside the crate as your puppy grows. The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single-Door Dog Crate is an ideal choice for your Aussie! It comes with a divider panel and is suitable for dog breeds with an adult weight of 70-90 pounds. For more options see the top four dog crates for Australian Shepherds.

Dog Cleaning Supplies

9. Absorbent Puppy Pads and Urine Remover

If you’re welcoming an Australian Shepherd puppy, you’ll definitely need a good stack of pee pads. They make it easy to keep your home clean until your new family member is house-trained and stops having frequent accidents. Pets have accidents and your Australian Shepherd puppy is no exception. Thankfully, tons of products, like Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads and Nature's Miracle Dog Stain and Odor Remover, make it a snap to clean up after your canine friend, which is important because dog urine, if not properly taken care of, can leave a nasty smell behind.

Dog Grooming Supplies

Australian Shepherds need regular brushing and occasional baths to keep their gorgeous coats looking shiny and healthy. They need regular nail trimming as well as regular ear cleaning.