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10 Best Dog Foods for Terrier Mixes in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Lindsey Lawson

Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by Dogster Team

10 Best Dog Foods for Terrier Mixes in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Dog food in a bowl_279photoStudio_Shutterstock

Are you searching for the perfect food for your Terrier mix and have found yourself lost in the sea of available dog foods? You are not alone. The market for pet foods is as equally overwhelming as it is confusing, but that’s where we come in.

We have done the research, we’ve read the reviews, and we’ve narrowed down the 10 best dog foods for Terrier mixes. Read on to see what foods made the cut.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmers Dog The Farmers Dog
  • Fresh chicken is the #1 ingredient
  • Meet AAFCO standards for safety and quality
  • High in protein and full of vitamins and nutrients
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Chicken is the number one ingredient
  • Tested for quality and safety
  • Affordable
  • Third place
    Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe
  • Designed to meet AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for all life stages
  • Real turkey is the number one ingredient
  • Meals come pre-portioned for your dog
  • Best for Puppies
    Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach
  • Real salmon is the first ingredient
  • Rich in omega fatty acids
  • Affordable
  • Wellness Lamb & Barley Dry Dog Food Wellness Lamb & Barley Dry Dog Food
  • Real lamb is the first ingredient
  • Formulated without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives
  • Added glucosamine for joint support
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Terrier Mixes

    1. The Farmers Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall

    The Farmer's Dog Turkey

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Liver, Bok Choy, Broccoli
    Protein content: 11.5% min
    Fat content 8.5% min
    Calories: 1300 kcal per kg/ 590 kcal per lb.

    The Farmer’s Dog gets our pick for the overall best dog food for Terrier mixes. This is fresh food, so you will need to free up some space in the fridge and freezer for storage. The chicken recipe is rich in protein from fresh chicken and chicken liver, making it perfect for the high energy levels that can be passed down from those precious Terriers.

    In addition to fresh chicken, this recipe is also full of vitamins and nutrients from vegetables like Brussels sprouts, Bok choy, and broccoli. The added fish oil helps maintain that shiny, healthy coat.

    The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service that is tailored specifically to your dog and is easy to cancel at any time. Each recipe is crafted by a team of veterinary nutritionists who will get to work customizing an individualized meal plan for your dog. The food comes prepackaged and labeled with easy-to-follow instructions to transition over.

    All of The Farmer’s Dog foods are designed to meet the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. While fresh dog food is expensive, you really can’t be the quality. The Farmer’s Dog comes in at our top spot because you can rest assured you are feeding your dog top-notch food that fits their needs.

    Pros
    • Fresh chicken is the #1 ingredient
    • Meet AAFCO standards for safety and quality
    • High in protein and full of vitamins and nutrients
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Must be stored in freezer or fridge

    2. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Oats
    Protein content: 24.0% min
    Fat content 15.0% min
    Calories: 3648 kcal/kg, 362 kcal/cup

    Nutro Ultra is a good quality dog food that we think is the best dog food for Terrier mixes for the money. They are known for testing these formulas for both quality and safety and ingredients are sourced from only reputable farmers. The Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food is a protein-rich formula that features real chicken as the number one ingredient.

    This food is free of GMOs, by-product meals, and any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This formula also sources protein from lamb and salmon and contains a blend of 15 superfoods and whole grains for a well-balanced diet.

    The biggest downfall we could find about Nutro Ultra was that some dogs would turn their noses up to the food and refuse to eat it. It seems owners related this to texture. So, if you have a picky eater, you may have to entice them with some wet or fresh food toppers.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Chicken is the number one ingredient
    • Tested for quality and safety
    • No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or GMOs
    Cons
    • Some dogs wouldn’t eat the food

    3. Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe Dog Food

    Ollie turkey + blueberries

    Main ingredients: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrot, Coconut Oil
    Protein content: 11% min
    Fat content 7% min
    Calories: 1390 kcal ME/kg

    The Ollie Fresh Turkey Recipe takes our spot for premium choice because it’s another fresh food option with a great reputation for being high-quality and restoring optimal health. If your Terrier mix suffers from any digestive issues or food allergies, this turkey recipe is a great option.

    Ollie is also a subscription service that you can get started with online. They do ensure the food is proportioned specifically for your dog, taking that task away from you. The fresh turkey recipe features real turkey as the number one ingredient along with a blend of fresh vegetables and fruit for vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fiber.

    The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating grain-free diets containing legumes and potatoes. Since lentils (a legume) are included in the recipe, we urge anyone with concerns to speak to their veterinarian.

    All recipes from Ollie are designed to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for all life stages. The fresh food varieties will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator but up to 6 months unopened in the freezer, so you can certainly stock up if need be. Again, fresh food is expensive but that’s typical because of the high-quality ingredients going into the recipes.

    Pros
    • Designed to meet AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for all life stages
    • Real turkey is the number one ingredient
    • Meals come pre-portioned for your dog
    • Great for digestive issues
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Lentils are among the legumes being investigated for potential health concerns

    4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Best for Puppies

    Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach

    Main ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley, Fish Meal, Canola Meal
    Protein content: 28.0% min
    Fat content 18.0% min
    Calories: 3837 kcal/kg, 428 kcal/cup

    If you are looking for the best puppy food to feed your little Terrier mix, try Purina Pro Plan Puppy’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach recipe. It works great for dogs that suffer from allergies or digestive issues, which can be common in some Terrier varieties.

    Real salmon is the number one ingredient, and the recipe offers a completely balanced nutrient profile. This food is rich in omega-fatty acids that are great for neural development, vision, and healthy skin and coat. There are also no artificial colors or flavors included in the recipe.

    Salmon recipes can cause gas in some pups, but this is a highly reviewed and good quality food that comes at a reasonable price. There have been issues with certain puppies being picky and refusing the formula, causing their owner to keep searching for the right food.

    Pros
    • Real salmon is the first ingredient
    • Rich in omega fatty acids
    • Affordable
    • Great for puppies with digestive issues or allergies
    Cons
    • Some picky eaters won’t eat the food

    5. Wellness Health Lamb & Barley Dry Dog Food

    Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal
    Protein content: 24.0% min
    Fat content 12.0% min
    Calories: 3,655 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup ME

    Wellness Complete Health Adult is designed for adult dogs and contains real lamb as the number one ingredient. This food is crafted without the use of GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or any artificial preservatives. Wellness is a highly reputable brand that is beloved by many dog owners.

    This grain-inclusive formula is rich in high-quality protein and contains healthy grains and omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. What we also like about this recipe is that it has some added glucosamine for extra joint support, probiotics for digestive health, and is rich in antioxidants for immune health.

    While this is a food that gets great reviews, there are, of course, some picky eaters that won’t eat the food. It’s recommended to mix with a topper that is either canned or fresh food to help make the food more appetizing.

    Pros
    • Real lamb is the first ingredient
    • Formulated without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives
    • Added glucosamine for joint support
    • Contains probiotics for digestive health
    Cons
    • Some dogs don’t like the taste

    6. ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient

    ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient

    Main ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver
    Protein content: 27% min
    Fat content 17% min
    Calories: 3370 kcal/kg, 371 kcal/cup

    ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient is formulated with limited ingredients and only one protein source. This food is rich in protein, which is wonderful for active Terriers and Terrier mixes. It’s also nutrient-dense and offers a blend of grains, butternut squash, and pumpkin for a healthy dose of fiber.

    This formula is free from peas, plant protein isolates, artificial colors or flavors, and preservatives. Limited ingredient diets are a great choice of food for dogs that suffer from any allergies or digestive issues, which can happen with certain Terrier breeds and many dog owners have reviewed how easy the transition to this recipe was.

    ACANA is a bit on the pricey side when it comes to kibble, but it is one of the most high-quality food options. The usual picky eaters do result in some negative feedback, but it is disappointing to have a higher-priced food go uneaten.

    Pros
    • Deboned lamb is the #1 ingredient
    • Formulated from one protein source
    • Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
    • Limited ingredient recipes are great for allergy sufferers
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Some picky eaters refused to eat the food

    7. Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

    Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains

    Main ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet
    Protein content: 30.0% min
    Fat content 15.0% min
    Calories: 3,640 kcal/kg, 413 kcal/cup

    Taste of the Wild is a family-owned brand that is made right here in the United States. They offer a variety of recipes from both the Ancient Grains line and the Grain Free line. We recommend the Ancient Grains line since most dogs don’t require grain free diets.

    Their Ancient Stream recipe is packed with protein from salmon and ocean fish and makes an ideal choice for some dogs that suffer from food allergies. The included vitamins and minerals come from real fruit, ancient grains, and other superfoods.

    This formula is free from artificial colors or flavors and is full of omega-fatty acids which are great for skin and coat health. It even features a proprietary blend of probiotics and antioxidants for digestive health and proper immunity. Loose stools and some gas may be experienced when switching over, which was the biggest complaint among dog owners.

    Pros
    • High-quality food at a reasonable price
    • Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
    • Formulated without artificial colors or flavors
    Cons
    • Some dogs may experience loose stools/gas

    8. Annamaet Original Option Formula Dry Dog Food

    Annamaet Original Option Formula

    Main ingredients: Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats, Lamb Meal
    Protein content: 24% min
    Fat content 13% min
    Calories: 3802 kcal/kg = 1728 Kcal/lb. = 406 kcal/cup

    Annamaet Original Option features salmon as the primary source of protein but also contains lamb meal. It contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids with DHA for healthy skin and coat. There is L-carnitine to aid with proper metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.

    This food is formulated without any corn, wheat, or soy. Annamaet Original Option also contains chelated minerals which are much more easily absorbed. It also features a blend of healthy whole grains, which make a great source of dietary fiber. This is great for dogs that suffer from allergies to proteins like beef or chicken.

    Some negative reviews complain that the food smells like fish, which is expected from a lot of salmon recipes. There were some other complaints of picky eaters turning their noses up, which is quite common with dry kibble.


    9. Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Healthy Grains

    Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal
    Protein content: 26 % min
    Fat content 16 % min
    Calories: 3711 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup

    Merrick Healthy Grains is good quality food that comes at a reasonable price. This recipe features chicken as the number one ingredient and is balanced with protein, whole grains, healthy fruits, and vegetables for a well-balanced diet.

    This is also formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is great for active Terrier mixes. The two main protein sources in this recipe are chicken and turkey but the company also offers other primary protein sources in their Healthy Grains line.

    This food is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives as well as any peas, lentils, or potatoes. Not only does Merrick Healthy Grains come at a reasonable price but it is well-reviewed among dog owners. Negative reviews showed that some dogs just didn’t take to the food and refused to eat it.

    Pros
    • Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient
    • Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
    • Reasonably priced
    Cons
    • Some picky eaters may refuse to eat the food

    10. American Journey Active Life Dog Food

    American Journey Active Life Formula Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

    Main ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran
    Protein content: 25.0% min
    Fat content 15.0% min
    Calories: 3,506 kcal/kg or 345 kcal/cup

    The Active Life formula from American Journey is another high-rated dry kibble that will provide your dog with a balanced diet, with deboned salmon as the first ingredient and protein-rich menhaden fish meal as the second.

    The formula is crafted with a blend of nutrients and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. There is a proper blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat. There is no wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, or any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this food. Because of the lack of some of the most common allergens, it can be a great option for allergy sufferers.

    The biggest cons related to this food were the runny stools that happened after the switch, which as you can tell, is not entirely uncommon. Some dogs wouldn’t eat the food, and some owners stated their dogs gained weight from the formula. Keep in mind that weight gain may not be related to the food, but is more specific to a dog’s size, age, and activity level as well as the quantity being offered.

    Pros
    • Deboned salmon is the first ingredient
    • Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
    • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
    Cons
    • May cause loose stools
    • May not please picky eaters

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting he Best Dog Food for Terrier Mixes

    Even with a limited list of choices in front of you, narrowing down that list to the perfect food can be a challenge. Since Terrier mixes cover a broader demographic, what will work for one Terrier mix may not work for another. It’s always recommended to get high-quality food appropriate to your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Let’s look into some other considerations you should keep in mind, too.

    Research the Different Brands

    Do some quick research on the brands that pique your interest to help you narrow down the choices even further. Does the brand have a history of recalls or a questionable reputation? If so, it may be a better idea to go with a safer option.

    You can also check to see if a certain brand strives to meet the AAFCO nutrient guidelines for pet foods. This will help you determine whether the food meets the appropriate nutrient profile for your dog’s age and size.

    Read Labels

    Learning how to read the dog food label is important. Take a look at the full ingredient list. Have a look at the caloric content and the guaranteed analysis to see how the food stands up to competitors. The label can teach you a lot about the food you are about to purchase, so learning how to read it will help you out in the long run for all pet foods.

    Consider Price vs Quantity

    It’s no secret that dog food bags come in varying sizes. Don’t let those numbers fool you, take the price and divide it by the quantity to see what your total cost per pound is. This can help you determine what foods are offering you the best value after you have narrowed down the quality.

    Keep Your Budget in Mind

    The financial aspect of dog ownership must be weighed heavily before you bring home a new dog. High-quality food is necessary for your dog’s health and high-quality foods are naturally going to be more expensive. Food is a life-long necessity and an ongoing expense, so you want it to work with your budget.

    man buying pet food
    Image by: LADO, Shutterstock

    Never Skimp on Quality

    You mustn’t choose low-quality food because it comes at a cheaper cost. If money is tight, some great options offer good quality for a decent price. Of course, fresh food is much more expensive than dry kibble, but it is very healthy and you can use it as a topper for dry kibble to get that fresh food in while being easier on your wallet. So don’t feel like fresh or canned food must be fed exclusively. Low-quality food can potentially result in health issues when you consider long-term, which will be much more expensive overall.

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    In Conclusion

    The Farmers Dog chicken recipe is a fantastic option for those looking into fresh dog food that is of premium quality and tailored to meet your dog’s needs. Nutro Ultra is a dry kibble that will give you great quality while being easier on the wallet. The company tests for quality and safety and uses wholesome ingredients.

    Ollie’s Fresh Turkey recipe is another fresh food option that is customized to meet your dog’s needs and offers up a great blend of fresh meat and natural foods. Purina Pro Plan Puppy makes for an ideal choice for the growth and development of little ones while being easy on the digestive system.

    Wellness Complete Health Adult comes as a veterinary recommendation and is a high-quality kibble that will provide your dog with the well-balanced diet they need. Now that you know our top picks and are familiar with what the reviews have to say, you are well on your way to finding the perfect food for your beloved Terrier mix.


    Featured Image Credit: 279photoStudio, Shutterstock

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