Collie Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Tips

This is the most comprehensive Collie homemade dog food guide.

A big part of owning a dog is making sure they eat healthy and tasty meals, and traditional dog food sometimes doesn’t cut it anymore.

Instead of buying “premium” dog food from the store, why not make your own? Believe it or not, making food for your dog can provide a better nutrition alternative that’s fresh, tastier and more customizable.

We cover it all from risks, benefits, and specific breed nutritional advice. We also provide cooking tips and recipes for your Collie’s next home-cooked meal. Let’s dive right in!

Chapter 1

Ch 2

Benefits, risks & nutritional guidelines

Collie Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Here are the main benefits of cooking for your Collie.

• Healthy eating habits
• Quality control
• More affordable
• Healthier
• Portion size control
• Fresh ingredients
• Dietary requirements can be met

Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., agree that switching to homemade dog food comes with great advantages such as diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance and allergies issues, and avoid concern over food recalls.

Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Food And Collie Health: Why Feed Homemade?

Research shows that dogs that eat fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years versus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.

Home-cooked meals for dogs also ensure that your pup always eats fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used when cooking at home, preventing allergies.

More importantly, you have control over the ingredients used. You can pick safe ingredients that you know won’t trigger allergies in your Collie.

If you are unsure what ingredients may cause sensitivities or allergies in your pet, we advise doing an At-Home Food Dog Allergy Test before selecting the ingredients for their next meal.

Collie Homemade Dog Food Risks

Before cooking for your pet, there are some risks you need to be aware and avoid.

• Not understanding the nutritional needs of Collie
• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Not understanding your dog’s life stages (puppies, adults & senior) nutritional needs
• Neglecting your dog’s health conditions

A study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.

Even more shocking, research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded that 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal. What’s more alarming is that 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe, 40% of owners didn’t measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough, and 28.3% didn’t use any of the recommended vitamins or minerals or amino acid.

In a survey published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine, vets reported 97% of obesity cases in dogs could be traced to how owners fed and played with their pets.

It’s vital to understand that dogs’ nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist who can address your Collie’s dietary requirements and help you craft nutritionally balanced recipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.

Collie Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food, states there are six indispensable nutrients that all dog meals require to support life and function in dogs and provide a balanced and healthy diet.

A proper homemade diet should also consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

Your Collie will grow strong and healthy if these six components are present. Below is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

Nutrient	Food	Description
Protein	Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs	Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
Carbohydrates	Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat	Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
Fat	From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others	Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues
Minerals	Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.	Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
Water	Water	Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
Vitamins	A, B, C, D, E, and K	Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

You may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your Collie pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.

Always consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. We suggest consulting a veterinary nutritionist to help create a diet plan for your Collie. Formulating a completely balanced diet without professional help can be tedious for some dog parents.

If you need more advice on Collie nutrition, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. This book it’s considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade dog nutrition.

Health Dietary Changes In Collie

These dietary changes and a fresh homemade diet can make a difference if your Collie is experiencing the issues below.

Condition	Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes	Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs	Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis	Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial
Dull Coat and Scaling	Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try a food that has added zinc
Dandruff and Crustiness	Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels

If your Collie suffers from allergies, joint pain, or you just want to make sure their skin and coat stay healthy, adding a few squirts of dog fish oil to their meals can provide relief and nourishment. 

According to the AKC, fish oil reduces itchiness and flakiness in the skin through its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other significant benefits include strengthening heart health in dogs as well as promoting improved immunity against cancer.

Collie Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight.

An adult Collie usually weighs between 50 and 75 pounds, which means most Collie needs between 1165 and 1577 calories a day.

Make sure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.

For instance, if a Collie weighs 60 lbs. he would need 1334 calories per day. For those eating treats, that’s 1201 calories in food (90%) and 133 in treats (10%). Usually, most full-grown dogs eat two meals per day. So, you need to split 1201 into two meals of 601 calories each.

You can use this calculator to find the exact caloric needs for your dog based on his weight.

Pregnant or lactating Collie may need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they normally need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

Homemade Dog Food For Collie Puppies

A Collie puppy diet is different from an adult Collie.

Compared to adult dogs, puppies need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus. Too few (or too many) of these nutrients can cause deficiencies, stunted growth, or lifelong complications.

According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed.

Most people worry that their puppy requires more food and calorie intake every day because they are rapidly growing. This isn’t necessarily the truth. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need about the same number of calories and the same type of food, from 4 months to 12 months of age.

Collie puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

For proper growth and development, it is not advised to skip meals while your puppy is growing and developing. As our nutritional guidelines previously outlined, a puppy’s diet needs to include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

The best part about Ollie is that they cater to your pup’s nutritional needs, goals and health concerns. For instance, if your Collie has weight issues, digestive issues, picky tastes, or other health concerns, Ollie will cook a personalized meal plan to meet those requirements.

The ingredients are sourced from human-grade farms in the US, and their premium, pasture-raised lamb, comes from free-range farms in the US and Australia. They only feature USA-sourced ingredients cooked in human-grade kitchens. Meals come pre-portioned for easy serving.

Ollie promises NO by-products, fillers, artificial flavoring, or preservatives in their food. With Ollie’s fresh food, your dog can experience convenient homemade food with the benefits of shinier coats, fewer allergies, more energy, and better overall health.

Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Ollie order. No code is needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!

Chapter 2

Ch 1

Recipes, cooking tips & FAQs

Collie Homemade Food Tips

Here are some general tips to follow when cooking and planning your Collie’s homemade meals.

1. Set a consistent feeding schedule.
2. Feed your Collie two times a day (puppies under 12 months, 3 to 4 times a day, check with your veterinarian).
3. Meal prep weekly or monthly.
4. Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs.
5. Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days.
6. Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low.
7. If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals.
8. Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra easy).
9. Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows.
10. Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories.

How To Cook Homemade Food For Collie ( Video)

Check out this video on cooking a delicious meal for your Collie.

Best Collie Homemade Dog Food Recipes

We’ve compiled the best homemade recipes for Collies.

We’ve also added a tasty homemade vegan treat recipe with incredible health benefits. This recipe can do a lot for your pup’s health and wellness. It has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil.

Note: Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and dog’s health. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

• CBD-Infused Dog Treats
• Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe
• Fiber Filled
• Pork & Beef, Fresh Mix

CBD-Infused Dog Treats

CBD dog treats can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness, and many other health problems.

Treat your Collie with these nutritious, delicious and therapeutic CBD pumpkin dog treats.

You can also buy CBD dog treats so your pup can experience all the benefits of CBD.

Don’t forget to talk to your vet before giving CBD to your pup and make sure you provide the proper dosage.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• dash of sea salt
• 120 mg CBD oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. Combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar in a medium-sized bowl. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix completely. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion out the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
6. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe from: Truth Theory

Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs ground turkey (or any protein)
1 cup uncooked millet (or any other whole grain: quinoa, rice, pasta)
1 tbs olive oil
1 carrot, shredded
1 zucchini, shredded
1 squash, shredded
1 apple, chopped
1 tbsp calcium powder
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut oil
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup of whole-grain to boiling in a pot of water. I overcook it so that it’s soft and easily digestible. Drain.
2. While that’s boiling, shred/chop the veggies.
3. Cook ground turkey with olive oil and drain excess juices.
4. Mix everything! No need to cook the veggies. The cooked turkey and whole grain will warm them up a bit.
5. Store in Tupperware or ziplock bags and freeze! It makes enough for around two weeks of meals (Fira weighs 14 lbs).

Recipe from: WhereSTheFrenchie

Fiber Filled For Fido

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Ground Turkey
• 1 lb. Shredded Chicken
• 3 cups Water
• 1 medium Sweet Potato, peeled and diced
• 2 cups Brown Rice
• 1/2 cup Lentils
• 2 tbsp. Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup Chopped Spinach
• 2 tsp. Olive Oil

Directions

1. Boil turkey and chicken in 3 cups of water over medium heat for 20 minutes
2. Remove the meat from the water and set it aside
3. Add rice, lentils, and sweet potato to the water and return to a boil – Cook for 15 minutes
4. Add remaining ingredients and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Mix in the cooked meat and serve warm
6. Freeze unused portions and feed as directed by your vet

Source: WithaSplashofColor

Pork & Beef, Sweet Potatoe & Rice

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground pork
• 2-2.5lbs ground beef
• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 large apple, cored
• 2 carrots (or 8 baby carrots)
• 1 cup of kale
• 1/2 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup rice
• 1 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Put the ground meats in a 4-6 quart crockpot. You can use any ground meat that you would like.
2. Peel and chop the potato, apple, and carrots into 1″ pieces. Chop the kale.
3. Add all fruits and veggies to the crockpot and mix with the meat.
4. Cook on HIGH for 3-5 hours or on LOW for 5-7 hours until the meat is browned.
5. When the meat mixture is done, cook up the rice with the water on the stovetop. We use long-cooking rice (bring the rice and water to a boil, then turn heat to LOW, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes). When the rice is done, mix it into the meat mixture.

Note: Separate the food into 1/2c. -1c. Portions in small baggies or Tupperware. Keep most of them in the freezer, pull them out about 4-5, and keep them in the fridge. When mealtime comes, we squeeze a bag down the middle to split the serving in half, microwave the meal serving for about 30-40 seconds and then mix it into her regular dog food.

If you are interested in more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Collie, cookbooks can come in handy for dog food recipes. Our top pick is Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

Best Homemade Dog Food Cooking Practices

Ensure that your Collie’s meals are nutritious and safe by following these best practices.

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
• Use only boneless meats (no cooked bones)
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed
• Add supplements to their diet if needed
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

What Foods Should Your Collie Never Eat?

Not all ingredients are safe for your pet. Here is a list of foods your dog should never be fed.

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

Check out this handy list for a comprehensive list of all foods to avoid. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Collie Raw Diet (BARF)

A raw dog diet resembles what dogs ate in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog foods usually include organs, muscle, whole or ground bones, raw eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy.

Several kinds of raw foods are available for dogs, including homemade raw dog food and store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).

Preparing a BARF diet for your Collie requires extra care and planning since the risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance is higher when handling raw foods.

Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their fantastic health benefits for teeth, coat, digestion, and allergies. Read our raw dog food diet article if you are interested in learning more about the benefits and risks, and get the best commercial raw food diet for your Collie.

Monitor Weight And Health

The weight of a dog is an essential indicator of its health. After switching to a homemade diet, closely track your dog’s weight and health.

If your dog’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues.

Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by an unbalanced diet. If you detect these symptoms while feeding homemade meals, stop feeding your dog and seek expert advice.

Contact your veterinarian to make sure all of your dog’s meals are nutritionally adequate.

Other Food Alternatives

It may take some time to cook for your dog or know what ingredients to use, but a fresh diet can do a lot for your pup’s health.

Remember that if you don’t have time or don’t know how to cook, a homemade food delivery service can help you.

Read up on vegan dog food if your Collie is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues.

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