West Highland Terriers are a breed of dog beloved by many. Often referred to as Westies, these dogs are a small to medium breed that is not only cute with their white fur and pointed ears but also full of life. If you’re lucky enough to be a pet parent to one of these dogs, then you know just how quirky they can be. You also know just how important it is to feed them the best foods available.
When looking for dog food that’s suitable for your best friend, the options are endless. Sorting through the sea of claims, ingredients, facts, and fiction is like trying to decipher a code. Luckily, it can be done. That’s what we’re here for. Our job is to help you find dog foods you can pour into your pup’s bowl and trust at the same time. Below, we’ve compiled our 7 favorite dog foods for Westies in 2022. Take a look, see what we think, and decide whether one of these is right for your pup.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorites (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots (Fresh Dog Food Subscription)
Protein is the #1 ingredient
Features omega fatty acids and superfoods
Low in calories
Click to Save 50%
Best Value
American Journey Active Life Formula
Affordable
High in protein
Low in calories
Check Price
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Low in calories
Features omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat
Features LifeSource bits
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dog Food
High in protein
Features taurine and omega fatty acids
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Food
USDA-certified organic chicken is the main ingredient
Features healthy superfoods
Grain-free for sensitive stomachs
Check Price
The 7 Best Dog Foods for West Highland White Terriers
- Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% with Ollie
Main ingredients Chicken, carrots, and rice
Protein content 10%
Fat content 5%
Calories 1298 kcal per package
Our choice for the best overall dog food for Westies is Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots. While chicken is the primary and first ingredient in this fresh dog food, that doesn’t mean it’s the only good thing inside the package. You’ll find blueberries, carrots, spinach, and other healthy ingredients aimed at promoting your dog’s health. There’s even fish oil and cod liver oil inside to help provide your dog with the omega-3 fatty acids they need. Considering this food is fresh food, you’ll also love the enthusiasm your dog shows when it’s time for a meal.
Click Here to Save 50% with Ollie
Main ingredients Chicken, carrots, and rice
Protein content 10%
Fat content 5%
Calories 1298 kcal per package
The only possible issue we found with this recipe is the fish oil inside. While it’s great for your pup’s health, if they have a fish allergy, it is best to avoid this recipe.
Pros
Protein is the #1 ingredient
Features omega fatty acids and superfoods
Low in calories
Cons
Not suitable for dogs with fish allergies
Our choice for the best dog food for Westies for the money is the American Journey Active Life Formula. This Salmon, Brown Rice, and vegetable recipe is perfect for dogs with active lifestyles. Salmon is the primary ingredient and is used to provide your dog with the protein boost they need. We also love the perfect blend of vitamins and nutrients to promote healthier dogs. The antioxidant-rich foods such as sweet potatoes and carrots along with the easily digestible fibers inside can help promote a better immune system and better digestion. You’ll even be pleased with the lower calorie content of this food for dogs struggling with weight issues.
Protein is the #1 ingredient
Features omega fatty acids and superfoods
Low in calories
- Protein is the #1 ingredient
- Features omega fatty acids and superfoods
- Low in calories
Not suitable for dogs with fish allergies
- Not suitable for dogs with fish allergies
Main ingredients Deboned salmon, Menhaden fish meal, and brown rice
Protein content 25%
Fat content 15%
Calories 345 kcal per cup
Check Price on Chewy
The only issue we have with the American Journey Active Life Formula is that some dogs aren’t fans of the taste. To help with this issue, you can try mixing in a food topper until they get used to the salmon formula.
Pros
Affordable
High in protein
Low in calories
Cons
The fishy taste may not be liked by all dogs
Our premium choice, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is another food that is great when it comes to weight control in your Westie. You’ll find it only has 324 kcal per cup and features deboned chicken as its main ingredient and main source of protein. This food features omega-fatty acids to promote better mobility and healthier coats. You’ll also be pleased that like all Blue Buffalo foods this kibble includes LifeSource Bits which are added vitamins and nutrients to promote better immune health in dogs.
Affordable
High in protein
Low in calories
- Affordable
- High in protein
- Low in calories
The fishy taste may not be liked by all dogs
- The fishy taste may not be liked by all dogs
Main ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and brown rice
Protein content 20%
Fat content 9%
Calories 324 kcal per cup
The price of Blue Buffalo can be an issue for some pet parents. It is quite expensive. We also noticed that the kibble pieces are quite small and could cause your dog to eat quickly if you aren’t monitoring his portions.
Pros
Low in calories
Features omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat
Features LifeSource bits
Cons
Expensive
The pieces are quite small
Starting a puppy out right is important for its health and development. Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness puppy formula is a great way of providing that start to the new dog in your life. This food is packed with healthy protein, deriving a lot from the food’s primary ingredient, deboned chicken. You’ll also find taurine, omega fatty acids, and other nutrients your growing pup depends on in this formula inspired by wolves.
Low in calories
Features omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat
Features LifeSource bits
- Low in calories
- Features omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat
- Features LifeSource bits
Expensive
The pieces are quite small
- Expensive
- The pieces are quite small
Main ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein
Protein content 36%
Fat content 16%
Calories 423 kcal per cup
An issue we noticed with Blue Buffalo’s puppy food is that dogs with allergies may have quite a few issues with this food. Yes, it is high in protein thanks to the deboned chicken and fish found in the fish meal. Unfortunately, both of these ingredients can give some dogs issues so this should be monitored closely in your pup.
Pros
High in protein
Features taurine and omega fatty acids
Cons
Could be an issue for puppies developing allergies
Our vet’s choice is Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food. This USDA-certified organic food is made from responsibly raised free-range chicken. You’ll also find that this is the primary ingredient and main source of protein. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities to grains, this recipe is the perfect way to ensure they receive the nutrition they need without additional worries. Prebiotic fiber is included to help promote digestion. You’ll also find a list of superfoods geared toward keeping your pet happy and healthy.
High in protein
Features taurine and omega fatty acids
- High in protein
- Features taurine and omega fatty acids
Could be an issue for puppies developing allergies
- Could be an issue for puppies developing allergies
Main ingredients Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, and organic sweet potatoes
Protein content 26%
Fat content 15%
Calories 387 kcal per cup
Dogs new to this food may have a difficult time transitioning. If they show little to no interest, try food toppers and other ideas to get them to try it.
Pros
USDA-certified organic chicken is the main ingredient
Features healthy superfoods
Grain-free for sensitive stomachs
Cons
Some dogs may be hesitant about the taste
Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is designed to work for dogs of all life stages. This makes it a safe option for a smaller dog breed like a Westie. The first ingredient in this food is chicken. This provides your dog with the required protein while also giving them tasty whole grain brown rice and superfoods such as blueberries, kale, and coconut. You’ll also find that this food features probiotics to help promote better digestion in dogs.
USDA-certified organic chicken is the main ingredient
Features healthy superfoods
Grain-free for sensitive stomachs
- USDA-certified organic chicken is the main ingredient
- Features healthy superfoods
- Grain-free for sensitive stomachs
Some dogs may be hesitant about the taste
- Some dogs may be hesitant about the taste
Main ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice
Protein content 26%
Fat content 16%
Calories 421 kcal per cup
While this food doesn’t have the protein level of others on our list, it is still a viable option thanks to the other ingredients that provide additional nutrients.
Pros
Designed for dogs in all life stages
Superfoods provide additional nutrients for your pet
Cons
Lower protein level than other dog foods
Royal Canin’s West Highland White Terrier Dry Dog Food is made specifically for your Westie once they’re at least 10 months old or older. This formula features EPA and DHA to help not only your dog’s skin but also their cognitive abilities. You’ll also find isolated amino acids inside thanks to the people at Royal Canin. Your Westie should also love the shape of this food as it was designed specifically to make it easier for the breed to eat.
Designed for dogs in all life stages
Superfoods provide additional nutrients for your pet
- Designed for dogs in all life stages
- Superfoods provide additional nutrients for your pet
Lower protein level than other dog foods
- Lower protein level than other dog foods
Main ingredients Brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal, and corn
Protein content 19%
Fat content 14%
Calories 339 kcal per cup
The issues with this food are straightforward. You’ll notice the low protein content. This is due to the main ingredient being Brewer’s rice which is often considered a filler. You should keep this in mind if you prefer your dog to be on a high-protein diet.
Pros
Shaped specifically for Westies
Features EPA and DHA
Specially formulated amino acids for Westies
Cons
Low protein content
The main ingredient is considered a filler
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Westie
Now that we’ve taken a look at our favorite dog foods for Westies in 2022 let’s learn more about how we determined our favorites.
Shaped specifically for Westies
Features EPA and DHA
Specially formulated amino acids for Westies
- Shaped specifically for Westies
- Features EPA and DHA
- Specially formulated amino acids for Westies
Low protein content
The main ingredient is considered a filler
- Low protein content
- The main ingredient is considered a filler
Breed Specific Needs
Every dog breed is different. With a Westie being considered a small to medium breed of dog, you must consider their specific needs when buying food. The last thing you want is to give your dog food that is overly high in calories and help them become overweight. It is also important to know the sensitivities your pup may have including those prominent in the breed. For a Westie, leaning toward all-natural ingredients is a great option. They can also show issues with gluten and can have trouble eating foods of certain sizes and shapes.
Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients, every pet owner wants only the best for their dog. Unfortunately, not every dog food offers that. When you’re looking at the ingredients on the bag of dog food, check for protein. All dogs need a trusted source of protein in their food. USDA-certified ingredients, organic ingredients, and responsibly sourced ingredients are ideal for your pet.
You should also check all nutritional information on the packaging. Knowing the guaranteed analysis, protein content, fat content, and calorie count will help you determine whether the food is geared toward your pet’s needs or not.
Conclusion
For the best overall dog food for Westies, we’ve chosen Ollie Chicken Dish With Carrots due to its trusted ingredients and added nutrients. Our best value pick is American Journey Active Life. This food is not only affordable but packed with the goodness you want for your Westie. Our Premium Choice is Blue Buffalo Life Protection. While it may be costly, it is packed with the goodness your Westie will love.
For puppies, we feel Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Puppy is the best choice. This food is formulated for pups and gives them the protein and nutrients needed for a great start in life. Finally, our Vet’s Choice is Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food. This formula is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and is made from some of the best organic ingredients available.
Featured Image Credit: Norbert Oriskó, Pixabay
