Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers: Tailored Nutrition for Your Spirited Pup

This article will be tackling on what is the best dog food for Boston Terrier breed. As one of the most indisputably adorable dog

As one of the most indisputably adorable dog breeds, Boston terriers have found their way into the hearts of every dog lover in the world. They’re easy to train, loving, and protective of their owners, which makes them one of the most popular dog breeds around. But how do you ensure that yours lives a long and full life?

Nutrition is the answer. Your Boston Terrier dog needs food that’s tailored to his specific size. Since small breed dogs have fast metabolism, their nutritional needs are different from that of medium breed or large breed dogs. The best dog food for Boston Terriers is one that recognizes this.

 

Fast Facts

As the name entails, Boston terriers were first bred in Boston in the late 1800’s. While Boston Terriers were first referred to as round heads, bullet heads or bull terriers, they took on their official name, the Boston Terrier, in 1889.

The average Boston Terrier dog weighs in at around 20 pounds and stands 15-17 inches tall. A male Boston is usually a bit larger than that, while females tend to be a bit smaller. On average, a Boston terrier lives between 11-13 years.

Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers

We’ve covered everything you’ll need to know about the nutrition requirements of Boston terriers, and discussed their special dietary needs. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best dog food for Boston terriers that you can find on the market.

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

First five ingredients (Lamb Recipe): Lamb, Lamb liver, Butternut squash, Kale, Chickpeas

Ollie is a pet food company that was founded in 2016 by Gabby Slome, Alex Douzet, and Randy Jimenez. This New York-based pet food company set out to turn the pet food industry on its head by offering fresh, custom meals for dogs similar to meal-prep services like Maple and Sprig for humans.

Ollie’s fresh food is made and hand-packed in the USA. The brand partners with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate its nutritionally-balanced recipes in accordance with AAFCO standards. All of the food is cooked in small batches in their USDA-regulated kitchen.

Ollie carefully sources its ingredients from reputable farms in the U.S and Australia. Each partner must go through an extensive certification process to become a supplier. All of the food is made only with whole, human-grade ingredients.

What customers say:

Ollie fresh pet food receives glowing feedback from satisfied customers. They praise the company for its commitment to quality and nutrition. Customers commend the fresh ingredients and personalized meal plans, tailored to their pets' specific needs. Many express delight at the visible health improvements their furry friends experience, including shinier coats and increased energy levels.

Ollie's exceptional customer service also garners high praise, with pet owners highlighting the company's responsiveness and willingness to address any concerns. Overall, Ollie's satisfied customers attest to the brand's dedication to providing top-notch, fresh pet food for happy and healthy pets.

2. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas

American Journey has quickly developed a reputation as one of the best and most dog-friendly food companies in the market. Take one look at the label on a bag of American Journey dog food, and you’ll be greeted by easy to pronounce ingredients, many of which are part of your diet, as well!

This dry dog food gathers the majority of its protein from beef, chicken, and turkey. There are also some peas and chickpeas added for a bit of extra variety as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, kelp, and carrots.

You’ll also find a healthy dose of chondroitin and glucosamine, which promote healthy joints and may be able to shield your Boston Terrier from any related joint conditions the breed is predisposed to.

Also, the chicken fat in this dry dog food recipe contains a healthy dose of omega fatty acids that help provide your Boston Terrier pup with a healthy, shiny coat.

Thanks to it’s easy-to-understand ingredients list and ingredients that promote joint and vision health, this grain-free food from American Journey may be the best choice for you to feed your precious pet.

What customers say:

This dog food recipe has received a 4.5 stars rating out of a maximum of 5. It is “good stuff” according to reviewers, because it offers quality food for the price. The meal provides a complete and balanced diet that owners of adult Boston Terriers and other small breeds say make their dogs thrive. 

Since the food is crafted specifically for small breeds, the kibble is small and fits perfectly inside little mouths. Picky eaters love the flavor, and pet owners have noticed that their pups have gained a healthy skin and coat from the diet.

3. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain

First five ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas

This Taste of the Wild adult dog food formulation is made with real lamb as the primary animal protein source. With the exception of eggs, lamb is the only animal protein source in this grain-free diet. Because of the high concentration of meat, the max protein in this dog food is 25%.

Sweet potatoes and peas deliver easily digestible carbohydrates and fiber (healthy digestion support), while real fruits and vegetables are included to provide essential vitamins and antioxidant support.

The brand incorporates a K9 probiotic blend into the grain-free recipe that, along with prebiotics and antioxidants, encourage a well-functioning digestive system in your Boston Terrier. 

Added vitamins and minerals provide your pup with adequate nutrition. This grain-free dry dog food recipe does not include artificial flavors, colors, or fillers.

What customers say:

This Taste of the Wild dog food recipe has one of the highest ratings on Chewy.com. With 1354 reviews and a 4.8 rating out of 5, most owners highly recommend this grain-free diet for adult dogs. After switching over to this diet, many have reported that their dogs now sport shinier coats and reduced digestive issues.

Dogs are said to eat the food quickly, and pet parents are happy to note that even usually picky eaters lick their bowls clean. It also takes less food to satisfy dogs, and adult dogs on this food look healthier than ever.

4. Nom Nom Pet Food Delivery

First five ingredients (Heartland Beef Mash): Beef, Potatoes, Eggs, Carrots, Peas

Nom Nom is a meal delivery service for your beloved pets. It’s one of a few dog food brands that provide “care-grade” or “restaurant-quality” meals for your pets, which means that each well-balanced dog food the brand serves is made fresh and using wholesome ingredients that are fit for your dog's specific caloric needs.

The company is committed to deliver the best nutrition possible for your four-legged companion. Nom Nom offers made-to-order dog food recipes that are formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist in the US. All meals have no fillers, by-products, or any artificial preservatives.

All dog food recipes meet AAFCO & USFDA standards, which means your little Boston Terrier will get only the highest-quality food possible. All the essential vitamins he needs for overall health are also present.

What customers say:

Nom Nom has plenty of reviews across different platforms and sites, and all of them are glowing. The dog food always looks fresh upon arrival (because it is gently-cooked and in small batches). There is no need to measure because each meal is already pre-measured and customized to the pet’s size, breed, and age.

Pet owners say that their dogs’ coats look so much better, the pups are eating better, and their energy level is at their highest. Healthy skin is also a common benefit of this wet food.

And because each dog food is customized to the pups’ individual requirements, skin and digestive problems due to food allergies and sensitive stomachs are reduced. 

The only real con is that this type of dog food is more expensive than store-bought ones.

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed

First five ingredients: Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

Named after a beloved pet who struggled with serious health issues, the Blue Buffalo company is dedicated to creating holistic premium pet food that addresses the various needs of dogs.

The Life Protection formula line provides your senior Boston with the nutrition they need to thrive.

This food derives its protein from whitefish and Menhaden fish meal. The 24% protein is ideal for small breed senior dogs. There are complex carbs in the form of whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, which provide your pup with plenty of energy.

Ingredients like apples, blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach help to provide more complex carbs, as well as vital vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs.

While this food blend is similar to Blue Buffalo’s other foods, they included some innovative features that are sure to make things easier for your little pup. For one, the kibble size is small, which makes it easier to chew while also promoting tartar removal.

While chondroitin is suspiciously missing, there is a healthy dose of glucosamine which helps to promote joint health, which is a must for older Boston’s.

6. Merrick Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Formula

First five ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes

This grain-free dry dog food is ideal for little guys with a boundless appetite for energy. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats to help your Boston perform at his best each day.

The majority of the protein in this Merrick food is beef and lamb. Peas, potato protein, and salmon round out the protein blend to deliver a well-rounded food with plenty of sources of protein.

Beyond protein, this grafood includes a healthy dose of dietary fiber and some complex carbs in the form of blueberries and sweet potatoes. These sources of carbs can provide your pup with the energy reserves it needs to keep running, jumping and enjoying life.

There’s also a probiotic blend designed to help keep your dog’s digestive system in top shape and boost their immune system. Chondroitin and glucosamine are also present to promote joint health and mobility.

Merrick’s foods are certainly on the expensive side, and a bag of this particular food will run you about $2.28 per pound, but you can rest assured that each ingredient is working to keep your dog happy and healthy.

7. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry

First five ingredients: Lamb, Dehydrated Lamb, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Dried Whole Eggs

Farmina products are guaranteed to be gluten free, steroid free and growth hormone free, as well as use organic ingredients in the cultivation of their dog foods.

This dry dog food takes inspiration from the ancestral diets of canines and argues that their digestive system was designed for the quick digestion of proteins and fats, and without the enzymes necessary for breaking down carbohydrates.

Farmina has, therefore, made a high-protein dog food with 90% of its protein content derived from animal sources. This is great because typically dry dog foods contain vegetable-based proteins that are lacking in amino acids as a way of boosting protein content.

This preference for animal products means that Farmina has packed this dog-food with 70% animal ingredients and 30% vegetable, fruits, vitamins, and minerals.

This delicious Lamb & Blueberry flavor contains no peas, legumes, meals or by-products for nutrition you can feel great about.

8. Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe

First five ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Peas, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat

Smaller breeds need a kibble that’s full of nutrition and Wee Bit delivers.

Perfectly balanced for their mini size, this pasture-raised, USA Bison dry dog food recipe is packed with healthy whole grains, the brand’s unique blend of nutrient-dense superfoods, and omega fatty acids to provide gut health and overall immune support.

As America's first holistic pet food, Solid Gold has over 40 years of experience developing transformative nutrition for your pet.

All of the balanced recipes have 20 nutrient-dense superfoods and clean, high-quality proteins. The holistic approach delivers results that you can see and your dog can feel.

9. Bil-Jac Small Breed Puppy Chicken, Oatmeal & Yam Recipe 

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Products (organs only), Corn Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp

If you’re looking for well balanced and nutritious puppy food for your baby Boston, Bil Jac has you covered there, too. With this puppy blend, it addresses all the needs of growing puppies as they reach maturity.

Chicken, chicken organs and menhaden fish round out the protein blend of this food. There’s also plenty of complex carbs in the form of oatmeal, whole yams, dried beet pulp, blueberries and cranberries to provide your pup with the fuel they need for their high energy outbursts.

Omegas are also included to nourish fur and skin. All of the vitamins and minerals your puppy needs for healthy growth are also included.

10. Canidae Pure Meadow Senior Blend Dog Food

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas

As dogs get older, their nutritional needs change. This is true for Boston terriers as well, and the Pure Meadow senior dog food provides your dogs with what they need to thrive as they get older.

You won’t need a Ph.D. to understand the ingredients on this label. In fact, almost all the protein in this dog food is derived from chicken. Peas also add a bit of additional protein. At 28% protein, this dog food provides a bit less than other dog foods, which is usually perfect for aging dogs.

This food is light in the complex carb department, which is usually ideal for most older dogs. Senior dogs that still have tons of energy may benefit from food with more carbs. There’s also less fat in this food, which helps to promote a healthy weight as your dog becomes less active.

A blend of different probiotics helps aid in digestion while boosting the immune system, and there are also tons of vitamins and minerals designed to provide your older pup with everything they need to thrive, including glucosamine and chondroitin.

The Unique Needs of Boston Terriers

As you may have guessed by the unique look and personality of Boston Terriers, they have some unique needs and predispositions that you can address in their diet.

Vision Problems – One area where Boston terriers are prone to problems is their eyesight. They’re predisposed to conditions like glaucoma, and cataracts. While there’s only so much you can do to prevent these ailments; you can feed your dog a diet that promotes vision health.

Ingredients like broccoli, kale, pumpkin, blueberries, eggs, garlic, and fish all contain compounds and antioxidants which help promote eye health.

Patellar Luxation – While the term patellar luxation may not ring a bell, you’ve probably heard someone talk about a dog having a “trick knee” before. Patellar luxation is a condition that most small dog breed, including Boston terriers, are prone to.

This degenerative condition allows the dog’s leg bone to pop out of its knee cap. This condition varies in severity and can become a detriment to your dog’s quality of life. In some cases, it’s impossible to prevent this condition from occurring.

But, a diet that promotes joint health is an easy way you can safeguard your dog, lessening the likelihood that they will develop patellar luxation. Ingredients like fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine all help to promote joint health, and may be able to prevent your dog from developing this condition.

Brachial Issues – Dogs with stout faces like Boston terriers, bulldogs, pugs, Pekinese and more are all predisposed to brachial issues as a result of their short, “pushed in” faces. Most of these breeds suffer from breathing related issues.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to prevent them, since the dog’s physical makeup is what causes these issues.

What you can do is always keep a watchful eye on your dog as they eat to make sure they aren’t eating so fast that they’re affecting their ability to breathe.

Their Caloric Needs

The caloric needs of a Boston tend to vary from dog to dog because each dog can be wildly different from the next. A Boston Terrier dog tends to take on the personalities of his human.

If you’re the active and adventurous type, you can expect your Boston to be right there with you, ready for the next adventure.

Meanwhile, if you prefer to lay around and relax in your free time, your Boston will be happy to oblige. Depending on how active your dog is, their caloric needs will vary.

More active dogs are going to require more calories, while more docile dogs will require less. This handy calorie calculator will give you a good idea of how many calories to feed your dog each day based on their ideal weight and activity level.

As a rule of thumb, an average sized Boston should consume around 660 calories per day. Puppies typically need about 430 calories per day.

Based on your dog’s size and activity level, you can adjust this figure up or down to find the ideal amount of food for your pup. Of course, you also have to consider age as the caloric needs of small breed puppies will differ from that of adult Boston Terriers and seniors.

Nutritional Requirements f

The Association of American Feed Control Officials is the regulatory board that establishes guidelines and regulations for pet food. They provide some baseline recommendations for what dogs need from their food.

At a minimum, good dog food should contain at least 18% protein and 5% fat for an adult dog. For puppies, the minimum protein should be around 22% with a fat content of about 8%.

Keep in mind these are simply benchmark suggestions. Most quality dog food manufacturers greatly exceed these suggestions with their food.

 

Boston Terrier Puppy to Senior: What Makes A Great Food For Them?

The best dog foods for Boston Terriers should consist of a healthy balance of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and fiber.

The most important elements of this balance are protein and fat. Together, these four components work together to provide your pup with everything they need from their diet.

Protein – The most important part of the puzzle is protein. While dogs have long since been domesticated, the truth is they’re still wild at heart. At the center of every dog’s healthy diet is a healthy helping of meat.

While dogs can also get protein from other sources, such as peas or lentils, meat is the preferred protein source for all dogs. When you look at the label on dog food, pay close attention to the first few ingredients. 

The first few ingredients on the label should all be meat. Meat from whole sources, like beef, chicken, turkey, salmon or venison are the best.

Meat meals are also a great source of protein. Avoid products that contain meat by-products, or meat digests. This is a signal of lower quality food that you should keep your dog away from.

Fats – Fats are a key component of our dog's food. From your pup’s perspective, fat helps to give the food it’s tasty flavor and texture. Beyond that, there are several other reasons why dogs need fat in their diet.

Essential fatty acids, like Omega 3 and Omega 6, help to provide your pup with a healthy and lustrous coat. Fat also helps to keep their skin healthy. On the inside, fats can help protect against cardiovascular disease. These essential fatty acids are also the key to a healthy immune system.

You can usually see this in the label listed as fat or oil. But you may also come across ingredients like chicken liver or beef heart. Organs are also great sources of fats and omegas. 

Complex Carbs – While carbs aren’t a required part of your dog’s diet, they provide your pup with a great source of energy. Often, complex carbs also provide vital vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to your dog’s diet.

Keep in mind that not ALL carbs are a good addition to your dog’s diet. Carbs from sources like wheat or corn aren’t helpful at all. These are often listed as common allergens in dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin. 

Fiber – Lastly, you’ll want to take a look at the fiber content in the food. Fiber helps to keep your dog regular and promotes digestive and gastrointestinal health.

Fiber is also a useful component of a weight management diet, as it can help your dog feel fuller longer if you’re restricting their food to help them lose weight.

Generally, the little bit of fiber included in the food is all your pup will need. Look for food with a fiber content around 4-5%, and if necessary, you can supplement their diet with additional fiber in the future.

Grain-Free or Grain-Inclusive?

This depends wholly on what your pup can tolerate. Grain-free dog foods are not automatically better than grain-inclusive ones. A grain-free recipe is best for canines who have grain-related food allergies. 

If your pup is not sensitive to grains, then it’s absolutely fine to feed him a diet that contains rice, brown rice, and other wholesome grains. In fact, in some cases, bland grains like white rice are helpful to sensitive stomachs recovering from digestive upsets. 

What matters is that the carbohydrate ingredients, whether these are made up of grains or their alternatives, do not overwhelm the meat in the food. 

While dogs are omnivores, your Boston Terrier’s food should still be meat-centric rather than revolving around grains, veggies, or fruit.

Canned Dog Food or Dry?

The choice between canned dog food and kibble is also up to you and your dog’s preference. If you feel that your Boston Terrier is not drinking enough water, wet food may be the best option as wet food usually contains upwards of 70% moisture.

Parting Words

As mentioned, a dog’s nutritional intake is directly tied to his health. Your Boston Terrier has a long lifespan and will be with you for quite a good while as long as you pick food that contains everything he needs to develop or maintain his overall health. 

Choose dog foods that offer a complete and balanced nutrition. When choosing dog food, it must:

• Contain omega fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system
• Have a good helping of protein for muscle development and for the protein’s content of essential amino acids (Should come from mostly from meat instead of veggies, like pea protein)
• Have a meat-first formulation
• Must contain a good source of fat, like chicken fat or salmon oil
• Be free of fillers like corn gluten meal or brewers rice; artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives; byproduct meals; unnamed meat meals; or dangerous products such as carrageenan

Don’t forget to purchase dog food that is crafted specifically for your pet’s life stage. If you have a Boston Terrier puppy, look for puppy food. 

Puppies need lots of support for their growing bodies and developing minds that adult dog food does not contain. Senior Boston Terriers, meanwhile, need food that is focused towards a healthy digestion, joint health, and immune system health.

Just remember that dogs are individuals. Each dog’s nutritional needs are different from another’s so what may be the best dog food for one pup may not work with your dog.  But with a little time and patience, you will hopefully find out which dog foods your pet will thrive on.