What’s the best dog food for Jack Russells?
When it comes to selecting the best food for a Jack Russell Terrier, it’s important to consider their individual needs, including their age, activity level, and any specific dietary requirements or sensitivities.
Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right food for your Jack Russell Terrier:
Look for a high-quality dog food that provides a balanced blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The food should meet the nutritional requirements set by organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Consider your Jack Russell’s life stage—whether it’s a puppy, adult, or senior dog—and select a food formulated specifically for that age. Each life stage has different nutritional needs, and specialized formulas can cater to those needs accordingly.
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic, and active dogs, so a diet rich in high-quality proteins is important. Look for dog foods that list animal-based proteins (such as chicken, turkey, or fish) as the main ingredients. Avoid products that rely heavily on plant-based protein sources.
Healthy fats are essential for maintaining your Jack Russell’s skin and coat health, as well as providing a source of energy. Look for recipes that include sources of beneficial fats such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil or flaxseed) to promote a healthy coat and support overall well-being.
Jack Russell Terriers are typically small to medium-sized dogs. If you choose a dry food, make sure the kibble size is appropriate for their mouth size to make it easier for them to chew and digest.
Some Jack Russell Terriers may have specific dietary sensitivities or allergies. If you notice any signs of digestive upset, skin issues, or other allergic reactions, consult with your veterinarian to identify potential allergens and consider a limited ingredient diet or specialized formulas.
Here is our list of the best food for Jack Russells designed to help dog parents make an informed choice when buying food for their pet.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Jack Russells.
Best Dog Food for Jack Russells
September 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for Jack Russells for September 2023.
Zignature
The Turkey Formula is one of 13 wet recipes included in our review of the Zignature wet product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal,
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
Zignature Turkey Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 45.5% protein, 22.7% fat and 23.8% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Sample buyer review… “Usually feed my dogs the Zignature Turkey dry kibble and thought I’d switch it up. They devoured the canned food. They are now sitting by their bowl area until I feed them.”
Blue Buffalo
Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner With Garden Vegetables & Sweet Potatoes is one of 12 wet recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Homestyle product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef broth, beef liver, carrots, peas
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner With Garden Vegetables & Sweet Potatoes derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38.6% protein, 27.3% fat and 26.1% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
Sample buyer review… “We had tried a variety of canned options as well as making homemade broth to put on her dry dog food. Since buying this, Charlie is licking her chops as we are opening the can! She eats her whole bowl immediately and licks the bowl!”
Canidae
Grain-Free Pure Bison, Lentil And Carrot is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Bison, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Bison, Lentil And Carrot derives the bulk of its meat protein from bison. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30.6% protein, 14.4% fat and 47% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Sample buyer review… “I’ve never seen my dog scarf up her food quite like this before. And good poops. I tend to rotate food about every 6 months as is typically recommended but I don’t know if we will want to move away from this one.”
Nulo
Freestyle Beef Recipe With Apples Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw is one of 5 raw recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried-Raw product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidneys, ground beef bone
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
Nulo Freestyle Beef Recipe With Apples Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44.2% protein, 29.5% fat and 18.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Sample buyer review… “My puppy eats nutri source but is never excited about it 🙁 we tried “the honest kitchen” he didn’t like it but he goes crazy for this! I’m so glad that he actually enjoys his food now. Thanks Nulo!”
American Journey
Active Life Formula Small Breed Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe is one of 16 dry recipes included in our review of the American Journey Active Life product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, chicken meal (a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), rice bran
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
American Journey Active Life Formula Small Breed Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from fish. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18.9% fat and 43.1% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Sample buyer review… “Kibbles are small, round bits, as shown in my photos. About the size of a pea. Food smells good and keeps well.”
Nom Nom
Chicken Cuisine is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water sufficient for processing, spinach
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 26.1% fat and 29% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
Sample buyer review… “Tula gets so excited when it’s mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they’ve ever been. I can’t imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!”
More Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Jack Russells:
How big are Jack Russells?
What kind of fur does a Jack Russell have?
What temperament do Jack Russells have?
- Highly intelligent
- Eager to please
- Playful
- Happy with other dogs and pets
- Good with children
- Energetic
How much exercise do Jack Russells need?
Which health concerns do Jack Russells have?
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
- Eye disease
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