I have a very nervous/hyperactive Border Collie who is 5 years old. At the moment he is being feed on Skinner's Field and Trial. He also has Dorwest's Skullcap and Valerian tablets each day, which to be honest don't seem to have much effect.

I would be grateful for any advise, particularly if based on personal experience, about changing his food to one which may help him to become calmer. He has been on Burns in the past but could not maintain an adequate weight when on this food. 

Thanks

Isn't it more likely to be his genes than his diet?  Have you explored getting help from Collie experts in channeling, directing or simply burning up that energy :)?

Hi, I had a call from a lady who had a very hyperactive weimaraner, he was running around the walls.  I suggested that she changed his food to Supadog Sensitive, which is gluten free, additive and preservative free, no colours or e numbers.  She rang me 2 weeks later and was amazed to find her dog was so much calmer and she said it was if she had a different dog.  With some dogs giving foods with e numbers and other additives in is like giving blue smarties to kids... sends them balmy.  You could try that and see if it works.

Lynn

Hi would agree i had all my dogs on superdog sensitive  and they did do very well on this one of the best dry foods but i found my gsd was putting a little too much weight on so at the moment i am raw feeding been at it for a fortnight and they are all enjoying that as well big improvement .I also have 2 border collies and one of them is a bit nervous  and i must say that the only thing that i got told was to reduce the protein in his food, but at the end of the day i think that it is in a collies make up to be a bit reserved ,and as i was told you must appreciate them how they are , and it is true so let him be himself and take each day as it comes. But i would defiantly recommend it as it is a good cereal based food and ask your vet about a vitamin B supplement as this is also good for the nervous system hope this helps.Karen

Are you doing anything with him where he has to use his brain?  If you can take him obedience training or clicker training you will be amazed at the difference in him buy just practicing with him for ten minutes a day.

If you are unable to do this try buying a book like Mary Ray's Dog Tricks, this will help him to use his brain rather then just energy it will wear out a collie much quicker then a lot of free running.

Do change the food to a lower protein too, I couldn't get on with Burns either.  I am not up on Skinners food but Field and Trial sounds like it is for working dogs.

Which formula are you feeding? If it's anything like the F&T muesli,i would not know where to begin :( I cant find the ingredients to the 'maintenance' formula.

Protien pellets containing meat,meat derivatives,minerals and bran,extruded wholewheat biscuits with added vitamins, terrier meal, cooked flaked maize,cereal coating,dried meat greaves,cooked flaked peas,cooked flaked wheat,soya oil,extruded meat pellets.

Most border collies are "nervous/hyperactive",add to this a food full of wheat,soya,derivatives of meat,terrier meal,extruded meat pellets,and i wouldnt hesitate to think you'de have a ticking time bomb on your hands

How much exercise does he get daily? I wouldnt bother with any 'medication' until you've sorted his food out.

I'm feeding the Field and Trial Maintenance. I changed to it about 3 months ago as quite a few posts on this forum recommended it. I thought the potein at 18% and Oil at 11% would be better than a high protein food. What food would you suggest "Ktee".

He gets about an hour on walks with at least half off lead, plus playing in the garden and house.

Autarky is not to high in protein nad has quite a few herbs in it whihc might be helpful, though yu haven't had much joy with the oens you ahve treid.

My older dogs did very well on it especially the one prone to indigestion.

>What food would you suggest "Ktee".

Timberwolforganics http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dry_dog_food/timberwolf/14832 (Ingredient wise,this food is miles ahead of the rest,and you have various formula's and protein sources to choose from. The wild n natural is my favourite,compare the dramatic difference between the ingredients of this and skinners.

Arden Grange http://www.ardengrange.com

JWB http://www.wellbeloved.co.uk

Berrimans http://www.berrimans.net

Wafcol,salmon & potato http://www.wafcol.co.uk

Naturediet http://www.naturediet.co.uk