best dog food brand for jack russell

2024 Best Dog Food for Jack Russells: Right Diet For Your Active Pups

If youre a dog parent to a Jack Russell, you know that this highly energetic small-breed pup is both fun and challenging to have in your home.

Like most dog breeds, Jack Russell terriers are certainly lovable canines that epitomize why a dog is called mans best friend.

But a Jack Russell-energized home has its challenges. If youre looking to have a little peace and quiet, the Jack Russell terrier isn't for you.

This breed is notorious for a bit of rowdiness that may not suit certain homes. They need a lot of space to run around, preferably with an outdoor enclosure. And Jack Russell terriers can be aggressive and antagonistic with other dogs and animals.

Jack Russells are not easy to train, especially if youre not a professional dog trainer. If youre a newbie in dog parenting, you may be better off with another breed.

Being highly energetic also requires a particular food to suit their nature. This review will help Jack Russell owners to select the right dog food for Jack Russell terriers that will provide the necessary nutrition to keep them lively and happy.

Also in this article, Best Dog Food for Jack Russells, are some of the important information and tips about caring for a Jack Russell terrier breed.

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All About Jack Russell Terriers

What is a Jack Russell Terrier?

TheJack Russell Terrieris a small terrier with a mostly white coat blended with colored markings, usually black or tan, or both.

Their coats are either smooth, rough, or broken, with a coarse texture, and are not curly. The broken-coated Jack typically has a beard. Their height is usually about 10 to 15 inches at the shoulder. They normally weigh around 12 to 17 pounds.

Known as a high-energy breed, Jack Russells need a lot of exercise and stimulation. Bred about 200 years ago as a hunting dog for foxes in England, the Jack Russell Terrier is a natural working dog, with special instincts to dig on the ground as if looking for foxholes.

Its also described as alert, smart, fearless, and tenacious. Its built, including the small chest and long legs, is designed to pursue underground mammals and birds.

History of the Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell terrier traces its origins from England back in the early 1800s when one Reverend John Jack Russell started a breeding program to develop a special hunting terrier for his fox hunting expeditions.

He wanted a dominantly white dog that he could easily spot in the field or woods, and with just the right size, agility, athleticism, quickness, intuition, and determination to chase foxes out of their burrows. Russell began the program by purchasing a white female terrier named Trump from a milkman in a nearby town.

Russells dogs from the program were notable for their controlled aggression having the skills to chase the quarry but without inflicting any harm.The special breed was perfect for hunting, which was why the dogs were often used by hunters at the time.

Russell sold several dogs due to his financial woes. By the time of his demise in 1883, there were just four left. But the special breed lived on and was eventually named after its original breeder, Jack Russell.

Behavior and Personality of Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell dogs are natural working and hunting dogs, which somehow makes them ultra active and aggressive pups. They need a lot of exercise, stimulation, and training to arrive at the ideal behavior for pet dogs. Without the pertinent stimulation, they tend to become easily bored, moody, and even destructive at times when they try to amuse themselves.

But their wonderful traits make them a great breed for some special purposes such as sports. Jack Russell terriers are great in dog sports and games like flyball, agility, or fetch. Theyre excellent jogging companions too. Just make sure you have a good grip on the leash as they can quickly run off when stimulated by something.

Although generally friendly to humans, the JRTs or Jacks can be aggressive towards another dog or animal like a cat. They wont get easily intimidated even by a larger dog, which is why they tend to get in serious trouble.

When not properly socialized, they can also be aggressive towards humans. They wont easily tolerate abuse so its best to keep them away from younger children when unsupervised.

If you live in an apartment, the Jack is surely not for you. Apart from their need for a bigger space, coupled with a huge appetite to run, jump, and play, Jack Russells are also notorious for their excessive barking. You wouldnt want your next-door neighbor to come knocking all the time.

The Jack Russell Terrier, like any typical terrier, naturally loves digging and can easily turn your pretty garden into an excavation. Better to allow your Jack to dig in a certain spot than try to break the habit.

As a high-energy breed, Jack Russells love to bounce around and jump on people and furniture. They can leap up to five feet or more. They also love climbing trees and fences. By the way, Jacks are pretty adept escape artists, with the ability to climb, jump over, or dig under your fence. So its best to supervise your Jack Russell when outdoors.

Jack Russells also have a strong prey drive and will often pursue other animals. Smaller pets are not safe with an untrained terrier.

The Best Dog Food For Jack Russells

Reviewed Best Dog Foods For Jack Russells

1. Dr. Tim's Highly Athletic Momentum Formula
2. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
3. Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe
4. Health Extension Salmon Recipe
5. CANIDAE PURE LID Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe
6. Purina Pro Plan Performance 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula
7. Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe
8. ACANA Puppy Recipe
9. Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Lentils Recipe
10. K9 Natural Healthy Bites Lamb Treats

1. Dr. Tim's Highly Athletic Momentum Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Ocean Herring Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp

For the best overall Jack Russell dog food, its hard to ignore Dr. Tims Highly Athletic Momentum Formula as it has all the important features suited for this active pup breed.

Created by no less than a Ph.D. in canine nutrition, this best dog food is perfect as a Jack Russell Terriers food, which can augment the Jacks zestful lifestyle.

This high-protein dry food is slow-cooked to perfection and boasts all-natural ingredients and a 92% animal protein pack to provide your Jack Russell Terrier with an astounding 35% minimum crude protein load. Its also high in caloric and fat contents, with 4078 kcal/cup and 25% respectively.

Brown rice leads the stellar array of non-animal ingredients, along with bounteous essential nutrients to boost the dogs immune system, plus omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and probiotics for healthy digestion. There are no artificial flavors or colors in this dog food.

This best dog food for Jack Russells received a high 4.7 out of 5 stars rating at Chewy.com, with 93% of reviewers highly satisfied. Many acknowledged the quality ingredients and positive effects on their active dogs.

There were very few negative remarks, most of which were about their picky-eating pups. Some said their furry pals had food allergies to this kibble.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• High in protein, calories & fats
• 92% animal protein from premium ingredients

Cons

• May not be the best for dogs who need to lose weight

2. Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food

First 5 Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach

If you can afford to serve fresh food to your pups, we highly recommend Nom Nom fresh dog foods.

Nom Nomis a gourmet dog food delivery service that provides fresh meals that have been custom made for your dog's dietary needs. You simply give Nom Nom your dog's breed, age, weight, and activity level, and they will provide you with a quote.

For active dogs like the Jack Russell, our top choice is Nom Noms Turkey Fresh offering, which features turkey meat and brown rice as the first two ingredients, plus eggs, carrots, and spinach all fresh ingredients.

The food is grain-free, with the meat sourced from farms that provide vegetable-fed and hormone-free turkey. You will not find a more organically sourced dog food on the market today.

At over 60% moisture, your dog will be adequately hydrated whilst eating the meal. It will also mean that the transition is easier if your dog is currently eating canned dog food as he's digestive system will need less adjustment than changing to dry dog food.

Each serving offers 10% protein, 5% fat, and 1479 kcal/kg caloric loads. Certainly, highly nutritious and delicious!

Pros

• Exceeds AAFCO quality standards
• USFDA registered
• Conveniently pre-cooked and portioned
• All meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and are kept ice-cold with dry ice
• Free delivery (Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly options are available)
• All packaging is curbside recyclable, including the meal packs

Cons

• Has a higher price point compared to dry or canned dog food

3. Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat, Dried Egg, Miscanthus Grass

When it comes to the big three protein, fat, and calories this Jack Russell dog food has loads of them.

Made with high-quality real farm-raised chicken meat, this kibble has an astronomical 43% minimum protein content, which is very high for dry food. The fat load is also copious at 33%, and the caloric content is likewise very high at 5100 kcal/kg.

This great dog food for Jack Russell terriers has very low digestible grain-free carbohydrates but is abundant in essential nutrients for overall health. 86% of pet owners that tried this dry food via Chewy.com gave it their high approval.

The comments are mostly encouraging with several customers liking the effects of this keto diet on their pups. Some said their dogs got a healthy gain weight. But a few didnt like the effects on their dogs, citing excessive thirst, gas, and loose stool.

Pros

• Made in the USA
• 100% real chicken
• Low carb keto food
• No added digestible carbohydrates or fillers of any kind
• Helps with softer and shinier coats, relief for allergies, digestion and skin issues

Cons

• May cause excessive thirst
• Caused gassiness in some dogs

4. Health Extension Salmon Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Deboned Whitefish

Some dogs are allergic to common grains like corn and wheat. If your Jack is one of them, this dog food from Health Extension offers a great option.

Made with real salmon as the first ingredient, plus other hypoallergenic animal protein sources, this dry dog food also contains excellent ingredients and beneficial supplements including salmon oil for omega fatty acids, whole sweet potatoes, pumpkin, coconut oil, and mixed berries.

This Jack Russell food gained high remarks from 92% of Chewy.com reviewers, with a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating.

Most respondents are ecstatic about this dog food, especially how it produced remarkable results in their dogs with food allergies. Very few gave discouraging remarks, mostly about picky eaters, and one thought the kibble was too hard and dry.

Pros

• Real salmon is the first ingredient
• Rich in omega fatty acids
• High-quality and hypoallergenic ingredients
• No artificial flavors, colors, dyes or preservatives

Cons

• Not for very picky eaters
• Kibbles are a bit hard for a few dogs

5. CANIDAE PURE LID Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Bison, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lentils

Among the most premium dog food brands, this dry dog food for Jack Russell Terriers from Canidae is surely a winner.

Real meat from bison is the first ingredient, which is a novel protein, followed by lamb meal and sweet potatoes to lead a list of only ten prime ingredients that includes turkey meal.

This kibble however is fortified with ample healthy nutrients and fatty acids, with countless health benefits including skin and coat health, healthy digestion, and a healthy immune system. Its very high in glucosamine and chondroitin that are favorable to joint health for active dogs like Jack.

Typical of a Canidae brand, this dog food got highly encouraging reviews from 94% of over 300 reviewers at Chewy.com.

Most comments are all-praises about the quality ingredients and novel proteins, and how this dog food has helped their pups with food allergies. The few negative comments were about their pups not loving this dry dog food, and its high price tag.

Pros

• Real salmon is the first ingredient
• Rich in omega fatty acids
• High-quality and hypoallergenic ingredients
• No artificial flavors, colors, dyes or preservatives

Cons

• Not for very picky eaters
• Kibbles are a bit hard for a few dogs

6. Purina Pro Plan Performance 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Corn

For our best budget dry dog food for Jack Russell Terriers, this high-protein diet is a great option for pet parents with budget limitations.

Purina, after all, is the expert in good-quality but affordable pet food. Real salmon, a novel protein, is the first ingredient in this recipe that packs a remarkable 30% protein and 20% fat contents, and an astonishing 4433 kcal/kg caloric load that suits your active dogs.

You would be surprised with the enormous amount of nutrients and omega fatty acids in this formula, including live probiotics for healthy digestion and immune system boost. By the way, this diet is also suitable as a small breed dog food because of its small-sized kibbles.

Over 200 customers gave this dry dog food a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating at Chewy.com, with 96% of them recommending it. The most common remarks are the palatability of this meal as well as how it helped sustain and nourish their active dogs.

The kibbles are small enough for their little dogs chew, which saves them from having to switch to a small breed dog food. A few said their pups turned their noses up at this food.

Pros

• Salmon is the first ingredient
• Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics
• Kibbles are small enough even for small breed pups
• Optimizes oxygen metabolism (VO2 MAX) for increased endurance

Cons

• Some dogs may be sensitive to corn and corn gluten
• Some owners notice a buildup of ear gunk on their pets

7. Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Lentils, Dried Ground Potatoes

For our beloved senior dog, we find Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal and Lentils Recipe dry food as the best senior dog food.

The protein load is still pretty high at 28%, which is sufficient for older dogs, but the fat (mostly from chicken fat) and caloric contents are modest at 12% and 3504 kcal/kg respectively to be safe for aging pups.

This grain-free dog food is also teeming with whole foods like apples, pumpkin, cranberries, and papaya to supply your aging dog with essential nutrients and fibers for overall health, including a healthy immune system, plus fatty acids and probiotics for healthy skin and coat, and healthy digestion respectively.

Its no wonder that 98% of reviewers at Chewy.com gave this suitable senior Jack Russell Terrier diet their two thumbs-up, with an average of 4.7 stars out of 5.

The rave reviews include great taste, maintained my pups healthy weight, and improved energy level of my dog. There were very few unenthusiastic comments, mostly about their finicky fur babies not touching the grain-free diet.

Pros

• Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
• Specifically crafted for senior dogs
• Supports your dogs overall digestive health
• Has L-carnitine, joint support, and probiotics

Cons

• Not suitable for dogs allergic to chicken

8. ACANA Puppy Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Whole Green Peas, Whole Red Lentils

Acana makes some of the best quality dog food recipes. And for your Jack Russell Terrier puppy, this grain-free diet may be the best choice.

Made with real chicken meat and turkey meat from cage-free birds, and turkey meal, plus a host of healthy whole foods that account for 40% of the ingredients, this best dog food for Jack Russell puppies presents a complete and balanced diet with outstanding nutritional value for various health benefits like immune system support.

With generous proteins and fats at 31% and 19% respectively, this puppy food surely fits vigorous young Jacks.

Its hard to argue that this puppy food is the best food for your Jack Russell Terrier puppy when it received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars rating at Chewy.com, with only one gloomy comment about her pooch not so impressed with it.

Most respondents said they got their moneys worth, and that the switch to this kibble was a smart move.

Pros

• High in protein and fat
• First 2 ingredients are fresh chicken and turkey
• 60% of ingredients coming from animal protein
• Grain-free food with zero corn, soy, wheat or tapioca

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than the average puppy food

9. Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Lentils Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Lamb Broth, Turkey Broth

Some Jack Russells prefer wet food. Or if you like mixing wet and dry food, we recommend Nulos lamb and lentils canned dog food.

This best wet food for Jack Russell dogs features outstanding animal proteins, with real lamb meat, turkey meat, and turkey liver as the first three ingredients.

A great wet adult food, this high-quality diet offers a high 10% minimum protein and 9% minimum fat content, with 506 kcal per can.

Surely one of the best canned dog foods for Jack Russell dogs, this high-quality diet got an average of 4.7 stars out of 5 rating at Chewy, with only 1 out of 26 reviewers being unhappy, even as the main complaint was about the dents on the cans. The other 25 comments were about the awesome taste and quality ingredients as well as the favorable texture.

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Contains pure probiotic strains
• With calcium and phosphorus
• Crafted with wholesome vegetables and fruits
• Made with quality real lamb and turkey meats

Cons

• Several complaints about dents on some batches of cans

10. K9 Natural Healthy Bites Lamb Treats

All Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver

Giving your Jacks treats will surely help in training them and for positive motivation.

K9 Natural Healthy Bites presents a high-protein and high-fat freeze-dried treat made of real lamb meat and organs from grass-fed lambs that your Jack Russell dog will surely go nuts over.

Check out the outstanding guaranteed analysis:40% minimum protein, 38% minimum fat, and 4708 kcal/kg calories.

Undeniably one of the best treats you can find, this one received an incredible 4.8 stars average out of 5 at Chewy.com, with all 13 reviewers giving heartening comments, with just one finding the product too expensive.

Pros

• Great palatability
• Suitable for puppies, adults and seniors
• Made with high-quality lamb meat and organs
• Free of grain and hormone growth promotants
• Absolutely no additives, artificial preservatives & fillers

Cons

• Comes in only 1 size and is quite small for its price

Common Jack Russell Health Issues

Jack Russells are generally healthy and with an average lifespan of up to 15 years when cared for well. But just like all dog breeds, there are some common canine health issues that may affect Jack Russell Terriers.

Make sure youre buying from a trustworthy breeder that can present medical clearances showing a healthy Jack Russell Terrier puppy and parents. Consider adopting first, as there are Jack Russells in some shelters.

Here are some of the common disorders to watch out for:

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, which causes a deformity in the ball of the hip joint,is quite common in small breeds. It could lead to arthritis, which is painful. Surgery is the usual fix.

Congenital deafness is typical among white-coated dogs.

Patellar Luxation or slipped stifles, is also common in small dogs. It is caused when the patella is not properly lined up, resulting in lameness in the leg that leads to the dogs abnormal gait such as hopping. This condition is acquired by birth although the luxation happens much later. It could also lead to arthritis and deformities in the legs.

Glaucomais an eye condition that damages the optic nerve brought about by heavy pressure on the eye due to the accumulation of eye fluids when not drained properly. This condition leads to blurred vision and even blindness. Its painful too. Treatment could be medication or, in worse cases, surgery.

Cataracts are caused by the breakdown of proteins that affect the lens, resulting in cloudy vision. Aging or an eye injury is the common cause of cataracts.

Lens Luxationis when the lens of the eye becomes dislocated when the ligament holding it in place is damaged. On the other hand, Ectopia Lentis is the malposition of the eyes crystalline lens from its normal location. In both conditions extreme cases, the eye may have to be removed.

Ataxia is the lack of coordination as a result of a disorder in the dogs nervous system. Some common signs are a swaying gait, wobbling, and head tilting.

Myasthenia Gravis is believed to be a congenital disease in some breeds including the Jack Russell Terrier. In this condition, theres a disorder in the transmission of signals between the nerves and muscles, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue.

This disease may also be acquired through environmental factors or infections. Other signs include vomiting, difficulty breathing, and excessive drooling.

As a pet parent, its important that you have your pooch checked by a veterinarian regularly even in the absence of health issues.

For Jack Russell terrier puppies, especially in the first two years, a monthly or at least quarterly check-up is required. For a healthy adult dog, once yearly should suffice, while a semi-annual physical exam is needed for an older adult dog.

Caring For Your Jack Russell Terrier

Caring for your Jack Russell dog may be a bit of a challenge but it could all be worth it eventually as this pup is surely adorable and fun.

Space. Provide your Jack Russell with enough space to burn his lavish energy. A fenced area or outdoor enclosure is the best. If you let him out in the yard, its best to supervise as he will find ways to get out of the fence, including digging under.

Exercise.Lots of it. Give your Jack the needed stimulation daily to keep him on his best behavior. About 45 minutes to an hour daily should be allocated for your Jack Russell. But make sure he is in a fenced yard or on a leash, or else youll have to chase him all over the streets. If you should walk or jog outdoors with your Jack Russell, make sure he is on a leash. Play games with him too, like fetch or flyball.

Early Socialization. Train your Jack Russell terrier puppies to socialize with other humans and pets so they don't grow up uneasy with them. Jack Russell Terriers are highly trainable and intelligent. But its easier to train them young.

Teach your children the right way to treat and approach dogs of any kind. Supervise young children when with dogs to avoid untoward actions like pulling of the tail and ears. The Jack Russell Terrier can do well with older children.

Training. Training is crucial for Jack Russell dogs to keep them in good behavior. Its best to hire a pro trainer or get guidance from a Jack expert. But this breed thrives on structure, and it will certainly make life better for you both. But training must not be too long and repetitive, or theyll bore the Jacks. Positive motivation works well. Negative motivation? Good luck.

Separation Anxiety. Jack Russells love being with their humans. They get anxious when you leave the house. Turning the radio on may help reduce the anxiety when you leave.

Grooming. Jacks require minimal grooming. Weekly brushing just to get rid of the loose hair and a once-a-month bath should be okay. Trim the nails once a month for healthier and cleaner feet. But dental care is vital to any dog. Brush the teeth at least thrice weekly to prevent tartar buildup and gum infections. Always check the mouth, eyes, and ears for infections or parasites.

Adopt A Jack. If you can, adopt dont shop. Many dog owners who get Jacks without any idea about their nature end up surrendering them to rescue groups. Consider adopting your next pooch. It has its advantages too, like potentially having been already trained. And youll feel better rescuing a poor animal. Among the most notable rescue groups is the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America Rescue.

Bottomline

Jack Russells are great dogs to have in the home if you have the experience as a dog parent, the patience to train them, and the time to spend with them. If youre having a dog for the first time, its better to get a less active breed.

But the Jack Russell Terrier can be your best friend for life and fill you with lots of love and laughter if you show him the same affection and care.

Feed your Jacks with high-quality dog food thats rich in protein, calories, and fats to fuel their abundant energy.