Best dog foods for Border Collies.
Border Collies are active dogs requiring high-protein, energy-rich foods.
Look for premium options with quality ingredients, such as turkey, chicken, or meat meals for muscle strength and fats for energy and coat health.
They need calories and moderate carbs for digestion and energy, along with essential vitamins like A, C, and E, and minerals like calcium for growth.
Top food brands include:
- Instinct
- Canidae
- Merrick
- Blue Buffalo
- Nutro
Their prices range from $30.72 to $99.99. Puppy formulas offer higher protein, while senior dogs benefit from lower-calorie options.
Best Dog Foods for Border Collies
- Best Overall: Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – $67.99 for a 22.5-pound pack.
- Best Price-Effective: Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend With Probiotics Food Dry Dog Food – $55.48 for a 35-pound pack
- Best for Border Collie Puppy: Wellness Core Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food – $74.99 for a 26-pound pack.
- Best for Senior Border Collies: Orijen Senior Adult Dry Dog Food – $99.99 for a 25-pound pack.
- Best for Allergies: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food—$75.99 for a 30-pound pack.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Instinct Original Formula from Nature’s Variety, first produced in 2011, is a grain-free, high-protein dog food ideal for all breeds, including Border Collies.
With 37% protein from chicken, it promotes muscle health, while 20% fat and 518 Kcal/cup provide sustained energy.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids support skin and coat health, while vitamins C and E boost immunity. The formula also includes probiotics for digestion and taurine for heart health.
Suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion and grain allergies, it’s made in the USA using global ingredients. A 22.5-pound bag costs $67.99.
Canidae All Life Stages Wet Dog Food
Canidae All-Life Stages Formula, introduced in 2012, is a veterinarian-formulated, grain-inclusive dog food ideal for all breeds, including Border Collies.
Key ingredients like chicken, lamb, and dried egg provide 9% protein for lean muscles, while 6% fat and 528 Kcal per 13 oz can boost stamina.
Linoleic and linolenic acids promote healthy skin and coat. Free from wheat, corn, and soy, it’s great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This recipe supports proper digestion and energy needs. Serve one can per 15 lbs of body weight daily. A case of twelve 13-oz cans costs $39.88.
Merrick Chunky Wet Dog Food
Merrick Chunky Formula by Merrick Pet Care, launched in 2014, is a grain-free dog food for all breeds, including Border Collies.
Key ingredients like deboned beef and beef liver offer 8% protein to support muscle health, while 3% fat and 372 Kcal per 12.7 oz can provide energy.
The high 82% moisture content keeps your dog hydrated and aids digestion. This recipe features chunks of beef in a savory gravy, appealing to picky eaters.
Free from artificial additives and by-products, it’s ideal for dogs with grain allergies. A case of twelve 12.7-oz cans costs $39.36.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, introduced in 2004, is a grain-inclusive dog food ideal for all breeds, including Border Collies.
Key ingredients like deboned chicken provide amino acids for muscle strength, while calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine support bone and joint health.
With 14% fat and 377 Kcal/cup, it fuels active dogs. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids promote a shiny coat, while L-carnitine and taurine boost heart health.
Packed with superfoods like blueberries and cranberries for antioxidants, it also enhances immunity.
Suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion, a 24-pound bag costs $45.48.
Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food
Nutro Natural Choice Formula, launched in 2015, is a non-GMO dog food for all breeds, ideal for senior Border Collies.
With 24% protein from real chicken, it supports muscle strength, while calcium, chondroitin, and glucosamine promote bone and cartilage health.
Vitamins C and E, along with antioxidants, boost immunity and protect against cellular damage.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids enhance skin and coat health, while natural fiber aids digestion.
Free from corn, soy, wheat, and by-products, it suits dogs with sensitive digestion. A 30-pound bag costs $53.98. Adjust portions based on your dog’s activity level.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Formula, introduced in 2010, is a premium dog food ideal for all breeds, especially sensitive Border Collies.
With 24% protein from real chicken, it supports strong muscles, while 13% fat and 382 Kcal/cup provide energy for active dogs.
Formulated with beet pulp for gut health, this highly digestible recipe maximizes nutrient absorption and minimizes digestive issues. Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E promote healthy skin and coat, while natural ingredients reduce allergic reactions.
Suitable for dogs with stomach and skin sensitivities, a 30-pound bag costs $75.99, with portions adjusted based on weight.
Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food
Naturally, satisfy your Border Collie’s cravings with Natural Balance Formula, launched in 2013 and suitable for all dog breeds.
This low-calorie recipe features main ingredients like chicken meal and salmon meal, offering 26% protein to help maintain a healthy weight and preserve lean muscle.
Rich in dietary fiber, it promotes smooth digestion and keeps picky eaters satisfied. Vitamins C and E boost the immune system, while omega-3 and -6 fatty acids enhance skin and coat health.
L-carnitine aids fat breakdown for energy, supporting weight management. A 28-pound pack costs $57.88, with portions adjusted based on weight and activity.
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend With Probiotics Food Dry Dog Food
Make mealtime exciting for your Border Collie with Purina Pro Plan Formula, introduced in 2001 and suitable for all dog breeds.
Featuring real chicken as the primary ingredient, it provides premium protein for lean muscle development. The tender, shredded pieces in this hard kibble enhance taste and texture, appealing to picky eaters.
Enhanced with live probiotics, it supports digestive and immune health. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, along with vitamin A, promote skin and coat wellness, while calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine strengthen bones and joints.
A 35-pound bag costs $55.48, with daily feeding amounts based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Orijen Senior Adult Dry Dog Food
Orijen Senior Formula, launched in 2019, offers an original taste of the wild for all dog breeds, especially Border Collies.
With 38% protein from ingredients like chicken, turkey, and fish, it supports muscle health and energy, while 15% fat and 417 Kcal/cup fuel physical activity.
DHA and EPA promote brain health and mobility, while glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus ensure strong bones and joints. The freeze-dried coating adds raw flavor for picky eaters.
Suitable for weight management and sensitivities, Border Collies weighing 5-15 pounds need ⅔ to ¾ cups daily. A 25-pound bag costs $99.99.
Wellness Core Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core Formula, launched in 2012, provides complete wellness for all dog breeds, including Border Collies.
The first ingredient is deboned chicken, offering premium protein for muscle health and ideal weight. Fortified with antioxidants and probiotics, it supports immune and digestive health.
Key nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine promote strong bones, muscles, and joints, while taurine enhances heart health. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, along with beta-carotene, improve coat condition and eyesight.
This grain-free formula is perfect for dogs with sensitivities. A 26-pound bag costs $74.99, and daily intake varies by age and weight.
What Facts Should You Consider While Buying Dog Foods for Border Collies?
Here are key facts about the best foods for Border Collies:
Border Collies require high-quality proteins from identifiable meat sources like chicken and turkey, with the first ingredient being real meat. More meat sources in the first five ingredients ensure sufficient protein for lean muscle mass.
As high-energy dogs, they need moderate to high fat and calorie content. Healthy fats from sources like flaxseed, chicken fat, and salmon oil support skin and coat wellness.
Look for foods rich in fiber and digestion-friendly nutrients, such as probiotics and prebiotics, to promote gut health and minimize tummy upsets.
Moderate carbohydrates from wholesome sources like sweet potatoes provide energy; avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.
Though Border Collies are generally less prone to allergies and sensitivities, a diet containing calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine is important for maintaining strong bones, muscles, and joints.
What are the best dog foods for Border Collies with different health conditions?
The Best Dog Food for Border Collies With Pancreatitis
- Solid Gold Low/fat Low-Calorie Fit & Fabulous Adult Dry Food: This diet has a minimum fat value of 6.5% which is perfect for your pancreatic Border Collie. This recipe is rich in proteins from pollock for strong muscles and has probiotics for gut and bowel health.
The Best Dog Food for Border Collies With Allergies
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Limited Ingredient Dry Food: This formula has 6 ingredients to lower the risks of allergies and sensitivities. It contains no fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
What are the best dogs with different ingredients for Border Collies?
The Best Dog Food With Pumpkin for Border Collies
- Earthborn Holistic Venture Rabbit Meal & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Dry Food: The key ingredients are Rabbit Meal, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Alaska Pollock Meal, and Sunflower Oil. It has vitamin C and E, L-carnitine, beta-carotene, and taurine for healthy overall growth.
The Best Dog Food Without Chicken for Border Collies
- Lucy Pet Products Duck, Pumpkin, & Quinoa Dry Food: The primary ingredients are Duck, Duck Meal, Dried Chickpeas, Dried Peas, and Pea Starch. This meal is ideal for dogs that cannot tolerate chicken. High-quality proteins boost muscle health.
