Best Dog Food for Border Collies: Top Picks & Feeding Recommendations (2024)

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You love your Border Collie with all your heart, don’t you? They’re the smartest dog you know – quick to learn tricks and eager to please.

Don’t worry, I can guide you to the top-rated dog foods for Border Collies. You’ll learn their unique nutritional needs at every life stage, from energetic pup to lazy senior. And with my tips, you’ll discover the ideal food type, ingredients, and feeding schedule to keep your Collie healthy and happy.

Let’s dive in – your furry friend is counting on you!

10 Best Dog Foods for Border Collies

The best dog foods for Border Collies provide tailored nutrition and stimulate their active minds. Products like the Outward Hound slow feeder bowl, Trixie strategy game, roasted marrow bones, and Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried patties cover key nutritional and enrichment needs for the breed.

Border Collies are energetic herding dogs that need a diet providing complete and balanced nutrition. Look for foods fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Omega fatty acids promote a lustrous coat while probiotics aid digestion.

Slow feed bowls make mealtime last longer, providing mental stimulation. Interactive toys like the Trixie strategy game also challenge the Border Collie mind. Recreational bones work jaws and scrape teeth clean as they gnaw. Freeze-dried raw foods offer the convenience of kibble with the benefits of raw.

1. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl Purple

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You’d like this slow feeder’s maze design that helps your buddy eat slower for better digestion without flipping his bowl. The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog Bowl is made of plastic and features grooves, ridges, and mazes to make meals last up to 10 times as long.

This non-slip base prevents spills while its top rack dishwasher safe feature makes cleaning easier.

It comes in purple for large breeds with a capacity of 4 cups suitable for both wet or dry dog food diet options – making it an affordable option ideal for active chewers who need portion control help!

2. Trixie Dog Activity Strategy Game

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Challenge your Border Collie’s natural curiosity with the Trixie Dog Activity Strategy Game – an interactive puzzle toy designed to stimulate and reward.

This game is shaped like a tower, with compartments that require your pup to figure out how to open them for treats inside. The durable plastic construction features non-slip rubber feet for stability during playtime, so it won’t easily tip over or slide around on slippery surfaces.

It also provides an adjustable level of difficulty by varying treat placement within the compartments; perfect for medium breed dogs who love puzzles!

The versatility of this game extends beyond just mental stimulation: many owners report their dog’s improved problem-solving skills after playing this strategy game regularly. Additionally, some customers have reported fewer destructive behaviors from their pups when they are given something stimulating and engaging to occupy themselves throughout the day while home alone.

However, there are some limitations – smaller breeds may find it too challenging due to its size and experienced doggos might be able to find all the treats quickly without much effort at all!

3. Bones Chews USA Roasted Marrow Bone Dog Treat

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Indulge your pup with the tasty Bones Chews USA Roasted Marrow Bone Dog Treat and watch them happily chew away for hours! Made in the USA, this long-lasting beef bone is free of artificial ingredients and slow-roasted to maintain moisture.

The natural marrow provides a meaty flavor dogs love while helping clean teeth and massage gums.

Some owners report quality issues like bones splitting or having little marrow, but most agree this affordable, minimally processed bone treat engages active chewers.

4. Stella Chewys Chicken Patties Freeze Dried Dog Food

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Though Stella & Chewy’s chicken patties contain 95% cage-free chicken, some dogs have digestive issues with the rich formula. Made in the USA, this commercial raw diet mimics a canine’s natural prey diet by using 95% cage-free chicken, organs, and bone with organic fruits and veggies.

Freeze-drying the patties makes this raw nutrition convenient while retaining more nutrients than kibble. Many dogs thrive on this limited ingredient, grain-free food. However, the high protein and fat content can lead to loose stools or diarrhea in some pups.

There are also some quality concerns – inconsistent patty textures, packaging issues, and reports of declining quality. Despite this, Stella & Chewy’s adheres to stricter standards than traditional kibble and provides minimally processed, meat-based nutrition.

5. Merrick Real Chicken Sweet Potato Grain Free Dry Dog Food

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Give your pup the nutrition they need with Merrick’s real chicken sweet potato grain-free dry dog food. Made from deboned chicken as its first ingredient, this formula is rich in protein and healthy fats to help support lean muscles, energy levels, and a shiny coat.

With added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health plus omega fatty acids for skin health, it offers complete nutritional balance tailored to meet your pet’s needs without any grains or fillers.

Plus, it contains no artificial colors or preservatives, so you can rest assured knowing that you are providing only the best quality ingredients to keep them healthy!

Reviews of this product are mixed; some pooches love it while others experience adverse reactions like diarrhea or vomiting after consuming the kibble.

6. American Journey Salmon Sweet Potato Dog Food

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Fuel your furry friend with American Journey Salmon Sweet Potato Dog Food and provide them with the nutrients they need for a healthy diet. This grain-free kibble contains deboned salmon as the first ingredient to support lean muscle mass, energy levels, and overall health.

It’s also full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote immune system strength, while Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids improve skin coat health.

Since it’s free from corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meals, there are no worries about common allergens setting off allergies or sensitivities in dogs either! Despite its quality ingredients, some customers reported their dogs becoming picky eaters after switching to this food, so you may want to introduce this slowly if that is a concern for you.

Others noted an unappealing smell, which could be attributed to the fish content. However, most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising both their pets’ improved appetite as well as shiny coats due to the increased nutrition provided by American Journey Salmon Sweet Potato Dog Food.

7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Grain Free Dog Food

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We fed it to our Border Collie anyway, but folks raved that Blue Buffalo’s grain-free salmon recipe seemed a hike in price. Though real deboned salmon is the first ingredient, and it’s a high-protein formula free of grains, the cost has steadily climbed.

Some report sacks now run $20 more per bag – a hit to the wallet for sure. However, fans insist it’s worth it, as the blend satisfies pups with hearty nutrition.

They praise the addition of LifeSource Bits packed with vitamins and minerals chosen by vets. While a few dogs turn up their nose at certain kibble, most seem to thrive with shinier coats and consistent energy.

Yet quality concerns linger, with scattered complaints of mold or rancid batches.

Despite misgivings, countless owners stand by this protein-rich, antioxidant-filled grub. For those willing to shell out, it may be just the ticket for their furry friend.

8. Victor Select Yukon River Dog Food

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Try Victor Select Yukon River Dog Food for a premium, fish-based formula featuring real deboned salmon. It is formulated with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids to support your pup’s digestive system and immune health.

This grain-free kibble is designed for dogs of all breed sizes – small, medium, or large – providing complete nutrition in every bite.

The VPRO blend has been specially created to ensure superior digestibility while promoting healthy immune function too. Selenium yeast helps enhance the bioavailability of important nutrients, while prebiotics assist with gut health as well as nutrient absorption from food sources.

9. CANIDAE Multi Protein Dog Food

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CANIDAE Multi-Protein Dog Food is a premium choice for your four-legged friend. It’s packed with high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish meals – just like the delicious meal you’d make at home.

This vet-formulated dry food provides complete nutrition suitable for dogs of all ages with multiple protein sources for strong muscles and energy levels.

Made in the USA, this 40-lb bag aims to support whole body health with added probiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.

10. Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy Dog Food

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Look at those tempting, irresistible chunks of fresh chicken your puppy can’t wait to devour! Orijen’s protein-packed recipe nourishes their growth beautifully. Crafted with up to 90% poultry and fish ingredients, like whole herring and mackerel, it delivers the proteins and fats needed for your puppy’s development and energy.

The first five ingredients are fresh and raw meats and fish for a diet mimicking their ancestral wolf diet. With non-GMO whole food grains like oats and lentils, this 4-pound bag provides balanced nutrition tailored for your puppy’s unique needs.

Eating Habits: How Much Food Does a Border Collie Need?

As an active herding breed, your Border Collie will likely need around 1,000 calories per day to fuel their high energy levels and maintain a healthy weight. Caloric needs vary by growth stage. Growing puppies up to 14 months old require about 1,400 calories daily, while adults should get 1,000-1,200 depending on size and activity level.

Senior dogs may only need 700-800 calories per day as they slow down in older age.

It’s important to adjust portion sizes accordingly for optimal nutrition without overfeeding. To ensure proper nutrition for your pup’s specific needs, it’s best to offer quality ingredients such as high protein (up to 50%) and healthy fats like fish oil or flaxseed meal with minimal carbs and artificial additives in the food you choose for them.

Consider health issues like joint problems when selecting dog foods too. Some brands provide added supplements tailored towards helping those pups who suffer from arthritis pain relief or other ailments related specifically with this breed type.

For all of these reasons, finding the right balance between diet quantity, quality ingredients, and exercise time can help keep your Border Collie happy at any age.

Choosing the Right Type of Food for Your Border Collie

When choosing the right food for your Border Collie puppy, be sure to select a high-protein formula. Border Collie puppies need a diet with at least 25% protein to support their rapid growth and development.

Protein requirements for puppies

You’ll want to feed your growing puppy dog food with at least 25% protein to support their development. Border collie puppies need more protein for growth during the first year. Look for puppy food with sources like chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, or fish for strong muscles.

Stick to breed-specific puppy diets with balanced nutrition, including amino acids for muscle growth and mobility. Monitor your pup’s body condition, energy, and stool quality. Adjust meal portions as they mature.

Consult your vet on the ideal protein sources and percentages for your border collie’s needs.

Choosing the right brand

When selecting food for your pup, consider brands like Ollie, Nom Nom, Honest Kitchen, and Farmer’s Dog that offer complete nutrition tailored to their unique needs. Compare each brand based on the nutritional analysis of ingredient quality and customer reviews.

Consider the price variations when making a decision as well. Look for real-food ingredients in the list, such as deboned chicken or fish meal, instead of generic animal byproducts that lack essential macronutrients for Border Collies’ growth and development.

Special dietary considerations

Depending on your Border Collie’s health needs, you’d better look for limited ingredient or allergen-friendly recipes.

If your dog suffers from food allergies or intolerances, look for a limited ingredient food made with novel proteins like duck, kangaroo, or venison.

Senior Border Collies need a high quality food with lower calories to help maintain a lean body mass and healthy joints as they age.

Weight management is crucial, as obesity strains joints. Use measured feedings of a weight control formula to keep your Border Collie fit.

Lastly, speak to your veterinarian about supplementing with probiotics or omega fatty acids to promote whole-body health for issues like skin allergies or hip dysplasia.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Food for Your Border Collie

When selecting the best dog food for your Border Collie, you’ll need to take into account their unique nutritional needs for optimal health and development. In particular, pay close attention to appropriate protein sources and levels, dietary fat content, carbohydrate ingredients, and the addition of supplements that support joint health in this energetic working breed.

Nutritional needs for collies

Tailoring a collie’s diet to their life stage supports healthy development and longevity. Puppy collies require about 25-30% protein from sources like chicken, turkey, and eggs to support growth. Adult collies need at least 18% protein for maintaining muscles and energy levels.

Senior collies may need more easily digestible options with glucosamine for joint health. Dietary allergies are common in the breed, so limited ingredient or grain-free foods may help. Keeping treat calories within their daily needs and matching food to activity levels optimizes nutrition at every life stage.

Health issues and considerations

You’ll want to keep that sensitive stomach in mind when choosing grub for your collie, or you’ll be cleaning up doggie disasters around the house all day.

• Consider common food allergies like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy. Avoid gluten.
• Supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
• Maintain ideal weight to prevent hip dysplasia.

Tailoring your border collie’s diet to its unique health needs will keep it active and feeling its best.

Recommended dog food brands

Or that Orijen truly nourishes spirited border collies. When choosing the right dog food for your border collie, consider nutrient-dense options such as Ollie, Nom Nom, Honest Kitchen, and Farmer’s Dog.

Merrick Real Chicken Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food provides glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, while Stella Chewy’s Chicken Patties Freeze-Dried Dog Food is ideal for those with sensitive stomachs.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon offers antioxidant protection, along with American Journey Salmon Sweet Potato recipe, which supports lean muscles without grains or fillers.

How to Choose the Best Puppy Dog Food for Border Collies

When it comes to choosing the best puppy dog food for Border Collies, understanding essential nutrients is key. Protein should be high (25%+), and healthy fats are important for skin, coat, and energy levels.

Avoid foods with excessive carbohydrates or artificial additives that can lead to health issues such as joint problems or allergies down the road.

Essential Nutrients for Growth

When selecting a diet for your pup, make sure to ensure it has the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. Protein sources should be high quality and easily digestible; look for those that are low in fat and carbohydrates while providing necessary vitamins and minerals.

A balanced diet is key – include nutritious fruits, vegetables, grains, fish oils/fish meal as well as supplements like glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate to improve nutrient absorption. Additionally, focus on puppy-specific diets which contain added calcium and phosphorus levels tailored towards their development needs.

Considering these tips when choosing food will provide all the essentials needed to promote optimal growth in your Border Collie!

Recommended Puppy Food Brands

Consider these well-rated puppy foods for Border Collies: Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s focus on quality meats and minimal processing; Nom Nom and Farmer’s Dog offer customized meal plans and delivery; while Merrick, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness Complete have balanced nutrition tailored for puppies’ growth needs.

A good diet is essential to ensure proper health in medium-sized dogs like the Border Collie. Look for protein sources such as fish or poultry with a nutrient balance that supports activity levels, exercise requirements, and joint health concerns.

Special Considerations for Health

As a Border Collie puppy, treat hip dysplasia early to prevent lasting health effects. Many Border Collies are prone to this joint issue, so provide supplements for cartilage and bone development. Feed premium food with balanced calcium for controlled growth to avoid skeletal problems.

Identify any food allergies triggering digestive upset. Manage portions to maintain an ideal weight and reduce future joint strain. Regular exercise also promotes joint health during development. With proactive nutritional care, your puppy can grow into an agile working dog.

Special Food Considerations for Border Collies

When choosing the best dog food for your active Border Collie, you’ll want to keep their joint health and possible food allergies in mind. Look for quality ingredients tailored to their high-energy needs that support healthy joints through added glucosamine and chondroitin, avoid problematic ingredients like corn and wheat, and provide oils for a lush, shiny coat.

Joint supplements for agility.

Sign up for an agility class and ask the instructor for supplement recommendations specific to your collie’s age and activity level.

• Glucosamine/chondroitin to support healthy joints.
• Fish oil for anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
• Vitamin E and selenium protect joint tissue.
• Joint supplements with green-lipped mussel extract provide collagen support.

When starting agility, partner with your vet on the ideal supplements to keep your energetic Border Collie happy and healthy during the increased activity. Adjust the dosage for your dog’s age and only purchase quality products recommended for sporting canines.

Allergy-friendly food options.

Listen up owners, paws down, keep those allergies at bay with Taste of the Wild’s grain-free venison and bison recipe. When Fido’s got food sensitivities, look to limited ingredient and novel protein foods.

Consider allergy testing or homemade recipes using unique proteins like duck, rabbit, or kangaroo.

Finding the right allergy-friendly food takes some trial and error. Focus on quality ingredients tailored to your pup’s needs. With the right diet, allergic reactions and skin issues can improve dramatically.

Impact of food on coat

Choosing the right food for your Border Collie can make a big difference in its coat health. Quality ingredients are essential, such as Victor Select Grain-Free Yukon River Canine Recipe with human-grade salmon and sweet potatoes.

Nutritional impact on skin and coat should be considered, including dietary factors like omega fatty acids from healthy fats or glucosamine/chondroitin for joint health.

Grooming tips also play a role. Brushing regularly to remove excess hair and dirt helps keep the fur soft and shiny. Bathing removes any dirt residue left behind after eating certain foods or playing outside.

With these considerations in mind, selecting quality nutrition is key to keeping that gorgeous Border Collie coat looking great!

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Border Collies: What to Look For

As the proud owner of a Border Collie, you’ll want to ensure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Protein is essential for strong muscle growth, but health issues and food allergies should also be taken into account when selecting dog food.

The choice between dry or wet food can be confusing; consider which type best fits your pup’s lifestyle before deciding on a brand.

Protein requirements for growth.

You’ll nurture normal growth by providing protein. Border Collie puppies require high-protein nutrition for development. Look for puppy foods with approximately 25-30% protein from quality animal sources like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.

Avoid excessive plant proteins. Read labels to verify the protein content as first ingredients. Meat meals and whole meat pieces supply amino acids for building lean muscle mass. Monitor your puppy’s daily calorie intake specific to its age and activity level.

Excess weight gain strains joints. Refrain from overfeeding high-protein kibble.

Health issues and allergies.

Consider health issues like hip dysplasia and food sensitivities when selecting the optimal diet. Border Collies are prone to hip dysplasia, so choose dog food fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Look for limited ingredient, grain-free formulas to avoid triggering food allergies or intolerances. Fish, potato, and duck tend to be allergy-friendly proteins. A vet can help determine any dietary restrictions needed for conditions like colitis and collie eye anomaly.

Carefully managing allergies and health problems through nutrition supports your Border Collie’s lifelong wellbeing.

Dry vs. wet food

Dig into whether dry or wet dog food is better for your Border Collie’s unique needs and preferences.

When choosing between dry and wet foods, consider your pup’s age, activity level, dental health, digestibility, and budget. Dry kibble is often more affordable, with some dental benefits, but may lack moisture for senior pups.

Canned wet foods offer softer textures and increased hydration, yet can cost more and quickly spoil after opening.

Mixing both dry and wet foods may provide balanced nutrition. Look at ingredients over cost, and monitor energy, coat, weight, and stool to find the ideal dry vs wet ratio for your Collie’s lifestyle and taste.