Perfect Picks: Best Dog Food For West Highland Terriers

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.

With its pointed ears and long tail, these dogs were often used to hunt rodents. West Highland Terriers are a highly intelligent breed that is quick to train and learn.

They are good with children, highly social and enjoy exercise and stimulation. Kids playing too rough however isn’t great for the West Highland Terrier.

Male West Highland Terrier can range in size from 15-22 pounds and 10-12 inches while the females range from 13-15 pounds and 9-11 inches. There are typically three to five puppies born in a litter.

Their lifespan can range from 12-17 years. Westies are a very popular breed in the U.K. and the United States. Since the 1960s, they are among the top third of all of the breeds in the United States.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR WESTIES

Best Dog Food For West Highland Terriers

There are great dog food recipes for sale today that will help make sure your West Highland Terrier is getting everything she will need to live her best life. Check out our picks for all ages of West Highland Terriers.

 

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery

Ollie is custom designed, restaurant grade food. You start with going to their website to make a profile for your Westie. Information is gathered about their size, breed, dietary restrictions, allergies, weight and age.

They can then customize your Westie’s dog food. Next, you’ll be given a recipe with the exact portion size, so you won’t have to guess how much they need to eat. Food will then be delivered to your door on a schedule. This way, you’ll never run out.

It comes in slimmer, vacuum-sealed packs which can be placed in your refrigerator or freezer up to 24 hours before it’s given to your dog. Food can last 14-days in your refrigerator if the trays aren’t opened. You’ll also receive a scooper for portion control. Best part is that they will give you a free Puptainer – a refillable tray that is food safe, microwave safe and dishwasher safe.

First Five Ingredients: Ingredients in food may vary by recipe

• Protein sourced from U.S. farms – organic chicken, turkey, lamb and beef
• Contains carrots, spinach, kale, squash, bluerries and other fresh produce
• Fish oil and vitamins

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2. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Formula

A Taste of the Wild is exactly what your Westies will taste when it wharfs down a bowl of Taste of this dry kibble.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie is formulated to mimic the diet of the wolf, the ancestor to all dogs. As the name states, Taste of the Wild High Prairie grain free formula contains zero grain.

Instead it is loaded with roasted red meat, healthy fruits, vegetables and legumes that support a happy and healthy K9 diet. This kibble supports a high energy diet, which is perfect for Westies who have more energy than the majority of dog breeds.

This product also contains vitamins, antioxidants, and prebiotics to support a healthy digestive tract and improve overall health.

When you feed your Westies this dry dog food you are also providing them with healthy omega fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.

Marine-sourced omega-3 is found in salmon oil, and tuna while omega-6 is derived from plant sources. Together the fatty-acids maintain your Westies’ healthy skin and coat and to support overall health and wellness.

First Five Ingredients:

• Buffalo
• Lamb Meal
• Chicken Meal
• Sweet Potatoes
• Peas

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3. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

American Journey has produced dog food that goes to show that cheap does not have to mean poor quality. Using beef as its main source of animal protein, this formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.

This is amazing for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles.

However, some of this protein is from the vegetable source pea protein. This is harder for dogs to digest than animal protein, but shouldn't be too much of an issue for a healthy dog.

The dog food does also use chicken and turkey meal to bolster its protein content, which could be of some concern to dogs with allergies. In those cases, you would be better off going with American Journey's limited ingredient range. Still, this formula is grain-free,

This formula does include “dried plain beet pulp” as a source of fiber. This is fine but the saponinins in it has been found to cause irritation in a minor amount of dogs' gastrointestinal tract.

First Five Ingredients:

• Deboned Beef
• Chicken Meal
• Turkey Meal
• Peas
• Chickpeas

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4. Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed Fresh Dog Food

This is a premium dog food that prioritizes the health and well-being of small breed dogs. Made with real chicken as the main ingredient, this grain-free recipe is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's overall health.

Freshpet takes pride in using fresh ingredients, sourced from trusted farmers, and their gentle cooking process ensures that the food retains maximum nutritional value. Free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and grains, this dog food is easily digestible and perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.

Plus, its delicious taste will have your small breed dog eagerly wagging their tail at mealtime. Give your furry friend the best with this tasty fresh food.

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Chicken Liver
• Carrots
• Sweet Potatoes
• Pea Protein

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5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

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.

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 to meet the different life stage requirements of your furry family member.

It was created for the holistic health and well-being of adult dogs. All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.

This recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.

First Five Ingredients: 

• Deboned Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Brown Rice
• Barley
• Oatmeal

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6. Merrick Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Formula

This grain free recipe from Merrick is allergen-friendly with a grain-free recipe that features real, deboned beef, sweet potatoes, apples, peas, blueberries and more.

This recipe contains high doses of chondroitin and glucosamine for increased mobility and high Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny white coat. This is especially important for Westies suffering from skin allergens.

Merrick is based in Texas and they use only locally sourced ingredients fresh from farmers. They make their food in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.

For the freshness, quality, price this is our top overall pick.

First Five Ingredients:

• Deboned beef
• Lamb Meal
• Sweet potatoes
• Peas
• Potatoes

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7. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Recipe

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.

This means that your dog will not only be enjoying a flavor sensation, they will also be absorbing Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin C from natural sources. These aim to foster good immune health in your dog. We are a little disappointed in this formula's protein and fat content.

Containing only 22% protein, this dog food falls below the average amount in this price bracket. Still, this will adequately meet the nutritional needs of your dog and support their muscles and bones.

This formula has been designed for dog's with sensitive stomachs, so it might be a good idea to try this if your pet is having digestive trouble with standard dog food.

Whilst, it isn't really competitive with premium dog food, Gentle Giants will be more than adequate for dog owners on a tight budget.

First Five Ingredients: 

• Chicken Meal
• Pearled Barley
• Brown Rice
• Oatmeal
• Dried Plain Beet Pulp

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8. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Formula

Nutro Ultra is a Superfood Blend made for active, adult dogs. You’ll find proteins, amino acids, vegetables, fruit and essential oils in this jam packed food. This recipe is also made without preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.

Nutro makes all of their foods in their own facility centers with recipes catered to the age of your dog. The make foods for adults, puppies and seniors. Their all-natural ingredients are also sourced from local suppliers.

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Brown Rice
• Brewers Rice
• Rice Bran

 

Best Puppy Food For 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.

1. 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.  This recipe can be used for your puppy and also as a topper for adult dogs.

First Five Ingredients:

• Lamb
• Turkey
• Turkey Broth
• Lamb Liver
• Sweet Potatoes

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2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula

The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula Grain-Free recipe is formulated with salmon, peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly-digestible energy for your growing Westie puppy’s needs.

There is also natural antioxidant support from fruits and vegetables. Dried chicory root helps prebiotic support and healthy digestion.

Each recipe is also chocked-full of omega fatty acids for a healthy coat. Ingredients come from sustainable, trusted sources free of fillers, grain, corn, and preservatives.

Taste of the Wild is headquartered in Missouri. Their U.S. based facilities create a quality dog and cat food made with the highest nutritional standards.

First Five Ingredients:

• Salmon
• Ocean Fish Meal
• Sweet Potatoes
• Peas
• Potato

Best Dog Food For Senior Westies

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.

You should reduce the calories as your dog ages. Since older dogs may gain weight and become less active, it be stressful on their joints and heart.

1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials For Seniors

Nutro Wholesome Essentials has everything your aging friend needs. This recipe features essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to keep your Westie healthy and energetic into his golden years.

This formula is also made with probiotics to help support immune and digestive health. This recipe is free from fillers and artificial colors or ingredients.

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. This Texas-based company caters to energetic breeds.

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Brewers Rice
• Whole Brown Rice
• Chicken Meal
• Split Peas

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2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Recipe

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula has everything your aging friend needs. This recipe was created for the well-being and health of senior dogs. It starts with meat, whole grains, veggies, fruit, and antioxidant-rich ingredients.

This Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe features protein-rich deboned chicken and ingredients to support the overall health and well-being of your senior Westie.

First Five Ingredients:

• Deboned Chicken
• Brown Rice
• Barley
• Oatmeal
• Chicken Meal

Why Quality Food Matters for Your West Highland Terrier

The type and quality of your West Highland Terrier’s food can a make a big difference in their overall health and well-being. You naturally want to feed them the best so that they feel their best.

When you buy inexpensive, low-quality food, they are often filled with harmful chemicals and meat byproducts. Artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT and sodium nitrate can be very harmful to your dog. Low-quality food may contain some common allergens found in dogs.

Common Health Issues In West Highland Terriers:

All breeds of dogs can suffer from health issues. Here are a some known health problems that may be found in West Highland Terriers, including their symptoms and treatment.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) – Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is also called dry eye. Westies are prone to having this minor and common health problem. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is a condition in which the cornea and the tissues surrounding the cornea become inflamed from the dryness of the eye.

This condition is caused by the inadequate production of tear film produced by the eyelid gland. The symptoms include squinting, blinking and red, irritated eyes. The treatment of dry eye includes replacing tear film and stimulating tear production through drops that can be placed in your dog’s eyes daily.

Copper Toxicosis – Copper Toxicosis is a disorder in which copper accumulates. This can result in liver disease. This is a hereditary disease that may result in death in later stages. Westies are more prone to the disease because of their genetic predisposition.

Signs of the disease are all related to liver function and liver tissue. Some of the outward signs to watch out for at sleepiness, depression, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. Westies suffering from this condition may also urinate frequently and will have excessive thirst.

Patellar Luxation – Patellar Luxation is also known as kneecap dislocation. When a dog's kneecap is dislocated from its natural position it won't go back until the dog relaxes their leg and muscles. Westies with this condition will often hold up their hind legs for minutes at a time.

Dogs will rarely feel pain or discomfort from the dislocation after the initial separation. Surgery may help in extreme cases but most often dogs can live with the condition without too much restriction or pain. Because it’s hereditary, dogs with the condition aren’t used for breeding whenever possible.

Legg-Perthes Disease – Legg-Perthes Disease is also known as the disintegration of the hip joints in dogs. The femur bone in the dog's hind leg starts to degenerate. This will cause disintegration of the hip joint and joint inflammation.

This disease is commonly found in small breeds and there is some genetic predisposition in terriers. Dogs can be diagnosed through x-rays and a physical exam. Surgery may be performed in extreme cases. Physical therapy and regular exercise can be used at treatment in some cases. If a West Highland Terrier is diagnosed with the condition, they will typically be discouraged from breeding.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) – Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) is commonly known as jawbone enlargement. This condition causes an extra bone to form along the lower and upper jaw bones. This makes it difficult for a dog to open its mouth and even eat.

The disease is usually detected early is puppies. Symptoms include pain or difficulty opening their mouth, difficulty chewing, swelling in the jaw and excessive drooling. The disease is inherited and there is a strong genetic predisposition in West Highland Terriers.

Treatments include medication to reduce swelling, a special diet that is easier for your dog to eat and surgery in some cases. With surgery, they can often repair the jaw bone to help make your dog's jaw more comfortable.

What To Look For In A Quality Dog Food

High-quality food can make a big difference in the overall health of your dog. High-quality dog food will contain the right number of vitamins and protein to help your Westie stay healthy and active for many years to come. Vitamins and minerals will also keep your Westie’s white coat looking sleek and shiny.

When you read food labels for your Westie, you’ll want to watch out for ingredients that are natural such as meat, vegetables, and whole grains. When reading a dog food label, note that the first five are usually the most important to look at. These contain the largest amounts and go down from there.

A meat meal can sometimes be thought of as bad for your dog but ingredients like beef meal will be cooked in a way that makes it have a higher concentration of protein. The protein is  concentrated in meat meal because the moisture is taken out of it during the cooking process.

Ingredients To Avoid

Some ingredients just shouldn't be used in your dog's food. Artificial preservatives for example have been tied to cancer and numerous other health problems.

Artificial colors and artificial flavors are other ingredients to stay away from. These don’t have any nutritional value.

You should also stay away from common allergens whenever possible if you suspect a food allergy in your Westie. Allergies are found in all breeds of dogs. Chicken, soy, beef, wheat, eggs and dairy are common allergies.

If you suspect your West Highland Terrier is allergic to something he is eating, there are a few symptoms to watch for. Dry, itchy skin, and constant licking are some signs. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be signs. Check with your veterinarian if you suspect a food allergy or intolerance.

You can try to remove the allergens through an elimination method one by one after that. Your vet may even be able to pinpoint the allergy based on their symptoms. Westies are more prone to skin issues and atopic dermatitis, so it is very common for them to have an allergy. You can find quite a few dog foods that are free of these allergens if you find your West Highland Terrier has one.

Alpo, Pedigree, Ol’ Roy, Science Diet, Purina Dog Chow, and Purina Beneful, are all brands that contain some of the ingredients listed earlier as harmful. Read more on Dog Food Guide to learn more about why these products are harmful.

 

West Highland Terrier Feeding Chart

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. The smaller sized meals will help with their digestion and keep them full and energized throughout the day.

For puppy Westies, whether you feed them wet or dry food, they should eat more frequently. Puppy West Highland Terriers should eat three to four meals per day.

As they get closer to a year you can decrease the number of feedings to two per day. You should keep feeding your dog puppy food at least until they become fully grown. For a Westie, this is around eight months.

A senior Westie should remain on his adult diet unless he is unable to eat as much or as frequently if his health starts to diminish. A healthy senior Westie can eat the same amount as he did in his younger years if he remains active.