Border CollieProduct Reviews Archives - BorderCollieHealth https://bordercolliehealth.com/product-reviews/ All about the world's smartest dog Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:22:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.3 https://bordercolliehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-BorderCollieHealth-32x32.png Border CollieProduct Reviews Archives - BorderCollieHealth https://bordercolliehealth.com/product-reviews/ 32 32 The best ways & tools on how to groom a Border Collie https://bordercolliehealth.com/how-to-groom-a-border-collie/ https://bordercolliehealth.com/how-to-groom-a-border-collie/#respond Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:47:36 +0000 https://bordercolliehealth.com/?p=6007855 Border Collies are prized for being the smartest dog breed in the world. Not only that, but they’re also one of the best herding canines. Anyone interested in Borders should ... Read more

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Border Collies are prized for being the smartest dog breed in the world. Not only that, but they’re also one of the best herding canines.

Anyone interested in Borders should know that grooming is one of the most significant responsibilities when it comes to owning this pooch. Keep reading and find out everything you need to know on how to groom a Border Collie.

What type of fur do Borders have?

The Border Collie has a coat that ranges from smooth and short to rough and long. Within those two variations, there are still a lot of different looks that you’d see this breed in. Others can have straight hair while others have wavy fur.

Like most herding dogs, they also have two layers of coat. The top one is water- and weather-resistant, then the soft and thick undercoat service like insulation.

Do Border Collies need to be groomed?

Borders are active dogs that would need to be groomed whenever they get dirty

Yes, because it’s part of helping them stay comfortable and taking care of them. Borders are workaholic dogs that thrive whenever they’re outdoors. So when it comes to their needs for grooming, that means your Border Collie will pick up a lot of dirt.

You can easily get on top of this with brushing and bathing. It can keep mats and tangles at bay, and it’s an excellent way for you and your fur buddy to bond.

It’s also an opportunity to check your pet from head to toe in order to catch health issues early on.

The Border Collie’s shedding level by season

Some would say that Borders are seasonal shedders because they excessively blow their coat when seasons change. But this breed sheds all year-round.

The amount of shedding of a Border Collie depends on their coat type. The smooth-coated ones are lower maintenance compared to rough-coated Borders.

This herding dog relies on its unique coat to protect them from different weather conditions while they work. It’s also a natural way of renewing the fur so that it’s more effective in doing its purpose. In fact, shedding means your pet is healthy because his body is getting rid of dead hair.

But you should also know the difference between normal shedding vs. excessive molting that’s cause for concern.

Check out this video and see how much a Border Collie sheds:

 

How often should you groom a Border Collie?

Some would say every 4 to 8 weeks, others recommend weekly, but most of the time, a Border Collie needs only one bath every eight weeks or when needed. But during shedding season (spring and fall), it’s best to deal with excessive blowing coat with frequent grooming.

We also advise you to brush your Border Collie daily to keep tangles and mats from forming, to remove debris, and to minimize the dog hair you see around your house.

Short-haired Borders can be washed every quarter or as needed.

Before we discuss how to groom a Border Collie, let’s find out first how to make this task faster and easier.

Tools you need to groom your Border Collie’s fur

Having a dog doesn’t only mean sleep, play, and feed – it’s so much more than that. Most of the time, owners forget or have trouble picking out grooming tools.

To help you gather the necessary equipment you need to have your very own Border Collie grooming kit, we provided the different types of supplies or products that are highly recommended.

Detangling Spray

Brushing your Border’s hair and grooming him will be so much easier if you use a detangling spray. It will also make the process more comfortable for both of you, instead of tugging and combing his fur for a long time.

BioSilk Therapy Detangling & Shine Spray for Dogs

One of the products that are famous with groomers and owners is called BioSilk Therapy Detangling & Shine Spray for Dogs. It has ingredients that are human-grade and all-natural.

Crazy Dog Baby Powder Dog Grooming Spray

Another highly-rated detangler is the Crazy Dog Baby Powder Dog Grooming Spray. It helps remove static and dirt while moisturizing and leaving your dog smelling like a baby!

Undercoat Rake

As the name implies, these rakes are designed for the inner layer of the coat next to the skin. If you’ve owned a double-coated dog before or knows someone who does, this is one of those tools that you should have. They’re efficient in getting rid of lint or dead hair, perfect for the Border’s fur.

ConairPRO Undercoat Rake

The ConairPRO Dog Undercoat Rake is a product that won’t disappoint you and your dog. It’s an outstanding tool for daily use minus the scraping or tugging experience.

Pat Your Pet Two-Sided Undercoat Rake

Pat Your Pet Two-Sided Undercoat Rake is suitable for both dogs and cats. It makes brushing a happy bonding moment between you and your furry buddy. With its small and curved blades, it can easily get rid of the shedding hair from the undercoat, and may even help separate mats or tangles.

Slicker Brush

You can use this type of brush instead of going for an undercoat rake. Most Border Collie owners prefer a slicker brush if their dogs have long, thick coats. And thanks to technology, there is now a self-cleaning feature that’s proven to be very handy!

The Safari Slicker Brush for Border Collies with a self-cleaning feature

Just press a button, and the Safari Slicker Brush will retract the pins so you can easily wipe the hair off of the pad clean.

FURminator's two-sided slicker brush for Borders

FURminator lovers can go for the brand’s Firm Slicker Brush. The brush’s head is flexible and has two sides – one with straight bristles, and the other is bent. Plus, it has a protective cover to help it last longer while stored away.

Pin & Bristle Brush

This type of brush is a two-sided grooming tool that adds smoothness and shine to your Border Collie’s outer coat while removing the last few strays of hair.

Safari's pin and bristle brush that's perfect for double-coated dogs like Border Collies

Another top-rated Safari product is their Combo Brush that also serves as a softer version of a slicker and bristle brush. With everyday use, your Border’s coat will be all shiny and will remove debris and extra shedding fur.

Hartz pin and bristle brush that's suitable for Borders

With the same pin and bristle type or feature, Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush has en ergonomic handle for comfortable grooming while doubling the time spent on making your pet look gorgeous. You can use this for both long and short grooming sessions.

This video shows the complete set of grooming tools that can be helpful, but some of them aren’t really required to do the task:

 

How to properly groom your Border Collie at home

No matter the length of your Border Collie’s hair, you’d still have to deal with two layers of coat. It can quickly get matted if left ungroomed, so there would be times that you will do the grooming by yourself.

Here are the necessary steps in grooming your Border dog properly.

Detangle your Border’s coat

Did you know that once you wet your dog’s hair, especially for double-coated canines, the mats become more tangled? So before thinking about bathing your Border Collie, thoroughly brush his hair.

During the winter season, a slicker brush works well since your Border’s not blowing coat heavily. In the summer, other owners use mat rippers or dematting combs, but you can simply use a slicker brush or the undercoat rake.

What we recommend is to use a detangling spray to avoid uncomfortable tugging while minimizing hair breakage.

Grooming a Border Collie’s undercoat and top coat

A Border Collie yawning while being brushed

Since mats are often found close to the dog’s skin or sensitive areas, investigate before you start combing or even cutting.

Start with a slicker brush or undercoat rake in removing any shed hair or debris from the inner layer of your Border’s hair. With firm yet gentle pressure, grooming this part will stimulate circulation and distribute nourishing skin oils.

Of course, the pin and bristle brush is perfect for the outer layer of your dog’s fur. Use the pin side first for shedding hair and debris, then switch to the bristle for adding that shine.

Only trim a Border Collie’s fur when needed

Trimming is necessary around the ears, tail, and feet.

Snip or remove stray hairs carefully, but not unless you have been grooming dogs for a long time, trimming and thorough ear cleanings should be done by professional groomers.

For the tail, it gets easily dirty and grows hair fast, but it doesn’t mean you should excessively trim it. It would give your Border an uneven, bizarre look. Just focus on those few furs that are longer than the rest and any matting.

It may be a struggle to trim excess hair around the paws, as Border Collies are extremely sensitive whenever someone touches their feet. But you need to get rid of fur that’s growing beyond the ends of their toes and pads.

While we’re talking about grooming the feet, let’s cover nail trimming, too. Keeping nails short will ensure a proper gait and healthy posture with a dog nail clippers.

If you have a working Border Collie, you may want to keep his paw pads from drying and cracking. A paw balm will ensure they stay pliable and soft.

As always, owners who aren’t comfortable about grooming their Border Collie, even if it’s just one part, they can take their pets to a groomer. They’re more up to the task, and they have a lot of experience in using tools to groom your dog faster, such as scissors and electric trimmers.

Watch this quick overview of how a Border Collie is groomed:

 

Bathing: How do you wash a Border Collie?

When washing your pet because he’s gotten quite dirty, you should give him two baths – one to clean off the grime and dirt, then the second wash to target his needs.

Make sure that you have thoroughly wet your Border Collie’s fur since it’s thick.

This breed doesn’t require a particular type of shampoo, but if your pet has skin irritations or allergies, pick out a hypoallergenic or medicated one. Be careful not to get any shampoo in your dog’s ears, eyes, or mouth.

A groomer giving a Border Collie a bath

End your Border’s relaxing bath with a conditioner that will keep his hair hydrated. Doing so will protect his coat against harsh weather conditions.

During the shedding season, you can use the FURminator DeShedding Shampoo and their FURminator DeShedding Conditioner. Not only will it control the amount of shedding, but it will also help release the undercoat so that the seasonal coat comes in properly.

Use lukewarm water when rinsing out all the shampoo and conditioner from your Border Collie’s hair. Although conditioners are very beneficial for pets with hair breakage or dry skin, not being able to rinse him properly may cause dryness and irritation.

Dry your Border dog with a clean towel until damp. It will be easier to use a blower or dryer but opt for one that lets you adjust the temperature so that it doesn’t get too hot for your pet.

While drying up, keep brushing until your Border’s coat is all dry and looking fresh.

How to groom a Border Collie for dog shows?

A Border Collie on a grooming table after getting an award on a dog show
source

Owners who have their Border Collie join conformation events use different products that make their canines stand out.

Aside from the same grooming steps needed before going to the competition, here are some of the things you can try to help give your dog a tip-top shape inside the ring:

  • High Sheen Finishing Spray – before he struts in front of everyone, give your dog’s hair a spritz to add that shine without that oily residue.
  • Freeze! Styling Gel – use this while fluffing your Border’s fur to add volume, but don’t worry, it doesn’t give that sticky feel.
  • Quick Finishing Styling Spray
  • this is a spray that’s fast-drying and prevents tangles, especially when used regularly.
  • Aloe Hydrating Spray – use this in-between shows, and your Border Collie will keep looking his best with a hydrated coat.

Grooming Border Collies: Warnings and Tips

There’s a lot of other things that you would want to keep in mind to make this process more comfortable or to avoid making a grooming no-no.

Tips Warnings
Give your dog a lot of praise and even a few treats during your grooming sessions. If you’re aware that your pet has aggressive tendencies, it’s best to have a professional groom him.
Just like at the groomers, give your dog a bath or a trim in enclosed areas so that he stays calm. Canines with two-layered coats are predisposed to getting hot spots because of their dense and thick coats. Apply a hot spot foam to dry the area. Make sure you keep your pet from licking wounds.
Whether it’s a minor or major grooming concern that you need help with, don’t hesitate to ask help from a professional groomer. Regular visits should be done every three months to maintain that thick double-coat easily. This hyperactive breed may get cuts or other accidental injuries, so it’s best to have a healing cream on hand.

The most important rule of all is NEVER SHAVE a Border Collie. We understand that these steps and tools may get overwhelming, so you may look for ways of not having to deal with all of them.

Although there are canines that can get a summer cut and other pet owners think their dog feels much more comfortable and refreshed, this breed is different.

Border Collies are under the working or herding class, and as we mentioned, their coat has a purpose. All that hair protects them from getting cold during the winter or rainy season, and from being hot and getting skin damage if the weather is too warm.

It’s not a good idea to shear or significantly cut your Border’s hair as both layers will not grow naturally anymore. Watch this video of a professional groomer explaining why you shouldn’t shave double-coated dogs, especially Border Collies.

 

How much does it cost to groom a Border Collie?

The average price of having a Border Collie groomed professionally costs around $40 to $75.

Grooming costs may vary depending on factors such as the size of your Border Collie (puppy or adult), the services you want to be done on your dog, as well as the location of the shop.

The price range we mentioned is what local shops generally charge, but there are also mobile groomers which cost about $75. For self-service facilities, expect to pay between $11 to $23.

You can also check with a dog groomer near you.

The Verdict: Is it difficult to groom Border Collies?

There’s a reason why Borders aren’t recommended for new pet owners. It’s not only because of their energy requirements and personality, but also their grooming needs.

A black and white Border Collie standing up on a grooming table
source

Border Collies have specific care instructions, and they would be more suitable for paw parents who have experience with such an active breed and double-coated canines.

If you’re interested in Borders, but you want the easy way out by shaving all that beautiful hair, then pick another type of dog.

As with any other purebreds, the Border Collie has a breed standard that supports their well-being.

But the point is, whether it’s a short and smooth-coated Border or a long and rough-coated one, regular grooming is the only solution. It will keep you and your dog sane while keeping mats and shedding under control.

Do you have a favorite grooming tool? Any technique or grooming hack that you can share fellow Border Collie parents? Don’t hesitate to share it all in the comment box!

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What is the best dog food for feeding Border Collies? https://bordercolliehealth.com/best-dog-food-for-border-collies/ https://bordercolliehealth.com/best-dog-food-for-border-collies/#respond Sat, 11 Jan 2020 07:27:58 +0000 https://bordercolliehealth.com/?p=6007889 One of the most important questions you ask as a pet owner is: what should I feed my dog? Understandably, this task may be quite overwhelming. Aside from picking out ... Read more

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One of the most important questions you ask as a pet owner is: what should I feed my dog?

Understandably, this task may be quite overwhelming. Aside from picking out one type of dog food and a brand, you also have to think of other factors related to feeding Borders.

Let us help you narrow down your options as we tell you the best dog food for Border Collies.

Eating Habits: How much food does a Border Collie need?

Some would say 2 cups of dry kibbles daily, but that’s not applicable for all Borders. There are a lot of things to consider, such as your Border Collie’s age, size, activity level, metabolism, and, if applicable, health issues.

So before we discuss dog food brands, it’s essential to know what Border Collies are like and their lifestyle. This will give you an idea of the nutrients, ingredients, and feeding amount this breed requires.

Borders are very active canines. Originally bred as working dogs to herd livestock, they genuinely are a hardworking companion for ranch and farm owners. Even though they’re under the herding class, they also make a great family pet.

The catch is, working or non-working, all Border Collies need constant mental and physical stimulation. They’re so energetic that they require more calories in a day compared to other breeds.

Caloric intake that Border Collies need

There are so many types of dog food, and all of them have different ingredients. That would mean their serving suggestions would also vary.

If you’re wondering how much to feed a Border Collie, it’s best to rely on calories, no matter what kind and brand of dog food you choose.

Since Borders will do everything to expend their energy, they tend to have a high metabolism.

A growing Border Collie would need 1,400 calories per day since they’re more likely to be highly active. For average adults, an average of 1,000 calories should be enough for them to thrive. As this breed gets older, their activity and energy decline, so senior Borders can consume around 700 calories daily.

You must observe your dog’s behavior as they age so that they don’t overeat and gain too much weight.

Active and Young 1400 Cal
Average Adult 1000 Cal
Senior Dogs 700 Cal

Remember, these numbers can vary since each dog is unique, even if they’re the same breed. No worries, there are a lot of dog food calculators that you can find online.

How often should you feed a Border Collie?

Since Borders are one of those breeds that have trouble self-regulating their food intake, split his caloric intake into two separate meals. It’s up to you if it’s breakfast and dinner, or lunch, then dinner.

The important thing here is to control how much he eats, which helps him regulate his energy throughout the day. That means free-feeding and automatic feeders are out of the question.

There are Border owners who prefer giving their pooch one large meal. But doing so can affect their activity or performance, especially if it’s a working dog. It can also lead to obesity, which applies to all breeds.

Puppies are still developing, so they should be eating more often compared to adults. You can feed a Border Collie puppy about four to six times a day, then by the time he’s 6-months-old, reduce it to two or three small meals.

While your dog is growing, portions will get larger but reduce the frequency to two meals a day.

If your fur baby still looks hungry, don’t give in for those puppy dog eyes and whining. Instead of risking your pet’s weight, be creative in making him feel full quicker.

Slow-feeders are great for Border Collies. It may be challenging for him to eat a lot, but that’s what you’re aiming for, so he doesn’t gulp his meal down in less than a minute. Puzzles, where you can hide kibbles or treats, is another way to entertain this breed mentally.

If you have a muffin tray and a lot of ball toys, you can make your very own simple feeding game for your Border Collie:

 

Should your Border eat dry kibbles, wet food, or raw?

A lot of dog owners, whether they own a Border Collie or not, choose dry kibbles because it’s more accessible. If not, they go for the saucy canned food.

Another option that you can go for is the raw diet since it’s better when it comes to nutrition. These dog foods still have their pros and cons that anyone with a dog should know.

Dry kibbles for Border Collies

When you’re at the grocery store, you’ll find different brands and bag sizes of dry kibbles along the pet aisle. As an owner, one of the reasons we choose kibbles is because they’re cheaper compared to wet food. It will still depend on the brand that you’d go for.

But the price isn’t the only good thing about dog food. Since dry kibbles are dry and hard, the texture helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

The cons? It’s not as tasty as other types of dog food. Some Borders wouldn’t even eat any kibble you place in front of them. Believe it or not, some pets are picky with their meals.

You should also carefully read the packaging before buying a bag of dry kibbles. Being able to save money doesn’t always mean that you’re giving your dog a high-quality meal. Be careful of commercially made products that are chock-full of fillers. They don’t give any nutrients for your Border Collie.

Different types of dog food for Border Collies

Should you feed your Border Collie wet food?

If you would compare canned dog food to dry kibbles, wet food is much tastier and is also pricier. Borders will definitely enjoy saucy meals, making sure that there’s nothing left on their bowl.

The downside of this kind of food for canines is the texture. Unlike dry kibbles, wet ones can’t satisfy your pet’s need to chew on solids. What you can do to deal with it is brush your Border Collie’s teeth regularly and provide raw bones or treats to gnaw, which is very helpful with growing pups.

Going for wet or canned food means you are prepared for the expenses. It can quickly add up, especially if you have an adult Border dog.

If you have a pooch that’s picky or doesn’t seem to have any appetite, tempt him with canned dog food.

What some owners do to minimize the budget pressure while making sure their dog eats is mix wet food and kibbles. It’s a good trick but do it gradually. You wouldn’t want to cause stomach problems such as vomiting. And whichever kind of dog food you choose, pick one that’s appropriate to your Border’s age.

Good to know: Around 12 months, your Border Collie may still be growing, but you can start feeding him dog food for adults.

Feeding a raw diet or BARF for Border Collies

Border Collie with a raw meat in his mouth as his dog food

This option is perfect for Border Collie owners who have a lot of time because preparing home-cooked meals or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), would demand it. Although it’s not for everyone, it’s a great way to feed your pet precisely what you want – no additives, preservatives, or fillers.

Luckily, there are commercial-made raw food packs, so it means you can use this diet minus the time for gathering and prepping recipes.

It’s essential to clarify that homemade meals for canines don’t mean you literally give your Border Collie a piece of raw meat. It’s also not the same as feeding him what you eat. There is a lot of human food that dogs shouldn’t consume, like grapes and chocolate.

We recommend that you work with a pet nutritionist or a vet when figuring out the ration or amount of fat, protein, veggies, and other ingredients to create that balanced and nutritious diet.

Once you’re making your Border Collie’s meals, you have to be extra careful. Did you know that when you’re thawing frozen raw meat, it activates bacteria and proliferates again?

Thoroughly cook anything you give your dog to kill parasites and bacteria. Keep surfaces and utensils clean to avoid contamination, and always wash your hands. Following food safety rules when handling raw meat and ingredients is key here.

Check out this video of a Border Collie owner who cooks for her dog Pepsi, who is vegan, and maybe you can try this raw food recipe:

 

Factors to consider when choosing dog food for your Border Collie

We’ve taken account of the Border Collie’s lifestyle, eating habits, as well as the amount of food and frequency of feeding they require.

We also have to think about the health conditions that this breed is predisposed to. It will make the search for that one particular dog food easier if you know what you’re looking for.

Common health problems in Border Collies

This breed is one of the healthiest canines, but some Borders can still suffer from diseases that are mostly passed on genetically.

Knowing what illnesses can befall your Border Collie will let you know what ingredients to avoid and what should be included in their meals. After all, a healthy diet can keep your pooch away from getting sick and make him reach or surpass their life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

Joint Issues

This is quite common for canines who are very active like Borders. Their constant need for work and play can put a lot of stress in their joints. If it doesn’t happen during adulthood, it may catch up as they get older.

Hip Dysplasia can lead to significant pain, which would eventually require serious medical attention.

Throughout your dog’s life with you, he would need calcium to strengthen his bones over time. You can find this ingredient in various dog foods.

Glucosamine is another content that helps with keeping the joints’ cartilage stable and healthy.

Eye problems

Aging is a common reason behind dogs’ losing their eyesight. Most of the time, this genetic illness is inevitable, and symptoms can start during their early stages. But you can give your Border Collie some veggies to improve his vision.

If your pet regularly consumes orange vegetables, it can help put off this problem. They will help supply nutrients, like Beta Carotene and Vitamin A, that are proven to enhance the eyesight in both humans and animals.

Food allergies

While we’re discussing ingredients, there are some foods that you should avoid giving your Border Collie. They’re not the type of breed that suffers from allergies, but it can be triggered.

Sources of carbohydrates such as soy, wheat, and corn may cause upset stomachs and allergic reactions.

What you should look for in your Border Collie’s dog food

Start looking for essential macronutrients that would benefit your pet. It’s our job as paw parents to make sure that your canine would get a nutritious meal all the time.

Unlike other breeds, Borders would need a diet that can keep up with their needs, which is more on fats and proteins.

Protein

When it comes to Border Collies, the more protein the dog food has, the better. Generally, dog food formulas have about 25%, but for this breed, it’s best if they can up to 50% protein.

Proteins contribute to the dog’s development and overall health as it contains essential amino acids. If they don’t get a high level of protein, your pet can grow weak, which can lead to lethargy.

Nowadays, you can find dog foods that have two high-quality sources of protein or more.

Fats

As humans, we try to steer clear of consuming this, but not all fats are bad. The right kind of fat is essential to keep your Border Collie’s skin and coat healthy. It would also give your pet an added boost of energy, and it’s easy to digest.

If you check the nutritional facts label of most dog food packagings, they contain some sort of fat. It may make the meal more appealing for canines, but it’s ideal if fat comes from the source of protein. It will ensure that it’s unprocessed and all-natural.

Fish and flaxseed oils are conventional, but fish meat is one of the best sources of this nutrient because it’s rich in omega fatty acids.

Salmon oil is a fat that also adds a natural yummy flavor that any pet will love.

Watch this video that talks about the importance of reading dog food labels and being aware of the ingredients in the meals that you give to your Border Collie:

 

Dog food ingredients that are NOT beneficial for Borders

This breed is not picky and can tolerate mediocre ingredients, but you should be wary of other components that you feed your dog.

One of the main ingredients that should be kept to a minimum is carbohydrates. You can always find carbs in almost all types of dog food, and some of them provide 70% of it.

Carbohydrates may give your Border Collie some fuel to be more energetic, but it doesn’t offer much when it comes to nutrition. We mentioned earlier that you should avoid some carbs that may cause an allergic reaction for dogs, but you can look for substitutes.

Sweet potatoes and peas are healthy carbs that we recommend as they also offer nutritional benefits.

Stay organic or natural as much as you can. Don’t go for those dog food, which adds artificial flavors and colors. They don’t do anything good for any dog’s health, yet they may cause harm, such as weaken your Border’s immune system or irritation.

The best dog food for Border Collie puppies

Black and white Border Collie puppy with a bone

Growing Border pups would always require more – more attention, more care, more sleep, more nutrients.

If you have a Border Collie puppy, choose a formula or recipe that will nourish him during his early developmental years.

DHA will support vision and brain development, while antioxidants will help him thrive by supporting his developing immune system.

Border Collie puppies should be given 25% protein or more. It can come from whole meat like a boneless lamb or meat meals such as chicken. Other owners mix them, too. They need to be served a generous amount of oil- or animal-based fats.

With this breed, their food should have at least 15% fat while staying within the recommended calories based on their age and weight.

Aside from those essential macronutrients, your dog’s food should also contain vitamins and minerals that will aid other functions and cellular processes.

For fiber, go for the dietary vegetable- or grain-based recipes.

The best dog food for Border Collie adults

Even if an adult Border Collie needs less fat and protein, you would need to choose a dog food that would serve as maintenance.

If you have a full-grown Border, he would need to have at least 12% fat and 22% protein. Don’t forget to include fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.

It may be quite tricky to find dog food products that have no chemical preservatives, but you can stick with naturally-preserved ones.

Top-rated dog food brands for Border Collies

No matter if you have a working or non-working Border Collie, this breed is very active. With that said, they may benefit from dog food formulas or recipes that will help them maintain an ideal body condition and sustain their energy levels.

Here are some of the dog food brands that are well-suited for the Border Collie breed.

Merrick Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick dog food for Border Collies

Merrick created this dog food with ingredients that are healthy and natural. 70% of it comes from meat, and 30% is derived from fresh produce.

Deboned beef is the primary protein source that they used, which makes up 38% of the recipe. The flaxseed and salmon oil will provide high amounts of omega fatty acids to help your Border Collie’s coat look top-notch.

This grain-free kibbles also have nutrients and antioxidants that they got from produce, such as peas and fresh blueberries. The carbs are sourced from potatoes and the glucosamine to help avoid joint problems as your Border ages.

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

American Journey Salmon dog food for Border Collies

Canine food that goes above and beyond, American Journey’s goal is to provide ingredients that are all-natural while ensuring that Border Collies are fueled throughout their day.

One of the best things with this recipe is sourcing protein from real salmon. It offers exceptionally high-quality amino acids and essential oils. Healthy carbs are derived from chickpeas and sweet potatoes, combined with a lot of minerals and vitamins.

They’re not only targeting coat and skincare to help control the shedding, but it’s also high in calcium to support your Border’s bones with regular consumption.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness dog food for Border Collies

Have your Border Collie howl in happiness with Blue Wilderness’ salmon blend that’s bursting with omega fats. With this brand, all their dry kibbles are formulated with LifeSource Bits – a precise combination of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

This recipe will help your canine buddy thrive as it promotes strong bones and teeth, as well as healthy muscle development and immune system.

VICTOR Select Grain-Free Yukon River Canine Recipe

Victor Yukon River Canine dog food for Border Collies

Packed with vitamins, nutrients, and amino acids, this versatile dry dog food is designed for canines of all age, size, and breed.

Give your Border Collie a fish-based protein meal with premium quality like dehydrated salmon and menhaden fish meal. Victor’s canine formula is created to meet the requirements established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles of All Life Stages.

If your dog has allergies or you’re worried about allergy triggers, this one is 100% grain-free.

CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food

Canidae all-life stages multi-protein dog food for Border Collies

Formulated by veterinarians, Canidae’s multi-protein recipe is designed for all types of dogs, no matter the size, breed, and age.

Aside from being completely free of soy, wheat, and corn, it’s also a nutritionally dense formula that has chicken, fish, lamb, and turkey for optimum protein. Plus, it contains Canidae’s HealthPlus Solutions – a trio of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotics.

Not only will single-dog households enjoy this dog food, but also those with multiple canine pets! You don’t have to deal with different bags of kibbles and no more troubles of switching from puppy food to adult/senior. This is the only pack you need.

Is there one best dog food for Border Collies?

A black and white Border Collie adult carrying a meaty bone as his dog food
Quite honestly, all the dog foods we mentioned are the ones that we think are worthy of being considered.

The best course of action is thinking about your own pet. Even if he belongs in one same breed, your Border Collie is unique. With the help of experts such as vets and pet nutritionists, you can know your fur baby’s specific needs, and you’re the only one who can provide it.

What’s the best dog food for your Border Collie? Share it with us by commenting below and help new and experienced pet owners learn about it.

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