Border Collies are dogs that were meant to be herding canines. This is why they need to have nutrients in order to stay active and fit.
In line with this, you may be looking for the best dog food for Border Collies so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
There can be many dog foods out there but do you know which one is the best for your breed?
After all, not all breeds are the same, and some of them may have underlying health problems and concerns that you need to address.
For example, some dog breeds are more prone to joint problems while some usually get bad breath or coat issues.
The Border Collie is usually a breed that requires a lot of joint health since they are prone to such issues when they overwork or get too much activity. This is also true when the Border Collie has reached their senior years.
Always remember to check the label first before buying good dog food for your Border Collie. It’s best to avoid those with unnecessary fillers and consider raw and nutrient-rich meat for their daily diet.
This is because there are certain ingredients that can become an allergen for dogs or could disrupt their digestive tract.
By ensuring that you choose the right dog food for your specific breed, you can give them the best nutrition so that they’ll live longer and live happier and healthier with their owner.
Our Top Picks for Best Dog Food for Border Collies
ACANA Regionals Protein Rich
We chose this dog food for your Border Collie above the rest because it is high in protein and is gluten-free for dogs with sensitivities.
It is only made with fresh and/or raw ingredients, such as grass-fed lamb and cage-free eggs.
The ingredients are all sustainably-obtained or harvested. It also includes up to 30% veggies so that your dog can have a balanced diet.
Each ingredient is delivered within 48 hours of harvesting to ensure its freshness. It is also not just pure meat – it also includes a plethora of organs, bone, and cartilage, which can be important for your Border Collie’s joint health as well.
It is also free of synthetic additives and any fillers (that may be detrimental to their health) so your dog only gets nutritious ingredients that are rich in proteins.
Along with that, it also has equal amounts of calcium, minerals, carbohydrates, and omega fatty acids for coat health.
Calcium can be important to help with your dog’s joint health and bones.
Pros
- Rich in protein
- Sustainably-obtained ingredients
- Has calcium and other minerals
- Contains organs, bone, and cartilage
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Can be a bit on the pricey side
Purina Pro Plan SPORT Formula Dry Dog Food
Since the Border Collie is a sporty dog that is usually active, we picked this one due to its protein content, which comes from salmon as a meat source.
It also contains 30% protein and 20% fat for added energy during their daily activities.
For dogs with joint problems, the EPA and glucosamine can be helpful ingredients to maintain their bones and joints.
Real salmon is the first ingredient so you can be sure that it has nutrients that are of high quality.
It also has a number of nutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin A, calcium, and ascorbic acid for immunity.
It also helps optimize your dog’s oxygen metabolism, which can be important for sporting dogs that are often running and catching their breath.
This means it can also be ideal for a Border Collie that is a show dog or joining competitions frequently.
It can be given to dogs of all life stages, from puppies, adults, to seniors.
Purina is a trusted brand and is a budget-friendly dog food that you can buy if you need to budget your daily expenses for your dog. The dog food is available in sizes of 6 lbs. and 33 lbs.
Pros
- Good source of protein
- Has glucosamine for your dog’s joint health
- Ideal for sporting and competitive dogs
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Okay for all life stages
Cons
- May contain some grains
Healthy Dogma Pet Mix Chicken Dinner
As a homemade dog food with chicken as the first ingredient, it can be a good source of protein for your Border Collie.
Since it has glucosamine, it can be good for your dog’s joint health and bones, especially if they are often active and out on the field. Its chondroitin also helps with their bone health along with glucosamine, especially for senior dogs.
It also has probiotics, which can help your dog fight diseases and illnesses since their immune system can be strengthened.
It is made with natural dog food ingredients, such as apples, carrots, flax meal, and whole eggs, so it’s not all meat.
The bag can be ordered in two sizes: 2 lbs. and 10 lbs. depending on how many dogs you have and/or how old your dog is.
It is also gluten-free so dogs with digestive upsets could easily eat it up with less or no problems at all.
The dog food can be mixed with any meat, chicken, or fish that you have for your dog to chow down, along with 1.5 cups of water per 1 cup of pet mix.
Pros
- Has glucosamine and chondroitin for bone/joint health
- Contains a health mix of apples and other ingredients
- Available in 2 bag sizes
- Can be easily mixed with any dog food
- Good source of protein
Cons
- A bit pricey for a food topper
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food
From a well-trusted brand, Blue Buffalo, this chicken, and brown rice recipe can be enjoyed by your Border Collie due to its rich taste and real meat as the first ingredient.
It also has veggies and fruits for a well-balanced diet for your dog. You can order it in different sizes, such as 6 lbs., 15 lbs., and 30 lbs.
Since it is packed with carbohydrates, it can be ideal for a Border Collie that is often doing different activities each day or is sporty in general.
The Life Source bits can also add a crunch to your dog’s meal while also having vitamins and minerals.
Brown rice is a healthy alternative for simple carbohydrates, which can be better for your dog instead of the regular ones.
It also has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can benefit your dog’s coat and skin.
For dogs with corn, wheat, and soy, it doesn’t contain those. It also has no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Pros
- Balanced ingredients (meat, veggies, fruits)
- Has Life Source bits
- Available in different sized bags
- Contains complex and healthy carbohydrates
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Cons
- Can be a bit pricier than other brands
Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food – Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable
For dogs that want kibble in a budget-friendly brand, this one can be for them. It can be okay for the Border Collie due to containing a balanced diet made with veggies and roasted chicken.
The chicken is a good source of protein while the vegetables can also help their skin and coat, as well as the immune system.
Each bag contains 33 lbs. of kibble which also has a mix of peas and carrots. It has no artificial flavors, added sugars, corn syrup, and other additives that may not be helpful for your dog.
It also has antioxidants and vitamin E for their immune system as well as coat health. Because it is in kibble form, it won’t easily get expired compared to canned dog food.
It can also keep their teeth clean due to the oral properties when they chew it. This can be helpful for Border Collies that have issues with their teeth and mouth, such as bad breath and gum problems.
Since it is budget-friendly, it can be daily dog food for your Border Collie and can also benefit you if you have a lot of dogs to feed at home.
Pros
- Budget-friendly for most pet owners
- Contains veggies such as peas and carrots
- Sufficient proteins due to the roasted chicken
- Has vitamin E for their immune system
- Can keep your dog’s teeth clean
Cons
- May contain soybean meal
Things to Consider Before You Buy
On a Border Collie’s dog food, you should consider the following factors first:
What nutrients should I look for in a Border Collie’s dog food?
Different nutrients are important in a Border Collie, such as the following:
- Calcium. Border Collies need calcium because they need to have healthy joints since they are working dogs. They are at a greater risk of injury due to this physical demand and that’s why calcium is an important part of their diet.
- Protein. As with all dogs, protein is a must-have in their diet. Consider meat products that are ethically-sourced and are packed with nutrients. Don’t go for ones that have fillers and questionable ingredients or packaging.
- Carbohydrates. Because the Border Collie is such an active breed, they need all the carbs that they can get so they don’t get fatigued throughout the day. Consider high-quality grains instead of filler grains that might cause them digestive upsets.
How many calories does a Border Collie need?
The Border Collie needs about 700 to 1,400 calories a day depending on their age and lifestyle.
Usually, those who work out on the field may require a lot more than usual due to their highly active routine.
Senior dogs should get lower amounts to avoid obesity and other health problems arising in the future.
Kibble (dry) vs. canned (wet) dog food
Are you worried about whether to get kibble or canned food for your dog? Get this – dry food or kibble is best for quick snacks but you should at least stock up on canned food once in a while.
It is true that wet dog food doesn’t last very long compared to kibble in terms of shelf life, but wet food can also be nutritious when it comes down to your dog’s health since wet dog food has more moisture, which can make it easier for your dog to digest their food.
Ingredients to avoid (or lessen)
Dog food should not contain any of the following (or at least less of it):
- Food coloring, usually found in commercial dog food
- BHA and BHT, also known as preservatives that could sometimes cause cancer
- Propylene glycol, which can be poisonous to dogs in large amounts
- Meat by-products from unknown sources
- Low-quality grains such as corn and wheat
- Gluten, especially if your dog is allergic to gluten
Conclusion
To wrap it up, we chose the ACANA Regionals Protein-Rich as the best dog food for Border Collies because it is rich in protein, which is needed by your dog, and it is also made with sustainably-obtained ingredients to keep your dog away from unwanted diseases from unknown sources of meat or by-products.
It also has calcium and other minerals so your Border Collie can stay strong against joint and bone problems. Other than that, it contains organs, bone, and cartilage and it is also gluten-free.
While it can be a bit pricey for some owners, we think it’s a worthy investment if you truly care for your canine friend and his/her nutrition.
We also chose the other brands here in this review article because of the nutrients that they have, specifically protein, calcium, and sufficient carbohydrates that are enough for working dogs such as the Border Collie.
Remember that choosing good dog food can mean a lot in your dog’s health regardless of breed.
Make sure to read the labels and check whether it is age-appropriate for your Border Collie before you buy. We hope that this guide can help you pick out the right dog food for your buddy.
