Finding the best dog food for a West Highland White Terrier or Westie is vitally important for their overall health. It’s one of the most important decisions you can make as a Westie owner. The White Terrier requires a complete and balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Smaller dogs like the Westie will burn through a lot more calories than their larger counterparts. To meet the nutritional needs of your Westie, you will want to find a small breed specific dog food brand. According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult West Highland White Terrier weighing 20 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 660 calories.
Additionally, you will want to find a real meat source that is balanced by healthy fats, antioxidant-rich fruits and wholesome vegetables.
So what’s the best dog food fo a Westie? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched and analyzed over 400 brands of small dog food for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Westie. Here are the best dog food brands for a Westie for 2024.
To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:
- Real Meat or Fish is #1 Ingredient
- Small Breed Specific Formla
- Protein and Fat Levels Balance
- No Corn, Wheat or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
- Exceeds AAFCO Standards
Natural Balance® Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal & Duck Meal Formula Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Original Ultra Small Breed is made by dog food nutritionists and specifically designed for a Westie’s dietary needs. Protein-rich chicken is the #1 ingredient followed by; Chicken meal, peas, potatoes and chicken fat. Additional oat fiber is included to aid with a healthy digestive system. Antioxidant rich cranberries, blueberries and spinach is added to complete the recipe. Natural Balance is budget-friendly and a perfect option for a Westie.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Carrots, Duck Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Hulls, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Vitamins(Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Dried Kelp, Dried Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cranberries, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 3750 kcal/kg, 410 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 23.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.2% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.0% min |
| VITAMIN E | 100 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 200 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.05% min |
| DHA & EPA | 0.25% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.4% min |
Merrick® Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
This potato-free recipe provides a hearty flavor with a low glycemic option. Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe is made with deboned chicken, chicken meals, peas and turkey meal. Additional antioxidant rich fruits and wholesome vegetables help balance out the recipe. The grain-free, small-size kibble is flavorful and palatable for the pickiest Westie. All ingredients are locally sourced and manufactured in the heart of Texas at their 5 star facility.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oatmeal, Natural Flavor, Quinoa, Salmon Meal, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Apples, Flaxseed Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Blueberries, Chia Seed, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,585 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 30.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 15.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 11.0% max |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID | 4.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID | 0.4% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 1,200 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 1,200 mg/kg min |
Holistic Select® Small & Mini Breed Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe Dry Dog Food
This 5 star dry dog food is one of the best for a Westie. Per guaranteed analysis, the formula is almost double the AAFCO minimum standards. 35.0% protein level makes this dry dog food protein rich for a active Westie.
A protein-concentrated mix of anchovy and sardine meal is the #1 ingredient in Holistic Select Small Breed Health. The kibble is calorie-dense and filled with natural fibers to help with healthy digestion.
Additionally, the formula is filled with antioxidant rich superfoods such as pomegranate and blueberries, which help support health on the cellular level . If you are looking the best dry dog food for a Westie, Holistic Select is one of the best.
Ingredients: Anchovy and Sardine Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Papayas, Choline Chloride, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Lactobacillus bulgaricus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus thermophilus Fermentation Product, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,947 kcal/kg, 425 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 35.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.6% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.0% min |
| VITAMIN A | 22,000 IU/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 165 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.0% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 1.25% min |
| TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS | 7,000,000 CFU/lb min |
| PROTEASE | 280 HUT/lb min |
| CELLULASE | 100 units/lb min |
| ALPHA-AMYLASE | 5 Dextrin units/lb min |
Chicken Soup for the Soul® Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food
Chicken Soup for the Soul Small Bites is a holistic dry dog food formula that’s a perfect option for a Westie. The innovative formula is filled with premium meats including chicken, turkey and duck. Additional salmon, antioxidant rich fruits, wholesome vegetables and herbs are also added to the recipe as well.
The small size kibble helps with digestion and is helps with plaque and tartar buildup common in Westies. Chicken Soup for the Soul is also budget-friendly and price compared to ingredient quality is one of the best.
Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal, White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Ocean Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Duck, Salmon, Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Kelp, Carrots, Apples, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Spinach, Cranberries, Rosemary Extract, Parsley Flake, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Copper Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate.
Caloric Content: 3,560 kcal/kg; 372 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 14.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% min |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| ZINC | 180 mg/kg min |
| SELENIUM | 0.3 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 150 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.4% min |
Nulo® Freestyle Salmon & Peas Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
Westies love the the taste of turkey and salmon. The combination of these two ingredients can make any dog food formula extremely palatable. Nulo Freestyle is made with deboned salmon and turkey meal which is loaded in Omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins b, potassiumand selenium.
Additionally, salmon can reduce the risk of heart disease, while turkey helps promote lean muscle mass. In addition to salmon and turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, whole peas and sweet potatoes is also added. 80% of this dry dry dog food is animal based and is low in carbohydrates.
Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Chickpeas, Deboned Turkey, Lentils, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Yeast Culture, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Tomatoes, Dried Carrots, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,595 kcal/kg, 424 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 30.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.0% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.9% min |
| VITAMIN E | 300 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.25% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.45% min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 65 mg/kg min |
| BACILLUS COAGULANTS | 80,000,000 CFU/lb min |