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Breed guide

Best food for a Border Collie

Portions, ingredients and vet-informed tips for feeding a Border Collie, a medium, very high-energy dog.

A Labrador and a terrier sitting together on a sunny Cyprus terrace

2 min read · Reviewed by the Organic Dog Chef team

01

What does a Border Collie need?

The Border Collie is a medium dog with very high energy.

02

How much should they eat?

As a starting point, adult medium dogs usually eat about 2.5–3% of their ideal body weight per day, split across two meals.

03

Which ingredients suit them?

Simple, clearly labelled recipes make it easier to spot what suits your dog.

01

What does a Border Collie need?#

The Border Collie is a medium dog with very high energy. As you're planning meals, keep an eye on high energy needs.

Border Collies are working dogs bred for stamina and focus, and they burn through energy quickly with both physical exercise and mental tasks. Underfeeding relative to their activity level can leave them lean and restless, while overfeeding a less active pet Border Collie can lead to weight gain.

02

How much should they eat?#

As a starting point, adult medium dogs usually eat about 2.5–3% of their ideal body weight per day, split across two meals. This is only a starting point — always adjust by body condition, age and activity rather than sticking rigidly to a number.

Use the rib check alongside the scales: ribs should be easy to feel beneath a light covering, and the waist should be visible from above. If either picture changes, adjust the daily amount in small steps and review again after a week or two.

03

Which ingredients suit them?#

Simple, clearly labelled recipes make it easier to spot what suits your dog. Introduce one meaningful change at a time so any response is easier to interpret.

A protein-rich diet with good quality fats supports sustained energy for this breed, and portions should reflect actual activity level rather than breed averages. Working or highly active Border Collies may need more food than a typical medium dog guideline suggests.

04

Signs it's working#

A well-fed Border Collie has a lean, muscular build, sustained energy through long working days, and a calm, satisfied temperament at rest.

Review progress over several weeks and change only one thing at a time. That gives you a clearer picture of whether the meal, amount or a treat is affecting your dog.

05

When to call your vet#

If your Border Collie is losing weight despite eating well, or seems constantly hungry and restless, discuss their energy needs with your vet.

If something feels wrong, seek veterinary advice early. A proper examination matters more than adjusting food when a dog is unwell.

06

How Organic Dog Chef can help#

For help feeding your Border Collie, talk to our team about the whole picture rather than breed alone. We can guide you through suitable recipes, portions and supplements while keeping any veterinary plan at the centre.

Visit us in Larnaca, Limassol or Nicosia, or use the meal finder on our home page for a starting suggestion. We're always glad to help you fine-tune portions, ingredients and supplements as your dog's needs change.

Interactive tool

Daily portion calculator

380 g

fresh/raw food per day (2.5% of body weight)

190 g

per meal, twice a day

A starting point only. Adjust by body condition, and check with your vet for puppies, pregnancy or health conditions.

Not sure what to feed your dog?

Try our meal finder for a personal match, or browse the shop.