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Parson Russell Terrier feeding guide: how much and how often

Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Parson Russell Terrier.

Parsons burn a lot of energy, but a small frame still means small meals. A 7 kg (15 lb) adult usually eats around 110 to 150 g of dry food per day, about 1.25 to 1.5 cups, split into two meals. Dogs doing agility or long runs may need 10 to 20 percent more; retired or quieter ones often need less.

They are opportunists rather than gluttons, and many are fast eaters who then go looking for the cat's dish. A puzzle feeder, or kibble scattered across the lawn, turns breakfast into a hunt, which suits the breed's brain perfectly. Keep bins and handbags out of reach: a determined terrier opens things you thought were sealed.

Weight tends to creep up after neutering and in old age, when activity drops. You should see a defined waist and feel ribs easily. A Parson carrying just 1 kg (2 lb) extra is about 15 percent over its ideal weight, the equivalent of a person gaining 10 kg.

Parson Russell Terrier feeding in numbers

Illustrative adult portions

DogWeightCaloriesDry food per day
Female, relaxed lifestyle6 kg380 kcal100 g (1 cups)
Female, typical pet6 kg430 kcal115 g (1.3 cups)
Male, typical pet7 kg480 kcal130 g (1.3 cups)
Male, very active7 kg600 kcal165 g (1.8 cups)

Puppy portions need measured weight, growth stage and the food’s energy content. A breed-average curve is not a feeding plan. Calculate with measured inputs and review the result with your vet.

Bowl capacity

900 ml

17 cm across

Product height estimate

21.5 to 27.5 cm

not a veterinary recommendation

Rough drinking estimate

0.3 to 0.4 L

keep fresh water freely available

Adult examples assume midpoint breed weights, neutered pets and food with 370 kcal per 100 g. Cups assume 100 g per cup; actual food density varies. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Feeding guides for similar-sized breeds