Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Boston Terriers: Ziwi Peak Grain Free Dog Food
“This air-dried dog food delivers peak nutrition by replicating a natural, whole-prey diet that your dog is craving for. Its limited ingredient formulation makes it an ideal food for Boston terriers who are prone to food allergies.”
Best For Seniors Boston Terriers: Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
“Nothing beats the Orijen Senior Dry Dog food when it comes to providing your aging dog the proper nourishment he needs. It’s a biologically appropriate meal that’s complete with essential nutrients plus added ingredients to support your Boston terrier as he grows old.”
Best for Boston Terrier Puppies: Taste of the Wild Grain Free Puppy Food
“Taste of the Wild Grain Free Puppy Food contains everything your Boston terrier needs to grow into a healthy, happy adult dog. It supplies enough energy for your highly active pup to sustain him through the day and essential nutrients that support proper growth.”
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic in nature. This means their short nose and the shape of their face causes some health problems, the most common of which is brachycephalic syndrome or difficulty in breathing because of the structure of their face.
Additionally, this particular dog breed tends to suffer from eye-related problems like cataracts and corneal ulcers. While brachycephalic syndrome can’t be helped as it’s genetic, their susceptibility to eyesight issues can be remedied by a diet that’s rich in vitamin A, DHA, and EPA.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers
- 1. Ziwi Peak Grain Free Dog Food
- 2. Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
- 3. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Puppy Food
- 4. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- 5. American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
- 6. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- 7. Zignature Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food
- 9. Nature’s Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food
- 1. Ziwi Peak Grain Free Dog Food
- Things to Consider When Buying Boston Terrier Dog Food
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers
Check out the top choices for the best food for Boston Terriers:
- Best Overall for Boston Terriers: Ziwi Peak Grain Free Dog Food
- Best For Senior Boston Terrier: Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best For Boston Terrier Puppies: Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Puppy Food
- Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- Best For Dogs with Skin Allergies: American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
- Best For Dogs with Dental Problems: The Honest Kitchen Dog Food
- Best For Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs: Zignature LID Dry Dog Food
- Best for Weight Management: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food
- Best For Less Active Boston Terrier Seniors: Nature's Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food
1. Ziwi Peak Grain Free Dog Food
Best Overall for Boston Terriers: All-natural ingredients loaded with vitamins and minerals
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PROS
- Premium quality ingredients including free-range, grass-fed animal meat source
- Air drying process to preserve the quality, texture, and flavor of the ingredients
- Digestibility score of 95% which means its absolutely easy to digest and process
- Ideal for all dog breeds at any life stage
CONS
- This food is quite pricey, so it may not be an option for everyone
Your dog can only benefit from an all-natural, high-protein, high-fat dog food that is based on a Whole-prey diet for dogs. It mirrors the typical diet that dogs consume in the wild. Ziwi Peak Grain Free Dog Food contains higher than average amount of fat recommended for Boston terriers which means it is ideal for dogs who gets regular exercise or who loves to play all day long.
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Ethical and Sustainable Dog Food
The ingredients found in this food are ethically and responsibly sourced from New Zealand. It also contains their local Green Mussel, which is a unique ingredient that is considered a superfood and is also a fantastic source of glucosamine.
2. Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food
Best for Senior Boston Terriers: Nutrient-dense dog food with ideal amounts for aging dogs
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PROS
- Formulated specifically for senior dogs who need extra support as they age
- Sufficient protein and fat content to supply energy for active dogs
- Nutrient-dense dog food made from premium quality ingredients
- Contains botanical inclusions for extra nutrients
CONS
- More expensive than many others
- High calorie, so make sure to do your math
Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food is aimed at senior dogs who still gets regular exercise and maintains an active lifestyle.
With 38% protein and 15% fat content, this food is recommended to provide your aging pooch what he needs to maintain muscle mass and enough energy to go about his daily activities.
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Senior-Specific Supplements
Senior dogs need extra help maintaining normal body functions such as digestion and bone maintenance. This food contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which assists in keeping aging joints strong and supple. You’ll also find DHA and EPA which are fatty acids that gives your oldie’s brain a boost and keeps them sharp.
3. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Puppy Food
Best For Boston Terrier Puppies: Supports growth and development of your young pooch
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PROS
- Perfect nutrient values for a growing Boston Terrier puppy
- Affordable dog food loaded with premium quality ingredients
- Puppy-specific nutrients to assist in proper growth and development
- Grain free formula containing chelated minerals for easier digestion
CONS
- Some foods may have a bit of a strong smell to them
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Puppy Food is highly recommended when it comes to providing your Boston terrier with nutrients that will help him grow into a healthy, well-functioning adult dog.
This food contains near-perfect protein and fat values for a developing Boston Terrier puppy. The 28% protein content a good amount for muscle development. The 17% fat content will give provide enough energy to sustain them through their day to day activities.
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Puppy Food Benefits
DHA is an Omega fatty acid that is greatly beneficial especially to growing puppies. It helps your little Boston terrier’s vision to develop correctly, which is very crucial as this breed is prone to eye problems when they get older. It also helps the brain tissue to develop properly, which will help your pup to have a longer, healthier, and happier life.
4. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: High quality dog food ideal for all breeds at any life stage for an affordable price
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PROS
- Super affordable and premium quality dog food at almost half the price of premium products
- Contains no low quality food fillers such as grains
- Added supplements to promote healthy skin and coat
- Suitable for dogs of all breeds and life stages
CONS
- Salmon flavours can be a little smelly – this may not be a problem for your dog but pet parents should be aware!
- “Fish meal” is a little vague and doesn’t give any insight into what fish the ingredient is
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food is recommended for Boston Terrier parents on a budget who are looking for a food that will properly nourish their pooch. You won’t find anything more affordable on the market that contains the same quality ingredients and nutrients like this food.
This recipe specifically addresses skin and coat health which is perfect as most Boston terriers are prone to skin-related allergies.
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Formulated For Healthy Skin & Fur
This recipe is specified to be for healthy skin and coat and it uses premium quality ingredients to source highly concentrated Omega fatty acids. Salmon, flaxseed, and canola oil contribute make up most of its Omega fatty acids content and are generally the main contributors of nutrients that promote healthy, soft, supple skin and fur.
Vitamin A and E both can be found in this food which is great for brain and eye development. Fresh fruits and vegetable are great sources of antioxidants, which promotes a healthy immune system.
5. American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
Best For Boston Terrier Skin Allergies: For those who suffer from allergies affecting their coat and skin
PROS
- Great Omega fatty acid levels which promote skin and coat health
- Quite affordable for a high-quality, tasty dog food
- Grain free formula which ensures there are no low quality grains which may cause allergic reactions in Boston terriers
- Added vitamins, minerals, and supplements to support other bodily functions
CONS
- It may have a fishy smell, due to the salmon content
American Journey Grain Free Dog Food is a superb choice for Boston Terriers who suffer from skin and coat allergies because of the premium quality fats and oils that goes into it, nourishing your pet’s coat and skin and preventing that itch.
Aside from providing your fur ball with proper nutrition, it also supports their other functions. This food has a dose of DHA in it, which is a good thing for pups who suffer from eye conditions – a health risk that’s pretty common for this breed. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which is helpful for Boston Terriers as they’re prone to joint issues.
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Omega Fatty Acid Sources
Deboned salmon is the main ingredient in this food. It is an amazing protein source that also packs a real punch in terms of Omega fatty acids. Flaxseed and added salmon oil also contribute to the overall Omega fatty acid content of this food, making up 2.5% Omega-6 fatty acids, and 1% Omega-3. There’s also a nice dose of Vitamin E, which not only helps keep a healthy coat but maintains a strong immune system.
6. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
Best For Boston Terriers With Dental Problems: Tasty and nutritious meal that’s soft and easy to eat
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PROS
- Soft and easy to eat for a Boston Terrier with dental problems
- Added water provides more hydration to your pet
- Human-grade ingredients, highly digestible
- The ingredients are dehydrated, which keeps them preserved
CONS
- The grain-free recipes can be a little pricey
- High calorie, so be careful not to overfeed your pooch
Boston Terriers are known to suffer from dental issues to this due to their tiny, oddly shaped mouths. Sometimes kibble can be a problem for them to chew. Good thing there’s The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food that eliminates that problem for them while also providing them a well-balanced meal.
The dehydration process locks the flavor and nutrients in for a more concentrated nourishment. You only need water to prepare it then it’s ready for your pooch to enjoy. The added moisture helps them chew their food better, making it a much better eating experience for them than dry dog food.
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Fully loaded with amazing ingredients
A 10-pound bag of this makes 40 pounds of food, which means once you’ve added water, this food will expand quite a bit. One bag should last you quite a long time. It is quite high in calories though, so be careful to feed your pup the right amount for their body and activity level.
7. Zignature Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best For Boston Terriers With Sensitive Stomachs: Limited ingredient formula which avoids the most common allergens
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PROS
- Limited ingredient formula, which helps avoid problem ingredients that trigger allergies
- Healthy and premium quality protein and fatty acid sources
- Grain free, hypoallergenic recipe
- Chelated minerals assist with Boston terrier digestion
CONS
- A little pricey
- May have a fishy smell
This limited ingredient dog food is intended for pups with sensitive tummies. The protein and fat content is just the right amount for a small breed like Boston Terriers. Its limited ingredient formulation ensures that only high quality, premium ingredients are added. It avoids using any low quality food fillers that do not add nutritional value to your dog’s meal.
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Limited But Quality Ingredients
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, a limited ingredient diet is highly recommended. The fewer ingredients your Boston Terrier’s stomach needs to digest, the less chance there is of them having a bad reaction.
The protein sources here are superior quality, and doubles up as incredible sources of fats and oils. Trout and salmon meal are the main ingredients in this food, both are fantastic sources of protein and Omega fatty acids. Salmon oil and flaxseed also contribute to the Omega fatty acid content in this food.
8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food
Best for Weight Management: Good calorie count for maintaining the healthy and ideal weight of your Boston terrier
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PROS
- Lower in protein and fat which is great for maintaining weight
- Good calorie count for dogs who need to lose some weight
- Contains L-carnitine for easier energy metabolism
- Contains glucosamine for strengthening the hip and joints
CONS
- May not be suitable for your pooch if they are sensitive to grains
Boston Terriers tend to be lively little things, but when they start to slow down especially as they age, they can be prone to picking up weight if their diet isn’t adjusted. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food is a highly recommended dog food that promotes weight management.
If you have a Boston Terrier who is overweight and needs to be on regulated diet, this is the best dog food for him. It provides them enough minerals and nutrients that meet their day to day requirement while making sure they don’t gain unnecessary weight.
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Great Weight-Management Nutrient Counts
With 25% protein and 10% fat, this will still offer the necessary nutrients to keep your Boston Terrier full and healthy. The protein should be enough to keep his muscles strong and lean and the energy it provides should be enough to supply him fuel for his day to day functions.
9. Nature’s Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food
Best For Less Active Boston Terrier Seniors: Easily digestible dog food with enough fat content to support less active senior dogs
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PROS
- Good quality ingredients with healthy grains
- Easily digestible food intended for senior dogs who have trouble chewing dry kibble
- Good calorie count to prevent seniors from gaining unnecessary weight
- Lower protein content but still enough to support muscle maintenance
CONS
- “Poultry digest” is too vague
This dog food is not entirely grain free but the grains that go into it are guaranteed healthy and safe for your Boston terrier.
The protein and fat counts are lower than other dog foods, which makes it perfect for less active small breed seniors as they don’t need as much as active pups. If you don’t adjust your pup’s food as they get older and less active, you may find they start to become a little overweight as they’re eating more than they’re burning. This dog food provides them just the amount they need to fulfill their day to day requirements without any excess which may turn into stored fat.
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Contains Healthy Grains
This food contains good, healthy grains like rice, barley, and oatmeal. These are nutritious, easily-digestible carbohydrate sources, which will not trigger any allergic reactions in your dog. They are also a fantastic source of fiber which aids in digestion.
Things to Consider When Buying Boston Terrier Dog Food
1. Ingredient Quality
This is the criteria that can make or break the best dog food. If it’s not made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, then you shouldn’t be feeding it to your Boston Terrier!
Look at the ingredient list and assess the quality of the stuff included in your dog’s food. Look for real meat, quality carbs (fruits and vegetables, no grains), healthy fat sources, and any additions that promote your pet’s health. Avoid any artificial colors or flavors.
2. Fat Count
Fat is an underrated nutrient in dog foods for Boston Terriers. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s going to make your small breed dog gain weight. It’s actually a fantastic source of energy as it’s easily burnt off, so a good fat count in the best dog food for Boston Terriers is essential.
Pups who are active will need a higher fat content in their food as they’ll be using it up fairly quickly for energy. Less active or older dogs will need a slightly lower number.
3. Omega Fatty Acid Content & Quality
Boston Terriers can be prone to food allergies and intolerances, and while this most often affects their stomach and their digestion, it can also have an effect on the hydration of their skin and the softness of their fur.
Food allergies can cause dry skin and brittle, rough fur. Making sure your Boston Terrier’s diet is packed with Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids is a great way to combat these allergies from the inside out. Omega fatty acids help hydrate the skin and fur, keeping the itching to a minimum.
4. Grain Free or Healthy Grains
Boston Terrier’s tummies are notoriously fussy about grains. Although there are bad grains (wheat, corn, soy) and good grains (barley, oatmeal, rice, millet), choosing a grain-free diet is a much safer option. But if it can’t be helped, be sure to pick one that has healthy grains in them.
Questions & Answers
What should I look for in the best dog food for a small breed like Boston Terriers?
If you want to feed your Boston Terrier the best dog food for his or her health, you’ll want to choose something all-natural, packed with nutrients (in the form of real meat, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fat sources), and devoid of grains, artificial ingredients, and low-quality fillers.
You should look for real meat or meat meal as ingredient number one, healthy carbs such as veggies and fruits, identifiable and natural sources of fat, vitamins and minerals, and chelated minerals (these help with digestibility).
How many calories does a Boston Terrier need?
Boston Terriers need around 40 calories per pound per day if they’re active. Less active or older dogs would do better with 30 calories per pound of body weight per day.
Keep in mind that once you’ve done the math, you’ll need to split this over however many meals you’re feeding your Boston Terrier per day. For example, if your Boston Terrier needs 800 calories per day and you’re feeding him twice, you’ll need to do your best to stick to 400 calories per meal. This will obviously depend on your pup, his lifestyle, and his feeding habits.
What are the diet requirements for Boston Terriers?
Boston Terriers, like all dogs, needs a high-quality, animal-protein-based, all-natural diet to meet their nutritional needs.
Dog foods with an identified, great quality animal protein are essential, as your pup can’t quite get all the nutrients they need from plant proteins. Real meat or meat meal (chicken meal or salmon meal are good choices) should be the first ingredient, as should be followed with healthy fruits and vegetables!
An adult Boston Terrier should be eating a food that contains a minimum of 20% protein, although you can up this quite a bit depending on their activity levels. The more active they are, the more they’ll be able to metabolize and use, and the less active they are the lower you’ll want that number to be. Puppies need quite a bit and can make do with around 28%.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Bosties tend to react badly to grains, although gluten-free grains are better than others for their tummies. Corn, wheat and soy should also be avoided.
Wet or canned dog food can encourage halitosis (bad breath) in a Boston Terrier, where dental disease is already something to be careful of.
Apart from that, steer clear of any artificial colors, flavours, or preservatives in a Boston Terrier food.
What common health problems do Boston Terriers suffer from?
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic, which means they are short-nosed dogs. Unfortunately, these pups can suffer from a host of health problems due to the shape of their face.
Brachycephalic syndrome is a collection of disorders that are common in these types of breeds. These are disorders that affect the dog’s breathing, and this is usually because of the abnormal structure of their faces. If you own one of these short-nosed pups, you’ll most likely already know that they are noisy breathers, and this is why.
These guys and girls can also suffer from eye problems, which is also because of the shape of their face. Their eyes tend to protrude more than average, which means they are at risk of a few dangers. Eyes not closing fully, turned-in eyelids, nasal fold irritation (rubbing on the eye), or proptosis (the eyeball popping out) are all things you’ll need to be aware of. Cataracts and corneal ulcers are also common in Boston Terriers.
