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The 5 Best Foods For Border Collie Puppies

Border Collies are known for being quite clever creatures, so they'll surely notice if you're attempting to feed them low-quality kibble – and nothing stings more than a dog's dissatisfaction.

We understand if you want to give up and buy the cheapest bag you can find. Your dog, on the other hand, deserves more, and we're here to assist make sure they get the food they need.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will go through our best foods for border collie puppies in the reviews below.

Reviews

565 Wilderness Puppy Dry Dog Food by Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo Wilderness, another exceptionally high-protein snack, contains almost as much as VICTOR (36% vs. 38%). However, a significant portion of its protein is derived from peas, which lack the amino acids found in animal sources.

That’s not to say there isn’t some meat in this, because there is. It contains chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, eggs, and fish meal, so your dog will not go hungry (though the eggs might upset some tummies).

The fruits and vegetables are much better than the meats. Flaxseed, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, kelp, and other ingredients are included in this kibble. Each of these meals is high in vitamins and minerals, providing your dog with well-balanced nourishment.

Of course, all this wonderful cuisine comes at a price, and Blue Buffalo Wilderness surely isn’t cheap. However, it is healthful and well worth the money.

Pros

  • Contains a lot of protein
  • There are several excellent meat sources.
  • Contains superfoods such as kelp and cranberries

Cons

  • On the pricey side
  • Plant proteins are used.

 

VICTOR NUTRA PRO ACTIVE DRY DOG FOOD

You may not have heard of VICTOR Select Nutra Pro, which is unfortunate because it is an excellent meal.

With a staggering 38% protein content, it’s one of the most protein-rich alternatives available. Because chicken meal accounts for a large portion of it, your dog will also receive a significant amount of glucosamine.

While Border Collies aren’t as prone to joint problems as some other breeds, it’s still a good idea to be prepared.

Inside is also meat, fish, and hog meal, as well as blood meal. With such a diverse range of animal sources, your dog will receive a diverse range of essential amino acids.

It’s also not just about the meat. This meal also contains seaweed, millet, and alfalfa, so your dog will get enough of complex carbohydrates.

There’s not much we don’t like about VICTOR Select Nutra Pro, but if we had to select one flaw, it’s that it’s low in fiber. We wish it wasn’t the case, but it’s still a fantastic dog food.

Pros

  • Exceptionally high in protein
  • Glucosamine in abundance
  • Provides a well-balanced mix of essential amino acids
  • Complex carbohydrates

Cons

  • It is low in fiber.

 

High Prairie Puppy Dry Dog Food by Taste of the Wild

The list of ingredients for Taste of the Wild High Prairie begins with buffalo, which is a great source of lean red meat. It’s also something that isn’t commonly included in dog diets, which may be a double-edged sword since your pup may eat it or refuse to touch it.

Nonetheless, it provides a good protein basis, which is boosted further by the second component, lamb meal. The total protein levels aren’t spectacular at 28%, but they’re still above average.

The range of animal origins distinguishes this kibble. It contains venison, bison, beef, eggs, chicken fat, and fish meal, in addition to the previously stated meats.

Because each animal contributes a unique set of amino acids to the table, this diversity guarantees that your pup gets as many as possible.

However, there is a lot of salt in here, as well as a lot of white potatoes, which have little nutritional value and can induce flatulence in many dogs.

Overall, Taste of the Wild High Prairie is a fine dog food, but considering the likelihood that your dogs would reject it, we can’t justify putting it in our top three.

Pros

  • A staggering array of protein sources
  • Many essential amino acids
  • The first component is lean red beef.

Cons

  • Some dogs are uninterested in flavor.
  • Sodium content is high.
  • White potatoes are used to fill this dish.

 

Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food by Nutro

Nutro Wholesome Essentials is similar to the majority of the other foods on this list, except it’s somewhat worse.

The protein content is high (29%), with chicken and chicken meal as the initial components. There includes a lot of rice, which is good for sensitive stomachs (though the way the rice is listed makes us suspect ingredient splitting).

With the exception of peas and sweet potatoes, there aren’t many high-quality fruits and vegetables, and it may benefit from extra omega fatty acids and fiber.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials isn’t a horrible food; it’s just right. It just cannot compete with those listed higher on this list.

Pros

  • A sufficient quantity of protein
  • Rice is easy on the stomach.

Cons

  • A little amount of fiber
  • There aren’t many fruits and vegetables.
  • More omega-3 fatty acids might be beneficial.

 

Dry Dog Food Royal Canin Medium Puppy

This kibble’s first component is an animal by-product, and Royal Canin doesn’t get much better after that.

In addition to the chicken by-product meal, this diet contains inexpensive fillers such as maize and wheat. These nutrients are difficult to digest and high in empty calories, making them an unsuitable choice for a developing puppy.

Even the best meals have flaws. There’s vegetable oil inside, which is high in omega fatty acids, but it can also make your puppies obese.

Despite the use of inexpensive ingredients, this is hardly a low-cost meal.

The total protein levels at 30% are the nicest thing about Royal Canin. However, if you utilize lesser beef to get there, that figure isn’t noteworthy.

Pros

  • Protein levels are high.

Cons

  • The first component is an animal byproduct.
  • stuffed with low-cost fillers
  • Despite employing inferior ingredients, it is expensive.
  • Full of empty calories
  • Many substances are difficult to digest.

Conclusion

The best foods for border collie puppies, many people are unaware of Blue Buffalo, which is unfortunate because it is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) favorite food for Border Collie puppies. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals and delivered to your home.

Bring home a bag of Victor Super if you want superb meals at a lower cost. It doesn’t contain any of the inexpensive ingredients that are common in budget kibbles; instead, it’s packed with nutrient-dense superfoods.

Buyer's Guide

Reading a dog food label may be perplexing, especially if you’re not up to date on the current dog food trends. We’ll show you the questions to ask before choosing a meal for your Border Collie puppy in the tutorial below.

Do Border Collies Require Special Nutrition?

Both yes and no. They require the same nutrients as any other dog, but since Border Collies are so active, they require more of them.

That is why we advocate for a high-protein diet, which will provide your dog with long-lasting energy without stuffing them up with empty calories or cheap carbohydrates. Plus, dogs adore meat, so you should have no trouble convincing your dog to devour it.

Is it true that all meats are created equal?

Certainly not. Most dogs will tolerate almost any protein source, including chicken, turkey, and bison. That is, if the meat used to prepare the cuisine is of excellent quality.

Look for terms like “animal byproducts” or “animal fat.” This is frequently low-quality meat that has been left over after all of the finer dishes have taken the best slices. It’s not something you’d want your dog to eat in general.

It’s an issue when the label refuses to disclose whose animal the meat comes from. That might indicate that the manufacturer doesn’t want you to know, or, worse, that they don’t know.

Manufacturers use this meat because it is inexpensive, but we believe the savings are insufficient. Spending a few more dollars on high-quality meat now might save you a lot in vet fees later.

What About Vegetables and Fruits?

Many of the greatest fruits and vegetables for dogs are also the ones you should eat (but don’t take your dog’s kibble). That means “superfoods” like cranberries, kale, spinach, and blueberries are great for your pet since they’re high in vitamins and antioxidants.

On the other hand, things that you know you shouldn’t consume are also foods that you shouldn’t feed your dog. This includes empty carbohydrates such as wheat and maize. These components have minimal nutritional value, yet they can lead to canine obesity. Furthermore, many puppies have difficulty digesting them.

So, why would a company choose subpar fruits and veggies when there are so many excellent options? Again, the goal is to save money.

Is there anything else I should keep an eye out for?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are beneficial to joint health in bigger canines such as Border Collies. Check to determine whether any have been added to the food; if neither ingredient is specified, check for terms like “chicken meal.” Regardless, you may want to try supplementing your dog’s diet to ensure that they get as much as possible.

Omega fatty acids are also necessary, particularly for pups. These antioxidants promote appropriate brain, ocular, and immune system development while also combating inflammation. The overall amount of omegas should be indicated on the label, but search for substances such as fish, flaxseed, or animal fat as well.

Is it important how much I feed my Border Collie if I buy high-quality food?

Even if these dogs expend a lot of calories, that doesn’t imply they can eat as much as they want.

Obesity may be a major issue in this breed, and more weight just puts more strain on their knees. Obesity can be avoided by allowing your dog to eat as much as they want and exercising them around the clock, but practicing correct portion management is far easier.

The bag should inform you how much to feed your dog based on their weight, or you may consult your veterinarian for advice. However, if you find your dog becoming overweight, you should cut back – and restrict the goodies and table scraps.

We also strongly oppose the practice of free feeding. Instead of keeping a bowl of food out all day, feed your dog at particular intervals and clean up the dish after they’re finished.

Purchasing Dog Food Isn’t Rocket Science

You should be able to locate a fantastic kibble for your dog in no time if you follow these easy criteria and search for a few important elements on the label.

FAQs

What should I feed my Border Collie on a regular basis?

Most dogs thrive on two to three feedings each day. When your Border Collie is a puppy, you may need to feed them 3 to 4 times a day to keep up with their hunger cues and bathroom breaks.

Remember to follow dietary requirements and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your Border Collie. Remember that, depending on their age and activity level, the average Border Collie need at least 1,400 calories per day. If you feed twice a day, that works out to about 450 calories each meal.

Grain-free diets are safe for Border Collies?

If your Border Collie is not allergic to grains or gluten, they may benefit from a diet that includes them.

A grain-free diet isn’t better (or worse) for any dog – it all depends on how you want to feed them. Before making the move, consult with your dog’s veterinarian about a grain-free diet.

Is it preferable to feed Border Collies raw food?

Over hundreds of thousands of years, dogs have been domesticated. As a result, unlike wolves, they do not require a raw diet to thrive. However, there have been studies that show that a raw diet has certain advantages.

Of course, there’s no harm in giving your dog a raw diet a try, but consult with your veterinarian first. This way, you’ll know exactly what nutrients your Border Collie requires on a regular basis.

Also, always know where the elements in the raw food you give your Border Collie come from. Helminthosis (parasites in food) and gastrointestinal disorders can be caused by tainted products or sources.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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