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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 January 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Jack Russells for January 2025.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Jack Russells
The Pets Table Air Dried Chicken and Sweet Potato
The Pets Table Air Dried Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of just two recipes in this air-dried range. Free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors, this food offers a clean, nutrient-rich option for active dogs such as Jack Russells.
This particular recipe derives most of its protein from chicken, a high-quality ingredient naturally rich in all 10 essential amino acids dogs need to sustain life. Our dry matter label analysis reveals a composition of 32.5% protein, 28% fat, and 31.4% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of 87%.
While the single-animal-protein formula is cooked at lower temperatures to preserve proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, the high-fat content makes it less suitable for dogs prone to weight gain.
Read our review of the full The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Free from artificial flavors and preservatives
- Rich in amino acids
- Single-animal-protein
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, sweet potatoes, coconut oil, sunflower oil Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All Jack Russells Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at thepetstable.com"Tito LOVES the air-dried food. Have even been using them in training as high-value treats. Delivery has been really smooth. Highly recommend."
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Best Wet Dog Food For Jack Russells
Zignature Turkey Formula
The Turkey Formula is an exceptionally high-protein food highly recommend for active terriers. It’s one of 11 recipes featured in our review of the Zignature wet product line, earning top marks for its quality and nutritional value.
This limited-ingredient formula derives the majority of its protein from turkey, a lean and nutrient-rich meat high in riboflavin and selenium, a powerful antioxidant. It is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Additionally, the wet formulation provides at least 78% moisture, supporting your dog’s daily hydration needs.
Our dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 45.5% protein, 22.7% fat, and 23.8% estimated carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- High in moisture
- Limited ingredient
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Jack Russells Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Jack Russells
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine
This gently cooked Chicken Cuisine from Nom Nom is an excellent choice for energetic dogs like the Jack Russell Terrier. As one of four recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line, it provides a nutrient-rich, easily digestible meal for active dogs.
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken, which is a rich source of protein that many dogs are fond of. 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%.
The fresh diet adds an extra layer of moisture and due to its softer texture, is easier for smaller dogs to chew. It also includes sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach. Sweet potatoes provide fiber and beta-carotene for digestive health and immune support. Squash offers antioxidants and vitamins for eye health and a shiny coat, while spinach supplies iron, fiber, and vitamins for overall vitality and muscle function.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Gently cooked
- Easily digestible
- Wholesome ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water sufficient for processing, spinach Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Jack Russells Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"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!"
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Best Dog Food For Jack Russell Puppies
Nulo Freestyle Beef Recipe With Apples Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw
Nulo Freestyle Beef Recipe with Apples is a nutrient-dense raw formula that’s an excellent choice for Jack Russell puppies, designed to support their high energy levels and rapid development.
It’s one of five recipes in our review of the Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried-Raw product line.
Beef is the first ingredient, providing a high-protein, dense meat ideal for active puppies. The formula also includes organs and bone, along with wholesome fruits and vegetables like broccoli, parsley, and apple. This combination offers a fat-balanced, high-protein diet essential for their muscular build, agility, and growth needs. Packed with naturally occurring probiotics, it promotes healthy digestion and strengthens the immune system, supporting overall health.
Dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 44.2% protein, 29.5% fat, and 18.3% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Minimally processed to preserve maximum nutrition, these bits are easy to serve on their own or as a meal topper for kibble, offering versatility and convenience for feeding.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Minimally processed
- Contains organ meat
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidneys, ground beef bone Texture Freeze-dried raw Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Jack Russells Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Got this for my "picky" eater pup. He loves it! It is one of the few foods he will eat. I recommend it to anyone with a picky eater like mine!"
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Jack Russells
American Journey Active Life Formula Small Breed Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe
If you’re looking for an affordable 5-star dog food for your Jack Russell, Active Life Formula’s Salmon Recipe is an excellent choice. It’s one of 16 dry recipes in our review of the American Journey Active Life product line, offering a well-rounded, balanced diet without breaking the bank.
This recipe is rich in high-quality protein, primarily sourced from salmon and fish meal, which provide a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, while DHA supports brain and vision development—key for a growing Jack Russell.
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%.
The formula also includes a blend of antioxidants and nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, along with easily digestible, fiber-rich grains to support a strong immune system and overall health.
Read our review of the full American Journey Protein & Grains Dry Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High protein
- High fiber
- Contains omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, chicken meal (a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), rice bran Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Adult Jack Russells Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Kibbles are small, round bits, as shown in my photos. About the size of a pea. Food smells good and keeps well."
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Best Dog Food For Jack Russells With Allergies
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Bison, Lentil And Carrot
If your Jack Russell has allergies to common meats, Canidae Grain-Free Pure Bison, Lentil, and Carrot is a good option to try as the main protein source comes from real bison.
This meat was pasture-raised in Montana and Wyoming, and is free from hormones and antibiotics. Bison is a lean novel protein, rich in essential amino acids and gentle on the digestive system, making it a great option for dogs with a sensitive stomach or food intolerances.
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%. Grain-Free Pure Bison, Lentil And Carrot is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of this grain-free product line.
Formulated without corn, wheat, soy, or animal byproduct meals, it also includes sweet potatoes to aid digestion, while peas and lentils provide added nutrition for a well-rounded diet.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Novel meat
- Free from corn, wheat, soy
- Ingredients that support digestion
Main Ingredients Bison, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30.6% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Adult Jack Russells Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"She was starting to leave food in her bowl so I was concerned. She has had food allergies so I try to get limited Ingredients. She loves this! "
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Jack Russells?
Jack Russells are between 10-12 inches tall and weigh roughly 9-15 pounds.
What kind of fur does a Jack Russell have?
Jack Russells have a short coat which is smooth and wiry. They are predominantly white with distinctive markings which can be tan, black, or TriColor.
What temperament do Jack Russells have?
Jack Russells have a huge personality and the following characteristics:
- Highly intelligent
- Eager to please
- Playful
- Happy with other dogs and pets
- Good with children
- Energetic
How much exercise do Jack Russells need?
Jack Russells are highly energetic and intelligent so will need plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. Activities and training such as agility, flyball, rally, and lure coursing will help to wear them out physically and mentally.
Which health concerns do Jack Russells have?
Jack Russells are generally a healthy breed but some of the conditions to be aware of are:
- Patellar luxation
- Deafness
- Eye disease
Final word
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