Feeding Tips & Care Guide for Sheepdog Diet

Section 1: Types of Feeding

1. Meat and Its Byproducts

Meat, encompassing animal muscles, intramuscular fat, fascia, tendons, and blood vessels, is a staple in the diet. It's rich in iron and certain B vitamins. Feeding this to Border Collies is not only delicious but also digested quickly, offering flexibility in meal planning. The lean meat composition of pork is quite similar to that of beef, lamb, mutton, dairy calves, chickens, and rabbits, particularly in terms of water and protein content. The differences mainly lie in the fat conversion. Pork and lamb contain 70% to 76% water, 22% to 25% protein, and 2% to 9% fat, while poultry, dairy calves, and rabbits have fat contents ranging from 2% to 5%. Sheep and pork have fat contents between 7% and 9%.

The protein in meat and its byproducts is highly nutritious. In the daily diet of Border Collies, meat is the cornerstone, ensuring they receive essential animal muscle daily.

2. Fish

Fish can generally be categorized into fatty and lean varieties. Lean fish includes cod, plaice, small cod, and flatfish; fatty fish includes mackerel, herring, sardines, goldfish, small yellow croaker, and eel, with fat contents ranging from 5% to 20%. Lean fish has a protein composition similar to lean meat but is rich in iodine; fatty fish are abundant in fatsoluble vitamins.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products are also a mainstay in the Border Collie's diet, typically including cream, whey, yogurt, skim milk, butter, and cheese. Milk contains all the nutrients Border Collies need, though it lacks iron and vitamin D. Milk is particularly palatable to Border Collies, and it's generally observed that most dogs enjoy milk.

4. Eggs

Eggs are a source of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B2, vitamin A, and folic acid, and are an excellent source of vitamin D, though they are lacking in niacin. Eggs are not typically used as the primary food source for Border Collies but can be a beneficial supplement in their kibble.

Section 2: Feeding Methods

For puppies under 3 months, feed four times a day; for those between 3 and 6 months, feed three times a day; and for adult dogs, feed twice a day. Throughout their growth, it's important to supplement with calcium and trace minerals. When feeding, consistency is key.

Section 3: Important Considerations

Border Collies should avoid spices such as soy sauce, salt, monosodium glutamate, sugar, Sichuan pepper, and star anise. Avoid feeding them indigestible foods like soybeans and sesame seeds. Ensure they have ample water, served in clean containers, and avoid giving them untreated water. Change the water regularly to prevent it from becoming stale. Provide your Border Collie with comfortable drinking conditions. For more information about Border Collies, consider reading articles like "Training Methods for Border Collies."