The Ultimate Guide to Border Collie Diet: Commercial and Homemade Foods

What is the right Border Collie diet for your puppy or senior friend? Read on to find out.

When it comes to your Border Collie’s health, one of the main factors to consider is his diet. A well balanced and healthy meal will help improve your Collie’s mood, energy and health. This will, in turn, extend their life expectancy. The problem with most dog foods available in the market is that they are of poor quality.

Many dog food manufactures put a lot of artificial additives. These additives need to be bleached to be free of disease and bacteria. The manufacturers get away with selling such food to the public because it is only dog food. This makes the standards that qualify it as “food” very questionable.

That is not all.

For the food to be preserved, the manufacturers must put additive and preservative. Most additives and preservatives used on dog food are known to cause cancer and other health difficulties. However, since manufacturers claim that they only add “very small amounts that cannot have any effect”, they get away with it. Their claims may not be true because cancer has been found to be the number one cause for death of dogs over the age of ten years.

Be careful with the food you feed your Border Collie. Make sure that it is of high quality and has very little fillers, additives and preservatives. It is even be a better if you cook for your Border Collie at home. The food will need to be well balanced as well as have all the required nutrients for your dog’s health and proper growth.

Border Collie Diet

With that said, here are the best foods for border collies:

Commercial Foods for Border Collies

1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food – This food is made with fresh, regional ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. It has a high protein content of 38%, and a low carbohydrate content of 20%. It’s recommended for Border Collies due to their high energy levels and need for protein.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – This food is made with high-quality protein from real meat, fish, or poultry, and contains wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits. It has a protein content of 24%, which is suitable for the average Border Collie. It’s recommended for Border Collies who need a balanced diet.
3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe – This food is made with real roasted bison and roasted venison, along with other protein sources. It’s grain-free and contains sweet potatoes and peas for energy. It has a protein content of 32%, making it ideal for active Border Collies.
4. Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe – This food is made with real deboned beef as the first ingredient, along with sweet potatoes and peas for energy. It’s grain-free and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It has a protein content of 38%, making it suitable for Border Collies who need a high-protein diet.
5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food – This food is made with high-quality protein sources, such as deboned chicken and chicken meal, along with wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables. It contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. It has a protein content of 26%, making it suitable for Border Collies who need a balanced diet.
6. ACANA Regionals Meadowland Formula – Made by the same company as Orijen, ACANA Regionals Meadowland Formula features a similar list of high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients, including free-run chicken, turkey, and duck, along with wild-caught fish. It also has a high protein content of 33% and a low carbohydrate content of 29%.
7. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast – Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast is made with high-quality bison meal and lamb meal, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. It has a protein content of 34% and a carbohydrate content of 30%.
8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Formula – Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Formula is made with high-quality deboned turkey and chicken meal, along with a blend of superfoods like spinach and kale. It has a protein content of 34% and a low carbohydrate content of 29%.
9. Canidae Grain-Free PURE Meadow – Canidae Grain-Free PURE Meadow features a blend of fresh lamb and lamb meal, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. It has a protein content of 32% and a low carbohydrate content of 30%.

Homemade Food for Border Collies

Many Border Collie owners prefer to feed their pets homemade food as it allows them to have control over the ingredients and ensure their furry friend is eating a balanced diet. While it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making any changes to your dog’s diet, here are some homemade food options for Border Collies that provide a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

1. Homemade Chicken and Brown Rice – Cook boneless chicken breasts and brown rice separately, then mix them together in a bowl with some cooked vegetables such as carrots or green beans. This recipe provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. This is one of the best foods for border collie puppies.
2. Beef and Sweet Potato Stew – Cook some lean beef and sweet potatoes in a pot with water until tender, then mash them together to make a stew. This recipe is high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
3. Salmon and Quinoa – Cook some fresh salmon and quinoa separately, then mix them together in a bowl with some cooked vegetables like kale or spinach. This recipe is high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
4. Turkey and Pumpkin – Cook some ground turkey and canned pumpkin in a pan until cooked through, then mix them together in a bowl with some cooked brown rice. This recipe is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
5. Lamb and Barley Stew – Cook some lamb and barley in a pot with water until tender, then mix them together in a bowl with some cooked vegetables like carrots or peas. This recipe is high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
6. Tuna and Brown Rice – Cook some canned tuna and brown rice separately, then mix them together in a bowl with some cooked vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower. This recipe is high in protein and fiber.
7. Cottage Cheese and Sweet Potato – Mix some cottage cheese and cooked sweet potatoes together in a bowl, then add a few cooked vegetables like green beans or carrots. This recipe is low in fat and high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Remember, homemade dog food should be nutritionally balanced and meet the dietary needs of your Border Collie. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure that the homemade meals meet all of your dog’s nutritional requirements. The professional will also advise you on the common border collie food allergies to be on the lookout for.

Benefits of a Healthy and Balanced Diet for Your Border Collie

• Good Mood – Your Border Collie will feel better during the day only if he is fed high quality food. He will be more playful, energetic and happier if his diet has all the required nutrients.
• Shiny and Healthy Coat – Excessive shedding can sometimes be caused by a poor diet. If you feed your Border Collie with the right food, you’ll notice that his coat will become shinier. The Collie will also look a lot healthier.
• Fewer Health Problems – If your Collie is always sick and your vet expenses are quite high, it could possibly be caused by the kind of food you are feeding him. If your dog has a poor diet, his body will have a difficult time fighting bacteria and other diseases.
• Improved learning and Better memory – Your dog’s diet plays a major role in his ability to learn new skills and tricks as well as remembering them. A well balanced and nutritious meal will help improve your Collie’s memory, making it easier for you to train him.

Conclusion

As a Border Collie owner, it’s important to provide your furry friend with a balanced and nutritious diet to ensure their health and wellbeing. Whether you choose to feed your Border Collie commercial food or homemade food, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure that their dietary needs are being met.

Orijen Original Dry Dog Food and other commercial foods like ACANA Regionals Meadowland Formula, Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast, Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Formula, and Canidae Grain-Free PURE Meadow are all high-quality options that can provide your Border Collie with the necessary nutrients to support their overall health.

If you prefer to make homemade Border Collie diet, be sure to research and carefully select ingredients that provide a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. With the right diet and proper care, your Border Collie can thrive and live a long and healthy life by your side.