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What Is the Best Food for a Border Collie (and When and How Much Should It Have)?

Active dogs like Border Collies need a diet that supports their lifestyle. This is especially true if they have a big responsibility as working dogs. Health is wealth for this breed, as a healthy body lets them do what they love without restrictions. But other than exercise, a nutritious diet makes this possible.
What Is the Best Food for a Border Collie

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Border Collies will need a different diet than most dog breeds. This is due to their activity levels, which are often more than the average breed.

But you cannot give a generalized diet for this breed. They take on so many roles: an athlete, a herder, and even a family pet. Depending on what role they take, their diet will vary.

It is easy to get confused about their diet, especially with plenty of dog-food options on the market. But this article will help you figure out all the essentials of providing them with a well-balanced diet.

How Much Should Border Collies Eat?

In general, adult Border Collies would need to eat about 1.5 to 2 cups (354 to 473 mL) of food a day. But this does not apply to all Border Collies, as it will depend on several factors. Their food intake may need to go up or down based on the following:

  • Age
  • Weight
  • Size
  • Build
  • Metabolism
  • Activity level
  • Health issues

As you can see, food intake can greatly vary within this breed. Border Collies who are couch potatoes will need less food compared to those who engage in dog sports.

How Many Calories Should a Border Collie Eat a Day?

There is no exact answer to this as your Border Collie’s calorie needs will depend on a few factors. This includes their activity level, age, and even their weight. So the best thing for you to do is to customize your Border Collie’s calorie intake.

The feeding guide at the back of their food packaging is a good start. Manufacturers often put one to help you out.

But what if the packaging does not have one? Worry not, you can calculate the calories that your Border Collie needs with this formula:

Daily Calorie Intake = 62 × (weight in lbs)0.75

Below is a quick guide on your Border Collie’s daily calorie needs based on their weight:

  • 20 lbs (9 kg): 586 kcal
  • 25 lbs (11 kg): 693 kcal
  • 30 lbs (13 kg): 794 kcal
  • 35 lbs (15 kg): 892 kcal
  • 40 lbs (18 kg): 986 kcal
  • 45 lbs (20 kg): 1077 kcal
  • 50 lbs (22 kg): 1165 kcal
  • 55 lbs (24 kg): 1252 kcal
  • 60 lbs (27 kg): 336 kcal
  • 65 lbs (29 kg): 1419 kcal

Keep in mind that the formula above only works for adult Border Collies. Puppies will need to follow a different guide. This is because they need more calories to support their development.

Your furry friend’s weight is not the only thing you should consider, though. A big factor in their calorie intake is also their lifestyle. Border Collies with a more sedentary lifestyle will need fewer calories than workers.

Here is a general guide that you can follow:

  • Less active Border Collies (including seniors) need about 700 calories a day
  • Highly active Border Collies need around 900 to 1000 calories a day. This includes those who do dog sports or engage in intense or lengthy activities.
  • Working Border Collies, like those who herd, need about 1400 calories a day.

How Many Cups of Food Should a Border Collie Eat?

Healthy, adult Border Collies will need about 1.5 to 2 cups (354 to 473 mL) of quality food per day. Again, the exact amount will depend on some factors. The most important ones would be their weight and their activity level.

Knowing the exact portions that they will need takes a bit of work, but it will be worth it to keep them healthy.

The quality of their food also matters in feeding them. Make sure to buy food specialized for Border Collies.

Although they have an average metabolism, they will need more calories than most dogs. This is to support their above-average activity level.

How Do I Know if My Border Collie Ate Too Much Food?

If your Border Collie eats too much food, they get sick and try to get rid of what they have eaten. Usually, they would go outside and eat grass, which is a normal thing they do.

But the long-term consequence of eating too much is that they become overweight. Having extra weight affects this breed more than you can imagine. This creates physical hindrances that prevent them from enjoying an active lifestyle.

This can also lead to serious health issues, especially once they get older. Excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on their joints and backs. Not only will this decrease their performance, but it can also lead to musculoskeletal issues.

All these can reduce your poor Border Collie’s quality of life.

Should Border Collies Eat Wet Food?

Feeding your Border Collie is up to you, as long as you provide them with a balanced diet. If you have a picky eater, this option may be better since it has increased palatability. Most dogs love wet food, but there is a reason why many dog owners stick to dry food.

First, you should know what makes wet food a great option for your Border Collie.

What makes wet food more irresistible to most dogs is its intense smell and taste. It also resembles the fresh meat that dogs eat in the wild. Other than that, it is also softer in their mouth, which some dogs may need.

Compared to kibbles, wet food has higher water content. This will help increase their water consumption, especially if they do not drink much.

When it comes to nutrition, wet food has higher protein and fat while having low carbs. This is great for maintaining your Border Collie’s weight, as they are prone to obesity. But this also has its downsides.

One is that your Border Collie would need to eat more wet food to feel full. This breed also needs more carbs in its diet due to its lifestyle. Since wet food is more expensive than dry food, this is not a cost-effective option.

Wet food is also messier and time-consuming to prepare. And given that it spoils fast, storage can be a problem. You have to refrigerate it to keep it fresh and your Border Collie needs to eat it right away.

This food option may also be bad for your Border Collie’s dental health. It sticks to their teeth, making them prone to plaque and tartar buildup. You will notice this more if you neglect their oral hygiene.

While wet food resembles what they eat in the wild, it does not fulfill their craving to chew on something solid. Border Collies are often mouthy dogs, so this can be a problem.

Even with its cons, many dog owners still feed their dogs wet food. What they do is use both wet and dry food in their dog’s diets. You can try this out and see if it works for you and your Border Collie.

How Much Wet Food Should I Feed My Border Collie?

The amount of wet food your Border Collie needs will depend on a few factors. Most of the time, their weight and activity level will determine this.

A good way to start is to check the back of their food packaging. These often have a feeding guide that you can follow.

Or, you can compute the calories that your Border Collie needs daily based on their weight. You can use this formula as a guide:

Daily Calorie Intake = 62 × (weight in lbs)0.75

For example, if your Border Collie weighs 40 lbs (18 kg), they need 986 kcal per day. But of course, you also have to factor in the calories they burn off during daily activities.

So the best way to figure this out is to consult your vet. You can work with them to get the best meal size for your Border Collie based on the following:

  • Metabolism
  • Weight
  • Activity level
  • Age

And if your Border Collie has any existing issues, this will also matter. Each medical condition is different and your vet is the best person to talk to about this.

How Often Should You Feed a Border Collie?

Experts recommend feeding Border Collies 2 to 3 meals a day. Some dog owners feed their furry friends one large meal daily. But this is not ideal for a few reasons.

One is that Border Collies are often not great at self-regulating their food intake. If you do not control their meals, they may eat a whole day’s worth of food within minutes.

This can lead to a decrease in their performance. Which is a big issue for herding Border Collies who need to always be in tip-top shape. But this is also bad for Border Collies who compete in dog sports, especially agility.

Another reason is that one large meal a day makes them more prone to obesity. This condition can lead to plenty of other health issues, which is a fur parent’s nightmare.

With this, controlling their daily meals with a feeding routine is crucial. This will help in regulating their energy throughout their daily activities. But it can also be beneficial for their long-term health.

When Should I Feed My Border Collie?

If you feed your Border Collie twice a day, you can give them their meals in the morning and the evening. But if you further divide their meals into three, you can feed them during lunchtime. Make sure your Border Collie has access to clean drinking water throughout the day as well.

How Long Can a Border Collie Go Without Eating?

Most healthy dogs can go 3 to 5 days without eating their food, as long as they continue drinking water. But as each dog is unique, there is no exact number of days one can safely go without food.

Border Collies who go on a hunger strike can mean that they have a health issue, though. With this, you should never let your Border Collie go for more than 3 days without eating. Any change in appetite could be a sign of something serious. And this could worsen without immediate action.

A rule of thumb to follow for this is to wait for 2 to 3 days before seeing the vet. But this only applies to your Border Collie if they do not exhibit the following:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Showing signs of distress
  • Not drinking enough water

Without these symptoms, their hunger strike usually resolves on its own within 3 days. But if you see any of these symptoms, you should take your Border Collie to the vet as soon as possible.

Is Commercial Dog Food Bad for Border Collies?

There is no issue in feeding your Border Collie commercial food, as long as you pick the right one for them. With plenty of choices available, it can be confusing to pick the right one. Oftentimes, dog owners choose the cheapest option, but this is often unhealthy.

So before you head out to the pet store, here are some things to watch out for in dog food:

  • Nutrition
  • Food type
  • Additives

Nutrition

Not all commercial dog foods are equal in quality, so you should look for this first. It should provide your Border Collie with their nutritional needs, such as:

  • Protein: This should be the main ingredient in your Border Collie’s diet. Protein is necessary for their skin, muscles, organ, and even their coat. Make sure to check if the protein is of good quality, like fresh meat.
  • Calcium and Phosphorus: These are essential for their teeth and bone health. Look for ingredients like meaty bones and meats from organs and muscles.
  • Omega Fatty Acids: These are popular for their benefits on your Border Collie’s skin and coat health. But omega fatty acids also play a part in keeping their immune system healthy.

Food Type

You have three options here: wet food and dry food. Both have their pros and cons, so this decision is up to you. The important thing is to look for one that provides them with a balanced diet.

Wet food is popular for its high palatability. Although it is low in carbs, it is high in protein but also fat. It also has the highest water content among the two, which helps dogs who do not drink often.

But wet food is expensive, more costly, and is messy to prepare. It also spoils fast, so refrigeration is a must. This is also an issue if your Border Collie likes to come back for their food after a few hours.

Dry food is cheaper, easy to store, and fills your Border Collie faster. It is the more convenient option because all you have to do is to scoop some food to feed them.

This option is also better for your Border Collie’s dental health. Chewing on solid food brushes on the surface of their teeth, removing any buildup.

But oftentimes, dry food contains a lot of unnecessary fillers. These fillers make your Border Collie feel full, but do not provide any nutritional value. Your furry friend does not need this and it can contribute to their weight gain.

Its water content is also quite low, an issue for dogs who do not like to drink water. Especially for Border Collies who often work on hotter days. A workaround for this is to hydrate their kibbles with water to soften them up.

You can opt to feed your Border Collie a mix of the two types, which is what a lot of dog owners do.

Additives

Additives are often a word frowned upon in food, whether it is for humans or dogs. These have a purpose in dog food, like enhancing flavors. But it is not always the best idea to have additives in dog food.

Before anything, it may help you to know the types of additives added to your furry friend’s food:

  • Preservatives: These help in preserving foods that are moist to extend their shelf life. Common ones used are propylene glycol and sorbic acid.
  • Coloring: The purpose of coloring is more from an aesthetic standpoint. It makes the appearance of dog food better by making the colors consistent.
  • Antioxidants: These prevent the fat content in dog food from smelling rancid. Antioxidants also help in preserving its taste to improve palatability.
  • Flavoring: As you can tell, these will improve the taste of your furry friend’s food.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid in My Border Collie’s Food?

A lot of commercial dog food contains ingredients that your Border Collie does not need. But some are worse because they are unhealthy for your furry friend.

So why do they continue to add these into dog food? One is that these make your Border Collie’s food cheaper. Another is that these preserve the freshness of their food.

Sure, this allows you to provide them with fresh food at a lower price. But at what cost? You would not want to feed your Border Collie potentially bad stuff regularly.

Part of taking care of this extraordinary breed is to watch out for what goes on in their bowls. To help you become a smarter shopper, here are ingredients to avoid in dog food.

Melamine

This ingredient is deceiving, as it makes dog food look like it has more protein. But melamine can be toxic to your Border Collie. Ingesting this can lead to kidney failure and death, depending on their size and how much they ate.

BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin

What these ingredients do in dog foods is keep their freshness longer. But there is a concern about its long-term effects on your furry friend. Because while they are preservatives, they are also used as pesticides.

Propylene Glycol

This is an additive that enhances moist foods, keeping them soft. The FDA still considers propylene glycol. But experts still recommend dog owners stay away from this.

Carrageenan

Both the FDA and AAFCO consider this food additive safe. Extracted from seaweed, carrageenan thickens the consistency of wet dog food.

But what you should watch out for is the lower-quality variant of this called poligeenan. This variant may lead to gastrointestinal inflammation or worse, cancer.

Meat Meal

Avoid any dog food that has a “meal” as one of its ingredients at all costs.

This ingredient has gone through rendering. This is a process of heating scraps of dead or diseased animals to get rid of fat. What remains of this process is the meat meal label on your Border Collie’s food packaging.

While it contains protein, its quality will depend on the animal parts used. Also, most dog owners are not comfortable with the idea of feeding their dogs animal scraps.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is a sweetener added to your Border Collies meals and they do not need this. This ingredient has no nutritional benefit while having a high glycemic index. There is no reason for this to be in your Border Collie’s food.

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

This mouthful of an ingredient can benefit your Border Collie. It is often an ingredient in dental dog food to help in preventing tartar buildup.

This sounds helpful, right? Who would not want to have extra help in maintaining their dog’s pearly whites?

But, and there is a big but, this can do more harm than good. Sodium hexametaphosphate has high levels of salt, which can lead to health issues. It can even lead to heart problems.

How Much Water Should I Give My Border Collie?

In general, Border Collies should drink 1 to 1.7 oz (30 to 50 mL) of water per pound of their body weight daily. But the answer to this question is not as simple as this.

This is tricky to answer as it widely varies within the breed. Like their food intake, your Border Collie’s water intake also depends on a few factors. The main ones to consider are the following:

  • Size: Smaller Border Collies, based on weight, drink less than heavier ones.
  • Food Type: Border Collies who only eat dry food will need to drink more than those who also eat wet food. Remember, wet food helps in their water intake due to its high water content.
  • Activity Level: More active Border Collies, like those who herd, need more water. The more they exercise, the higher their water intake needs to be.
  • Health Issues: Border Collies who have medical conditions often need to take medication. With this, it is best to discuss with your vet if you need to increase or decrease their water intake.
  • Weather: On a hot day, your Border Collie will need to drink more and constantly too. This is to prevent them from getting dehydrated.

As you can see, many factors affect your Border Collie’s water intake. Even external factors, like the temperature outside, is a consideration.

But below is a general guide you can follow that factors in both their weight and their diet. This will show you a rough estimate of your Border Collie’s daily water intake.

Dry Food Diet

  • 5 to 15 lbs (2 to 6 kg): 6 to 14 oz (177 to 414 mL)
  • 15 to 25 lbs (6 to 11 kg): 14 to 20 oz (414 to 591 mL)
  • 25 to 50 lbs (11 to 22 kg): 20 to 34 oz (591 to 1005 mL)
  • 50 to 75 lbs (22 to 34 kg): 34 to 45 oz (1005 to 1330 mL)
  • 75 lbs (34 kg) and Above: 50 oz (1478 mL) or more

Wet Food Diet

  • 5 to 15 lbs (2 to 6 kg): 2 to 4 oz (59 to 118 mL)
  • 15 to 25 lbs (6 to 11 kg): 4 to 6 oz (118 to 177 mL)
  • 25 to 50 lbs (11 to 22 kg): 6 to 10 oz (177 to 295 mL)
  • 50 to 75 lbs (22 to 34 kg): 10 to 13 oz (295 to 384 mL)
  • 75 lbs (34 kg) and Above: 15 oz (443 mL) or more

Of course, this is only something you can start on. These estimations still do not factor in your Border Collie’s activity level. And given that this breed is more active than most dogs, this is crucial.

So it is best to talk to your vet about the right water intake for your furry friend.

How Long Can Border Collies Go Without Water?

Your Border Collie can survive for about 72 hours without drinking water. But they will already show signs of dehydration after the initial 24 hours.

The longer they go without drinking water though, the weaker they get. This will affect all their vital organs and may cause irreversible damage.

So make sure that your Border Collie always has access to clean drinking water around the clock.

This is only a general estimation, though. Each Border Collie will have a time limit and this will depend on the following:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Weather
  • Health Issues

Age

Border Collie puppies will need to hydrate themselves more frequently than adults. Because of this, it is much easier for them to get hydrated. Their size matters too, they are smaller and so they will lose water much faster than an adult.

Senior Border Collies will also need to drink more water than adults. Oftentimes, older dogs already have health issues. Frequent hydration is necessary, otherwise, their medical condition may worsen.

Activity Level

Regardless of age, Border Collies are more active than most dogs. So they need more water to support their active lifestyle.

But activity levels vary within the breed. Some Border Collies are pets, enjoying adequate exercise per day. While others are working dogs or engage in dog sports.

The latter of the two needs to keep drinking water throughout the day. They exercise more, so they lose more of their water. These dogs are more prone to dehydration if they do not have access to drinking water all the time.

Weather

Hotter weather would mean that your Border Collie needs to sweat more. This is a natural response, as sweat helps in regulating their body temperature.

But they lose a lot of water by sweating. So during hotter seasons or in hotter climates, Border Collies need to drink more.

Health Issues

Dogs of any age can have health issues, even your Border Collie. Those who have existing medical conditions cannot go long without water.

Dehydration affects all your Border Collie’s vital organs. And if this happens to one with a health issue, their condition may worsen.

How Can I Tell if My Border Collie Is Dehydrated?

Dehydrated Border Collies will have a decreased skin elasticity. To check for this, you can do a simple pinch test on them.

Start by gently pinching the skin on their neck or their back and holding it for a few seconds, then let go. A well-hydrated Border Collie’s skin should snap back into place right away.

But a dehydrated one’s skin will hold its position much longer. This forms something like a tent or a skin fold.

Other than skin elasticity, you should watch out for the other signs of dehydration:

  • Dry nose, mouth, and gums
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive panting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sunken eyes

Here are some tips you can try if your Border Collie is not a fan of drinking water:

  • Praise and Reward: Give them verbal praise and treats whenever they drink water. This will encourage them to keep doing this good behavior.
  • Water Bowl Location: Place several water bowls around the house. This should be in places they like going to, like by their food or near their bed.
  • Water Flavoring: You can also add some flavoring to their water to entice them to drink. A homemade chicken broth will work well, but beef is also an option.

How Can I Tell if My Border Collie Is Overhydrated?

If your Border Collie takes in more water than they should, they will pee more frequently. They will also produce more saliva and will appear bloated. In more serious cases, they will start vomiting.

Overhydration can sometimes be due to a health issue. So if your Border Collie is drinking more than usual, you should see a vet as soon as you can.

But if your Border Collie gets a clean bill of health, you need to control their water intake. You may need to keep their bowl out of sight for a few hours a day.

What to Feed a Border Collie Puppy?

You should only feed your Border Collie puppy dog food appropriate for their age. Their nutritional needs are different from that of an adult. For example, a growing puppy needs more calories to support its growth.

But there are so many puppy foods on the market that it is easy for you to get confused about which one to buy. Some dog foods, while cheaper, are not of good quality.

To help you pick the best one for your puppy, here are the ingredients you should look for:

  • DHA: This ingredient is a fatty acid and a major structural component in the brain. DHA is crucial for the development of their vision and brain.
  • Antioxidants: These have plenty of health benefits for a growing puppy. One of its benefits is helping in building a strong immune system.
  • Protein: Puppies need a diet that provides at least 25% protein. Their protein should come from whole meat, like lamb or chicken. Avoid proteins that come from meat meals.
  • Fat: Look for dog foods that provide your puppy with around 15% fat. Remember to stay within their recommended calorie intake.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: These aid in your puppy’s bodily functions and cellular processes. They should be getting an equal ratio of calcium and phosphorus. Also, see if their food has the essential ones, like vitamins A, D, E, K, C, and B.
  • Fiber: This ingredient helps in your puppy’s bowel movements. The best fibers are dietary vegetable or grain-based ones.

How Much Should a Border Collie Puppy Eat?

Border Collies only eat 1/2 to 2 cups (118 to 473 mL) of food per day throughout puppyhood, depending on their age. Naturally, younger puppies need to eat smaller amounts due to their small stomachs.

Check the serving guide at the back of their food packaging to give you an idea of this. Each brand will have a different recommendation, depending on its ingredients list.

Usually, they will also base this on your Border Collie puppy’s month of age and weight.

But if you cannot find one, here is a rough guide:

  • 8 Weeks Old to 3 Months Old: 1/2 to 1 cup (118 to 236 mL) of puppy food daily
  • 4 Months Old Onwards: 1 and 1/2 cups (354 mL) of puppy food daily
  • 6 Months Old Onwards: 2 cups (473 mL) of puppy food daily

You can use this serving guide as a start. But you should not strictly follow this. Each puppy is an individual, so you should increase or decrease this based on their needs.

Most guides do not take your Border Collie puppy’s activity level into account. This can include the one on the packaging, and even the rough guide mentioned.

This breed already has huge exercise needs, to begin with. Especially at this age, with their overflowing puppy energy. So the best way to figure out the exact portions your puppy needs is to talk to your vet. This way, every factor affecting their serving needs is in consideration.

How Many Calories Does a Border Collie Puppy Need?

Each puppy will need a different calorie intake, so there is no definite answer to this. There are so many things to factor in, like the calories per serving. Other factors include their daily exercise levels and their month of age.

You should also consider that they grow bigger and heavier each month. So their calorie needs will need to adjust monthly. Giving any exact answer to this is not only tricky, but it is also not the best thing to do.

But in general, Border Collie puppies need way more calories than adults. They need double the amount of their calories per pound of body weight daily.

To figure out the calories that they need, you can use an online calculator. Before using one, make sure you know the following details:

  • Your puppy’s ideal weight for their age
  • Your puppy’s exercise level
  • Your puppy food’s calories per serving in kcal per cup

This may be the simplest and easiest way for you to know their appropriate calorie intake.

But of course, a trip to the vet would not hurt you too. Apart from you, your vet knows your Border Collie puppy more than anyone. They can work with you to figure out their exact calorie intake per day.

How Many Grams of Food Should I Feed My Border Collie Puppy?

It is hard to tell how many grams a Border Collie puppy would need. They grow each month, so this would change their food portions constantly. Other than that, several other factors affect this.

Another concern is that commercial puppy foods will have varying serving guides. So the easiest thing you can do is to look for this at the back of their food packaging.

But these guides do not take the other factors into account. Oftentimes, these only consider your puppy’s weight and age.

Instead, you can measure your Border Collie puppy’s food by calories or by the cup. For calories, there are food calculators online to help you figure this out faster. But if you still feel lost, you can always consult your vet.

How Many Times a Day Should a Border Collie Puppy Eat?

A Border Collie puppy should eat 2 to 4 meals per day, depending on their age. The younger they are, the smaller their stomach. So they cannot hold so much food, or else they get sick.

Experts recommend that your Border Collie puppy should have 4 meals until they are 4 months of age. After this, they should be down to 3 meals until 6 months of age. Then after this, they can have 2 meals a day until they are adults.

Your puppy should have small, frequent meals throughout the day. If you feed them large meals, this could lead to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This condition occurs when their stomach twists due to food and gas.

GDV is not only very painful for them, but it can also be life-threatening. Due to its seriousness, GDV is a medical emergency.

But with smaller meals, you can make them feel full throughout the day without this risk.

Overfeeding can also make your puppy overweight. It is not common for puppies to store calories as fat since they use it all up when they play. But as they grow older, their metabolism will slow down, making them prone to being overweight.

When Should I Switch My Border Collie From Puppy Food?

Once your Border Collie puppy is 12 months of age, you can make a gradual switch to adult dog food. Mix a bit of adult food into their puppy food so they get used to it. But it is still advised that you wait until they are 18 months old before you feed them adult food completely.

Remember not to switch their food in one go, as this can have a bad outcome. Doing this can make them have digestive issues, which you can tell by these symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Decrease in appetite

Other than that, their new dog food may contain an allergen too. Food allergies in dogs can have the same symptoms mentioned above. But other than that, they may also exhibit the following:

  • Excessive itching
  • Skin inflammation
  • Hyperactivity
  • Lethargy

These are all something you would not want to happen to your poor puppy. So here is how you can make a gradual switch to adult food:

  • Step 1: Feed your puppy 3/4 of his puppy food and 1/4 of his new food for the first two days. If they respond well, you can proceed to step 2.
  • Step 2: You can now give your puppy a 50-50 ratio of each dog food for the 3rd and 4th days.
  • Step 3: On the 5th and 6th days, you can give them 3/4 of the adult food and 1/4 of the puppy food.
  • Step 4: Now that your Border Collie has adjusted, you can now feed them adult food only.

What Do I Do if My Border Collie Puppy Is Still Hungry?

If your Border Collie puppy still asks for food even if you have given them the right serving, do not give in. Sure, their puppy eyes and cute whimpers may be tempting, but by giving in, you are putting them at risk of being overweight.

Excess weight can not only lead to several health issues. It can also put added stress on their joints and back, making moving around hard and even painful.

Instead, you can get creative on how you can make them feel full.

One way is to use a slow feeder bowl. This will make it trickier for them to eat their food so they do not finish it right away.

You can also use a foraging mat to serve their meals. They will have to look for their food on the mat, so they eat slower. This can also be a fun mental game for them!

Puzzle feeders and treat balls are also great options for this.

Can I Free Feed My Border Collie Puppy?

Free feeding is not the best idea for your Border Collie puppy. The idea of free-feeding is to put their daily food serving in their bowl. This way, your puppy can regulate their intake, grazing on their food whenever they want.

But puppies are not the best at self-regulating their food. They may end up eating their whole daily serving in one sitting.

Not only will this make them hungry at the end of the day, but this can also make them feel sick. The long-term effect of overfeeding is that they become overweight.

To avoid all these issues, it is best to stick to a strict feeding routine. This way, your growing puppy will feel full throughout the day.

What Can Border Collies Eat?

Border Collies can eat a wide variety of foods, including meat, fruits, and vegetables. Other than commercial wet and dry food, you should also consider feeding them these. This will help you in providing them with a more balanced diet.

For meat, Border Collies will eat just about any type of meat. Popular ones include chicken and beef, but some are allergic to these two. You can also consider other meat options, like lamb, if that is the case.

Dairy products are also a great addition to their diet. But a lot of dogs are allergic or intolerant to dairy. While this may be the case, most dogs can tolerate yogurt.

Fruits and vegetables are also great for added vitamins and minerals. But not all are safe for your Border Collie as they are toxic even in small doses.

Many dog owners also like to feed their furry friends some table scraps, such as bacon. While you can share your delicious meal with your Border Collie, this is not the best for them.

Oftentimes, human food is high in fat, which can cause health issues down the road, like obesity. Another concern is that some seasonings in human food are harmful to them, like onions and garlic.

What Human Food Do Border Collies Like?

Each Border Collie will have their preference for human food. So figuring out what yours will enjoy will need some trial and error. Start feeding them a variety of foods and see what they like best!

But of course, you should not feed them human food that is harmful to them. To help you find their favorite human food, below are some that are safe for your furry friend.

Fruits

Popular fruits for dogs include apples, bananas, and most berries. Fruits are often high in sugar though, so while they can eat this, make sure you feed them in moderation.

Apples are rich in vitamins A and C. It also contains calcium which is great for building strong bones.

But before feeding your Border Collie apples, make sure that you remove the seeds. These seeds contain cyanide, a dangerous chemical that can poison them.

Bananas are also great from time to time with their high nutritional value. Since they are soft, this fruit is easy to eat, even for Border Collies with dental problems.

Berries are also an enjoyable treat to have for them, especially when served frozen. These fruits are popular for being a great source of antioxidants. And like other fruits, they also pack a lot of vitamins and minerals.

But the only berries that are safe for your Border Collie are the following:

  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Blackberries
  • Strawberries

Other fruits that you can feed your Border Collie are:

  • Cucumbers
  • Mango
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Pineapple

Vegetables

Packed with nutrition, veggies are beneficial to Border Collies as they are omnivores. These are a great addition to bringing your furry friend a balanced meal. But like fruits, make sure to feed these in moderation.

Here are some vegetables that your Border Collie can safely eat:

  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Green beans
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Yams
  • Zucchini

Before serving vegetables, make sure they are already in bite-sized pieces so they are easy to eat. You can also put veggies through a food processor for convenience. By doing this, your Border Collie will have an easier time digesting their veggies.

Meat

Meat is rich in protein, which Border Collies need a lot of. You can serve your Border Collie cooked meat without any seasoning and spices. But you can also feed them raw meat.

The most popular meat for dogs is chicken. It is high in protein and it is very accessible to many. But a lot of dogs are allergic to this, even Border Collies. But do not worry, you still have other options for them. Here are some of the best meats that your furry friend can enjoy:

Beef

This may be the most harmless meat option you can give your Border Collie. Beef has low-fat content, which does not raise cholesterol as much. It is also easier on their liver, especially frozen beef shear.

Lamb

You can have lamb as an alternative to beef if you want. This meat contains vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium. So lamb helps in strengthening your furry friend’s muscles and cardiovascular system.

Other than that, lamb has even less cholesterol than beef by about a half.

Turkey

This meat contains both vitamin A and E, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Turkey also has low calories and fat. This is great for maintaining your Border Collie’s weight.

The issue with turkey is that it has more sodium compared to beef. While sodium is crucial in bodily metabolic processes, this can still be alarming.

Fish

Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve your Border Collie’s skin and coat. But not all fish are equal, so you should be picky about the type that you choose.

You should go for safe, commercial fishes such as the following:

  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Herring
  • Whitefish

It is best to avoid tuna and other similar fish. This is because they may contain mercury or other harmful substances.

When feeding your Border Collie fish, make sure to limit any seasoning. Take off the bones, especially fishbones that are small and brittle. This may get stuck in your Border Collie’s throat, causing issues and even injury.

What Treats Can Border Collies Have?

While you can feed your Border Collie commercial treats, you can also give them human food. If you have already figured out their favorite one, you can use that as a treat!

Popular human foods that many uses as treats are usually fruits. This includes watermelons, blueberries, apples, and cucumbers. Your Border Collie will love munching on frozen fruits on a hot day.

But fruits are high in sugar, so you may want to go for other options. Carrots and pumpkins are also popular treats. But make sure you boil them first beforehand.

Fruits and vegetables are not the only treats your Border Collie can enjoy, though. Some of these may be your favorite too, such as:

  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Peanut butter

Cheese

If dairy does not upset your Border Collie’s stomach, this is a wonderful treat. Cheese contains calcium, protein, good fat, and vitamins A and B.

But make sure you still feed them in moderation. Cheese can cause digestive issues and can make your Border Collie gassy.

Yogurt

Packed with probiotics, yogurt is a healthy treat option for your furry friend. It aids in food digestion and makes their immune system stronger. But since this is also a dairy product, make sure to only give them small amounts.

Peanut Butter

This treat is popular with dogs because many enjoy eating peanut butter a lot! Peanut butter contains protein and fiber, which Border Collies need. But like other treats on this list, feed in moderation.

Peanut butter, although great, is high in fat and calories. Feed your Border Collie too much and they may become overweight.

Another important thing to note is to be careful in choosing your peanut butter. Make sure to get one that does not contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to your Border Collie.

Can Border Collies Eat Cooked Meat?

Feeding your Border Collie with cooked meat is not a problem. Cooked is not as nutritious as raw meat, but it is safer. You can always add supplements to their meals to recover from any nutrition loss.

But before you feed your Border Collie cooked meat, here are things you should know first.

One of these is not to add any seasoning, herb, or spices. The main thing here is that these may be toxic to your Border Collie. Other than that, they do not provide any nutritional value, so it is best to omit them.

Another is that you should always remove the bones. When cooked, bones become brittle and they may break as your Border Collie chews. As a result, they may have wounds in their mouth or internal bleeding in their GI tract.

Other than that, these bones can get stuck in their mouth or their stomach. If the latter happens, there will be a blockage in their stomach which can lead to more issues.

Is Cooked Chicken Good or Bad for Border Collies?

Cooked chicken is a great source of protein for your Border Collie unless they are allergic to it. Chicken is among the top 10 allergens in dogs, which can mean that this is bad for some Border Collies.

If your Border Collie is allergic to chicken, this will affect their skin, making it itchy. Your poor dog will then have to scratch themselves more and may wound themselves in the process. Other than that, food allergies can also exhibit the following:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Unfortunately, chicken is a common ingredient in a lot of commercial dog foods. So you have to be careful in what you are feeding your Border Collie.

But if your Border Collie is lucky enough to not have this problem, chicken is good for them.

Chicken is lean meat, which means it is low in fat content. So your Border Collie can get all the protein they need without guilt. This meat can help them build muscle mass, a useful thing in this athletic breed.

Other than that, chicken also contains omega-6 fatty acids. This will help in making their skin healthy and their coat shiny.

But cooked chicken can still be dangerous to Border Collies who are not allergic to it. If you want to feed them cooked chicken, make sure to remove all the bones. Cooked bones are always a bad idea to feed dogs, as it may harm them.

Can You Give Border Collies Bones?

You can give your Border Collie bones but to do this safely, there are some things that you should know first. Not all bones are acceptable for your Border Collie to chew on and they may get harmed in the process. If you do plan to give them bones, always go for raw bones.

First, you should know that not all bones are equal. There are various types, such as the following:

  • Bone treats
  • Rawhides
  • Cooked bones
  • Raw bones

Of the four, raw bones are the safest and should be the only ones that you feed to your Border Collie. The other three are dangerous and can lead to injuries and other health issues.

Below, you will find out why you should not give any of these three to your furry friend.

Bone Treats

You can get these from almost any pet store that you can find. While very accessible, these are often processed bones. So their quality differs from bones that you get from a butcher.

These bones are often dried through baking and smoking. Then manufacturers add seasonings, preservatives, and other flavorings. And as you know, these are not ingredients you would want to feed your Border Collie.

Giving your Border Collie bone treats could also lead to the following:

  • Choking
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal blockage
  • Wounds in the mouth
  • Rectal bleeding

In some reports, eight dogs have also died as a result of chewing on commercial bone treats.

Rawhides

Feeding your Border Collie rawhides could also lead to the same issues with bone treats.

What stands out with rawhides is that they often have traces of harmful chemicals. They could also become contaminated with E. coli or Salmonella.

Rawhides also contain additives and preservatives that are dangerous, such as artificial sweeteners. Some may also contain ingredients that cause cancer.

Cooked Bones

While natural, cooked bones are also not the safest option for your Border Collie. Cooking bones make them brittle and they may break and splinter, harming them.

Cooked bones may cause any of the following to your Border Collie:

  • Oral injuries
  • Broken teeth
  • Constipation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Blockage in the esophagus, windpipe, or stomach

This can also lead to peritonitis, which is a bacterial infection of the abdomen. This condition is a result of the punctures in their stomach or intestines. Since cooked bones are brittle, they may cause this to occur.

These all sound scary, right? Chewing on bones is a natural behavior in dogs and they may even crave it. You would not want to deprive your Border Collie of this.

So here is why raw bones are the best option for your furry friend.

Chewing on Raw Bones and Its Benefits

Most kinds of raw bones are edible and soft, making them easy to chew and digest. You can use the raw bones of beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb. As descendants of wolves, this comes naturally to dogs.

With this, here are the benefits of giving your Border Collie raw bones to chew on:

  • It Acts Likes a Brush: Bones will brush against the surface of their teeth as they chew. This removes tartar on their teeth in the process, reducing the likelihood of gum disease.
  • It Promotes the Production of Saliva: Saliva has enzymes that help to prevent plaque buildup.
  • It Contains Minerals: Raw bones contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These are beneficial to their health, such as strengthening bones.
  • It Provides Mental Stimulation: Chewing is fun for dogs. This reduces their anxiety, which Border Collies often experience.

Raw bones are not completely safe, though. There is still a risk of them choking from it.

But there are ways for you to lessen the risks of injury, choking, infection, and more.

One is by using recreational bones. These are big bones, used for chewing and not for eating. Usually, these are femur or hip bones from beef and bison.

You can get these from any butcher shop. These often still have some meat, soft tissue, or cartilage attached.

Here are some other tips you can follow for them to enjoy their bone safely:

  • Supervise Them: Never leave your Border Collie alone to chew on their bone.
  • Choose the Right Size: Make sure that the bone is not too small for them to swallow whole. The ideal size is longer than its muzzle. This will make it impossible for them to swallow it.
  • Choose the Right Cut: Do not choose bones cut lengthwise, like a leg bone. You should also not use pork or rib bones, they are prone to splintering.
  • Proper Storage: You should refrigerate their raw bones when not in use. Freezing them lessens the risk of contamination. After about 3 to 4 days, throw them out.
  • Chewing Sessions: Only let your Border Collie chew their bone for 15 minutes. By doing so, you lessen the risk of injuries.

Can Border Collies Eat Beef Bones?

Beef bones are one of the safest bones you can give your Border Collie, as long as they are raw. These bones are soft, making them safe for them to chew and eat. Still, you should be careful with this as beef bones still come with risks.

Can Border Collies Have Rib Bones?

You should never give your Border Collie rib bones, especially cooked ones. Rib bones are more likely to splinter than other bones, which can harm your Border Collie in many ways.

What Raw Foods Can Border Collies Eat?

Your Border Collie can eat various raw foods. This includes raw meat, like beef and fish, raw veggies, raw bones, and more.

There is debate whether dog owners should feed their dogs raw food. But this is natural for your Border Collie and is what they do in the wild. Whether you feed them raw or not, is up to you.

Many dog owners who do feed their dogs a raw diet swear by it. There are some health benefits to it, but keep in mind these are all anecdotal. Below are some of these.

The most common benefit claimed with a raw diet is an improvement in a dog’s skin and coat. Another is better and more compact stools, likely due to the higher water content in raw meat.

Some even claim better dental health for their dogs. This could be due to chewing on raw bones, which act as a brush for their teeth.

If your Border Collie has food allergies, a raw diet may be better for them. This way, you can get rid of the allergen in their diet with convenience.

Some also claim that their dogs would need lesser trips to the vet on a raw diet. This can be due to the lack of additives and chemicals that are in commercial dog food.

Can Border Collies Eat Raw Meat?

Border Collies can eat raw meat and many argue that this is the healthiest diet for them. The issue with raw meat, though, is the risk of contracting parasites.

So make sure you source your Border Collie’s raw meat from safe places. Do not let them consume the meat right away as well. Keep the meat in the freezer for a while to kill off any pathogens.

The best meats for Border Collies are lean meat. You can get these from beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, veal, and more.

Can Border Collies Eat Raw Bones?

Raw bones are the safest bones to give your Border Collie. Unlike cooked bones, these are soft and edible. As descendants of wolves, their stomachs can digest raw food well.

Feeding them raw food will fulfill their need to chew. Especially since this resembles what they eat in the wild.

Other than that, this can also help maintain your Border Collie’s dental health. Chewing on raw food will brush the surface of their teeth to remove tartar. This also stimulates the production of saliva, which can lessen plaque buildup.

Before feeding your Border Collie raw bones though, you need to make sure that you get the right size. It should be big enough for them not to swallow whole.

Do not let your Border Collie chew on raw bones unsupervised. While these bones are the safest for them to have, it is still not completely safe. They are still at risk of choking and getting injured.

Can I Feed My Border Collie Raw Chicken?

You can feed your Border Collie raw chicken if you want to. It is a great lean protein option that contains omega-6 fatty acids. But many dog owners are hesitant to feed their furry friend raw chicken for many reasons.

The biggest issue with raw chicken is that there is a risk of salmonella infections. In severe cases, this can lead to sepsis and may even cause the death of your furry friend.

This issue often overshadows the other issues with raw chicken, though. Many are not aware of the other reasons below.

Chickens Have a Bad Diet

Not all chickens, but too many of them do. A lot of commercial chickens have questionable diets.

They are being fed human leftovers from processed human food. This includes bread, flour, cake leftovers, and more.

What chickens eat, your Border Collie eats as well. This is the grim reality you have to face and heavily consider if you want to feed them raw chicken.

Chickens Have an Imbalance in Fatty Acids

Because of their diet, chickens have more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. This is crucial because both work together to balance each other out.

Omega-6 fatty acids make hormones that increase inflammation. But the omega-3 fatty acids counter this and lower the inflammation. So your Border Collie must get a balance of both in their diet.

A lot of chickens have a surplus of omega-6 fatty acids. If you feed one rich in this fatty acid to your Border Collie, their health will suffer. This increases their inflammation and this can mean trouble.

A lot of chronic diseases are a result of chronic inflammation. This includes joint pain, kidney disease, diabetes, and even allergies.

With this, chicken has the potential to lower your Border Collie’s quality of life.

Are Eggs Good for Border Collies?

Eggs are nutritious for your Border Collie, even the shell. It is a complete source of protein for them as it includes all types of amino acids. Some of these are amino acids their bodies cannot create, so they get them from their diet.

Other than that, eggs also have a variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain their health. This includes the following:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folate
  • Iron
  • Riboflavin
  • Selenium

The eggshells are a great source of calcium as well. This is why some dog owners crush eggshells and at them to their dog’s food as a supplement.

But of course, too much of anything is bad so you should feed your Border Collie eggs in moderation. Eggs are high in cholesterol and this can lead to obesity in the long run. But a short-term effect of eating too many eggs is an upset stomach.

Eggs also contain avidin, which inhibits a vitamin called biotin. Biotin is crucial for many body functions, such as metabolism and cell growth. It also promotes healthy skin in your Border Collie.

How you cook your Border Collie’s eggs also plays a part. Frying the eggs is not a great idea because you add oil to their egg, making them fattier. Adding any other seasoning, like salt, is also not a great idea.

Can Border Collies Have Scrambled Eggs?

Your Border Collie can eat scrambled eggs but in moderation. The best way to feed this to your Border Collie is to keep it as plain as possible.

Do not add other ingredients, such as milk or cheese. This will add more fat to their diet, making their meal unhealthy.

Can I Feed My Border Collie Raw Egg?

You can also feed your Border Collie raw eggs if you want to. Experts say that cooking the eggs will ruin their nutritional value. So if you want to maximize its benefits, you can opt to feed raw eggs to your furry friend.

The issue with raw eggs is the risk of getting infected by salmonella. Although healthy Border Collies will not get ill from this, it is still worrying. So if your Border Collie has a compromised immune system, it is best to stay away from raw eggs.

Can Border Collies Eat Dairy?

Border Collies can eat dairy, as long as they are not lactose intolerant. The problem is that most dogs cannot tolerate dairy and it is the top source of food intolerance in dogs.

The dairy product that causes the most issues is milk. But even lactose intolerant dogs can handle other dairy products. This includes plain yogurt and cheese, as they are much easier to digest.

If you want to let your Border Collie drink milk, you can do so in small amounts. This can be an occasional treat for them, but do not go overboard. If you do, this can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea.

Is Cheese Good for Border Collies?

Cheese is a popular tasty treat that your Border Collie can enjoy. Many dog owners use cheese as a training tool since most dogs love it. It is also a nutritional treat that contains many essential nutrients.

Protein

Cheese is high in protein, which is essential to active breeds like Border Collies. Even more, if they are working dogs. This tasty treat can help in supplementing their daily protein intake.

Other than being their main source of energy, it also helps in building muscle density and bone mass. This will help your furry friend recover strained muscles since they use them a lot.

Calcium

This mineral is crucial in strengthening bones and maintaining muscles. It also keeps your Border Collie’s cardiovascular system healthy. Cheese is also a great calcium supplement for your Border Collie’s diet.

Vitamin A

This vitamin helps in promoting healthy eyes and skin. But it is also essential for their organs and building strong immunity. Vitamin A also makes your Border Collie’s skin and coat appear healthier.

Other than these, cheese also contains B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids.

The key to feeding your Border Collie cheese though in moderation. Cheese contains a lot of fat and this can make your Border Collie overweight in the long run.

Other than that, too much cheese can lead to pancreatitis. This condition is potentially life-threatening, so you need to be careful.

With this, go for low-fat cheese options like the following:

  • Cottage cheese
  • Mozzarella
  • Soft goat cheese

Of the three, cottage cheese may be the best one. Compared to the others, cottage cheese has lower fat and sodium content. It also has less lactose, which makes it easier to digest.

Can Border Collies Have Milk?

Not a lot of dogs can drink milk as most dogs are lactose intolerant. While it is a great source of calcium, it is not the best source for your Border Collie.

Milk is high in lactose, a complex sugar, which is hard for them to digest. If your Border Collie drinks too much milk, they may exhibit any of the following:

  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Loose stools

Border Collies who can tolerate milk can drink it. Still, they should only be drinking it in small amounts. Since milk is also high in sugar, it is not great for maintaining weight.

If your Border Collie enjoys milk, you can opt for other low-lactose alternatives. Plant-based milk can be a great option, but they also have its downsides:

  • Rice Milk: Dogs can eat rice, but it contains little to no nutritional value for your Border Collie.
  • Oat Milk: This is high in vitamins, but also high in fiber. Too much oat milk can also upset your furry friend’s stomach.
  • Coconut Milk: This option is tasty, but this may be due to its high-fat content.
  • Soy Milk: This plant-based milk is high in protein, which is great for active Border Collies. Unfortunately, many dogs are allergic to soy.
  • Almond Milk: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this is a great alternative. The issue is that a lot of almond milk contains xylitol. This makes it taste sweeter, but xylitol is toxic to dogs.

Is Milk Good for Border Collie Puppies?

You can have your Border Collie puppy drink milk, but only in small amounts. This can still cause them intestinal upset and other issues. The best milk option for them would be one that is dog-formulated.

Plant-based milk is also a great alternative for them. But each option also has its cons, as mentioned in the previous section.

What Fruit Can a Border Collie Eat?

Border Collies can eat a wide variety of fruits such as bananas, apples, and some berries. Fruits are a healthy treat alternative for this active breed. They will be able to enjoy their treat while taking in nutrients, a win-win!

The sweet taste of fruits appeals to many dogs. A lot of them are popular summer snacks as they taste better when chilled or frozen. But remember to feed these to your Border Collie in moderation as they are high in sugar.

While fruits are not required in their diet, you can indulge your furry friend with any of the fruits below.

Apricots

Rich in beta carotene, apricots do more than improve your Border Collie’s eyesight. These help in reducing inflammation which can help with arthritis and diabetes. Apricots also help in maintaining your Border Collie’s blood levels.

Before serving them apricots, remember to remove the core first.

Blackberries

This fruit is rich in minerals, such as potassium, manganese, zinc, and more. Blackberries also help in keeping their digestive tract healthy, relieving constipation. This is thanks to their high insoluble fiber content.

Cherries

You can find many nutrients in these small fruits such as vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and more! These also contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant that strengthens your Border Collie’s immune system. Another benefit to this antioxidant is that it helps reduce degenerative health issues.

Be careful with cherries though. You must remove the pit, stem, and leaves as these contain cyanide. And cyanide is toxic to dogs, including your Border Collie.

Clementine

Packed with vitamin C, clementines have many benefits to your Border Collie. One of these is reducing inflammation, which can help those with arthritis.

Cranberries

This fruit is popular in improving your Border Collie’s bladder health. Cranberries can help in preventing and even managing UTIs and stopping recurrent infections.

Other than that, these can also be beneficial to their dental health. This fruit can reduce tartar and plaque buildup, which can lead to dental disease.

Elderberries

This fruit can be safe or highly toxic to your Border Collie. They can eat this if it is ripe, but if unripe, elderberries are harmful to them. With this, you may want to stay away from elderberries and opt for other fruits.

Lemons

Your Border Collie can get vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and calcium from lemons. But these fruits are very acidic, so you should be careful. Also, few dogs like this fruit due to its taste.

If you do want them to try this, make sure you remove the peel first! But make sure to feed your Border Collie lemons in very low doses. These can upset their stomach and other than that, this fruit contains psoralen.

Lychee

Lychee is high in fiber, yet low in calories. You can use this fruit to add to their fiber intake for better bowel movements. Like lemons, you should only feed your Border Collie the flesh of the fruit.

Mango

This fruit is a delight for any dog to eat, as it is sweet and soft when ripe. It is also rich in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E.

Nectarine

A benefit of the nectarine is that it is rich in magnesium. This mineral is important for your Border Collie’s bone health. It also aids in the absorption of other vitamins!

Oranges

Both humans and dogs enjoy eating this fruit and they can do so guilt-free! Your Border Collie can enjoy the minerals and vitamins in this fruit. Make sure not to feed them the peel and the seed, though.

Peaches

This tasty fruit contains antioxidants that help in fighting cancer. Antioxidants also help them in building strong immunity. Other than that, peaches contain vitamins that your Border Collie needs, like vitamins A and C.

Pears

Like other fruits, pears are abundant in vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamins A, C, K, and potassium! Make sure to remove the seeds first, though, as these contain cyanide.

Pineapples

Pineapples are rich in beneficial nutrients for your Border Collie. Some of these are manganese, copper, iron, and potassium. This nutrient-dense fruit then helps with their immunity and digestive health.

Watermelon

This is a popular summer treat for dogs and your Border Collie may enjoy it too! Your Border Collie will love this, even more, when served frozen. Watermelons are a great source of vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, and B6.

Some other fruits that your Border Collie can have are:

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries

Can Border Collies Puppies Eat Fruit?

Your Border Collie puppy can enjoy fruit from time to time as well. Be careful not to give in to them too much as fruits are high in sugar. Also, for fruits with seeds, remember to take these off before serving them.

Like adults, your puppy can also eat a wide variety of fruits! You can use the list above as a reference to which ones are safe for them to consume.

Can Border Collies Eat Bananas?

Bananas are a great fruit for your Border Collie to eat. Other than potassium, it is also a good source of manganese, copper, and biotin. Your Border Collie can also get vitamins B6 and C from this sweet fruit.

Due to their beneficial nutrients, bananas have several health benefits for them. Some of these are the following:

  • Increasing their bone strength
  • Nourishing their muscles
  • Enhancing their brain function
  • Boosting their immunity
  • Improving their digestion

Can Border Collies Eat Apples?

Apples are a popular nutritious snack for dogs for a good reason. This fruit is a great source of many nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and K, zinc, iron, and fiber.

Its fiber content helps in promoting a healthy digestive system. This will improve their bowel movement and in turn, improves their colon health. Other than that, this is also great in managing their weight and helps with constipation.

If your Border Collie has diabetes mellitus, apples may help them too.

The soluble fiber in this fruit is pectin. This helps in reducing the calories and sugar absorbed in their bloodstream. Pectin can also help in preventing blood sugar spikes, which can lead to an increase in fat storage.

Other than these, this fruit can also have these other benefits:

  • Alleviates skin issues
  • Lowers the risk of bone diseases
  • Improves immune system health
  • Lessens the development of cancer

Can Border Collies Have Berries?

You can feed your Border Collie berries, but not all types are safe for them. The good news is that the popular ones, like strawberries, are safe for them to eat. But you should keep your furry friend from these berries below:

  • Gooseberries
  • Pokeberries
  • Salmonberries
  • Bane berries
  • Jostaberries
  • Marionberries
  • Mistletoe berries

There are poisonous to your Border Collie. Feeding them any of these even in small amounts may hurt them.

The safe ones that they can eat are the following:

  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Cranberries
  • Raspberries
  • Boysenberries
  • Mulberries

But even if these berries are safe for them to consume, you should only feed them in moderation. Like other fruits, berries are also high in sugar. Feeding them too much of these can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Can Border Collies Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are healthy fruits that your Border Collie can eat. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being a low-calorie treat. So as you can imagine, this fruit can benefit your Border Collie in more ways than one!

Here are some of the nutritional benefits your Border Collie can get from this fruit.

  • Potassium: This mineral is necessary for many body functions. This includes their kidney and heart function.
  • Folate: Together with vitamin B12, folate produces red blood cells. Folate also helps with the iron in your Border Collie’s body.
  • Vitamin C: While your Border Collie’s body can make vitamin C, it will not hurt to get a boost of this from fruits. Vitamin C helps in promoting antioxidants in the body.
  • Fiber: This helps your Border Collie’s digestive health. Fiber promotes a healthy bowel movement for regular stools. Other than that, it also makes them feel full.

Strawberries, like other berries, are also rich in antioxidants. There are many benefits to antioxidants such as:

  • Improving Their Immunity: Strawberries contain polyphenols. These feed the good bacteria in your Border Collie’s body. As a result, this will balance their gut to support their immune system.
  • Slowing Aging: Antioxidants are great in controlling free radicals. These free radicals can lead to chronic diseases and speed up the aging process.
  • Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to many health issues, like arthritis. But the antioxidants in strawberries will stop the enzymes that cause this.

Can Border Collie Puppies Have Strawberries?

Strawberries are safe and healthy for Border Collies of any age, including puppies. But keep in mind that moderation is key. Fruits, in general, are high in sugar so you should not overindulge your puppy with this fruit.

Another concern is that this small fruit may be a choking hazard to your puppy. So before you feed them yummy strawberries, here is how you can do it safely.

First, make sure to wash the strawberries and take your time removing any dirt on them. Next, cut the strawberries into smaller pieces. This will make it easier for your puppy to eat and digest them.

Other than cutting them into smaller bites, you can also puree their strawberries. Serve them as it is or add the pureed strawberries to their food!

Can Border Collies Eat Blueberries?

This small superfood is one of the best healthy treats that you can give to your Border Collie. Compared to other fruits, blueberries have more nutrients per volume. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber, this fruit can help keep them healthy.

How do blueberries do this, though? You have to look into their benefits for this:

Helps in Fighting Cancer

More than half of dogs get cancer, especially as they grow old. But blueberries have polyphenols and anthocyanins that help with this.

Polyphenols are the kings of antioxidants. They locate any free radicals that cause diseases in the body and destroy them.

According to research, here are some cancers this fruit can manage:

  • Colon cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer

This superfood also manages the following:

  • Angiogenesis
  • Obesity
  • Oxidative stress
  • Chronic inflammation

All these are well-known to contribute to tumor growth.

Managing Obesity

This is not usually a problem with Border Collies as they are active dogs in general. Still, they are prone to obesity especially when they are old. An older dog usually lives a sedentary lifestyle and their metabolism gets slower.

Improving Gut Health

About 80% of your Border Collie’s immunity comes from their gut. So a healthy gut flora is crucial in keeping them healthy.

Studies show that blueberries improve the microbiome in the gut. It can even help in improving Leaky Gut Syndrome. This is all thanks to anthocyanin in blueberries because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Recovering From Exercise

In such an active breed as Border Collies, this is a need. Blueberries boost their antioxidant levels, helping them recover from strenuous exercise.

Other than these, blueberries can also help in the following:

  • Supporting brain health
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Maintaining a healthy heart
  • Managing UTIs
  • Preserving eyesight

Be careful in feeding your Border Collie blueberries, though. As they are small, they are a choking hazard.

Here is how you can feed your Border Collie some yummy blueberries:

  • Frozen: This is a popular summer treat for dogs as they are refreshing. You can cut them into smaller pieces and freeze them before serving.
  • Smoothie: You can blend blueberries with yogurt for more health benefits.
  • Mashed: Mash some blueberries and serve them on their own. Or you can add it to their dry food to entice them into eating.

Can Border Collies Eat Raspberries?

Raspberries are safe for your Border Collie to eat in moderation. Like other berries, raspberries also have many health benefits for your furry friend!

These fruits contain the following essential nutrients:

  • Folic acid
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B-complex
  • Vitamin K

Raspberries also contain fiber, which boosts their digestive health. Fiber can also help manage your Border Collie’s weight as it helps them feel full much longer.

What Veggies Can Border Collies Eat?

Like fruits, Border Collies can eat a variety of veggies such as broccoli, carrots, and more. You can boil or steam these veggies without seasoning or you can feed them raw. Most Border Collies will appreciate the diversity in their diet!

Here are other vegetables that you can feed your furry friend:

  • Zucchini
  • Cauliflower
  • Cucumber
  • Green beans
  • Celery
  • Yams
  • Spinach
  • Cabbage
  • Pumpkin

Keep in mind to only feed them veggies in moderation. Their digestive system may have a hard time breaking veggies down. So while these are tasty treats, make sure not to go overboard with them.

Do Border Collies Have Sensitive Stomachs?

Every dog is different, while some have sturdy stomachs, others have sensitive ones. All dog breeds can have sensitive stomachs, even your Border Collie. While they do not make it top of the list of dogs with stomach issues, this can still depend on the following:

  • Allergies
  • Genetics
  • Diet

For example, some Border Collie may have Imerslund Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS). This is a genetic disorder that makes it hard for them to absorb vitamin B12. This is hard to avoid as meat, fish, and eggs contain this.

Most Border Collies though can eat the most peculiar of foods without having any effect on them. If your Border Collie does not have any genetic disorders or allergies, they can eat anything.

Since any dog can have a sensitive stomach, here is how you can tell if your Border Collie is one of them:

  • Soft stool
  • Blood in their stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive drooling
  • Frequent stomach rumbling

You may also notice these symptoms after ingesting a specific food. In this case, your Border Collie may have an intolerance to that.

Should Border Collies Eat Grain-Free Food?

Unless your Border Collie is allergic to grain, grain-free food is not necessary for them. Dogs who are allergic to grain have itchy skin, among other symptoms. So it is best if they are not fed with any grain in their diet.

But if your Border Collie is lucky enough not to have this, you can continue feeding them grain food.

Grain-free food substitutes the carbohydrates in a dog’s diet. So these foods use other sources like potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, peas, or lentil. So this does not mean that grain-free foods are free of carbohydrates, but they often have less.

Fewer carbohydrates may not mean better for active breeds like Border Collies. They need carbs as fuel to support their active lifestyle. This is especially crucial if they work, if they engage in dog sports, or if they have lengthy exercises.

But if your Border Collie is more of a couch potato, you can consider choosing a grain-free diet. Before you do that though, make sure to consult your vet. They know more about your Border Collie’s health and what is best for them, including their diet.

What Can Border Collies Not Eat?

Border Collies should not eat several fruits and veggies, like avocados and onion. You should also keep some human foods away from them, such as chocolates. These are poisonous or harmful to them in different ways, so be alert about what they put in their mouth.

Avocados are very dangerous to your Border Collie. These fruits contain persin, which is toxic to them. Every bit of the avocado contains this, the flesh, pit, seeds, and leaves.

If ingested, this can cause gastrointestinal issues and pancreatitis. But it can also have many other adverse effects on your Border Collie.

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, are also harmful to your Border Collie. Any vegetable that is part of the plant family Allium is poisonous to them.

If ingested, these can also cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and nausea. In large doses, these can lead to the rupturing of their red blood cells.

Unfortunately, many human foods contain onions and garlic. This is why you should be careful in feeding your Border Collie table scraps.

Other than these, there are other foods that you should not feed your Border Collie.

Vegetables

  • Mushroom
  • Kale
  • Raw potato

Fruits

  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Grapefruit
  • Kiwi
  • Kumquat
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Plum
  • Pomegranate
  • Prune
  • Raisins
  • Rhubarb
  • Tomatoes (unripe)

Nuts

Some nuts are safe for your Border Collie, although they are a choking hazard. But other nuts are toxic for your Border Collie, such as:

  • Macadamia
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Pistachio
  • Pecan nuts
  • Hickory nuts

Other Dangerous Foods

  • Caffeine: These contain methylxanthines, which are poisonous to dogs. Caffeine is in coffee, soda, and human medicines.
  • Chocolate: These contain theobromine, a highly toxic substance for your Border Collie. When ingested, this can cause tremors, seizures, and death.
  • Cooked Bones: When cooked, bones become brittle. Your Border Collie can suffer from injuries and intestinal blockage from this.
  • Fatty Foods: Your burger may be yummy, but this is bad for your Border Collie. The high-fat content can lead to obesity, heart disease, and more. Any fried food, like bacon, is harmful to them.
  • Xylitol: This is a common artificial sweetener in human food, but it is very toxic for dogs. You can find this in gums, some peanut butter, toothpaste, mouthwash, and more.

What Fruits Can Border Collies Not Eat?

Some popular fruits are off-limits to your Border Collie, such as. avocados, tomatoes, and grapes. These fruits are toxic to your furry friend, leading to many adverse effects and even death. Others may not be toxic but can upset your Border Collie’s stomach.

Here is why some of these fruits are harmful to your Border Collie.

Tomatoes

When unripe, tomatoes contain a toxic substance called solanine. Other than that, tomatoes are high in malic acid and citric acid. These can harm your Border Collie, especially in large doses.

Grapes and Raisins

Other than avocados, these are one of the most harmful fruits for your Border Collie. Grapes and raisins have mycotoxin and salicylate. When ingested, these substances can lead to kidney failure.

Pomegranate

Although pomegranates are not toxic, this fruit can be harmful to your Border Collie. Eating this in large amounts can cause stomach problems. This includes stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Lemons

Your Border Collie can eat the flesh of this fruit in very small quantities. But any more than that can cause digestive issues. Lemons are very acidic and many cannot tolerate this well.

Other than these fruits, you should also keep your Border Collie away from the following:

  • Figs
  • Grapefruit
  • Kiwi
  • Prune
  • Rhubarb
  • Kumquat

What Foods Are Border Collies Allergic to?

Border Collies have five common food allergies: dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, and some meat. The problem is that some of these are common ingredients in dog food. Food allergies often have scary symptoms, some of which are the following:

  • Itchy skin
  • Redness of the skin
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Swollen face
  • Difficulty in breathing

So knowing what foods your Border Collie cannot have is crucial, even if they are not toxic. With this, below you will find more information on these five food allergens.

Dairy

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all treats that your Border Collie may not get to enjoy. But you should know that dairy allergy and lactose intolerance are not the same things. These two are often interchanged because they are tricky to distinguish.

Lactose intolerance is when your Border Collie lacks lactase. Lactase is an enzyme that helps in digesting lactose. The issue here is the sugar found in dairy, which is lactose.

So if your furry friend has too much dairy, they will have an upset stomach. Some symptoms of this include vomiting, diarrhea, and more. As you can see, these are similar symptoms to food allergies.

But dairy allergy is when they cannot tolerate the protein found in milk, not its sugar. Dairy allergy is more serious than lactose intolerance. So it is crucial to figure out what your Border Collie has early on.

Some key differences in the symptoms include itchiness. This can be on their paws, ears, and even their anus. So your Border Collie will scratch themselves excessively for relief.

You may also notice that they get hives and their face become swollen. They may also have a hard time breathing if they ingest milk.

Wheat

A lot of dogs suffer from grain allergies. This can develop into significant health issues down the road. Unfortunately, a lot of dog foods contain wheat, which can trigger an allergy attack.

Grain allergy in dogs will also cause itchy, inflamed skin, often on their paws and ears. So they will exhibit excessive scratching, chewing, and licking on their skin. Due to this, your Border Collie may have some hair loss in the areas they pick on.

Grain allergy can also lead to ear infections, which can be chronic.

If you suspect that your Border Collie has a grain infection, make sure to consult your vet. You may have to change their diet and feed them grain-free or gluten-free food.

Eggs

The problem with eggs is that many dogs are allergic to the protein found in their yolk. The symptoms of egg allergies include itchiness, swelling, and other symptoms mentioned above. This can happen whether you feed them raw or cooked eggs.

So if you see these symptoms in your Border Collie, stop feeding them eggs. You may need to change their diet, so consult your vet about this first.

Soy

Soy is a scary food allergen because its symptoms get worse each time your Border Collie eats it. This can lead to hypersensitivity if you do not change their diet. Other than the symptoms above, they can also be in great distress when their allergy triggers.

So make sure to consult your vet if you suspect that your Border Collie has a soy allergy. This ingesting soy may also lead to other health issues like liver and thyroid issues.

Meats

Your Border Collie needs a lot of meat in their diet to support their active lifestyle. But sometimes, the protein in meat is what is triggering their allergies.

The most common meat allergy in Border Collies is due to chicken. But they may also be allergic to beef and lamb. Again, it is unfortunate that these three are the most common proteins found in dog food.

Compared to the other food allergens on the list, this is harder to work with. That is because although you have alternatives, they may not be as accessible as these three. Other meat options you can consider include fish and venison.

With this, it is best to consult your vet about weighing your options for this.

What Is Poisonous to Border Collies?

There are a lot of things that are poisonous to your Border Collie. It can be food, plants, or other household items that may be accessible to them. To keep your furry friend out of harm’s way, make sure they do not have access to the items below.

Food

Your Border Collie is part of your family, so sharing your favorite food with them is out of good intentions. But some foods are off-limits, as they are toxic or harmful to them. This includes even some healthy treats such as fruits and veggies.

Some fruits that are poisonous to them include avocados, grapes, and raisins. Unripe tomatoes are also toxic to your Border Collie.

For veggies, keep them away from mushrooms, raw potatoes, and kale. Your Border Collie has a variety of other safe veggies to try.

Some nuts are also toxic to your Border Collie, especially macadamia nuts. Other unsafe nuts include pecan nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachio.

They should also not have access to drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and soda. Keep them away from foods that contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This is commonly used in peanut butter and gums.

And as you may already know, chocolate is poisonous to your Border Collie. The theobromine in chocolates can cause seizures and tremors. In severe cases, it may even cause death.

Cleaning Agents

The products you use to maintain the cleanliness of your home are toxic to your furry friend. So make sure you keep the following items sealed and stored:

  • Bleach
  • Detergents
  • Dryer sheets
  • Oven cleaners

Any other items you use for cleaning should not be within your Border Collie’s reach.

Pest Control Items

Items that keep your property pest-free can also be dangerous to your Border Collie. This includes the following items:

  • Insecticides
  • Mouse traps
  • Rat poison
  • Mothballs
  • Flea powders

Your Border Collie may want to get their paws on these items. Oftentimes, these smell sweet to them. But you should always keep these items out of their reach.

Medicine

Human medicine of any kind should not make its way into your Border Collie’s mouth. Whether it is prescription or not, they may contain toxic ingredients to them. Especially medicines that contain the toxin xylitol.

Other items

You may have some of these items lying around on your property:

  • Fertilizers
  • Antifreeze
  • Automotive fluids

All these are very toxic to your Border Collie. What adds to the danger of keeping them within their reach is that the smell of these attracts them.

You should also make sure your Border Collie does not have access to human toothpaste. These contain xylitol, a toxic chemical for dogs.

What Plants Are Poisonous to Border Collies?

Many common household plants lying around in your home may be dangerous, such as aloe vera and tulips. Border Collies are curious dogs, always looking for something interesting to do. So they may harm themselves by discovering your gorgeous plants.

Some of these toxic plants include the following:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Ferns
  • Lilies
  • Rhododendron
  • Sago palm
  • Tomato plants

But there is a big list of plants that Border Collies should not be playing with. With this, make sure to do your due diligence.

Find out if any of your existing plants are toxic to your Border Collie. If there are, store them somewhere inaccessible. Especially if they love to eat everything.

And if you plan to get more plants to beautify your home, do your research on the plant first.

Why Is My Border Collie So Picky?

A Border Collie who does not touch its food may not be hungry. But sometimes, it is not as simple as that, especially if this often happens.

In general, Border Collies are not picky eaters. Their activity levels are above average so they need to eat a lot. But of course, there are some exceptions to this.

It can be worrying to see your Border Collie not eating. So below, you will find some common reasons for this. This will help you narrow everything down before consulting your vet.

Lack of Food Variety

Humans get tired of eating the same food over and over again. The same can happen to your Border Collie, they get bored of their food.

So you should introduce a variety of ingredients to your Border Collie’s diet. Make sure to pick natural and healthy ones, such as meat, fruits, and veggies. You can serve them cooked or raw, and add them to their existing diet.

But make sure that you do not change too much of their diet so fast. This may upset their stomach as this changes their gut flora.

Take note that this will not work for every Border Collie. But do not get discouraged, you have other options to try below.

Too Many Treats or Table Scraps

To your Border Collie, table scraps or treats may be tastier than their meals. So by feeding them too much of these, you are encouraging them to be picky. This smart breed will learn in time to skip their meals to make room for more appetizing food.

A solution to this is not to give your Border Collie any more table scraps or treats. Do not give in to them no matter how much they bug you with their puppy eyes.

They Are Anxious or Distracted

This breed is not only skittish, but they are also hyperaware of their surroundings. So you should be careful about where they eat their meals. Make sure you choose a quiet and peaceful place for them.

You should also avoid talking or engaging with them whenever they eat. If you have other household members, instruct them to do the same.

Lack of a Feeding Schedule

Do you leave out food for your Border Collie all the time? If so, this may make meal time less important because they can always eat whenever they want. They will keep coming back for their food throughout the day, so there is always something left in the bowl.

Other than that, this may make their food less appetizing to them. If it has been sitting in their bowl for hours, it loses its appeal to your Border Collie.

So stick to a daily feeding schedule to fix this issue. Make sure that after they finished their meal, you remove their food bowl as well.

They Have Low-Quality Food

If your Border Collie eats cheap food, this may make them feel sick. Companies cut corners with the ingredients of dog food to make it cheaper. But this is at the expense of how your Border Collie feels after every meal.

This may irritate their stomach, among other adverse effects. So you should invest in premium-quality kibbles instead.

Not Enough Exercise

Border Collies are not known to be voracious eaters. Their appetite is due to their high activity levels. As they burn their calories, they get hungrier and this encourages them to eat.

But if your Border Collie does not get enough exercise, they do not become hungry enough to eat. So make sure their exercise needs are being met, as this can lead to other behavioral issues as well.

Food Allergies or Intolerances

As you know, Border Collies can have allergies as well. The most common ones are meat, eggs, soy, dairy, and wheat. If their meals include an ingredient they are allergic to, they will not want to eat it.

They feel sick after every meal and may vomit or have diarrhea. So make sure you know your Border Collie’s food allergies and intolerances. This way, you can avoid any ingredient that makes them feel sick.

Dental Issues

Make sure to check the condition of your Border Collie’s oral health. Any dental issue can make eating painful for them.

If they have inflamed and red gums, this can be a dental disease called gingivitis. Your Border Collie’s gums could be too sensitive to eat harder food, such as kibbles. And with periodontitis, this can be even more painful.

You should also check if they have any broken teeth. This can happen to Border Collies, especially if they work long, tireless hours in the field.

If you see any problems with their oral health, make sure to visit your vet right away.

Health Issues

Loss of appetite is a common symptom of many underlying medical issues. Never rule out this possibility, this should be the first one you should check for. Health issues may worsen if left untreated, so always go to your vet if there are changes in their appetite.

What to Feed a Picky Border Collie?

If your Border Collie is a picky eater, you add wet food or raw food to their meals. These have a stronger taste and smell, which can entice your Border Collie to eat.

You can split their meals into 80% kibbles and 20% wet food to start. You can also add some raw foods like meat to further encourage them.

Wet food is better for dogs who are picky due to dental issues. This is because wet food is softer and easier on their gums and teeth, unlike hard kibbles.

Other than this, you can also add flavoring to your Border Collie’s meals. You can do so by:

  • Mixing a tablespoon of xylitol and salt-free peanut butter in their meals
  • Adding a bit of natural chicken broth to their kibbles
  • Using food seasonings for dogs
  • Adding small amounts of cooked or boiled meat without seasoning

You can also heat their food in the microwave to enhance the smell of their meals. To further encourage them to eat, you can pretend to eat their meal first before them. Border Collies are smart, but they may fall for this trick!

Why Is My Border Collie Not Eating?

There are many reasons why your Border Collie refuses to eat. Sometimes, the issue lies in their food. Other times, their finicky nature is a learned behavior. It could also be that they are not hungry or they suffer from a health issue.

If the problem is their food, this could be that they got bored with their diet. They have been eating the same food over and over again, and so there is no variety.

It could also be that an ingredient in their food makes them feel bad. Cheap dog food often has subpar ingredients and this could be the reason.

Or, they can be allergic to any ingredient in their food. Make sure to check the label and watch out for common food allergens such as wheat and soy.

If their food makes them feel sick, they will not bother to touch their food at all.

Your Border Collie may also prefer to eat table scraps instead of eating their meals. If it is a habit of yours to share food, you have trained them to be picky eaters. So it is best to put a stop to this, table scraps are often not healthy for them anyway.

It could also be that your Border Collie is not hungry enough to eat their meals.

A reason for this is that you leave out food for them all the time. If they always have access to food, they will graze on it throughout the day, always feeling full.

Another reason is that your Border Collie did not get enough exercise. Border Collies are not big eaters, so they need to spend all their energy and calories exercising. Without this, they will not feel hungry enough to touch their meals.

Your Border Collie may also refuse to eat as they take their meals in a busy area of the house. This breed easily gets anxious or distracted by any stimuli in the environment. So make sure that they have a calm and quiet place to eat their meals free of distraction.

Last but not the least, you should also consider that they are suffering from health issues.

It could be a dental issue that makes them refuse meals. Dental diseases or broken teeth are painful to eat with, so make sure to check their mouths. You may also find a foreign object stuck in their mouth, such as a bone.

But their lack of appetite may be due to a medical condition as well. Refusing to eat is often a symptom of a lot of health issues so you should consider this possibility too.

If you suspect that your Border Collie has a medical or dental issue, make sure to take them to the vet. These can become worse if left untreated, so immediate action is necessary.

Why Is My Border Collie Puppy Not Eating?

Your Border Collie puppy may refuse to eat for a lot of reasons. It could be that they are teething, they are anxious, or they are picky eaters. But even external factors, like hot weather, can be a possibility.

It is scary for young dogs to stop eating since they do not have many fat reserves as adult dogs. With this, they should not last a day without eating anything.

Below, you will find the possible causes of your puppy’s lack of appetite.

Your Puppy Is a Picky Eater

It is rare for a puppy to be a picky eater, but it can still happen to some. Your puppy may not like their meals because they have a preference for something else.

Before you make any changes in their meals, make sure to consult your vet. This is an important stage in their lives for their development. So you should feed them a comprehensive diet that supports that.

You can also make their existing food more enticing by adding flavors. Try soaking their kibbles in natural chicken broth for this. Or you can add wet food or fish oil supplements to their food as well.

Your Puppy Is Teething

Teething is a painful yet necessary process all puppies have to grow through. During this period their gums become tender and their teeth become loose. This makes eating their food painful, so they may skip their meals as a result.

You can feed them wet food during the teething phase as this is easier on their mouth. But you can also soften their dry food with warm water or add wet food to it.

Your Puppy Is Anxious

Puppies are still young and learning more about the world each day. Each time they experience new stimuli, they can get anxious or stressed. If you have kids at home, this can also contribute to their anxiety levels.

So make sure your puppy has a calm and quiet place to eat its meals. No one should disturb them as they eat, otherwise, they will refuse their meal.

Other than that, your puppy may also be new to your home. They are still adjusting to the new place, so they do not feel comfortable yet.

In time, they will feel more at home. But within the first few weeks in their new environment, this can be an issue.

Your Puppy Had Recent Vaccinations

Although vaccinations keep your young puppy safe from dangerous and contagious diseases. But a side effect of having their shots is loss of appetite. This is temporary, though. Your Border Collie puppy should get their appetite back soon.

Your Puppy Has Parasites

Intestinal parasites can make your puppy suddenly lose their appetite. Puppies who have parasites often have other symptoms such as:

  • Coughing
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of energy
  • Bloating (pot belly)

If you see any of these signs, take your Border Collie to the vet for immediate action. Do not wait until the symptoms become worse.

Your Puppy Has Digestive Issues

Puppies are naughty and always find themselves in trouble. They are not afraid to munch on anything they can get their paws on. Sometimes, they may ingest something dangerous in the process.

If your Border Collie puppy has the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea for more than 12 hours
  • Presence of blood in their vomit
  • Whitish or grayish gums
  • Weakness
  • Dehydration

Then you should take them to the vet right away.

It Is Hot Outside

High temperatures can suppress your Border Collie puppy’s appetite. So during summertime, keep them cool indoors. Turn on the air conditioning or place them near a fan.

As you can see, there are many reasons why your Border Collie puppy may not be eating. You can remedy some of these at home. But if you see any worrying symptoms like vomiting, take them to the vet as soon as you can.

How Can I Get My Border Collie to Eat?

There are many ways to encourage your Border Collie to eat their meals. But before you try any of these methods, make sure that they get a clean bill of health from your vet. If their refusal to eat is due to a health issue, only medical intervention can help them.

Not every method below may work for your Border Collie. The good thing is that there are many of these that you can try!

Get Rid of Their Food Allergens

If your Border Collie has food allergies, make sure to remove allergens from their diet. There is no use feeding them their meals if they get sick whenever they eat.

If they are allergic to certain meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, you have alternatives. Use fish, duck, turkey, or salmon instead. Once you do, they may get interested in finishing their bowls again.

Mix Dry Food and Wet Food

Wet food has a stronger smell and taste than dry food, which is better for picky eaters! But this does not meet their need to chew on something like dry food does.

By mixing these two, you can have the best of both worlds! A good rule to follow is to get 80% of dry food and 20% in their meals. This makes their meals more interesting and enticing.

Rotate Their Diet

Your Border Collie may get bored of eating the same food brand each day. So you may want to switch their food about every 2 months to shake it up. You may also use the same brand if you have a favorite but buy one in a different flavor.

Time Restrictions

Many dog owners have seen success with this method. What you do is give them only around 5 to 10 minutes to eat their meals. After that, count to 10 and remove their food bowl until the next meal, even if they are not done.

The countdown is a verbal cue that you will get their food bowl within a few moments. Your smart Border Collie will learn this cue in time.

What this does is teach your Border Collie to eat their meal wherever you put their food bowl in front of them. If they do not, they do not get to eat and they will learn this lesson fast.

Make Their Food Enticing

Dry food is not the most appetizing food for your Border Collie. Other than using wet food, you can make dry food more appealing to them as well.

You can do this by softening their dry food with natural chicken broth. Adding some peanut butter that is xylitol-free is also a good method. Or, you can use fish oil supplements as a flavoring as well.

Other than that, you can microwave their food too. Heating their food amplifies its smell and dogs respond very well to intense smells.

You can also pretend to eat their food and show genuine interest in it. As silly as this sounds, many dog owners say that this works for their dogs.

Stop Feeding Them Table Scraps

Table scraps will always be tastier to your Border Collie compared to their dog food. But table scraps are not healthy for them. And for this athletic breed, the phrase “health is wealth” could not be even more true.

So do not give them any more of this. This will force them to eat their more nutritious food instead.

More Exercise Sessions

Your Border Collie’s appetite will grow the more they exercise! This is because their body will need to regain the calories that they lost during their exercise. So play with your Border Collie, go on a walk, anything to keep their bodies going.

Change Their Feeding Location

This alert breed will get distracted if they hear the slightest unusual sound. So make sure there is a quiet place in the house for them to eat in. You should also let your family know not to disturb your Border Collie whenever they are eating.

Why Is My Border Collie Always Hungry?

If your Border Collie is hungry all the time, make sure to check if you are feeding them the appropriate amount. A deficit in their required daily calorie intake can make them feel hungry all the time. But if you feed them the right amount, this can be due to an underlying health issue.

Some health issues that could explain their insatiable appetite are the following:

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Diabetes
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Gastrointestinal cancers
  • Cushing’s disease

You should also consider your Border Collie’s age. Oftentimes, dogs will suffer from health issues in their golden years. So if they already have an existing health issue, that could play a part.

Other than that, senior dogs will also go through behavioral changes. Their increased appetite could be a part of this.

How Do I Stop My Border Collie From Eating Everything

If your Border Collie eats everything, make sure to take them to the vet first to rule out any health issues. Their habit can be due to an internal issue that makes them crave odd things. But if your Border Collie is healthy, you can try to solve this problem at home.

Begin by keeping your Border Collie’s surroundings clean. It should be free of any items that may tempt them to chew on something odd.

Now you should supervise your Border Collie when they are doing their thing. This will help you figure out what triggers their behavior, when, and why. You will be able to teach them that this is bad behavior from then on.

Supervising your Border Collie may be hard. So you may want to keep them in a crate or a play for a while. This will help you observe them better.

And if they try to eat everything on walks, a muzzle may help you.

But keep in mind that these are short-term solutions. These do not teach your Border Collie anything, which is what you want.

Give Them Something Else to Chew On

Provide your Border Collie with something more exciting to chew on. Chew treats and toys are a good place to start with this.

By giving them a better option, you are encouraging their good behavior. In time, they will understand that you would rather them chew on their toy or treat.

Train Them to ”Leave It”

This is a useful command for curious dogs such as Border Collies. It will let them know not to pay attention to what they are focusing on. Instead, they should turn their attention to you.

You can use this whenever you see them getting tempted to eat something they should not.

Here is how you can teach your Border Collie this command.

  • Step 1: Place a treat on the ground and cover it with your hand. They will try to get it but do not give in.
  • Step 2: Once they stop reaching for it, give them verbal praise and use your clicker. But do not give them the treat. Keep doing this until they get the hang of it.
  • Step 3: Make things more challenging and leave the treat uncovered. Whenever they reach for it, cover it again with your hand.
  • Step 4: When they focus and look at you instead of the treat, use your clicker and give them a different treat.
  • Step 5: Practice steps 3 to 4 while they are on a leash and you are standing up. Block the treat with your food whenever they try to get it. Make you do not forget to use your clicker if they do good.
  • Step 6: If they leave a treat alone when you drop it on the floor, you are ready to test them. Drop a treat while standing up and say “leave it”. When they ignore the treat, use your clicker and reward them.

Train Them to ”Drop It”

This will come in handy when you catch them with something already in their mouth. Your Border Collie will learn to let go of whatever they are holding when they hear this.

Here is how you can teach your Border Collie to do this.

  • Step 1: Play with your Border Collie using a favorite toy, which is usually a tug rope. They will have the rope in their mouth during playtime.
  • Step 2: After a few minutes of play, stop tugging on the rope to make things boring for them. Their natural response would be to drop the toy after a while.
  • Step 3: The moment they let go of the toy, say the command “drop it”. Make sure to give them a treat as a reward within three seconds too. This will help them associate the command, the action, and the reward.
  • Step 4: Pick up the toy once your Border Collie gets the treat and start again. Do not let them see any more treats until they let go of the toy.
  • Step 5: Keep repeating the steps above until they understand the command.
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