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Best Dog Food for Russell Terriers – Top 10 Picks (2024)

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best dog food for russell terriersA Jack Russell terrier is like a tornado – all energy and motion. To keep up with these pint-sized pups, they need the best dog food that can provide them with all the nourishment their active little bodies require.

When choosing the right food for your Jack Russell, you’ll want to consider its age, activity level, dietary needs or sensitivities, and ensure it meets nutritional standards set by organizations such as AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

Key Takeaways

  • Choose dog food based on age, activity level, and dietary needs.
  • Prioritize high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish.
  • Consider life stage-specific nutrition, such as puppy, adult, or senior formulas.
  • Avoid fillers like corn or wheat that can cause digestive issues.

Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Russell Terriers

Are you looking for the best dog food to keep your Russell Terrier healthy and happy? Look no further! From American Journey Small Breed Dry Dog Food, AvoDerm Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Orijen Dry Dog Food Grains, and Royal Canin Small Adult Dog Food to Hills Science Diet Puppy Small Bites and Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken Rice Dog.

1. American Journey Small Breed Dry Dog Food

American Journey Active Life FormulaView On Chewy
You can give your pup the nutrition he needs with American Journey Small Breed Dry Dog Food, packed with high-quality protein from deboned salmon and nutrient-dense ingredients for small breeds. This kibble is also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support strong teeth and bones, as well as omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Plus, its natural sources of fiber aid digestion while keeping energy levels up throughout the day.

With a 14-pound bag available online, it’s simple to stock up on this quality dog food without breaking the bank or having any unnecessary extras like wheat or corn added in.

Pros
  • High-quality protein from deboned salmon
  • Nutrient-dense ingredients specifically tailored for extra small/small breed dogs
  • Fortified vitamins & minerals plus omega fatty acids support healthy skin & coat
  • Natural sources of fiber help promote easy digestion
Cons
  • Some customers have complained about price hikes
  • Quality control issues may exist according to some users

2. AvoDerm Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

AvoDerm Chicken Meal & BrownView On Chewy
AvoDerm Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food packs a punch with bite-sized kibble, vitamins, and minerals for healthy immunity, plus omega fatty acids to nourish your pup’s skin and coat. This 100% corn-, wheat-, soy-free formula also features avocado oil for added skin health benefits.

Its small size is perfect for teething puppies of all breed sizes. The unique blend of nutrients ensures they get the energy boost they need throughout their day.

Customers have reported great taste, so even picky eaters will love it! AvoDerm is made in the USA and available in both dry or wet formulas, so they’ve got you covered when it comes to keeping your furry friend happy and well-fed!

Pros
  • Bite-sized kibble suitable for puppies
  • Nutrient-rich formula with vitamins & antioxidants
  • Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids support healthy skin & coat
  • Available in both dry or wet formulas
  • High-quality ingredients made in the USA
Cons
  • Mixed reviews; some dogs don’t like it as much as others
  • Price hikes reported by some users

3. Orijen Dry Dog Food Grains

ORIJEN Amazing Grains Original DryView On Chewy
Orijen Dry Dog Food Grains offers a feast fit for a king with its 90% animal ingredients, WholePrey components like poultry and organs, freeze-dried coating for enhanced flavor, and non-GMO grains sourced from the US – giving your Russell Terrier an all-around nutritious meal that will have them jumping for joy.

This premium grain-inclusive diet is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of adult canines while providing an enticing taste. It contains up to 90% animal protein sources such as poultry and organs. Additionally, it includes non-GMO grains sourced from the USA.

With high levels of omega fatty acids included in each bite, along with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as species-specific probiotics, this food covers all bases when it comes to holistic canine nutrition.

Pros
  • Contains up to 90% animal protein sources such as poultry & organs
  • Includes non-GMO grains sourced from the USA
  • Features freeze-dried coating for enhanced flavor
Cons
  • Potential quality control issues reported by some users
  • Price may be high for some budgets

4. Royal Canin Small Adult Dog Food

Royal Canin Size Health NutritionView On Chewy
Royal Canin Small Adult Dog Food is specially formulated to meet the high energy needs of small breeds, offering an exclusive kibble size for smaller jaws and enhanced palatability for picky eaters. This complete and balanced diet contains L-carnitine for weight management, optimal levels of EPA and DHA to promote skin and coat health, as well as essential vitamins & minerals.

It’s available in a 14-pound bag so you can stock up on it easily. Customers have reported great results with this food, including improved health & energy in Chihuahua/Jack Russell mixes or fast eating dogs requiring a slow feeder bowl – plus their pets love the taste!

However, some customers find it pricey compared to other brands or report allergic reactions due to its corn ingredient – both worth keeping in mind before purchase.

Pros
  • Improved health & energy reported by users
  • Suitable for small jawed dogs
  • Enhanced palatability makes it ideal even if your pet is picky with food
  • Available in a large 14lb bag
Cons
  • Price may be higher than expected compared to alternatives
  • Contains corn which could cause allergic reactions
  • Not always available at local pet stores

5. Hills Science Diet Puppy Small Bites

HillView On Chewy
Hills Science Diet Puppy Small Bites is like a veritable feast for young pups, packed with essential nutrients and DHA from fish oil to help them grow strong. This balanced diet also contains high-quality protein that helps build lean muscle mass.

And prebiotic fibers support digestion while vitamins and minerals promote healthy bones and teeth.

The small kibble size is perfect for teething puppies too – just make sure your pup can handle its smaller size before transitioning away from their usual food brand.

This food has earned generally positive reviews regarding both dogs’ preferences as well as health benefits like improved energy levels, better coat shine, and a stronger immune system. Grains are included in this formula, which makes it ideal for heart development, while omega-6 fatty acids keep skin nourished and healthy-looking.

It’s recommended by veterinarians, so you know your puppy will be receiving the best nutrition possible when eating Hills Science Diet Puppy Small Bites dry dog food every day.

Pros
  • Formulated specifically for puppies’ needs
  • Contains DHA from fish oil for brain & eye development
  • High-quality protein supports lean muscle growth
  • Prebiotic fibers aid gut health
  • Balanced mineral content promotes strong bones & teeth
  • Omega 6 fatty acids keep skin nourished & looking great
  • Generally preferred by some dogs over other brands
Cons
  • Some find kibble size too small
  • Pricing varies between retailers

6. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken Rice Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Adult SmallView On Chewy
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken Rice Dog Food features real chicken as its first ingredient and is designed to provide a complete and balanced nutrition for extra small and small breed adult dogs. This food contains high levels of protein, essential minerals to support strong teeth and bones, plus omega-6 fatty acids for skin health.

Natural prebiotic fiber helps promote digestive health, while guaranteed live probiotics aid in immune system support.

This diet has received mixed reviews from users on Chewy’s website due to the convenience of delivery. However, some customers have noticed changes in the food’s appearance or formula over time, which their pets may not like as much or may cause digestive issues if switched quickly without a gradual introduction into new diets.

Despite this, loyal customers remain due to breeders’ recommendations that lead them back here after trying other brands with no success in resolving their pup’s medical issues. One such customer reported a successful resolution of her French Bulldog’s digestion problems following a switch to this diet! As always, when introducing any new foods, caution should be exercised.

Pros
  • High Protein Content
  • Essential Minerals For Strong Teeth & Bones
  • Omega 6 Fatty Acids For Skin Health
  • Guaranteed Live Probiotics
  • Bite-Sized Kibble Suitable For Small Breeds
Cons
  • Some Customers Have Complained Of A Change In Appearance Or Formula Over Time
  • Potential Adverse Reactions Depending On The Individual Dog

7. Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Chicken &View On Chewy
Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food is a complete and balanced diet with natural fiber to help promote healthy digestion, plus omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Nutro Natural Choice Dog Food is made in the USA with real chicken as its first ingredient. It is designed for small breeds up to large breeds that have sensitive digestion. It features omega-3s and 6s essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and calcium for strong bones and joints.

It is free from wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meal, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Users praise this food’s convenience when purchasing through Chewy, but are concerned about significant price increases over time. While some dogs enjoy it, others don’t seem too fond of it. Some had digestive issues after eating it, while others had no problems at all! Some pet owners mixed other brands successfully into their pup’s routine due to preferences towards certain Chicken flavors they found in Nutro’s formula.

Pros
  • Made in USA with real chicken as 1st ingredient
  • Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acid support heart & joint health
  • Calcium supports strong bones & joints
  • Wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meal, artificial colors, flavors, or preservative free
  • Convenience when purchasing through Chewy
Cons
  • Significant price hikes over time
  • Mixed results regarding taste preference among pups
  • Dogs may experience digestive issues
  • Potential need to mix other brands depending on flavor preferences

8. Taste Wild Ancient Prairie Grains Dog Food

Taste of the Wild AncientView On Chewy
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Grains Dog Food is packed with protein and nutrients from real roasted bison and venison, plus vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, fruits, and superfoods for adult dogs.

This grain-inclusive recipe has been praised by many pet parents for its ability to support healthy muscle growth while satisfying their dog’s carnivorous cravings. It also contains K9 Strain Probiotics that are species-specific, which helps promote a healthy digestive system in all sizes of dogs.

Customers have reported great results, such as weight gain and increased energy levels in older dogs, after making this food switch! However, some pet owners have experienced adverse reactions like upset stomachs or diarrhea, so it is important to monitor your pup closely during transitions between diets.

Pros
  • Real meat as the first ingredient
  • 32% Protein content
  • Nutrients from ancient grains
  • Contains species-specific K9 strain probiotics
Cons
  • Some users report health issues after consumption
  • Dogs may not prefer the taste or texture

Availability inquiry needed when purchasing 28# bags

9. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dog Food

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains RealView On Chewy
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dog Food is packed with heart-healthy grains like quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice that provide your pup with the nourishment they need to stay strong and active. It also has added omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

This food could be a game changer for dogs of all sizes, just like it was for one loyal customer’s beloved terrier.

Crafted in Hereford, Texas and cooked in the USA, this dog food uses only natural ingredients and is free from corn, wheat, or soy. It has been designed to support muscle health as well as hip and joint function, helping to keep your furry friend happy and energized.

Plus, you can rest assured knowing that Merrick’s commitment to quality means no peas or lentils have been included, which are known allergens among many breeds.

Pros
  • Heart healthy grains (quinoa, omegas)
  • Natural ingredients – No corn/wheat/soy
  • Glucosamine & Chondroitin included
Cons
  • Quality control issues reported by customers
  • Some dogs won’t eat it, leading to digestive problems

10. Purina ONE Plus Small Breed Lamb Rice Dog Food

Purina ONE +Plus Adult SmallView On Chewy
Purina ONE Plus Small Breed Lamb Rice Dog Food offers tasty bites and meaty morsels, plus essential vitamins and minerals for your pup’s skin and coat health. This high-protein dry dog food is designed to meet the needs of small breed dogs.

It has crunchy kibble that makes it easier to digest than other brands. The SmartBlend formula contains real lamb as the first ingredient, along with four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system.

Pros
  • Dogs enjoy the taste
  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Improved digestion for some dogs
  • Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons
  • Not palatable for some dogs
  • Dogs may be picky about the kibble
  • Previous food may cause vomiting and digestion issues
  • Some dogs prefer other brands

How Big Are Jack Russells?

How Big Are Jack Russells
You may be surprised to learn that Jack Russells are usually between 10 and 15 inches in height. They have short, rough coats of white fur with brown or black markings and can weigh anywhere from 12 to 17 pounds.

These active little dogs need a lot of exercise: at least an hour each day is recommended for them to stay healthy.

Common health issues include patellar luxation, deafness, eye disease, and obesity due to overfeeding; dietary considerations should be taken into account when selecting the best dog food for Russell Terriers.

High-quality dog foods formulated specifically for small breed dogs are ideal since they offer optimal nutrient levels tailored towards these breeds’ needs while avoiding fillers such as corn or wheat, which can cause digestive upset in some cases.

Nutritional considerations include protein sources like chicken or fish meal plus omega fatty acids from flaxseed oil along with antioxidants like Vitamins A & E, which help support immunity in growing puppies and adults alike!

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Russell Terriers

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Russell Terriers
When it comes to selecting the best dog food for Russell Terriers, you need to consider the protein sources. High-quality proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish are all excellent options that provide essential nutrients for your pup’s growth and development.

Protein sources for Jack Russells

When selecting the right food for your Jack Russell, prioritize animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish. Omega fatty acids are important too; they help keep the skin and coat healthy. Consider a balanced blend of high-quality proteins that will meet their nutritional needs.

Address any allergies or sensitivities with guidance from a vet to avoid health concerns down the road.

Look for foods that have omega fatty acids as well as other essential vitamins and minerals.

Considerations for life stage

It’s important to consider your Jack Russell’s life stage when selecting the right food, as their nutritional needs may change over time. Just like a plant, you’ll want to provide them with just the right amount of nourishment for optimal growth and development.

Puppy formulas are specially designed to meet higher energy requirements, while adult diets should focus on maintaining ideal body weight and supporting joint health. Senior dog foods often include specific ingredients that support healthy aging, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Additionally, specialized formulas exist for small breeds requiring smaller kibble size or those prone to skin issues needing more omega fatty acids in their diet:

  • Life Stage Considerations
  • Nutritional Needs
  • Dietary Requirements
  • Age Specific Nutrition
  • Puppy Food Selection

Addressing allergies and sensitivities

To support optimal health for your Russell Terrier, carefully consider any sensitivities or allergies and consult with a veterinarian to create an appropriate diet plan. Allergy testing options are available from most vets; these can help identify common food triggers like chicken, wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Protein-packed dog foods, such as Zignature Turkey Formula, may be suitable if your pup has dietary requirements due to allergies or sensitivities. Managing allergies in dogs is essential. Look out for signs of skin irritation or digestive issues after eating certain types of food.

Your vet will provide the best allergy solutions tailored specifically for your terrier’s needs so they can enjoy life without discomfort caused by dietary issues.

Things to Consider When Choosing Puppy Dog Food for Russell Terriers

Things to Consider When Choosing Puppy Dog Food for Russell Terriers
When looking for the best dog food for Russell Terriers, it is important to consider their nutritional needs as puppies. Protein sources and quality are key factors in providing your pup with a healthy diet that supports growth and development.

To ensure you select the right puppy food for your furry friend, keep an eye out for animal-based proteins such as chicken or fish; these will provide essential amino acids to help build strong muscles and tissue.

Nutritional requirements for puppies

Puppies have unique nutritional needs, so you’ll want to make sure you select a puppy-specific food for your Russell Terrier. Consider the dietary transition from mother’s milk to solid foods and ensure that the nutrient requirements are met during this critical growth period.

A balanced diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, and other essential vitamins and minerals will support their development. Make sure to feed on an appropriate schedule depending on age. Usually, puppies should be fed 2-3 times per day until adulthood is reached at 12 months old or later in larger breeds like a Russell Terrier.

Finding the right balance of nutrition through puppy food can set them up for success throughout life!

Protein sources and quality

When selecting the right food for your pup, it’s important to consider the quality and sources of protein. High-quality proteins, like real meat, poultry, or fish, are essential for providing complete nutrition as well as health benefits such as strong bones and lean muscle development.

Look out for ingredient sourcing information so you can be sure that what you’re feeding your pup is safe and healthy. Additionally, make sure that dog food reviews emphasize a high protein content with complete and balanced nutrition from animal sources rather than plant-based proteins.

Plant-based proteins may not provide all of the necessary nutrients needed by puppies.

With careful consideration on dietary needs along with quality ingredients in mind when choosing puppy dog food, you will ensure your Russell Terrier gets off to a great start!

Consideration for allergies

Be sure to check with your vet for any possible allergies when selecting the right dog food for your Russell Terrier. Some breeds may be sensitive to certain ingredients. Consider a diet that is easily digestible and free from allergens, such as chicken or fish-based products without wheat, soy, corn, or artificial colors and flavors.

For dogs with dietary sensitivities, look into hypoallergenic foods that are formulated specifically for allergy management. If you know of any ingredient intolerances in advance, it’s best practice to avoid those items completely.

Make sure the food you select has all the essential vitamins and minerals needed by Russell Terriers.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect dog food for your Jack Russell can seem overwhelming, but with a bit of research, you can ensure your pup is getting the best nutrition.

As active, small-breed dogs, Russell Terriers require a high-protein diet with the right balance of fats, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients.

It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients list and choose a food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken, fish, or beef, and healthy fats like fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids.

With so many great options out there, you’ll be sure to find the perfect dog food for your Russell Terrier that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come!

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.