The 15 Best Dog Foods for Collies: Our 2023 In-Depth Feeding Guide
Simply put, when feeding a good quality raw diet, the food has a higher nutritional content, so the body absorbs and utilises almost all of it. The food is developed by veterinary nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines. In our experience, using Ollie saves you time, allowing you to focus on more important things like walks or training your dog.
When your dog becomes a senior, you may need to adjust the amount you feed him so he doesn’t become obese and increase his risk for joint problems. Fat provides your dog with a concentrated source of energy as well as support for healthy skin and coat – both of these are particularly important for the Collie breed. Your dog is better able to digest and metabolize fat from animal than plant sources, so look for quality animal fats like chicken fat and salmon oil in your dog’s food. A dog’s weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., homemade). Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Collie is fed the right dog food.
But when properly exercised, they’re usually calm in the house. Queen Victoria, whose rule started in 1837, took a liking to these collies during her trips to the royal family’s Balmoral Castle in Scotland. And it’s largely thanks to her that the breed became popular throughout the United Kingdom in the latter half of the 1800s. Some Collies can tolerate dairy products in small quantities, but many dogs are lactose intolerant. Start with small amounts of low-lactose products like plain yogurt or cottage cheese and monitor for any digestive upset.
Read up on vegan dog food if your Collie is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues. Now that you know the basics about your Collie’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Collie food. Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are a bonus, as are probiotics for digestion. Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Collie, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated.
Generally speaking, they have a long average lifespan for large breed of 10 to 14 years. Unfortunately, they are prone to a number of health problems which can limit their lifespan. They also have a tendency to suffer from food allergies, so the diet you choose for your collie is very important. Dietary supplementation will take your dog’s nutrition to the next level. A diet made from species-appropriate ingredients is undoubtedly the best Collie food and fuel for overall health and happiness.
Essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus support bone health, while vitamins like A, E, and C boost the immune system and maintain skin health. A balanced commercial dog food typically contains these essential nutrients, but supplements can be considered with veterinary advice. The best dog food for any dog is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and formulated to meet his nutritional needs. Fresh food is a great option for Collies because it offers the highest nutritional quality and digestibility. If you can’t afford those, try a high-quality dry food made with natural ingredients.
Also, find the top raw brands for Collies in our best raw dog food post. If your Collie suffers from skin allergies or joint pain, adding dog fish oil may help bring relief. The AKC states that fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other significant effects include promoting improved immunity (especially against cancer) while strengthening heart health in dogs. With all ingredients, including animal protein, the more specific the ingredients, the better. For example, chicken meal is considered better than “poultry meal” because ingredient is more specifically identified.
Besides formal dog training courses, aim to have your collie meet different people and other dogs, and take it to various locations. Positive experiences will help to build its comfort and confidence. Plan to brush a smooth collie at least weekly to remove loose fur.
People discussing dog food often wage battle about how much and what kind of protein dogs need. We generally like high protein diets for dogs, or at least higher protein than dog foods used to provide. And we like good meat sources for that protein instead of plant sources. But even after stating these preferences, there is a wide range of dog foods today that fall under the “high protein” label.
This recipe features deboned lamb as the main ingredient which is also a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It also contains grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and potatoes to ensure easy digestibility. A full-grown Collie dog typically requires about 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. The exact quantity can vary depending on age, activity level, and health status. Treat your Collie with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats.
Collie puppies should be fed three to four times daily with puppy-specific food. As they grow, you can gradually reduce the number of feedings to twice a day. It’s essential to provide them with a diet that supports their growth and development during their first year. Senior dogs may benefit from diets lower in calories but higher in fiber and supplements like glucosamine for joint health. Regular veterinary check-ups can help adjust their diet according to their aging needs. Collies are a beloved dog breed known for their intelligence and elegance.
Collies also excel in pursuits like agility training and, of course, actual herding of stock animals. Your Collie will be the envy of the neighbourhood in no time when switching to a raw dog food diet. You’ll notice a reduction in flatulence and the amount of waste excreted.
Increased vitality, reduced anxiety, reduced bad behaviour, improved mobility, increased agility and a whole heap more doggo smiles and tail wagging. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight. Bathe your collie roughly every month, depending on how dirty it gets. Check its nails once a month as well to see whether they need a trim. Look in its ears at least weekly for wax buildup and abnormalities.
When selecting what to feed your Collie, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. Always consult Future challenges in animal diets your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere.
Here is the complete list of toxic ingredients your Collie should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder. Collies experiencing the issues below might benefit from the dietary adjustments outlined in this table.
However, always refer to the feeding guidelines on your dog food’s packaging and consult your vet for personalized advice. Collies are active and energetic dogs that require a well-balanced diet to maintain their health. Their diet should balance proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals well. Protein is essential for muscle health; fats provide energy, carbohydrates offer sustained energy, and vitamins and minerals support overall health. If you’re looking for a nutritious recipe to support your Collie in his old age, try this Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Weight Management Senior Recipe. It is rich in lean protein from deboned turkey with grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes and peas for digestibility.
With 27 percent crude protein, 13 percent crude fat, and 363 kcal/cup, we think it’s a good choice for large Collies that need to be careful about their joints and weight. Fresh fruits and veggies provide natural sources for key nutrients and they are more biologically valuable than synthetic supplements. Chelated minerals are mineral supplements that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which increases their absorption.
Queen Victoria made the breed fashionable, and the unique traits of the Collie have made him a beloved pet ever since. There are so many reasons to love the Collie — here are just a few. Meanwhile, assessing weight regularly could help you support the ideal weight for your Collie. The research has shown CBD’s potential in treating chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, and other ailments in dogs.
Though not considered an essential nutrient for dogs, a small amount of carbohydrates from plant-based sources serve important functions in a dog’s body. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans.
However, like all breeds, they are prone to specific health issues. Understanding these health risks and how diet can help manage them is crucial for any Collie owner. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can result in nutritional deficiencies. Adjust portions based on your dog’s activity level, age, and health status. Regular vet check-ups can help in maintaining an ideal weight. The Collie is a large-breed dog that stands 22 to 26 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds at maturity.
The best choice depends on your dog’s health needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Grain-free diets can be suitable for Collies, especially if they have sensitivities or allergies to grains. However, ensuring the diet is balanced and meets all their nutritional needs is essential.