7 Best Dog Foods for Border Collies

Border Collies are an extremely smart, beautiful, active, and highly energetic breed. They need plenty of exercise to remain active and healthy, Which means they need nutrient-rich food to maintain their energy level. High protein and higher calorie diets are important in their feed. In this article, we’ve reviewed some best dog foods for border collies.

7 Best Dog Foods for Border Collies
7 Best Dog Foods for Border Collies

Best Dog Food for Border Collies Reviewed

All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.


1. ACANA Red Meat Recipe, Grain-free Dry Dog Food

ACANA Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Red Meat Recipe, 25lb
  • One (1) 25 lb bag of ACANA Grain Free* Red Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients:  Beef, Deboned Pork, Beef Meal, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 29% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 3,405 kcal/kg, 388 kcal/cup
  • Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free, Natural, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Raw, Premium

Border Collies are known to be athletic breed but, if your breed is much more active and constantly exercising then they’ll need more protein and calories to keep fit and healthy.

Such as ACANA is specially designed for this type of dog. 60% protein-rich, animal ingredients in it. High deficiency of protein and key nutrients make it a very healthy diet food. This recipe is free of artificial flavors, and colors which means your Border Collie gets fresh and healthy food.

Pros
  • A complete and balanced diet
  • Protein-rich formula
  • Meat flavor
  • No artificial flavors, colors
Cons
  • It’s pricey

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb
  • REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 3,618 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup
  • Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain, Natural

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was designed for maintaining a healthy diet for your Border Collie. Real meat is the first and main ingredient of this food, Chicken meat contains high-quality protein which helps the dog build and maintain healthy muscles.

Addition of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients and contains vitamins and minerals.

Calcium and phosphorus are also given support for strong bones and teeth. Most of the owners of Adult dogs prefer this product for our Labs.

Pros
  • A complete and balanced diet
  • Protein-rich formula
  • Added Calcium and
  • phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
Cons
  • Some dogs spit out the LifeSource Bits

 3. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dog Food

Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food, Made in USA with Real Meat & Natural Ingredients, All Breeds, Adult Dogs (Turkey & Chicken, 26-lb) With Nutrients for Immune, Skin, & Coat Support
  • GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food, with guaranteed levels of all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Lentils,
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 3,698 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup
  • Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein, Natural

This product gives Natural Nutrition to your Border Collies. This premium formula is designed for athletic dogs.

Wellness CORE Dog Food is made with a high concentration of protein from fresh meat ingredients. It includes glucosamine to support joint health and omega-3 fatty acids for coat health.

Fruits and veggies provide flavor, as well as essential nutrients that keep your dog strong, and healthy. Reviews show that the Owner of the Adult dogs recommended this food as a premium nutrient.

Pros
  • A complete and balanced diet
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Protein-rich
  • Grain-free
Cons
  • Pricey

4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

Sale
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken & Barley Recipe, 4 lb. Bag
  • This adult dry dog food promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
  • A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 394 kcal/cup
  • Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: Sensitive Digestion, With Grain

This is a special diet for the large breed to maintain health while nourishing the skin.

This food is made with real chicken and contains prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion.

 Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids are added to promote healthy skin.

 Some common allergies that Border Collies experience include allergies to wheat, pork, and soy, as well as grass. The veterinarian will recommend a food made with sensitivities in mind.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin dog food comes highly recommended by the veterinarian.

Pros
  • Real chicken
  • prebiotic fiber (helps with digestion)
  • Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin & coat.
Cons
  • Some dogs don’t like the taste

5. IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food

IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 30 lb. Bag
  • Adult Dry Dog Food: Give your dog the nutrition they need in the small kibble size they prefer, with real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient to promote strong muscles with premium-sourced protein

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 3838 kcal ME/kg, 418 kcal ME/Cup
  • Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: High-Protein, With Grain

Real farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, Rich in protein and lower in fat and calories. It’s a great choice if your Collie is a bit overweight.

Addition of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Natural fiber and prebiotics are added for healthy digestion.

This product is Enriched with antioxidants to help maintain a strong immune system.

Wholesome grains provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy.

However, This dog food does contain grains, which some dogs can be allergic to, so avoid this food if your dog has any type of allergen.

Pros
  • Real chicken
  • prebiotic fiber (helps with digestion)
  • omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin & coat.
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Cause allergies

6. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Food

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Large Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag
  • Contains one (1) 30 lb. bag of NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 3562 kcal/kg, 346 kcal/cup
  • Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free, Natural, Molasses-Free, Non-GMO

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Food is made with high-quality ingredients and is a rich source of protein. It contains Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon which provide 22%crude protein. It’s very necessary for muscle growth and nourishment. It provides healthy fat to protect your Collies waterproof coat.

Additionally, This product is a superfood blend that uses several fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, blueberries, kale, coconut, and carrots which have a high concentration of vitamins without excess calories.

This dog food is an excellent diet for Border Collies. But the kibble is relatively less compared to other breed food brands.

Pros
  • Real chicken,lamb and salmon
  • Fruits and vegges
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Cons
  • Pricey

7. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low Calorie Dry Dog Food Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas & Oatmeal, 5 Pounds (Packaging May Vary)
  • CHICKEN MEAL IS THE FIRST INGREDIENT providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Peas, oat groats and barley are included as a healthy and rich source of fiber for digestive health; Contains (1) 5-Pound Bag

Main features –

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Peas, Oat Groats
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 7.5% Crude Fat, 10.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Caloric Content: 3070 kcal/kg, 315 kcal/cup
  • Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Key Feature: Weight Control, With Grain

This food gives a special protein and fiber blend to help your dog lose weight, without sacrificing on protein or flavor.

The higher protein and fiber percentages help to main their body weight.

Carrots, spinach, and parsley are added to this food which promotes a healthy smile and fresh breath.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 also give support healthy brain function, a shiny coat, and heart health which keeps our dog active, healthy, and strong.

Pros
  • The Low-calorie formula helps maintain weight
  • Wholesome grains support digestion
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Cons
  • Some customers reported dogs being hungry and eating more than usual

Buyer’s Guide – Finding The Best Dog Food for Your Border Collie

When we are searching for the right food for our border collie, there are a few things to keep in mind that give better nourishment and diet to our pet and prevent any kind of problem.

Ingredients

Ingredients are the most important things to consider when choosing dog food. A balanced diet includes protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and vitamins, and minerals. Artificial ingredients should be avoided.

Protein

Meat-based Proteins are necessary for keeping them healthiest. Protein provides essential amino acids that help build strong muscles that are the reason when we choose the best food for our dog at least the top three ingredients should be meat-based proteins.

That doesn’t mean that dog food should only contain meat, as plant ingredients are also an important part of your dog’s diet.

Vitamins And Minerals

Calcium is an important ingredient for dogs to keep their bones strong. Fruit and veggies provide fiber as well as various vitamins and nutrients that help your dog maintain a healthy immune system, digestive system, or skin.

Carbohydrates

Border Collies will need carbohydrates to support their activity level. The general consensus is that about 20% of their daily calorie intake should be from carbohydrates. Potatoes and sweet potatoes, rice, or whole grain oats are higher quality carbohydrate sources. 

Price

Finally, you’ll need to consider the price of dog food as well as how many dogs you have. What is your budget? You want to make sure that it is sustainable as far as your ability to pay for it. If your budget is not too high. You don’t want to buy expensive dog food.

That’s why in this list, we’ve provided dog food suggestions of different price ranges so that you have plenty of options when it comes to your budget.


FAQ About Border Collie Dog Food

How often should I feed my Border Collie?

Most of the dogs do well on 2 to 3 feedings a day. Of course, remember to follow nutrition guidelines and don’t overfeed or underfeed your Border Collie.

Should I give them grain-free diets?

If your Collie doesn’t have any allergies to grains they may do well with a diet that includes them. It’s all about how you want to feed them.

Can I give raw food to my border collie?

Dogs have been domesticated over hundreds of years, There’s no harm in trying a raw diet, but talk to your dog’s veterinarian first.

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