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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 November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Jack Russells for November 2024.
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1. Zignature
The Turkey Formula is one of 11 wet recipes included in our review of the Zignature wet product line.
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%.
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
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 Puppies and Dogs 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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2. Blue Buffalo
Homestyle Recipe Beef Dinner With Garden Vegetables & Sweet Potatoes is one of 10 wet recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Homestyle product line.
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%.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes Dog Food (Wet) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, beef liver, carrots, peas Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 38.6 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Blue Buffalo"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!"
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3. The Pets Table
The Pets Table Air Dried Chicken and Sweet Potato received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 4 stars.
It is one of two recipes in this range made by The Pets Table, a company founded in 2023 by Laurent Guillemain, Anisha Chandra, and Dovas Zakas.
The Pets Table Air Dried Chicken and Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in all 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 29% protein, 35% fat and 28% carbohydrates. . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 122%.
This product range uses single animal protein and is cooked at lower temperatures to preserve the healthy proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. It contains no added fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
Please note: If your dog is susceptible to weight gain this range would not be an ideal choice due to the high FPR (fat-to-protein ratio).
Read our review of the full The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, sweet potatoes, coconut oil, sunflower oil Type Air-dried Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at The Pets Table"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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4. Canidae
Grain-Free Pure Bison, Lentil And Carrot is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.
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%.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Bison, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30.6 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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5. Nulo
Freestyle Beef Recipe With Apples Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw is one of five raw recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried-Raw product line.
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%.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidneys, ground beef bone Type Grain-free, freeze-dried raw Protein Percentage 44.2 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Nulo.com"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!"
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6. 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.
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%.
Read our review of the full American Journey Protein & Grains Dry Dog Food range here
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 Dogs 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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7. NomNom
Chicken Cuisine is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.
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%.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water sufficient for processing, spinach Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 37 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs 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!"
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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