The Rundown
Best Overall: Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food
“Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food have fewer than ten ingredients, just right for Border Collies that are prone to allergies. It helps avoid allergens without compromising the quality of the food.”
Best For Active Collies: Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
“Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the ideal source of protein and fats if you have active Border Collies. It also has good phosphorus and calcium content for dogs prone to joint, hip, and knee dysplasia.”
Best Budget Option: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Recipe
“Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Recipe offers you superior ingredients for a very affordable price. It is packed with all the nutrients your dog needs to stay happy and healthy.”
Border Collies are super energetic, boisterous pups who were bred as working dogs. Despite their sky-high energy levels, they are loving and cherish time with their humans.
They’re highly intelligent and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Don’t let your Collie get bored, or you may find yourself minus a shoe, piece of furniture, or garden!
These black and white beauties can be prone to food allergies, so it’s important to feed them one of the best dog food for Border Collies so they get enough nutrients and energy to be their spirited, exuberant selves without any digestive issues.




Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Border Collies
- 1. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Dog Food
- 2. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Real Meat Recipe
- 4. Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food
- 5. Taste of the Wild High-Protein Premium Recipe
- 6. Orijen Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
- 7. Wellness Core Natural Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 8. Wellness Core Grain-Free Senior Recipe
- 9. Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Large Breed Recipe
- 1. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Dog Food
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- How much food do Border Collies need?
- How should I feed my Border Collie?
- What are the keys to a balanced diet for Border Collies?
- Are there ingredients I should avoid when looking for the best dog food for Border Collies?
- What are common health problems for Border Collies?
- How often should I feed my Border Collie?
- How much food do Border Collies need?
Best Dog Food For Border Collies
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PROS
- Various flavours available (including many without chicken products)
- Grain-free for easier digestion
- Added probiotics and antioxidants
- No corn, wheat, or soy
CONS
- Not the most affordable, but in the average range for limited ingredient foods
Even if your pet hasn’t been recommended a limited ingredient by a vet, if you want to get ahead of food allergies or intolerances from the start, a limited ingredient food like the Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food is a super idea. They are no less nutritious and healthy than other foods, so don’t think your pup won’t be getting what they need. They simply pack more punch for fewer ingredients, and that can only be a good thing.
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2. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best For Active Border Collies: Great protein and fat content
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PROS
- Great protein and fat content for active breeds
- Contains a decent amount of glucosamine and chondroitin
- No chicken or poultry products
- High Omega fatty acid levels
CONS
- This food is a little pricey compared to others
Border Collies who are quite active will benefit from the levels of protein and fat in this nutrient-dense kibble. 38% protein is right in the zone for healthy adult Collies who get plenty of exercise. 15% fat is perfect for pups who are high-energy, and it comes from some great sources too. No matter your pup’s size or age, Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is packed with quality, all-natural ingredients to build strength and immunity in your pet.
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3. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Real Meat Recipe
Best Value For Money: Superior ingredient additions, but affordable
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PROS
- Very affordable, especially for its quality
- Superior ingredient additions, such as glucosamine and L-carnitine
- Fantastic protein and fat levels, particularly for active dogs
- Great Omega fatty acid count for healthy skin & coat
CONS
- Not suitable for pups who are sensitive to chicken
Diamond Naturals have created the perfect blend in this high-protein, high-fat, high-calorie, low-price food. You won’t find a comparably priced food on the market that hits all the essential points when it comes to nourishing your dog just like the Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Real Meat Recipe. At just over a dollar per pound, both you and your pet will benefit from choosing this as your pup’s everyday meal.
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4. Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food
Best For Border Collie Puppies: Biologically appropriate for growing puppies
PROS
- Biologically appropriate nutrition for growing puppies
- Contains DHA and EPA, specifically for developing pups
- Good calcium/phosphorus ratio to help bones develop strong
- Added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
CONS
- Contains chicken
- Somewhat expensive
Your Border Collie puppy can only benefit from this high-calorie, high protein and fat, nutrient-loaded dog food. Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food is filled to the brim with the healthiest, highest quality ingredients, and you won’t find an artificial thing in sight. It’s based on the WholePrey diet, which is based on how a puppy would eat in the wild, which means it’s packed with meat, veggies, fruits, and some interesting botanical inclusions.
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PROS
- High in protein and fat (32% and 18%), which is ideal for active pups like Collies
- High calorie (370 per cup)
- Multiple protein sources
- Grain-free and contains veggies for sustained energy
CONS
- No glucosamine and chondroitin, so you will need to supplement
Some pet parents may prefer to feed their dog a food that doesn’t contain glucosamine and chondroitin and to supplement these separately. There are plenty of good glucosamine supplements for pets, and it’s entirely up to you, although we recommend choosing a food with it already included. There are various reasons this may not be possible though, so we’ve chosen Taste of the Wild High-Protein Premium Recipe as the best dog food for Border Collies that doesn’t contain glucosamine.
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6. Orijen Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Best Without Glucosamine: High in protein and fat
PROS
- High in protein (45%)
- Various flavours available
- Naturally preserved, freeze-dried
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)
What you feed your pet between meals is as important as what’s in their bowl at mealtime. For pups with as much energy as Border Collies, you want something that is high in protein, free from artificial stuff, and obviously, tasty! Orijen Freeze-Dried Dog Treats will deliver a nice bit of protein and can be used as incentives, for training, or simply to reward your pup for being a good boy or girl.
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7. Wellness Core Natural Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: High-quality ingredient list
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PROS
- Great protein and fat content for Collies
- The calcium/phosphorus ratio is great for active breeds
- High levels of Omega fatty acids, which will keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy
- Added glucosamine, chondroitin, and beta-carotene
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs sensitive to chicken
There is no disputing the quality of the ingredients that go into this food, and that’s the foundation for a healthy pet. Good protein sources (a combination of real meat and meat meal), and fruits, vegetables, and chelated minerals make Wellness Core Natural Large Breed Dry Dog Food a great quality option to feed your pooch. It also contains some extras that are geared towards keeping active dogs strong and healthy.
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8. Wellness Core Grain-Free Senior Recipe
Best For Border Collie Seniors: Senior-specific recipe
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PROS
- Senior-specific recipe
- Leading levels of Omega fatty acids
- Great calcium/phosphorus ratio to keep bones strong
- Grain-free, so it will be easier on your senior’s tummy
CONS
- High in protein, so may not be best for inactive pups
- Slightly pricey
Wellness Core Grain-Free Senior Recipe is designed specifically for seniors and features a thoughtful mix of real meat and meat meal, as well as a host of healthy, easily digestible, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. It’s fairly high in protein still, so it would suit still-active seniors best, although if your old guy or girl is less active, you can adjust their calories down and they’ll still be getting a highly nutritious meal out of this food.
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9. Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Large Breed Recipe
Best Low Protein: For dogs who are on a low-protein diet
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PROS
- Low in protein for dogs who are on a low-protein diet
- Grain and gluten-free, so it will go easy on your dog’s system
- Contains Blue’s special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Doesn’t contain any meat by-products
CONS
- Non-chicken flavour recipes contain chicken ingredients, so not suitable for pups who are sensitive to it
Kidney and liver problems can happen to any pup, and if your pooch is one who suffers from these things, your vet may have recommended a low-protein diet. For active pets such a Border Collies, a higher protein diet is the norm, but putting your pet on a prescribed low-protein diet doesn’t mean they won’t get all the nutrients they need. Blue Buffalo Freedom Adult Large Breed Recipe contains only the best all-natural ingredients, and although it’s got less protein in it, it still contains everything your pet would need to be healthy and happy.
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Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 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.
We’ve reviewed foods here that have 350-plus calories unless we’ve specified otherwise. Lower calorie foods will most likely need some supplemental treats in between meals to make sure that calorie count is reached, especially if your guy or girl is one of the playful ones.
Criteria 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 ingredients to keep manufacturing costs down, but this comes at a great cost to your dog’s health.
We’ve made sure the dog foods we review here are made up of high-quality, all-natural ingredients, contain no cheap fillers or artificial ingredients, and have added antioxidants and supplements for optimal health.
The order in which the ingredients appear on the list also makes a difference, and we’ve chosen 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.
Criteria 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.
We’ve reviewed dog foods here that meet the requirements for Collies in terms of protein and fat counts and get these numbers from premium quality sources.
Criteria 4 – Added Ingredients
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.
We’ve tried to make sure that the dog foods we’ve compared here contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which 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 are good supplements to include as well.
For puppies, DHA is a must to see on the ingredient list. This contributes towards healthy brain and eye development, which is essential for dog breeds such as these guys and girls who are known to have eye problems later in life.
We’ve checked out foods that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics, and DHA whenever possible.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
This criteria is more for pet parents than it is for pets, but is no less important. Our mission is to make happier dogs and dog parents, so finding a food that doesn’t cost you a fortune is an essential piece of the puzzle.
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 we have made an effort to include something for everyone on this list, so your budget doesn’t have to dictate the quality of your pet’s meals.
Questions & Answers

How much food do Border Collies need?
The average, moderately active Collie needs around 1000 calories a day. If your pup is extremely active, you can raise that number to around 1400 to help keep his energy levels up.
As your Border Collie gets older and starts exercising less, they’ll be burning fewer calories during their day. You should adjust their calorie intake to around 700 per day if they’re quite chilled, or if they’re still quite bouncy you can stick to 1000 and see how it goes.
This does differ with each dog, and depends on their energy levels and metabolism. You may need to experiment a little until you find the right number for your pup. If your dog is eating two meals a day and getting plenty of exercise but is scrawny and looks like he needs a bit of meat on his bones, you might want to increase his daily calories. If your Collie is putting on weight, you will need to adjust down until you find the lower-calorie, high-nutrient sweet spot for her.

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 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 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 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.

What are 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.
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.
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.
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.

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.