Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Border Collies: Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food
“Collies often suffer from eye-related health problems and this dog food contains Vitamin A supplements that enhances and improves your dog’s vision. The limited ingredient formula also helps prevent any common allergens while providing the proper nourishment your border collie needs.”
Best For Active Collies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
“If you have a highly active pup, you need to give him a diet that doesn’t only meet his daily energy requirements but also strengthen his hip and joints, and this dry dog food is exactly what you need.”
Best Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
“When it comes to budget options, it doesn’t get any better than the Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food. It is a complete, well-balanced, and tasty dog food that’s available at a fraction of the price of premium dog foods.”
Border Collies are typically an active and healthy breed, but they’re not entirely exempted from some health risks. They’re particularly susceptible to eye-related problems such as Collie Eye anomaly, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. They’re also known to suffer from some mild food allergies.
Fortunately, these health issues can be prevented by providing your Border Collie a diet that does not only meet their daily nutritional requirements but also support their other functions. Foods with added Vitamin A supplements or DHA are the best dog food for border collies.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Border Collies
- 1. Canidae Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 2. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
- 4. Orijen Dry Puppy Food
- 5. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- 6. Orijen Grain Free Dog Treats
- 7. Wellness Core Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 8. Wellness Core Grain Free Senior Dog Food
- 9. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 1. Canidae Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Key Elements to Consider When Choosing the Best Food for Border Collies
- Common Health Problems for Border Collies
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food For Border Collies
Here are the best dog food for Border Collies that provide a well-rounded diet and includes added supplements:
- Best Overall for Border Collies: Canidae Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Active Border Collies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
- Best for Border Collie Puppies: Orijen Dry Puppy Food
- Best for Muscle Support: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- Best Treat for Border Collies: Orijen Grain Free Dog Treats
- Premium Option: Wellness Core Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best for Senior Collies: Wellness Core Grain Free Senior Dog Food
- Best for Collies with Kidney issue: Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
1. Canidae Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Border Collies: Limited ingredient formulation with Vitamin A supplements
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PROS
- Various tasty flavors to choose from (mostly without chicken or chicken products)
- Limited ingredient, grain free formula to avoid common allergens
- Added probiotics and antioxidants for easy digestion and immune system boost
- Vitamin A supplements to fortify eye health
CONS
- Not the most affordable, but in the average range for limited ingredient foods
Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is an excellent meal to provide your Border Collie, especially if he’s suffering from food sensitivities. But even if he doesn’t, your little pooch can still benefit from the limited ingredient formulation of this grain free dog food. It is a complete diet in itself so your dog can get the nourishment he needs while avoiding food ingredients that are considered to be common allergens.
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Fewer than 10 Ingredients
The fewer ingredients there are in your pet’s food, the lesser the chance there is that they’ll react badly to them. Besides, there is really no need to load up your dog’s meal with a bunch of ingredients if they’re already getting what they need with just the few ingredients found in a limited ingredient diet.
This dog food contains premium quality ingredients that are not just added to improve the flavor and texture of your dog’s food but they also provide vitamins and minerals. It even has a probiotic mix that helps the good bacteria in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract which regulates easy digestion.
2. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Active Border Collies: High protein and fat content providing sufficient energy for your energetic pup
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PROS
- Premium quality protein and fat sources providing concentrated energy for your active Border Collie
- Significant amount of glucosamine and chondroitin to fortify hip and joints
- No chicken or poultry products that may trigger allergies in sensitive dogs
- High Omega fatty acid content for improved skin and coat health
CONS
- This food is a little pricey compared to others
Border Collies are quite active in general, but some pups just want to play all day long. Extra active border collies need a high protein and high fat diet like the Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food. It’s packed with quality, all-natural ingredients that provides your pooch with the energy he needs while building strength and immunity against diseases.
38% protein content and 15% fat is well within the range of recommended amount for Border Collies. It’s closer to the upper threshold, though, so you can guarantee it provides more than what a regular Border Collie needs in terms of energy.
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Premium Quality Ingredients
The main protein sources consist of deboned beef, lamb, and salmon meal. They’re combined with peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes which are great carbohydrates sources, sustaining your dog’s energy throughout the day. It does not include chicken or chicken products, making it an ideal food for collies who are sensitive to chicken.
Stronger hip and joints
There’s a good amount of glucosamine and chondroitin in this dog food which goes a long way in keeping their hip and joints strong as they mature. The high protein count also ensures proper muscle development and maintenance.
3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
Best Value for Money: impressive ingredient list for a dog food at this price range
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PROS
- Premium quality ingredients at an extremely affordable price
- Added supplements such as glucosamine and L-carnitine
- Good amount of protein and fat to supply enough energy
- Great Omega fatty acid levels for boosting skin and coat health
CONS
- Not suitable for pups who are sensitive to chicken
If you want a perfect blend of quality and affordability, the Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food is a high-protein, high-fat, high-calorie diet that you can get for an extremely low price.
The main ingredient is chicken meal which is a great protein source. It provides most of the protein content in this dog food which is at 32%. White rice and barley are the main carbohydrate sources. There are also antioxidant and probiotic-loaded fruits and vegetables including kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, quinoa, blueberries, oranges, and coconut. Chicken fat and flaxseed provide the 25% fat content, which is higher than most dog foods at this price point.
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Added supplements
There is a significant amount of glucosamine and chondroitin in this dry dog food that keeps your Border Collie’s joints healthy and tough. The Omega fatty acids content is one of the highest on the market, which isn’t just great for digestion but also keeps their skin and coat healthy. The chelated minerals are added to support proper digestion of food, something that collies with sensitive stomachs can really benefit from. There’s also L-carnitine, a substance that helps with energy regulation and improves metabolism.
4. Orijen Dry Puppy Food
Best for Border Collie Puppies: Biologically appropriate diet for growing puppies
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PROS
- Contains DHA and EPA for proper eyes and brain development
- Great calcium/phosphorus ratio to promote healthy bone growth
- Premium quality ingredients loaded with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Biologically appropriate nourishment for dogs who need support for growth and development
CONS
- Contains chicken
- Somewhat expensive
The Orijen Dry Puppy Food is a high-calorie, high-protein and fat, nutrient-dense dog food. It is filled to the brim with the healthiest, premium quality ingredients. This is a biologically appropriate food that replicates the diet that dogs typically eat in the wild. It only uses all-natural meat, fruits, vegetables, and does not contain anything artificial in its list of ingredients.
It contains 85% animal ingredients and 15% fruits and vegetables for an extremely well-rounded meal. 38% protein content and 16% fat is a good number that will help sustain your pup’s daily energy requirement while making sure his muscles grow strong and lean.
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Formulated Especially for Puppies
Your growing pup needs specific nutrients that support development. Glucosamine and chondroitin keeps their tiny joints strong and healthy as their frame grows. Calcium and phosphorus are added to maintain strong bones. Omega fatty acids are also needed to make sure their skin is properly moisturized and their coat is well taken care of.
The addition of DHA and EPA is what makes this dog food a highly recommended diet for your Border Collie puppy. These are essential nutrients that are crucial in your pup’s growth and development. DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain and having it in your puppy’s food will help improve their brain function. EPA is necessary in improving your pup’s eyesight.
5. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Best for Muscle Support: High quality protein sources with an incredible amino acid profile for maintaining strong and lean muscles
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PROS
- High protein (32%) and fat (18%) which provides energy and muscle support
- High calorie content at 370 calories per cup
- Multiple premium quality protein sources
- Grain free dog food with veggies and fruits providing fiber and antioxidants
CONS
- No glucosamine and chondroitin, so you will need to supplement
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food uses real meat, which is incredibly high in protein, as its main ingredient. This makes the bones and joints strong while making sure the muscles grow healthy and lean. It’s loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients – high quality fruits, vegetables, and superfoods.
This dog food also contains species-specific K9 Strain probiotics which is combined with probiotics and antioxidants that does not only support healthy digestion but also provides immune boost.
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Pasture-raised meat sources
The protein found in this dog food is highly concentrated and sourced from pasture-raised bison and venison. The quality of ingredients that go into it is impeccable, making sure your dog gets only the best food to nourish and protect him from any disease.
6. Orijen Grain Free Dog Treats
Best Treat for Border Collies: Delicious, nutrient-dense treats for training your pup
PROS
- Extremely concentrated protein content
- Fun and tasty flavors to choose from
- Naturally preserved, freeze-dried treats that retain flavor and nutrients
- Low calorie treats so your pup won’t gain extra weight
CONS
- Low in calories, so if you’re using them as a calorie supplement you will need to feed them plenty! (5 calories per treat)
Training your Border Collie is a fun and productive way to spend the time you have together. As they are typically more energetic than other pups, it might take more than simple treats to make them pay attention. These freeze dried treats from Orijen is an effective motivator when training your dog.
Not only will they love its raw flavor, it’s also going to supply them with amazing nutrients to supplement their daily meal.
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High protein, low calorie treat
Each treat contains about 5 calories so it doesn’t matter if you feed your pup with lots of these, you don’t have to worry about them gaining weight. It’s incredibly high in protein, though, at 45%. It’s a wonderful supplement especially for growing pups who needs a concentrated protein source for optimum muscle growth and development. But it is not recommended for dogs who are suffering from kidney and liver issues as it may aggravate their condition.
Freeze drying is an amazing way of preserving your dog’s food, keeping its flavor and nutrients without using any artificial preservatives that may cause allergies in your pup.
7. Wellness Core Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: Incredibly high quality ingredients packed full of nutrients and minerals
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PROS
- Great protein and fat content that’s ideal for Border Collies
- Amazing Calcium/Phosphorus ratio to keep your pup’s bones strong and healthy
- High levels of omega fatty acids to maintain your dog’s skin and coat health
- With added glucosamine and chondroitin that strengthens hip and joints
CONS
- Low in calories, so if you’re using them as a calorie supplement you will need to feed them plenty! (5 calories per treat)
There is no disputing the quality of ingredients that go into this food. A combination of real meat and meat meal as the main ingredients make up the highly concentrated amino acid profile of this dog food. These protein sources are sourced fresh and processed such that it retains its flavor and nutrients.
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Health-promoting ingredients
Aside from the premium protein sources found in this dog food, it also contains quality fruits and vegetables such as peas, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries, all of which contain plenty of nutrients and have antioxidant properties.
It also contains beta carotene which ends up being stored as Vitamin A in your dog’s body. It helps improve their eyesight and protects them from any eye-related health issue that plagues their breed. Glucosamine can also be found in significant amounts in this food which helps keep their hip and joints tough.
8. Wellness Core Grain Free Senior Dog Food
Best for Senior Collies: Contains senior-specific recipe that supports your aging Border Collie
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PROS
- Amazing levels of Omega fatty acids for additional skin and coat support
- Great calcium/phosphorus ratio to keep the bones strong
- Grain free formula which is ideal for seniors who need extra digestive support
- High protein food for senior collies who are still active
CONS
- High in protein, so may not be best for inactive pups
- Slightly pricey
Wellness Core Grain Free Senior Dog Food is a thoughtful mix of real meat, meat meal and other healthy, easily digestible fruits and vegetables, specifically formulated for senior dogs.
It is fairly high in protein and rich in antioxidants, perfect for senior collies who are still active and needs additional muscle support and protection from diseases. It contains 12% fat which is easily metabolized even for your slightly less active pup.
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Senior-specific nutrition
As your border collie gets older, his bones and joints are more prone to strain from general wear and tear. Fortunately, there’s a good amount of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin in this food that keeps their joints strong. You can also find a good calcium/phosphorus ratio in this food that maintains strong and healthy bones.
9. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Collies with Kidney Issues: A low-protein diet for your Border Collie with a problematic kidney
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PROS
- Specifically formulated to provide nourishment for dogs who need to be on a low-protein diet
- Grain and gluten-free formula for extra sensitive dogs
- Contains a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Does not contain low quality meat by-products
CONS
- Non-chicken flavour recipes contain chicken ingredients, so not suitable for pups who are sensitive to it
If your pooch is suffering from kidney and liver problems, your vet will surely recommend a low-protein diet for them. The Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dry Dog Food is highly recommended for dogs who need to watch their protein intake to avoid aggravating their condition.
It contains only the best all-natural ingredients that’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, providing your pup exactly what he needs to thrive.
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Low-Protein Diets
Digesting protein can be hard on the kidneys and liver, as they play key roles in the process. If your fluff suffers from problems with either of these organs, it’s common for vets to suggest a diet that doesn’t contain as much protein as is normally accepted, in order to take some pressure off of them during the digestion and absorption process.
Although Collies tend to do well on a food containing 30-plus percent protein, a food with a lower number doesn’t mean they won’t be able to be their usual bouncy selves. As long as they’re eating the right amount of calories, and supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin (which will most likely be found in the food itself), they’ll be quite happy to eat a lower-protein diet.
Key Elements to Consider When Choosing the Best Food for Border Collies
1) Calorie Count
The average Border Collie needs 1000 calories a day, split between two meals. Those who get more exercise will need more calories, up to 1400, and so it’s a good idea to choose a food with a higher calorie count so your pup will get what they need and you avoid having to feed twice as much food to get their count up.
Look for foods that have 350-plus calories. Lower calorie foods will most likely need some supplemental treats in between meals to make sure that calorie count is reached, especially if your pooch loves to play all day long.
2) Ingredient Quality
The importance of the quality of what goes into your pup’s food can’t be overstated. Unfortunately, commercial dog food can be packed full of cheap, low-quality food fillers to keep manufacturing costs down, which comes at a great cost to your dog’s health.
Only buy dog foods made up of high-quality, all-natural ingredients, contain no cheap fillers or artificial ingredients, and have added antioxidants and supplements for optimal health.
Choose foods that have real meat or meat meal as their first ingredient, followed by healthy grains or fruits and vegetables. Chelated minerals are also great ingredients to see on a list.
3) Protein & Fat Counts
Border Collies need high levels of both of these nutrients in order to thrive. For those pups getting plenty of exercise in, protein in the high 30s (and upwards) is a great number, and a fat count of 15% and upwards.
The protein count should be made up of multiple animal protein sources for optimal nutritional value. Plant proteins are decent additional sources, but should not be the main protein source. A large part of the fat count will come from the protein source, but additional healthy sources should be present as well.
4) Helpful Supplements
These pooches tend towards certain health issues, so it’s a great idea to make sure their food contains certain added ingredients to try and combat these problems right from the start.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are very helpful to strengthen joints, especially in dogs who are active and prone to joint problems.
Although Border Collies don’t usually have sensitive tummies, chelated minerals present in a food are always a great help for digestion. Prebiotics and probiotics which aid in digestion are good supplements to include as well.
For puppies, DHAa much-needed nutrient to support the healthy development of eyes and brain. It is essential for dog breeds like Border Collies who are known to have eye problems later in life.
5) Affordability
This criteria is more for pet parents than it is for pets, but is no less important. Some of the high-quality foods out there can have a price tag on them that makes you cringe, but it’s often justified by the superior quality of the product. Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of affordable options out there that are just as good quality-wise but don’t have the same cost.
This criterion is important to make sure your dog eats well no matter how much you spend on a dog food. That’s not to say you should avoid the more expensive ones, though. If you can afford them, then go for it. But your budget doesn’t have to dictate the quality of your pet’s meals.
Common Health Problems for Border Collies
Although Collies are among the healthiest dog breeds in the world, there are some breed-specific conditions that they can suffer from.
Eye-Related Problems
They are particularly susceptible to eye problems, including a genetic condition known as Collie Eye Anomaly. This causes the gradual disintegration of the retina which leads to loss of eyesight. Other eye-related issues that plague Border Collies are glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Due to their highly energetic natures, they can also suffer from orthopedic problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common ones, as is a condition called osteochondrosis dissecans, which is a malformation of the cartilage in joints.
Epilepsy
Other common health problems in Border Collies are epilepsy, and two highly dangerous diseases called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and trapped neurophil syndrome. The first causes severe neurological impairment and death, and the second is when the bone marrow cannot release white blood cells into the bloodstream to fight infections.
Collies are also prone to developing food allergies, the most common culprits of which are chicken, beef, pork, potatoes, and lower quality grains.
Questions & Answers
How should I feed my Border Collie?
This may sound like a strange question, but it’s important to consider the way in which your pet is fed. Some dogs can deal with “free-feeding” (leaving a constant supply of food available for your pooch to snack on as the day goes), but this is not a good idea for Collies.
A high-calorie meal twice a day with a couple of treats in between is a great routine to get your Border Collie into. You can add some canned dog food as a kibble topper to up calorie a little if necessary, but be mindful that wet dog food is often very calorie-dense.
Some Border Collie owners feed their pooch only once a day, but we advise against this due to their highly active natures. They burn food off pretty quickly and so two meals a day is the best way to ensure that they always have enough energy.
What are the keys to a balanced diet for Border Collies?
Because these working dogs are designed with a fast metabolism and plenty of energy, they need quite a nutrient-dense diet to keep them going day-to-day. The optimal diet for a Border Collie is one that is high in protein and fat.
These pooches are super active and need high-quality nutrients to fuel that activity. The higher the protein count the better, and Border Collies don’t tend to suffer from food intolerances so mixed protein sources are great. Your Border Collie will thrive on a diet that contains between 30 and 50% protein.
Fat is an important energy source for dogs who are on the move a lot. A lot of the fat in a dog food will come from the meat sources, which is a superb, healthy source. Other fats that are considered healthy and useful for your pet are flaxseed, canola oil, and any animal fats (as long as they are identified). A fat count of 15% and upwards is great for Collies.
Carbohydrates are important too, even though most dog food labels don’t specify them on the guaranteed analysis list. Collies tolerate gluten-free grains quite well, so rice, oatmeal, barley, millet, and sorghum are good, easily-digestible carb sources. Fruits and vegetables are super carbs to see on an ingredient list, as they provide a plethora of antioxidants as well as essential nutrients.
Are there ingredients I should avoid when looking for the best dog food for Border Collies?
Even though Border Collies don’t tend to suffer from food intolerances, there are some ingredients that are best avoided to ensure they’re getting nothing but healthy stuff.
Grains containing gluten are always a good idea to skip, and these include corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients are difficult to digest and add little to no nutritional value to your pup’s diet.
Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives should also be avoided. Artificial colours are added purely for aesthetics, and it’s pretty clear that pups don’t really care what their food looks like anyway. There are plenty of healthy ingredients that can be used as flavouring, as well as natural preservatives that are much better options than artificial stuff.
Something else that should not be on a dog food label is meat or poultry by-products. These are made up of things like hooves, beaks, hair, and the other “left-over” bits after the quality meat sources have been extracted. Even for dogs on a raw food diet, by-products offer little nutritional value.
Border Collies can develop food allergies, so if your pooch suddenly starts rejecting their food, it’s a good idea to pay attention to what ingredients are in there.
How often should I feed my Border Collie?
These fluffs are highly active, so two meals a day is a good idea to make sure they have energy throughout the day. Remember, you’ll be feeding them a high-calorie food with quality protein, carb, and fat sources, and those will continue to burn and provide energy as the day goes.
It’s a good idea to feed your pooch a few treats throughout the day as well, if you are able to. Make sure these fall within their calorie range, though – a couple of treats every day can contribute to weight gain if they are over and above your pet’s optimal calorie level.
If you have a Border Collie puppy, you should be feeding them three times a day from the time that he can eat kibble until he is an adult. Then it’s time to scale back to two a day.
