West Highland White Terrier feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the West Highland White Terrier.
An adult Westie weighing 8 kg (18 lb) usually needs roughly 110 to 140 g of a typical dry food daily, about 1.25 to 1.5 cups, in two meals. They are hearty eaters, and middle-aged Westies gain weight easily once their activity drops.
Because skin allergies are common in the breed, many owners end up discussing diet with their vet. Change foods gradually over 7 to 10 days, keep a simple list of what your dog eats, including treats, and avoid switching brands every few weeks, which makes it much harder to link a flare-up to a particular food.
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls, washed daily, are a sensible choice for a breed with sensitive skin, as scratched plastic can harbor bacteria. Beard hair also stains easily, so wiping the muzzle after meals keeps the white face from turning rusty brown.
West Highland White Terrier feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 8 kg | 440 kcal | 120 g (1.3 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 8 kg | 510 kcal | 135 g (1.3 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 9 kg | 560 kcal | 150 g (1.5 cups) |
| Male, very active | 9 kg | 700 kcal | 190 g (2 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
18 to 24 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
0.4 to 0.5 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.