Best Homemade Food for Border Collie: Expert Recommendations

Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and active dog breeds on the planet, known for their high energy levels and herding instincts.

To keep them healthy and happy though, it’s essential to provide them with a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

While there are many commercial dog foods available in the market, homemade dog food can be a great alternative for owners who want to have more control over what their dogs eat. To make the best homemade food for Border Collies possible, it’s important to choose the right ingredients and ingredient combinations.

In this article, we’ll be going over some of the best homemade foods for Border Collies, as well as give you a few recipes tailored to meet your Border Collie’s specific dietary requirements and preferences.

Let’s take a look.

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Border Collies

Border Collies are a moderately high maintenance breed with high energy levels, and their nutritional needs are different from other breeds.

It’s important to understand their dietary requirements to keep them healthy and active. 

Let’s now look at the nutritional needs of Border Collies.

Nutritional Requirements

Border Collies require a balanced diet that provides them with all the essential nutrients.

The diet should be:

• High in high-quality protein.
• Moderate in fat.
• Lower in carbohydrates.

The diet should also include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to maintain their overall health.

NOTE: Check out our article on The Best Foods For Non Working Border Collies, for an in depth reviews on all of the best sources or protein, fat and carbs, as well as a list of the best brands for both raw and kibble foods.

Energy Requirements

Border Collies are highly active dogs and require a diet that provides them with enough energy to maintain their energy levels.

According to the American Kennel Club, an adult Border Collie weighing between 30 and 55 pounds should consume between 694 and 1,092 calories per day.

This gives you an idea of what you should expect to feed your Border Collie, for it to become healthy.

Protein Requirements

When it comes to protein in specific, Border Collies obviously require a diet that is high in protein.

Protein is essential for muscle growth and cellular repair, and it also helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin.

For anything structural, proteins are what’s needed, and a diet that is high in protein can help to maintain their energy levels and keep them active.

There are high-quality and low quality sources of protein. You want to of course focus on the high-quality sources like lean meats, Beef and Chicken.

Fat Requirements

Border Collies require a moderate amount of fat in their diet.

Fat is essential for energy production, and it also helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin.

Great sources of fat include, fatty fish like Salmon, fish oils, Coconut oil and Beef fat.

Carbohydrate Requirements

Border Collies require a diet that is low in carbohydrates, so these should not be your primary focus.

Carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient for dogs, but you can find these in potatoes, rice and oats.

Fiber Requirements

Border Collies require a diet that is high in fiber, since fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can also help to regulate blood sugar levels.

A diet that is too low in fiber can lead to constipation and other digestive problems.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Homemade Dog Food

When it comes to making the best possible homemade dog food for Border Collies, choosing the right ingredients is crucial.

A balanced diet will ensure that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right ingredients for your homemade dog food:

Use High-Quality Protein Sources

Protein is essential for your dog’s health, and it should make up the most part of their diet.

Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and salmon.

Make sure to use human-grade ingredients and avoid using meat that has been treated with antibiotics or hormones.

Include Whole Grains

Whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa provide your dog with carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion.

They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Make sure to cook the grains thoroughly before adding them to your dog’s food.

Add Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some good options include carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and pumpkin.

Make sure to chop them finely or puree them before adding them to your dog’s food. This way it’s easier to digest and are less likely to cause digestive problems.

Include Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are important for your dog’s skin and coat health.

Good sources include flaxseed and salmon oil. Make sure to add them in moderation, as too much can cause digestive upset.

Don’t Forget the Vitamins and Minerals

Your dog needs a variety of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Some important ones include vitamin E, vitamin D, calcium, and iron.

You can add a multivitamin supplement to your dog’s food to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients.

In summary, choosing the right ingredients for homemade dog food is essential for your Border Collie’s health.

Make sure to use high-quality protein sources, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Specific Food for Different Stages and Conditions

Feeding your Border Collie the right food for their specific stage of life or health condition can help promote optimal health and prevent potential health issues.

Here are some recommendations for specific food for different stages and conditions.

Puppies

Puppies require a diet rich in protein and essential nutrients for proper growth and development.

Homemade food for Border Collie puppies should consist of quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or beef, along with healthy fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Some recommended ingredients include:

• Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, or beef
• Whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa
• Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans
• Fruits such as apples, bananas, and blueberries
• Supplements like fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and calcium for bone development

Weight Gain

If your Border Collie needs to gain weight, adding high-calorie foods to their diet can help.

However, it’s important to ensure that the food is still balanced and nutritious.

Some recommended ingredients for weight gain include:

• Chicken or beef liver
• Cottage cheese
• Cooked eggs
• Whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal
• Healthy fats like olive oil or coconut oil

Pregnant Border Collies

Pregnant or nursing Border Collies require a diet that is high in calories and nutrients to support their growing puppies.

Some recommended ingredients include:

• Lean meats like chicken or turkey
• Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa
• Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans
• Fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries
• Supplements like fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids and calcium for bone development

Hip Dysplasia

Border Collies with hip dysplasia may benefit from a diet that is lower in calories and higher in joint-supporting nutrients.

Some recommended ingredients include:

• Lean meats like chicken or turkey
• Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa
• Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans
• Fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries
• Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health

Obesity

If your Border Collie is overweight or obese, a diet that is lower in calories and higher in fiber can help them lose weight.

Some recommended ingredients include:

• Lean meats like chicken or turkey
• Vegetables like green beans, carrots, and broccoli
• Fruits like apples, blueberries, and strawberries
• Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa
• Supplements like fiber for satiety and weight management

Health Conditions

If your Border Collie has a specific health condition, such as allergies or digestive issues, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to develop a customized diet plan.

Some recommended ingredients for various health conditions include:

• Limited ingredient diets for allergies
• Probiotics and digestive enzymes for digestive issues
• Low-fat diets for pancreatitis
• Low-sodium diets for heart conditions

Overall, feeding your Border Collie a balanced and nutritious homemade diet can help promote optimal health and prevent potential health issues.

It’s important to work with your veterinarian to develop a customized diet plan that meets your dog’s specific needs.

Dealing with Food Sensitivities and Allergies

Food sensitivities and allergies are common in Border Collies, and they can cause a range of health issues, including skin problems, gastrointestinal upset, and more.

One common approach to managing food sensitivities and allergies is to switch to a grain-free diet.

Grain-free diets eliminate wheat, corn, and other grains that can cause digestive issues in some dogs.

Instead, they use alternative sources of carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or peas.

NOTE: Not all dogs benefit from a grain-free diet, and some may even develop sensitivities to other ingredients in their food.

Another important factor to consider when dealing with food sensitivities and allergies is the presence of fillers in your dog’s food.

Fillers are ingredients that are added to dog food to increase its bulk and reduce its cost.

However, many fillers, such as corn and soy, can cause digestive issues in dogs.

• Look for dog food that is free of fillers and made with high-quality ingredients.
• If you suspect that your Border Collie has a food sensitivity or allergy, it’s important to carefully monitor their diet and eliminate any potential triggers.
• Keep a food diary to track what your dog eats and any symptoms they experience.
• Work with your veterinarian to develop a diet that is tailored to your dog’s specific needs and sensitivities.

Homemade food may be the best option for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies as it allows you to control the ingredients that your dog eats and eliminate any potential triggers. 

With that said, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to ensure that your homemade food provides your dog with all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Best Homemade Food For Border Collie: 3 Recipies 

Making homemade food for your Border Collie can be a great way to ensure they are getting a nutritious and balanced diet.

Here are a few recipes to try:

Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped green beans

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. In a separate pot, boil the chicken until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.
5. Shred the chicken and add it to the rice.
6. Add the chopped carrots and green beans to the pot and stir.
7. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Beef and Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Add the sweet potato, green beans, carrots, and water to the skillet.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potato is tender.

Fish and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. white fish (such as cod or tilapia)
• 1 cup chopped broccoli
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the fish over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Remove the fish from the skillet and let it cool.
3. Flake the fish and set aside.
4. Add the chopped broccoli, carrots, and green beans to the skillet.
5. Add the water and cover.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the flaked fish to the skillet and stir.

Consulting with a Veterinarian

Before making any significant changes to your Border Collie’s diet, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian.

This is because, keeping a balance of ingredients and keeping the nutritional needs of your Border Collie met, is fairly important.

A veterinarian can provide valuable insight into your dog’s nutritional needs and help you create a balanced homemade diet that meets those needs.

During your consultation, your veterinarian may discuss the following topics:

• Nutritional needs: Your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate nutritional needs for your Border Collie based on their age, weight, and activity level.
• Chondroitin: Border Collies are prone to joint problems, and chondroitin is a supplement that can help support joint health. Your veterinarian can recommend a chondroitin supplement and advise you on the appropriate dosage for your dog.
• Homemade food safety: Your veterinarian can provide guidance on safe food handling practices and ensure that your homemade dog food is free of harmful bacteria.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your Border Collie receives a balanced and nutritious diet.

In summary, consulting with a veterinarian is a crucial step in feeding your Border Collie a homemade diet.

Your veterinarian can provide valuable insight into your dog’s nutritional needs, recommend supplements to support joint health, and ensure that your homemade dog food is safe and nutritious.