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There are a few things worse than dealing with diarrhea in your Border Collie! We asked our 800,000 members from the Border Collie community on Facebook the following question: “What’s the best food for a Border Collie with a sensitive stomach?”
We’ve summarized the best responses below. Always remember to check with your veterinarian before making changes that affect your Border Collie’s health. iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links below may be paid affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
20 Best Foods for a Border Collie with a Sensitive Tummy
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
Hills’ sensitive skin and stomach are a good starting point, but there are 2 levels of Hills prescription diets above that for really bad cases. There are Hills i/d and Hills z/d.At the moment, I am feeding my girl, who has had lifelong digestion problems (aged now 13), hills z/d with cooked turkey breast and cooked sweet potato, on the advice of my vet as a last resort to constant antibiotics (metronidazole), and it’s working ok so far, but it’s been a hair-tearing exercise and process of elimination.
Author: Paul B.
Likes: 7
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care Wet Dog Food
Mine has had digestive issues his entire life. We have tried numerous brands over the years, from vet-recommended dry foods you get at the grocery store, to freeze-dried fresh foods, to raw diet… he seems to do well for a while before digestive upset starts again. Recently, the vet started us on Hills Science Diet gastrointestinal support wet food, and so far, he loves it and is doing great on it. It is expensive, but I am used to spending a lot on his food. He seems to have more energy and no issues so far.
Author: Amy D.
Likes: 0
iHeartDogs 3-in-1 Probiotic for Dogs with Pumpkin for Improved Digestion & Gut Health
Not a food recommendation, but would HIGHLY recommend this probiotic chew from Amazon. My dog thinks they are a treat, and it solidified her poop in about 3 days.
Likes: 8
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Hills Science for sensitive stomachs and skin
Author: Michelle F.
Likes: 21
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs
Our vet put our border collies on Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach (Salmon and Rice), and it’s been a game-changer!
Author: Jennifer McCarthy Z.
Likes: 22
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs
Purina Pro Plan for a sensitive stomach. Use both dry cereal and wet meat. Or use a food with limited ingredients. Nutro is a good name for limited ingredients. I used that for my Schipperke years ago. Hills Science Diet is what vets use after surgery, but I think it’s a prescription food.
Author: Roxane M.
Likes: 2
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal Recipe
I used Holistic Select Lamb and Rice formula for my Border Collie, and he did very well on it
Author: Martha R.
Likes: 0
Well, there are some kibble ones out there, but I feed both my bc’s the same food as I would eat. I make up a huge crockpot every week or so (10 quarts), freeze it (they get 2 cups each), and try to keep a substantial amount in the freezer, so it’s a round-robin kind of thing. They get ground turkey and ground beef with Quinoa, rice, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, carrots, celery, and yams. When I serve it, I add bone meal (not the outside garden variety), 1/2 tsp ground egg shell (calcium), and salmon oil. You have to figure out the quantities so that the dogs get enough protein, but it works out well, as I’m not having a problem with figuring it out, and I’m not a brain surgeon! No stomach issues at all. Lol
Author: Brenda Williams W.
Likes: 2
Fromm Classic Adult Dog Food – Premium Dry Dog Food
This is what I feed mine. He has a very sensitive stomach. Had terrible parasites when I rescued him. I also give him a tsp of yogurt every morning.
Author: Teresa C.
Likes: 0
VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food
I feed Victor beef and rice. My dogs are not having loose stools anymore
Author: Carol Shiver S.
Likes: 2
Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Lamb Dry Dog Food with Grains, Chicken-Free
My bc has a sensitive tummy but is fine with his food, Go skin & coat, which is chicken and grains. It is the extras we add that cause him problems
Author: Marian V.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Hills Science Diet: Sensitive Skin and Stomach, my bc has IBD and chicken allergy, and all her symptoms went into remission once she started on this food! I give her Blue Buffalo Sensitive treats (turkey or salmon flavor).
Author: Brandi G.
Likes: 0
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Gastrointestinal LF Low Fat
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal low-fat – it’s a dry food. My girl suffers from gastritis if she eats too much else, and this is what I feed her, and she likes it. I also give her a small amount of Prime Wild Boar (very lean) roll that I buy from our vet. She loves it
Author: Jenn C.
Likes: 1
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Gastrointestinal LF Low Fat
Royal Canin – Gastrointestinal– and NO human food! We make the same mistake time and again with just a little tidbit of lamb roast or chicken roast … don’t do it
Author: Lindy S.
Likes: 1
Cook your own dog food: one package of chicken livers, one cup of rice, and one cup of frozen peas and carrots. Put all ingredients in a pot with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. When the rice is done, the livers should be done. Stir and break up the livers, let cool. This should last for three or four days, depending on how many dogs you have.
Author: Teresa T.
Likes: 0
Been there, done that…homemade. Pressure cook some ground meat with sweet potato, brown rice, and some water or chicken broth for about 10 min. Then add your frozen veggies (green beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peas) and pressure cook for another 10. I do 3 lbs of meat, 1.5 C rice, and fill it up with veggies after the first 10 min per cook and freeze it.
Author: Leigh Ann W.
Likes: 0
Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Chicken au Fromage Dog Food
Definitely grain-free chicken or lamb…I like Fromm dry and can be grain-free…BCs have very sensitive systems… Being a bc rescue for over 20 years have lots of experience with the breed. NO beef or pork they cannot digest…
Author: Pat M.
Likes: 0
Canidae Pure Farm to Bowl, Grain-Free, Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food
My dog loves the Canadae one.
Author: Diane Murray P.
Likes: 0
Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb Meal and Rice Formula
I use Diamond Natural.
Author: Trish O.
Likes: 0
Sensitive tummies are hard to deal with sometimes.
1. No tidbits, particularly fatty ones. If they deserve a treat, use a good-quality treat.
2. Look for good-quality food. The cheap supermarket brands are terrible diet-wise. You’re going to pay more for good quality food. Look at the ingredients. If the first entries are corn or grain, put them back on the shelf. There are several decent brands. Blue Buffalo might be a good option; personally, I prefer the Taste of the Wild brands.
3 Avoid changes to their diet as much as possible. If you have to switch flavors, try to at least stay with the same brand, and if possible, mix it with the old flavor over the course of several days so they can adjust to the new proportions.
4 Avoid overfeeding. Many pups will eat everything you put in front of them when they shouldn’t. Try splitting their meal times into two or even three times a day.
5. Consider the conditions of where they’re eating. My own rescue pup thinks eating is a group activity; she won’t eat unless we are also eating. She’s also a bit socially insecure; she doesn’t like being away from us, so having her food dish in another room, she would go hungry. My previous BC was willing to eat and then come join us, but he was a lot more confident in himself and his place in the house.
Author: Tim H.
Likes: 0
Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Duck Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Go! Solutions Limited’s brand for food. Add pumpkin
Author: Angela Varley E.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the best foods for Border Collies with sensitive stomachs?
Border Collies with sensitive stomachs benefit from easily digestible foods like boiled chicken, white rice, and pumpkin. These ingredients are gentle on the digestive system and help reduce irritation. Many commercial limited-ingredient dog foods are also formulated specifically for sensitive stomachs.
2. Why do Border Collies often have sensitive stomachs?
Border Collies are an active and intelligent breed, but they can also be prone to food sensitivities and digestive issues. This may be due to genetics, food allergies, or sudden diet changes. Stress and high activity levels can also impact their digestion.
3. Is chicken a good option for sensitive Border Collies?
Yes, plain boiled chicken is often recommended because it is lean and easy to digest. It provides essential protein without overwhelming the stomach. However, it should be served without seasoning or skin.
4. Can rice help soothe a Border Collie’s stomach?
White rice is commonly used to calm an upset stomach because it is bland and easy to digest. It helps firm up stool and provides quick energy. Mixing it with a protein like chicken can make a balanced, gentle meal.
5. Are sweet potatoes safe for Border Collies with digestive issues?
Sweet potatoes are a great option as they are rich in fiber and vitamins. They support healthy digestion and can help regulate bowel movements. Make sure they are cooked and served plain.
6. What role does pumpkin play in a sensitive stomach diet?
Pumpkin is highly beneficial due to its high fiber content, which aids digestion. It can help with both diarrhea and constipation. Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is usually recommended.
7. Is fish a good protein source for sensitive Border Collies?
Fish like salmon is an excellent source of protein that is gentle on the stomach and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support overall health. Always ensure it is cooked and free of bones.
Helping Your Border Collie Thrive From the Inside Out
Caring for a Border Collie with a sensitive stomach can feel like a balancing act, but the right nutrition can make all the difference. By focusing on gentle, high-quality ingredients and paying close attention to how your dog responds, you can turn mealtime into a source of comfort rather than stress. Every small adjustment brings you closer to a routine that supports better digestion, steady energy, and overall well-being. Remember, your Border Collie relies on you to make the best choices for their health, and your effort truly matters. With patience and consistency, you can help your loyal companion feel their best and enjoy a happier, more comfortable life every single day.
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