Best Pill Pockets for Border Collies

23 hours ago 3

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If your dog won’t take their pills without a fuss, our list of the best pill pockets for Border Collies will save you both a heap of trouble. After all, Border Collies are far more apt to eat a yummy snack than a pill, so a tasty pill pocket or paste can be just the trick you need to get your dog dosed!

Pill pockets are soft and flexible with a hollow center, so you won’t have to get crafty with smeary peanut butter, crumbly cheese, or even mushy bread. Just stick it in the pocket, pinch, and feed it to your dog. And if you opt for pill paste, simply wad some around the pill and toss it to your waiting pup.

best pill pocket for border collies

Whether your pet has a taste for peanut butter, prefers crunchy treats, or has a top-notch nose that picks up even the slightest pill smell, we’ve found a pill pouch to suit your needs. But before we get into reviews of the best pill pockets, let’s answer your pill pocket questions and talk about what factors should be considered before you choose an option.

Buying Guides: What To Look For In The Best Pill Pockets for Border Collies

Most dogs hate taking pills, even those that aren’t usually fussy. That’s why pill pockets for Border Collies are a lifesaver when administering your pooch’s medication at home. However, while most tend to do the job well, there are a few factors to consider before randomly purchasing a bag.

Pill Pocket or Pill Paste

First, you’ll need to decide whether you’d like to use a pocket or paste for disguising medicines. With either option being a winner for masking medicines, if your Border Collie uses powdered or liquid medicine, you may want to consider pastes for easier hiding. But pockets mean less handling for you. So if you’re looking for less of a mess, maybe go with a pocket.

Pill Pocket Size

Consider the size of your Border Collie and the size of the pill you are trying to hide—a small pill pocket will not completely hide a large pill, and if you have a picky dog, he’ll notice the meds. If you have a large dog or are hiding a bigger pill, consider using two pill pockets pressed together or opt for a paste.

Pill Pocket Flavor

Want to make sure your pet swallows the pill? Choose a flavor they will like to increase your chances of success. Whether it’s cheese, smoky bacon, classic chicken, or creamy peanut butter, you’ll have no trouble finding something to suit your pup’s palate.

Pill Pocket Calorie Content

Pill pockets should be relatively low in calories. This is important for Border Collies who take pills daily, especially older dogs who may need to watch their weight and calorie intake. And you’ll notice we’ve included calorie content in our reviews of the best pill pockets for Border Collies. You’ll see pockets listed with kcal or calories per pocket, but the terms are interchangeable, and both mean the same thing. Kcals are just another way makers list calorie content.

Trusted Pill Pocket Brands

Only buy pill pockets and treats from trusted brands and companies. This guarantees quality materials and safe production. Many leading dog food makers also sell pill pockets for Border Collies, allowing you to stay brand consistent.

Now, let’s review the best pill pockets for Border Collies!

The Best Pill Pockets for Border Collies

#1 Best Low-Calorie Pill Pockets – VETRISCIENCE Laboratories Pinchers Pill Hiding Pocket Treats

Medication can be hard on tummies, so like our previous listing, VETRISCIENCE Pinchers Pill Hiding Pocket Treats also include probiotics to counter sensitive stomach issues. Hollow in the middle, these Border Collie pill pockets can hold tablets, pills, or capsules of almost any size. And the choice of flavors, Chicken Liver or Organic Peanut Butter, will appeal to the most discerning Border Collies. Plus, the chicken liver flavor’s strong aroma and taste work well to hide the smell and taste of the medicine inside.

Key Features:

Made with probiotics to support your Border Collie’s digestive and immune health
Fit most pills, tablets, and capsules
Two flavors: Organic Peanut Butter and Chicken Liver
Won’t leave your fingers greasy and sticky
Calorie content: 10 calories per pocket

Pros

Immune and digestive health
Just ten calories per treat
Chicken liver flavor disguises meds well
Less greasy than most

Cons

Might need to use two for bigger pills

#2 Best-Known Brand Pill Pockets – GREENIES Pill Pockets

This choice of best pill pockets for Border Collies is perfect for dogs who need to take the medication in a larger pocket, as they’re slightly larger than other pill-hiders. Greenies Pill Pockets are also great because they mask the smell of medication, so even the most observant pup won’t know there’s a pill in their yummy treat! And available in four flavors, you’ll find an option that appeases even the pickiest pups.

Key Features:

#1 ingredient is real chicken
Pill pockets that turn pill time into treat time
Just fill, pinch, and give
Four flavors: Chicken, Hickory Smoke, Peanut Butter, Cheese
Made with natural ingredients plus trace nutrients
Proudly crafted in US facilities with quality ingredients from around the world
Calorie content: 10 kcals per treat

Pros

Popular and trusted brand
Made with all-natural ingredients
Available in 4 flavors for all tastes
Made in the USA
Veterinarian recommended
Easy to use

Cons

Slightly more expensive than other brands.

#3 Best Easy-to-Disguise Pill Pocket – Milk-Bone Pill Pouches

A name you know that’s been crafting Border Collie treats for decades, Milkbone brings you an easy solution to medicine administration with their Pill Pouches. They’re soft, delicious, and taste like a regular treat. And you’ll find chicken is always the first ingredient, while recipes never contain by-products, meals, or artificial flavors. Choose from Chicken or Hickory Smoked Bacon flavors. Shaped like a cube, just stuff the pill in the hole in the center and give it a squish! That easily, your dog will wolf down their medicine inside one of these best pill pockets for Border Collies.

Key Features:

Milkbone is a brand you know and trust
Helps conceal the taste and smell of medication inside
Fits most capsules and tablets
Great-tasting and mess-free
No by-products, meals, or artificial flavors
Lower-calorie alternative to cheese and peanut butter
Calorie content: 19 calories per pocket

Pros

Savory, rich flavor most dogs enjoy
Easy to disguise thanks to the larger size
Real meat is the first ingredient
125 treats included per bag; perfect for multi-pet households

Cons

Some reviewers complain of dryness that causes the cube to lose shape
Not the lowest calorie content

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#4 Best All-Natural Pill Pocket – Zoë Pill Pops

Can your Border Collie sniff out a pill no matter how hard you try to hide it? Try these fragrant and flavorful pill pockets for Border Collies with unique recipes designed to mask the smell and taste of medicine. Choose from Roasted Chicken with Rosemary, Grilled Beef with Ginger, or Peanut Butter with Honey, and any of these choices will make your dog’s mouth water. Zoë Pill Pops are individually wrapped to preserve freshness.

Key Features:

Individually wrapped in double packaging to maintain their moist, soft texture
Savory fragrances & flavors hide the smell of meds brilliantly
No corn, no wheat, no soy, no artificial flavors or preservatives
Made in Canada using ingredients sourced from North America
Ideal for all life stages, from puppy to senior
Calorie content: 14 calories per pill pouch

Pros

Individually wrapped to preserve freshness
Rich, unique flavors disguise the smell of meds
All natural ingredients
No corn, wheat, soy, no artificial flavors, or preservatives

Cons

It can be a little dry

#5 Best Value Pill Pockets – Wag Pill Pouches

Amazon brand Wag Pill Pouches make it easy to give your Border Collie their medicines for an affordable price. Made with a tube-shaped center, these best pill pockets for Border Collies are great for tablets or capsules. The delicious chicken flavor will have your pup chomping down their meds before they realize it’s in their mouth! And a new and improved formula keeps pill pouches soft without clumping. Because dogs mistake them for regular treats, they also double as a reward for good behavior, an incentive during training, or a snack between meals.

Key Features:

Includes one resealable bag of 30 pill pouches
For use with tablets or capsules
No added wheat or artificial flavors
Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world
Vet-recommended formula
Calorie content: 15.7 kcal per pill pouch

Pros

Easy to digest
Rich chicken liver flavor
Soft and malleable – texture similar to cookie dough
Perfect for elderly dogs or Border Collies with dental issues
Money back guarantee good up to a year from the purchase date

Cons

Tend to dry out quickly

#6 Best Pill Pockets for Picky Eaters – Pill Buddy Naturals

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat now and again? Your pup sure does, and that you can slip them their pills while giving the taste of something good makes Pill Buddy Naturals an easy choice as one of the best pill pockets for Border Collies. Although available in various flavors, there are two choices for PB fanatics: the Peanut Butter and Honey Recipe or the Peanut Butter and Apple Recipe. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured these Border Collie pill pockets are delicious, soft, and made with all-natural ingredients, but no corn, wheat, soy, or anything artificial.

Key Features:

Wrapped in pairs to preserve freshness
Great for Border Collies who dig peanut butter
Six flavor choices
Accommodates almost any size pill or capsule intended for Border Collies
Makes your dog’s medicine irresistible
Veterinarian-formulated recipes
Calorie Content: 14kcal per pocket

Pros

Fits virtually any tablet, capsule, or pill
Six flavors to entice even the fussiest pups
Wrapped in sealed pouches for freshness

Cons

Sweet flavor may not be a hit for all Border Collies

#7 Pill Pocket with the Best Customer Reviews – Pet MD Wrap-A-Pill Paste

Pet MD Wrap-A-Pill takes the stress out of pill time because Border Collies think this tasty paste tastes like a treat! This yummy flavored pill paste is ideal when you have extra-large pills or capsules to hide because you can easily mold it around whatever you’re working with. Pinch off as much or as little as you need! It also makes a great way to serve liquid or powder meds, too. Pill pastes can be an excellent option for Border Collies with dental problems, as they’re soft and not sticky. In other words, perfect for older Border Collies!

Key Features:

Adapts to any size pill, tablet, or capsule
Soft and malleable – texture similar to cookie dough
Perfect for elderly Border Collies or dogs with teeth issues
Three flavor choices: Bacon, Peanut Butter, and Cheese & Bacon
One container contains 59 servings
Calorie content: 9 calories per serving amount

Pros

Easy to use
Great taste in either bacon or peanut butter
A small amount goes a long way
Covers meds of any make and size

Cons

Can be sticky

#8 Best Pill Pockets for Border Collies of All Sizes – TOMLYN Pill-Masker

As a brand and product recommended by Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy, you can trust Tomlyn Pill-Masker to get the job done! This putty pill paste is moist, flavorful, and easily malleable to cover any pill shape or size. Plus, the delicious bacon flavor will draw in your Border Collie for dosing. For pups that aren’t too picky, a thin layer is usually enough for masking. More finicky Border Collies may need a thicker layer to mask the taste and smell of medication. It can also be used as a reward when training dogs.

Key Features:

Fits all pill shapes and sizes, powders, and liquids
Highly palatable bacon flavor
Easy to administer
Contains 50 servings in one container
Can be used with dogs and cats
Backed by Jackson Galaxy, a trusted animal-behavior expert
Calorie content: 6.2 kcal per pinch

Pros

Enticing bacon flavor
Made with natural ingredients
Low price for high quantity
Suitable for small Border Collies
Works for any size pill or other medicine forms
Can be used as treats

Cons

Only comes in one flavor
High in fat

#10 Easiest to Shape Pill Pockets –Vetoquinol Pill Wrap

Vetoquinol Pill Wrap is a moist, juicy, delicious, and malleable paste that makes giving your Border Collie medicine a breeze. They’re full of flavor and can be molded to fit any medication, whether tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid. And Vetoquinol USA is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), so you can trust that they formulate their products with only food-grade ingredients. Available in a 4-ounce container that provides about fifty-six servings.

Key Features:

A versatile wrap that fits over any shape, type, or size of medicine
Made of food-grade ingredients
One four-ounce container can cover approximately 56 pills
Used by veterinarians and behaviorists
A great option that works for both dogs and cats
Even picky eaters love the highly palatable taste
Calorie content: unlisted

Pros

Can fit pills of any size
Natural and healthy ingredients
Mess-free and tasty wraps
Around 56 pockets per container

Cons

High price tag
Unspecified flavor

best pill pocket for border collies

Not all pill pockets for Border Collies are created equal, so be sure to choose options that are low-calorie, low-fat, and offer other nutritional values, like probiotics or vitamins. Any of the options on our list of the best pill pockets for Border Collies is an excellent choice for helping you give your pup their important medications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Pill Pockets for Border Collies

1. What are “pill pockets” for dogs?

Pill pockets are specially-designed treats that include a hollow or moldable portion so you can hide a tablet or capsule inside. They are intended to make giving medication easier and less stressful for both you and your dog.

2. Why might a Border Collie need pill pockets?

If your Border Collie needs daily or periodic medication (for example, for joint health, allergies, infections, or other conditions) and is resistant to taking pills, a good pill pocket can help mask the pill’s taste/smell and make it more likely they will swallow it willingly. Given the breed’s intelligence and sensitivity, making “pill time” into a little treat can reduce stress.

3. How do I choose the right size pill pocket for a Border Collie?

Make sure the pocket is large enough to fully enclose the size of the pill your dog must take; a Border Collie is a medium-to-large breed, so you may need a larger size version.
Check that the pocket is soft/moldable enough to wrap around or envelop the pill so the dog can’t easily detect it.
Also consider your dog’s diet and calories: if the treat is large or high-calorie, you may need to adjust other treats/food accordingly.

4. What flavors or types are best for a picky Border Collie?

Popular flavors include chicken, peanut butter, bacon, and cheese.
Choose a flavor your dog already enjoys as a treat, so the medication-treat combination doesn’t raise suspicion.
Consider trying a couple of flavors to see which your dog will consistently accept.
If your dog has food sensitivities, look for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient versions.

5. Are there any health or diet concerns when using pill pockets?

Yes — several important ones:

Many pill pockets add extra calories; if your Border Collie is on a weight-management plan, you’ll need to account for that.
Ingredients matter: avoid treats with problematic fillers, artificial additives, or allergens if your dog has sensitivities.
Using pill pockets too often (especially if your dog expects a treat each time) can impact their treat budget and feeding routine.

6. Can I use pill pockets with any kind of pill, tablet, or capsule?

Generally yes, but with caveats:

The pill pocket must be large or flexible enough to hide the size/shape of the pill.
If the medication is very bitter, flaky, or has a strong odor, you may need a very strong-flavored or specialized pocket.
If the pill is very large, you might need two pockets, or a moldable paste version instead of a pre-formed pocket.
Always check with your vet if the medication must be given on an empty stomach or in a specific way (some medications cannot be hidden inside treats).

7. How often can I give pill pockets?

Use them only when the dog needs medication (or when your vet or supplement plan requires). They shouldn’t replace regular treats entirely.
Monitor the number of treats/treat-calories your dog receives so you stay within safe treat-calorie limits (often ~10% of daily calories).
If your dog is on daily meds, choose pill pockets with relatively low calories and adjust their diet accordingly.

8. Are Pill Pockets safe for Border Collies?

Yes — they are generally safe when you pick a reputable brand, follow the product instructions, and ensure the ingredients are compatible with your dog’s diet and health condition.
However, you should:

Check for allergens (wheat, corn, soy, etc), especially if your dog has known sensitivities.
Avoid using human food substitutes unless you are sure they are safe and vet‐approved.
Monitor for adverse reactions (vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat), especially when introducing a new treat.

9. What happens if my dog spits out the pill pocket or eats only the treat part?

If your dog removes the pill and leaves it behind (or spits it out), the medication may not be administered properly. That defeats the purpose.
Use a pocket large enough and mold securely around the pill so it’s less detectable.
Try a flavor your dog strongly prefers so they don’t discard it.
If the dog continues to refuse, consult your vet or a veterinary behaviourist for alternatives (e.g., liquid meds, compounding, direct administration).
Ensure you monitor that the pill is swallowed — sometimes videoing or watching them eat can help.

10. Can I make my own pill pockets at home for my Border Collie?

Yes, it’s possible. Several sources discuss DIY pill pockets using dog-safe ingredients (e.g., peanut butter, pumpkin, mashed chicken).
But keep in mind:

You’ll need to ensure the ingredients are safe for dogs and don’t interfere with the medication.
You’ll need to control calories and portion sizes.
You should check with your vet to ensure it’s appropriate given your dog’s health and diet.

11. What should I look for on the ingredient list when choosing pill pockets?

Real meat or protein source listed early (chicken, beef).
Minimal fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Clear calorie information, especially if your dog has weight concerns.
Allergen info if your dog is sensitive (wheat, soy, corn, etc).
A texture that is soft/moldable (not dry and crumbly).

12. How do I actually use a pill pocket with my dog?

Here’s a simple step-by-step:

Choose an appropriate pocket for your dog & pill size.
Insert the tablet or capsule into the pocket. Some pockets are pre-hollow; others require you to mold around the pill.
Pinch or close the pocket so the pill is fully hidden.
Offer the pocket to your dog in a calm environment. Make it part of a positive routine so the dog doesn’t become suspicious.
Observe the dog eat it to ensure the pill is swallowed. You may follow with a small kibble or treat to encourage swallowing.
Adjust treat calories/day if necessary.

13. What if my dog has allergies or dietary restrictions — can I still use pill pockets?

Yes, but you must be careful:

Choose hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient pill pockets (grain-free, soy-free, corn-free) if your dog has sensitivities.
Read every label. Some apparently “treat” products may contain allergens or questionable ingredients.
Consult your vet if your dog has a medical diet (kidney, allergy, GI issues) — the treat may need special consideration.
Monitor your dog for any signs of reaction after starting a new pill pocket type.

14. Can using pill pockets interfere with the medication’s effectiveness?

Generally not — if used properly, the medication should be swallowed along with the treat and absorption should proceed normally. However:

If the dog spits out the pill or hides it, the medication may not be delivered.
If the treatment significantly delays ingestion or causes vomiting, that could interfere.
If the treat contains ingredients that interfere with absorption (rare, but possible) you should check with your vet.
Always follow your vet’s instructions about whether the medication needs to be given with or without food, and at what timing relative to meals.

15. What if my dog refuses pill pockets altogether?

Try a different flavor or brand — some dogs are particular.
Try a moldable paste or wrap instead of a pre-formed pocket if the shape/texture bothers your dog.
Try hiding the pill in a small piece of cooked meat or cheese (if allowed by diet) temporarily.
Work with your vet for alternative formulations (liquid, injectable, compounded) or behavior-based training to accept medication.
Make the medication routine calm and positive, not punitive — some dogs resist because they sense stress or deception.