11 Best Dog Foods for West Highland White Terriers

With dazzling white coats, cute tiny muzzles, and shaggy hair, West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, are a sight to behold. To maintain their eye-catching appearance, they need a well-balanced diet. Dog foods for Westies are those that match the health and nutritional requirements of these adorable pups.
Westies need high-quality protein to maintain their stature and muscle strength. Proteins are broken down into amino acids to help repair tissues and build strong bones, joints, and muscles. Go for real meat protein sources like chicken and beef. Real meat should be the first ingredient.
With a refined sense of taste and sensitive tummies, Westies need highly palatable foods free from common allergens, including wheat, corn, and soy. Fats add flavor to the food and provide energy. Healthy fat sources include chicken fat and canola oil. These dogs also need plenty of energy, and calorie content comes in handy.
Fats are also important for your West Highland White Terrier’s white coat. Look for foods with amino acids and omega fatty acids to keep their coarse and thick coat healthy. Omega fatty acids also lower the frequencies of shedding. Your White Terrier’s soft skin needs foods with fewer skin allergy ingredients. Grain-free diets are great for the skin. Reasonable amounts of DHA and EPA are also important.
Westies are susceptible to gluten sensitivities, and they need foods that are free from gluten. They are also predisposed to tummy problems. A limited ingredient diet with natural ingredients is the best. In addition, Westies are prone to patellar luxation. Foods with calcium, phosphorus, chondroitin, and glucosamine are the best.
Selecting the right food for your Westie is tasking. However, it is worth the sacrifice as it minimizes the risks of allergies, tummy upsets, and unhealthy weight for your Westie’s happiness. Our extensive research also makes it easier for you to choose the best.
What are the top 5 brands for the best food for Westies?
Many pet food companies have foods that suit your dog’s needs. However, some manufacturers are cunning and can falsely claim their brands are great for Westies. Here are the best 5 brands to confidently buy your Westie’s food from:
- Blue Buffalo
- FirstMate
- Holistic Select
- Nature’s Variety
- Canidae
Each brand has a different price and comes in different sizes. The average price for our 11 foods for Westies is $47.90 with prices ranging from $22.99 to $98.16. Your Westie’s life stage is also critical when looking for their best foods. Puppies are still growing and hence need more protein and energy compared to adults and seniors. Senior Westies need less energy-food and more foods with joint-friendly supplements. Each dog breed has unique nutritional needs depending on the size, weight, and activity levels.
Here is our quick summary of the best food for Westies. Scroll down further for the rest of our picks 6-11.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall ![]() | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken
| 10 | Check Price |
Best for Puppies ![]() | FirstMate Australian Lamb Meal Puppy Dry Food
| 9.9 | Check Price |
Best for Digestive Health ![]() | Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meal Small & Mini
| 9.7 | Check Price |
Best Value ![]() | American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Limited Ingredients ![]() | Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Pea Recipe
| 9.4 | Check Price |
View Table of Contents
- Best Overall 1. Blue Buffalo Puppy Wilderness Dry Food
- 2. FirstMate Grain-Free Puppy Dry Food
- Best for Digestive Health 3. Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meal Small & Mini Breed Dry Food
- Best Value 4. American Journey Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Dry Food
- Best Limited Ingredient Option 5. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Food
- 6. Instinct Grain-Free Small Breed Real Beef Natural Wet Recipe Dog Food
- 7. Victor Purpose Active Puppy Formula Dry Food
- 8. Wellness Simple Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Small Breed Food
- 9. PetKind Green Beef Tripe, Venison Tripett Wet Food
- 10. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried
- 11. FirstMate Chicken Meal & Blueberries LID Small Bites Dry Food
- What facts should you know about dog foods for West Highland White Terriers?
Best Overall
1. Blue Buffalo Puppy Wilderness Dry Food
Blue Buffalo Company Ltd is known for its high-quality diets that awaken the wild nature of your dog. This recipe for your Westie puppy has an initial production date of March 24th, 2015, and pet parents can’t get enough of it.
Real chicken is the first ingredient to ensure your puppy grows and develops lean muscle mass. The high protein value (36%) suits your puppy’s high appetite. This recipe includes taurine to support cardiac and mental wellness. It is also jam-packed with omega 6 and 3 fatty acids to give your West Highland White Terrier puppy dazzling skin and a gorgeous coat.
Westies have soft skin and sensitive tummies, and this grain-free formula suits them well. It is devoid of common allergens including wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives. The high-calorie content gives your dog wolf-inspired energy for physical activity.
Chicory roots and carrots are excellent sources of vitamin A and probiotics to promote vision, gut, and bowel health. It is not a great choice for dogs with chicken allergies, as it features chicken as the main ingredient.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea, Tapioca Starch.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36 min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calories: 423 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s age and weight
- Key Benefit: Contains high amounts of proteins, calcium, and phosphorus for bone, joint, and muscle power. DHA and ARA promote brain development, focus, and trainability.
- Price: $34.98 per 11-lb bag ($3.18-lb)
2. FirstMate Grain-Free Puppy Dry Food
Your West Highland Terrier puppy deserves the best from FirstMate. FirstMate dog foods are crafted with the needs of your dog in mind. The first production date is February 5th, 2007, and it is still among the best in the pet food industry.
Consuming this recipe improves your puppy’s endurance levels during exercises and training with the high-calorie content. The unique kibble size and optimal protein and fat values ensure fast growth and development to adulthood.
The single-source novel protein is perfect for your sensitive Westie puppy. It also uses a single-source carbohydrate (potatoes) to improve digestibility and reduce the risk of tummy upsets. Chelated minerals ensure maximum absorption of essential nutrients for healthy growth.
It includes yeast extract, which is an excellent source of prebiotics for gut health and has yucca schidigera to reduce stool volume and odor.
- First 5 Ingredients: Ocean Fish Meal, Norkotah Potato, Burbank Potato, Chicken Fat, Tomato Pomace.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28 min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 8% Max.
- Calories: 541 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s life stage and weight
- Key Benefit: Includes calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine to lower the risk of patellar luxation. Rich in omega 6 and 3 fatty acids for a gorgeous white coat and soft skin.
- Price: $25.43 per 5-lb bag ($5.08-lb)
Best for Digestive Health
3. Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meal Small & Mini Breed Dry Food
Make your Westie wag its tail excitedly with this tasty recipe from Eagle Pack & Holistic, with an initial production date of August 7th, 2017. It includes omega 3 fatty acids to add to your Westie’s magnificent coat. The high levels of glucosamine support joint health with minimal risks of patellar luxation.
This Holistic Select formula impacts positively on every part of your dog’s body. It has probiotics, taurine, and antioxidants that promote digestive, cardiac, and immune wellness. In addition, this meal is highly palatable, hence no need to worry about your selective Westie. This meal is made in the United States, therefore it is safe for your dog as all health standards and guidelines are adhered to.
- First 5 Ingredients: Anchovy & Sardine Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 35% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max.
- Calories: 481 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small, extra small, and toy breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight and activity level.
- Key Benefit: High protein content, calcium, and phosphorus for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Vitamin A and E support skin, vision, and immune wellness.
- Price: $22.99 per 4-lb bag ($5.75-lb)
Best Value
4. American Journey Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Dry Food
Say goodbye to poor-quality ingredients and welcome this high-quality meal from Chewy. American Journey aims at making your dog’s journey a memorable one. It gives dogs the fuel needed for an adventurous journey. It uses premium ingredients to boost overall wellness and increase your dog’s lifespan.
It has a single protein source and is grain-free for your sensitive Westie. This meal is jam-packed with healthy supplements including chondroitin and glucosamine for strong joints and reduced risks of patellar luxation.
Sweet potatoes are the best sources of healthy carbs to boost stamina. Although it boasts of many benefits for your Westie, you need not dig deep into your pocket as this formula is budget-friendly.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 6% Max.
- Calories: 327 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight
- Key Benefit: Contains high amounts of proteins, calcium, and phosphorus for bone, joint, and muscle power. Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids keep the coat beautiful.
- Price: $52.99 per 24-lb bag ($2.21lb)
Best Limited Ingredient Option
5. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Food
Your Westie will beg for more of this delicacy by Canidae Corporation. The first date of production is August 6th, 2013. Formulated for all dog breeds, this grain-free formula is best for your Westie as it has fewer ingredients to minimize the risks of sensitivities and allergies.
Consuming this meal reduces the occurrence of inflammatory diseases and gut problems, as this recipe is chock-full of antioxidants and probiotics. It uses wholesome veggies for vitamins and energy. The high-calorie content ensures your Westie is ready for the day’s activities. There is no trace of corn, wheat, or soy, so it is 100% safe for your sensitive Westie. It is a great alternative for dogs with chicken intolerance.
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potato, Peas.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max.
- Calories: 509 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight
- Key Benefit: High levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 6, and omega 3 fatty acids for joint, skin, and coat well-being. Novel proteins for lean muscles and strong bones.
- Price: $42.99 per 12-lb bag ($3.58-lb)
6. Instinct Grain-Free Small Breed Real Beef Natural Wet Recipe Dog Food
Known for its high-quality dog food, Nature’s Variety never disappoints. This recipe with an initial production date of March 13th, 2017, is highly palatable to delight your picky eater, Westie’s taste buds. It suits your sensitive Westie as it is grain-free and uses real meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Real fruits and vegetables are the best sources of powerful antioxidants and high-quality fiber to promote immunity, healthy weight, and smooth digestion. You will not worry about dehydration as this diet has a moisture content of 78%. This also detoxifies your dog and promotes digestion.
Adults need 1-1 ¾ 5.5-oz cans for every 5 pounds of body weight, while puppies need twice these amounts. Feed up to 3 times these portions for pregnant dogs.
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Ground Dried Peas, Cod.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8.5% min, Crude Fat 4.5% min, Crude Fiber 2% Max.
- Calories: 86 kcal/3-oz can
- Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, toy, and small breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s life stage.
- Key Benefit: Beef and beef liver are the main ingredients for repairing tissues and building strong muscles. Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids support coat and skin wellbeing.
- Price: $34.68 per 5.5-oz,case of 12
7. Victor Purpose Active Puppy Formula Dry Food
Make your dog a victor with this mouth-watering formula from Mid-America Pet Food LLC. The first manufacturing date is March 31st, 2013 and dogs can’t get enough of it. This nutrient-dense meal will attract your picky eater Westie with the high amounts of proteins for flavor and powerful muscles.
West Highland White Terriers are susceptible to tummy sensitivities and this meal is an excellent choice as it contains no grains. This recipe is also gluten-free and has no corn, wheat, and soy. It does not end there, as this meal makes poop time easy. It reduces stool amount and odor with yucca schidigera. DHA, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and L-carnitine work together to promote cognitive, immune, and cardiac health.
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Meal.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 33% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3.8% Max.
- Calories: 384 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight.
- Key Benefit: Made with linoleic and linolenic acid to keep your Westie’s white coat dazzling. The unique VPRO blend promotes digestibility and immunity.
- Price: $36.99 per 15-lb bag ($2.47-lb)
8. Wellness Simple Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Small Breed Food
Boost your dog’s wellness with this sweet and simple recipe by Wellness. This recipe has an initial production date of February 15th, 2014. It includes omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and taurine for coat, skin, digestive, immune, and cardiac wellness.
This Wellness formula is the best for Westies as it is grain-free, has fewer ingredients, has no corn, wheat, or soy, and is gluten-free. The single-source protein and highly digestible carbohydrates also make this meal the best choice for sensitivities.
This diet is further crafted with beta-carotene to ensure your Westie has great eyesight even during its golden years. Vitamin A also gives your dog a gleaming white coat and soft skin. Your dog needs a 5-7 day transition period to adapt to Wellness.
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Canola Oil.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 29% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
- Calories: 450 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Small, extra small, and toy breeds
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight
- Key Benefit: Contains high amounts of proteins, glucosamine, and chondroitin for bone, joint, and muscle power. High-calorie content for high activity.
- Price: $48.01 per 10.5-lb bag ($4.57-lb)
9. PetKind Green Beef Tripe, Venison Tripett Wet Food
Reward your Westie with this tangy meal from Tripett with an initial production date of September 29th, 2011. This grain-free formula is suitable for your Westie as it contains few ingredients and is gluten-free. This lowers the risk of sensitivities and allergies. In addition, it makes it easier for you to identify any allergen and eliminate it before it negatively affects your dog.
Wet food is richly-flavored for your finicky eater Westie. The high water content also moisturizes your dog’s coat and skin for an admirable look. Beef tripe promotes digestive health and restores balance in your dog’s tummy.
Do not switch your dog’s food abruptly, as this disrupts your dog’s digestive system. Gradually introduce Petkind, starting with 20% and increasing the amounts by 10% daily. A transition period of 5-10 days is perfect.
- Ingredients: Green Beef Tripe, Water, Venison, Guar Gum.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 10% min, Crude Fat 5% min, Crude Fiber 0.30% Max.
- Calories: 835 kcal/kg.
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.
- Key Benefit: High water content for hydration, detoxification, and smooth digestion. Support coat and skin wellness with omega 6 and 3 fatty acids.
- Price: $98.16 per 5.5-oz, case of 24.
10. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried
Massage your dog’s instincts with this all-natural formula by Nature’s variety. It is crafted with your dog’s wild nature in mind. The initial manufacturing date is March 3rd, 2017. The guaranteed levels of antioxidants and omegas are essential for improved immunity and a shiny coat.
West Highland White Terriers have sensitive tummies, and this recipe is the best choice with only one protein source and one vegetable. Moreover, it has no grains, corn, soy, wheat, dairy, chicken, egg, fish, beef, potato, or artificial additives.
It is also freeze-dried raw to give your picky Westie no choice but to lick its plate clean. It is made in the United States with the best ingredients for your Westie’s overall well-being. This recipe further supports a healthy weight.
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Salmon, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.
- Calories: 515 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight
- Key Benefit: Vitamin C and E play a key role in promoting immunity and preventing oxidative damage. High protein content for bone and muscle power.
- Price: $79.99 per 20-lb bag ($3.99-lb)
11. FirstMate Chicken Meal & Blueberries LID Small Bites Dry Food
With a short ingredient list, this formula by FirstMate Pet Foods is the perfect selection for your Westie. It has an initial production date of November 5th, 2012. It is crafted with free-run chicken for amino acids to fuel your dog’s muscles.
The combination of cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds flavor to the food to delight your picky eater, Westie. These fruits also provide dietary fiber for bowel and gut health. It comes in small bites that suit your dog’s small muzzle.
There are more reasons to serve this recipe to your Westie. It is free from gluten, grains, or pea. Introduce FirstMate gradually for a period of 7 days. This gives your dog’s digestive system time to adapt to the new food.
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Norkotah Potato, Burbank Potato, Whole Blueberries, Chicken Fat.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
- Calories: 537 kcal/cup
- Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, toy, and small breeds.
- Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog’s weight and life stage.
- Key Benefit: Glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus work together for strong bones and thick muscles. Whole blueberries provide potent antioxidants to prevent inflammation.
- Price: $49.81 per 14.5-lb bag ($3.44-lb)
What facts should you know about dog foods for West Highland White Terriers?
All dogs need a balanced diet for overall growth and development. However, the type of food may vary depending on breed, age, weight, and activity levels. Westies have unique nutritional needs that match their size and breed. Here are the facts to know about dog foods for Westies:
Small size, a huge impact
Westies are small dogs that weigh between 15 and 22 pounds. Their size calls for high-quality food, as even small amounts of harmful ingredients can have a big negative impact on their health. High-quality and identifiable protein sources with real meat as the starting ingredient are the best. Look for healthy foods with sufficient amounts of fat and calories for energy. Healthy fat sources include salmon oil and flaxseed.
Breed-specific health problems
Westies are prone to certain health problems that call for specific diets. Common health issues that affect Westies include gluten sensitivity. Go for food with fewer natural ingredients and free from gluten. These dogs are also susceptible to joint problems, including patellar luxation and copper toxicosis. Foods with glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus come in handy.
Ingredients to watch out for
The ingredients in any dog food are the main determinants of whether the food is healthy or not.
The good
Read the labels carefully as it contains all the information about the dog food. Go for foods with wholesome and natural ingredients. Real fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of essential vitamins and antioxidants. The first five ingredients are critical as they make up 80% of the food content. The first ingredient should be real meat.
The bad
Chemicals and harmful additives are bad for your Westie. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. In addition, you should avoid foods with controversial ingredients among the first five. Common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy are best avoided.
What are the best foods for West Highland White Terriers according to dog sizes?
The Best Food for Tiny Westies
- Nulo Small Breed Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils Dry Food: Salmon and red lentils provide premium proteins and fiber for muscle, joint, bone, and digestive health.
The Best Food for Medium and Large Westies
- Now Fresh Adult Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Food: It has moderate fat and protein content to lower the risk of obesity. Chondroitin and glucosamine support joint health, while L-carnitine converts excess fat into useful energy.
What are the best dog foods for West Highland White Terriers with different ingredients?
The best Food with glucosamine for Westies
- Dogswell Hip $ Joint Dry Food: Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint wellness and lower the risk of patellar luxation.
The Best Food with Pumpkin for Westies
- Acana Limited Ingredient Dry Food: Westies are prone to tummy sensitivities, and pumpkin provides fiber to soothe the stomach and ensure smooth digestion.
What are the best foods for West Highland White Terriers with Different Health Conditions?
The Best Food for Westies with allergies
- Merrick Turkey & Rice Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Food: It has fewer ingredients to reduce allergies and ease the identification and elimination of allergens.it features real deboned turkey as a single source of proteins.
The Best Food for Westies with Sensitive Stomach
- Diamond Care Adult Formula Sensitive Stomach Dry Food: Single-source and easily digestible protein lowers the risks of allergens that trigger tummy sensitivities.
What are the daily calorie requirements of West Highland White Terriers?
The amount of calories per day for your Westie mainly depends on the activity levels. Highly active Westies need more calories than their couch potato counterparts. Active dogs burn calories faster and need more energy, hence the need for more calories per cup.
Adult and senior Westies are less active compared to puppies. Puppies, therefore, need more calories per day to sustain their high-energy requirements. They are still growing and need lots of calories for the growth process.
Inactive Westies need approximately 450 calories per day, while the active ones require 700 calories daily. It is best to spread your puppy’s meals throughout the day.
What vegetables are appropriate for a West Highland White Terrier’s diet?
Blanching, steaming, puréeing, and freezing are the best ways to serve vegetables. Your dog can also enjoy raw vegetables. Below are the best vegetables for your Westie:
- Kale: It is rich in nutrients including iron, vitamin A, and vitamin K to promote vision, immune, and bone health. It also supports fetal development and provides sufficient energy
- Spinach: Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and E for immunity and iron for red blood cell formation. It is also rich in carotenoids for proper eyesight.
- Carrots: Your Westie needs healthy eyes, and carrots have lots of beta-carotene converted to vitamin A for strong vision.
- Green Beans: They are important for your Westie as they are low-calorie and high in fiber for smooth digestion and healthy weight. In addition, they have calcium and vitamin C for bone and immune wellness.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is jam-packed with vitamins K and C and contains potassium for bone density, improved immunity, and a strong heart.
Do West Highland White Terriers Have Picky Eating Habits?
Yes, West Highland terriers are known for their selective eating habits. Their meals should be appealing. Healthy fats are the best to add flavor to your dog’s food. Here are some other ways to encourage your picky eater Westie to take a bite:
- Serve wet Food: Dry kibble can be hard for your Westie and wet food comes in handy. Wet food is also tastier than dry food. You can mix tomato soup or dog food gravy with dry food to increase palatability.
- Give lots of liquids: liquids are an excellent way to boost appetite. If your Westie is refusing both dry and wet food, give him lots of fluids. Fluids like chicken broth are the best choice. Ensure the broth has no sodium, as this can dehydrate your dog.
- Home-cooked meals: You can prepare your dog’s food to encourage him to eat. Avoid harmful ingredients like onions and garlic.