One of the most recognizable faces is the fluffy and good-natured look of the Border Collie. It started in movies, tv shows, and commercials and generally is one of those breeds known to be true family dogs. The Border Collie is loyal, friendly, and affectionate. Even the late Queen of England (Queen Victoria), had one. With all this said, if you do have one, or are thinking of getting one, it is recommended to know what foods to give your favorite buddy while avoiding others.
Vegetables
We’ll start simple with some vegetables you should avoid giving to your friend. Border Collies, like many other dogs, should have a rich diet. This includes having veggies in their meal plan, but not all types of vegetables. Tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms, and even avocados are some of the things which can prove deadly and toxic to your Border Collie. Also, avoid corn. It will make your dog feel stiff and will have a hard time trying to process it. Instead of the above-mentioned, try vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or broccoli. And while you are feeding him this, make little chunks. Remember, dogs don’t have a set of teeth as we do, smaller chunks are easier to eat and later digest.
What diet are you going for
Before we continue, there is a debate about the type of diet you choose for your dog. The raw diet means feeding him using bones, meats, and the already mentioned vegetables. There is one problem with this approach. First, notice how this will take a lot of your time and you have to make it a balanced plan with enough of everything. The nutritional value of the diet greatly affects the health of your dog. Also, Border Collies are a bit sensitive to changes. Hence, a good choice for Border Collies might be using processed foods that are veterinary approved and have shown to be of a high nutritional value. In a bag, you can have a mixture of needed fiber. For example, Canidae offers a nice blend of healthy carbohydrates, leaving out corn or wheat. Other products offer similar mixtures but add probiotics, helpful algae, acids, and other minerals which can improve the immune system of your dog and help fight off disease.
There are even mixtures that contain ingredients making up for fish meals, meat, and other necessary dietary components. The products are safe, sound and are a great replacement for all the food you would have to cook, prepare and cut.
Nevertheless, always read the label and avoid the ones with preservatives and other harmful components.
Fruits
If you would still rather go for a raw diet because it offers you bigger control over the things you give your dog, keep reading.
Apples, for example. Yes, Border Collies can eat apples without harming their digestion. Apples are rich in vitamins and are also known to clean the teeth and keep their gums healthy. But try cutting the seeds and rough parts first, before serving them.
Bananas, yes. Bananas are easily eaten, high in sugar and nutritional value. Yet, because of the sugar intake, control the number of bananas you are giving them.
Berries mostly. When it comes to berries there are certain limitations. For example, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and cherries are allowed. They are packed with vitamins and minerals but remove the seed when it comes to cherries. Yet, blackcurrants, gooseberries, and grapes are proven to be toxic and really dangerous.
You can also go with lemon but avoid grapefruit, as it is dangerous for them.
Meat
Of course, it’s ridiculous to leave off meat from their diet. Yet, here are several tips. When it comes to raw meat, they can eat it and digest it but always have in mind that raw meat is prone to parasites, disease and can easily spoil if held too long in open space. You can cook the meat for your Border Collie, leave out the seasoning, spices, or any other ingredient we humans put in our food. Keep it clean as it is, and avoid giving them leftovers. Also, boil it; that goes without saying because Border Collies cannot handle oils like humans.
Fish
Dogs can eat fish without problem, with a few remarks. First of all, fish is rich in omega-3 acids which, as with humans, preserve the health of the dog. Most veterinarians recommend it but we have to be cautious with the type of fish. Go always with commercially sold fish such as salmon, herring, trout, and whitefish and avoid fishes such as tuna or any other which can contain mercury or other toxic substances. As with meat, avoid species, seasoning, and also cut out the bones. Fishbones are small and fragile and can easily get stuck in their throat. Boil it, rather than preparing it in oil, or try giving it raw but it has to be fresh.
A dog is a member of the family, which means it deserves the same treatment as do other members. If you do not have enough time on your hands to prepare every meal, keep a count of the calorie intake and if it is all well balanced, try commercial foods we discussed earlier. Wherever the plan, take good care of your loyal companion.
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