FREEZE-DRIED RAW FEEDING GUIDE
How to feed a Collie
The Collie is an athletic, whip-smart herding dog that switches between all-day field worker and devoted couch companion — and that split personality is exactly why how you feed one matters.
Here is how to feed a Collie on freeze-dried raw: by weight and life stage, with the clean protein, omega-3s and joint nutrition that fuel a working brain, a healthy double coat, and a long life.
- Adult weight50–75 lb
- SizeLarge
- EnergyHigh
- Lifespan10–14 years
- CoatDouble, medium-to-long — moderate shedder, blows coat twice a year
A top-50 most popular dog breed
What a Collie's body needs
Every Collie trait comes back to one thing: how you feed them. Here's what matters most.
High-drive herding athlete
Needs: High-quality animal protein
Real meat, organ and bone fuel lean muscle and sustained energy for agility, herding and long daily exercise — no carb fillers that spike and crash.
Sharp working mind
Needs: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA)
Whole-food fish and animal fats supply the DHA that supports focus, learning and memory in a breed bred to think on its feet.
Dense double coat that blows twice a year
Needs: Omega-3s + bioavailable protein
Animal and fish fats feed the skin barrier from the inside, supporting a soft, full coat and easing the heavy seasonal shedding Collies are known for.
Skin-sensitive breed
Needs: Low-inflammation whole-food diet
Minimally processed raw skips the starchy fillers that can aggravate the skin issues some Collies are prone to, keeping nutrition simple and clean.
Fast, eager eater & deep chest
Needs: Measured, calorie-honest meals
Freeze-dried raw is fed by weight in two meals, making portion control easy and keeping a Collie lean — the single biggest lever for a long, healthy life.
How much to feed a Collie
Quick answer: a healthy adult Collie (50–75 lb) needs about 7.5–11.3 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry — so it's much less by volume than kibble. Feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.
| Ideal adult weight | Freeze-dried per day | Per meal (×2) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 lb | 7.5 oz | 3.8 oz |
| 56 lb | 8.4 oz | 4.2 oz |
| 62 lbtypical Collie | 9.3 oz | 4.6 oz |
| 68 lb | 10.2 oz | 5.1 oz |
| 75 lb | 11.3 oz | 5.6 oz |
Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.15 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active pets need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.
What to feed a Collie
For a Collie we recommend complete freeze-dried raw as the daily base — real meat, organs and ground bone with no heat-processed filler — or as a topper while you transition. The high animal-protein content fuels lean herding muscle and steady, all-day energy without carb-driven spikes and crashes.
Lean single proteins like Chicken or Wild-Caught Cod suit weight-watchers and sensitive dogs; omega-rich Salmon is a strong pick for a double coat and an active mind. Just add water and serve.
Recipes for Collies
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Feeding a Collie by life stage
- Puppy: Collie puppies grow fast and benefit from controlled, steady growth to protect developing joints. Feed roughly 5–8% of current body weight across 3–4 meals a day and avoid overfeeding — lean, gradual growth is the goal.
- Adult: Feed to a lean, visible waist, split across two meals. Use the chart below as a starting point and dial portions up for a hard-working agility or herding Collie, down for a relaxed family companion.
- Senior: Activity tapers but appetite often stays. Trim portions to hold a lean weight, keep protein high to preserve lean muscle, and lean into joint- and omega-supporting nutrition for aging joints, coat and eyes.
Common Collie concerns — and the diet connection
- Hip dysplasia & joint wearLike most larger herding dogs, Collies can face joint stress. Real bone and cartilage supply natural glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3s help support comfortable joints, and keeping your Collie lean takes daily load off them.
- Skin & coat sensitivityCollies can be prone to skin conditions. A whole-food, omega-rich, low-filler diet supports the skin barrier and a healthy coat, while skipping the starchy ingredients that can aggravate sensitive skin.
- Bloat (deep-chested build)Gulped meals raise bloat risk. Feeding two smaller measured meals a day, rather than one large bowl, helps your Collie eat at a calmer, safer pace.
- Working brain & lean muscleAn active, intelligent Collie runs on clean animal protein and fat — supporting sustained energy, lean muscle and the DHA that feeds a sharp mind — not on carbohydrate fillers.
Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.
Feeding a Collie: what to know
Collies are enthusiastic, sometimes rushed eaters — gulping meals can lead to stomach upset and raises bloat risk in a deep-chested breed. Feed two measured meals a day rather than one large bowl, and use a slow-feed bowl if your Collie inhales their food.
Energy needs swing widely with the day: a Collie doing agility or herding can burn far more than a relaxed family dog. Feed to body condition — you should feel the ribs easily and see a waist from above — and re-check portions whenever activity changes.
Collie feeding questions
How much should I feed my Collie?
What is the best food for an active, agility Collie?
How do I switch my Collie to raw?
Will raw feeding help my Collie's coat and shedding?
Does my Collie need joint or omega supplements?
THE CLEAN BOWL GUARANTEE
If your dog won't eat it, it's on us
Try Collie's first plan risk-free. If they turn up their nose, we'll make it right — money-back, and skip, pause or cancel anytime.
- Vet-formulated
- AAFCO complete & balanced
- Pathogen-tested every batch
“Knowing exactly how much to feed took all the guesswork out. He’s leaner, with more energy on our walks.”
— Jenna & Cooper“My picky rescue finally runs to the bowl — and cleanup in the yard is a fraction of what it was.”
— Priya & Luna
Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual dog's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.