what to feed westies

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

What should I Not Feed my Westie puppy?

We do suggest avoiding certain ingredients for Westies, like beef, corn, wheat, brewers yeast, soy, meat by-products, garlic, artificial colors or flavors, and preservatives. West Highland White Terrier puppies can usually begin eating a puppy food after they are weaned or they can eat a good all life stage food.

What is the best food to give Westies?

West Highland White Terriers generally prefer poultry proteins such as chicken and turkey. However, some Westies might have extremely sensitive stomachs and it is better to choose a novel protein source such as duck or venison.

What can Westies not eat?

By-products and grain fillers like corn and wheat shouldn't be a primary ingredient as these are not easily digestible and can cause stomach upset to breeds with sensitive stomachs like the Westie.

How much should I feed my West Highland White Terrier?

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.

How often should a Westie be fed?

Feed your dog two meals a day. High-quality dry or wet food is best for West Highland Terriers. They should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Can Westies have 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.

Can Westies have cheese?

It's true that cheese contains some calcium, but it also has tons of saturated fat, which can quickly lead to weight gain. And since cheese is a dairy product, there's a good chance that it'll upset your dog's stomach. At worst, this could lead to diarrhea or even pancreatitis.

Should Westies eat grain free?

by Dr. 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.

Why do Westies smell?

The wire coat on a West Highland White Terrier is short and coarse, keeping scent from being trapped. In addition to this, the grooming needed to keep this breed's hair and skin healthy adds to the protective factors that keep Westies from smelling.

Is raw food good for Westies?

Raw feeding is proven to improve skin condition, and coat health, reduced irritation, itchy flaky skin, hair loss and an increased shine of fur are beautiful side-effects of a raw natural diet.

Do Westies like water?

Westies can enjoy the water, but their owners need to be just as cautious with their dogs around the water as they would be for toddlers or babies around the water.

How do I keep my Westie white?

Groom your dog daily with a brush to keep the outer coat clean and make the coat shiny. ... Dry clean your Westie with white-powdered chalk or cornstarch. ... Bathe your Westie only when necessary. ... Clean the area around the eyes. ... Wipe your dog after it drinks water. ... Provide your Westie with purified water and change it daily.More items...

Are Westies intelligent?

The breed is intelligent, quick to learn, and can be good with children, but does not always tolerate rough handling. The Westie is an active breed, and is social with a high prey drive, as they were once used to hunt rodents.

Why do Westies smell?

The wire coat on a West Highland White Terrier is short and coarse, keeping scent from being trapped. In addition to this, the grooming needed to keep this breed's hair and skin healthy adds to the protective factors that keep Westies from smelling.

How old do Westies live?

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 ...

Why is my Westie itchy?

Outline: Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease which is common in the West Highland white terrier, possibly affecting 25% of dogs. It causes mild to severe itching which, as a result of scratching or rubbing, often leads to further skin damage, irritation, infection and discomfort.

What is the healthiest dog breed?

10 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds01 of 10. Beagle. Classen Rafael / Getty Images. ... 02 of 10. Australian Cattle Dog. Gary Kemp Photography / Getty Images. ... 03 of 10. Chihuahua. Emmanuelle Bonzami / Getty Images. ... 04 of 10. Greyhound. Westend61 / Getty Images. ... 05 of 10. Poodle. ... 06 of 10. Havanese. ... 07 of 10. Siberian Husky. ... 08 of 10. Basenji.More items...•

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.

How much protein is in beef dog food?

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

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.

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.

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

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Peas, Potatoes. Protein: 30%. Fat: 12%.

What is West Highland Terrier food made of?

Made of 85 percent meats and fish, the food is low-glycemic and has low carbs to help keep your older dog’s blood sugar steady. The food also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep your West Highland White Terrier’s joints healthy.

What is canidae dog food?

Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula is a limited ingredient food with nine ingredients plus vitamins and minerals and probiotics. It’s grain free with probiotics to help digestion; antioxidants for a healthy immune system; and omega 3 and 6 to support healthy skin and a beautiful coat. The recipe is supposed to be especially good for puppies with sensitive digestion. Just remember that you don’t need to feed a lot of food with these very nutrient-dense foods. If your West Highland White Terrier puppy does well on this puppy food, Canidae has some good adult foods – both grain free and foods with grains.

What is a wellness small breed puppy?

Wellness Small Breed puppy is a consumer favorite. It is specifically formulated for the needs of small breed dogs, so you can be sure your Westie is getting the proper amount of nutrients. With three different types of protein, this recipe is packed with health benefits like DHA for brain and eye development.

How many calories should a West Highland Terrier eat?

According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult West Highland White Terrier weighing 20 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 660 kcal. Dogs that have been spayed/neutered, or that are older, may need slightly fewer calories.

What is the best food for dogs?

Both whole meats like and meat meals are good sources of protein. Whole meats refer to foods such as whole chicken, beef, fish, and lamb, while meat meals are a concentrated form of meat in which the moisture is removed.

Can a Westie eat canned food?

Westies can be fussy eaters so you may need to encourage your dog to eat at times or add little treats to his food to make it more appetizing. You can add a little homemade food or a little canned food to kibble, for example. The food needs to look and smell appealing or your Westie may walk away.

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.