The Best Dog Food For Jack Russell in 2022
- The Best Dog Food For Jack Russell
- 1. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food
- 2. Taste of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Dog Food
- 4. Nutro Senior Dry Dog Food
- 5. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food Recipes
- 6. Royal Canin Jack Russell Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
- 7. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- 8. ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
If you own a high-energy Jack Russell, you'll know how important it is to provide them with the right type of food! These canines may be small in size, but they have a very energetic character and simply love running around, digging, and searching for little animals. This type of dog requires a carefully balanced diet that will give them the right amount of energy without making them put on weight. When it comes to dog food, unfortunately, it isn't all produced to the same standard, which means that there is some pretty low-quality food available which often labels itself "healthy". In this review piece, we will look at the best food for Jack Russell dogs. We have also written a guide specifically focussed on Jack Russell dog dietary requirements and have answered your top most asked questions.
Keep reading to discover more...
The Best Dog Food For Jack Russell
1. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food
Key Features
Dry formula specially made for small dog breeds
Real meat combined with whole grains, vegetables & fruit
Contains antioxidants, vitamins & minerals
No meat by-products/corn/wheat/soy/artificial flavors or preservatives
Available in 6Lb and 15Lb bags, the main ingredient of this high-quality dog food is real meat. This dry food has been created for small dog breeds such as Jack Russells and the formula contains increased levels of protein and carbohydrates which give smaller breeds the vital nutrients that their little powerful bodies need. This Jack Russell dog food contains real chicken combined with whole grains, vegetables, and fruit to give them a balanced meal. There are no meat by-product ingredients to be found in this food, nor any artificial flavors or preservatives, wheat, soy, or corn – this Jack Russell dog food is great for food allergies too and sensitive tummies.
2. Taste of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Venison & garbanzo beans
Highly digestible – great for small tummies
Small kibble size for smaller mouths
Added vitamins & minerals
Why should dogs have to spend their lives eating bland food? Humans like a variety of flavors in their diets and animals are just the same. This is why we chose the Taste of the Wild venison as our Best Value choice. Give your canine companion something that is not only exotic but rich in vitamins and minerals too. This dry dog food has been specially formulated for small dog breeds and features real venison as its number one ingredient. There are no grains, corn, wheat, fillers, or artificial preservatives and flavorings in this blend – just natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals to promote a healthy coat and good skin. Protein-rich venison is also a good low-fat choice for building lean muscles.
3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Dog Food
Key Features
Maintain a healthy weight with this dry food blend
Contains protein-rich kibbles
Supports strong muscles & healthy heart
Zero fillers
Low-calorie blend
This special dog food blend is perfect for dog owners who are looking for high-quality dry food that can specifically help your Jack Russell dog maintain a healthy weight. Although small dogs such as Jack Russells tend to use a lot of energy they (like most other dogs) enjoy eating lots of food and so it’s important to feed them the right balance. This Purina blend is ideal because it contains 25% less fat and 15% fewer calories in comparison to the other Purina blends. Your Jack Russell dog will get a healthy dose of protein-rich meat in this blend. There are no fillers either so you can feel confident that the ingredients in this formula are all-natural.
4. Nutro Senior Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Ideal for senior Jack Russells
Supports an aging immune system
Added vitamins and minerals
Promotes soft skin & a healthy coat
This sweet potato, farm-raised chicken, and brown rice recipe sounds good enough for human consumption but we wouldn’t advise it! Your Jack Russell friend will love this blend, however, as it promises to deliver a great taste, and the added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients combine to support your dog’s muscles and immune system. It also will help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. This food blend is ideal for older Jack Russell terriers who need a little extra help in the vitamin department. It’s made with non-GMO ingredients and it contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Head over to our review of Nutro Dog Food for more alternatives.
5. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food Recipes
Key Features
Suitable for small breed puppies
Grain-free/gluten-free
Contains real whole foods
55% protein
If you’re looking for good quality Jack Russell puppy food then this chicken and sweet potato blend could be ideal. One of the most important things to look for when buying food for your Jack Russell dog is the ingredient list – the more natural the better. When you buy products that are grain-free you are removing “filler” (which is essentially used as a bulking agent in the recipe) allowing for more space for more nutritious ingredients. Many Jack Russells have digestive issues and food allergies so removing grains can be greatly beneficial. This particular formula contains 55% and 45% fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It supports healthy brain development as well as promoting muscle mass and healthy teeth, hips, joints skin, and coat.
6. Royal Canin Jack Russell Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Special kibble shape & texture for Jack Russell dogs
Promotes healthy dental & oral care
Helps maintain dog’s muscle mass
Nutrients support a healthy coat & skin
What we really like about this particular choice, is that it has been made specifically for Jack Russell dogs. The ingredients, the size, and even the shape of the kibble biscuits have been designed for this particular breed. Jack Russell dogs have a strong rectangular jaw with large teeth that can be prone to the formation of tartar. The special shape of the kibble has been designed so that your dog can easily pick up and chew their food; the texture giving the kibble extra protection against tartar build-up. There’s optimal protein content in this formula and added vitamins and antioxidants for full nutritional benefits.
7. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Contains prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut
Easily digestible
Packed with vitamin E & omega-6 fatty acids
Made in the USA
Veterinarian recommended
If your jack Russell dog suffers from a sensitive stomach then this would make a great choice of food for them as it has been specially designed to support a healthy gut. The ingredients contain a prebiotic fiber that supports a healthy gut microbiome. What this means is that the food contains healthy bacteria that promotes good digestive health. This dog food is also packed with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids which promote a very shiny coat and good skin.
8. ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Key Features
Made using fresh, regional produce
Ethically produced
Biologically approved
Made in Kentucky, USA
If you want to buy ethically-sound food for your Jack Russell then you should definitely take a look at this brand who really cares about their ingredients. Meat used in the food is free-range, fish is wild-caught and the eggs are from cage-free hens. This food promises a rich recipe that has been formulated according to a dogs’ natural biological needs – using fresh and raw ingredients that are free from grains. For more information on the brand, check out our Orijen Dog Food Review.
Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Buying Guide & FAQ
In this buying guide, we will look at why it is important to buy food that has been specially designed for Jack Russell dogs. We'll talk about this smaller dog breed in relation to diet and the best way that we can feed our canine friends. Keep reading for more in-depth information on this matter and to read the answers to your most commonly asked questions regarding feeding a Jack Russell dog.
Related Post: Dog Food for Small Dogs
Understanding Jack Russell Terrier’s Diet Requirements
It's important that your Jack Russell dog eats the best quality food in order for it to have a healthy life. A balanced diet is essential for your dog's wellbeing. It is scientifically proven that small breed dogs such as Jack Russell dogs share the same genetic makeup of ancient canines, like foxes. They may now be completely domesticated, but Jack Russell dogs still have the same DNA which means that they will still crave the type of food that they would normally have caught in the wild, such as fresh meat and fish. It's a contentious issue, but many people dislike the idea of feeding their small breed dog certain grains, such as wheat as this isn't something that they would naturally eat in the wild. So often, the best Jack Russell food is grain-free or gluten-free, perfect for sensitive tummies, and packed full of meat, fish, and yummy goodness. Jack Russell dogs can be susceptible to skin conditions and food allergies and as they are high energy dogs with excessive appetites can also be prone to weight gain and obesity. It's important to look for fresh ingredients and always measure the food that you give your Jack Russell so that they don't eat too much. For more options, check out our detailed review of the best grain free dog foods.
Ingredients to Look for in a Dog Food for Jack Russell Terrier
As with any other animal on the planet, it's important that your Jack Russell is given a healthy balanced diet if you want to give them the best life. The main ingredient of the food that you give your Jack Russell should be meat or fish - as this contains vital protein that will help their organs and muscles function well. Jack Russells are high energy dogs so will need the energy from food to enjoy an active life. If you look at the ingredients on the back of a dog food package, you will see that the main ingredients are always listed first - meat, poultry, and fish should always be listed as the main ingredient here. You should avoid Jack Russell terrier food that has corn or wheat in the top five listed ingredients, these are much harder to digest for their tummies and ultimately not as good for your dog. Avoid artificial flavors and preservatives as well as chemicals and E numbers.
Related Post: High Protein Dog Food
Ideally, you should feed your Jack Russell Terrier a diet that mainly consists of kibble (or dry biscuits). Jack Russell's teeth can be prone to tartar and the crunchy texture of this type of food can prevent build-up. Look for added vitamins and minerals such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as these support a shiny coat and healthy skin. High protein food helps maintain hip and joint function as well as supporting other body functions too.
Related Post: Dry Dog Food
Jack Russell Food Allergies and Food-Related Health Issues
Jack Russell Terriers can be prone to a number of allergies and sometimes it can be tricky discovering what they are and how they are triggered. As well as dermatitis (a common skin disorder), Jack Russells can also have issues with digestion. It's important to feed your Jack Russell a diet which has a high protein content. If you want to boost your dog's immune system then look for food that contains protein-rich meats or fish and added omega fatty acids. Fatty acids can help fight against allergies and other disorders that can cause inflammation. If your dog suffers from inflammation, then you might want to consider cutting out grains and gluten altogether and seeing if this makes a difference.
It can be hard to spot allergic reactions in dogs as they cannot communicate to us exactly how they feel. So here are a few things you should look out for, which might indicate whether your dog has an allergy: sore skin which is dry or itchy, excessive scratching, diarrhea, vomiting, breathing issues, chewing body parts, watery eyes and ear and nose infections. If you suspect that your dog may have an allergy, then you should speak to your veterinarian immediately and work with them to help choose the best diet for their needs.
Our Top Pick
The food that made it to the top of our list was the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula - Small Breed Dog Food which is available in several different sizes. This formula contains high-quality meat as its main ingredient and it has been specially designed for small dog breeds such as Jack Russells. Chicken is combined with whole grains, vegetables, and fruit to make the healthiest food for your four-legged friend. You won't find any meat by-products in here either and there are no artificial flavors or preservatives, soy, corn, or wheat - which makes it the perfect choice for Jack Russells who have sensitive tummies or have an allergy to wheat.
Related Post: Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
With all food options, if your Jack Russell Terrier ever displays unusual symptoms or you suspect they may have an allergy, then you should take them to your veterinarian immediately to have them checked. If nothing is found then you can eliminate certain food groups (usually grains) to see if there is an improvement. But always seek professional advice.
Remember: your dog is only as healthy as the food you give her, so always make sure you buy the best quality food you can buy.
FAQ
Q: How many times a day should I feed my Jack Russell?
The problem which Jack Russell Terriers, is that they have pretty intense appetites despite their petite size! They usually weight around 13-17 Lbs and normally dogs of this size will need around 450-650 Kcals a day. If you don't measure your kibbles and just pour them straight into the dog bowl, then you are likely to overfeed your four-legged friend and this may even lead to obesity. If you tend to feed your dog as and when you think they are hungry, try changing this to meals only 2-3 times a day. Make sure that you measure the kibble according to the packet instructions and according to your dog's weight - your veterinarian should have this information if putting them on a scale is too difficult! Jack Russells are natural hunters so like to "hunt" for their food. To minimize boredom and potentially destructive behaviors you can place the food around the house in hidden spots so they have to "hunt" for it! You can even buy specific toys designed to keep your dog entertained and prevent them from eating too much.
Q: What should I not feed my Jack Russell?
Avoid feeding your dog human food unless it's the type of lean meat that you find in dog food. Never ever feed your dog sugary "treats" such as chocolate as this is actually poisonous for dogs and can be fatal.
Some Jack Russells have sensitive tummies that cannot take certain grains and wheat - in this case it's always best to give them food that is gluten-free. Your dog's diet should have high protein content for healthy organs and bodily functions. Added vitamins as well as added minerals will ensure a good skin and coat too.
Here is a list of food items you should never feed your Jack Russell:
• Chocolate
• Grapes & raisins
• Yeast & hops (don't let them share your beer, even on a hot day!)
• Onions & garlic
• Toothpaste
• Chewing gum
These food items could be fatal if consumed by dogs.