Boston Terriers are a loveable breed with a distinct appearance, including short bodies, pointed ears, and squared muzzles. Although they were originally (and unfortunately) bred for fighting, they have developed a reputation that tells of their generally easy-going nature, their intelligence, and their trainability.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes this dog as “smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, and short-tailed.” They are a small but mighty breed with a muscular physique. Their tuxedo appearance has also coined them the nickname “the American Gentleman,” which very well suits their sweet and expressive personalities. You’ll notice their eyes immediately tell you how they are feeling, whether they are up to no good or looking for your attention.
The state of Massachusetts claimed this breed as its state dog in 1979, an unusual recognition offered to this very special type of dog (William Francis Galvin, 2024).
With a life expectancy between 11 to 15 years, it is important to understand the nutritional needs throughout the life of your beloved pup and provide him with the best foods, along with proper exercise, and plenty of love and affection.
What Is Best Dog Food For Boston Terrier?
- The Farmer’s Dog Customized Human-Grade Dog Food – Healthiest
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain–Free Dry Dog Food
- American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe – Most Affordable
- American Journey Stews Poultry & Beef Variety Pack
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon
- Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed
5 Key Nutritional Needs of Boston Terrier Diet
- Fat is an important component of a Boston Terrier’s diet to ensure enough energy for play time!
- Protein, however, is a heavy requirement as well. The amino acids contained within protein aide with muscle buildup, which keeps your best friend strong and active. Think fish, poultry, and meat to keep your enthusiastic buddy satisfied and healthy.
- Easy-to-digest carbohydrates are another important component of your Boston Terrier’s diet, just be sure to steer clear from grains as this singular breed is often allergic! Stick to carbohydrates that are grain-free to protect your lifetime companion and avoid distressing allergic reactions.
- Probiotics are an excellent supplement that aide in the reduction of allergy development and with food absorption.
- Omega-3s serve an important purpose with your Boston Terrier also; they promote a healthy skin and coat and can provide relief following the development of skin allergies.
6 Common Food Allergy Symptoms in Boston Terriers
Your small, lively friend can suffer from allergies from many different sources, including food additives. They have sensitive tummies that require their human companion’s keen care. Keep an eye on your Boston Terrier and if any of the following symptoms arise, review his diet and make necessary changes.
- Atopic dermatitis – this is a skin condition that develops as an allergic reaction to food. Your pup may exhibit excessive licking or chewing at the site in attempts to ease the discomfort they feel. Their skin gets flaky, feels itchy, and can become inflamed. Without proper attention and care, the condition may worsen, leading to infections, calloused skin, and even loss of hair.
- Ear infections – if your Boston Terrier is suffering from frequent ear infections, food allergies may be a culprit.
- Vomiting – if you notice your pet vomiting, he may be allergic to recent foods consumed. Review what he ate prior to vomiting and check out the ingredients. There may be an additive that is not digestible for his sensitive stomach.
- Diarrhea – if accompanied by vomiting, it is best to take your pet to the veterinarian right away. This is another symptom that lets you know foods are not settling well or being processed normally.
- Excessive flatulence – although Boston Terriers are commonly known for their funny snorts, burps, and gas, excessive flatulence could be signaling something more serious.
- Loss of appetite and signs of pain – Celiac disease is a condition that emerges from the inability to tolerate all gluten. Malnourishment could severely affect your pooch so if you suspect this may be an issue, a visit to the vet is your best bet.
Our 2024 Picks : Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers
Boston Terrier Dog Food Reviews
The Farmer’s Dog Customized Human-Grade Dog Food
When it comes to high-quality dog food, nothing is better than fresh. Fresh dog food made with wholesome, natural ingredients is the foundation of a healthy diet for any Boston Terrier.
The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh food delivery service that sends pre-portioned packages of fresh dog food right to your door on a monthly basis.
You simply fill out a profile online using your dog’s basic information and then choose from several protein-rich, low-carbohydrate recipes. All of The Farmer’s Dog recipes are loaded with animal ingredients and come in a wide range of nutrient ratios and calorie concentrations so you can choose the right one for your Boston Terrier.
You can rest easily knowing that every recipe is packed with premium protein and digestible grain-free carbohydrates with essential nutrients added for nutritional balance. Plus, your dog will love the natural flavor.
- Pros: Fresh food delivered monthly, pre-portioned according to dog’s needs, rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, grain-free and low-glycemic, complete and nutritionally balanced
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, limited number of recipes
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain–Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Prepared with authentic buffalo as the main ingredient
- All ingredients are grain-free
- Vitamins and antioxidants added
- Zero fillers or artificial ingredients
- Extremely digestible product with an added probiotic blend
Overall Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers – The Taste of the Wild dog food is highly rated and includes a variety of natural ingredients, including buffalo, chicken fat, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, and raspberries. In addition, vitamins have been added to assist with optimal digestion. Primary minerals and support from the probiotic blend aide with food absorption to ensure stable nutrition.
This particular formula includes ingredients rich in protein like bison, venison, and beef to promote muscle growth. Omega 3s and Omega 6 fatty acids are included to assist with a consistently healthy coat and skin free of flakiness and itchiness. This dog food is made in the United States where stringent food safety procedures are consistently employed – it is a brand that can be trusted for this reason.
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten-free formula
- Natural ingredients
- Trusted brand
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other brands
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- All ingredients are grain-free and gluten-free
- Added fruits and vegetables to promote a healthy immune system
- Made with deboned salmon for high-protein consumption
- Contains foods rich in fiber for stable energy
Most Inexpensive (Cheap) – This American Journey dry dog food has a recipe that includes salmon, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, along with other nutritious ingredients like kelp and blueberries. This formula has been created to provide your adored canine with enough fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Salmon oil and flaxseed infused into the recipe encourage the healthy growth of both the brain and eyes.
Since our beloved Boston Terriers are prone to food allergies, this product omits soy, wheat, and corn to prevent tummy troubles. The salmon protein offers a tasty product that also intentionally delivers the amino acids your small furry friend needs to keep consistent muscle mass.
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten-free formula
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Affordable product
Cons:
- Not guaranteed to be free of genetically modified foods (GMO)
- No small breed formula
American Journey Stews Poultry & Beef Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Key Features:
- All ingredients are grain-free
- Meat-rich recipe with beef and chicken
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Tasty broth flavor dogs love
- Added vegetables, vitamins, and minerals
Best Canned Food for Boston Terriers – This American Journey variety pack of canned dog food contains either real beef or chicken as the primary ingredient to ensure protein-filled diets. The stew consistency contains a savory broth and vegetables, including carrots and potatoes that dogs thoroughly enjoy. The formula omits poultry by-products like meal, artificial colors, wheat, and soy.
Vitamins and minerals, along with essential amino acids are included in this recipe to provide balanced nutrition for your Boston Terrier and support healthy skin and a healthy coat.
Pros:
- All ingredients are grain-free
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Flavorful wet food dogs enjoy
Cons:
- Not guaranteed to be free of genetically modified foods (GMO)
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- All ingredients are grain-free
- Limited carbohydrates
- One animal protein source
- Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
Best Limited Ingredient Food for Boston Terriers – This Natural Balance dry dog food is specially formulated for dogs who have delicate tummies, much like our gentlemanly Boston Terriers. Including only one animal protein source: salmon; it is created to be easily digested. This recipe is meant to reduce the risk of allergy flare-ups.
The limited carbohydrates include sweet potatoes which also offer fiber for your doggo, providing energy and promoting healthy digestion. In addition, this formula includes the Omega 3s retrieved from flaxseeds to keep your Boston Terrier looking as good as he feels.
Pros:
- Grain-free formula
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Limited ingredients to lessen the risk of allergic reactions
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other brands
- Not available in puppy formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Smaller kibble size for puppies
- Includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
- Zero poultry by-products
- Zero wheat, soy, or corn
Best Boston Terrier Puppy Food – This Blue Buffalo dry dog food is meant for growing puppies until about the age of 12 months who require support as their little bodies develop. Feeding instructions include specifics for dogs 1 – 3 months, 3 – 5 months, 5 – 7 months, and 7 – 12 months.
The formula includes essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus to help the growth of strong bones. It includes deboned chicken for protein, contains whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and essential fatty acids. Since growing puppies require so much support for overall growth, this recipe is dedicated to ensuring the appropriate amount of nutrients are contained within it to enhance your budding pups’ immune system.
Blue Buffalo creates specialized recipes for different stages of a dog’s development. This puppy formula not only encourages immune health and muscle growth, it also encourages healthy skin and a healthy coat, along with dental well-being. Those small kibbles assist with tartar removal – they get their nutrition and clean up their teeth all at the same time.
Pros:
- Specialized puppy formula
- Small kibble size for easy chewing
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients
Cons:
- Not a grain-free formula
6 More Top Rated Boston Terrier Foods:
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult Farm Raised Chicken
Key Features:
- Primary ingredient: real chicken
- Small kibble size
- Formulated for small breeds
- No artificial flavors or colors
- No preservatives
This Nutro formula is created specifically for small breeds. It includes farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient and it omits by-products, soy protein, and artificial flavors. Natural ingredients promote healthy muscle development and solid metabolism. The special kibble size is meant for smaller jaws and aides dental health by helping to lessen tartar accumulation and plaque.
Since this recipe uses chicken as a primary ingredient, your Boston Terrier gets adequate protein. The special formulation for small breeds means the protein, fat, and carbs included have been selected with just the right amounts and not the generalized amounts included for foods meant for all breeds.
As with most dog foods, your furry one will be getting the essential fatty acids required for that healthy skin and glossy coat they love to sport!
Pros:
- Guaranteed to be free of genetically modified foods (GMO)
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Small breed specific
Cons:
- Not a grain-free formula
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- All ingredients grain-free and gluten-free
- Specialized for small breeds
- High-quality protein
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
This Wellness CORE formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin for bones and joints and is made up of high-quality ingredients, including turkey and chicken protein, to encourage the lively personality of your Boston Terrier. Probiotics and antioxidants are also included in this recipe to deliver a balanced diet that supports your dog’s inherent needs.
In addition to providing natural ingredients, this dry dog food omits unnecessary and often damaging fillers, including grains, to keep your Boston Terrier’s tummy sensibilities at bay.
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten-free formula
- Supports bones and joints
- Includes salmon oil for skin and coat protection
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other brands
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Formulated for pups with a sensitive digestive system
- Includes salmon as a high-protein source
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial colors or flavors
This Purina Pro Plan dry dog food has plenty of yummy salmon protein for your Boston Terrier and includes fiber to ensure an easy-to-digest experience. The recipe incorporates carbohydrates like oat meal and rice to make the breakdown process an easy one. Fish oil incorporates those ever-important fatty acids that aide with that gorgeous skin and coat, along with support for movement.
Real salmon is the name of this product’s game – your Boston Terrier needs that lean muscle mass support. The carbs included in this formula are simple and work through his system with ease. With food allergies in mind, this formula omits artificial flavoring, soy, and wheat.
Pros:
- Formulated for easy digestion
- Nutrient-rich ingredients
- Includes fish oil for multiple benefits
Cons:
- Not a grain-free formula
Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- All ingredients are grain-free
- Primary ingredient: real salmon
- Zero corn or artificial flavors
- Added vitamins and minerals
This Nature’s Recipe dry dog food includes salmon as its high-quality protein and is meant to support your Boston Terrier’s muscle production and growth. The grain-free formula incorporates pumpkin and sweet potato to encourage those active energy levels we know and love! Since your pup loves to keep active, the recipe also includes the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep him happy and thriving.
In addition to the yummy vegetables included in this formula, antioxidant fruits are added to maintain an immune system that functions optimally. With all quality ingredients, this dog food provides a tasty and easily digestible meal for your best friend.
Pros:
- Grain-free formula
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Affordable product compared to other brands
Cons:
- Not a good formula for weight control
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- Gluten-free formula
- Limited ingredients
- Primary ingredient: lamb meal
- Cooked in the U.S.A.
Rachael Ray’s Nutrish recipe is comprised of limited ingredients with delicate bellies in mind. The primary ingredient in this formula is lamb meal, offering the protein boost your Boston Terrier requires for ongoing muscle retention.
There is zero wheat, soy, or corn in this dog food, making it a great choice for pets who have allergies. The recipe also boasts zero artificial ingredients and fillers and adds the minerals and vitamins required for your pup’s best health.
The “Just 6” in the title of this product refers to the six wholesome ingredients included in this formula, keeping the list of potential allergens short and precise so you can make a healthful decision that best serves your cherished pet.
Pros:
- Guaranteed to be free of genetically modified foods (GMO)
- No fillers or artificial flavors
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
- Affordable product compared to other brands
Cons:
- Not a grain-free formula
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features:
- All ingredients are grain-free
- 95% organic formula
- Probiotics and prebiotics included in the recipe
- Smaller kibble size for small breeds
The Castor & Pollux Organix formula is made with free-range chicken as its primary ingredient. In addition, it includes organic flaxseed and coconut oil for a little boost of extra nutrition. The kibble size is smaller than usual to comfortably fit the small jaw of your Boston Terrier’s mouth. The probiotic and prebiotics promote the healthy digestion that we know is of vital importance for your little one.
Castor & Pollux boast as leaders in the organic pet food industry and they live up to their reputation, with 95% of their ingredient list being certified organic by the USDA. They also omit corn, wheat, and soy from their recipe to avoid those pesky tummy troubles.
Pros:
- Guaranteed to be free of genetically modified foods (GMO)
- Grain-free formula
- Organic ingredients
- Zero corn, wheat, or soy
Cons:
- Only sold in 4-lb or 10-lb bags
Our 2024 Boston Terrier Feeding Guide
Puppy Boston Terriers
The puppy stage can be the cutest and most enjoyable phase for new pet parents as they watch their new member of the family become acquainted with their home environment. It is also a very important time to consider which foods are being presented, for the ingredients provided during this growing chapter will set the stage for healthy development and an optimal future.
These little ones will grow rapidly and require high protein for continued muscle development and low fat to maintain energy. A formula designated for puppies who are small breeds is the best choice – it will contain a recipe optimized for your puppy’s growing body and will present a small enough kibble size for a comfortable chew.
Be sure to pay attention to feeding instructions! Blue Buffalo suggests a pet between 6 – 10 lbs. at 1 – 3 months should have 1 – 1 ¾ cups of kibble per day. At 6 months, your Boston Terrier should be weighing approximately 7.9 lbs. – 18.7 lbs., depending on size (BelPatt, 2017). Your 12-month old Boston Terrier will reach a weight between 9.9 lbs. and 24 lbs., depending on size (BelPatt, 2017).
Monitor your pet’s weight at its different growth stages: 5 months, 7 months, and of course 12 months. If you feel your pup may be underweight or overweight, employ your vet’s assistance. Your new best friend may need a change in diet.
Adult Boston Terrier
Your Boston Terrier will mature at about 12 months and at that point, you will be able to switch from a dog food specialized for puppies to an adult dog food, preferably one designed for small breeds. You will notice your pup has gotten significantly larger and heavier, based on their size, and they will also be ready for a shift in their nutrition.
Adult Boston Terriers should be eating slightly less protein and fat. Since these small, gentlemanly pups are prone to so many health issues, be mindful of overfeeding. Keeping a high protein content will aide with weight control, encouraging the maintenance of their lean muscle mass.
Be sure to heed feeding instructions from your preferred dog food vendor. Taste of the Wild High Prairie suggests dogs between 10 – 20 lbs. should have ¾ – 1 ½ cups of kibbles per day. At this stage, your Boston Terrier will have reached maturation and should weigh no more than 25 lbs.
Senior Boston Terrier
At about age 7, your Boston Terrier will be reaching its senior stage of life. You will notice several changes as your pup reaches the last years of his life, one of which may be a slowing metabolism. At this point, it is best to introduce dog food that is specially designed for senior dogs, preferably a product meant for small breeds.
If you keep the same adult formula, you may want to consider reducing the daily intake of kibbles. Keep an eye on your aging buddy’s weight and adjust it appropriately – each dog will experience a different set of changes in his later life and he will be counting on you to pay attention and tend to his needs as they shift. Your senior Boston Terrier should maintain its healthy adult weight, never going over the maximum weight for this breed at 25 lbs.
FAQ
Should a Boston Terrier eat dry or canned food?
While each pet is different, it is important to consider general recommendations. Since Boston Terriers are so sensitive to different foods and food additives, it is wise to consider which foods best interact with their sensitive tummies
Commonly, Boston Terriers benefit most from grain-free dry food and especially if they are puppies, a formula designed with their small jaws in mind – meaning small kibble sizes. While canned food offers a palate advantage for your little one, it may create an unfortunate side-effect: bad breath! Pet parents love puppy kisses but if they are eating the wrong foods, the affection shared with your four-legged buddy may take a turn.
When your Boston Terrier eats primarily dry food, you must consider water consumption and ensure they are drinking enough to keep them hydrated!
Should my Boston Terrier eat a grain free diet?
Ideally, yes. Boston Terriers, like other dogs, have never originally eaten grains. Although they are known to be lively, domesticated animals who eat the food humans provide, they simply do not have the digestive system to handle grains. Grains provide poor nutritional value and are often used as fillers in dog food.
Considering the food sensitivities of Boston Terriers, it may be a better route to avoid grains altogether. However, as each pooch is different, some pets may take more easily to certain ingredients. Grain-free foods will generally prevent stomach upset and all the other discomfort that accompanies it, including vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. Grain-free foods will also encourage healthy skin and a healthy coat.
Do Boston Terriers have sensitive stomachs?
Yes! They sure do. They are likely to develop food allergies or simply be intolerant of certain ingredients. If you know your pup’s genetic history and have identified if one or both parents had an allergy to corn or gluten, it is highly likely your Boston Terrier will also experience the same allergic reactions.
Why does my Boston Terrier fart so much?
Boston Terriers can be gassy due to their sensitive tummies, especially if they are adjusting to a new type of food. However, you can minimize those stinky moments by ensuring no one in your household is feeding your furry friend any human food. Although their expressive eyes may persuade you to give them just “one bite,” that one bite could upset their tummies and leave you opening all windows for some fresh air.
You’ll also need to pay mind to the ingredients of the dog food you are buying. Learn to recognize ingredients that are just meant as fillers and provide no nutritional value. Your Boston Terrier should only be consuming the highest-quality ingredients, preferably with a probiotic blend to assist with digestion.
Keep in mind that even if you are providing only the best ingredients, if you are overfeeding your pup, this may also have the same consequence of excessive flatulence. Keeping your Boston Terrier’s tummy happy requires a delicate balance, but it is one that is oh-so worth it!
Is a Boston Terrier considered a small breed?
Yes, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Boston Terrier size is divided into three classes: 15 pounds and under, 15 – 20 pounds, and a maximum weight of 25 pounds. Their bodies are short, no taller than 17 inches for males and 16 inches for females, but they maintain a proportional appearance.
Boston Terrier Dog Food – RECAP
You’ve taken a great first step by informing yourself which dog foods are best for your Boston Terrier’s optimal growth and function. The more you understand the sensitivities of this small breed, the better you can equip yourself to provide only the highest-quality ingredients for your growing, matured, or aging small friend.
Keep reviewing those ingredients as you shop for dog food and make sure that 1) high-quality protein is the main ingredient, 2) there is enough fat in the recipe, and 3) those added vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids are included. Keep avoiding unnecessary fillers, corn, wheat, and soy to keep your Boston Terrier’s stomach digesting with ease.
As you and your four-legged friend explore dietary options, keep feeding instructions at the forefront of your mind and please, avoid sharing your human food! It may be a tasty treat, but it will not be digested optimally and will likely result in discomfort for your pet and you as you deal with those repercussions. Purchasing grain-free formulas will better secure your dog’s delicate tummy and prevent health complications in the future.
With the concerns regarding your dog’s diet out of the way, you and your best friend can enjoy each other’s company with plenty of play time, daily walks, and the ever-welcome snuggles you’ve surely come to enjoy. Here’s to a full, long, and healthy life with your Boston Terrier!
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