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9 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

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By Nicole Cosgrove

A Boston Terrier Aptly known as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a tuxedo-colored American breed that is indisputably adorable. Super smart, highly trainable, loyal, and loving, this natural-born comedian is one of the most popular breeds amongst Americans, and for good reason.

Like most canines, Boston Terriers are big foodies and go wild over any treat or tidbit you give them. However, they are prone to obesity and need to be fed appropriate portions of high-quality dog food.

If you recently introduced a Boston to your household, you may be wondering what type of dog food works best for your little guy. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are eight great dog foods, as well as in-depth reviews, for Boston Terriers. Without further ado, take a look at our top eight picks for the best dog foods for Boston Terriers.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service
  • Developed with vets & nutritionists
  • Fresh, preservative-free, human-grade ingredients
  • Personalized to your dog’s dietary needs
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural
  • Affordable
  • Natural ingredients
  • Good source of protein
  • prebiotics
  • and fiber
  • Best for Puppies
    Third place
    Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy
  • Specially formulated for small puppies
  • ages 8 weeks to 10 months
  • Boosts immunity
  • Small-sized kibble that encourages chewing
  • Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets
  • Salmon is first ingredient
  • Contains no fillers
  • Specially formulated by vets
  • American Journey Grain-Free American Journey Grain-Free
  • Grain-free
  • Small size for small dogs
  • Made with real de-boned salmon and sweet potatoes
  • The 9 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service – Best Overall

    The Farmer’s Dog is the overall best dog food for Boston Terriers and came in first on our reviews. The Farmer’s Dog is not a dog food you can buy in tins or at the supermarket—it’s actually a personalized dog food delivery service. Started by two dog parents who collaborated with vets and nutritionists to formulate an entirely new, fresher kind of dog food, The Farmer’s Dog food is cooked up in USDA-approved kitchens as per your dog’s dietary requirements.

    The Farmer’s Dog website allows you to create a profile that lets them know your dog’s specific dietary needs and preferences. The food is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients completely free of preservatives and powdery “meals” often found in store-bought dog foods. This is perfect for Boston Terriers as they’re known for getting a little chunky, so a tailored diet of high-quality fresh food is a great way to help keep them at the ideal body weight.

    The food is sent out to you in eco-friendly packaging with your dog’s name on it. On our side, we really like this cute extra-personal touch. There’s no extra effort or cooking required on your part when it comes to serving time. All you need to do is open the package, pop it into your dog’s bowl, and let them get stuck in. Here at Hepper, we think there’s a lot to like about The Farmer’s Dog’s meal delivery service.

    In addition, dog parents online have been sharing positive experiences, with many mentioning that their dogs are more active, have shinier coats, and are less stinky among other positive changes.

    Pros
    • Developed with vet and nutritionist collaboration
    • Fresh, preservative-free, human-grade ingredients
    • Personalized and tailored to your dog’s dietary needs
    • Delivered to your door
    • Prepared in USDA-approved kitchens
    Cons
    • Pricier than normal kibble

    2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food

    We all know that Rachael Ray is a whiz in the kitchen, but who knew that she made delicious and nutritious dog chow? If you’re looking for the best dog food for Boston Terriers for the money, Rachael Ray’s Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food is it! Extremely affordable, this kibble is crafted from natural, simple ingredients such as chicken, brown rice, brown rice, and beet pulp. It’s an excellent source of protein, fiber, and prebiotics. Additionally, it does not contain any fillers, wheat, artificial colors, or preservative. It’s also prepared in the USA!

    One of the drawbacks of this kibble is that it comes in large pieces, which a smaller dog can have a tough time-consuming. Additionally, some dogs won’t like the taste.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Natural ingredients
    • Good source of protein, prebiotics, and fiber
    • Prepared in the USA
    Cons
    • Large kibble pieces that small dogs can have trouble consuming
    • Some dogs may not like the taste

    3. Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Food – Best for Puppies

    Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Specifically made for small-breed puppies in mind, Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food is the ideal choice for your 8 weeks to 10-month-old Boston. This kibble supports gentle and healthy digestion and is specially tailored for a puppy’s unique nutritional needs. Full of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy coat, as well as antioxidants to boost their immune system, this small-sized kibble also has a special shape and texture to encourage chewing.

    If your puppy is a finicky eater, she may not like the taste.

    Pros
    • Specially formulated for small puppies, ages 8 weeks to 10 months
    • Boosts immunity
    • Small-sized kibble that encourages chewing
    • Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
    • Antioxidants
    Cons
    • Picky eaters may not like the taste

    4. Natural Balance Diets Grain-Free Dog Food

    Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food only contains exactly what your Boston Terrier needs to live her best life. Featuring juicy salmon as the very first ingredient, as well as sweet potatoes, this kibble has been specially formulated by an elite team of vets, research scientists, and pet feeding analysts. It doesn’t contain wheat, soy, corn, peas, or legumes and is produced right here in America.

    Some pet owners have reported that the company recently changed their formula and that the new ingredients made their dog sick. Some other dogs did not take kindly to the taste. It is also on the pricier side.

    Pros
    • Salmon is the first ingredient
    • Contains no fillers
    • Specially formulated by vets
    Cons
    • New formula can make some dogs ill
    • Pricy
    • Some dogs do not like the taste

    5. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    What could possibly be better than the succulent taste of salmon? American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is brimming with flavor, as well as vitamins and nutrients to keep your Boston Terrier in tip-top shape. Featuring a formula packed with real, de-boned salmon, sweet potatoes, amino acids, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and more, this food only contains the things your pooch needs to thrive. There’s no fluff in this kibble, including grain, wheat, corn, or soy. You’re only getting honest, wholesome, and quality dog kibble.

    This product is also extremely affordable and the small size makes it perfect for Boston Terriers.

    Some pups may turn up their noses at the taste. The high-caloric count may not be an ideal fit for heavier dogs.

    Pros
    • Grain-free
    • Small size for small dogs
    • Made with real de-boned salmon and sweet potatoes
    • Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, protein, and antioxidants
    Cons
    • Some dogs don’t like the taste and won’t eat it
    • High-calorie content

    6. Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food

    Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

    This extremely affordable dog kibble is specially formulated for your adult Boston Terrier. Made with real lamb and fish protein to help support strong muscles, Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food also contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to support a shiny coat and powerful antioxidants to boost your pup’s immunity. This delicious dry dog food doesn’t contain corn, filler, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it great for sensitive pets. It is also made in the United States and is run by a family-owned company.

    This food can be too dry for some pets and has a strong smell.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Made for adult dogs
    • Contains real lamb and fish protein
    • Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids
    • No fillers
    • Good for sensitive pets
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Strong smell
    • Can be too dry for some dogs

    7. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Weight Dry Dog Food

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

    If your Boston Terrier has some extra padding around his waist, consider feeding him Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food. Made to help your pudgy pooch maintain a healthy weight, this affordable kibble is crafted from real chicken to support a lean muscle mass. This tasty food is packed with clinically-proven antioxidants to boost your pup’s immune system. It also includes amino acids, natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals to greatly contribute to your dog’s overall health. Additionally, it is a vet-recommended brand and made in the USA.

    The kibble is very, very tiny, making it possible for dogs to swallow it whole and choke. Some other dogs do not like the taste.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Made for overweight dogs
    • Contains real chicken
    • Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
    • Vet recommended
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Small kibble could be a choking hazard
    • Some dogs don’t like the taste

    8. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dry Dog Food

    Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Formulated from all-natural ingredients, Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dry Dog Food will cater to your Boston Terrier’s wild side. Featuring real venison as the main ingredient, it also contains grain-free carbs such as lentils and garbanzo beans. This delicious kibble also includes additional proteins such as duck meal, ocean fish meal, and lamb meal. It doesn’t contain grain, filler, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it perfect for sensitive pooches. Made in the USA, Taste of the Wild is a family-owned and operated company.

    This kibble is on the pricier end of the spectrum. Its main source of fat is canola oil, which is not as good as animal-based fats.

    Pros
    • Main ingredient is venison
    • No fillers
    • Grain-free
    • Good for sensitive dogs
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Main source of fat is plant-based, which is not as good as animal fats

    9. Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food

    Specifically made for small adult dogs that are 10 months of age or older, Royal Canin West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food’s uniquely shaped kibble makes it easier for smaller breeds to pick up and encourages healthy chewing. Made in the USA, this dog food includes amino acids, fatty acids, and flaxseeds to promote good health. Its delicious flavors are designed with fussy eaters in mind and have a delicious aroma and taste to woo even the most persnickety palates.

    This dog food is more expensive than others.

    Pros
    • Made for small breeds
    • Encourages chewing
    • Made in the USA
    • Includes amino acids, fatty acids, and flaxseed
    • Good for fussy eaters
    Cons
    • Expensive

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers

    Now that you have seen some of our top picks for great dog foods for Boston Terriers, let’s explore what exactly goes into a great kibble for these spunky little canines.

    What Makes a Good Boston Terrier Dog Food?

    Your Boston’s diet should consist mostly of protein, complex carbs, fiber, and fat. The two most crucial elements of this balance are fat and the protein. Together, these four ingredients provide everything your Boston needs to live his best life.

    Let’s take a deeper look at these components to see why they are so important to your Boston Terrier’s wellbeing.

    • Protein: The most critical piece of your dog’s diet puzzle is protein. While your Boston Terrier is a domesticated dog, he’s still wild at heart and an essential part of his diet should be meat.

    While dogs can eat veggie-based protein, such as from lentils or peas, the preferred source is meat-based. When you read a dog food’s ingredients label, ensure that the first few ingredients are meat.

    • Fat: Fat is a key component in your dog’s dinner. Not only does it add an appealing taste to the dish, but omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help promote a healthy coat and can combat cardiovascular diseases.
    • Complex Carbohydrates: While complex carbs aren’t required in a doggy diet, they do provide your Boston Terrier with vital vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients, and are an amazing source of energy.

    With that said, not all carbs are good for canines. Carbohydrates from grains, such as wheat, soy, or corn, aren’t helpful at all. On the other hand, carbs from sources such as sweet potatoes provide energy to keep your Boston going throughout the day.

    • Fiber: Last but certainly not least, you will want to pay attention to the amount of fiber your dog food has in it. This ingredient boosts digestive and gastrointestinal health and can help manage a healthy weight. This is because fiber keeps your Boston Terrier feeling fuller for longer. You should be feeding him food with a fiber content of about four to five percent.

    Ingredients You Should Avoid Feeding Boston Terriers

    Your Boston has a very different food intake habit than other breeds. Despite the fact that they simply love to eat, Bostons can be super sensitive to some of the ingredients their dinner contains. Every owner should be extremely careful when selecting food for their Boston Terrier.

    Bones from chicken or fish should never be included in your pup’s food. This is because this ingredient can impede with their metabolism. Additionally, you shouldn’t feed your Boston Terrier cat food. A large amount of protein found in feline food can cause obesity in your dog. Avoid caffeine too, as this can cause high blood pressure and, in some instances, can be toxic.

    boston terrier on grass
    Image Credit: Lenka N, Shutterstock

    How to Feed Your Boston Terrier

    As a smaller breed, your Boston will need between 30 to 40 calories per pound of his body weight. If you want to know how much you should be feeding your dog, use those numbers and the calorie content of the dog food you select to make the correct calculations. On average, these factors out to about one to 1 ¾ cups per day or 650 calories for a 20-pound dog per day. To avoid this hassle, simply opt to buy dog food that is specifically formulated for smaller breeds.

    Additionally, the amount and type of dog food you feed your Boston Terrier will depend largely upon his age, weight, and activity level. You shouldn’t feed a senior dog puppy food, and vice versa.

    If you’re not sure how to feed your pet, talk to your vet.

    Unique Needs of Your Boston Terrier

    Your Boston is a bundle of uniqueness. This includes both his personality and his needs, some of which can be addressed in their daily diet.

    • Vision Issues: One problem that this breed is prone to is vision issues, such as cataracts and glaucoma. One thing that you can do to help prevent this problem is to feed your Boston Terrier a diet that promotes vision health. Look for ingredients such as garlic, kale, pumpkin, fish, and broccoli to help boost eye health.
    • Patellar Luxation: This degenerative condition that many small dog breeds can suffer from and allows your pup’s leg bones to pop out of the knee cap. To safeguard your Boston from this disease, feed him a diet that promotes joint health. Look for ingredients such as chondroitin, fish oil, and glucosamine.
    • Brachial Conditions: Due to his adorable, smooshed-in face, your Boston Terrier can suffer from breathing-related Since your dog’s physical makeup is the culprit behind the issue, all you can really do is keep an eye on him when he eats to ensure he’s not eating so fast as to affect his ability to breathe.

    Boston Terrier Feeding FAQs

    Here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to feeding Boston Terriers.

    How much should I feed my Boston Terrier?

    As we stated before, you should be aiming to feed your Boston Terrier between 30 to 40 calories per pound of his body weight every day. This equates to roughly 1 to 1 ¾ cups of food divided into two meals each day. Keep in mind that Boston Terrier puppies will eat more than adults and that seniors will eat less.

    How many times per day should I feed my Boston Terrier?

    Adult Boston Terriers can be fed twice a day. Puppies should be fed as many as four meals per day as they burn more energy than fully grown dogs.

    Boston Terrier
    Image By: skeeze, Shutterstock

    What types of food do Boston Terriers eat?

    When you’re selecting the best dog food for your Boston Terrier, you should keep in mind that these pups have super sensitive stomachs. Dry kibble has less protein than wet food but promotes dental health. Always look for grain-free dog food that contains protein, fat, complex carbs, and fiber. Don’t buy food that is full of preservatives and fillers.

    Can my Boston Terrier Eat Vegetables?

    Though your Boston Terrier’s diet should largely be made up of meat-based protein, small amounts of vegetables can be great for his health. Some good greens to feed your Boston can include:

    • Carrots
    • Broccoli
    • Brussels sprouts
    • Asparagus
    • Peas
    • Pumpkin
    • Cauliflower
    • Cucumber
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Spinach
    • Zucchini

    In addition to finding dog food that contains veggies, you can also feed a small tidbit to your furry friend as a snack.

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    Final Verdict

    Your Boston Terrier is a special little dog that needs a special doggy diet. Based on our extensive reviews, we believe that The Farmer’s Dog Fresh food is the best choice overall. With human-grade ingredients delivered fresh to your door, your dog will absolutely love the different customizable flavors offered.

    To get the most bang for your buck, consider buying the affordable Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food. Produced in the USA, this dry dog food is made from wholesome, simple ingredients, including chicken, brown rice, brown rice, and beet pulp. It’s an excellent source of protein, fiber, and prebiotics. Moreover, it does not contain any fillers, wheat, artificial colors, or preservatives.

    We hope that this guide was helpful in showcasing some of the best dog foods for Boston Terriers. Remember to always read the ingredients on the packet and buy grain-free, natural dog food that is free of fillers.

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