Published on: 02/14/2020, updated on: 10/15/2021

The Best Dog Food for Border Collies | Top Picks for Adults and Puppies

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Border Collies are one of the most rambunctious and lively dog breeds. These dogs were originally bred as work dogs. They are very energetic and they were used to herd sheep, work in farms, for sports such as agility, as well as regular pets. According to many studies, Border Collies are currently the smartest dog breed.

This dog breed requires a lot of attention. They need special care for their constant need to get exercise and impressive metal capabilities.

As such, only the best dog food for Border Collies can provide them with the energy and nutrients they need. To help you satisfy the needs of your Border Collie, we have compiled a list of the top dog foods for Border Collies, making it easy for you to make a pick.

Our top pick is the Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato because it is affordable and it contains high-quality protein and ingredients. It is also grain-free, making it an ideal option for dogs with sensitivities.

The Best Dog Food for Border Collies Are:

1. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick Grain Free Texas Beef Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

The first dog food on our list is this grain-free Texas beef & sweet potato dry dog food from Merrick. This dog food from Merrick stood out from the rest in the market because of its great content.

Most of the protein in this food comes from genuine roasted Texas beef. The food also contains a wide range of veggies and fruits, making it a tasty, healthy food for your dog.

It also features a perfect combination of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. The first ingredient of this food is deboned beef. The recipe is also free from grains and gluten ingredients. There are also no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in this food. It comes with a powerful level of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids to provide your pet with healthy skin and coat.

This grain-free formula also contains chondroitin and glucosamine to help support healthy joint and hip function. The formula is poultry-free, making it ideal for Border Collies with sensitivities to poultry ingredients.

This food also contains other beneficial ingredients such as blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, and more to provide your pet with complete and balanced nutrition.

It is loaded with vitamins C and E, healthy carbohydrates, including DHA and EPA for overall health and well-being. It comes with organic alfalfa, which is a rich source of calcium and it also serves as a great source of vitamins, fiber, and carotene.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • Adult
  • Grain-free, Gluten-free

Pros

  • Locally sourced ingredients
  • Well balanced recipe
  • Roasted Texas beef
  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin

Cons

  • It is a bit expensive
Merrick Grain-Free Dog Food | 2018

2. ACANA Regionals Protein-Rich, Real Meat, Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

ACANA Heritage Dry Dog Food, Red Meat, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free

This dry dog food made it to our list because it is one of the best dog foods for Border Collies in the market. This dog food is a great choice for active dogs and it is AAFCO-approved. It contains a lot of protein and the right amount of fat for adult Border Collies.

This food is made with duck, lamb meat, quail, eggs, and trout, which are its major protein sources. Most of the caloric content of this food is also made from protein, making it a perfect option for Border Collies, as it helps them develop lean muscles.

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The high-quality protein is also good for the overall health of your dog. This food is formulated with only high-quality and all-natural ingredients. Natural protein constitutes about 70 percent of the food.

Nutrients from vegetables and botanicals also make up another 30 percent of this food, providing your Border Collie with balanced and complete nutrition.

This formula is also grain-free, and it does not contain any gluten, tapioca, potato, or other allergens. It boasts of quality, whole animal ingredients for a biologically appropriate diet that provides your dog with all its nutritional needs. This food also features WholePrey ingredients in ratios that mirror wild prey.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • All life stages
  • Grain-free

Pros

  • Natural sources of protein
  • Helps develop lean muscles
  • Limited food processing for higher nutritional content
  • Grain-free formula
  • It contains a lot of vegetables and fruits

Cons

  • The kibble pieces might be too large for some puppies
  • It might take some time for your dog to adjust to this food.

3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain Free Dry Dog Food 1

Taste of the Wild is one of the best dog food brands in the market, and this particular product is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of Border Collies.

While some popular brands out there focus more on profitability, this company is focused on providing you with the best dog food for your little fellas. This food contains plenty of calories from complex carb sources such as sweet potatoes and peas, without settling for low-quality grains.

This means this food is completely grain-free, making it ideal for Border Collies with sensitive stomachs. The three protein sources of this food are all animal-based, and the formula includes roasted bison, venison, and beef. It also contains veggies such as raspberries and tomatoes that have the adequate level of antioxidants that your dog needs.

This food also supports a healthy and happy stomach, as it comes with a chicory root that provides probiotics. In addition, this food is also free from gluten, which makes it one of the best food for Border Collies with allergies. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to provide your Border collie with healthy skin and coat.

This highly digestible and nutrient-rich formula contains a proprietary K9 strain probiotic blend to help support the digestive system of your dog. It also contains blueberries and it is loaded with vitamin c, vitamin E, dietary fiber, healthy carbohydrate, and manganese.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • Adult
  • Grain-free, gluten-free

Pros

  • It contains antioxidants and probiotics
  • Calorie-rich
  • Three great protein sources
  • Complex carbohydrate

Cons

  • It may contain some GMO ingredients

4. Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for the best dog food for Border Collies with sensitive stomachs, then the Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Adult Formula Dry Dog Food is one of the best options you have.

This food is formulated for dogs with allergies to beef, lamb, and chicken, as it is completely free from these ingredients. It is made with salmon, and it is made to provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs.

The crunchy kibble of this food keeps the teeth and gums of your dog healthy. The food is also very easy to digest and it is easy on dogs’ stomachs. The protein content of this food is 26 percent minimum.

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It also contains a minimum of 16 percent fat and a maximum of 3 percent fiber. This dry dog food for Border Collies is also very rich in calories, as each cup of this food contains 438 kilocalories.

Every serving of this food is high in protein to help support a healthy heart and strong muscles. It also contains natural sources of glucosamine to support the joint of your dog. SmartBlend has zero fillers, and it provides a 100 percent complete diet to support the overall health of your dog.

It also features a great antioxidant blend that helps support a healthy immune system. This food also contains the right amounts of omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E to support healthy skin and a radiant coat.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • Adult
  • For sensitive digestion, with Omega-6 and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • It helps regain lost weight
  • Great quality dry dog food
  • Rich in protein
  • Ideal for dogs with sensitivities

Cons

  • The new formula contains chicken
Purina One SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems Adult Dog Food

5. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Real Meat Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for Border Collies. The basic ingredient of this formulation is pasture-raised lamb, making this food an easily digestible treat, which is ideal for dog breeds such as Border Collies.

This food also contains Taste of the Wild’s K9 probiotics, and it is specifically designed for dogs to boost their immune system, prevent bloating, and help establish healthier digestion.

This food will help your dog to grow as healthy as it should be, as it contains omega essential fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals. You can feed this dog food to your young-adult, adult, or senior Border Collie, as it is formulated to meet all their nutritional requirements.

This food also features a great calorie content, as each cup contains 338 kilocalories, which is great for adult and senior Border Collies. The protein content is 24 percent while the fat content is 15 percent.

This food also contains taurine, DHA, and 1 billion CFU probiotics. The first five ingredients of this food include lamb, lamb meal, potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes.

The ingredients of this large breed formula are from sustainable, trusted sources all over the world. It is completely grain-free, and it contains no filler, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is nutrient-rich and highly digestible.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • Adult
  • Grain-free

Pros

  • Provides support for the immune system
  • Provides long-lasting energy
  • Perfectly balanced omegas
  • A grain-free formula for optimal health and vitality

Cons

  • It takes time for some dogs to adjust to this food

The Best Dog Foods for Border Collie Puppy Are:

1. Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food

Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food

The Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food is one of the best dog food for Border Collie puppy in the market. This food is made in Colorado, USA. It comes with many ingredients that will enhance the overall health of your Border collie puppy. This food contains fish oil with adequate DHA to enhance eye health and boost the health of your dog’s brain.

Interestingly, this dry puppy food comes with a lot of fatty acids and antioxidants as well. The omega fatty acids are there to provide your dog with a healthy, shiny fur, while the antioxidants will enhance the joint health of your dog.

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It also contains sufficient calcium to strengthen the teeth of your Border Collie and enhance its bones too. This food contains rice carbs and chicken proteins. It is formulated for active dogs, as it is very rich in protein and calories. Each cup of this food contains 468 kilocalories. The food is available in different flavors and sizes.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • Puppy
  • With DHA

Pros

  • Good for teeth, bone, and joint health
  • Great for developing puppies
  • Enhances eye and brain health
  • Rich in omega fatty acids

Cons

  • It contains grains
Purina Pro Plan Focus Dog Food | Chewy

2. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Puppy Food

Screen Shot 2021 10 15 at 8.50.47 PM

The Wellness Core Natural Grain Free dry dog food is one of the best dry dog food for Border Collie puppies. This high-protein puppy food contains deboned chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal, potato protein, peas, potatoes, and chicken fat. All these ingredients are super healthy for the growth and development of your puppy.

This food features a complete grain-free formula, which helps to minimize the chances of sensitive stomachs and allergies. It also includes minerals and vitamins from spinach, bananas, carrots, and broccoli, which helps to build a strong immune system.

This food contains 36 percent crude protein. In addition to the high protein level, the food includes 5 percent crude fiber and 17.5 percent crude fat. The calorie count in each cup is 417; this means your puppy will have more than enough energy to burn as it grows.

Specs

  • Dry food
  • Puppy
  • Grain-free

Pros

  • Grain-free formula
  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • Affordable
  • Best for picky dogs’
  • It does not contain GMO ingredients

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the taste of smell of this food
Wellness Core Food Dog | Chewy

Buyer’s Guide | Things to Consider When Buying Dog Food for Your Border Collie

The Age of Your Dog

The first thing you need to consider when buying dog food is the age of your dog. The age of your dog will determine the kind of food you will settle for. The formulation for a puppy is not the same as that of an adult dog. The diet of a Border Collie puppy is different from an adult Border Collie.

Puppies need more fat and protein than adult dogs. They need all the antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, and minerals they can get to develop very well. Adult dogs need more glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and bones.

Quality and Quantity of Protein

This is another vital thing you need to consider. The protein quality is responsible for maintaining good muscular and neuronal development in this dog breed.

You should also look out for a good amount of protein, as it is as important as the quality of the protein. Make sure the food contains high-quality protein sources such as fish, meat, and eggs.

Ingredients

You also need to consider the ingredients used to make the food. Border Collies are allergic to certain ingredients. If you have a Border Collie with a sensitive stomach or allergy issues, then you have a lot of work to do in this area.

Fortunately, most of the products reviewed in this article are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. You also need to make sure the food contains all-natural, quality ingredients.

Conclusion

Picking the dog food is pretty easy if you know what to look for. From the top picks in this post, picking the right dog food for your Border Collie should no longer be an issue.

Our number one pick is the Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe because it is affordable and it contains high-quality protein and ingredients. It is also grain-free, making it an ideal option for dogs with sensitivities.

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