How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Border Collies
Border Collies are highly prized for their intelligence and strong work ethic. A dog intended as a working breed, the Border Collie is a very high-energy pooch and requires a diet that can match the pace of its daily activity and physical development.
Since the Border Collie is highly active, this breed requires a food that is rich in excellent quality proteins and that is calorie-dense. The amount fed per day will vary according to the activity level of the particular dog.
Border Collies will eat far beyond the point of satiation if permitted to do so. To prevent this from occurring, accurately measuring out the best dog food for Border Collies and monitoring their intake is vitally important.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Border Collies
Adult Border Collies are highly energetic dogs. To keep them physically and mentally satisfied, this breed must be vigorously exercised every day. As a result, the Border Collie’s daily caloric count will vary according to the dog’s age and level of activity. Older Border Collies whose exercise consists mainly of only a daily walk may require only 700 calories while working dogs need 1400 calories or more per day to fuel their bodies.
As an average, the typical adult Border Collie in good physical condition should receive 1000-1200 calories per day. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information. The dog’s weight and appetite will help serve as a helpful guideline, and portions can be adjusted accordingly.
Border Collies should receive a food that is 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat at a minimum. The best dog foods for Border Collies are nutritionally balanced to ensure optimal health in this active breed.
Dietary Requirements for Border Collie Dog Foods
A high-energy breed, the Border Collie benefits from a food that is rich in high-quality proteins derived from animal sources. Lean, whole meats are the best choice; however, meat meals also provide an excellent basis for an exemplary diet for this breed.
Border Collies are easily able to digest both whole grains and fruits and vegetables, so carbohydrates in a food can come from any of these sources or all three. The Border Collie is not a breed that is known for experiencing food sensitivities.
Healthy fats are the building blocks of a diet designed to fuel the highly active Border Collie. They are best obtained from animal origins such as chicken fat or oily fish such as mackerel or salmon. Certain vegetable oils also offer beneficial omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These powerhouse fats promote excellent coat and skin and provide needed energy reserves for the Border Collie.
The best dog foods for Border Collies often include supplements to support important body processes such as digestion and joint health.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Border Collies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Border Collie:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Any food suitable for the Border Collie should contain a high-quality protein as one of the first ingredients. All proteins should be lean and derived from animal origins. Meat meals are also excellent sources of protein.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
A highly active dog, the Border Collie benefits from the addition of vital supplements to its food. Some of the most important supplements to look for in a food for the Border Collie include glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Border Collie should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.