WHAT'S THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR BORDER COLLIES?

Border Collie: Specific Dietary Needs

 Like all dog breeds, the Border Collie has several unique nutritional needs. Not all dogs require the same diet and, if a dog's diet is not suitable, they can suffer from deficiencies or other health issues, such as digestive problems. These are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing the right dog food for your Border Collie:

• Border Collies have a delicate digestive system: Like many medium-sized dogs, the Border Collie can experience digestive problems. The breed is particularly prone to twisted stomach (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) and upset stomach. Your dog's food must therefore be easily digestible with an adequate composition to prevent these issues from occurring.

• Border Collies are generally very athletic: They have a well-developed musculature and expend a lot of energy. As such, their dog food needs to meet their energy requirements and provide your pooch with enough energy throughout the day.

• This dog breed is predisposed to joint problems: Like many dogs of this size, Border Collies can suffer from hip dysplasia. Their dog food, therefore, needs to strengthen and support their bones.

• Border Collies have a dense, medium-length coat: This dog breed has fairly long hair all over the body. Their dog food should therefore promote the good health of their skin and coat.

Vets and animal nutrition specialists generally recommend a dry dog food diet for Border Collies, for several different reasons: dry dog food is more affordable, on the one hand, and, in theory, combines all their nutritional needs in one single meal. However, it is crucial to ensure the quality of the dry dog food you buy.

What Type of Dog Food Should I Give My Border Collie?

First and foremost, you need to make sure that your dog's typical dietary needs are met, in terms of protein, mineral and vitamin requirements, etc. Then, opt for kibble adapted to your Border Collie, which will effectively meet the requirements of the breed. It can be easy to get lost among the many options for industrial dog food on the market. So, when choosing the ideal dog food for your Border Collie, look for:

• Dog food that promotes good digestion: Opt for rice as the main source of starchy carbs and supplement your Border Collie's diet with prebiotics to ensure good maintenance of your dog's intestinal flora and, therefore, good digestion. LIP proteins (very high digestibility) also promote good transit.

• Dog food that effectively meets your dog's energy needs: A sufficient level of protein is essential to provide your Border Collie with all the energy they need throughout the day.

• Dog food that protects their joints and cartilage: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are good for maintaining your dog's joints and cartilage and thus preventing possible hip and elbow dysplasia.

• Dog food that promotes healthy skin and coat: Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, from quality fish oil, help to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.

How Often Should I Feed My Border Collie?

Once you’ve chosen the ideal food for your Border Collie, you'll also need to learn how often to feed them. We recommend that you give them their meals at the same, fixed time each day to avoid possible digestive disorders. The amount of kibble provided should be adapted according to your dog's weight and daily activity level. Here are some recommendations for how best to feed your Border Collie:

• Give them their meals in a quiet place, away from possible sources of distraction: It's important to create a pleasant environment for mealtimes, as this facilitates digestion and promotes a balanced diet.

• Split their daily food ration into two or three small meals: The idea is to distribute their food throughout the day, so as not to overload their digestive capacities. It also stops them from feeling hungry.

• Give them the correct amount of dog food: This will depend on different factors, such as your dog's age, weight, activity level (normal or sustained), and reported illnesses. Your vet or an animal nutritionist specialist can help you determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog.

• Treats: In addition to their regular food, you can certainly offer your furry friend a healthy treat from time to time. Little pieces of fruit or cooked vegetables are a great, natural option! However, be careful with this if your dog is overweight.

• Forbid certain foods: Of course, some foods are toxic to dogs. Sugar, cold meats, and chocolate are dangerous foods for dogs. Chicken and rabbit bones are also not recommended as part of a healthy and balanced diet. If you're not sure, speak to your vet.

• Finally, make sure that your dog has constant access to a water source: Hydration is an integral part of a healthy diet and is essential to the good health of your pooch. Make sure you change their water bowl every day so that the water is always fresh. If you want to encourage your pooch to drink more water, try placing ice cubes in their water bowl.