Are you searching for the perfect food for your Terrier mix and have found yourself lost in the sea of available dog foods? You are not alone. The market for pet foods is as equally overwhelming as it is confusing, but that’s where we come in.
We have done the research, we’ve read the reviews, and we’ve narrowed down the 10 best dog food for Terrier mixes. Read on to see what foods made the cut.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmers Dog
Fresh chicken is the #1 ingredient
Meet AAFCO standards for safety and quality
High in protein and full of vitamins and nutrients
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Best Value
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
Chicken is the number one ingredient
Tested for quality and safety
Affordable
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Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe
Designed to meet AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for all life stages
Real turkey is the number one ingredient
Meals come pre-portioned for your dog
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Best for Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Real salmon is the first ingredient
Rich in omega fatty acids
Affordable
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Vet’s Choice
Wellness Lamb & Barley Dry Dog Food
Real lamb is the first ingredient
Formulated without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives
Added glucosamine for joint support
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Terrier Mixes
1. The Farmers Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Chicken, Brussels Sprout, Chicken Liver, Bok Choy, Broccoli
Protein content: 11.5% min
Fat content 8.5% min
Calories: 1300 kcal per kg/ 590 kcal per lb.
The Farmer’s Dog gets our pick for the best overall dog food for Terrier mixes. This is fresh food, so you will need to free up some space in the fridge and freezer for storage. The chicken recipe is rich in protein from fresh chicken and chicken liver, making it perfect for the high energy levels that can be passed down from those precious Terriers.
In addition to fresh chicken, this recipe is also full of vitamins and nutrients from vegetables like brussels sprouts, Bok choy, and broccoli. The added fish oil helps maintain that shiny, healthy coat.
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service that is tailored specifically to your dog and is easy to cancel at any time. Each recipe is crafted by a team of veterinary nutritionists who will get to work customizing an individualized meal plan for your dog. The food comes prepackaged and labeled with easy-to-follow instructions to transition over.
All of The Farmer’s Dog foods are designed to meet the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. While fresh dog food is expensive, you really can’t be the quality. The Farmer’s Dog comes in at our top spot because you can rest assured you are feeding your dog top-notch food that fits their needs.
Pros
Fresh chicken is the #1 ingredient
Meet AAFCO standards for safety and quality
High in protein and full of vitamins and nutrients
Cons
Expensive
Must be stored in freezer or fridge
Nutro Ultra is a good quality dog food that comes at a price that will give you the best value for your money. They are known for testing these formulas for both quality and safety and are sourced from only reputable farmers. The Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food is a protein-rich formula that features real chicken as the number one ingredient.
Fresh chicken is the #1 ingredient
Meet AAFCO standards for safety and quality
High in protein and full of vitamins and nutrients
- Fresh chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Meet AAFCO standards for safety and quality
- High in protein and full of vitamins and nutrients
Expensive
Must be stored in freezer or fridge
- Expensive
- Must be stored in freezer or fridge
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Oats
Protein content: 24.0% min
Fat content 15.0% min
Calories: 3648 kcal/kg, 362 kcal/cup
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This food is free of GMOs, by-product meals, and any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This formula also sources protein from lamb and salmon and contains a blend of 15 superfoods and whole grains for a well-balanced diet.
The biggest downfall we could find about Nutro Ultra was that some dogs would turn their noses up to the food and refuse to eat it. It seems owners related this to texture. So, if you have a picky eater, you may have to entice them with some wet or fresh food toppers.
Pros
Chicken is the number one ingredient
Tested for quality and safety
Affordable
No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
Cons
Some dogs wouldn’t eat the food
3. Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrot, Coconut Oil
Protein content: 11% min
Fat content 7% min
Calories: 1390 kcal ME/kg
The Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe takes our spot for premium choice because it’s another fresh food option with a great reputation for being high-quality and restoring optimal health. If your Terrier mix suffers from any digestive issues or food allergies, this turkey recipe is a great option.
Chicken is the number one ingredient
Tested for quality and safety
Affordable
No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
- Chicken is the number one ingredient
- Tested for quality and safety
- Affordable
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
Some dogs wouldn’t eat the food
- Some dogs wouldn’t eat the food
Ollie is also a subscription service that you can get started with online. They do ensure the food is proportioned specifically for your dog, taking that task away from you. The fresh turkey recipe features real turkey as the number one ingredient along with a blend of fresh vegetables and fruit for vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fiber.
The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating grain-free diets containing legumes and potatoes. Since lentils (a legume) are included in the recipe, we urge anyone with concerns to speak to their veterinarian.
All recipes from Ollie are designed to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for all life stages. The fresh food varieties will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator but up to 6 months unopened in the freezer, so you can certainly stock up if need be. Again, fresh food is expensive but that’s typical because of the high-quality ingredients going into the recipes.
Pros
Designed to meet AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for all life stages
Real turkey is the number one ingredient
Meals come pre-portioned for your dog
Great for digestive issues
Cons
Lentils are among the legumes being investigated for potential health concerns
Expensive
If you are looking for the best puppy food to feed your little Terrier mix, try Purina Pro Plan Puppy’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach recipe. It works great for dogs that suffer from allergies or digestive issues, which can be common in some Terrier varieties.
Designed to meet AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for all life stages
Real turkey is the number one ingredient
Meals come pre-portioned for your dog
Great for digestive issues
- Designed to meet AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for all life stages
- Real turkey is the number one ingredient
- Meals come pre-portioned for your dog
- Great for digestive issues
Lentils are among the legumes being investigated for potential health concerns
Expensive
- Lentils are among the legumes being investigated for potential health concerns
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley, Fish Meal, Canola Meal
Protein content: 28.0% min
Fat content 18.0% min
Calories: 3837 kcal/kg, 428 kcal/cup
Real salmon is the number one ingredient, and the recipe offers a completely balanced nutrient profile. This food is rich in omega-fatty acids that are great for neural development, vision, and healthy skin and coat. There are also no artificial colors or flavors included in the recipe.
Salmon recipes can cause some gas in some pups, but this is a highly reviewed and good quality food that comes at a reasonable price. There have been issues with certain puppies being picky and refusing the formula, causing their owner to keep searching for the right food.
Pros
Real salmon is the first ingredient
Rich in omega fatty acids
Affordable
Great for puppies with digestive issues or allergies
Cons
Some picky eaters won’t’ eat the food
- Wellness Health Adult Lamb & Barley Dry Dog Food – Vets Choice
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Main ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal
Protein content: 24.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories: 3,655 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup ME
Wellness Complete Health Adult is designed for adult dogs and contains real lamb as the number one ingredient. This food was picked out by veterinarians and is crafted without the use of GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or any artificial preservatives. Wellness is a highly reputable brand that is beloved by many dog owners.
Real salmon is the first ingredient
Rich in omega fatty acids
Affordable
Great for puppies with digestive issues or allergies
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Affordable
- Great for puppies with digestive issues or allergies
Some picky eaters won’t’ eat the food
- Some picky eaters won’t’ eat the food
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Main ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal
Protein content: 24.0% min
Fat content 12.0% min
Calories: 3,655 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup ME
This grain-inclusive formula is rich in high-quality protein and contains healthy grains, and omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. What we also like about this recipe is that it has some added glucosamine for extra joint support, probiotics for digestive health, and is rich in antioxidants for immune health.
While this is a food that gets great reviews, there are of course some picky eaters that won’t eat the food. It’s recommended to mix with a topper that is either canned or fresh food to help make the food more appetizing.
Pros
Real lamb is the first ingredient
Formulated without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives
Added glucosamine for joint support
Contains probiotics for digestive health
Cons
Some dogs don’t like the taste
- ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient – Vet’s Choice
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Main ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
Protein content: 27% min
Fat content 17% min
Calories: 3370 kcal/kg, 371 kcal/cup
ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient is formulated with limited ingredients and only one protein source. This food is rich in protein, which is wonderful for active Terriers and Terrier mixes. It’s also nutrient-dense and offers a blend of grains, butternut squash, and pumpkin for a healthy dose of fiber.
Real lamb is the first ingredient
Formulated without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives
Added glucosamine for joint support
Contains probiotics for digestive health
- Real lamb is the first ingredient
- Formulated without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives
- Added glucosamine for joint support
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
Some dogs don’t like the taste
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
Main ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
Protein content: 27% min
Fat content 17% min
Calories: 3370 kcal/kg, 371 kcal/cup
This formula is free from peas, plant protein isolates, artificial colors, or flavors, or preservatives. Limited ingredient diets are a great choice of food for dogs that suffer from any allergies or digestive issues, which can happen with certain Terrier breeds and many dog owners have reviewed how easy the transition to this recipe was.
ACANA is a bit on the pricey side when it comes to kibble, but it is one of the most high-quality food options. The usual picky eaters do result in some negative feedback, but it is disappointing to have a higher-priced food go uneaten.
Pros
De-boned lamb is the #1 ingredient
Formulated from one protein source
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Limited ingredient recipes are great for allergy sufferers
Cons
Expensive
Some picky eaters refused to eat the food
Taste of the Wild is a family-owned brand that is made right here in the United States. They offer a variety of recipes from both the Ancient Grains line and the Grain Free line. We recommend the Ancient Grains line since most dogs don’t require grain free diets.
De-boned lamb is the #1 ingredient
Formulated from one protein source
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Limited ingredient recipes are great for allergy sufferers
- De-boned lamb is the #1 ingredient
- Formulated from one protein source
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Limited ingredient recipes are great for allergy sufferers
Expensive
Some picky eaters refused to eat the food
- Expensive
- Some picky eaters refused to eat the food
Main ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet
Protein content: 30.0% min
Fat content 15.0% min
Calories: 3,640 kcal/kg, 413 kcal/cup
Their Ancient Stream recipe is packed with protein from salmon and ocean fish and makes an ideal choice for some dogs that suffer from food allergies. The included vitamins and minerals come from real fruit, ancient grains, and other superfoods.
This formula is free from artificial colors or flavors and is full of omega-fatty acids which are great for skin and coat health. It even features a proprietary blend of probiotics and antioxidants for digestive health and proper immunity. Loose stools and some gas may be experienced when switching over, which was the biggest complaint among dog owners.
Pros
High-quality food at a reasonable price
Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
Formulated without artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Some dogs may experience loose stools/gas
Annamaet Original Option features salmon as the primary source of protein but also contains lamb meals. It contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids with DHA for healthy skin and coat. There is L-carnitine to aid with proper metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.
High-quality food at a reasonable price
Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
Formulated without artificial colors or flavors
- High-quality food at a reasonable price
- Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
- Formulated without artificial colors or flavors
Some dogs may experience loose stools/gas
- Some dogs may experience loose stools/gas
Main ingredients: Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Lamb Meal
Protein content: 24% min
Fat content 13% min
Calories: 3802 kcal/kg = 1728 Kcal/lb. = 406 kcal/cup
This food is formulated without any corn, wheat, or soy. Annamaet Option also contains chelated minerals which are much more easily absorbed. It also features a blend of healthy whole grains, which make a great source of dietary fiber. This is great for dogs that suffer from allergies to proteins like beef or chicken.
Some negative reviews complain that the food smells like fish, which is expected from a lot of salmon recipes. There were some other complaints of picky eaters turning their noses up, which is quite common with dry kibbles.
- Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal
Protein content: 26 % min
Fat content 16 % min
Calories: 3711 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup
Merrick Healthy Grains is good quality food that comes at a reasonable price. This recipe features chicken as f the number one ingredient and is balanced with protein, whole grains, healthy fruits, and vegetables for a well-balanced diet.
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal
Protein content: 26 % min
Fat content 16 % min
Calories: 3711 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup
This is also formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is great for active Terrier mixes. The two main protein sources in this recipe are chicken and turkey but the company also offers other primary protein sources in their Healthy Grains line.
This food is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives as well as any peas, lentils, or potatoes. Not only does Merrick Healthy Grains come at a reasonable price but it is well-reviewed among dog owners. Negative reviews showed that some dogs just didn’t take to the food and refused to eat the food
Pros
Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Reasonably priced
Cons
Some picky eaters may refuse to eat the food
- American Journey Active Life Salmon, Rice & Vegetables Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran
Protein content: 25.0% min
Fat content 15.0% min
Calories: 3,506 kcal/kg or 345 kcal/cup
The Active Life formula from American Journey is another high-rated dry kibble that will provide your dog with a balanced diet with deboned salmon as the first ingredient and protein-rich menhaden fish meal as the second.
Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Reasonably priced
- Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Reasonably priced
Some picky eaters may refuse to eat the food
- Some picky eaters may refuse to eat the food
Main ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran
Protein content: 25.0% min
Fat content 15.0% min
Calories: 3,506 kcal/kg or 345 kcal/cup
The formula is crafted with a blend of nutrients and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. There is a proper blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat. There is no wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, or any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this food. Because of the lack of some of the most common allergens, it can be a great option for allergy sufferers.
The biggest cons related to this food were the runny stools that happened after the switch, which as you can tell, is not entirely uncommon. Some dogs wouldn’t eat the food, and some owners stated their dogs gained weight from the formula. Keep in mind that weight gain may not be related to the food, but is more specific to a dog’s size, age, and activity level as well as the quantity being offered.
Pros
Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
May cause loose stools
May not please picky eaters
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Food for Terrier Mixes
Even with a limited list of choices in front of you, narrowing down that list to the perfect food can be a challenge. Since Terrier mixes cover a broader demographic, what will work for one Terrier mix may not work for another. It’s always recommended to get high-quality food appropriate to your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Let’s look into some other considerations you should keep in mind, too:
Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
- Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
May cause loose stools
May not please picky eaters
- May cause loose stools
- May not please picky eaters
Research the Different Brands
Do some quick research on the brands that pique your interest to help you narrow down the choices even further. Does the brand have a history of recalls or a questionable reputation? If so, it may be a better idea to go with a safer option.
You can also check to see if a certain brand strives to meet the AAFCO nutrient guidelines for pet foods, this will help you determine whether the food meets the appropriate nutrient profile for your dog’s age and size.
Read Labels
Learning how to read the dog food label is important. Take a look at the full ingredient list. Have a look at the caloric content, and the guaranteed analysis to see how the food stands up to competitors. The label can teach you a lot about the food you are about to purchase, so learning how to read it will help you out in the long run for all pet foods.
Consider Price VS Quantity
It’s no secret that dog food bags come in varying sizes. Don’t let those numbers fool you, take the price and divide it by the quantity to see what your total cost per pound is. This can help you determine what foods are offering you the best value after you have narrowed down the quality.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
The financial aspect of dog ownership must be weighed heavily before you bring home a new dog. High-quality food is necessary for your dog’s health and high-quality foods are naturally going to be more expensive. Food is a life-long necessity and an ongoing expense, so you want it to work with your budget.
Never Skimp on Quality
You mustn’t choose low-quality food because it comes at a cheaper cost. If money is tight, some great options offer good quality for a decent price. Of course, fresh food is much more expensive than dry kibble, but it is very healthy and you can use it as a topper for dry kibble to get that fresh food in while being easier on your wallet, so don’t feel like fresh or canned must be fed exclusively. Low-quality food can potentially result in health issues when you consider long-term, which will be much more expensive overall.
Conclusion
The Farmers Dog chicken recipe is a fantastic option for those looking into fresh dog food that is of premium quality and tailored to meet your dog’s needs. Nutro Ultra is a dry kibble that will give you great quality while being easier on the wallet. The company tests for quality and safety and uses wholesome ingredients.
Ollie’s Fresh Turkey recipe is another fresh food option that is customized to meet your dog’s needs and offers up a great blend of fresh meat and natural foods. Purina Pro Plan Puppy makes for an ideal choice for the growth and development of little ones while being easy on the digestive system.
Wellness Complete Health Adult comes as a veterinary recommendation and is a high-quality kibble that will provide your dog with the well-balanced diet they need. Now that you know our top picks and are familiar with what the reviews have to say, you are well on your way to finding the perfect food for your beloved Terrier mix.
Featured Image Credit: 279photoStudio, Shutterstock
