Taking care of your Boston Terrier’s diet is important to his well-being. Boston Terriers have an active lifestyle and like to eat a lot. They are prone to getting overweight. Hence, it is very important to know how much food to give your furry friend to balance dietary needs and fitness.
Key Takeaways
A 2-24 month old Terrier usually eats 0.5 to 1.75 cups/day, and a 3-6 year old Terrier requires 1.25 to 1.75 cups/day to stay healthy. Terriers above 6 need 1.25 to 1.75 cups/day to stay healthy due to a slow metabolism rate.
A pregnant/nursing Boston Terrier needs more calcium, while an overweight dog requires controlled feeding.
Your dog’s activity level, sexual status, and type of food (raw, dry, wet) play an important role in deciding how much your Boston Terrier eats.
This guide explains everything you need to know about how much food should a Boston Terrier eat, feeding frequency, and how to transition your pet from old food to new food.
How Much Should a Boston Terrier Eat: Feeding Charts by Age
The nutritional requirements of Boston Terriers vary according to age, weight, and gender. Females weigh less than males and require less food. However, they need more during pregnancy.
It is critical to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs with your vet after 2-3 months so they don’t have deficiencies. Your vet may suggest supplements or changes in diet depending on your dog’s health.
Boston Terrier Puppy Feeding Chart (2-24 months)
This is the most critical age for a puppy. A Boston Terrier typically eats 0.5 to 1.75 cups of food daily. You can feed wet food mixed with puppy-specific formula to your puppy. The meals must be spread throughout the day to make it easy for your little friend to digest without issues.
You must increase the food quantity once your dog starts growing. Ensure you don’t skip the puppy-specific formula until your Terrier is 2.
Here is a chart to help you understand food requirements with reference to age, weight, and feeding frequency.
Age | Average Weight (Pounds) | Average Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Feeding Frequency Per Day | Kilo-calories (daily) |
2 - 3 Months | 4.40 – 6.60 | 0.5 – 0.625 | 5 Times | 188 – 255 |
4 - 5 Months | 8.8 – 12.00 | 0.625 – 1.25 | 4 Times | 317 – 400 |
6 - 11 Months | 14.00 – 22.50 | 1.25 – 1.75 | 3 Times | 450 – 630 |
1 - 2 Years | 23 | 1.25 – 1.75 | 2 Times | 650 – 690 |
Please note that the feeding requirement may vary from one dog to another dog. Hence, it is better to consult with your vet if you notice your Boston Terrier is inactive, not feeling too hungry, or facing bloating or digestive problems.
A Boston Terrier reaches an adult size between 6 to 10 months. You should increase its food portion and ensure that it receives proper nutrition. You must start with phasing in adult food until you completely replace puppy food.
You’ll need to modify the diet based on the changes you see in your puppy. Boston Terriers don’t eat much but require a lot of nutrients. Their diet must contain high-energy foods loaded with proteins and fats.
Adult Boston Terrier Feeding Requirements (3-6 Years)
You may think that adult Terriers need more energy. No, they need a controlled and well-monitored diet. Small breeds, like Boston Terriers, are prone to obesity after 2 years. Hence, their diet must be controlled, and the dogs must be given an active lifestyle.
An adult Boston Terrier typically requires 1.25 to 1.75 cups of dog food daily. Here’s a detailed food chart to help you understand its food requirements.
Age | Average Weight (Pounds) | Average Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Feeding Frequency Per Day | Kilo-calories (daily) |
3 - 6 Years | 15 - 25 | 1.25 – 1.75 | 2 Times, Morning and Evening | 450 – 630 |
The weight of your Boston Terrier plays a critical role in deciding food quantity. If your dog weighs 10 pounds, give him 1 cup; if he weighs 25 pounds, give him 2 cups to meet his daily energy needs.
Moreover, your dog’s activity level plays an important role in deciding his food. If you have an active dog, replenish his energy with snacks, treats, and water. If your Boston is inactive or lazy, monitor his weight and reduce his daily serving if he is becoming overweight. However, you must try to give your dog an active lifestyle so he stays fit and healthy.
Senior Boston Terrier Feeding Chart (7 Years & Above)
Boston Terriers aged 7 or above are considered senior dogs. Your dog’s ability to digest food decreases, and your metabolism rate slows down. Most senior dogs don’t indulge much in physical activities and like sitting back, relaxing, and cuddling. Some even get irritated and moody.
As senior Boston Terriers have lesser activity, they don’t need much food. A senior Boston typically eats 1.25 to 1.5 cups daily. Your vet may also suggest supplements and vitamins to strengthen their body and immune system.
The Chart explains everything you need to know about feeding a senior Boston Terrier.
Age | Average Weight (Pounds) | Average Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Feeding Frequency Per Day | Kilo-calories (daily) |
7 Years & Above | 15 -25 | 1.25 – 1.5 | Twice Daily | 250 |
Older Terriers need less energy, proteins, and fats. Too much protein intake in senior dogs can damage their kidneys. So, adjust their diet accordingly or use a specific diet tailored for senior dogs.
You may reduce the feeding frequency to once daily when your dog grows older. It is better to discuss your senior Terrier’s nutrition needs with a vet to make his life comfortable and healthy.
Food Requirements for Pregnant and Nursing Boston Terrier Females
Consult your vet if your female Terrier is pregnant or breastfeeding her pups. Overall, expecting Terriers require certain foods to provide balanced nutrition for the mothers and babies.
Nursing Bostons must be given a calcium-rich diet to strengthen the pup’s bones. Make sure that a pregnant or nursing Terrier gets all the nutrients in her diet to ensure the good health of the mother and the baby.
Feeding an Overweight Boston Terrier
Most Boston Terriers don’t weigh more than 25-30 pounds unless bred with a large parent. If you fear your Boston Terrier is getting overweight, take him to a vet and inquire about his diet requirements. The vet will design a diet plan for your dog and recommend dietary changes without compromising nutritional needs.
Gradually reduce your dog’s diet portions without compromising on the quality of the food. You can also tackle the overweight problem by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise and playing time. Some people suggest using organic treats for overweight Terriers.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Boston Terrier
Maintaining a healthy diet revolves around selecting the right foods for your Terrier. Boston Terriers would eat anything you give them. Hence, it is important to avoid certain foods to ensure good health and avoid obesity.
You must not give your dog coffee, chocolate, grapes, avocado, tomatoes, corn, or rhubarb. Caffeine-rich foods can affect the nervous system, while tomatoes can damage the digestive and urinary systems.
Moreover, you must never give your Terrier prunes, jalapenos, sausages, hummus, and wasabi.
Best Foods for Boston Terriers
Homemade Food: Homemade food is the best option for all dogs. You can feed meat, chicken, organ meat, and steamed vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrition and reasonably priced compared to canned or dry food.
Dry Dog Food: Dry food is best to feed your Terrier conveniently. It is affordable and contains all the nutrients your pup needs to stay healthy and grow properly.
Wet Dog Food: Wet food is best for seniors or Terriers with weak teeth or digestive systems. It is easier to chew and digest easily. However, giving only wet food to your pup can lead to poor breath and tooth decay.
Regardless of the food, ensure it contains all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. Protein in the diet increases energy levels, and omega-3 fats make their skin and coat beautiful. You may also give your Boston Terrier some vitamins and supplements for healthy growth and development.
What is the Right Way to Feed a Boston Terrier?
- Divide the daily calorie intake of your dog into two meals. Breakfast and dinner are the best options.
- Include treats in your dog’s daily food intake and account for their nutritional values. The treats must not exceed 15% of your dog’s daily food intake.
- You can hand-feed, use a feeding bowl or use dispenser toys to feed a Boston Terrier.
Quick and Reliable Way to Measure Your Boston Terrier’s Weight
You must know your dog’s weight to develop the right feeding plan. Knowing your dog’s weight is important for all dogs, regardless of breed, gender, and age. Here is a quick and reliable way to measure your dog’s weight at home.
- Remove your dog’s collar if it has a substantial weight.
- Hold your dog in your arms and stand on a weighing machine. Note the reading.
- Now measure your weight without the dog.
- Subtract your weight from the combined weight of your dog and yourself.
- The answer is your dog’s weight.
- Please note that this method may not work for large, heavy dogs like Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and Cane Corso.
Factors Affecting the Calorie Needs of A Boston Terrier
Activity Level: Active dogs require more food. If your dog has an active lifestyle, exercises regularly, and goes out with you on a walk, he needs more energy to meet his needs. On the other hand, lazy and stay home Terriers don’t need many calories. Hence, give them lesser portions to avoid obesity.
Neutered/Spayed: Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine states that neutered or sprayed dogs have a higher chance of becoming overweight than sexually active dogs. Hence, you must check your dog’s weight and adjust the portion size accordingly.
Type of Food: Check the food bag for nutritional values and adjust the portion size accordingly. When giving raw food, you must calculate the calories, proteins, and fats before deciding the serving size and daily quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to transition your Boston Terrier to a new food?
You may need to introduce a new diet to your Terrier depending on his energy requirements, age, or medical problems. The best way to introduce and transition to a new diet is by mixing a portion of the new diet into the old diet.
Prepare your dog’s diet by mixing 25% of the new diet with 75% for 1-2 days. Increase the ratio on subsequent days until you achieve a 100% new diet. It will take 7-10 days, depending on how much your Terrier likes the new diet.
You may need your vet’s assistance if your dog resists a new diet.
Why is my Boston Terrier refusing to eat?
Your Boston Terrier may not eat due to various reasons. He may not have the appetite due to behavioral issues, recent surgery, pain, health problems, dental disease, or stomach issues.
A Terrier may spend up to 24 hours without eating or drinking. It is better to consult a vet if he doesn’t eat after 24 hours.
Can I give bones to my Boston Terrier?
Yes. Boston Terriers love to eat bones. However, you must not give them bones larger than their jaw size. American Kennel Club has listed the do’s and don’ts of giving bones to your little friend. Follow these guidelines while giving bones to your dogs.
How to feed Boston Terriers with food allergies or sensitive stomachs?
A dog can be allergic to gluten, grain, or other food. It is difficult to assess which allergy your dog suffers from. Hence, if you notice prolonged illness or loss of appetite for more than 24 hours, take your dog to a vet. The vet will run some tests and suggest you a plan of action for moving forward.
How much water should a Boston Terrier drink daily?
It varies from dog to dog and the lifestyle of your dog. Usually, a Boston Terrier must drink 1-2 cups of water daily.
