Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers
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Boston Terriers are small breed dogs originally bred for fighting shows and friendship. Sometimes they are called ‘American Gentleman’.
They are very energetic, protective. and although they are small, they are quite sturdy and muscular. If you want your Boston Terrier to be happy and healthy, take the time to choose a high-quality diet for him that meets his unique nutritional needs.
Compare Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers
OVERALL BEST  1. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food | BEST FOR SENIORS  4. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini Mature 8+ Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR DIGESTION  5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food | ||
Protein 31.0% Min | Protein 32.0% Min | Protein 26.0% Min | Protein 25.0% Min | Protein 19.2% (Min) |
Fat 14.0% Min | Fat 18.0% Min | Fat 7.5% Min | Fat 14.0% Min | Fat 12% (Min) |
Fiber 7.0% Max | Fiber 4.0% Max | Fiber 10.0% Max | Fiber 3.5% Max | Fiber 4% (Max) |
Calories 514 kcal/cup | Calories 509 kcal/cup | Calories 300 kcal/cup | Calories 360 kcal/cup | Calories 3688 Kcal/kg or 366 Kcal/cup |
Our Criteria When Choosing The Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers
We try to use the criteria recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association when choosing the best dog foods for Boston Terrier.
We look for foods that meet the following criteria as much as possible:
- Foods that are AAFCO-approved, preferably with food trials.
- We give great consideration to nutritional research done by the company.
- We like companies that employ staffs of veterinary nutritionists to develop their formulas
- Good quality control is essential.
- Quality Nutrition is more important than than clever marketing and should not be the deciding factor in choosing the food you buy for your dog.
You will not be eating the dog food – your dog will. Look for dog food that is best for him even if the ingredients don’t sound appealing to you.
We also consider the recent warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which advised that there could be a link between grain free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The FDA continues to investigate at this time.
They have expanded their investigation to include novel proteins used in dog foods. You can read the latest research in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association .
At the moment, we recommend that you feed your dog a food that includes grains unless your veterinarian recommends a grain free dog food for health reasons.
If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity or another health issue that makes it difficult for him to eat foods that contain grains, work with your veterinarian to select the best dog food for your Boston Terrier.
These are the reasons why we are not recommending many of the most popular grain free dog foods today.
The foods we are recommending are what we believe are the best dog foods for Boston Terrier.
These foods are healthy, nutritious, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, made with strict quality control standards, and backed up with solid nutritional research.
Best Dog Food For Boston Terriers Reviewed And Compared
Although Boston Terriers are of small size dog breed, they are voracious eaters. They are also prone to some food allergies. Thus, this makes picking a suitable dog food a bit complex, since there are quite a lot of options. Therefore, we provide some suggestions that will most likely meet your pet’s nutritional requirements.
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 31.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 7.0% Max
- Calories: 514 kcal/cup
- Made with whole food ingredients
- Digestible carbohydrates
- Nutrient-rich animal fat
- Fiber for healthy digestion
- Some customers complained that the product lacks consistency from box to box
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken
Another plus of this dog food is that it satisfies the rigorous requirements of the FDA safety standards. That’s why it can carry the ‘HUMAN GRADE’ label. This exotic formula is prepared with all natural ingredients.
Therefore, it contains no artificial flavor, color, byproduct or GMO ingredients. In addition, this dehydrated formula is packed full with protein and other macronutrients. Every bite of this food by your pet means a bite of natural vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Canidae Grain Free Pure Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 509 kcal/cup
- Works well for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Animal proteins as first three ingredients
- Gluten-free and grain-free
- Packed with nutrient-rich superfoods
- Inconsistency in the quality
This usually comes in varieties of formulas prepared with either fresh meat or fish as the number one ingredient. Also, each formula is further blended with wholesome ingredients such as peas, lentils, sweet potatoes or chickpeas.
Since it has whole ingredients, it will definitely be gentle on your pet’s digestive system. Also, this formula is well enriched with probiotics which are best known for healthy digestion.
Moreover, antioxidants are in the mix too, in the right quantity to help support and boost the immune system of your Boston Terrier. Overall, the power of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will keep your pet’s skin and coat shiny.
Natural Balance Fat Dogs Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 7.5% Min
- Fiber: 10.0% Max
- Calories: 300 kcal/cup
- Rich in protein and healthy fat
- Chicken meal as first ingredient
- Probiotics for healthy digestion
- Some poor handling of packages during delivery
- Not suitable for all dogs
Furthermore, the premium proteins in this formula are able to help your dog maintain lean muscle mass while losing weight. In addition, this low-calorie dry dog food is balanced with omegas that support a healthy skin and glossy coat. Overall, it is highly palatable and even the most finicky pooch will approve.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini Mature 8+ Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 25.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
- Perfect for a small dog’s metabolism
- Enhanced palatability
- Most picky eaters love this food
- Recommended by many vets
- Only one customer questioned its affordability
- Delivery was a bit late
Royal Canin has several product lines including a line based on breed size. Small dogs, like Boston Terrier, can burn up more calories per pound than bigger dogs.
They are dynamos! This Royal Canin formula meets the high energy needs of small dogs and uses L-Carnitine to ensure calories don’t get turned into fat.
Ideal levels of EPA and DHA give your Boston Terrier a healthy skin and coat. Plus, the kibble formula can help reduce the formation of tartar.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 19.2% (Min)
- Fat: 12% (Min)
- Fiber: 4% (Max)
- Calories: 3688 Kcal/kg or 366 Kcal/cup
- Fiber for healthy digestion & rich in antioxidants
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids boost immunity
- Packed with Vitamin E and Vitamin C
- Quite expensive for the amount of food packed per packet
- Feedbacks suggest that picky eaters might disapprove the flavor
Furthermore, the formula has fruits and vegetables. These combine well to produce vitamins and antioxidants for boosting natural defenses and to promote bladder health. Also, brown rice is thrown in to improve digestion. And finally complimented with flaxseed to enhance healthy skin and shiny coat.
Dietary Needs of Boston Terriers
In addition to making sure the dog food you choose meets your Boston Terriers’s nutritional needs, you should consider some special dietary requirements.
Here are some of the things to look for when shopping Dog Food for your pup:
- Calorie-Dense. Boston Terrier dogs have very fast metabolisms which, you may be surprised to learn, means that they need more calories per pound of body weight than larger breeds. In fact, small dogs may need up to 40 calories per pound versus 30 for an average-sized dog and 20 for a large breed.
- Antioxidants. Not only do Boston Terrier dogs have fast metabolisms, but they also have long lifespans. Feeding your dog an antioxidant-rich diet will help keep it healthy for as long as possible by boosting its immune system.
- Dry Food. Small breed dogs have small mouths which often leads to dental problems. Dry food is preferable to wet food for small dogs because it helps clean plaque and tartar off their teeth.
- Fatty Acids. Healthy fats provide a concentrated source of energy for small breed dogs, but they also play a role in supporting healthy skin and coat as well as brain development in puppies.
Editor’s Note
Animal proteins like chicken, meat, and fish are more digestible than plant proteins for dogs and they are complete proteins which means they contain all 9 essential amino acids. Look for digestible carbohydrates which might be whole grains like brown rice or gluten-free options like sweet potatoes and peas.
How Much Should You Feed Your Boston Terrier by Age
The question of how much to feed your Boston Terrier depends on a number of factors. One of them is the level of activity and energy of your pooch. But the most common way to categorize the quantity of food is through the stages of growth and development. Moreover, this stage ranges from puppyhood to advanced adulthood.
- Puppy – Most puppies of this breed usually weigh around 4 to 5 pounds at 10 weeks of age. During this period, it is important to feed your puppy nutritious diet. Moreover, a puppy about this size will require around 190 calories intake per day. But for a very active pup, you will rather feed him close to 300 calories daily.
- Adult – An average adult Boston Terrier will normally weigh around 20 pounds. Pooches of this size will require to be fed about 660 calories per day. This must be coupled with regular exercise.
- Senior – Boston Terriers are elderly once they reach age 7 and above. At this stage, it is believed that their level of activities will reduce. They tend to be lazy and less energetic. This means you must minimize their calorie intake. Ideally, to avoid obesity, less active seniors should be fed around 415 calories per day.
Boston Terrier Food Allergies and Food Related Health Issues
Boston Terriers are generally healthy and fun-loving dogs. However, they do sometimes face some health challenges like every other type of dog. Some of the health issues that they are often associated with include the following:
- Allergies – This is the most common issue that usually makes dogs visit the veterinarians. It can be food-related or due to the genetic formation. Food-related allergies may result in the dry, itchy and scratchy skin. Some grain or meat ingredients may cause allergic reactions in your god. So for most Boston Terriers, you may have to change their diet. Diet rich in probiotics, healthy fats, and fatty acids are best known to minimize the occurrence of skin allergies in dogs.
- Patellar Luxation – Patellar Luxation is sometimes called ‘slipped stifles’. It is also known to be a common health issue in small breed dogs. Moreover, this occurs when the patella or kneecap gets out its proper position. Since this is a joint related issue, having your pooch take a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine will really help manage this condition.
- Deafness – This is another common health issue within this breed. It is very important that this is discovered early at the puppy stage. As this will help dog parents to put necessary measures in place that may help the dog in coping with the condition. Also, proper dieting can go a long way in keeping your dog healthy. Above all, hearing-impaired Bosties will need a lot of love, care and affection to be able to lead a healthy and happy life.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Boston Terriers are a great pet for love and companionship. You will only get to know and enjoy them only when they are in good health and shape. One of the best ways to keep them healthy and robust is feeding them with the complete and balanced diet. As noted earlier in this article, there are certain factors you must consider when getting the most suitable food for your dog. These include age, health condition, and weight.
Cynthia Jo Ray
Horizon Amicus is an excellent food too.