West Highland White Terriers are known to piling on the pounds, however, so their diet should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats, ground bones and vegetables - which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals - for optimum health and performance.
Full Answer
What is the best dog food for a Westie?
Our pick for the best dog food for your Westie is Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition West Highland White Terrier Adult because it's specially formulated to support your dog's healthy growth and development from 10 months onward.
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 is the best food for a 10 month old Westie?
Best Overall: Royal Canin Breed Health for Westie Adults This food is specially designed to meet every nutritional need of a Westie from the ages of 10 months and up. This adult Westie food comes with a smaller kibble shape that is easy for your Westie to pick up, chew, and digest.
How to take care of a Westie?
Feed the Coat – Compared to other furry breeds, West Highland White Terrier’s coat is coarse and thick. It needs a lot of amino acids and fatty acids to keep that coat thick and shiny. While a Westie won’t shed a lot, lack of these ingredients can lead to excessive shedding. So look for ingredients such as flaxseed, fish oil, and seafood.
What is the best food to feed a West Highland terrier?
Royal Canin were the first to meet the different needs of small, medium and large breeds, and to develop breed specific foods. Suitable for West Highland White Terriers over 10 months old, Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Adult is specially formulated with all the nutritional needs of your adult dog in mind.
What can you not feed a Westie?
Feed your dog two meals a day. Avoid kibble containing wheat, corn, and beef. Westies can often be allergic to these ingredients. Westies love chicken, fish, and lamb. These meats are good for this breed of dog, so look for a kibble containing one or more of them.
Should Westies eat chicken?
Feed your Westie a nutritionally balanced food that contains ingredients approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials to ensure it is nutritionally balanced for your dog. The first listed ingredient of a high-quality dog food should be a meat protein such as fish, chicken, beef, or lamb.
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.
Can Westies have chicken?
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.
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...
Can I feed my dog boiled chicken everyday?
So can I feed my dog chicken every day? As long as it's cooked, the answer is yes. Because chicken is a safe, healthy and easily digestible form of protein, it is often the main source of protein in high quality dog food.
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.
How many hours of sleep do Westies need?
With that kind of energy, however, they need a certain amount of rest in order to stay healthy.In fact, like a number of other breeds of dogs, they need more sleep than most people. According to a number of reports, West Highland Terriers need about 13 hours sleep over a 24 hour period.
How often should you bathe Westies?
Widdows doesn't recommend bathing your Westie more than once every four weeks, but does acknowledge that circumstances may arise where this is necessary.
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.
How do you wash a Westie face?
1:063:11West Highland Terrier Dog Eye Cleaning Step By Step Dog Face ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay this one is really bad okay and so I've already gotten her a little wet. With water cuz I'mMoreOkay this one is really bad okay and so I've already gotten her a little wet. With water cuz I'm trying to start a bath here. And I do have her muzzle to protect me she can still bite through a muzzle
What foods can Westies eat?
The 8 Best Dog Foods for WestiesTaste of the Wild High Prairies Grain-Free Dry Dog Food — Best Overall. ... American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food — Best Value. ... Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dog Food — Best for Puppies. ... Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food.More items...•
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 often should Westies be bathed?
Every 4-6 WeeksEvery 4-6 Weeks: If you are using a groomer and prefer a shorter cut, you will probably follow this schedule. Otherwise, your dog's haircut will grow out quite long before you get him or her in for the next bath. Less than 4 Weeks: Most agree that this may be too often for most Westies.
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.
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...
Why won't my Westie eat?
If your Westie won't eat for more than two days, a trip to the veterinarian might be in order. A veterinarian can diagnose whatever illness might be causing the lack of appetite and can give the dog nutrients intravenously.
Why is my Westie not eating?
A Westie sometimes may not be eating its dry food because it is too hard and rough. Its teeth might be decayed and unable to chew the food, or the dry food might irritate its throat if it has a cold. Whatever the reason your dog is not eating its dry food, a simple solution is to try feeding it wet food. When you don't have any wet food on hand, mix a can of tomato soup or dog food gravy in with the dry kibble to soften it up.
Why won't my West Highland Terrier eat?
When your West Highland terrier will not eat its food, it can be a scary and stressful situation. There can be many reasons a dog will not eat, such as sickness, teeth problems or possibly it doesn't like the food. Nutrition is important for dogs, so even if your dog won't eat its dog food, you have to make sure it eats something. Several different foods can help your Westie stay healthy.
What to do if my West Highland Terrier is not interested in dry kibble?
When your West Highland terrier does not seem interested in dry kibble, wet dog food or liquids, try enticing it to eat by making some home-cooked food.
Can dogs eat soup?
Also, make sure that the soup or liquid is not high in sodium, because that can dehydrate the dog.
What to look for in Westies?
Instead, look for potatoes, oats, barley, millet, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
What is a Westie?
Your Westie is a ball of energy and sass coupled with a strong will, and this can pose a challenge at mealtimes. You have to balance making sure that your dog gets all of their dietary requirements met while working around their tendency to be very fussy eaters.
How many calories should a Westie puppy eat a day?
Puppies - Most Westie puppies need a slightly lower amount of daily calories until they reach a year old, and you want to aim for around 435 calories each day. Puppies should get three smaller meals per day until they're six to nine months old, then you can switch feeding to twice a day.
Why do Westies need fatty acids?
Fatty acids are essential for your dog's skin and coat health. Since Westies are prone to skin problems and issues with their double coat , you want to see a good level of fatty acids in their food. Fatty acids also help promote brain development in your Westie puppy.
Why is kibble good for dogs?
Additionally, it helps to clean any plaque or tartar from your dog's teeth to their gum line. This can help to improve their dental health and prevent infections or tooth decay.
What is senior dog food?
This senior dog food has real meat as the first ingredient on the package from a quality and local protein source. Your dog will also enjoy necessary ingredients like garden vegetables, fruit, and a variety of wholesome grains.
Does Blue Buffalo Life Protection have chicken?
You can pick from three different sizes when you order Blue Buffalo Life Protection for seniors.
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.
What is a Westie?
Westies are friendly, confident and brave, but can be stubborn. They usually get along well with children, but can be a bit snappish if handled roughly. The Westie’s prey drive is strong, so he may not do quite as well with other animals – in fact, he is very likely to want to chase just about anything that moves.This is hard-wired into the breed, because of its hunting past, and is one of the reasons why Westies perform so well in earthdog trials – athletic events where dogs work to find small animals underground. (Note: no animals are harmed in earthdog trials.)
How many calories should a 20 pound Westie eat a day?
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.
How long do Westies live?
Westies are typically long-lived. You can usually expect to enjoy your Westie’s company for 13-15 years.
How many calories are in a Westie?
It’s also high in calories (520 calories per cup), so a little goes a long way. As with my top Westie food recommendations for adults, there are a lot of other very good choices. These are two of my favorites, but you and your puppy may find others that are equally suitable.
What is the best fat for dogs?
I’ve talked about this in The Facts About Fat in Your Dog’s Food. When you are looking at the ingredient list, try to identify specific types of fat (chicken fat, for instance). 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.
What is a West Highland White Terrier?
The West Highland White Terrier. The West Highland White Terrier is a small, compact dog that has been around for a very long time. In fact, terriers in general go back centuries, having been bred mainly in the British Isles for use as work, farm and hunting dogs.
How many meals should a Westie eat a day?
Westie puppies should get three meals a day from the age of six to eight weeks, and you can cut this back to two meals a day when your puppy hits eight weeks old. Senior dogs should get smaller portions because it’s easier for your dog to digest them because their metabolism slows down.
How to keep a dog's coat healthy?
Skin – This dog has softer skin, and you have to keep the skin healthy to keep the coat healthy. Try to avoid food that has ingredients that can cause skin allergies or sensitivities. So, try to avoid grains and make sure the food has DHA and EPA to boost skin health.
What are the best supplements for dogs?
There is L-Carnitine, glucosamine, and chondroitin that supports healthy muscles, joint health, mobility, and carbs to give your dog energy to keep them active, slim, and healthy well into their old age.
What is the best protein for dogs?
The combined protein sources give your dog holistic and natural ingredients that ensure your dog has the best amino acid levels possible while tasting great, and it provides 100% balanced and complete nutrition to help maintain adult dogs. It has pasture-fed lamb, farm-raised chicken, and salmon as the protein sources, and they promote lean and strong muscles, healthy joints, and skin and coat health.
Does dog food help with skin?
The omega fatty acids in this dog food help to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, and there are also chelated minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to give your dog’s immune system a boost to keep them healthy.
Does whole grain dog food help with digestion?
The nutrient-dense whole grain content in this food encourages a healthy digestive system to ensure that your dog gets excellent nutrient absorption, and it comes packed with antioxidants to help ensure that your dog has a strong immune system, a sharp mind, and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Is there soy in dog food?
You’ll find no soy, wheat, corn, or poultry, or chicken by-product meal to make it easier for your dog to digest, and there are also no artificial flavors or preservatives in the mix. You’ll get high-quality dog food from a reputable brand, and this formula also promotes healthy teeth and gums.
How much food should a Westie eat?
On average, an adult Westie needs between ½ cup to 1 ½ cups of food, or 4-6 ounces, per day. It is widely recommended that this food is split into two or even three meals daily. Depending on the age, this amount could increase or decrease.
How to manage a Westie's weight?
Managing your Westie’s weight will be much easier by limiting their calorie intake. But exactly how much should your dog weigh?
How much food should a 7 week old dog eat?
Around 7 to 8 weeks old, a Westie pup should be eating approximately 3-4 ounces of food a day, split into two or three meals. This is on the lower end of what an adult dog should be eating. A young dog does not need as much food but is also growing quickly so it will still need a lot of energy.
Does age matter for Westie?
Your Westie’s age does matter when it comes to their food portions. If a well matured Westie needs less food than one in its prime, then it brings up questions about feeding a dog on the other end of the age spectrum.
Can a Westie eat extra food?
Just like humans, overeating can result in many health problems, but the difference is, your Westie relies on you to help him or her with this part of their health. Dogs will rarely say no to extra food. Just by being aware and responsible with the amount of food served to your dog you will greatly improve their quality of life and their length of life.
How many calories should a Westie eat a day?
An adult Westie can need anywhere from 450 kcal to 700 kcal a day, depending on their activity level. A small breed terrier like your Westie should get 10 percent of those calories from protein, around 5 percent from fiber, and 50 percent from carbs and other sources.
What is the best protein source for West Highland White Terrier?
However, some Westies might have extremely sensitive stomachs and it is better to choose a novel protein source such as duck or venison.
How much should a West Highland terrier eat??
An average adult Westie requires around 1.5 cups of quality kibble a day, divided into two or three meals. Westie’s can be prone to overeating and so you need to control their portions.
Is West Highland White Terrier a high-maintenance breed?
While Westies may seem like a high-maintenance breed, they aren’t. Except for the need to keep their white coat bright and clean, you won’t have to worry about a lot. They don’t shed a lot, they don’t get sick too often, and they are easy to train.
Is a grain-free diet good for my West Highland White Terrier?
A grain-free diet is generally recommended for all dogs, because it eliminates ingredients often cited as allergens . A dog food without grains is likely to have higher quality ingredients such as greener sources of carbs and fiber.
Do West Highland White Terriers have a sensitive stomach?
Yes, West Highland White Terriers have sensitive tummies. They are prone to indigestion and diarrhea. Colitis and pancreatitis are also common among Westies. It is why Limited ingredient and Grain-free dog foods are best for this breed.
Can a West Highland White Terrier become obese?
This study places Westies in the category of dogs most susceptible to obesity. Dogs that aren’t active are more likely to gain extra pounds. You need to control their diet as well as lifestyle.
What do you feed a Westie?
Your Westie’s diet will vary depending on their age. You’ll need to feed them a complete, balanced dog food to keep them slim and healthy.
What to look for when buying a Westie puppy?
If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. It’s really important that Westie puppies from a breeder get the right early socialisation so always ask the breeder about how they go about this. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. We’ve put together some advice to help you find a good breeder.
How to get a Westie to get along with other dogs?
Try to take them along to puppy socialisation groups as often as possible to make sure they’re comfortable with dogs of all sizes.
Why does my Westie bark?
Even with training, your Westie is likely to bark and how much they do will depend on the individual dog. Westies like the sound of their own voice and have been known to bark for the sake of it when the mood takes them. If you’re having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.
Why is it important to socialize a Westie?
Westies are sociable and enjoy the company of people. It’s important to socialise your Westie from a young age with lots of different people, dogs and experiences. This will help their fun-loving personalities develop.
How to prevent a dog from getting sick?
They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year.
Do Westies like fences?
Westies are surprisingly energetic and really enjoy lots of playtime with their owners. They can be very mischievous so enjoy anything that will keep their curious minds active. A secure fence is a must – Westies like to explore and if they find a weakness they’ll try their best to go beyond it.
