The Best Dog Food For Fox Terriers

Updated: November 8, 2023

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Energetic and small, Fox Terriers are a lovable breed adored by families all over the world. Modern pooches are descendants of British terriers and have a long and illustrious history, even appearing in paintings that date back to the 18th century.

* Today, two different variations of the Fox Terrier breed exist, Smooth and Wire. 

Regardless of the type, Fox Terriers have unique dietary needs due to their small figure and high energy.

best dog food for fox terriers

5 of the Best Dog Foods for Fox Terriers

1. Performatrin Ultra Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food

From Performatrin is this grain-free dog food. It contains absolutely no grain whatsoever. This is great for Fox Terriers that often experience allergies from wheat fillers.

It contains a bevy of nutrients and vitamins. It also has a high amount of Omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat of fur and supple skin. As for protein, this dog food uses three different sources. It utilizes a combination of turkey, duck, and salmon.

Not only does this make it palatable to the pup, but these ingredients are also lean to keep the dog's slender frame in check.


2. BLUE BUFFALO Freedom Grain-Free Recipe

BLUE BUFFALO Freedom Grain-Free Recipe

Another great option from Blue Buffalo is their Freedom dry food with chicken. It appeals to dogs with allergies as it contains no grains and no gluten. This means that the formula also lacks corn, wheat, and soy.

The main ingredient is deboned chicken. Additional ingredients include potatoes and peas as a complex carbohydrate. The inclusion of blueberries and cranberries add the benefit of antioxidants and vital nutrients as well.

As if that weren't enough, the formula includes Blue Buffalo's Life Bits, which add an extra kick of vitamins and minerals to keep any dog healthy and happy.


3. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food

Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Grain-Free Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

From Holistic Select is this all-natural dry dog food. It has no grains, artificial flavors, fillers, or meat byproducts. The entire formula uses natural and necessary ingredients to promote a healthy life.

This particular choice contains a combination of salmon, anchovies, and sardines. With fish as the main ingredient, the food is high in lean protein. The fatty acids come from the salmon as well as flaxseed.

Other ingredients include pumpkin, papaya, and pomegranate. These ingredients are carefully chosen to provide a balanced diet while improving digestion with probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes.


4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Salmon Dry Dog Food

Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food

Composed primarily of fish, this dry dog food from Blue Buffalo is excellent for Fox Terriers. The main source of protein is salmon and fish meal. This lean ingredient is filled with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids to keep the dog healthy and looking great.

It also has potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots. These vegetables are lean and provide dogs with a healthy source of carbohydrates.

The great thing about this food is that it doesn't contain filler foods that will cause allergic reactions. Instead, Blue Buffalo uses nutrient-rich ingredients that will benefit the pooch in the long run.


5. Performatrin Ultra Grain Free Small Bite Dry Dog Food

Performatrin Ultra Grain Free Small Bite Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food from Performatrin is designed with smaller breeds in mind. The kibble is small to make it easier for breeds like the Fox Terrier to consume.

The formula is free of grains and contains a combination of salmon, turkey, and chicken as its main source of protein. These sources are very lean but also full of fatty acids for a healthy coat. It contains a bevy of vital nutrients and has a high amount of DHA to help with cognitive development.


How Much Food Does a Fox Terrier Need?

Despite their small stature, these dogs need more food than most would expect. With that being said, all dogs are different. It's important to feed the dog based on their activity levels.

The breed is known for their frenetic energy. They have an excellent metabolism that helps them burn off a lot of calories, allowing them to stay at a healthy average weight of approximately 17 pounds. Food should be measured by calories rather than volume.

Active dogs, usually in the first few years of life, will need the most calories. They can handle up to 810 calories per day. This amount is perfect for dogs that get a lot of exercises and are constantly bouncing off the walls.

They need this increased caloric intake to supplement their high energy levels.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is older or inactive dogs. Because they aren't expending as much energy as their more sprightly counterparts, they only need around 400 or so calories.

* Owners should monitor their energy levels to find a healthy medium. Typically, adult Fox Terriers will need a little over 500 calories per day to stay in healthy shape.

Meal Frequency

Usually, Fox Terriers should be fed twice a day. Their caloric requirements should be split evenly between these two meals. With that being said, Fox Terriers can thrive on a single meal per day depending on the dog's preference.

Either way, the frequency of feeding should be reduced after a few months of weaning.

During the puppy stage, dogs should be receiving four meals a day, usually a wet canned food. As they get older, owners should start to establish a regular schedule, eventually settling on a set routine and frequency at 24 to 30 weeks of age.

Between 8 weeks and 24 weeks, the food should be gradually changed to dry and reduced to larger, but fewer meals.

Keys to a Balanced Diet

Fox Terriers are known for their small frame and athletic build. Their bodies aren't high in fat. Instead, they are lean and athletic. This is achieved through a healthy diet.

While some breeds can adapt to virtually any type of diet, Fox Terriers can experience a host of issues. It's imperative to supply them with the necessary ingredients to stay healthy.

Protein

Some of the best sources of protein for Fox Terriers are game meat and fish. These sources are low in fat and chock-full of necessary fatty acids. If not that, these dogs can thrive on other natural protein sources, such as chicken.

Whatever the source, it's important to go with a natural and unprocessed ingredient. Byproducts from meat should be avoided at all costs.

Protein should also make up a large percentage of the dog food formula to ensure proper muscle development.

  • Venison
  • Salmon
  • Turkey
  • Chicken
  • Beef

Carbohydrates

It's not uncommon for this breed to experience allergies. In most cases, the allergies are discovered from low-quality filler ingredients, such as wheat and other inferior grains. 

Substandard carbohydrates like corn and soy can wreak havoc on their bodies and lead to a number of health concerns.

When looking for carbs, it's good to go with brown rice. It's a great alternative to filler carbs and contributes to the overall nutritional value of the food. Another great alternative is sweet potato.

Fats

Due to their great metabolism, Fox Terriers can handle fat. Most dog foods already contain a healthy amount to create an appetizing flavor.

The main source of fat should come from natural ingredients, such as the protein and vegetables.

The breed needs good fat as a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. This is crucial to keeping a healthy coat.

A healthy amount of fatty acids will lead to a shiny and healthy coat rather than a dull and shaggy one, regardless of whether it's a Smooth or Wired Terrier. Great sources include:

  • Natural animal fat
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Fish oil

Vitamins and Minerals

This breed needs a high amount of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. A lack of appropriate nutrients will lead to poor health, lethargy, and a grungy coat.

Most of the vitamins and minerals will come from vegetable ingredients.

Fruits are usually alright for Fox Terriers, however, some may experience digestive issues.

Most dog foods will incorporate various fruits and vegetables that add additional benefits, such as antioxidants. For this breed, vegetables high in fatty acids are a plus.

Common Health Concerns

Fox Terriers are an incredibly healthy breed. Their constant activity allows them to stay in great shape. However, like with all breeds, Fox Terriers are known to experience a number of health issues.

While not all can be cured, keeping the dog on a high-quality diet can help prevent or manage a number of conditions.

A balanced diet will ensure that the pup can live happy and healthy for up to 15 years despite these common ailments.

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis is a hereditary disease that can affect even the healthiest pooch. It's a neuromuscular disease that causes muscle fatigue. The fatigue varies and can cause the muscles to weaken sporadically.

For an active dog, this can be quite cumbersome. However, the biggest thing it can affect is swallowing. It's not uncommon for dogs to experience trouble swallowing food at random.

Unfortunately, it can even lead to choking. It's important to contact a vet as soon as possible for help with management.

Cataracts and Deafness

Cataracts in fox terriers

Cataracts is very common among Fox Terriers. In fact, it's much more prevalent in Fox Terriers compared to other breeds. With this condition, the eye becomes cloudy.

Eventually, the dog will start to lose their vision. If this occurs, the only solution is surgery. Unfortunately, the condition can start before the dog even hits the age of three.

The same goes for deafness. Deafness is more common in white Fox Terriers. Unlike Cataracts, there's no treatment for hearing loss in dogs, so Fox Terriers must manage the condition.

Legg-Perthes Disease

This condition is fairly common with the breed. It's often confused with hip dysplasia. However, it's actually a hip bone deformity that can cause pain and discomfort.

Veterinarians often recommend special exercises to treat the condition.

Additionally, a healthy diet is known to reduce pain by alleviating pressure on the hip joint. A diet rich in vitamins and nutrients will help manage the condition and prevent regular discomfort.

Category: best dog food by breed

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About the author 

Steve

Steve is a writer with over 10 years of experience in dog training and nutritiion.

His goal is to educate dog owners about the ins and outs of canine behavior as well as keeping up with the latest scientific research in the field.