Border Collie Feeding Chart – How Much To Feed A Border Collie Puppy

Border Collies are known as agile, athletic, and energetic dogs that require specific nutritional considerations to remain healthy and happy.

If you have just adopted one, you may be wondering how much to feed a Border Collie puppy. The amount depends on their age, activity level, health, and type of food.

Ensure that you meet all the nutritional needs of your Border Collie by providing the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Continue reading to get more information about the Border Collie feeding chart, the best food for Border Collies, and whether you should feed your puppy supplements among others.

How Much Should A Border Collie Puppy Eat?

Feeding amounts of Border Collies depend on certain factors such as body condition, lifestyle, age, health, and the type of food, whether raw, kibble, wet, or homemade.

Since they are active dogs, you should consider that when feeding them. Also, puppies should eat more than adult dogs.

Your vet can tell you the exact number of calories that you should feed your Border Collie.

However, if your puppy weighs about 20 pounds, they will need about 733 calories and if they are about 40 pounds, they should eat around 1109 calories.

Best Dog Food For Border Collie Puppies (2022)

• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Dog Food (Editor’s Choice)
• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Dog Food (Runner-Up)

Border Collie Puppy Feeding Chart

A Border Collie puppy feeding chart explains in detail the exact amount of food your puppy needs as well as the number of times they should be fed per day.

Knowing the exact amount of food to give to your puppy helps them maintain a healthy weight and prevents overeating or undereating which can be detrimental to their health.

You can calculate your puppy’s Resting Energy Requirement and multiply it by two to find out the correct number of calories to feed them per day.

RER = (weight in kgs)^3/4 * 70.

Below is a detailed explanation of a Border Collie feeding chart:

4-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

During this stage, your Border Collie is still depending on their mother’s milk for nutrition, so they should not be separated but still, live together.

You can introduce small amounts of kibble mixed with water or puppy formula to see whether they are interested. However, you should not force the food on them if they hesitate to eat.

6-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

You should start weaning your Border Collie this week, but they are still drinking their mother’s milk. The mother will help with the weaning process as you will notice that she will slowly move away from the puppy to allow them to eat the food.

Also, the puppy should now be interested in the food. ¼ cup of food is enough and it should be divided into four equal mealtimes.

8-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

During the 8^th week, the puppy is ready to be moved to their new home and should be fully weaned by this time.

They should be off the mother’s milk and now eating puppy food which can be mixed with puppy formula or water to aid in digestion.

One cup of food is enough, and your puppy should eat four times per day.

10-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

At 10 weeks, your Border Collie puppy is experiencing increased appetite and by now they should have adjusted to their new home. They should eat around one to two cups of food per day divided four times.

Even though your puppy needs more calories now, you should monitor the amount of food that they eat to prevent overeating.

12-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

At three months, your Border Collie is now eating more food as they are burning more calories because of their increased physical activity.

Hence, they should eat about 2 to 3 ½ cups, divided three times per day.

14-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

During the 14^th week, stick to the same amounts as the 12^th week, that is between two to three and a half cups per day.

They should also be eating three times a day. Ensure that they stay active so that they can burn the calories to prevent weight gain.

16-Week-Old Border Collie Puppy

At four months old, your Border Collie needs more nutrients as some of them could be experiencing a growth spurt and need more nutrients and calories as they are more active now.

So, you should increase the amount to 3 1/3 cups, three times per day.

6 Months – 12 Months Old Border Collie Puppy

Between these ages, you can reduce the amount you are feeding your Border Collie to 2 1/3 cups.

However, if they are very active and exercising more, they will need extra calories and you should feed them 3 cups pers. Stick to three mealtimes until they turn one year old.

12 Months & Above Border Collie 

From the age of one year, your Border Collie is an adult, and they need to be fed adult dog food because they need different nutrients.

The process of transitioning should be done slowly to avoid upsetting their stomach.

As an adult, your Border Collie needs to be fed one to two times per day. They need between 2 and 3 cups of food.

Understanding Border Collie Puppy Nutritional Needs

Unlike other dogs, Border Collies need to be fed a specific diet that can keep up with their needs, meaning more proteins and fats.

Most dog formulas contain about 25% protein, but Border Collies require 50% protein in their diet. Proteins support the overall health and development of your puppy as it has essential amino acids.

Buying dog foods that contain fat sources such as salmon and flaxseed oil ensures that your Border Collie gets an extra boost of energy and makes the food easily digestible.

Also, fats improve the health of your puppy’s coat and skin.

Carbohydrates should be kept at a minimum when feeding a Border Collie. You should avoid carbs that may cause allergic reactions to your dog.

Choose healthy carbs such as peas and sweet potatoes.

Other nutrients that your Border collie needs are vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which contribute to the overall health of your puppy.

How Many Times A Day To Feed A Border Collie Puppy?

Your Border Collie’s feeding frequency depends on their activity level and age. puppies need to be fed more often than adult dogs as they need more nutrients and calories for their growth and development.

Your vet can tell you exactly how many times to feed your Border Collie per day. However, you can follow the general guideline for feeding Border Collies.

You can begin with four to six times before the age of 6 months and reduce it to two to three times per day after the age of six months.

When your puppy reaches one year old, start feeding them 1 to 2 meals per day. Do not overfeed your puppy as they may gain unwanted weight which may lead to health issues such as obesity.

Kibble vs Wet Food for Border Collie Puppies

Commercial kibble is a common choice among dog owners as it provides a lot of nutritional benefits to your Border Collie at a reasonable price.

Ensure that the kibble you are feeding your puppy has meat-based ingredients as the first five listed in the package. Kibble is known to help your puppy clean their teeth because of the texture.

Wet foods provide the same level of nutrition as dry kibble, but, they are more expensive.

Wet food is a great option if your dog needs more hydration or if they are recovering from sickness as it is more appetizing.

However, wet foods require refrigeration once opened as they can easily attract bacteria.

Most owners combine kibble and wet food for good flavor and optimum nutrition, with less budget.

Switching From Puppy Food For Adult Food

If you notice that your Border Collie is showing less interest in their food and they are about one year old, it may be a sign that they need to be switched to adult dog food.

When switching your dog to adult food, the process should be done gradually over one week or even ten days.

Start by introducing small amounts of adult food and reducing the puppy food until the whole plate is filled with adult food.

Some dogs may adjust quickly without any issues while others may have loose stool, digestive issues, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

It is recommended that you provide your Border Collie with enough water during this period to aid in the transitioning.

What If My Border Collie Puppy Won’t Eat?

It is not necessarily a huge deal if your Border Collie does not want to eat their meals. They may not be hungry at the time you are offering them the food.

Additionally, you may have just adopted your Border Collie and they need time to adjust to their new home and this should take not more than two days.

If you have changed the brand or type of food, they may also take time to get used to it or simply do not like their new food if they are picky eaters.

However, if they do not eat anything for more than 12 hours, you should take them to the vet for examination because they may be sick.

Can You Freefeed A Border Collie Puppy?

Free feeding is not a recommended option for your Border Collie. This is because providing your puppy with continuous food throughout the day encourages them to overeat, which may lead to weight gain and health issues.

Free feeding can be done to younger puppies during the weaning process but not to older puppies.

Even though it is a convenient and easy feeding method, it can make house training your puppy difficult.

Also, if you are feeding your puppy wet food, the chances of it going bad are high if it is left in the open for a longer period.

How Long To Feed A Border Collie Puppy?

Your Border Collie is considered an adult at the age of 12 months, making it the right time to stop feeding them puppy food because their nutritional needs have changed, and they now need to be fed adult dog food.

When your Border Collie is in their puppyhood, they need specific nutrients formulated for this stage so that they can achieve their growth milestones.

They require more calories as they are more active, and their body is going through a lot of development.

As an adult, your Border Collie needs foods that maintain their muscles and provide them with energy. They also need fewer calories than puppies.

Best Puppy Dog Food for Border Collie

1. Eukanuba puppy food

Editor’s Choice

This is a complete and balanced meal that is made to fuel your dog’s energy, mind, and body. This high-quality animal protein has optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus that maintain bone health and muscle growth.

It has proven DHA levels that promote healthy brain development. The food is formulated with optimized carbohydrates and fat levels that give your puppy to concentrate on the energy for play and growth.

It has antioxidants and vitamin E that support the developing immune system. High-quality chicken is the first ingredient that will power your dog.

Pros

• support muscle and bone development
• Provides great energy for all their activities.
• Ensures smart and more trainable puppies.

Cons

• There are challenges with packaging.

2. Natural Choice Chicken Recipe Kibble

Runner’s Up

This meal contains ingredients that support eye and brain development and healthy joints and provides antioxidants for healthy immunity.

This brown rice and chicken recipe begins with a high-quality source of protein. This dog food is made with non-GMO ingredients. They also don’t have any chicken by-products. They are flavorful with a lot of nutrients.

Pros

• A high-quality source of protein
• Made with non-GMO products
• Supports eye and brain development
• the antioxidants maintain healthy immunity.
• Has chondroitin and glucosamine that support healthy joints.

Cons

• Could not find one.

3. Instinct Chicken Natural Natures Variety

This raw food is made of raw fruits, meat, vegetables, and other ingredients. It is never cooked and minimally processed hence keeping the valuable nutrients intact. It is nutrient dense because it retains its flavor antioxidants and vitamins. It is frozen or free-dried making them shelf stable.

The recipe has high-quality ingredients such as meat, vegetable, and fruits. The cage-free chicken is their top protein priority for growth and play. The food is made with calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. The meal is completely balanced and nutritious.

Pros

• Grain-free puppy food
• Free dried hence long shelf life.
• Natural DHA for brain and eye development.
• It has a complete and balanced nutritious meal.
• Minimally processed and never cooked for natural content.

Cons

• Expensive

4. Orijen Puppy Dog food

This puppy food provides a diet that is rich in whole and fresh animal ingredients from free-run turkey and chicken, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish.

It contains 85% animal ingredients that are high in quality to satisfy your dog’s biological and natural needs.

The fresh animal ingredients include organs, meat, bone, and cartilage. It is free from grains to support the overall health of your puppy.

Pros

• Supports healthy growth of muscles.
• Made with high-quality ingredients.
• Great flavor and scent.
• Good value for money.

Cons

• Can cause diarrhea in some puppies.

5. Amazon Brand-Wag Dry Dog Food

Made with real chicken as the main ingredient, this puppy food contains a delicious blend of nutritious vegetables such as peas and lentils to provide minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.

It also features flaxseed and salmon oil to provide omega-3 fatty acids.

It is formulated with the help of pet nutritionists and vets and contains no added flavors, colors, corn, wheat, grain, or preservatives.

Pros

• Supports healthy skin and coat.
• Supports the immune system.
• Ingredients come from high-quality sources.
• Vet recommended.

Cons

• Causes vomiting in some puppies.
• Causes digestive issues.

Is A Raw Diet Healthy for A Border Collie Puppy?

When your Border Collie is on a raw food diet, they are eating foods like muscles, bones, dairy, organs, raw eggs, vegetables, and fruits.

Raw foods provide certain benefits to your Border Collie such as improved energy levels, better digestion, cleaner teeth, a shinier coat, and healthier skin.

However, raw foods come with their set of risks. They are easily contaminated with bacteria and parasites if not stored properly causing stomach problems for your dog.

Additionally, you may not be able to mix the raw foods to include the right amount of nutrients your puppy needs.

Therefore, if you choose to give your puppy raw foods, speak to your vet to help you come up with the right combination to ensure your puppy gets the nutrients they need.

What Human Foods Can A Border Collie Puppy Eat?

It is okay for Border Collie pups to consume a range of human meals, but it is essential to introduce new foods gradually and in moderation. These are some human meals that Border Collie pups may safely consume:

• cooked poultry or turkey
• lean ground beef or pork
• fish that has been cooked, such as salmon or trout
• cooked eggs
• fruits, such as apples and bananas, in small quantities
• little portions of veggies, including carrots and green beans
• yogurt and cottage cheese.
• brown rice or oatmeal cooked

Also, avoid overfeeding your puppy, since obesity may cause health issues.

What Human Foods Are Dangerous For A Border Collie Puppy?

There are several human foods that are okay for Border Collie pups to consume, but there are also a few that should be avoided. The following human foods are harmful to Border Collie puppies:

• Chocolate
• Leeks, onion and garlic
• Raisins and grapes
• Avocado
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Caffeine and coffee
• Xylitol (a sugar replacement used in many sugar-free gums and sweets)

Feeding your Border Collie puppy any of these foods may result in severe health issues, including renal failure, convulsions, and even death.

If you believe your puppy has consumed any of these foods, seek emergency medical attention.

How Much To Feed A Senior Border Collie?

The quantity of food a senior Border Collie requires will depend on their particular requirements, degree of activity, and general health.

As dogs age, their metabolism slows, and hence they may need less calories than when they were younger.

A decent recommendation for feeding senior Border Collies is to offer two to three modest, nutrient-dense, and easily digestible meals each day.

Formulas for senior dog food may have lower levels of protein, fat, and calories, and greater levels of fiber to aid digestion and minimize the risk of obesity.

The precise quantity of food to give a senior Border Collie will vary dependent on their size and degree of activity, but a rough guideline is 1/2 to 1 cup of food each day for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Nevertheless, you should always visit a veterinarian to establish the optimal food volume and nutrition for your senior Border Collie.

What If My Border Collie Puppy Is Always Hungry?

There are a number of potential causes for your Border Collie puppy’s seemingly continual hunger.

Initially, it is essential to ensure that your puppy is getting a balanced diet and sufficient amounts of food. If they are not, they may be always hungry.

Another possibility is that your puppy is through a growth spurt, which may cause an increase in hunger.

Furthermore, your puppy may be bored or craving attention; thus, offering enough physical and mental activity might be beneficial.

If you are uncertain as to why your Border Collie puppy is constantly hungry, it is recommended to visit a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns or to change their food as necessary.

How Much Do Border Collies Puppies Grow Each Week?

Tracking the weekly weight of your Border Collie will ensure that they are maintaining a healthy weight as they grow.

You can weigh your puppy at the end of each week and record the number to help you in the monitoring process.

Generally, Border Collies add between 0.5 and 1 pound of weight per week until they reach their adult size.

They will experience growth spurts during this period. The growth rate of your puppy depends on their genetics, health, exercise, and nutrition.

Should You Feed a Border Collie Puppy Supplements?

Supplements are designed to provide your puppy with specific nutrients that they cannot get from their food.

Therefore, if you are feeding your Border Collie a balanced diet with all the nutrients, they do not need to be fed any supplements.

However, if your puppy is suffering from some health problems, your vet may recommend specific supplements to help quicken the recovery and provide nutrients that they may not get from the loss of appetite.

Also, if you are feeding your Border Collie raw or homemade foods, they may need supplementation.

How Much Water Should A Border Collie Puppy Drink?

Your Border Collie puppy needs to drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and prevent digestion issues.

The right amount of water that your Border Collie needs are between ½ and 2 ounces per pound of their body weight. Certain factors affect the water quantity such as medications, dehydration, level of exercise, and diet.

The amount of water your puppy drinks may vary throughout the day, which is why you should monitor their drinking habits so that you can notice quickly if there are any changes.

If your puppy does not drink their water for more that one day, speak to the vet as your puppy could be sick.

Border Collie Feeding Chart FAQs

Do Border Collies Eat A Lot?

Border Collies normally have a modest appetite and do not consume large amounts of food.

Yet, their activity levels might vary, therefore their caloric requirements may vary according to their particular energy expenditure. To avoid obesity, it is vital to provide a balanced diet and check their weight.

Can I Give My Border Collie Bones?

No, it is not suggested that you feed your Border Collie bones. Bone fragments may cause severe health issues such as choking, intestinal obstructions, and punctures.

Instead, supply dog-specific chew toys and treats meant to be safe.

Can Border Collies Be Vegetarians?

While it is technically feasible to give a Border Collie a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is typically not advised without contacting a veterinarian or animal nutritionist.

Dogs are mostly carnivores and need nutrients that may be difficult to acquire from plant-based sources alone.