Maintaining a Westie’s ideal weight is essential to ensuring its continued good health. This is why you need to know how much to feed a Westie puppy to maintain it at a healthy weight.
Small, active, and independent, Westies (or West Highland White Terriers) are a breed of dog known for its distinctive white coat.
They make great companions because of their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and unwavering devotion to their owners.
Further information about how much food your Westie needs is discussed below along with a Westie feeding chart. Read on to find out what kind of food is best for West Highland Terriers.
How Much Should A Westie Puppy Eat?
It’s vital to consider the Westie puppy’s age, size, and degree of activity when deciding what to feed him or her.
Up until around six months of age, a Westie puppy should be given three to four small meals each day. They need only be fed twice daily from six months to a year.
It’s crucial to choose a high-quality puppy food that offers balanced nutrients, which might affect the total quantity of food needed.
About half a cup to a cup and a half is the daily minimum need for an adult Westie. The amount may go up or down, depending on age.
Westie Feeding Chart
An essential part of a Westie puppy’s development is the food they consume. You must provide them a healthy diet to fuel their development.
There are a number of variables that influence how much food a Westie puppy requires, including their age, weight, and level of activity.
Estimating the Westie puppy’s RER is a good first step in figuring out how much food to give it (RER).
The resting energy requirement (RER) refers to the quantity of energy required by a puppy when it is in a completely inactive state. The following formula may be used to determine RER:
RER = 30 * (weight in kilograms) + 70
The feeding recommendations should be modified depending on the specific demands and development pace of the puppy. When in doubt, ask your vet for food suggestions.
4 Week Old Westie Puppy
A four-week-old Westie puppy should still be dependent on their mother for food. Puppy formula or watered-down high-quality puppy food may be used to ease them onto solid meals.
Maintain frequent, light feedings throughout the day, every several hours. They should be eating about a quarter to half a cup of food per day, spread out over several small meals, at this age.
6 Week Old Westie Puppy
A Westie puppy has to be weaned onto solid food by the time he or she is six weeks old.
Provide regular, modest meals—every four hours or so—throughout the day. They need to consume around a half cup to a cup of food every meal, three to four times a day.
8 Week Old Westie Puppy
Around every four hours, a Westie puppy of eight weeks of age should be fed a small meal.
Depending on their size and activity level, they need around a half cup to a cup of food every day. Put your new puppy on a diet of premium puppy food designed to meet its unique nutritional requirements.
10 Week Old Westie Puppy
A Westie puppy should be eating three little meals a day, about every five hours, by the time he or she is ten weeks old. Depending on their size and degree of activity, they need anywhere about a cup of food every day.
Make sure they are gaining weight at a healthy pace by keeping an eye on their stats. Youngsters may be experiencing the pain of teething, therefore having suitable chew toys on hand will assist.
12 Week Old Westie Puppy
By the time they are 12 weeks old, Westie puppies still need to be fed three tiny meals each day, once every six hours or so.
Half a cup to one and a quarter cups of food each day is appropriate for them.
14 Week Old Westie Puppy
You should gradually decrease your Westie puppy’s feedings to three times a day as he or she matures.
Maintain a healthy diet of 1 to 1 1/4 cups of premium puppy chow each day, and check up on their progress as needed. Continue working on socializing and training while providing plenty time for exercise and play.
16 Week Old Westie Puppy
Your Westie puppy may now have two or three meals a day, and you can begin slowly switching him on to adult dog food.
Give them a cup and a half to two cups of food every day. They need to be socialized and trained on a regular basis, as well as fed healthy food that fits their nutritional requirements.
6 Months – 12 Months Old Westie Puppy
Feed your Westie puppy two meals a day of premium adult dog food when they reach maturity. Ensure sure their food intake is adjusted based on their weight.
One and a half cups of food each day is still necessary. Make sure your puppy is up-to-date on all immunizations and preventive care, and keep up with his or her training.
12 Months & Above Westies
Your Westie, now an adult, needs two meals a day of premium adult dog food. Keep giving them a cup and a half of food every day.
Constantly checking up on their weight and general health, as well as giving them many opportunities to go out and play, is essential.
Understanding Westie Puppy Nutritional Needs
Westie pups have specific dietary requirements that must be met for optimal health and development. It is critical to provide them a food full in vitamins, minerals, and energy sources to make sure they thrive.
A West Highland terrier puppy requires between 55 and 70 calories per pound of body weight per day.
Around 22.6% of their calorie intake per day need to come from protein, since it is an essential ingredient for their development.
For optimal skin and coat growth, a puppy’s diet should also include a mix of healthy fats including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
To develop healthy bones and teeth, Westie pups also need specialized vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates offer energy, but fiber is essential for intestinal health.
Your Westie puppy needs a diet designed for its age and size, made with high-quality ingredients that supply all the vital nutrients in the right ratios.
How Many Times A Day To Feed A Westie Puppy?
A Westie puppy should be given three to four small meals each day until they are around 16 weeks old. This is the usual feeding recommendation.
Following that, kids may make the adjustment to eating two to three times each day gradually. When they are six months old, they are normally ready to be fed twice daily, and a gradual transition to adult dog food should be made at this time.
Nevertheless, it is essential to bear in mind that the nutritional requirements of a puppy may vary greatly depending on the puppy’s size, the type of activity they engage in, and their general state of health.
Talk to your dog’s doctor about the best feeding plan and amount of food for your Westie puppy at this stage in his or her development.
Kibble vs Wet Food For Westie Puppies
Both kibble and wet food are viable alternatives for Westie pups, but there are certain things to keep in mind before making a final decision.
Kibble is easy to transport, inexpensive, and beneficial to oral hygiene since it encourages chewing and so prevents plaque formation. Nevertheless, some pups can do better with wet food or have trouble with kibble because of dental problems.
Puppies with sensitive stomachs or dehydration difficulties may benefit from wet food since it contains more water and is simpler to digest. Yet, it might be more costly than kibble and go bad sooner.
Your puppy’s unique requirements, tastes, and health status should all go into your final selection between kibble and wet food.
Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food
It’s best to make the transition from puppy food to adult food gradually over the course of several days to prevent any stomach upset.
Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps are just some of the symptoms of a diet that has been drastically altered.
Start by adding a little bit of the adult food to the puppy meal, then increase the amount of adult food over the course of several days to make the transition.
Keep an eye on your Westie’s appetite and poop throughout this time to make sure they’re responding well.
When to transition your Westie from puppy diet to adult food will depend on his or her specific development and growth rate.
If you want to know when it is best to switch your Westie over to adult food, it is best to ask your vet.
What If My Westie Puppy Won’t Eat?
Finding the source of your Westie puppy’s refusal to eat is essential. Before anything else, check that the food you’re giving your puppy is fresh, of good quality, and suitable for its age and nutritional requirements.
If your puppy still isn’t eating, consider switching up his or her feeding routine, moving the bowl, or switching up the food.
If the ailment continues, a trip to the vet is in need to rule out more serious conditions including stomach disorders or dental problems.
Your physician may suggest an appetite stimulant or a specific food to help your Westie puppy gain weight.
Can You Freefeed A Westie Puppy?
Leaving food available for your Westie puppy all day so they may eat whenever they want is not suggested.
Overeating and obesity are possible outcomes of this strategy, both of which have been linked to a variety of health issues.
It may also make it harder to keep an eye on your puppy’s diet and spot concerns, including a loss of appetite or tummy ache.
Establishing a consistent feeding plan and controlling portions can help ensure that your Westie puppy is getting the proper nourishment for its size and age.
Talk to your vet about what kind of diet and how often you should feed your Westie puppy.
Best Puppy Dog Food For Westie
1. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Editor’s Choice
We have chosen this food as number one if you need a healthy, tasty dog food. Try Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Growth with Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food!
This balanced diet uses natural, high-quality products without artificial colors, flavoring, or preservatives.
High-quality fish oil’s natural DHA aids brain, eye, and skeletal development, while the antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix boosts immunity. This easy-to-digest formula is ideal for pups under a year old.
Pros
- Promotes healthy brain, eye, and skeletal development
- Natural components aid nutrition absorption and digestion.
- Antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Comprehensive and balanced nutrition
2. Blue Buffalo Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Runner-Up
Choose Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe for a high-quality puppy food! This puppy formula contains high-quality nutrients for optimal growth.
Calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins support strong bones and teeth, while DHA and ARA promote healthy brain and eye development. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help skin and coat, while vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants boost immunity.
“Puppy-sized” kibble removes tartar, making it ideal for tiny jaws. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is ideal for your pet because it contains no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken (or poultry) by-products.
Pros
- Healthy bone, brain, and eye development
- The “puppy-sized” kibble helps remove tartar
- Healthy Skin and Coat with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Strong Immune System
- No corn, wheat, soy, or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals
Cons
- Contains grain
3. Taste Of The Wild High Plains Puppy Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild High Plains Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is another great option! This protein-rich formula supports bone, joint, and lean muscle health with real roasted bison and venison.
It also contains vitamins and minerals from real fruits and superfoods, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and nutrients to keep your pup energized and thriving.
With species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics, this grain-free recipe supports healthy digestion, immune system health, and overall wellness.
Pros
- Real roasted bison and venison as the #1 ingredient
- Free from grains like wheat, corn, and soy
- Digestive support
- Balanced nutrition
Cons
- Not the best packaging
4. American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is precisely what your dog needs!
This high-protein mix supports puppy development and lean muscle mass with genuine, deboned lamb as the first component. Plus, it’s grain-free and free from corn, wheat, and soy, making it easy for your pup to digest.
This recipe boosts immunity with blueberries, carrots, and dry kelp. It comes with CHI Tearless Puppy Shampoo which gently washes and hydrates your pup’s sensitive skin and coat without bothering their eyes.
Pros
- Grain-free corn-free, wheat-free, and soy-free.
- High-quality protein – deboned lamb,
- Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, & phytonutrients
- Tearless shampoo
Cons
- May contain artificial flavor
5. ACANA Puppy Food
This grain-free food starts with fresh chicken and turkey from trusted farmers and ranchers. The fresh components are chilled, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their optimum freshness, delivering optimal nourishment for your dog.
Whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples, and pears are high-fiber, nutrient-dense ingredients in this recipe.
ACANA Puppy Food is ideal for sensitive dogs since it contains no corn, soy, wheat, or tapioca. The food is also coated with freeze-dried chicken and turkey for a lip-smacking flavor that your puppy will love.
Pros
- High-quality, protein-rich ingredients
- Nutrient-dense recipe
- Grain-free formula
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Ingredients from a handpicked group of trusted producers
Cons
- Contains chicken byproduct meal
Is A Raw Diet Healthy For A Westie Puppy?
Raw feeding a Westie puppy has been the subject of debate between veterinarians and pet owners.
Raw feeding has its advocates, who say it has health advantages including increased coat and skin health, and its detractors, who point out the dangers of bacterial infection and nutritional imbalances.
In order to successfully introduce a raw diet to your puppy, you must be well-versed in his or her nutritional requirements and have enough time to plan beforehand.
Make sure the raw food is complete and balanced by talking to a doctor or veterinary nutritionist to make sure your puppy is getting all he needs.
You and your vet should weigh the pros and cons of feeding a raw food to your Westie puppy before making the final choice.
How Much Do Westie Puppies Grow Each Week?
Depending on their genes, diet, and general health, Westie pups may gain weight at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 pound each week. Westie pups gain a lot of weight each week during their first few months of life as they develop rapidly.
At six months of age, most Westie pups will have achieved roughly 75% of their adult weight.
Their pace of development will reduce from there, but they’ll keep becoming bigger and stronger. Be sure to check up with your vet on your Westie puppy’s development and weight if you have any worries.
How Much Water Should A Westie Puppy Drink?
All Westie pups need constant access to clean water. How much water a dog needs to drink depends on factors such as age, size, level of activity, and climate.
Puppies need between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day.
Make sure your Westie puppy is getting enough water by keeping an eye on their drinking habits. Puppy dehydration symptoms include a lack of saliva production, a dry nose and mouth, a lack of appetite, and sunken eyes.
Get in touch with your vet if you notice your puppy isn’t drinking enough water so you can make sure there aren’t any underlying health problems.
