Feeding Guide for the Border Collie (2025)

The Border Collie is known as one of the most intelligent and energetic dog breeds in the world.

Originally bred for herding and working, this dog stands out for its boundless energy, deep emotional sensitivity, and exceptional learning ability.

But to truly thrive and express all its talents, the Border Collie needs a diet that matches both its physical and mental demands.

Unlike more sedentary companion dogs, the Border Collie has high energy needs—especially if it’s working, doing agility, or frequently accompanying its owner in sports or hiking.

Its diet should therefore support:

• Muscular endurance
• Fast recovery
• Mental focus

This guide is designed to give you clear, trustworthy benchmarks to help you tailor your Border Collie’s nutrition based on age, activity level, digestive sensitivities, and the health goals you want to achieve.

What Should a Border Collie Eat?

Specific Nutritional Needs

An active Border Collie requires higher-than-average intake of proteins and fats, while maintaining a balanced supply of essential micronutrients to support joint health, nervous system function, and recovery.

📊 Recommended Daily Intake for an Active Adult Dog (15–20 kg, moderate to intense activity)

Nutrient	Role / Function	Recommended Intake (% dry matter)
Proteins	Muscle maintenance, recovery, energy	24 – 30%
Fats	Caloric supply, cognitive function, skin health	12 – 20%
Calcium	Bone strength, neuromuscular function	0.8 – 1.5%
Phosphorus	Bone and energy metabolism	0.6 – 1.2%
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)	Anti-inflammatory, joint and brain support	≥ 0.05%
Dietary Fiber	Digestive transit, satiety, microbiome balance	2 – 5%
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, cellular protection, muscle recovery	≥ 50 mg/kg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Energy metabolism, nervous system function	≥ 2 mg/kg
Water	Hydration, temperature regulation, muscle function	~50–60 ml/kg body weight

These recommendations apply to a healthy adult Border Collie on a dry food (kibble) diet with moderate to high activity levels.

Protein Sources for the Border Collie

Insect Protein

Insect proteins—particularly from mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens)—offer a highly digestible, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly alternative.

Rich in essential amino acids like lysine and methionine, they’re perfect for Border Collies with digestive or skin sensitivities. Their high bioavailability helps maintain muscle mass while minimizing the risk of food intolerances. Combined with their low environmental footprint, insect proteins are ideal for active dogs and environmentally conscious owners alike.

Chicken

Chicken is one of the most widely used and digestible protein sources for dogs.

It has an excellent amino acid profile and is naturally low in fat, making it well-suited to Border Collies that need lean muscle support without excess energy intake.

It’s particularly recommended for active dogs with fast metabolisms—just make sure to choose kibble free from by-products or hydrolyzed feathers.

Lamb

Lamb is considered a “novel” protein and is often well tolerated by dogs with sensitivities or allergies to chicken or beef. It’s rich in glutamine and leucine, two amino acids essential for muscle recovery.

While slightly higher in fat, it’s a great option for active Border Collies, especially those needing a highly digestible protein source.

Salmon

Salmon is a highly digestible animal protein that’s naturally rich in omega-3s (EPA and DHA), which support brain function, joint mobility, and skin and coat quality.

For Border Collies engaged in intensive training or suffering from joint stiffness, salmon offers significant benefits. It’s also suitable for anxious dogs, as omega-3s help regulate stress responses.

Turkey

Turkey is a lean, easily digestible meat ideal for Border Collies with fast metabolisms and sensitive digestion.

Lower in fat than beef, it offers complete protein along with essential B vitamins (especially B6), which support energy metabolism. It’s a solid alternative to chicken if your dog shows intolerance or digestive issues.

Whole Egg

Eggs are considered a gold-standard protein due to their exceptionally high biological value. They contain all essential amino acids in optimal proportions, as well as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) and minerals like selenium.

They’re an excellent addition to a Border Collie’s diet, particularly when supplementing a home-cooked or industrial meal plan.

📊 Overview of Protein Sources for Border Collies

Protein Source	Nutritional Quality	Digestive Tolerance
Insect Protein	Complete amino acid profile, healthy fats, low carbon footprint	Excellent – hypoallergenic, very digestible
Chicken	Lean, highly bioavailable protein	Very good – unless allergic (common)
Lamb	Digestible, high in glutamine and leucine	Good – recommended for sensitive dogs
Salmon	Protein + omega-3s, supports joints and brain	Very good – great for skin and joints
Turkey	Low fat, rich in B vitamins	Very good – lighter alternative to chicken
Whole Egg	Gold-standard protein, full amino acid profile	Excellent – best used as a supplement or in rotation

Feeding by Age for the Border Collie

The nutritional needs of a Border Collie change with age.

From energetic puppyhood to the more measured rhythms of senior years, each life stage requires a tailored approach to support optimal health and performance.

Border Collie Puppy (2 to 8 Months)

Border Collie puppies experience rapid growth, especially between 2 and 8 months.

Their diet should be energy-dense, rich in high-quality proteins, and easily digestible to support development without overwhelming their still-maturing digestive system.

📊 Recommended Daily Kibble Amounts for Border Collie Puppies

Age	Average Weight (kg)	Kibble (g/day)
2 months	3.5 – 4.5	150 – 190
3 months	5 – 6.5	180 – 230
4 months	7 – 8.5	220 – 270
5 months	9 – 10.5	250 – 300
6 months	11 – 12.5	270 – 320
8 months	13 – 14.5	280 – 330
10–12 months	15 – 17	290 – 350

Portion sizes are estimates based on standard kibble (~3.8 kcal/g) and should be adjusted according to activity level, energy density, and body condition.

Adult Border Collie (1 to 7 Years)

Adult Border Collies are naturally active, intelligent, and enduring.

Their diet should supply enough energy and high-quality proteins to maintain muscle mass, mental sharpness, and recovery after exertion.

If they’re under-stimulated, however, they may gain weight—making it essential to adjust portions based on real activity level (sport, companion, or working dog).

Two meals per day are generally recommended, with a formula rich in animal proteins (24–28%) and moderate in fat (12–16%), along with omega-3s and digestible fiber.

📊 Recommended Daily Kibble Amounts for Adult Border Collies

Average Weight (kg)	Activity Level	Kibble (g/day)
14 – 16	Low to moderate (walks, light play)	210 – 250
16 – 18	Active (agility, long walks, daily stimulation)	260 – 320
18 – 20	Very active (working dog, canicross, intense sport)	330 – 380

Adjust based on kibble energy density (~3.8 kcal/g) and the dog's condition. Reduce by 10–15% if sterilized or sedentary.

Senior Border Collie (7 Years and Older)

From age 8 onward, the Border Collie enters a phase of gradual aging.

Though they often remain active longer than other breeds, their metabolism slows, and nutritional priorities shift.

The diet should support muscle maintenance, help manage weight, and protect joints, kidneys, and immune function.

Choose kibble enriched with omega-3s (EPA/DHA), antioxidants (vitamins E, C, selenium), and digestible proteins (22–26%).

Increasing dietary fiber can aid digestion, and palatability remains important to ensure steady intake.

📊 Recommended Daily Kibble Amounts for Senior Border Collies

Average Weight (kg)	Condition	Kibble (g/day)
14 – 16	Active and in good condition	200 – 240
16 – 18	Moderately active or neutered	190 – 230
18 – 20	Sedentary or with arthritis/sluggishness	170 – 210

Needs vary based on body condition, any existing health issues, and activity level. In cases of renal, joint, or digestive concerns, switching to a veterinary-prescribed diet may be beneficial.

Types of Food

Kibble

Kibble is the most common option for feeding a Border Collie. When well-formulated, it provides a complete nutritional balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

It’s especially convenient to store, easy to portion, and simple to adjust based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

For an active Border Collie, it’s recommended to choose kibble containing 24 to 30% protein and 12 to 18% fat (dry matter basis), along with omega-3s (EPA/DHA) to support joints, recovery, and mental focus.

Types of Food

Kibble

Kibble is the most common option for feeding a Border Collie.

When well-formulated, it provides a complete nutritional balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s easy to store, simple to dose, and can be adjusted based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

For active Border Collies, choose kibble with 24–30% protein and 12–18% fat (dry matter), along with omega-3s (EPA/DHA) to support joints, recovery, and mental focus.

However, low-quality kibble can contain excessive by-products and poorly digestible grains, which may impair digestion or lead to low energy.

Advantages

• Easy to store, long shelf life
• Balanced formulation (in premium products)
• Simple to portion according to weight and activity
• Slight abrasive effect promotes dental hygiene
• More affordable than fresh or homemade diets

Disadvantages

• Quality varies greatly between brands
• Often too high in carbs if low-end
• Less palatable for picky Border Collies
• Low moisture—depends on water intake
• May contain controversial additives (colorants, preservatives)

Wet Food (Canned or Pouch)

Wet food contains 70–80% moisture and is generally more appetizing than kibble.

It’s often better tolerated by dogs with sensitive digestion, supports hydration, and usually contains fewer carbs and grains—ideal for Border Collies with food sensitivities.

It can be fed alone or mixed with kibble to improve taste without unbalancing the meal. However, it’s more expensive, spoils quickly once opened, and doesn’t help with dental hygiene.

Advantages

• Very appetizing—great for picky eaters or seniors
• High moisture content supports hydration
• Lower in carbs, easier on digestion
• Can be mixed with kibble

Disadvantages

• More expensive than kibble
• Short shelf life once opened (24–72h)
• Doesn’t clean teeth—risk of tartar buildup
• Bulky packaging, less eco-friendly

Homemade Diet (Cooked)

A homemade diet consists of freshly prepared meals made from lean meats, cooked vegetables, digestible starches, and nutritional supplements.

This approach allows full control over ingredient quality and can be tailored to specific needs (allergies, sterilization, sensitivities).

However, it requires precise formulation—ideally under veterinary or canine nutritionist supervision—to avoid imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. It’s also more time-consuming, costly, and requires proper food handling.

Advantages

• Full control over quality and sourcing
• Customizable to health needs
• Generally well tolerated
• Highly digestible and tasty
• Free of artificial additives and preservatives

Disadvantages

• Risk of deficiencies without professional guidance
• Time-consuming to prepare
• Higher cost (fresh ingredients, supplements)
• Short shelf life (a few days refrigerated)
• Needs supplements (calcium, vitamins, omega-3)

BARF Diet (Raw Feeding)

The BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) involves feeding raw, unprocessed food: meat, meaty bones, organs, vegetables, and supplements (oils, vitamins). It aims to replicate the ancestral diet of wild canines.

Highly praised for digestibility, natural nutrient content, and dental benefits from bone chewing, the BARF diet also carries risks: it requires strict hygiene, deep nutritional knowledge, and is not recommended without veterinary oversight—especially for puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs.

Advantages

• Excellent digestibility for some dogs
• Rich in natural nutrients (collagen, calcium)
• Supports dental health through chewing
• Natural anti-inflammatory effect (omega-3)
• Free from ultra-processed ingredients

Disadvantages

• Bacterial risk from raw meat
• Daily prep and handling required
• Risk of imbalances without precise formulation
• Expensive (meat, supplements)
• Veterinary supervision strongly advised

Is the Border Collie a Carnivore?

The Border Collie, like all domestic dogs, is not a strict carnivore but rather a carnivore-leaning omnivore.

Descended from the wolf, it shares key traits such as meat-adapted teeth, a short digestive tract, and an acidic stomach.

However, domestication has led to increased production of enzymes like pancreatic amylase, allowing it to digest certain complex carbohydrates.

This means the Border Collie thrives on a diet primarily based on animal proteins and fats, but can also benefit from select plant-based ingredients—like rice, sweet potato, and fermentable fibers.

purely meat-based or fully plant-based diet would be nutritionally unbalanced without proper supplementation.

Insect proteins (e.g. Hermetia, mealworms) are an excellent alternative: highly digestible, complete in amino acids, and well tolerated by sensitive dogs.

In Practice

Whether meat-based or not, the ideal diet for a Border Collie must be balanced and varied.

It should include a controlled amount of carbohydrates and strong support from essential fatty acids to promote joint health and cognitive function.

How Diet Impacts the Border Collie’s Health

A well-formulated diet is crucial to the health and longevity of the Border Collie.

Providing the right nutrients at the right time helps sustain their natural energy, mental focus, and joint mobility—while minimizing risks of nutritional deficiencies, excess weight, or digestive issues.

Conversely, a poorly adapted diet can lead to lower performance, increased susceptibility to illness, or digestive discomfort—directly affecting the quality of life of this intelligent and active breed.

5 Signs of a Balanced Diet

1. Athletic Build and Stable Weight

A healthy Border Collie maintains a lean, muscular frame. Ribs are easily felt but not visible, and the waistline is clearly defined. Body weight stays consistent over time.

This indicates that the caloric intake is well matched to the dog’s activity level—neither excessive nor lacking.

2. Shiny Coat and Itch-Free Skin

A soft, glossy, and dense coat—without bald spots or constant scratching—suggests a proper intake of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), high-quality proteins, and vitamins B and E.

Clear, flake-free skin without redness confirms that the diet meets the dog’s dermatological needs.

3. Sustained Energy and Mental Focus

A well-fed Border Collie is alert, energetic, and mentally stable. It stays focused on tasks without hyperactivity or unexplained fatigue.

This reflects a good balance of digestible proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—without an overload of fast sugars or energy shortfalls.

4. Smooth Digestion and Normal Stools

Well-formed, low-odor stools passed regularly (1–2 times per day) are a sign that the diet is well tolerated.

The absence of gas, vomiting, or diarrhea indicates that the ingredients are digestible and that the gut microbiome is in balance.

5. Steady Appetite and Calm Eating Behavior

A Border Collie with a balanced diet eats without rushing or refusing meals.

It doesn’t beg constantly and finishes its bowl in a calm, measured way. This stable eating behavior reflects a diet that is satisfying both nutritionally and sensorially.

5 Signs of a Poorly Adapted Diet

1. Abnormal Weight Changes

Rapid weight loss or, conversely, noticeable fat gain (rounded belly, invisible ribs) may indicate that the diet doesn’t match the dog’s energy needs.

An underfed active Border Collie or an overfed sedentary one are both at risk.

2. Dull Coat and Skin Issues

A dry, brittle coat with excessive shedding, as well as redness or frequent scratching, often points to a lack of essential fatty acids, high-quality proteins, or a food intolerance.

3. Fatigue or Hyperactivity

Unusual lethargy may reflect a diet too low in energy or key micronutrients (iron, B vitamins).

On the other hand, excessive excitement can stem from an imbalance—especially too many fast-digesting carbs.

4. Frequent Digestive Issues

Soft stools, frequent gas, vomiting, or diarrhea are signs of poor digestive tolerance.

This can be caused by low-quality ingredients, excess fiber, or unbalanced protein sources.

5. Unstable Appetite or Food Refusal

A Border Collie that regularly refuses food, eats with little enthusiasm, or constantly begs may be dealing with a diet that’s bland, overly fatty, or hard to digest—leading to erratic eating behavior.

Conclusion

The Border Collie is a truly exceptional dog—intelligent, sensitive, and tireless.

To support them throughout every life stage, proper nutrition is essential: rich in high-quality protein, balanced in healthy fats, easy to digest, and adjusted to their activity level.

Whether you choose kibble, homemade meals, or a mixed feeding approach, what matters most is the quality of ingredients and nutritional balance.

For sensitive, active, or picky Border Collies, insect protein offers an excellent alternative—hypoallergenic, digestible, and environmentally sustainable.

👉 Discover our healthy, balanced kibble—specially formulated for demanding dogs like the Border Collie.

Source: FEDIAF