Whether you have a collie, a rottweiler, or a Jack Russell, our dogs are the family members that we choose. Naturally, we want the best for them and that all starts with the food that we give them.
Collies and Border Collies
First of all, for anyone who isn’t familiar with the Collie family, Border Collies and Collies are different breeds. When people call their dog a Collie, they are typically referring to a Long-Haired Collie or a Rough Collie. These names come from the type of coat they have, either smooth-coated or rough-coated. The best example of a Collie is that they are the same breed as one of the most famous dogs in the world: Lassie. Collies make fantastic pets, they are great around children, and they are also quite affectionate. On top of that, Collies are easily trained which is why you see a lot of them in dog shows. Collies are medium to large dogs that look very similar to Shetland Sheepdogs.
A Bit of Info about Collies
Collies are also recognized for their herding talents. In fact, they were one of the original herding breeds that were developed in Scotland. When fully grown, Collies weigh around 55 to 105 pounds and their height ranges between 22 and 26 inches. Naturally, they are very active dogs which means it will never tire of playtime although you most likely will. They need plenty of exercise every day and should you miss a day they will be happy to inform you. Not only do they require lots of physical activity they also thrive with mental activity. These are very smart dogs, and they love using their brains. Overall, Collies are one of the world’s favorite dogs, and they repeatedly rank somewhere on the list of the 35 top dog breeds.
Common health problems include:
- Allergies (especially food allergies)
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems (collie eye anomaly)
Protein
Every healthy doggy diet requires balance and a bunch of good quality ingredients. Protein is, of course, one of the ingredients as it is for all breeds. The very best source of protein is from animal meat, whether it’s fish, beef, duck, lamb or any other recognized meats. You may also come across dog foods containing meat meals. This is also a strong protein source, and it contains only 10% of water compared to the 80% that comes with whole meats. So, in essence, meat meals are a concentrated form of protein. Some dogs, particularly those that are susceptible to weight gain do better with whole meat dog food as the higher water content will give them a full feeling without leading to weight gain. Collies rarely gain unneeded weight due to their excessively energetic personalities but if by any chance they do start gaining weight make sure you have them on whole meat dog food.
Fat
Second on the list and a vital element of a Collie’s dog food, is fat. They particularly need this as it is a condensed source of energy. Generally, Collies have a very fast metabolism. Due to them being highly active strong fat levels in their dog food is needed. The best forms of fat for Collies are also animal based. These could be chicken fat, salmon oil, and the like. Some dog foods include plant-based fats like flaxseed. However, animal fats are best for Collies.
Carbohydrates
Another dietary inclusion for Collies is carbohydrates. This is how your dog obtains the vitamins, fiber, and minerals that they need. Carbohydrates can aid in healthy digestion and skin. Again, the carbohydrates need to be of good quality, and they also need to be easily digestible. Good examples include brown rice and whole oats. Some owners prefer to have their dog on a grain-free or gluten-free diet and, if this is the case for you, then tapioca and sweet potatoes are healthy substitutes. Not all dogs require carbohydrates in their diets, but for Collies, they are very beneficial.
Food Considerations for Collies
If you are able to cater to a Collie’s undying energy levels, then you may want to consider feeding it a formula that is specifically for working dogs. These foods usually have much higher protein and fat levels than generic dog food. Speaking with your vet will help you to decide whether this option is suitable for your Collie.
Recommended Dog Foods
So, whether you are looking for the latest high-protein foods, canned food, grain-free dog food, food with limited ingredient, wet food, raw food, commercial dog food, homemade dog food, or some other high-quality dog food, just what dog food for collies is best to ensure a well-balanced diet? Read on to find out our best dog food reviews and ensure the health and well-being of your puppy.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken Meal
The Natural Balance Original Ultra was created with the help of nutritional experts. It is a gluten-free formula that contains all of the vital nutrients and proteins for your Collie. Natural Balance also has a solid reputation for using high-quality meats in their dog food.
- Contains DHA and EPA to help support healthy brain function
- Oat fiber to assist with digestion
- Rich with antioxidants such as blueberries, cranberries, and spinach
- Includes manganese and zinc which promotes strong joint and hip movement
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original
Particularly ideal for Collies that tend to be sensitive toward food is the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original. All of the protein sources are from real animals, and it has no artificial flavorings or preservatives. Nor does it include fillers or by-products. It is excellent food for active Collies.
- High protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed that keeps the skin and coat healthy
- Probiotic covered kibble which helps with digestion
Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food
Tailored for large dogs the Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food is ideal for large Collies. This formula is completely grain-free and is also without wheat, corn, soy, or beef. The protein comes from fresh turkey and salmon.
- 27% crude protein
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health
- Omega fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and coat
- Antioxidants for a strong immune system from pure coconut oil
Choosing the best dog food for your pet is a challenging responsibility. There are so many brands to choose from, all with varying ingredients. Hopefully, you now have a clearer idea of the nutritional needs for your Collie and are closer to making that all-important decision.
