Are you a dog lover? Do you have a new Boston terrier puppy, and you need some tips on how to take care of it? If so, you are in the right place. Boston Terriers are sometimes known as the “American Gentleman,” with their friendly demeanor and tuxedo-like markings.
This charismatic and loveable breed of dog is easy to train but is also fiercely loyal and protective. The Boston terrier is a popular dog breed that originated in America.
Boston Terriers have a lot of energy, and so require a diet full of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Finding the right kind of food is incredibly essential for a growing puppy and can be a difficult challenge.
Luckily, we are here to make things easy. This how-to guide will cover the basics of caring for your new Boston terrier puppy, from finding the right kind of food to daily meal schedules. So sit back as we go over how to take care of your best friend.
What Should You Feed Your Boston Terrier Puppy?
First things first, puppies require a focused diet full of the nutrients. Despite a Boston’s moderate size, Boston Terriers have a big appetite and are susceptible to certain food allergies, so finding the right food can be hard. Let’s cover the necessary nutrients your puppy food should (or shouldn’t) have.
Protein
Let’s start with the obvious, Boston terriers (and all dog breeds for that matter) require a lot of protein. Dogs are naturally carnivorous (technically omnivorous), and their bodies are engineered to extract the maximum amount of protein out of their food. To be clear, this does NOT mean that your dog needs to eat a high-meat diet.
Dogs can eat a vegetarian diet and thrive, it’s just that meat is an easy way to get the required amount of protein. Either way, whatever food you choose it needs to have a substantial amount of protein. Pretty much all brands of dog food on the market are full of protein—but it is still something to keep in mind. In general, chicken and turkey are two lean types of meat that are high in protein and low in cholesterol and fats.
Due to my Boston’s grain sensitivity, Bella only eats Blue Buffalo’s Salmon dog food. Bella’s primary source of protein has been Salmon from Blue Buffalo. Her diet has been the same thing for almost eight years now.
Grains
If you own dogs already, chances are you know how grains can affect a dogs stomach. Grains are a sure fire way to give them puppy gas. Boston Terriers in particular with their sensitive stomachs do not react well to grains, and even a little bit of low-quality grains can make them bloated and gassy.
With that in mind, make sure the dog food you buy has as little amounts of grain as possible, ideally none at all. Many dog food brands put a lot of grains in their diet because they are a cheap natural source of carbohydrates. While dog food without any grains may be a tad more expensive, your terrier’s stomach (and your nose) will thank you later.
Canned or dry food?
In general, dogs prefer canned food to dry food, usually because canned food has a stronger smell and taste. Canned food can make your dog’s breath smell pretty funky. Dog food in a can also tend to have more protein, fat, as well as less artificial flavors and preservatives. Dry food, however, is excellent for teething puppies who need something to work out their bite on. Dry food also keeps longer than canned food.
In general, there is no “best” option for a puppy here. Different dogs like different things, so it’s a good idea to try both options to see which one your dogs likes best. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to force your puppy to eat.
Personally, Bella ate canned food while she was a puppy, and then we transitioned her to dry dog food.
Allergens
Boston Terriers at times can have allergies. There are not any specific foods to avoid here, but you should keep an eye out for food items that are common allergens, such as beef, dairy, soy, grains, and some fish.
If you think your Boston is showing symptoms of a food allergy, set up an appointment with your vet as quickly as possible. Common symptoms of food allergies in Boston’s include:
- Rashes and sores
- Excessive hair loss
- Flatulence (even more than usual)
- Diarrhea
- Excessive itching and scratching
Once you figure out what is causing the allergic reaction, you can switch your dog’s food source to something better for them.
Sugars/Salts
While a french fry or bite of ice cream every now and then won’t hurt them, it is generally a good idea to keep your dog away from salty and sugar-containing foods. Dogs have not been bred to subsist on diets of sugars and fats, and too much of either can cause weight gain or heart problems. Puppies, in particular, should not be fed and sugary and salty foods as that can mess with their fragile digestive systems.
Conclusions
Raising a puppy is pure joy, and Boston Terriers make some of the best house pets. That is why it’s essential to take good care of your puppy and make sure they get the food they need to grow big and strong. Getting the diet right for your Boston is key to a long and healthy life. Who knows the right diet may even stop your Boston from farting…if you do find that proper diet, please let me know.