A Rough Collie feeding chart is an essential tool for pet owners who want to ensure that their furry friend is getting the right amount of nutrition to support their growth and overall health.
Rough Collie is one of the herding breeds that originated in Scotland and it is probably most famous for either being owned by Queen Victoria or because of Lassie, the sable-colored TV star.
However, this quality dog breed has long outgrown its Scottish roots and became a beloved family pet across the world.
Whether you’re a first-time Rough Collie owner or a seasoned pro, it can be difficult to know how much food your Collie needs on a daily basis.
In this article, we will take a look at the recommended feeding guidelines for Rough Collies at different life stages, and discuss some of the factors that can affect their dietary needs.
We will also cover the different types of food available for the breed in this Rough Collie feeding chart, as well as what ingredients are best to look for in order to provide your pet with the right balance of nutrients.
Rough Collie Feeding Chart
| Dog’s Age | Recommended Daily Intake | Nutritional Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 0.75 to 2 cups | 450 to 600 cal |
| 4 months | 0.75 to 2 cups | 450 to 600 cal |
| 5 months | 1 to 2 cups | 500 to 600 cal |
| 6 months | 1 to 2 cups | 500 to 600 cal |
| 9 months | 1 to 2.25 cups | 600 to 900 cal |
| 12 months | 1 to 2.25 cups | 650 to 900 cal |
| 18 months | 1.5 to 2 cups | 900 to 1200 cal |
Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Dog Food
Switching from Rough Collie puppy food to adult dog food is an important step in ensuring that your Rough Collie receives the proper nutrition as it grows and develops.
The nutritional needs of a puppy are different from those of an adult dog, and the transition should be made gradually to avoid any stomach upset.
The process of switching your Rough Collie from puppy food to adult dog food should ideally begin around the age of six months when they start to become less active and their growth rate begins to slow down.
The best way to switch your Rough Collie to adult dog food is by gradually mixing in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it.
This gradual transition allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust and reduces the likelihood of stomach upset or diarrhea.
Once your dog has fully transitioned to adult food, it’s important to continue monitoring its weight and body condition. If your Rough Collie starts to gain or lose weight, it may be necessary to adjust the portion size or switch to a different brand of food.
Feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced diet for an adult dog is crucial to keep your Collie healthy and in good condition.
What Is The Best Food To Feed A Rough Collie?
The best type of food for Rough Collies depends on several factors, such as the dog’s age, activity level, and overall health and well-being. In general, high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food is the best choice.
This can come in the form of dry kibble, canned wet food, or a combination of both. In recent times, some dog owners have started experimenting with homemade food and raw food.
It’s important to note that every dog is different, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian, or a breeder, to determine the best food choices for your individual Rough Collie.
They will be able to take into account your dog’s specific health needs and recommend an appropriate diet.
Just be sure to avoid brands that are known to be poor-quality, such as the ones on this list.
Dry Food
Dry food, also known as kibble, is a convenient and easy option for feeding your Rough Collie. It has a long shelf life, can be stored easily, and is available in a variety of flavors and forms.
Dry food is also easy to measure out the appropriate portion size for your dog. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality brand of dry food that is formulated specifically for adult dogs and to always check the ingredients list for any potential allergens.
Wet Food
Wet food, also known as canned food, is another option for feeding your Rough Collie. It has a higher moisture content than dry food and can be a good choice for dogs who are prone to dehydration or have kidney or urinary tract issues.
Wet food is often more palatable than dry food and is available in a variety of flavors. However, it does have a shorter shelf life than dry food and needs to be refrigerated after opening.
Homemade Food
Homemade food is an option for pet owners who want to have control over the ingredients and quality of their family dog’s diet.
A homemade diet can include various types of meat, including boiled chicken, as well as vegetables and grains, but it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to ensure that your Rough Collie’s diet is complete and balanced.
Homemade food requires more preparation and cost than commercially available food.
Raw Food
Raw food is a newer option that mimics the diet of wild canines. This diet usually contains raw meat, vegetables, and bones.
However, it is important to note that raw food diet can have several risks if not properly handled and balanced, such as bacterial contamination and nutrient deficiencies.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before starting your Rough Collie on a raw food diet.
Rough Collie Feeding Chart FAQ
As a Rough Collie owner, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your pet’s dietary needs in order to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition to support their growth and overall health.
In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the Rough Collie feeding chart and guide you on how to properly feed your furry friend.
These are questions that cover some important aspects of Rough Collie feeding and general diet considerations.
However, in general, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian regarding your Rough Collie’s specific dietary needs. They will be able to take into account your dog’s age, activity level, and overall health and provide personalized recommendations.
By the way, if you are looking to get yourself a Rough Collie puppy, but you’re not sure where to start, we have a great list of the top Rough Collie breeders.
How Often Should You Feed A Rough Collie?
The frequency of feeding for a Rough Collie will vary based on their age and activity level.
Puppies up to 4 months old should be fed 3-4 small meals per day, while juveniles from 4-12 months should be fed 2-3 meals per day. Adult Rough Collies should be fed 2 meals per day.
Consult your veterinarian for the best feeding schedule and portion sizes for your specific dog.
What Is The Ideal Weight For A Rough Collie?
A healthy weight for a Rough Collie will depend on its size and body condition. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what is the right weight range for your dog.
They can also perform a body condition score assessment and make recommendations based on that.
Weight can also be impacted by surgical procedures such as neutering and spaying, but that’s a different topic.
When it comes to averages, these dogs are about the same as Smooth Collies, but slightly heavier than Border Collies.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Males are typically in the 50 to 70 pound-range, while females commonly weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.
You can find out more details about this topic in our Rough Collie growth chart.
What If My Rough Collie Refuses To Eat?
If your Rough Collie refuses to eat or has no appetite, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues that could be causing the problem.
If there is no medical issue, try changing the brand of food or the type of food, and make sure that the food is fresh and at the right temperature.
You can also try adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth to their food to make it more appealing.
What If My Rough Collie Only Wants Treats?
If your Rough Collie seems to only want treats, you should try cutting back on the number of treats you give them.
Additionally, try to make sure that their main meals are more appealing. Consult with your veterinarian on what healthy snack options you can give your dog.
How To Deal With An Overweight Rough Collie?
If your Rough Collie is overweight, the first step is to consult with your veterinarian to determine a healthy weight goal for your dog. They will be able to recommend a diet and exercise plan to help your dog achieve that goal.
Try to avoid giving them table scraps or too many treats, feed them nutritionally balanced food, and make sure they get enough regular exercise from an early age in order to decrease the risk of obesity.
What If My Rough Collie Is Underweight?
If your Rough Collie is underweight, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues that could be causing the problem. Your vet will also be able to tell you what the healthy weight range should be for your dog.
Once any underlying Collie health issues have been ruled out, you can start to address the underweight condition.
Some steps that you can take to help your Rough Collie gain weight include increasing their food intake, choosing higher calorie food, making sure they’re getting enough exercise, and adding healthy fats to their diet.
It’s important to note that weight gain should be done gradually and with the guidance of your vet to avoid any health risks, and regular weight checkups should be done to make sure that you’re on the right track.
Should I Give Dog Supplements To My Rough Collie?
Whether or not to give supplements to your Rough Collie depends on their individual needs and overall health.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend supplements to support joint health, skin and coat health, or to address a specific health condition.
It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before starting your Rough Collie on any supplements to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients and to determine the proper dosage.
What Is The Rough Collie’s Average Life Expectancy?
The average life expectancy of a Rough Collie is 12-13 years, which is a lot of time, relatively speaking. However, it can be longer or shorter depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.
Rough Collies are considered a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat, as well as certain eye diseases, such as progressive renal atrophy (PRA), and Collie eye anomaly.
They can also get certain infections since the areas around their paw pads and toenails are often a target for bacteria.
Luckily, there are now DNA tests that can help discover these, especially things like PRA.
The Collie breed can also be sensitive to certain vaccinations and medications, such as MDR1 or ivermectin (used for heartworm control).
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help reduce the incidence of health problems, boost your doggie’s immune system, and ensure your Rough Collie lives a long and healthy life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Rough Collie feeding chart is a useful tool for pet owners looking to ensure that their furry friend is getting the right amount of nutrition to support their growth and overall health.
By following the recommended guidelines for feeding based on your Rough Collie‘s age, activity level, and overall health, you can help your pet maintain a healthy weight and meet all of its nutritional needs.
Before you bring a new puppy home, it’s important to remember that every dog is different and consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to determine the best feeding schedule and portion sizes for your specific Rough Collie.
As discussed in this article, it’s also important to choose a high-quality food that is appropriate for your dog’s size, activity and socialization level, and overall health needs.
It’s also essential to be mindful of the treat and supplement intake and make sure they don’t interfere with the diet.
By following a Rough Collie feeding chart, you can help ensure that your herding dog/companion receives the nutrients they need to thrive and enjoy a long, healthy life.