Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Terrier Dogs

Best Food for Jack Russell Dogs

Originally bred for fox hunting, Jack Russell terriers make lovely companions and are kept as pets. Although small in size, Jack Russells are highly energetic and athletic dogs that need vigorous exercise and a nutritious diet to stay healthy and thrive.

A healthy and nutritious Jack Terrier diet supports this breed’s active lifestyle and contains plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. The best dog food for Jack Russell terriers is formulated with high-quality ingredients and all essential micro and macronutrients.

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Keep reading to learn how much Jack Russell should eat and how to choose the best food for terriers.

Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell terrier is an exceptionally active breed that requires a highly nutritious diet based on lean protein. Although all dogs have the exact basic nutritional needs, your Jack Russell’s dietary needs will change throughout its lifetime. 

When shopping for the best food for terriers, consider the following things:

1. Age of Your Jack Russell

A dog’s age is an important factor to consider when shopping for dog food. The nutritional needs of all Jack Russell terriers change from puppyhood to adulthood and then again in senior years. 

A still-growing Jack Russell puppy needs more food and higher levels of protein and fat than adult and senior dogs. Look for Jack Russell puppy food with at least 22% protein and 8% fat. 

Adult Jack Russell terriers must eat food that contains a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat. All terriers age 10 and older should be switched to senior dog food with fewer calories and supplements that support overall health. 

2. Overall Health

Although a fairly healthy breed, some Jack Russells may suffer from allergies, sensitive stomach, dental problems, and obesity. Consider your dog’s overall health when choosing a new terrier dog food. A poor choice of diet can worsen a pre-existing medical condition and your dog’s health.

3. Activity Level

A highly energetic and athletic Jack Russell terrier needs nutritious food and a lot of calories to fuel its tiny body. But, with age, your terrier will slow down and require less calorie-dense food. Not changing your dog’s food to accommodate a less active lifestyle can lead to weight gain and obesity. 

How Much Food Should I Feed My Jack Russell?

The ideal Jack Russell food amount depends on several factors, including the dog’s age and the quality of food you’re feeding. 

If you’re feeding a Jack Russell with cheap, poor-quality food, your dog will have to eat more daily to meet its nutritional needs. Feeding high-quality and nutritious food to your dog means it will need to eat less food to meet its dietary needs.

Here are general Jack Russell feeding guidelines for each life stage:

• Puppy (0-12 months): Jack Russell terrier puppies should eat 800 to 900 calories per day or 8 to 10oz of food per day.
• Adult (1-9 years): Feed an adult Jack Russell between 450 and 650 calories per day, depending on the dog’s activity level. 
• Senior (10+ years): Senior Jack Russell needs around 450 to 550 calories daily, or 10 to 14oz of food. 

How Often Should I Feed My Jack Russell?

Avoid free feeding your Jack Russell because these dogs have healthy appetites and will eat more than they need to if allowed. To prevent obesity, split your dog’s food into several smaller meals throughout the day.

Feed Jack Russell puppies three to four smaller meals to keep them full and energized all day long. Adult Jack Russell dogs need two meals per day – feed one meal in the morning and the other in the evening. 

Senior dogs should also have two smaller meals, so they don’t become hungry at some point in the night or day.

Best Dog Food for a Jack Russell Reviewed

Whether you’re looking for the best dog food for a Jack Russell puppy, senior, or adult dog, I’ve got you covered. Reviewed below are the best terrier foods for all life stages.

1. Raw Paws Grain-Free Organic Chicken Kibble – Best Food for Jack Russell Dogs

The Raw Paws Grain-Free Organic Chicken Kibble is the overall best food for Jack Russell dogs. The 5 lbs. blend contains organic chicken kibble mixed with freeze-dried complete chicken pet food.

Key Features:

• Contains omega fatty acids
• Made in the USA
• Contains probiotics 

The kibble in this blend features organic chicken as the main ingredient, while freeze-dried bits have ground chicken with bone, chicken heart and liver, and herring oil. Instead of grains, this food uses sweet potatoes and lentils as easily digestible carbohydrates.

To make this formula complete and balanced for daily feeding, Raw Paws reinforced it with all essential vitamins and minerals that support the overall health of your Jack Russell dog.

2. Pet Plate Chompin’ Chicken Entrée – Best Grain-Free Food for Jack Russell Terriers

Pet Plate dog food is made using human-grade ingredients that are prepared following the same safety standards used when cooking human food. And they work on a delivery basis, starting as low as $2.39 per day.

Key Features: 

• High in protein
• Grain-free
• Palatable for picky eaters

Featuring ground chicken, sweet potatoes, chicken liver, green beans, lentils, and apples, this premium quality food looks and tastes fantastic. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that helps keep active Jack Russell dogs energized throughout the day and builds lean and strong muscles. 

Packed with wholesome and easily digestible ingredients, this tasty food is suitable for picky eaters or Jack Russells with allergies or sensitive stomachs. 

3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Puppy

If you’re looking for the best puppy food for Jack Russell, look no further than the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. Formulated for small-breed puppies, this delicious kibble has all the essential nutrients your puppy needs to grow healthy and thrive.

Key Features:

• Contains DHA and ARA
• Reinforced with antioxidant-rich LifeSource bits
• Small bite kibble for small jaws

Featuring deboned chicken as the main ingredient, this puppy food contains 29% protein that promotes healthy growth and development. This formula also contains real fruits, vegetables, and wholesome grains.

Blue Buffalo puppy food contains DHA and ARA. These essential fatty acids promote brain and eye development in puppies. 

4. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet – Best Jack Russell Food for Sensitive Stomach

If your Jack Russell terrier suffers from a sensitive stomach, give Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet a go. This food is specially formulated to promote good digestion and gut health and is a suitable option for dogs who experience tummy issues after eating other dog foods.

Key Features:

• For all life stages
• High in protein
• Easily digestible

This recipe features lamb as the sole protein source suitable for dogs suffering from allergies and sensitive stomachs. In addition to all essential vitamins and minerals, Acana dog food reinforced this formula with glucosamine for joint health, EPA and DHA for brain development, and probiotics for gut health.

Formulated with high-quality ingredients and all essential nutrients, this tasty kibble is suitable for all life stages and daily feeding. 

5. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Senior Terriers

Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dog Food is formulated for dogs ages seven and older. Senior Jack Russell terriers need special nutrition, and this food contains all the essential nutrients an older dog needs to stay healthy in its senior years.

Key Features:

• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
• Easily digestible
• Made with non-GMO ingredients

Featuring real chicken and chicken meal as the main ingredients, this formula supports lean muscles and joint health. Although not grain-free, this formula contains highly digestible brown rice that supports gut health and the quality of your dog’s stool. 

The added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help a senior dog’s aging immune system and promote overall health.

Best Jack Russell Food To Buy In The UK

If you are a dog parent living in the UK, and can’t find the brands above sold locally, we recommend the following UK dog brands instead for your Jack Russell Dog:

• Royal Canin dog food recipe 
• IAM Jack Russell pet food

There are a number of reasons why IAMS dog food is a great choice for jack russell dogs in the UK. First, the food is tailored to provide optimal nutrition for vitality, with ingredients that help support healthy digestion, strong muscles, healthy skin and coat, and strong bones.

Additionally, the food contains an antioxidant blend with vitamins C and E to help support the immune system. This means that your jack russell can enjoy good health and vitality with every meal.

The kibbles are also designed to reduce tartar buildup, helping to keep your jack russell’s teeth healthy and sparkling.

Wrapping Up the Best Dog Food for Jack Russells UK

Jack Russell terriers are athletic and energetic dogs that make wonderful pets for people of all ages. These small dogs have big appetites and need high-quality, nutritious food to stay healthy and active.

The best food for Jack Russell dogs is made from high-quality ingredients. It contains high protein levels, moderate fat, and easily digestible carbs. To support your Jack Russell dog’s health, look for tasty and nutritious foods reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals that promote a strong immune system.

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What To Feed Your Jack Russell Dog – Best Kibble Brands