Jack Russells may be small in size, but their energy levels and sharp instincts are anything but. Originally bred for fox hunting, these athletic terriers thrive on action — and that means what goes in their bowl needs to keep up. Beyond fuelling their stamina, the right food can also help manage common issues like itchy skin, sensitive tummies, and joint stiffness.
So, what does a Jack Russell need to stay healthy, happy and firing on all cylinders? In this guide, we unpack the best nutritional choices — from high-quality protein and ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you’re raising a new pup or fine-tuning your JRT’s diet, we’ll help you feed them with confidence.
Read more: Jack Russell breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Jack Russell health concerns
Allergies and sensitive skin
Jack Russells can often experience skin sensitivities or food allergies, which can lead to itchy skin, hair loss or chronic ear infections. Environmental allergens may play a role, but diet is a key area to consider.
Fresh, real food diets can help eliminate common allergens like wheat, soy, dairy and unnecessary synthetic additives. A novel protein diet, such as goat or kangaroo, can reduce allergic responses in sensitive dogs. Plus, ingredients like omega-3s from fish and chia seeds support skin health.
Try this:
Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro meals are made with goat and don’t contain common allergens, making them ideal for Jack Russells with sensitive skin.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)
Joint health
Despite their size, Jack Russells are highly active and prone to joint issues like patellar luxation or early-onset arthritis, especially in their later years. Supporting their joints through diet is a smart step.
Try this:
Ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric, ginger and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can support joint health and mobility.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?
Sensitive stomachs
Some JRTs can experience digestive troubles that go beyond the occasional toot — we’re talking regular room-clearers. That’s when it’s time to take a closer look at what’s in their bowl.
Plant protein like legumes (peas, beans, and lentils) are often used in dog food as a cheaper alternative to meat protein. In the right amounts, legumes do have some nutritional benefits, but in large quantities they can lead to gassiness.
Your dog’s microbiome should be diverse and balanced, equipped to digest a variety of ingredients without triggering diarrhoea or wind. A great way to support your dog’s gut microbiome is with a real food diet, containing a wide range of high-quality ingredients including prebiotic dietary fibre to nourish good bacteria and promote healthy bowel movements.
Try this:
Human-grade, gently cooked proteins (like Lyka) are 10% more digestible than proteins in dry food 1
Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort
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How to choose the best food for your Jack Russell
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
1. Complete and balanced
Jack Russells, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
2. Optimal nutrition for your Jack Russell
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your JRT’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but it’s time-consuming and making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients, gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your Jack Russell’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your pup? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
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How much food does a Jack Russell need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Jack Russell’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Jack Russell to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Jack Russell puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Real-life insight from a Jack Russell parent
What's in your JRT's bowl can be a game-changer when it comes to their health. Hear from Jessica and her experience parenting Max.
“Before Lyka, Max had lots of digestive issues which brought on loose stools, anal gland problems, and constant vet visits. Since switching to Lyka, his stools are perfect, his coat is shiny and he is healthier than ever!”
– Jessica and Max (he’s on Lyka)
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Jack Russell comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Jack Russells across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.
Join our pack of proud Jack Russell parents today.
References
1 Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites in dogs fed human-grade foods
