Boston Terriers are affectionate and loving dogs that make wonderful family pets. Their tuxedo black-and-white markings have given them the nickname, the “American Gentleman.” If you own one of these dogs, you know how amazing they are and you want to keep them as healthy as possible.
These energetic dogs require food that is made to give them what they need to maximize their lifespans and keep them healthy and happy. Making the right choice can be difficult with so many options on the market today.
To help, we rounded up our favorite choices with detailed reviews so you can find the best food for your Boston Terrier today. Let’s get started.
A Quick Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Grain-free
High protein content
Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
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Best Value
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dry Dog Food
High protein content
Contains live probiotics
Small kibble for easier chewing
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Premium Choice
Ollie Chicken Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Human grade ingredients
Developed by veterinary nutritionists
Personalized for your pet
Click To Save 50%!
Best for Puppies
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Puppy Food
Made with LifeSource Bits
Food reduces tartar buildup
Formulated for healthy puppy development
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Wellness CORE Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food
Grain-free
Added glucosamine
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The 8 Best Dog Foods for Boston Terriers
For Boston Terriers, our best overall choice for dog food is American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. This food is grain-free and easy to digest. Deboned salmon is the first ingredient and adds to this food’s high protein content.
First ingredient: Deboned salmon
Calories: 390/cup
Protein: 32%
Fat: 14%
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The grain-free and gluten-free means your pup’s risk of allergies will be reduced. There is no soy, wheat, or corn in this recipe. Sweet potatoes and chickpeas add healthy carbs and fiber.
Blueberries and flaxseed add antioxidants and omega fatty acids for immune system support and coat health.
This food gives your Boston Terrier the energy that they need without the fillers they don’t. While salmon is the first ingredient, this food also includes chicken. If your dog has poultry allergies, this isn’t the food for them.
Pros
Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
High protein content
Grain-free
Cons
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
The best dog food for Boston Terriers for the money is Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dry Dog Food. The high protein content helps small dogs maintain their energy levels and build healthy muscles. Real chicken is the first ingredient.
Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
High protein content
Grain-free
- Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
- High protein content
- Grain-free
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
First ingredient: Chicken
Calories: 448/cup
Protein: 29%
Fat: 17%
Live probiotics are added to this formula for digestive health. The small breed bites are the perfect size for little dogs to make chewing easier. This nutrient-dense food is packed with calcium and phosphorous for strong teeth and bones. This food is full of the specialized nutrition that small dogs need.
The formula recently changed and chicken bites are no longer added. These were tender chunks of chicken mixed into the kibble. Some dog owners are unhappy with this change.
Pros
High protein content
Contains live probiotics
Small kibble for easier chewing
Cons
New formula
Chicken bites are no longer included
3. Ollie’s Fresh Chicken Dog Food Subscription — Premium Choice
Click Here to Save 50% with Ollie
First ingredient: Chicken
Calories: 1298/kg
Protein: 10%
Fat: 5%
Our review found Ollie’s Dog Food as the third premium choice for the best dog food for Boston Terriers. The recipes contain human-grade foods that are developed by veterinary nutritionists to provide your pet with healthy and tasty meals. The recipes include beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb. The protein, mixed with vegetables like kale, carrots, peas, and butternut squash are sure to tempt your dog’s palate. Ollie gets its meat from reputable farms in Australia and the U.S. The human-grade food does not contain any wheat or soy.
High protein content
Contains live probiotics
Small kibble for easier chewing
- High protein content
- Contains live probiotics
- Small kibble for easier chewing
New formula
Chicken bites are no longer included
- New formula
- Chicken bites are no longer included
Ollies recipes do contain some controversial ingredients, however. Some studies have found a possible link between peas and lentils and dogs with heart disease.
Ollies is a subscription service customized for your specific weight, age, activity level, and breed. The delivery service ships the food to your door with specific feeding instructions for your canine. Ollie provides you with the proper feeding guidelines based on the answers you provided in the questionnaire.
The premium dog food does come with a premium price, however, and subscriptions may not work for everyone.
Pros
Human grade ingredients
Developed by veterinary nutritionists
Personalized for your pet
No wheat or soy
Choice of four recipes
Cons
Pricey
Subscription service
Some controversial ingredients
The formula in Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Puppy Food is made with the growth and development of puppies in mind. This food includes all the essential vitamins and minerals that young Boston Terriers need. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and omega fatty acids work to keep your pup healthy.
Human grade ingredients
Developed by veterinary nutritionists
Personalized for your pet
No wheat or soy
Choice of four recipes
- Human grade ingredients
- Developed by veterinary nutritionists
- Personalized for your pet
- No wheat or soy
- Choice of four recipes
Pricey
Subscription service
Some controversial ingredients
- Pricey
- Subscription service
- Some controversial ingredients
First ingredient: Deboned chicken
Calories: 400/cup
Protein: 27%
Fat: 16%
Like other Blue Buffalo foods, this one includes LifeSource Bits. These are antioxidant-packed bites that look darker than the kibble.
This food supports healthy eye and brain development. Chelated minerals work with antioxidants to keep your puppy’s immune system strong. The smaller kibble is made for puppy-sized mouths and promotes tartar removal while reducing buildup.
The biggest issue that people had was storing the food. Their small-breed puppies didn’t eat much at once, and the opened bag would go stale before the food was gone. Small bags are available but must be bought more frequently. Having an airtight place to store the food is best if you’re buying a large bag.
Pros
Made with LifeSource Bits
Formulated for healthy puppy development
Food reduces tartar buildup
Cons
Large bags may go stale before finished
The easily digestible nutrition in Wellness CORE Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food is formulated for optimal health. Turkey, chicken, and salmon oil combine with fruits and vegetables in this grain-free food. This gives your Boston Terrier the omega fatty acids and antioxidants that they need.
Made with LifeSource Bits
Formulated for healthy puppy development
Food reduces tartar buildup
- Made with LifeSource Bits
- Formulated for healthy puppy development
- Food reduces tartar buildup
Large bags may go stale before finished
- Large bags may go stale before finished
First ingredient: Deboned turkey
Calories: 417/cup
Protein: 34%
Fat: 16%
Glucosamine is included for joint health, which is important for active dogs. Without any fillers or by-products, this recipe supports lean muscles and whole-body health. Apples, blueberries, spinach, and carrots offer vitamins and minerals to keep dogs in top shape.
The kibble size is made for dogs of all sizes, so Boston Terriers should have no problem eating this. If they do, this brand also makes a small-breed kibble.
Pros
Added glucosamine
Grain-free
Cons
Kibble size may be too big for some dogs
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
The grain-free formula in Whole Earth Farms Salmon & Whitefish Dry Dog Food reduces the risk of allergic reactions in your Boston Terrier. It includes no wheat, corn, soy, food coloring, or preservatives, all of which are notorious for causing allergies in dogs.
Added glucosamine
Grain-free
- Added glucosamine
- Grain-free
Kibble size may be too big for some dogs
Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
- Kibble size may be too big for some dogs
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
First ingredient: Salmon meal
Calories: 381/cup
Protein: 27%
Fat: 14%
This food considers your dog’s activity level and gives them all the necessary nutrients for energy and healthy joints. Real vegetables are added for fiber and vitamins. Omega fatty acids for coat health and antioxidants for healthy immune systems are also included.
This recipe was developed by vets and includes glucosamine and chondroitin to keep active dogs moving easily.
The kibble size may be too big for some dogs. This food also includes chicken meal, so it’s not a good choice for dogs with poultry allergies.
Pros
Ideal for allergy-prone dogs
Provides nutrition for dogs with high energy levels
High protein content
Cons
Includes poultry
Kibble size may be too big for some dogs
The limited-ingredient recipe in Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is perfect for dogs that suffer from allergy flare-ups. This food is easy on sensitive stomachs and promotes gentle digestion.
Ideal for allergy-prone dogs
Provides nutrition for dogs with high energy levels
High protein content
- Ideal for allergy-prone dogs
- Provides nutrition for dogs with high energy levels
- High protein content
Includes poultry
Kibble size may be too big for some dogs
- Includes poultry
- Kibble size may be too big for some dogs
First ingredient: Salmon
Calories: 373/cup
Protein: 24%
Fat: 10%
Sweet potatoes add a healthy source of carbs and fiber. This food was crafted by veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists with over 125 years of combined experience. Real salmon is the first ingredient for high-quality protein and omega fatty acids.
There are no peas, lentils, corn, wheat, or soy in this recipe. The kibble is about the size of a dime and flat but is reported to be hard. Some elderly dogs with dental issues had trouble chewing it.
Pros
Easy to digest
Made by animal nutrition experts
Cons
Kibble can be difficult for some dogs to chew
Only meat from cage-free chickens goes into the recipe for Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Dry Dog Food. Nothing from factory farms is ever included. The nutrient-dense kibble is small and easy for your Boston Terrier to chew.
Easy to digest
Made by animal nutrition experts
- Easy to digest
- Made by animal nutrition experts
Kibble can be difficult for some dogs to chew
- Kibble can be difficult for some dogs to chew
First ingredient: Chicken
Calories: 413/cup
Protein: 24%
Fat: 17%
This food is rich in vitamins and minerals from non-GMO fruits and vegetables. With no artificial ingredients, you won’t have to worry about dogs with sensitive stomachs. The whole meat in the recipe is easy on digestive systems and still provides your dog with the energy that they need. This is also a good choice for active dogs with high metabolisms, as it helps them feel satisfied from the healthy carbs.
Some dog owners have noticed a strong odor coming from the food bag once it’s opened.
Pros
Whole meat is the protein source
Supports sensitive stomachs
Easy to digest
Cons
Strong odor
No added probiotics
Whole meat is the protein source
Supports sensitive stomachs
Easy to digest
- Whole meat is the protein source
- Supports sensitive stomachs
- Easy to digest
Strong odor
No added probiotics
- Strong odor
- No added probiotics
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers do well on high-protein, high-quality kibble made with real ingredients. They are active dogs and need enough calories to maintain their activity levels. The protein content in your dog’s dry food should not be below 18%.
If your Boston Terrier is older and not as active anymore, nutrient-dense foods are available that have fewer calories but will still provide your dog the nutrition that they need.
Food for puppies tends to be higher in calories and fat because puppies burn large amounts of energy. They need more nutrients while they’re growing.
Look at dog food labels, and make sure the food you choose is made for your dog’s age. In addition to life stages, here are other things to look for when choosing food for your Boston Terrier.
Allergies
Many Boston Terriers suffer from food allergies. In this case, limited-ingredient diets or diets that exclude your dog’s specific allergen are necessary. Signs of allergies to food include itchy and red skin, constant scratching, diarrhea, and hair loss. Contact your vet if you notice these signs, and work with them to come up with the right diet plan for your dog.
High Protein
Dogs need protein in their diet for proper growth and development and to keep their muscles healthy. Chicken and turkey are low in cholesterol, so they are ideal choices for protein in your dog’s food. However, some dogs are allergic to poultry. In this case, protein sources like beef, lamb, and venison are good options.
How Much Boston Terriers Eat
Boston Terriers are small dogs, and care should be taken to not overfeed them. Small dogs are prone to becoming overweight. Only feed the amount recommended on the back of the label or that your veterinarian recommends.
Since Boston Terriers shouldn’t eat large amounts of food, the meals that they do get should be as nutrient-dense as possible. Therefore, high-quality food is important.
Reading a Dog Food Label
The label can help you determine between a high-quality food and a low-quality one. Dog food labels are required by the FDA to label eight pieces of information:
Product name
Net weight of the product
Name and address of the manufacturer
Guaranteed analysis
List of ingredients
Intended animal species
Statement of nutrition adequacy
Feeding guidelines
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species
- Statement of nutrition adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Conclusion
Our best overall choice for dog food for Boston Terriers is American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. We like the high protein content and the fact that it’s grain-free. It does contain poultry, though, so owners of dogs with poultry allergies should be aware of that. For the best value, Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dry Dog Food is our choice. The kibble is small so Boston Terriers can easily chew it, and it contains live probiotics for digestive health. We hope that our reviews helped you find the perfect food for your Boston Terrier today!
See also: 10 Best Dog Foods for Terrier Mixes: Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Jaja Fekiacova, Shutterstock
