what to feed my westie

The 8 Best Dog Foods for Westies

1. Taste of the Wild High Prairies Grain-Free Dry Dog Food — Best Overall. Taste of the Wild has blended the flavors of...
2. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food — Best Value. One of the primary purposes of American Journey as a dog food...
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dog Food — Best for Puppies. As a dog ages, they...

Full Answer

What is the best food for a Westie to eat?

Top Westie Food Recommendations for Adults 1 Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Small Breed#N#Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food is a high-calorie,... 2 Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold#N#Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold Dog Food is another small-kibble brand with a lot of meat... 3 Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato More ...

How much to feed a Westie puppy?

Typically, an adult Westie will east around four to six ounces of dry dog food daily. This can vary depending on the weight of your dog, the ingredients in their food and the brand you’re feeding them. For a smaller dog such as a Westie, try and divide their meals into two.

What kind of food do you feed a West Highland Terrier?

Puppies should be fed food designed with everything they need for healthy development. A puppy needs to be fed portions that are smaller more often throughout the day. West Highland Terriers are a small sized breed, so you’ll want to start mixing in adult food at eight months old. 9. Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Sweet Potato Small Breed & Puppy Recipe

Is it important to keep a Westie healthy?

For those families that own or would like to own a Westie or West Highland Terrier, it is important to us that we keep our Westie healthy. And a big part of keeping a dog healthy is keeping them at a healthy weight. But to keep a Westie’s weight in a healthy range, how much should their owner feed them?

What food is best for Westies?

The Best Dog Foods for West Highland White TerriersNature's Variety Instinct Small Breed Dog Food. ... My Ollie Lamb Dish. ... Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dog Food. ... Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dog Food. ... Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dog Food. ... Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dog Food.More items...

How much food should a Westie eat per day?

Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. For more on feeding your Westie, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

What foods are Westies allergic to?

Gastrointestinal Problems Older Westies are especially prone to food allergies. Immune responses are triggered by a variety of edibles: chicken, turkey, pork, eggs, dairy, peanuts and wheat, to name a few. Veterinarians and other scientists believe the protein content of these substances is what the dogs react to.

Should Westies eat grain free?

There is no medical or physiologic basis to feed dogs or cats a grain-free diet. If a dog or cat has a specific food allergy there may be some medical reason to limit the carbohydrate source which can be done for some animals by feeding a grain-free food.

Can Westie drink milk?

While the occasional lick of your ice cream cone or lap from your mug should not be a big deal—unless your dog is allergic—you should avoid allowing your pet to indulge in large amounts of milk and other dairy products. “GI upset will generally occur within 12 hours or so of consuming milk,” says Brausa.

How much wet food should a Westie eat?

Feed your Westie the correct portion of canned food, based on the dog's weight, following the manufacturer's directions. Typically, about one to two cans of wet food per day, divided into two or more meals, is appropriate for a small breed like the Westie; actual amounts depend on the brand.

Can Westies eat peanut butter?

Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain xylitol, so get out that pet-safe peanut butter jar and share the good news.

Why is my Westie so itchy?

Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, from dust mites to seasonal pollens, food proteins or flea allergy dermatitis brought on by the protein found in the saliva of dog-biting fleas. All of these allergens cause dogs to itch and then scratch.

Are dogs allergic to chicken?

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Chicken? Just like human beings, it's possible for dogs to be allergic to just about anything in their environment or any ingredient in their food. So, yes, it's possible for a dog to be allergic to chicken.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?

Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs. Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Why do vets not recommend grain-free dog food?

According to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration released last week, grain-free food might be giving dogs a life-threatening heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. The science is still preliminary, and it's based on a potential association between diet and heart disease in fewer than 600 dogs.

Is rice good for dogs?

Safe: Cooked White Rice and Pasta. Dogs can eat plain white rice or pasta after it's cooked. And, a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can sometimes make your dog feel better when they are having stomach problems.

What causes skin problems in Westies?

Allergies that cause itchy skin are common in all terriers. A recent study found that 66% of West Highland White Terriers experienced some skin disease by age 3. A rare and nasty inherited condition is called “epidermal dysplasia” or Westie Armadillo Syndrome.

How do you treat Westie skin disease?

The most effective treatments are based on corticosteroids or ciclosporin, both of which can have significant side effects with their own welfare issues. Some atopic dogs become seriously ill due to the side effects of treatment. Frequent shampooing is often required which may be unpleasant for some dogs.

How long do Westie dogs live for?

12 – 16 yearsWest Highland White Terrier / Life spanThe Westie dog breed, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may be prone to minor health problems like Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, and cataract, and major problems such as Legg-Perthes Disease, Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), globoid cell leukodystrophy, and skin ...

What food is best for Westies?

We recommend a high quality lamb/rice, chicken/rice, fish/potato or duck/potato based premium kibble with limited ingredients containing USDA human...

What can Westies eat?

Feed your Westie a nutritionally balanced food that contains ingredients approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials to ensure i...

Are Westies good dogs?

The West Highland White Terrier is a loving dog who is good with older children. This dog can snap if annoyed — but if child and dog are properly s...

Do Westies like long walks?

Generally, the Westie really is the perfect all rounder: they make good family dogs, getting along tremendously with children, adults and other dog...

What is the best food for a Westie?

The best dog food for your Westie (and in fact, for most other breeds), should be high in protein and fat, and relatively low in carbs. When it comes to protein, dogs digest meat protein more easily than they do plant protein. This is not to say that your dog food can’t contain protein from peas or lentils, but there should be two or three meat proteins first up on the ingredient list on your bag of dog food. This can come from whole meat or fish, or from meat meals. Some people object to meat meals, but there is really no good reason for this – meat meals are just meats from which the moisture has been extracted, and in fact, they contain much more protein than whole meat.

How many calories should I feed my Westie?

Feeding Your Westie. As a general rule of thumb, a 20-pound adult Westie that is reasonably active will require approximately 660 calories per day. Very athletic dogs will require a bit more, and Westies that have been spayed or neutered or are not overly active will need less.

What is canidae grain free foundation?

You will also find probiotics in Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations, but not live, freeze-dried probiotics. Still, any probiotics will help with digestion. This formula also includes antioxidants to help your puppy maintain a strong immune system. The first three ingredients are chicken, menhaden fish meal and lentils, and the recipe also includes peas, lentils and potatoes. All of this adds up to an ideal preparation if your puppy has sensitive digestion. It’s also high in calories (520 calories per cup), so a little goes a long way.

How long do Westies live?

Westies are typically long-lived. You can usually expect to enjoy your Westie’s company for 13-15 years.

What are the ingredients in a turkey meal?

The first three ingredients are deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal. This food is 36% crude protein and 16% crude fat, and contains no fillers or meat by-products. It also includes probiotics and antibiotics, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

What is the best food for puppies to develop brains?

Other fats could include fish oil – one in particular is a form of omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which helps with eye and brain development in puppies. You have to be careful with foods that include DHA, though, because it goes rancid very quickly – in fact, usually in about a year.

When should I start feeding my Westie puppy?

Top Westie Food Recommendations for Puppies. You should start your Westie on a good puppy food as soon as he is weaned. Some breeders advise using puppy food for a full year, while others suggest that you can start your dog on adult food once he has reached his full growth (usually about 8 months for a Westie).

What is the best diet for a senior dog?

As a dog's age, their needs begin to change and their diet should also adjust. A low calorie diet filled with protein and fiber is ideal for your senior dog.

What is Gentle Giants dog food?

Gentle Giants have produced a chicken-based dry budget dog food that is packed with vitamins and minerals . It uses twelve whole fruits and vegetables including beets, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, celery, and apples.

What is Nulo dog food?

Nulo has several lines of dog and cat foods as well as meal mixers. Their mission is to provide high-quality food made with real ingredients. They chose quality animal-based proteins to help build muscle and help your active West Highland Terrier keep a healthy weight.

What is a West Highland Terrier?

The West Highland Terriers are quite a popular dog breed from Scotland. They are more commonly known as the Westie. The West Highland Terrier is a small to medium sized terrier. Its distinctive round face is covered in white fur. They have a white, double coat of fur that flows down to their legs.

Is Nulo a good food for a small dog?

Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Sweet Potato Small Breed & Puppy Recipe. This food from Nulo is specially made for small breeds. This recipe is a great source of protein and also has a ton of vegetables and key nutrients. If you pup has a food allergy, there is no soy, corn or wheat used in this recipe.

What is Blue Buffalo dog food?

From prescription formulas to grain-free recipes, Blue Buffalo seeks to give every pup healthy, wholesome meals developed by leading animal nutritionists and veterinarians. The brand sticks to all natural ingredients that are a precise blend of pure meaty goodness, flavorful taste, and complete balanced nutrition.

How much protein is in American Journey dog food?

Using beef as its main source of animal protein, this formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.

Best Premium Homemade Dog Food: Nom Nom

First 5 Ingredients: Ground Beef, Russet Potatoes, Eggs, Carrots, Peas Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 8%, Crude Fat (min.) 4%, Crude Fiber (max.) 1%, Moisture (max.) 77%

Best Value: American Journey Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 32%, Crude Fat (min.) 14%, Crude Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Best Overall: Taste of the Wild High Prairie

First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 32%, Crude Fat (min.) 18%, Crude Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Best for Older Westies: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Chicken & Brown Rice

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 18%, Crude Fat (min.) 10%, Crude Fiber (max.) 7%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Best for Westie Puppies: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 36%, Crude Fat (min.) 16%, Crude Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Best for Westies with Sensitive Stomach: Gentle Giants Chicken Dog Food

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 22%, Crude Fat (min.) 9%, Crude Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%

Best Wet Food: Instinct Original Small Breed Grain-Free Chicken Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Cod, Peas Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min.) 8.5%, Crude Fat (min.) 4.5%, Crude Fiber (max.) 3%, Moisture (max.) 78%

What is the best food for a West Highland White Terrier?

Rice Bran. This is another limited ingredient food that, while short on ingredients, still packs enough calories to help your West Highland White Terrier stay busy all day. The formula is created with a special focus on your dog’s skin and coats. It keeps the coat soft and shiny white.

How much protein should I give my West Highland Terrier?

Recipes with around 18 percent protein are ideal for an adult West Highland White Terriers. If your baby is active, it will need more energy and you should look for around 12 percent fat. However, for dogs that aren’t too active, 5 percent fat should suffice.

How long does a West Highland Terrier live?

8 Years+ – A well-cared West Highland White Terrier can live up to 13 years. However, it will enter its senior years after the age of seven. It is a good idea to start transition to a senior diet at that age. Good senior dog foods for West Highland White Terrier should have glucosamine to ensure bone and joint health.

Why is my West Highland Terrier picky?

The West Highland White Terrier is a small breed that loves to eat, but is picky for two main reasons: a) it has a refined sense of taste, b) it has a sensitive tummy. But Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Salmon & Potato seems to overcome both objections.

What are the ingredients in a terrier meal?

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Anchovy and Sardine Meal, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Chickpeas, 5. Chicken Fat. One of the highest-rated and my top recommendation for small terriers is this one of a kind recipe that combines the taste and nutritional punch of anchovy, sardine , and chicken.

Is West Highland Terrier low calorie?

With just four ingredients this low-calorie premium food is perfect for small breeds like West Highland White Terrier. Fewer ingredients mean there is more meat for your baby. As a matter of fact, this can contains nearly 100 percent mean and trip.

Is grain free dog food good for dogs?

It has a variety of recipes that does not only offer an excellent nutritional value to your dog but also increases the palatability of the food. The grain-free diet offers the benefits of antioxidants such as a healthier urinary tract, stronger immune system, better memory function and eyesight, and many more. 10.

Gut Health

It's no secret these days that gut health is at the centre of overall health for humans and our four-legged friends; your West Highland White Terrier companion is no exception.

Immunity

The immune system is the body's natural protection mechanism; when functioning effectively will respond to toxins, pathogens and threats to your West Highland White Terrier health and happiness found in everyday life.

Weight

Maintaining appropriate healthy weight is essential for your dog no matter what breed.

Overall Well-Being

A species-specific diet is undoubtedly the best West Highland White Terrier food, fuel for overall health and happiness. You'll notice remarkably quickly that your four-legged friend will look, feel and even smell better.

Smell Better

Yes we said SMELL! And when we say smell better, we're talking about the odour your dog emits from both ends.

Look Better

What happens on the inside shows on the outside. When gut health is poor, digestion ineffective, when stress and strain is placed on organs and systems of the body, there's always an impact on your dog's outward appearance.

Feel Better

Our mission at ProDog Raw is to help as many dogs as possible thrive. The signs of a dog thriving will be plain to see by you as their hooman companion. Increased vitality, reduced anxiety, reduced bad behaviour, less bad moods, improved mobility, increased agility and a whole heap more doggo smiles and tail wagging.

What is free feeding for dogs?

Free feeding is used for many dogs. It is simply placing an automatic feeder or bowl of food out for the dog, so they may access exercise choice of when and how much to eat. This is a good way to feed if the dog is not a glutton, or if there are dogs that get along well together.

Why is my dog eating wet food?

Dogs that are fed only wet food often have issues with producing excessive amounts of gas and needing to go outside often to defecate. Dry food is often rather unpalatable to a dog, particularly if they have previously been fed a diet of wet food.

Can you put corn in dog food?

Make sure that the major ingredient in the dry food is not corn, corn meal or wheat, as this is largely filler that will swell up in the dog’s stomach when the food is consumed. Check that veterinarians or breeders approve the food that you are using. This is usually indicated on the dog food bag.

Is wet food good for dogs?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of food. Wet food is often more palatable for dogs of all ages, and can be particularly important to feed when your puppy is very young or your Westie is very old.

Why is my Westie less active?

Over time, your Westie is going to become less active as they lose most of their spunk and want to spend the rest of their days relaxing and hanging out with family. You’re likely going to notice they are experiencing various weight changes, whether they are becoming larger or thinner.

Why do vets take Westies in for more tests?

This is when vets suggest taking your dog in for more tests and changing their food so that they have access to more vitamins and minerals to keep them energized and active. 2. Bad Vision. Similar to humans, when Westies become older, one of the largest concerns is they can get cataract.

How to tell if a Westie is a senior?

First and foremost, the easiest way to tell that your Westie is entering their senior years is to simply consider their age. Most dogs are classified as seniors as soon as they turn 7 to 10 years old. This is when vets suggest taking your dog in for more tests and changing their food so that they have access to more vitamins and minerals to keep them energized and active.

How long should a Westie walk?

Likely, your Westie isn’t going to want to go on a four-hour hike with you daily, but it is important for you to establish an exercise routine to run through with them daily. Whether it’s going for a walk to the dog park in the morning or running an obstacle course, your Westie will need to stay active.

Can you introduce a Westie to an older dog?

Many pet parents find that introducing a younger pet into the family can help to breathe new life into an older dog. However, as Westies are very stubborn, you will first want to talk to a breeder or adoption specialist to get an idea of whether a companion for your dog is a good idea or not.

Should I groom my Westie?

It’s always best if you’re able to get your dog adjusted to the idea of grooming as early as possible so that it becomes simpler when they get older. As a senior dog, your Westie is going to need a little more tender love and care, especially in terms of their oral health.

Is raw food good for dogs?

Raw food might also be a solution, as well. 6. Joint Stiffness. Moderate exercise is always recommended for dogs, especially as they become older, as it gives them a stronger foundation to avoid certain ailments as they get older such as osteoarthritis.