How to choose a balanced diet for your Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are hunting dogs with great energy, a lively character and a love of active pastime.

That is why feeding is one of the main stages of proper care for these dogs.

They need a special diet.

It must fit their lifestyle and replenish vitality.

Let's figure out what is best to choose for your pet.

Natural food or dry food?

Natural food or artificial food?

Jack Russells are unpretentious and do not require complex care or special conditions of detention, but the choice of diet must be approached responsibly, the health of the pet and its life expectancy depend on it.

The menu for representatives of this breed can consist of both natural products and ready-made food; the main thing is to choose and stick to one type of feeding and remember that food should be nutritious and balanced .

The main advantage of natural nutrition is variety.

At the same time, it requires effort and time from the owners to create a diet and prepare food, while ready-made food is produced taking into account the balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, and all that is required is to select the appropriate food.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

As a rule, professional breeders feed both adult dogs and puppies with ready-made industrial food - such a diet requires minimal labor input and contains everything necessary for the proper development of animals. However, the new owner, if he deems it necessary, can switch the pet to natural food. It is important to do this gradually, and when creating a diet, take into account that Jack Russells are hunting dogs, and their menu should be as nutritious as possible. You also need to remember that it is necessary to cook separately for the dog - feeding leftovers from the common table is unacceptable.

General recommendations for healthy feeding

Jack Russell Terriers are carnivores and their diet should be based on animal products.

Vegetables, fruits and cereals are also necessary, but this is only an addition to the main diet.

To keep your pet's diet healthy, the owner needs to follow the basic recommendations.:

the menu should be complete, the products should be of high quality, the portions should be moderate;
You need to select food taking into account the age and health status of the dog;
food should be at room temperature or a little warmer - this promotes its normal absorption;
the ingredients should be cut into small pieces, especially when it comes to feeding a puppy;
the bulk of the products must be thermally processed.

Due to the Jack Russell's tendency to overeat and become obese , it is necessary to follow a feeding schedule and control portion sizes .

What should an adult dog's diet be?

The food of a grown animal is changed. Enter into it:

Dietary meats: veal and beef, cooked chicken without bones and fat. Products can be given raw. Liver, heart, and beef lungs are also included in the diet.
Sea fish. It must be cleared of fins and bones before cooking.
Porridge. Rice, buckwheat and oatmeal are suitable for the presented breed. For variety, you can boil pearl barley for your animal, but it is not recommended to do this often, as it is poorly digestible.
Boiled vegetables, which are served to the animal in chopped form. Broccoli, beets, zucchini, and pumpkin are suitable for adult dogs.
Dairy products with medium fat content. You can regularly give Jack Russell terriers cottage cheese and milk. Be sure to include the presented products in the diet of a pregnant dog, as they are necessary for the formation of bones in babies.
As a special treat, representatives of this breed can be given chicken eggs (no more than once a week), crackers, herbs, dried fruits (or pear or apple puree). It is recommended to serve all food to the dog separately. The animal should not be allowed to eat from the same table as its owners - this will negatively affect its behavior. Such a dog can steal a product that is prohibited for it and get serious health problems.

What food should I feed my Jack Russell Terrier if its owners do not accept natural food for their pet? It is fashionable to choose the brands “Kanide”, “Innova” for representatives of this breed. Mixtures with a high content of vitamins have also proven themselves well: “Orjien”, “Artemis Maximal Dog”. Manufacturers give dog breeders the opportunity to choose a good product not only for ordinary healthy dogs, but also for individuals suffering from stomach diseases, vitamin deficiency, and allergies. You just need to consult with a veterinarian on the selection of suitable food and determine its dosage.

How many times a day should I feed my Jack Russell Terrier? For an adult, it is enough to provide food twice a day.

Advantages and disadvantages

In addition to the fact that natural food is varied and does not get boring for the dog, it has a number of other advantages:

the owner independently selects the products, monitoring their freshness and quality;
the food contains no preservatives, artificial flavors, dyes or flavor enhancers;
in case of an allergy to one of the products, it can easily be replaced with another;
proteins, fiber, fats and carbohydrates included in a dog’s diet are of natural origin.

This type of nutrition also has some disadvantages.:

Preparing food for a dog and preparing a balanced diet requires a lot of time;
natural feeding involves additional intake of a vitamin-mineral complex;
You need to cook for your dog every day.

In addition, natural feeding is problematic and inconvenient for those who are used to traveling with a pet.

Authorized Products

A balanced diet for Jack Russell Terriers with a natural diet should include:

boiled or raw (in this case, necessarily pre-frozen) lean meat - beef, veal, chicken fillet;
boiled offal - heart, liver, kidneys;
boiled sea fish without bones;
rice, oatmeal, buckwheat porridge;
fermented milk products – cottage cheese, cream;
raw vegetables - pumpkin, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, beets;
greenery.

To keep the coat beautiful and shiny, you should give your pet the yolk of a boiled egg several times a week.

NOTE!

During the change of teeth, you can give the puppy bread crumbs.

Slightly sweet fruits, such as green apples, and low-fat cheese are suitable as treats.

What is strictly contraindicated

Products hazardous to the health of puppies and adult Jack Russell Terriers:

broccoli, potatoes, legumes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, raw eggs, corn - their consumption in unlimited quantities can lead to anemia, gastrointestinal problems, as well as make the coat dull and the skin dry;
citrus fruits, strawberries, millet – cause the development of allergic reactions;
grapes and raisins - negatively affect kidney function;
freshwater fish - its consumption, due to the large number of small bones, can cause wounds in the larynx and stomach;
pork, smoked and sausage products are the cause of pancreatitis;
tubular bones - injure the stomach;
pickles, marinades, spicy and fried foods - lead to disturbances in blood composition.

You should also not give your dog popcorn, avocados, nuts, or pomegranates.

Chocolate is the most dangerous for Jack Russells - even a small amount depresses the heart in a few minutes, causing a heart attack, epileptic seizures or internal bleeding..

Prohibited products

The following foods should not be given to either a puppy or an adult Jack Russell Terrier:

pork;
tubular bones;
salty foods;
mushrooms;
raw eggs;
raw onion;
garlic;
grape;
broccoli;
raw salmon;
turkey skin;
raisin;
chocolates;
sausages;
fried foods;
spicy foods;
pickled products;
spices;
popcorn;
avocado;
nuts;
legume products;
grenades.

By following a diet and useful recommendations, you can raise a healthy Jack Russell Terrier, ready for constant hiking and adventure. But do not forget that each pet has individual properties, so do not feed it strictly according to the instructions - always pay attention to the physical condition of the dog.

Share with us what food do you feed your Jack Russell Terrier?

Industrial feed

Like natural food, industrial food has its pros and cons.

Among the obvious advantages of this type of feeding are::

balanced composition, including all necessary vitamins, macro- and microelements;
no need to cook;
hygiene and ease of use;
indication on the packaging of the daily rate of feed consumption;
long shelf life;
ease of use at home and while traveling.

IMPORTANT!

The modern market offers a wide range of food, allowing you to choose a menu for your pet in accordance with age, activity and health status. There are also foods specifically for pregnant bitches.

In addition, a special composition covering dry food granules helps cleanse teeth of plaque and tartar.

Disadvantages of ready-made feeds:

the likelihood of containing meat and offal of poor quality;
the risk of an allergic reaction when feeding the wrong food.

Cheap ready-made food also contains dyes and flavor enhancers.

Industrial food can be not only dry, but also semi-moist and wet (pates) – they already contain liquid, which has a beneficial effect on the Jack Russell’s gastrointestinal tract.

CAREFULLY!

In addition, they have a shorter shelf life - open packaging can be stored in a cool place for a maximum of 24 hours.

Ready-made feeds can be of different classes, which depends on their composition and quality of manufacture.:

economy - made from low-quality ingredients, possibly containing soy, dyes, flavor enhancers, beans;
premium - the composition is based on meat and offal with the addition of vegetables, but the presence of vitamin and mineral supplements is not guaranteed;
super-premium – made from the most carefully selected ingredients, enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Also, almost every manufacturer has a line of hypoallergenic food, which contains rabbit, lamb, pike perch or salmon meat, and instead of grains, vegetables and rice, and holistic foods - the composition of which, according to the manufacturers, is as close as possible to natural nutrition.

What to feed an adult Jack Russell dog

So, your pet is one year old, it’s time to find out what to feed your older dog. It is recommended to switch the animal to two meals a day. When feeding naturally, a one-year-old dog should eat at least 550 grams of meat, 300 grams of cereal or pasta, and the diet should also contain vegetables and fruits.

If at this point the owner still has not decided how to feed the pet - dry or natural food, this issue should be resolved as quickly as possible. Switching an animal from natural to commercial food (or vice versa) in adulthood is much more difficult.

Firstly, psychologically: the dog may refuse to eat, which will lead to gastrointestinal problems due to starvation.
Secondly, when eating dry granules, the production of certain digestive enzymes in the dog’s body is significantly reduced, so the transition to natural food will be accompanied by indigestion.

Dry food

Before choosing what food to feed your Jack Russell Terrier, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Having found out the weight and developmental characteristics of the puppy, the doctor will recommend either standard or hypoallergenic food of the required class and will tell you exactly how much it should be given.

Dog food classes:

Economy This is the food with the worst composition. Soybeans, legumes, wheat, as well as skin and bone meal - these components, when consumed for a long time, cause diseases of internal organs in dogs.
Premium The basis of such feeds is rice, and approximately 30% meat or offal is also present.
Super premium. A quarter consists of natural meat. It is acceptable to use regularly.
Holistics. 50% consist of meat. Includes vegetables, berries, acceptable grains, and fruits. The best and most expensive food. Can form the basis of the diet.

It is permissible to choose classes not lower than premium or super premium. Food is expensive - this should be taken into account when choosing food for your Jack Russell Terrier. For an adult dog you will need a significant amount.

On the back of the package there are recommendations on how to feed your pet correctly - they should be strictly followed.

When using dry food, it is necessary to ensure that the dog has constant access to clean drinking water, since when it enters the stomach, dry food granules absorb liquid. Lack of water will soon cause constipation, dehydration and serious illness.

Natural food

For a Jack Russell that has reached the age of 1 year, the diet is made up of the following products.

Veal or beef. It is necessary to cut off the fat from the meat and remove the bones.
Thoroughly cooked beef or chicken heart.
Buckwheat, oatmeal, rice groats. Pearl barley porridge is not consumed because it is not absorbed by the dog’s body.
Vegetables allowed include boiled pumpkin, beets, zucchini, and cauliflower.
It is acceptable to sometimes offer a boiled egg; it has a good effect on the coat, which becomes shiny and beautiful.
Allowed: apple, banana, pear.

Dry food

Premium, super-premium and holistic foods are suitable for feeding Jack Russells.

Royal Canin food manufacturers have released a separate line designed for Jack Russell Terriers: Jack Russell Terrier Junior (for Jack Russell puppies up to 10 months) and Jack Russell Terrier Adult (10 months and older) .

These foods contain an adapted amount of proteins and fats, a complex of antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the shape of the granules is designed taking into account the jaw structure of these dogs.

More versatile food lines that are popular among owners of hunting breeds:

Acana;
Orijen;
Hills;
Probalance;
Now Fresh;
Optima Nova;
Artemis Maximal Dog;
Eukanuba;
Canidae

Purina also produces food suitable for Jack Russells.

This manufacturer offers various lines adapted for puppies, adult and elderly dogs, pregnant and lactating bitches, as well as dogs with health problems.

The best ready-made food for the Jack Russell Terrier

The rating of breeders shows that the most suitable menu is produced by the following companies:

Bosch is a large manufacturer engaged in the production of ready-made diets. The manufacturer offers two lines for dogs: Bosch mini Junior and Bosch mini Adult. According to customer reviews, the products are suitable for pets with constipation and digestive problems.
Eucanuba - the Breed Specific line is enriched with a vitamin-mineral complex, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and an additive that prevents the development of obesity.
Hills - Offers Jack Russell Terriers options in the form of Science Plan and Nature's Best.

Important! When choosing, they are guided by the composition; in the description, the base should be represented by meat, and not plant components.

Taking vitamins

Vitamins and minerals should be taken in courses, because Continuous consumption can cause hypervitaminosis, which is no less dangerous than a lack of vitamins.

The best option for Jack Russells is probiotics, fish oil, natural yeast, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium individually or in combination of 3-7 substances.

Pet stores and veterinary pharmacies offer a large selection of vitamin and mineral complexes; the most popular among dog breeders is Lifepack for puppies and adult dogs.

You should not use supplements that contain more than 40 components - this is just a marketing ploy.

Feeding the puppy

Age	Daily menu	Number of feedings
Up to 1 month	For 2-3 weeks after birth, the puppy eats only mother’s milk, then complementary foods are introduced in the form of semolina porridge or milk	7-8
1-2 months	Milk, broth, dry food soaked in water	7
2-3 months	Boiled lean meat, cottage cheese, vegetables, fruits, porridge	6
4-5 months	Meat (200-300 g), vegetables (200 g), dairy products (100 g), cereals (150 g)	4
6-12 months	Meat or fish (0.5 kg), vegetables (200 g), dairy products (50 g), cereals (300 g) + 1 boiled yolk twice a week	3

How and what to feed a Jack Russell Terrier puppy

Up to 6 months

At this time, pets’ teeth and fur change, and their bodies grow. The menu remains virtually unchanged, the same products are used, only the number of meals is reduced to 4-5 times a day.

Up to 9 months

Feeding a puppy at 9 months

During this period, the dog grows more slowly. The amount of cereal consumed is reduced, but the amount of meat in the diet should be the same as before. After 9 months, scars and bones are allowed to be added to the pet’s menu; this is an excellent source of phosphorus and protein. In addition to all of the above, you should feed your baby separately with vitamins. When feeding with dry food, there is no need to add store-bought vitamins. They are already there.

Up to 12 months

What to feed a Jack Russell Terrier up to 12 months

After 9-10 months, dogs are usually transferred to two meals a day. People often ask the question: how to determine the correct portion? Observe the behavior of the puppies, if he leaves some food - next time, you need to cook less. When he eats it and asks for more, add a little.

What to feed your Jack Russell Terrier dog

Dry food

You need to feed your puppy dry food only if you have adopted a baby who has already been given such food by the breeder. Find out right away what brand of food the previous owner used. Breeders, as a rule, purchase only high-quality, well-balanced feed.

You need to know what food is allowed for puppies. The packaging must be marked “Junior or Puppy” - this means that this particular finished product is approved for feeding puppies and is not suitable for an adult dog.

If you want your dog to eat normal, healthy and nutritious food, don’t skimp on food. Buy only “premium class” food, it uses high-quality products. Cheap ready-made food is made from ground bones and hooves; it contains very few nutrients and fats. Many flavoring additives, odor enhancers, dyes, cake and other chemical additives that are not beneficial for animals are added to such food. On the first day of feeding such a product, your pet may experience heartburn or upset. Often, on packages, manufacturers write a healthy product two or three times, using synonyms of those words. For example, in the list, chicken flour may be repeated in the form of another ingredient - chicken fillet. This means that they are trying to deceive you, because it is the same thing.

What does an adult dog need?

When your pet reaches 1 year of age, he should be switched to two meals a day.

The finished food should correspond to the age of the dog, and the serving size should correspond to the manufacturer’s recommendations indicated on the packaging.

With a natural type of diet, 75% should be animal products and 25% plant foods.

A Jack Russell aged 1 to 7 years should consume at least 550 grams of meat or fish, 50 grams of dairy products, and 300-350 grams of pasta per day.

After 7 years, the diet should consist of 80% protein foods, and the amount of grains and dairy products should be reduced.

Regardless of the diet chosen, it is necessary to adhere to the feeding regimen.

How many times to feed a puppy and an adult dog

How much to feed a Jack Russell Terrier per day depends on its age:

1.5-2 months – 6-7 times;
3-4 months – from 5 times;
6-9 months – 4 times;
10-2 months – 3 times;
From 1 year – 2 times.

The number of feedings for a Jack Russell depends on the age of the dog: puppies are fed up to 7 times a day, adult dogs - 1-2 times.
Walking must be separated from feeding - eating 2 hours before or 30 minutes after activity.