Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers
Navigating the complex field of dog nutrition is no easy task, especially for Boston Terrier owners. These pups can be picky eaters, so finding the best dog food for your Boston Terrier can take some testing. The Boston Terrier is a delightful little canine who is described as friendly, bright, amusing. It’s also a fairly popular family dog in the United States. However, in order to be his happy-go-lucky self, he needs the right nutrition to fuel his body and mind. This is where this guide comes in handy.
He is a small-sized pooch, measuring 15 to 17 inches tall and weighing between 12 and 25 pounds. Small-sized dogs have different nutritional needs compared to large dogs. Because the Boston Terrier has a compact mouth, he is more susceptible to periodontal diseases. This means dry kibbles will help to break down that plaque. Because his mouth is smaller he also needs smaller kibble pieces. Kibbles designed for small breeds contain the optimized nutrients needed for small breeds too.
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We will walk you through his puppy, adult, and senior stages. This will tell you all you need to know about his nutritional needs as his body changes. From particular ingredients through to what to look out for in a high-quality kibble, as well as an overweight section at the end, we have researched it all. So, both your Boston Terrier, and your purse strings, will find something in our Boston Terrier food guide.
Boston Terrier Puppy Nutrient Needs
Puppyhood is all about growing and developing into a healthy pup and setting the foundations for a healthy life. As such, you’ll want a kibble that is specifically formulated for small breed puppies. Avoid all-life stage kibbles during puppyhood as they are less likely to support early development. Many Boston mixes will fall into this same size category.
The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that puppies need a minimum protein content of at least 22%. Higher protein content can be more beneficial. Look for whole meats and meat meals as they provide high-quality protein, energy, and glucosamine for his joints. Each ingredient will be identifiable, ie, Chicken meal is great, poultry meal is not so great.
Omega fatty acids are key as they nourish his skin and coat. They also support healthy eye and brain function, as well as overall development. These can be found in fish oils, animal fat and flaxseeds, and vitamin E. Biotin and folic acid are also great ingredients to look for that support a healthy coat. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) can also be found in omega fatty acids. So can egg products, and they too support healthy cognitive and eye function.
His developing immune system needs plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are found in fruit, vegetables, and added supplements, all of which can be found in high-quality kibbles.
Adult Boston Terrier Nutrient Needs
- Between 12 and 15 months you will need to gradually transition your Boston Terrier to an adult kibble. The MSD Manual suggests that adult dogs should eat a kibble that will provide him with a minimum protein content of 18%.
- An adult Boston Terrier’s diet should focus on being balanced. On top of protein and energy, think omega fatty acids, healthy and wholesome carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and glucosamine. All high-quality kibbles will focus on a well-balanced diet offering optimized nutritional balance for adult dogs.
Senior Boston Terrier Nutrient Needs
- Your Boston Terrier will be considered a senior at around the age of 7 to 8 years, and around this time you need to find a senior kibble and slowly transition him to this. As his body ages his nutritional needs change, so it is important to feed him a kibble that focuses on his senior needs.
- He needs less energy, and so senior kibbles provide a lesser fat content and calories per cup. They also provide a little bit more fiber so that he feels fuller for longer, and hopefully reducing the number of snacks he’ll want to eat. He still needs plenty of healthy omega fatty acids, so look for those key ingredients mentioned earlier, as his drying skin and coat need nourishment, and they help to support healthy cognitive function.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin are crucial in his senior years because they provide support for his joints and bones, and they can be found in added supplements, or ingredients such as fish oils and meat meals.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog is the overall best dog food for Boston Terriers and came in first on our reviews. The Farmer’s Dog is not a dog food you can buy in tins or at the supermarket—it’s actually a personalized dog food delivery service. Started by two dog parents who collaborated with vets and nutritionists to formulate an entirely new, fresher kind of dog food, The Farmer’s Dog food is cooked up in USDA-approved kitchens as per your dog’s dietary requirements.
The Farmer’s Dog website allows you to create a profile that lets them know your dog’s specific dietary needs and preferences. The food is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients completely free of preservatives and powdery “meals” often found in store-bought dog foods. This is perfect for Boston Terriers as they’re known for getting a little chunky, so a tailored diet of high-quality fresh food is a great way to help keep them at the ideal body weight.
The food is sent out to you in eco-friendly packaging with your dog’s name on it. On our side, we really like this cute extra personal touch. There’s no extra effort or cooking required on your part when it comes to serving time. All you need to do is open the package, pop it into your dog’s bowl, and let them get stuck in. Here at Hepper, we think there’s a lot to like about The Farmer’s Dog’s meal delivery service.
In addition, dog parents online have been sharing positive experiences, with many mentioning that their dogs are more active, have shinier coats, and are less stinky among other positive changes.
- Pricier than normal kibble
- Personalized and tailored to your dog’s dietary needs
- Delivered to your door
- Developed with vet and nutritionist collaboration
- Fresh, preservative-free, human-grade ingredients
- Prepared in USDA-approved kitchens
Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Dry Dog Food
| First ingredient: | Chicken |
| Calories: | 413/cup |
| Protein: | 24% |
| Fat: | 17% |
Only meat from cage-free chickens goes into the recipe for Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Dry Dog Food. Nothing from factory farms is ever included. The nutrient-dense kibble is small and easy for your Boston Terrier to chew.
This food is rich in vitamins and minerals from non-GMO fruits and vegetables. With no artificial ingredients, you won’t have to worry about dogs with sensitive stomachs. The whole meat in the recipe is easy on digestive systems and still provides your dog with the energy that they need. This is also a good choice for active dogs with high metabolisms, as it helps them feel satisfied from the healthy carbs.
Some dog owners have noticed a strong odor coming from the food bag once it’s opened.
Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food
Specifically made for small adult dogs that are 10 months of age or older, Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food’s uniquely shaped kibble makes it easier for smaller breeds to pick up and encourages healthy chewing. Made in the USA, this dog food includes amino acids, fatty acids, and flaxseeds to promote good health. Its delicious flavors are designed with fussy eaters in mind and have a delicious aroma and taste to woo even the most persnickety palates.
This dog food is more expensive than others.
- Expensive
- Made in the USA
- Includes amino acids, fatty acids, and flaxseed
- Good for fussy eaters
- Made for small breeds
- Encourages chewing
Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Food – Best for Puppies
Specifically made for small-breed puppies in mind, Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food is the ideal choice for your 8 weeks to 10-month-old Boston. This kibble supports a gentle and healthy digestion and is specially tailored for a puppy’s unique nutritional needs. Full of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy coat, as well as antioxidants to boost their immune system, this small-sized kibble also has a special shape and texture to encourage chewing.
If your puppy is a finicky eater, she may not like the taste.
- Picky eaters may not like the taste
- Small-sized kibble that encourages chewing
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Specially formulated for small puppies, ages 8 weeks to 10 months
- Boosts immunity
- Antioxidants
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food – Best Value
We all know that Rachael Ray is a whiz in the kitchen, but who knew that she made delicious and nutritious dog chow? If you’re looking for the best dog food for Boston Terriers for the money, Rachael Ray’s Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food is it! Extremely affordable, this kibble is crafted from natural, simple ingredients such as chicken, brown rice, brown rice, and beet pulp. It’s an excellent source of protein, fiber, and prebiotics. Additionally, it does not contain any fillers, wheat, artificial colors, or preservative. It’s also prepared in the USA!
One of the drawbacks of this kibble is that it comes in large pieces, which a smaller dog can have a tough time-consuming. Additionally, some dogs won’t like the taste.
- Large kibble pieces that small dogs can have trouble consuming
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Good source of protein, prebiotics, and fiber
- Prepared in the USA
- Affordable
- Natural ingredients
Natural Balance Diets Grain-Free Dog Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food only contains exactly what your Boston Terrier needs to live her best life. Featuring juicy salmon as the very first ingredient, as well as sweet potatoes, this kibble has been specially formulated by an elite team of vets, research scientists, and pet feeding analysts. It doesn’t contain wheat, soy, corn, peas, or legumes and is produced right here in America.
Some pet owners have reported that the company recently changed their formula and that the new ingredients made their dog sick. Some other dogs did not take kindly to the taste. It is also on the pricier side.
- New formula can make some dogs ill
- Pricy
- Some dogs do not like the taste
- Salmon is first ingredient
- Contains no fillers
- Specially formulated by vets
Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food
This extremely affordable dog kibble is specially formulated for your adult Boston Terrier. Made with real lamb and fish protein to help support strong muscles, Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food also contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to support a shiny coat and powerful antioxidants to boost your pup’s immunity. This delicious dry dog food doesn’t contain corn, filler, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it great for sensitive pets. It is also made in the United States and is run by a family-owned company.
This food can be too dry for some pets and has a strong smell.
- Strong smell
- Can be too dry for some dogs
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids
- No fillers
- Good for sensitive pets
- Affordable
- Made for adult dogs
- Contains real lamb and fish protein
- Made in the USA
American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
What could possibly be better than the succulent taste of salmon? American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is brimming with flavor, as well as vitamins and nutrients to keep your Boston Terrier in tip-top shape. Featuring a formula packed with real, de-boned salmon, sweet potatoes, amino acids, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and more, this food only contains the things your pooch needs to thrive. There’s no fluff in this kibble, including grain, wheat, corn, or soy. You’re only getting honest, wholesome, and quality dog kibble.
This product is also extremely affordable and the small size makes it perfect for Boston Terriers.
Some pups may turn up their noses at the taste. The high-caloric count may not be an ideal fit for heavier dogs.
- Some dogs don’t like the taste and won’t eat it
- High-calorie content
- Made with real de-boned salmon and sweet potatoes
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, protein, and antioxidants
- Grain-free
- Small size for small dogs
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dry Dog Food
Formulated from all-natural ingredients, Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dry Dog Food will cater to your Boston Terrier’s wild side. Featuring real venison as the main ingredient, it also contains grain-free carbs such as lentil and garbanzo beans. This delicious kibble also includes additional proteins such as duck meal, ocean fish meal, and lamb meal. It doesn’t contain grain, filler, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it perfect for sensitive pooches. Made in the USA, Taste of the Wild is a family-owned and operated company.
This kibble is on the pricier end of the spectrum. Its main source of fat is canola oil, which is not as good as animal-based fats.
- Pricey
- Main source of fat is plant-based, which is not as good as animal fats
- Grain-free
- Good for sensitive dogs
- Main ingredient is venison
- No fillers
- Made in the USA
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Weight Dry Dog Food
If your Boston Terrier has some extra padding around his waist, consider feeding him Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food. Made to help your pudgy pooch maintain a healthy weight, this affordable kibble is crafted from real chicken to support a lean muscle mass. This tasty food is packed with clinically-proven antioxidants to boost your pup’s immune system. It also includes amino acids, natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals to greatly contribute to your dog’s overall health. Additionally, it is a vet-recommended brand and made in the USA.
The kibble is very, very tiny, making it possible for dogs to swallow it whole and choke. Some other dogs do not like the taste.
- Small kibble could be a choking hazard
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
- Contains real chicken
- Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Vet recommended
- Made in USA
- Affordable
- Made for overweight dogs
Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers do well on high-protein, high-quality kibble made with real ingredients. They are active dogs and need enough calories to maintain their activity levels. The protein content in your dog’s dry food should not be below 18%.
If your Boston Terrier is older and not as active anymore, nutrient-dense foods are available that have fewer calories but will still provide your dog the nutrition that they need.
Food for puppies tends to be higher in calories and fat because puppies burn large amounts of energy. They need more nutrients while they’re growing.
Look at dog food labels, and make sure the food you choose is made for your dog’s age. In addition to life stages, here are other things to look for when choosing food for your Boston Terrier.
High Protein
Dogs need protein in their diet for proper growth and development and to keep their muscles healthy. Chicken and turkey are low in cholesterol, so they are ideal choices for protein in your dog’s food. However, some dogs are allergic to poultry. In this case, protein sources like beef, lamb, and venison are good options.
Allergies
Many Boston Terriers suffer from food allergies. In this case, limited-ingredient diets or diets that exclude your dog’s specific allergen are necessary. Signs of allergies to food include itchy and red skin, constant scratching, diarrhea, and hair loss. Contact your vet if you notice these signs, and work with them to come up with the right diet plan for your dog.
How Much Boston Terriers Eat
Boston Terriers are small dogs, and care should be taken to not overfeed them. Small dogs are prone to becoming overweight. Only feed the amount recommended on the back of the label or that your veterinarian recommends.
Since Boston Terriers shouldn’t eat large amounts of food, the meals that they do get should be as nutrient-dense as possible. Therefore, high-quality food is important.
Reading a Dog Food Label
The label can help you determine between a high-quality food and a low-quality one. Dog food labels are required by the FDA to label eight pieces of information:
- Product name
-
Net weight of the product
-
Name and address of the manufacturer
-
Guaranteed analysis
-
List of ingredients
-
Intended animal species
-
Statement of nutrition adequacy
-
Feeding guidelines
How should I feed a skinny and fat dog together?
The fat dog may be eating his food and that of his skinny friend. Feed them in separate rooms to allow your skinny dog time to eat his meal.
What is the best way to store pet food?
You should store pet food in a cool, dry place. You can pour dry pet food from the bag into a large plastic container with an airtight lid. Canned pet food can be kept in a cupboard with other canned products.
What are prescription diets, and why would my dog need them?
Prescription diets are specially formulated diets for dogs. They help treat dogs with a genetic predisposition to a disease. You should only give a prescription diet to your dog if your veterinarian recommends it.
Does my dog need multivitamin supplements?
Dogs that eat a balanced diet do not need supplements. If you feel your dog needs multivitamins, talk to your veterinarian first. Feeding too many vitamins and supplements to your dog can be dangerous.
Final Thoughts
Your Boston Terrier is a special little dog that needs a special doggy diet. Based upon our extensive reviews, we believe that The Farmer’s Dog Fresh food is the best choice overall. With human-grade ingredients delivered fresh to your door, your dog will absolutely love the different customizable flavors offered.
To get the most bang for your buck, consider buying the affordable Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food. Produced in the USA, this dry dog food is made from wholesome, simple ingredients including chicken, brown rice, brown rice, and beet pulp. It’s an excellent source of protein, fiber, and prebiotics. Moreover, it does not contain any fillers, wheat, artificial colors, or preservative.
We hope that this guide was helpful in showcasing some of the best dog foods for Boston Terriers. Remember, to always read the ingredients on the packet and buy grain-free, natural dog food that is free of fillers.
