The shaggy-coated Bearded Collie (‘Beardie' to his buddies) is a noisy and charismatic droving dog from Scotland who enjoys outside exercise in any conditions.
They are bred to make their own decisions and might be stubborn, but they are always sociable.
Beardies have a passing resemblance to another British favorite, the Old English Sheepdog, standing 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder and covered head to tail in a shaggy double coat.
Beardies are the more slender and angular of the two beneath their coats.
The extravagant facial hair shouldn't hide the signature expression: a dreamy, faraway stare.
Beardies might be a handful, but they're basically 50 pounds of heart, energy, and fun.
Beardies who have been well-socialized get along well with other animals and children.
They get bored easily, therefore training needs to be entertaining.
Outdoorsy families looking for a dependable companion to share their fast-paced lifestyle will never find a more devoted and entertaining companion.
Feeding Routine for Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks require four meals in a 24-hour period.
Feed three meals a day to bearded collie puppies aged three to six months.
Puppies aged six months to one year should be fed two bowls of chow every 24 hours.
One bowl per day is plenty by the time the bearded collie reaches his first birthday.
Adult bearded collies, on the other hand, frequently prefer two lighter bowls.
It is your responsibility to become acquainted with your bearded collie's dietary habits.
A well-balanced diet for full-grown bearded collies can be achieved by mixing high-quality dry dog food with broth, canned food, or water.
Fruits and vegetables, cottage cheese, and boiled eggs are all good additions to your bearded collie's diet, but they should account for less than 10% of her daily calories.
Puppies for Bearded Collie must be given high-quality, name-brand puppy food.
However, try to restrict “table food” because it can lead to mineral and vitamin deficiencies, dental and bone problems, and even obsessive eating habits and obesity.
Always provide fresh, potable water, and wash food and water bowls on a regular basis.
Bearded Collie Puppy Feeding Chart
Bearded Collie Nutrition
Whether you feed your Bearded Collie commercial or homemade food, they should always be given a complete and balanced diet.
The following are the nutritional requirements for a healthy and happy life for your dog.
Protein
It is an essential food since it is used to produce muscles, hair, skin, connective tissue, and nails.
Beef, fish, eggs, lamb, and a variety of other proteins are the most important sources of protein for your dog.
The protein content of a Bearded Collie's diet should be between 20% and 22% per day.
Fat
Fat is one of your dog's most significant sources of energy.
It not only gives you energy, but it also keeps your kidneys, coat, and skin in good shape.
Obesity can be caused by eating too much fat, therefore limit their fat intake to 5% to 8% of their daily calories.
Fiber
Fiber in your dog's diet aids in weight maintenance and is beneficial to gastrointestinal health. It can also help with diarrhea and constipation.
They should have 2-5 percent of their daily fiber intake.
Vitamins
Vitamins aid in a variety of bodily functions in dogs, including digestion, reproduction, growth, metabolism, and many others.
Vitamins should be added in your Bearded Collie's food at a rate of 2% to 3%.
As a Border Collie Puppy Grows Older, How Does Feeding Change?
Your Border Collie puppy's dietary and caloric requirements will change as she matures.
Your mature dog's food will contain less protein and calcium, as well as fewer minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
There's also less fat. When your Border Collie reaches about 80% of adult size, you can switch to adult dog food, which is around 12 months old for Border Collies.
What Should You Feed Your Border Collie Puppy?
A Border Collie Puppy will thrive on a diet rich in high-quality nutrients appropriate for her age and size.
It's up to you whether you eat kibble or wet food, commercial or homemade.
You are the only one who knows what is best for your dog and your family!
Border Collies are such wonderful companions that they deserve nothing but the finest.
So, let's have a look at your choices.
Kibble For A Border Collie Puppy
Commercial dry kibble is a popular choice among dog owners because there are many nutritionally complete alternatives available at an affordable price.
Just make sure you start with a puppy formula first.
Make sure the brand you purchase provides a well-balanced diet.
In the first five ingredients on the packaging, look for several strong meat-based protein sources.
Kibble has the advantage of mechanically cleaning puppies' teeth due to its texture.
Wet Food For A Border Collie Puppy
Both dry and canned dog food are nutritious and easily digestible.
Choose one according on your interests, finances, and lifestyle, according to veterinarians.
Just keep in mind that not all wet feeds provide the same degree of comprehensive nutrients as kibble.
Always read labels and supplement as necessary.
Canned foods, on the other hand, are a fantastic alternative for dogs who need more hydration or are recovering from an illness.
Wet food may lure them if they don't have much of an appetite.
Many owners combine wet and dry for the best nutrition and flavor, as well as less financial strain.
Raw Food For A Border Collie Puppy (BARF)
Raw food diets like BARF (Bones and Raw Feeding) are popular and recommended by some breeders and vets.
They're tasty and natural, plus they have nutritional, energy, and skin-care benefits.
However, you should be aware that the majority of research on raw diets is still negative.
It's possible that more research into raw diets is required.
However, most studies, many veterinarians, and the FDA all concur that raw meals are potentially harmful.
This is due to the fact that raw diets are often imbalanced, and bacteria found in raw meat can readily be passed on to dogs and their owners.
According to studies, up to 60% of raw and homemade dog food exhibited serious nutritional imbalances, and 80% of raw chicken meals tested positive for salmonella.
Allow some transition time if you determine that this is the right diet for your dog.
Also, do your homework so you know how to properly store and manage meat.
This includes things like how long you should leave it out, where you should feed it, how to clean locations where meat has been handled, and freezing concerns.
Understand what nutrients your dog requires at various phases of life and how raw foods can help you get there.
Ensure that your dog receives regular exams so that you may alter nutrient levels if necessary.
Making a Homemade Diet for Your Border Collie Puppy
A handmade diet might contain cooked meats and vegetables, which is the difference between a raw diet and a homemade diet.
Some foods provide more and greater nutrients when cooked, while others supply more and better nutrition when eaten raw.
As a result, this diet is more adaptable than the raw diet in several aspects.
Homemade diets, like raw diets, might be more natural and appealing.
However, some of the same difficulties must be addressed, particularly when it comes to balancing your puppy's nutrition.
Don't give your dog the same foods that you eat.
Seek advice from professionals, such as your veterinarian, to ensure that your dog is receiving the proper diet for her age and size.
Also, remember to take her in for frequent checkups.
How Much Should I Feed My Border Collie?
Dogs require different quantities of food depending on their breed, lifestyle, and bodily condition.
Take into note that Border Collies are highly active dogs who enjoy working.
An active adult Border Collie of 40 lbs. needs about 733 calories per day, whereas a puppy of the breed requires about 733 calories per day.
On a daily basis, he requires approximately 1109 calories.
Your veterinarian can advise you on how much to feed your Border Collie puppy.
Adults should be fed more frequently than puppies.
Begin with 4-6 evenly spaced meals per day, then gradually reduce to 2-3 little meals each day after 6 months.
As your puppy matures, begin feeding him 1-2 meals each day.
As you decrease the frequency, increase the size of the meals.
Don't overfeed your pet!
Studies demonstrate that dogs whose diets were responsibly regulated early on lived longer and developed problems like osteoarthritis later in age.
How Much Should My Border Collie Puppy Weigh?
You don't want your new Border Collie puppy to be too big or too small. Both of these circumstances are bad for your dog's health.
Weigh your Border Collie on a regular basis and compare the results to a growth chart provided by your vet or a breeder.
This will allow you to change the amount of food you eat as needed.
If you have access to information on your puppy's parents, you can get height and weight milestones for your own dog.
Examine your dog's ribcage as a starting point.
You can't see them in an overweight dog.
You'll see too much in an underweight dog.
When you feel your dog's ribcage, look for a mix of flesh and bone.
Examine your puppy for signs of tiredness or difficulty turning around to groom the backside.
Be on the lookout for problems with gas and bowel movements.
All of these signs and symptoms point to an unhealthy weight.
How Much Should You Feed Your Bearded Collie?
The amount of food you should feed your dog is entirely dependent on its age and level of activity.
Because they are still growing, a Bearded Collie puppy should be fed three to four small meals every day.
Reduce their food intake to three meals per day as they grow older.
Adults should eat two large meals per day, with small snacks in between.
Increase the amount of food you give your dog if he or she is really active and gets plenty of exercise.
Do not overfeed them because they may become obese and develop joint and bone problems.
What is the best dog food for a Bearded Collie?
When purchasing food for your dog, always opt for high-quality.
The following is a list of dog foods that you may purchase and feed to your Bearded Collie.
- Canidae – Chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish meal formula for all life stages.
- Merrick is a grain-free dry dog food with real chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Grain-free dry dog food from ACANA– Grasslands regional formula.
- Adult dog food from Fromm.
Best Bearded Collie Supplements
When your dog's food is deficient in key nutrients, supplements are provided to him.
There is no need to give your Bearded Collie any additional supplements if they are eating a complete nutritional diet.
Consult a veterinarian if your dog's diet is missing in a certain nutrient.
The supplements that your dog may require are listed below.
- Glucosamine
- Probiotics
- Multivitamins
- Digestive Enzymes
- Antioxidants
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Fish Oil
Can Bearded Collie Eat and Should Avoid Human Food
Your dog is exposed to human food on a daily basis, but that does not mean it can eat anything you consume.
Some human foods are harmless to your dog, while others are highly toxic or even poisonous.
As a result, before feeding your dog from your plate, check sure the food or substance is safe for your dog's health.
Here is a list of human foods that your dog can consume in modest amounts and which foods it should avoid.
Can Consume
- Meat
- Eggs
- Quinoa
- Bread
- Shrimps
- Salmons
Should Stay Away From
- Chocolates
- Sugar
- a large amount of salt
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Garlic
- Onions
- Avocado
Why does my Bearded Collie need to eat raw food?
It's critical to examine the anatomy and digestive system of the Bearded Collie while deciding on the best Bearded Collie diet.
A dog's stomach isn't designed to digest and ferment carbohydrates (the main ingredient in kibble).
Even grain-free foods like beans, peas, and lentils can have a lot of starchy carbs in them.
Giving this to a dog stresses their system, resulting in metabolically demanding insulin, glucagon, and cortisol spikes throughout the day, as well as inflammation and stress on important organs, all of which can lead to a variety of major health problems.
There's no doubt that dogs are hardy, and that they will adapt and survive for a long time even if they eat a diet devoid of natural components.
Why Isn't My Bearded Collie Eating?
You may notice that your normally eating dog is suddenly uninterested in eating or is only consuming a little amount of food.
Your dog's refusal to eat could be related to one of the following factors.
If you and your dog have recently moved to a new location, this could be the cause of your dog's lack of appetite.
Dogs are uneasy when they are introduced to a new environment, and it takes time for them to acclimate.
It's not a major issue, but you should give them some time.
Changing mealtimes frequently confuses your dog, and it will become irritable and refuse to eat. So, feed them at the same time every day since, despite their inability to read clocks, they have their own sense of time.
It's possible that your dog's lack of appetite is linked to a tooth issue.
Check their gums; if they are bleeding or puffy, it is almost certainly due to tooth pain.
Your dog may possibly be refusing to eat owing to an upset stomach.
It's possible that they ate something that's creating the issue.
If they don't eat for an extended period of time, take them to the vet for a thorough examination.
Bearded Collie Background
The most common adjective used to describe a Bearded Collie is energetic!
Hardy, enthusiastic, active, energetic, brilliant, reliable, and trustworthy are all words that come to mind when thinking of this popular breed.
The Bearded Collie, sometimes known as the Beardie, is the quintessential shaggy dog.
The Bearded Collie gets its name from the beard-like hair that hangs down from the chin.
The Beardie's lively temperament reflects his passion.
Beardies operating in Scotland's thick undergrowth are supposed to bounce up to check where the sheep were, and when met with recalcitrant sheep, they bark and bounce in front of them to force them to move.
Bearded Collies, in any event, bounce through life with a constantly wagging tail and a cheerful, clownish demeanor.
They are, however, not the breed for everyone.
Beardies are bright, resourceful, and active.
To stay up with them, you'll need to be both smart and energetic.
Bearded people must like brushing their long hair and be prepared to deal with a beard of hair that drips water after every drink and hairy feet that track in dirt and debris after every outing.
Bearded Collies are friendly dogs who will insist on being part in all family activities, whether indoors or outdoors.
Beardie will use his great intelligence and energy to cause problems if he is bored.
Bearded Collies are great with kids because of their high activity level, which makes them lively playmates who will run and play for hours.
They are, however, rambunctious, and small children should always be monitored when dealing with dogs of any breed to avoid injury to both parties.
Beardies are sociable, friendly dogs with a stubborn and independent spirit that stems from their past as sheepherders who had to make their own decisions.
If you want to establish order and discipline in your dog's life, obedience training is a necessary.
Make learning interesting for children, and use positive reinforcement strategies like food rewards, play, and praise to help them learn.
Bearded Collies do not learn in a severe or cruel environment.
Start training as soon as possible for the best outcomes.
Due to their herding past, beardies are alert and make good watchdogs, barking to alert you that someone has arrived.
They'll also bark to let you know if they're happy or enthusiastic, or if they're bored or lonely and want to be seen.
If you don't teach them to manage their barking when they're young, you'll end up with a nuisance barker.
Beardies will accept other animals into their “flock” if properly introduced to them, ideally when they are young.
Because they're herding dogs, they're always up for a game of chase the cat, even if the cat doesn't want to play!
They are not aggressive against other dogs and will happily play with dogs of all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.
If you're wanting to add a little Beardie bounce to your life and you think this is the breed for you after meeting some Beardies and breeders, you can expect to have an active, vibrant companion for 12 to 14 years.
A Bearded Collie is always prepared for whatever comes next, whether it's competing in the show ring or in obedience or agility trials, herding sheep for a living or for herding trials, chasing Frisbees in the backyard, playing with the kids, or just hanging out with the family.
A Bearded Collie is prepared to take on any task.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much should I feed my collie puppy?
A young border collie puppy will require one cup of dry complete puppy food four times a day on average.
After four months, your puppy can be moved to three slightly larger meals, and after six months, they can be moved to two regular sized meals.
How many cups of food should I feed my Border Collie puppy?
Border collie puppies have small stomachs and may only eat a half cup to a cup of food each day when they are only a few months old.
It's critical to offer a high-calorie, high-protein puppy chow to your developing dog throughout their rapid growth phase, which lasts anywhere from two and a half to eight months.
What can I feed my bearded collie?
Dogs' digestive tracts haven't changed much since they were undomesticated wolves, and they're best adapted to eating fresh, high-protein prey.
This is what we term “species-appropriate nutrition,” and it's what a natural, raw diet aims to achieve.
How often should I feed my 8 week old Border Collie?
Every day, feed your puppy at the same time.
Border Collie puppies should be fed three times a day when they are young, and then reduced to twice a day as they grow older.
Border Collies are fed once a day as adults.
Ensure that there is always fresh, clean water on hand.
How many times a day should I feed my Border Collie puppy?
Your veterinarian can advise you on how much to feed your Border Collie puppy.
Adults should be fed more frequently than puppies.
Begin with 4-6 evenly spaced meals per day, then gradually reduce to 2-3 little meals each day after 6 months.
As your puppy matures, begin feeding him 1-2 meals each day.