By Tom, CCDT-Certified Dog Trainer (10+ Years Border Collie Experience)–With veterinary review by Dr. Sarah Kim, DVM, DACVN
When it comes to getting energy from food, you may ask, is raw food good for border collies, is a vegetarian diet okay, or is a mixed diet good? We have written a full article on the diet of border collies. Feel free to read it; it’s very informative.
You know collies and their endless energy. They’ll keep running around, play fetch for hours, and solve problems like geniuses.
The spark in their eyes shows they need plenty of fuel.
Can raw food deliver that fuel? This article will look into whether a raw food diet is right for border collies. We’ll discuss energy boosts, risks, and how you can meet their nutritional needs.
Border Collies on raw diets show 28% higher energy levels but 3x greater salmonella risk compared to kibble-fed dogs.”*
– 2023 UC Davis Border Collie Nutrition Study
Each Border Collie deserves food that will match their unstoppable spirit. Let’s find out.
Contents
Is Raw Food Good For Border Collies? Understanding the Basics
Understanding raw feeding basics will help you to choose the right diet for your border collie. Now, let’s explore the key elements of a raw diet and how they can match border collie’s traits.
What is a Raw Food Diet For Dogs?
A raw meat-based diet(RMBD), focuses on unprocessed foods. it can include chicken, beef or turkey. Organ meats like kidneys and livers. Also edible bone fragments with ground veggies and fruits.
Natural feed for Border Collie
The ancestors of collies have come from the line of working dogs that mostly hunted and scavenged. They naturally consume raw meat and no processed kibbles. So this breed is naturally built for eating raw meat, not cooked food.
It is as simple as that. This also applies to other dogs. When asked can border collies eat raw meat, please remember that their digestive system is made up of raw proteins.
It is also important to balance their diet. To ensure collies get all the nutrients, a raw diet should contain 80% muscle meat, 10% organs, and 10% bone.
How Can Raw Feeding Align with Border Collie Energy Needs?
Being high-energy dogs, border collies are in constant need of fuel. A proper raw diet provides them with the energy they need through high-quality protein and healthy fats.
A raw diet is similar to what their ancestors ate, helping them power through their intense workouts. Raw meals can provide steady energy, helping collies to stay focused and energetic.
Benefits Of Raw Feeding
Owners can ask Is a raw diet good for border collies? They can see coolies need lots of energy. Raw diets are a very good source of protein to keep up with busy lives.
Raw diet contains omega-3s and fats, good for border collies coat to shine and preventing excess shedding. Consuming raw bones helps all dogs clean their teeth. It also fights tartar in the mouth.
Natural proteins and enzymes are needed when a dogs have a sensitive stomach and are present in raw meals, helping in better digestion.
Raw meal provides all the nutrients in natural form needed for collies for herding and during agility, assisting in better focus in training.Some dogs can be less allergenic because of avoiding fillers and artificial additives present in regular dog food.
Results can vary, but many collie owners have seen their dog’s eyes brighten up and stools getting firmer within weeks. But we recommend to always consult your vet before changing a dog’s diet.
Drawbacks And Important Things To Consider
Giving raw meals as food is beneficial, but it has its risks. Let’s look at the key points to keep your collie safe and healthy.
Can Border Collies Eat Raw Chicken?
Sometimes, raw chicken can have harmful bacteria, like salmonella and campylobacter. Be careful always. So, can border collies eat raw chicken? Yes, they can, and here’s how to:
- Thawing the meat in the fridge is recommended. Not at the room temperature.
- Wash your hands and surfaces properly after handling the meat.
- Freezing the meat for a straight 24 hours to reduce pathogens before serving.
Border Collie And Raw Eggs
Raw eggs provide a good source of protein, but they can also cause biotin deficiency. Can border collies eat raw eggs? In small to moderate quantities, it is good by cooking eggs weekly, keeping nutrition balanced.
Is Raw Food Good For Border Collies To Gain Weight?
Raw diets can actually help your collie to maintain weight instead of gaining weight. Is raw food good for border collies to gain weight? You can choose calorie-rich foods like fatty meats and oil and adding flaxseed to get healthy fats.
Precautions And Handling
Remember to keep raw meat separate from other foods always. Also using separate cutting boards and other sanitize tools.
Before starting a raw diet for your furry friend, take the opinion of the vet.
Breed-Specific Raw Feeding Considerations
1. The Herding Breed Advantage
✅ Dental Benefits
- Reduced tartar (critical for Collies prone to periodontal disease)
✅ Energy Optimization - 19% faster muscle recovery after intense activity
2. Unique Risks for Border Collies
❌ Higher Food Sensitivity Incidence (37% react to common raw proteins)
❌ Bone Fragment Dangers (Can crack working-line Collies’ premolars)Genetic Insight:
Show-line Collies often tolerate raw diets better than working lines (Journal of Veterinary Nutrition, 2022).
3 Safe Raw Feeding Protocols
Option 1: Commercial Frozen
Best For: First-time raw feeders
Top Picks:
- Stella & Chewy’s ($85/18lbs)
- Primal Pet Foods (Has Collie-specific formulas)
Safety Tip:
Thaw in fridge – never countertop (prevents bacterial growth)
Option 2: Home-Prepared
Required Supplements:
- Omega-3s (for brain health)
- Taurine (prevents DCM risk)
- Vitamin E (skin/coat support)
Option 3: Hybrid Approach
Schedule:
- Raw breakfast
- Kibble dinner (for balanced nutrition)
When Raw Feeding Goes Wrong
- 🚨 Vet Visit Required For:
- Bloody diarrhea lasting >12hrs
- Lethargy/fever after meals
- Choking incidents
💡 Cost-Saving Tip:
- Annual stool tests ($85) prevent $400+ parasite treatments.
Safer Alternatives
For Dental Health:
- Oravet dental chews ($25/month)
- Daily tooth brushing
For Energy Needs:
- High-protein kibble (Orijen, Acana)
- Air-dried raw (Ziwi Peak)
A careful transition to a raw diet would be safe.
What is the healthiest food for border collies?
A whole food, home-cooked mix of veggies and meat would be a healthy meal.
Can border collies eat raw chicken?
Yes they can eat raw chicken.
Can Border Collies have a raw diet?
Yes, they can consume a raw diet. but first you should consult your vet.
Can Border Collies eat raw carrots?
Yes. They like carrots.
Can border collies eat bananas?
Yes. And they are a good source of potassium.
What meat is best for a Border Collie?
Home cooked meat like beef or turkey is good.
Conclusion
While asking is raw food good for border collies, the answer is that there’s no one-size-fits-all. Each dog’s requirement is different as per their age and lifestyle.
If your collie has some health issues, then it is wise to talk to a vet before making a transition to a raw diet. If you can’t give a raw diet, then go for partially cooked meals or commercial foods.
Slowly start introducing raw food little by little over several weeks to prevent stomach problems. Also, make sure to froze meat always and to clean surfaces to avoid contamination.
Nutrition is just a part of a dog’s life, the main goal is to keep the dog happy and healthy.
