One of the key elements of your Bedlington Terrier’s care is feeding them well. They are high-energy, loving dogs with special nutritional needs that should be fulfilled in order to live a long and happy life. Whether you have a Bedlington Terrier puppy or trying to control an adults diet, knowing their specific requirements will ensure that they thrive.
Nutritional Needs
Bedlington Terriers are small to medium-sized energetic, muscular dogs. They need a balanced diet full of proteins, healthy fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals for their overall health. They are genetically predisposed to copper toxicosis, wherein the liver accumulates copper, causing the liver to become toxic. This implies that their diet should be strictly regulated to minimize overintake of copper.”
Major Nutritional Needs
- High-quality protein: Helps maintain muscles and energy.
- Moderate fat content: Offers important fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Low copper: This breed must not eat foods rich in copper.
- Fiber and carbohydrates: For digestion and sustained energy.
- Essential vitamins and elements: Keep healthy immune systems and organ function.
Giving Food to Adult Bedlington Terriers
How Many Meals Should A Bedlington Terrier Have?
Adult Bedlington Terriers generally thrive on two meals a day, with twelve hours between meals. This reduces bloating and helps with digestion.
Daily Food Consumption for a Bedlington Terrier
The actual amount of food varies by age, weight, metabolism, and activity level. An adult Bedlington Terrier should eat an average of 1 to 1.5 cups of dry dog food a day, split into two meals.
What Is the Best Food for Bedlington Terriers?
The following foods make a balanced diet for a Bedlington Terrier:
- Dry kibble of high quality that has a balanced nutritional profile.
- Lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Cooked vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, for fiber and nutrients.
- Brown rice, oatmeal, or other limited grains for energy.
How Much Water Does a Bedlington Terrier Need?
You should always provide fresh water to your Bedlington Terriers. As a general guideline, they should consume about 1 oz of water for every pound of body weight each day.
Is Milk Allowed for Bedlington Terriers?
Although some dogs can handle lactose, a lot of Bedlington Terriers may find their stomachs upset with milk. If given, this should be in small doses and watched in case of adverse reactions.
How Much to Feed a Bedlington Terrier Puppy
Daily Food Amount For Bedlington Terrier Puppy
Young puppies should be fed several times a day to sustain their growth. A Bedlington Terrier puppy needs to be fed Bedlington four small meals a day until he is approximately 3-4 months old, at that point, three meals per day until he reaches adulthood. How many times should a Bedlington terrier puppy be fed?
- Weeks 6-12: 4 meals a day.
- 3–6 Months: 3 Meals A Day Transition to 2 meals per day: 6-12 months.
How Much Water Should a Bedlington Terrier Be Drinking?
Hydration is important for puppies lots of hydration so their bodies can grow. They need a fresh supply of water at all times and will drink ½ cup to 1 cup every few hours.
Are Milk and Chocolate Safe for Bedlington Terrier Puppies?
Although puppies nurse from their mothers, they can generally become lactose-intolerant after weaning. If you do offer milk, choose lactose-free
Bedlington Terrier Nutrition and Diet
Fruits
Certain fruits can be enjoyed by Bedlington Terriers as treats in moderation:
Safe fruits:
- Apples (without seeds)
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Strawberries
Slow down, cowboy:
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a source of fiber and key nutrients:
Safe vegetables:
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Sweet potatoes (cooked)
Avoid: Onions and garlic, which are toxic.
Meats
Protein sources should be low in fat and thoroughly cooked:
Safe meats:
- Chicken (cooked, boneless)
- Turkey
- Fish (cooked, deboned)
- Lean beef
Avoid: Raw or fatty meats, ham, and too much liver, which may have high levels of copper.
Other Foods
- Eggs: Eggs, when cooked, are an excellent source of protein.
- Cheese: Some dogs do not tolerate lactose.
- Chocolate & Candy Canes: Dangerous—never give chocolate or sugar treats.
Feeding Guidelines as Per Age
Your Bedlington Terrier will need different amounts of calories and servings as they age:
- Puppy Stage (8 weeks – 1 year)
- Needs energy-dense, protein-rich food for growth.
- 3-4 small meals a day, slowly tapering the frequency of feeding.
- Adult Stage (1-7 years)
- Eat a balanced diet that includes lean proteins and fiber.
- Sprinkle bifidobacteria on food twice daily, with portion control to prevent weight gain.
- Senior Stage (7+ years)
- Reduce calorie consumption to maintain an ideal weight.
- Add joint-supportive supplements.
Daily Caloric Requirements
Recommended daily calorie intake will vary depending on the size, activity, and age of your Bedlington Terrier.
- Puppy (up to 6 months): 350-550 kcal/day
- Adult (12–22 lb): 400–600 kcal/day
- Senior (Less Active): 350-450 kcal/day
Common Feeding Mistakes
Feeding your Bedlington Terrier should be simple, but there are common mistakes that dog owners make that affect their pet’s health. Below are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Overfeeding
Bedlington Terriers have a moderate appetite but can gain weight easily if overindulged. Overweight Bedlington Terriers are prone to joint problems, heart disease, and reduced overall wellness. Use portion control meals and regular body condition monitoring.
2. Feeding Too Many Treats
Treats are great for training and rewarding, but they should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Choose healthy treats like small slices of fruit or vegetables instead of dog biscuits.
3. Inconsistent Feeding Schedule
Dogs are creatures of habit, and irregular feeding times can cause digestive problems and anxiety. Try to feed your Bedlington Terrier at the same time each day.
4. Feeding Table Scraps
Human foods can be harmful to Bedlington Terriers, causing gastrointestinal upset or poisoning. Avoid feeding:
- Onions and garlic (toxic for dogs)
- Theobromine and caffeine (extremely toxic)
- Fatty or fried foods (risk of pancreatitis)
- Cooked bones (can splinter and create choking hazards)
Evolving the Diet According to Activity Level
Your Bedlington Terrier’s calorie intake should be tailored to their activity level to prevent obesity.
High-Activity Dogs
If your Bedlington Terrier is particularly active, such as participating in agility training or taking long daily walks, they will need extra calories to restore their energy reserves. Try adding a little more to their meal or offering healthy snacks like fish or yams.
Older or Less Active Dogs
For older dogs or those with a more sedentary lifestyle, reducing calorie intake helps prevent weight gain. Selecting a low-fat diet along with joint-supportive supplements can help in keeping them healthy.
Adopting a Different Diet
Follow these steps:
- Days 1–3: 75% old food; 25% new food.
- Days 4–6: 50% old food & 50% new food.
- Days 7–9: 25% old food, 75% new food.
- Day 10: 100% new food.
Paying attention to your dog’s response to the new diet, including mobility, stool, energy level, and appetite, is crucial to ensuring a positive transition.
Conclusion
A well-balanced, species-appropriate diet is important in providing your Bedlington Terrier with the nutrition it needs for good health, energy, and longevity. By being aware of their nutritional needs and portion size, and ensuring feeds are quality, you can make sure they thrive throughout their life stages.
Remember to:
- High-protein, low-copper diets help maintain liver function.
- Keep a regular feeding time as it will assist in digestion and timekeeping.
- Make sure they have lots of fresh water every day to keep them hydrated.
- Stay away from toxic foods such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.
- Tailor their caloric needs based on their age and activity level.
With these recommendations in mind and proper decisions about their diet, your Bedlington Terrier will lead a happy, active, and healthy life for many more years.
