How many times a day should you feed a Jack Russell

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Jack Russell Feeding Chart How Much To Feed A Jack Russell Puppy

If youre the proud parent of a Jack Russel Terrier then chances are that you may have been at a loss when it comes to feeding this energetic breed.

To save you time and trouble, we have developed this Jack Russell feeding chart to make your life easier.

Jack Russell Terriers were originally developed to track and drive foxes out of their burrows; but, in modern times, they are most often used as companion animals.

However, they have never lost any of their boundless vitality or their desire to discover new things, despite the passage of time.

Because they are of such an active breed, it is of the utmost importance that their food provide them with all of the necessary energy and nutrients.

You need to equip yourself with the knowledge of how much to feed a Jack Russell puppy if you want to take proper care of this breed.

To ensure that Jack Russell Terriers continue to be the rambunctious performers that we are all familiar with and like, we are going to devote this article to discussing everything you ought to understand about feeding a Jack Russell.

How Much Should A Jack Russell Puppy Eat?

Jack Russell pups need four 2- to 3-ounce meals per day until they are 3 months old, and then three meals per day until they are 6 months old.

Two meals a day may be given after that until the puppy achieves full size at roughly a year of age.

A Jack Russell puppy should eat one full meal of 10 to 14 ounces of dog food per day after it is 1 year old, or a light morning and evening meal.

Jack Russell Feeding Chart

Giving a Jack Russell commercial dog food is more convenient thanks to efficient packaging.

Home cooks must estimate calorie counts and make adjustments when preparing meals from scratch. However, there are alternative options for providing your Jack Russell with the nutrition it needs.

Resting Energy Requirement (RER) refers to the amount of energy a dog needs while it is at rest.

Calculating the RER for a Jack Russel puppy requires knowing the dogs age, size, and degree of activity. To determine RER, use the following formula. (Weight in kilograms multiplied by 30) + 70

The first step in using this formula is converting your puppys weight into kilos.

As an example, if the puppy weighs 9 pounds, the RER formula would be RER = (30 x 4.08) + 70, which would be 122.4 + 70, or 192. (4.08 kg).

This means that the Jack Russell puppy needs around 192 calories per day to be at a normal weight.

Remember that this is only an estimate, and that a puppys actual calorie needs might vary based on factors including its age, activity level, and physical condition.

4 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

Let the mother to care for the pups and nurture them. It is not advisable to remove a 4-week-old puppy from its mother or to start feeding it solid food.

6 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

It is imperative you feed the puppy high-quality puppy food that is suitable for its age and breed.

Small portions, roughly 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food each meal, should be given to the puppy many times a day.

Make the weaning process a smooth as you can by making sure the food is soft enough for their tender mouths.

8 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

It is crucial you offer a secure and pleasant environment for the puppy, as well as enough of socialization and training.

Small portions, roughly 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food each meal, should be given to the puppy many times a day.

10 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

It is important to use positive reinforcement tactics while being patient and persistent with training.

The puppy should be fed twice a day, at a rate of 3/4 to 1 cup of food every meal. In addition, the puppy should continue to get routine veterinarian treatment and vaccines.

12 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

It is necessary at this stage to offer enough of mental and physical stimulation to the puppy, such as training and playing.

The puppy should be fed 2 to 3 times each day, with about 1 to 1 1/4 cups of food every meal. In addition, the puppy should continue to get routine veterinarian treatment and vaccines.

14 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

Make sure to socialize the puppy in a controlled situation with other canines and humans.

The puppy should be fed 2 to 3 times per day, with about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of food every meal. In addition, the puppy should continue to get routine veterinarian treatment and vaccines.

16 Week Old Jack Russell Puppy

It is essential to keep giving lots of mental and physical activity to the puppy, as well as regular veterinarian treatment.

The puppy should be fed 2 to 3 times each day, with about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of food every meal.

6 12 Months Old Jack Russell Puppy

At this age, you may reduce your Jack Russell Terrier puppys feedings to two per day.

Because a Jack Russell is a tiny dog breed, you may usually start transitioning him to adult dog food around the 9-month mark.

Until this age, stick to puppy-formulated food to ensure your JRT puppy is receiving the nutrients he or she needs for good growth and development.

I also advocate transitioning to adult meals slowly and gradually. Begin by replacing 25% of the puppy food with adult food. After 1-2 days, swap 50% of the food and combine it.

12 Months & Above Jack Russells

When it comes to feeding your Jack Russell Terrier, things get lot simpler and more systematic at this point. At this age, you should feed your JRT twice daily and use adult dog food.

Aside from that, you just need to be concerned about your Jack Russell not eating or having problems with the food youve selected to give them.

Understanding Jack Russell Puppy Nutritional Needs

Protein, fat, calcium, and digestible carbs help your dog develop properly. Weight gain and growth should happen spontaneously.

Protein Puppies need protein to support growth, cell repair, immune system, and organ strength. Dry matter protein should be 22-32%. Animal protein has all 20 amino acids. Eggs and beef are complete proteins. Vegetable proteins are inadequate because they lack critical amino acids.
Fat Limit puppy food fat since its a concentrated energy source. Fats vary in quality. To maintain their hair shining, skin soft, eyes bright, and joints flexible, puppies need the correct fat in their diet. Fat transfers food-derived fat-soluble vitamins to your dogs tissues. Healthy pups in growth have 10-25% dry matter fat content, with the lower end being optimal.
Calcium Insufficient calcium in a developing puppys diet may create skeletal malformations that can lead to lameness, small stature, and infertility.
Digestible Carbs Healthy pups need digestible carbs.Because digestible carbs, fat, and protein are energy sources, your dogs diet will affect its protein and fat intake.

How Many Times A Day To Feed A Jack Russell Puppy?

Jack Russell puppies should be fed 23 times a day. Puppies need multiple tiny meals throughout the day since their stomachs are small.

There are a number of factors that determine how much and how often to feed the puppy.

Jack Russell puppies should not be removed from their mothers or fed solid food during the first six weeks of life.

At 68 weeks, the puppy may start eating solid food and weaning off its mothers milk. The puppy may be given tiny meals many times a day, increasing the quantity as it develops.

High-quality puppy food for its size and breed is essential. Weight and growing rate should determine the puppys food.

Adult puppies may only eat twice a day. A veterinarian or expert dog trainer should advise on Jack Russell puppy nutrition.

Kibble Vs Wet Food For Jack Russell Puppies

Kibble or wet food for a Jack Russell puppy depends on the owner and dogs preferences. Both foods may nourish a developing dog.

Dry dog food, or kibble, is portable. Its cleaner and easy to measure. Kibble may assist puppies teeth and breath, thus some owners prefer it.

However, some pups may need water or broth to make kibble more attractive.

Some pups prefer canned dog food to kibble because its more tasty and fragrant. For pups with urinary tract difficulties or who live in arid locations, wet food is more moisture-dense.

Wet food costs more and spoils faster than kibble. Theres no perfect answer here, so do whats best for your dog.

Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food

When a puppy reaches 12 months or stops developing rapidly, it should be switched to adult food. Depending on the puppys size and breed, this usually corresponds with maturity.

Before switching to adult food, visit a veterinarian or expert dog trainer to decide the right moment and verify the puppy is getting enough nutrition.

To modify the puppys digestive tract, make the changeover gradually over a few weeks.

What If My Jack Russell Puppy Wont Eat?

If a Jack Russell puppy refuses to eat, find out why and fix it right away. Illness, stress, dental issues, and nutritional intolerance all cause puppies to stop eating.

If the puppy is sluggish, has diarrhea or vomiting, or other symptoms, see a vet immediately. The puppy may require nutrition or medical therapy.

Teething or gum inflammation may make eating painful for puppies. Veterinarians can inspect and treat puppies mouths.

If the puppy has dietary intolerance or allergies, try a new meal or omit particular components.

Can You Freefeed A Jack Russell Puppy?

Free feeding, or putting food out for a puppy to eat at its own speed, may be convenient for some parents but may not be optimal for all pups, including Jack Russell puppies.

Free feeding might make it harder to monitor the puppys food intake and make sure its eating enough for its size and breed.

When food is constantly accessible, it might be harder to spot digestion difficulties or dietary allergies in the puppy.

Free eating may also cause pups to acquire weight, particularly if they dont exercise. Overweight dogs risk joint, diabetes, and heart disorders.

Instead of free-feeding pups, scheduled meals are advised. This lets the owner manage the puppys diet and health.

A veterinarian or expert dog trainer should advise on Jack Russell puppy nutrition.

Best Puppy Dog Food For Jack Russell

Editors Choice

Looking for the best Jack Russell puppy dry food? This tasty chicken-flavored dry dog food is designed to assist puppy growth.

This diet offers everything: DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development, high-quality protein for lean muscle, and a balanced mix of minerals for strong bones and teeth.

Youre giving your pet the finest with natural ingredients and a vet-recommended recipe. This little kibble is great for your developing pet.

Pros

Meets the needs of small pups.
DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development.
Supports puppy lean muscle growth with high-quality protein.
Ingredients for strong bones and teeth.
Has natural ingredients, making it healthier.

One of the best dry foods for your developing puppy is NUTRO ULTRA! This puppy chow contains high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon, with chicken as the main component.

This premium kibble contains 15 bright superfoods including coconut, chia, and kale to help digestion and balanced nutrition.

Youre feeding your dog the finest with no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This nutritious formula boosts brain development and growth.

Pros

Contains chicken, lamb, and salmon.
Specially created for pups under 70 lbs
Balanced nutrients for growth
Contains a combination of 15 superfoods.

Cons

Try Royal Canin Small Puppy Dog Food! This formula is designed for small breed pups under 10 months old with a projected mature weight of 9-22 pounds.

This meal is ideal for small breed dogs high energy demands. Its special tiny kibble size is ideal for small jaws and fussy eaters.

An special combination of antioxidants and vitamins supports immunity, while highly digestible proteins and prebiotics aid digestion.

Pros

For small breed pups under 10 months old
For growing phase with high-energy diet.
For tiny breed dogs with small jaws
Antioxidants and vitamins for immune systems
Highly digested proteins and prebiotics.

Cons

Science Diet Puppy Tiny Paws Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables is the best small breed puppy dry food!

DHA from fish oil supports brain and eye development, and high-quality protein builds lean muscle in this delectable stew.

This antioxidant combination supports toy and small dog immune systems and promotes strong bones and teeth. Try Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Savory Stew now!

Pros

DHA from fish oil for brain and ocular development
Great for lean muscle with high-quality protein.
Mineral balance for strong bones and teeth.
Antioxidant combination for immune system

Cons

Problems with velcro seal

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Toy Breed Puppy Food DHA Chicken & Rice Formula is the best dry food for your energetic toy breed!

This high-protein toy breed dog food starts with genuine chicken. This meal has everything: guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immunological health and DHA from omega-3-rich fish oil for brain and eyesight development.

It also includes calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals to create strong bones and teeth and antioxidants to boost the immune system.

Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin and coat, making your dog look and feel its best. Try Purina Pro Plan High Protein Toy Breed Puppy Food for a happy pup!

Pros

For highly active small breed pups
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Live probiotics for digestive and immunological health.
DHA from omega-3 fish oil for develop brain and eyesight.
Antioxidants to boost immune systems.

Is A Raw Diet Healthy For A Jack Russell Puppy?

The recent resurgence of raw food diets has left many pet owners questioning whether their canine companions really benefit from making the switch from kibble to the more controversial raw food. Its true that both have their benefits and drawbacks.

Each ingredient that your dogs food is made up of will be clearly labeled, and there will be no unnecessary fillers. In addition, you may alter it so that it perfectly suits your pet.

However, it is far more costly than kibble and requires additional calorie counting. Raw food is a common source of bacteria.

For the sake of your dogs health, feed it just one raw meal each day if you choose for a raw food diet.

How Much Do Jack Russell Puppies Grow Each Week?

Jack Russell pups develop swiftly in their first several months.

Jack Russell pups develop 510% of their body weight every week in their first several months. Some pups develop faster or slower.

Jack Russell puppies grow swiftly from 8 weeks to 4 months. Its crucial to give the puppy a high-quality, breed-appropriate food and follow the packages feeding instructions at this period.

After 4 months, the puppy will start to slow down and mature. To ensure the puppy gets enough nutrition, check its weight and development rate and alter its food.

Should You Feed A Jack Russell Puppy Supplements?

Consult a vet or dog trainer before feeding a Jack Russell puppy vitamins. A puppy requires a well-balanced diet and should not be given supplements unless advised by a vet.

A good Jack Russell puppy diet should provide protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. If the puppy gets enough nutritious food, it may not need supplements.

If a Jack Russell puppy has unique dietary requirements or a nutrient deficit, a veterinarian may suggest supplements.