Jack Russells are the sweetest and the loveliest pets you can keep. They are lively and loving by nature, and it is only fair that you take care of them and love these little guys.
You need to make sure your Jack Russell stays healthy and happy, for starters. You can do this by feeding them a high-quality and balanced diet to ensure optimal health for as long as they are with you.
Here we have listed some of the top dog foods you can feed your furry guy. These products are guaranteed to optimize your pooch’s health and keep him strong.
After extensively working through the advantages and disadvantages, we have compiled these products. Hence, we’ve made sure whatever product you deem best is the finest quality your Jack Russell feeds on.
Without further ado, here are the 10 most popular dog foods for Jack Russell
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed
- Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato
- Wellness Core Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey
- Taste Of The Wild Grain Free
- Purina Beyond Natural Pate Grain-Free Beef Potato
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient
- Orijen Dog Puppy Recipe
- Canidae Pure Petite Adult Small Breed
- Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Small Breed
- Nutro Natural Choice Senior Chicken & Brown Rice
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed
There is no way you can contain your Jack Russell’s high energy. But, you can give them all the reasons to stay the same. Blue Buffalo offers this recipe with a wide range of quality ingredients that supply the energy your Russell needs to remain active and happy!
This recipe is crafted with the finest proteins from Menhaden fish and chicken and carbs from brown rice. It’s an undeniable combination for a Russell who loves to run around. Because this recipe makes sure to provide the essential nutrients he needs.
Moreover, thanks to the high glucosamine content in this bag, you don’t need to worry about Russell suffering from bad joints later in life. Instead, the glucosamine will aid in excellent joint health, allowing your pet to enjoy being active as much as possible!
Key Features:
- Packed with extra amounts of proteins and carbs for an extra boost of energy
- Menhaden fish helps keep muscles strong.
- A combo of cranberry and blueberry gives a lovely sweet flavor to the meal
- Glucosamine is best for growing Jack Russell
Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato
Merrick has earned their place in the dog food brand since long ago. Their quality and taste still persist, and dog parents have trusted this brand with their Jack Russells. This is because parents have been feeding Merrick to their dogs and haven’t seen a decline in health in years.
In fact, if we compare this recipe to other recipes from Merrick, this one is cheaper since it is not freeze-dried. Freeze-dried keeps the kibble extra nutritious. However, this recipe does not compromise on nutrition at all.
Overall, most Jack Russells love this recipe. Plus, this dry food is the perfect size for a breed with small mouths and keeping their teeth clean and free of plaque.
The only downside with this bag is the reduction in the content. The brand has reduced the weight from 25lbs to 22lbs while the prices stay the same.
Key Features:
- This grain-free recipe includes no byproducts or ingredients that harm sensitive tummies.
- After frequent meals, an improvement in a fur coat is guaranteed
- Real chicken with no chicken substitutes like chicken flour
- Fill up your Jack Russell faster with a smaller portion size
Wellness Core Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey
If we were to suggest a complete meal at a reasonable price, Wellness is what we would recommend.
This recipe is packed with all sorts of ingredients your Jack Russell would enjoy and all the nutrients he needs every day. Talk about high content, high-quality protein, carbs, omega fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics. This recipe is rich in all of these nutrients.
This satisfies most dog parents and serves as a complete and perfect meal for your spirited Jack Russell. He will have more energy after feeding on this kibble.
Moreover, suppose you have a growing or an adult Jack Russell. In that case, the added feature of boosted immunity from this recipe will keep your Jack Russell fighting away the infection effectively. Similarly, this grain-free formula will help with lean, solid muscle mass throughout his life if you will feed this dog food to your pooch for a long time.
Key Features:
- Additional amounts of probiotics and probiotics for exceptional gut health and digestion
- Omega fatty acids promote beautiful coats and fur.
- A brilliant protein content helps maintain lean muscle mass
- Boosted immunity aids in fighting nasty infections
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free
When searching for a new dog food brand, always look into why the brand is selling what they are selling. The philosophy behind their agenda is crucial to understand if we are dealing with a brand that keeps its promise.
Luckily, Taste of the Wild’s philosophy is widely known for keeping your dogs happy and healthy for a long time! So there is a reason why dog parents choose this brand, and the grounds are justified.
The brand promises to add quality products to its recipes without failing quality. Over time, we haven’t found many people complaining about their dog’s health, coat, body mass, or poop with this recipe.
This grain-free recipe that includes DHA, chicory roots, real fish, vegetables, legumes and fruits, and species-specific probiotics stands true to its words. But then again, the extra punch of energy from antioxidants and omega fatty acids is perfect for an energetic Jack Russell like yours!
Key Features:
- DHA improves the cognitive ability of Jack Russell
- Species-specific probiotics maintain an excellent gut health
- Omega fatty acids work best for the skin and coat
- Vegetables and fruits provide a rich blend of essential vitamins and minerals.
Purina Beyond Natural Pate Grain-Free Beef Potato
This is the first wet food on our list for your Jack Russell.
This Purina recipe is exceptionally hydrating, but this is also perfect for dog parents wanting to reduce the weight of their Jack Rusell to prevent obesity. Obesity is a cause of debilitating diseases later in life.
Hence, wet foods like this one get your Jack Russells full in lesser portion sizes and keep them full for a longer period. In addition, it prevents your furry guy from asking for more meals during the day.
Moreover, the high content of probiotics and fibers work together for a brilliant digestive tract that keeps their poop consistent and prevents upset tummies.
There is no compromise on the protein content, as Purina has not decreased the protein in this. Therefore, protein does not add to obesity. Hence, Purina maintaining a good amount of protein from beef in this recipe is an excellent idea.
Key Features:
- Wet food keeps your Jack Russells full for a longer period
- The formula greatly keeps your pooch hydrated
- Probiotics and fibers maintain a healthy gut
- Protein from beef acts as a marvelous source for pristine musculature.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient
A sensitive Jack Russell can’t tolerate a myriad of ingredients in his meal. Or, if you newly adopted your pooch, it would be hard for you to guess what ingredients suit him the best.
This is where Rachel’s limited ingredient dog food comes into play. You can safely feed them this formula knowing there are only the important and the common ingredients present in this bag.
With limited ingredients, the chances of your Jack Russell developing allergies or sensitivities are super low. This bag includes fish, chicken, lamb, peas, potatoes, and carrots. These are common but vital ingredients for Jack Russells.
With no corn, soy, or crappy ingredients, your Jack Russell is promised to keep healthy for long.
So don’t fear feeding your dog this nutritious recipe. If you have a sensitive dog, you don’t have to worry about your furry guy becoming sick after starting this dog food!
Key Features:
- Limited ingredient recipe with only 6 components
- A high amount of proteins from real fish, lamb, and chicken
- Zero amounts of animal byproducts or ingredients that cause sensitivity in Jack Russell
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and taurine
Orijen High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Orijen has always committed to providing excellent quality to all its furry customers. As a result, we see many furry customers satisfied, happy and healthy with the Orijen recipe.
Therefore, if you have a Jack Russell puppy, you can freely start your cute pup with this Orijen recipe without a doubt. The formula is specially crafted for little puppies, conforming to their growing needs for high-quality nutrition only.
This formula is packed with chicken, eggs, and turkey protein. This means 85% of this recipe is just proteins! This is a considerable protein amount and the amount needed for a growing Jack Russell. They are very energetic from a young age.
In fact, this is one of the most nutrition-dense recipes found on our list. Not just the protein, but cartilages, real organ meat, and bones are impeccable for growing muscles and bones of your beloved hairy guy.
Key Features:
- Hefty amounts of proteins from unprocessed meat to retain the nutrition levels
- 85% of this recipe is proteins
- Organ meat, cartilages, and bones for excellent bone and lean muscle health
- Provides the rightful energy for a little Jack Russell
Canidae Pure Petite Adult Small Breed
Yet another unique recipe for sensitive Jack Russells. Canidae claims to have 8 main ingredients paired with other nutritious components to produce this perfect meal.
It includes chicken as its primary protein source and peas and lentils for added nutrition.
Moreover, the kibble size is perfect for small breeds like your Jack Russell, which will prevent them from choking on their food. The good part is that the kibble is freeze-dried.
This means it protects the natural taste, and the richness of the raw ingredient, in this case, the chicken.
This means your pooch is getting the natural goodness of the chicken present in this meal. Plus, having freeze-dried kibble increases the shelf life of the bag.
Since extra effort goes into freeze-drying dog food, this bag is more expensive than regular dog food.
Key Features:
- Freeze-dried kibble increases the shelf life of this kibble
- The natural richness is preserved in this recipe
- The small size kibble is perfect for small breeds
- It is made with only 8 premium ingredients to avoid sensitivity issues in Jack Russells.
Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Small Breed
Do you have an overweight Jack Russell who tirelessly wants to shed some weight? If yes, give this recipe a try.
This recipe is specially crafted with fewer fats to help your pooch lose weight. It has 40% lesser fats with L-carnitine than regular recipes, and this is perfect for building a leaner body.
And of course, Jack Russell’s favorite ingredient: chicken, is the first ingredient in this recipe! So to keep your little pooch in shape, Eukanuba has added an extra 50% more glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to promote excellent joint and bone health.
This chicken protein and adapted carbs provide the perfect blend of energy for your Jack Russell to run around all day while giving his bones more strength to help him lose weight with improved activity.
Key Features:
- 40% fewer fats to help your Jack Russell lose weight
- 50% more glucosamine to improve joint health
- Real chicken protein for a leaner musculature
- High DHA levels promote a healthy cognitive brain
Nutro Natural Choice Senior Chicken & Brown Rice
Let us end this list with a senior dog food by Nutro Natural. The exciting combination of fats, carbs, proteins, and other essential ingredients makes this formula the perfect dog food for your senior Jack Russell, 7 years of age or older.
At this age, your senior guy needs limited energy and limited ingredients. Seniors Jack Russells do not have the same metabolic or activity potential as a growing Jack Russells.
Therefore, now they need to maintain their health and eat enough to not progress toward obesity or other diseases.
Your senior pooch needs proteins, carbs, and fats. Still, they need more antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to address other health factors in Jack Russells than simply maintaining good muscles and bones.
With a slower metabolism, your dog now needs more probiotics for improved digestion. Similarly, he also needs more antioxidants to boost their immunity to fight off infections. Luckily, his recipe is packed with everything mentioned here and more!
Key Features:
- Improved immunity to prevent deleterious infections
- High fiber and probiotic contents for better digestion
- Balanced amount of protein, fats, and carbs to maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Packed with vitamins and minerals that enhance overall health
Frequently Asked Questions
You saw all the products listed above. However, we still have Jack Rusells’ parents asking questions outside their diet. Hence, we thought we answer questions possibly lingering in your mind.
How To Find The Best Dog Food For Jack Russell?
The best dog food that will keep your Jack Russell happy and healthy are the ones that are flavorsome, aromatic, and include a perfect balance of all the nutrients a dog should eat.
For a young to adult Jack Russell a highly recommended formula, includes high amounts of protein from real ingredients like fish, turkey, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, and venison.
Similarly, carbs from rice, potatoes, omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and DHA are crucial for your Jack Russell.
The same goes for a senior Jack Russell. However, the amount of all these nutrients changes. Instead of high protein and fats, old pals need more fibers, antioxidants, and probiotics in their meals.
On the contrary, if your Jack Russell is allergic or sensitive to any ingredient, it is understood that this ingredient stays away from them.
You can also customize their meals by feeding them the best flavors they love. Make sure the kibble tastes and smells lovely, or else your little fella might run away from his meals.
What Are Jack Russell’s Dietary Requirements?
An optimal diet for an adult Jack Russells requires them to eat one and a half to two cups of dog food each day. This makes it almost 450 to 650 calories for a Jack Russell weighing anything in between 13 to 17 pounds.
On the flip side, a senior Jack Russell requires 450 to 550 calories, while a young 3 to 13 pounds Jack Russell needs up to 900 calories each day.
You can divide these calories into 2 to 3 meals per day to avoid feeding them all at once.
However, this is a general dietary requirement. For example, suppose you are looking for recommendations for your Jack Russell. In that case, you need to look at his age, weight, activity level, and metabolism.
Hence, it is best to go to your vet to determine the number of calories your pooch can intake. A young Jack Russell should eat more calories since he needs more nutrition at his growing age.
A senior guy would only need limited calories to maintain his health since his activity level wouldn’t be much.
What Are Some Common Health Issues Found In Jack Russell?
Unfortunately, like every other breed, Jack Russells also suffer from medical conditions. Here are some common diseases found in them.
- Patellar Luxation
Jack Russell can have this at birth. This is where the kneecap displaces when he folds his legs and makes it hard for them to walk or sit down.
This condition can be surgically corrected later on in life.
- Deafness
Deafness is again a congenital disease, and there is little that vets can do about this. However, there are hearing devices available that do restore their hearing. Otherwise, deafness is commonly found in Jack Russells.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Jack Russells born with this disease are blind by birth. Unfortunately, it is a widespread congenital disease found in this breed. If a dog is born with it, chances are it will have to live with permanent blindness.
- Glaucoma
Glaucoma is where the eye pressure increases and causes immense pain in the eye. Fortunately, this can promptly be treated with medications that lower eye pressure. Otherwise, surgeries are a permanent solution for this eye disease.
- Obesity And Arthritis
Obesity is a direct cause of arthritis. Arthritis is the degeneration of joints, and knees are primarily affected by it.
It makes it hard for senior Jack Russells to walk or sit with arthritis. It is an old age disease, but obesity increases the weight of previously damaged joints. Thus, aggravating arthritis.
What Ingredients To Avoid Feeding Your Jack Russell?
You must know what ingredients are nasty for your Jack Russell apart from the general ones they can’t tolerate.
These include raw meat, onions, avocados, animal by-products, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, grapes, raisins, garlic, alcohol, and chocolate are toxic for any Jack Russell.
Jack Russells may even be sensitive to ingredients popular among most Jack Russells in rare conditions.
For this, you will have to be cautious. First, notice if they have any allergic reactions like itching, watery poop consistency, watery eyes, discomfort, or abdominal ache after feeding on a meal. Then avoid such meals and switch to other food.
Should I Feed My Jack Russell Wet Dog Food Or Dry?
Both wet and dry dog foods for Jack Russells have advantages and disadvantages. The first is the price difference.
Wet foods are more expensive than dry food, and their shelf life isn’t as long as dry food either.
Dry food helps to keep the teeth plaque away and is available in various flavors. Wet food is hydrating and good for Jack Russells looking to drop their weight. They go rancid really quickly but help keep your guy full for long.
Final Verdict
We hope you have finally reached a conclusion and made up your mind on what will be your next purchase.
However, if you are still confused, we would like to suggest our favorite brands for your Jack Russell.
We love Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed for every young adult Jack Russell of 1 to 8 years old.
This recipe is packed with every crucial ingredient that your pooch needs to maintain his energy levels during his growing years. It is richer in proteins, carbs, and fats than other formulas on the list.
Similarly, Orijen Dog Puppy Recipe is another excellent choice for your puppy Jack Russell if you’re looking for that protein and carb kick.
On the other hand, we recommend Nutro Natural Choice Senior Chicken & Brown Rice for their optimal amounts of nutrients, considering that your pal has become a senior now and needs a carefully crafted recipe for his age.
There you go. All recommendations are here. Let us know what you picked.
Happy shopping!
