How Much To Feed A West Highland White Terrier Puppy?

West Highland White Terriers are small white dogs that were bred for hunting in Scotland, but they now make their living as faithful little companions. Sensitive stomachs, food allergies, and diabetes are more common in this breed than in most others, and feeding choices can help with these concerns.

Some Westies may benefit from a hypoallergenic diet, particularly one with hydrolyzed protein. Make sure you give your little, energetic dog high-quality food in the appropriate proportions to keep him healthy and to help or prevent some of the health problems that can affect Westies.

To know how much to feed a west highland white terrier puppy, keep reading!

How Much Should A West Highland White Terrier Puppy Eat?

When it comes to feeding your baby Westie, there are several unique considerations you'll want to make. So, how much should a puppy Westie eat?

A Westie puppy should be consuming 3-4 ounces of food each day, split into two or three meals, around the age of 7 to 8 weeks. This is a small portion of what an adult dog should consume. A young puppy does not require as much food as an adult dog, but it does require a lot of energy due to its rapid growth.

Getting a Westie's feeding habits off to a healthy start will benefit them for the rest of their lives and help them enjoy the best life possible. We'll go through why you should limit your pet's diet in a bit more detail later.

West Highland White Terrier Puppy Feeding Chart

What Is the Appropriate Amount of Food for an Elderly Westie?

As dogs get older, they don't play as hard. Because of the decrease in activity and energy level, your Westie will require fewer calories to keep going. So, what kind of portions should an elderly dog be given.

In general, as most dogs reach their senior years, their food should be reduced by roughly 20%. This is due to changes in their metabolism, which cause them to burn fewer calories and accumulate more fat as they get older.

When it comes to meal portions, your Westie's age does matter. If a mature Westie requires less food than one in its prime, it raises concerns about how to feed a dog at the opposite end of the age spectrum.

Why Should a Westie's Food Be Restricted?

Owners of Westies adore their pets. As a result, resisting the impulse to “spoil” them by feeding them additional food or treats might be difficult at times. As difficult as it may be, you must remember that food will not improve your dog's life as much as a healthy weight will. But why is this the case in the first place? Why restrict your Westie's diet?

Obesity and other health concerns can be avoided by assisting your dog in maintaining a healthy weight. If they refuse meals, it will be clear that something is wrong with them.

Anyone who loves their dog would want to avoid health concerns in their pet. It's critical that we talk about the indicators that you're overfeeding your dog and the consequences for your Westie's health.

What is an Adult Westie's Ideal Weight?

Limiting your Westie's calorie consumption will make weight management much easier. But how much should your dog weigh exactly?

A fully grown and healthy West Highland Terrier will weigh between 16 and 20 pounds. Male and female dogs have different weights, with males being heavier.

The health of your Westie will certainly be affected by whether or not you overfeed him, but what can you expect to see in an overweight dog?

What Are the Signs That Your Westie Is Overfed?

There are a few more signs that your Westie is being overfed, aside from his becoming progressively huskier and chunkier till he is obese.

Problems with the Stomach and Bowel. This can involve vomiting, diarrhea, and a lot of flatulence in dogs.

Skin and Hair Issues Westies have a low shedding rate. Overfeeding, on the other hand, may cause them to lose hair more regularly. They may also have skin issues that cause them to scratch and itch excessively.

Issues that are shared. Because the dog is carrying greater weight, it will put additional strain on his or her joints, potentially leading to other issues.

Westie who is sluggish. Most dogs enjoy naps, but if you overfeed your dog on a regular basis, you'll discover that he doesn't have much energy to accomplish anything.

When overfeeding symptoms go ignored for a long period, they might develop into more serious, chronic illnesses.

What Health Issues Can a Westie With An Obesity Problem Have?

The longer your Westie is overfed and carries extra weight around, the more likely they are to develop long-term health problems. The following are some chronic problems that might develop in your Westie as a result of regular overfeeding/eating:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Illness of the lungs
• Heart Issues
• Knee or joint problems that last a long time
• Anxiety, aggressiveness, or hyperactivity are all symptoms of anxiety. Too much food might lead to a surplus of useless energy.

Fortunately, keeping your pet's weight at a healthy range can help prevent the majority of these illnesses.

How To Take Care Of Your West Highland White Terrier?

Overeating can cause a variety of health problems in dogs, just as it can in humans. The difference is that your Westie looks to you for assistance with this aspect of his or her health. Extra food is rarely refused by dogs. You may dramatically improve your dog's quality of life and length of life just by being mindful of and careful with the amount of food supplied to them.

What Should I Feed My Westie in Terms of Food?

West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are a breed of petite, high-energy dogs. We incorporated some of these ideas for feeding your Westie because these dogs are renowned for having allergies and digestive troubles.

How to Feed an Adult Westie

When fully developed, most adult Westies weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. Young adult Westies have more energy than older Westies and will require more food.

Feeding your Westie about 1 cup of food for every 15 to 20 pounds of body weight is a good rule of thumb. Spreading the food out into two smaller meals rather than one large meal per day is better for your dog.

How to Feed a Senior Westie

Your dog may become less active as they age, and you will need to reduce their food intake to keep them from becoming overweight.

Older Westies may have poor dental health or have lost a few teeth as they age, necessitating a wet food diet. Some Westies are fussy eaters and will benefit from a small amount of canned food sprinkled on top of their kibble to encourage them to eat.

How about some treats?

We all enjoy giving our dogs treats. Treats should only be given in moderation when adding to your dog's diet. If you give your Westie a lot of snacks every day, he or she may grow overweight.

When offering a lot of goodies, especially if your dog is in training, it's advisable to cut back on the amount of kibble your dog eats each day to balance out the calories from the treats. You might also want to think about using training treats.

How Long Should My Westie Wait to Exercise After Eating?

Bloat, often known as a twisted stomach, can occur in dogs who run around on an empty stomach. Allowing your Westie to exercise or swim after eating should be done two hours later.

You should also wait 30 minutes before feeding your dog after exercising.

How Many Calories Does A West Highland White Terrier Puppy Need?

Westies who compete in agility competitions, for example, require more calories per day. Active dogs of the same size as the Westie require approximately 700 kilocalories per day, whereas inactive dogs of the same size require approximately 450 kilocalories. On the packaging of some dog foods, the calories-per-unit-measure information is printed near the ingredients list. Others may require you to phone a helpline number listed on the box to obtain information.

West Highland White Terrier Puppies’ Best Dog Food

West Highland White Terrier Adult Dry Dog Food by Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition

This food is made up of little bite-sized kibble that your dog can easily chew and enjoy.

Ingredients like Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been added to help protect your Westie's joints. It also contains Omega fatty acids, which can help protect your dog's skin from allergies. This will assist in keeping their coats gleaming and white.

Royal Canin is an excellent diet to give your Westie on a daily basis in order for them to remain healthy, happy, and live a long life.

Pros:

Designed specifically for Westies.

Kibbles of a smaller size

Aids in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat

Cons: Very palliative

Cost

The most common protein that can trigger food allergies is chicken.

Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food, 15 lb. is the best dog food for Westie puppies.

Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds

Eukanuba puppy chow includes a high-quality protein that your Westie needs to grow and develop properly. This diet also provides DHA, a fatty acid that promotes brain health and development.

It offers the right quantity of protein and lipids to assist your new puppy to keep up with his or her high energy demands.

Pros:

Designed specifically for puppies

Muscle, bone, and brain growth are all aided by this supplement.

Gives your puppy the energy it needs to grow.

Cons:

This product contains chicken by-products.

This product contains grains.

Best Dog Food for Westies with Allergies to the Skin

Allergies and skin infections are common in Westies. Many times, your Westie's allergies are caused by the food you feed him. Skin allergies in your Westie can be avoided with the Nutro Limited Ingredient diet.

Salmon is the main source of protein in this diet. The majority of dogs who are allergic to a certain protein are allergic to chicken or beef. It will assist if you exclude one of these proteins from your Westie's diet.

This meal also has a limited number of ingredients, which helps to reduce the amount of items to which your Westie may be allergic. This diet's ten primary elements are excellent for keeping your dog's skin healthy and lustrous.

Pros:

The major ingredient is salmon.

There are no grains, artificial colors, or fillers in this product, which helps to build a healthy, lustrous coat and supports a healthy GI system.

Cons:

This diet is unappealing to some finicky dogs.

For really small Westies, kibble pieces may be too large.

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs in Westies

Purina Pro Plan is high-quality dog food. Small Breed Dog Food, Salmon & Rice Formula – 5 lb. Bag Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach

The stomach of certain Westies can be quite sensitive. Diarrhea might occur if they attempt a new meal or diet. Many GI disorders can be avoided by feeding your Westie a sensitive stomach diet.

Purina Pro Plan is high-quality dog food. The sensitive stomach diet also includes probiotics, which can help cure and prevent a variety of GI problems.

Food allergies are common in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Changing your dog's diet to a different protein, such as salmon, will often help your dog with persistent GI troubles.

This food provides all of the vitamins and minerals required to keep your Westie healthy and happy, as well as to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

Pros:

Probiotics are included to aid digestion and immunological support.

Salmon is the first element in a high-protein diet.

Designed to keep up with your tiny dog's high energy levels.

Cons:

Contains grains, which might create problems for dogs who are allergic to grains.

Should You Feed A West Highland White Terrier Puppy Supplements?

Dietary supplements will improve your dog's nutrition by adding particular ingredients for specific West Highland White Terrier ailments or for your dog's unique demands.

There are certain health issues that are more common in certain breeds than others. It's critical to note that the appropriate diet, which includes all vital vitamins and minerals, will go a long way toward preventing and reducing the severity of breed-related problems, as well as the need for dog supplements.

When a dog needs extra nutritional assistance, choose natural, whole-food supplements that are free of chemicals, synthetics, and non-species-appropriate components.

How Much Water Should A West Highland White Terrier Puppy Drink? 

Adult dogs, on average, require one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Despite their diminutive size, growing puppies consume more than their adult counterparts. However, a lot depends on your puppy's age, size, and amount of activity.

Young puppies get all of their hydration from their mother's milk. They will require a fresh supply of water as they are weaned and begin to eat solid food. Puppies need around a half cup of water every two hours on average. You'll need to keep an eye on your puppy to make sure he's getting plenty to drink… but not too much.

Older puppies who have been weaned require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, for example, he'll require between 10 and 20 ounces of water every day. He may require even more water on really active days.

Creating A Consistent Feeding Schedule for West Highland White Terrier

After you've settled on the type of food you'll feed, you'll need to figure out how you'll feed it. While you may have a preference as a human, the final decision is ultimately up to the dog. However, many dogs demand a scheduled feeding.

This simply means that the food is placed in front of the dog for up to twenty minutes before being withdrawn, whether or not it is eaten. This is a wonderful habit for indoor dogs to develop since it allows them to prepare for exercise breaks and trips outside.

Many pets are given free food. It's as simple as setting up an automatic feeder or a bowl of food for the dog so that they have control over when and how much they eat. If the dog is not a glutton or if there are dogs who get along well together, this is a nice approach to feed.

If you have a dominating dog, it may block other dogs from getting to the food, or it may eat until it is full to keep others from receiving any! Both dominant and submissive animals suffer as a result of this. If your dogs are aggressive toward each other, don't feed them together.

West Highland White Terrier Background Information

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie as he's popularly known, is a “large dog in a little dog's body,” to put it mildly. He isn't aggressive or irritable, and he doesn't need to challenge or demand anything. He's not so much stubborn as he is curious about the benefits. If you can persuade him that what you want is in his best interests, he'll go along with your plan.

Originally bred for hunting and ratting, the Westie evolved the ability to think for himself, which he still enjoys today (although there will undoubtedly be times you might not enjoy it quite as much). Rather than chasing rodents, the Westie's natural urge to work is now channeled into agility and obedience competitions.

He's also a therapy dog, and a couple of Westies have even joined search-and-rescue teams. He's also recognized for participating in earth dog trials, tracking, and flyball competitions. You can channel all of his vigors into one or more of these endeavors.

The West Highland White Terrier, on the other hand, is mostly a companion who improves his family's life with his crazy antics and zest for life. He's a friendly dog who gets along with everyone, including strangers, and he's not a one-person dog. He gets along nicely with children of all ages and thrives in a household with older children.

In public, he gets along with other dogs (unless there are two intact males in the group), and he flourishes in households with many dogs. He can adjust to cats; despite pursuing them on occasion, he normally gets along OK with amicable felines. Because the teeny white one has a strong prey drive, he cannot adjust to small animals that run free, such as rabbits or gerbils.

The Westie is adaptable to any living scenario and thrives in both the country and the city. He must, however, reside indoors with his family and not outside. If properly exercised and trained not to bark, he is a wonderful apartment tenant. He's content to stay at home while you're at work, and he'll be OK on his own during your shift with the right stimulation and safety precautions. To top it off, he's a breeze to travel with, whether on long excursions or just running errands.

The West Highland White Terrier is a simple dog to train. He's bright and quick to pick things up, so training will keep him entertained as long as it's pleasant and constant. In fact, the only way to train a Westie is to use positive reinforcement along with consistency. For him, clicker training is a fantastic technique of instruction. Using harsh punishments is a waste of time since his “what's in it for me” attitude will likely kick in, prompting him to shut down and ignore the directions.

When he sees or hears something unusual, the Westie will undoubtedly alert bark, and he will always announce visitors, letter carriers, and canines who walk in front of the house. Some people will even call out to bugs that fly by. To put it another way, he can be quite loud. He can be taught to bark only once when he sees or hears something if he is properly trained from a young age.

The Westie is a popular breed that can be friendly and devoted while yet possessing enough independence and self-assurance to not require pampering (though he will never refuse it). Some Westies prefer to be lapdogs over others. He enjoys being clean, which makes housetraining him a breeze. For a first-time or inexperienced dog owner, he is an excellent companion. Even the coldest of hearts can be warmed by the Westie's easygoing nature, clever eyes, and fun-loving personality.

When he's inside (where he might recline on the couch like a white lounge lizard), the Westie regularly transforms into a different dog outside. He may be a speed demon in the dog park, or he can spend all day hiking with his owners. He enjoys romping about the backyard sniffing and exploring his realm, playing games, and hurling plush squeaky toys around. And, while he enjoys digging, it appears to be a learned skill.

(This tendency may be broken with proper training and redirecting him anytime you catch him in the act.) Indoors, some Westies can get some exercise by playing fetch down a hallway. Despite the fact that he doesn't require as much exercise as certain breeds, you should walk him once or twice a day to keep him happy and healthy.

The Westie, on the other hand, is not meant to live outside. He thrives in the house, despite the fact that he isn't a lapdog or a cuddler. On the independent side, he'll avoid the action's center in favor of a location close it. (The closer the location is near a heating vent, the better.) He can keep an eye on the house while you're at work; while some dogs may experience separation anxiety, it's not a typical affliction in the breed.

To keep him from being bored, simply provide him with safe but engaging toys and activities: turn on a radio, leave him some frozen kongs loaded with peanut butter, and make his crate a snug refuge.

Frequently Asked Question on How Much To Feed A West Highland White Terrier Puppy