Australian Terrier Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Australian Terrier — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originally bred in Australia, the Australian Terrier has become one of the world's most recognizable small breeds, sitting at #103 in AKC popularity. Australian Terriers are spirited little dogs with a can-do attitude, bringing the boldness of their working heritage into everything from play to protecting their home. Terriers are spirited, tenacious dogs originally bred to hunt vermin, and the Australian Terrier carries that bold energy in a small package. Despite their compact size, they have a fast metabolism and need nutrient-dense meals to match their feisty personality. An adult Australian Terrier needs between 487 and 604 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Feed an adult Australian Terrier approximately 0.5–0.4 cups of quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Males (15–20 lbs) may need slightly more than females (12–17 lbs). Small and compact at 15 to 20 pounds and 10 to 11 inches tall, they are low-set and slightly longer than they are tall.. Active individuals with energy rated 4/5 may need portions at the higher end of guidelines.
Daily Calorie Needs for Australian Terrier
Adult
487-604
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
507
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
354-439
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Australian Terriers
With an above-average energy level, the Australian Terrier benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 1.3-1.6 cups of kibble provides steady energy without the blood sugar spikes of a single large meal. Choose a formula with at least 25% protein and moderate fat to support their daily activity.
Australian Terrier Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.7-0.8 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.7-0.8 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Australian Terrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.3-1.6 cups | 487-604 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.9-2.4 cans | 487-604 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 5-10 oz | 487-604 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.3-1.6 cups
- Calories
- 487-604 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.9-2.4 cans
- Calories
- 487-604 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 5-10 oz
- Calories
- 487-604 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Australian Terriers
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Australian Terrier fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Australian Terriers do well on a consistent daily portion without needing exercise-day adjustments. If your dog gets significantly more activity on weekends (long hikes, beach trips), you can add a small handful of kibble to their evening meal on those days.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Australian Terriers, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Australian Terrier are disproportionately affected by dental disease — their teeth are crowded into a small jaw, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. By age three, an estimated 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease, and small breeds are often affected earlier. Diet can help: the mechanical action of chewing kibble provides some cleaning benefit, and specific dental diets have VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval for plaque reduction.
- Include dry kibble as at least part of the diet — the chewing action helps scrape plaque
- VOHC-approved dental chews provide clinically proven plaque and tartar reduction
- Avoid feeding exclusively soft/wet food, which offers no mechanical dental benefit
- Raw carrots and apple slices (no seeds) serve double duty as low-calorie treats and natural teeth cleaners
- Schedule professional dental cleanings annually — small breeds often need extractions earlier than larger dogs
Coat & Skin Nutrition
The Australian Terrier's Rough, straight, harsh outer coat with soft undercoat requires nutritional support from the inside out. Wire-coated breeds have unique hair texture that benefits from specific nutritional support to maintain proper coat harshness and color. A diet deficient in essential fatty acids, biotin, or zinc will show in the coat quality within weeks — look for dullness, excessive shedding, or dry, flaky skin as early warning signs.
Key Nutrients for Coat Health
Blood Sugar Management
The Australian Terrier has an elevated risk for diabetes mellitus, a condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. Nutritional management is a cornerstone of diabetes prevention and control. Feed consistent portions at the same times every day — irregular feeding causes blood sugar spikes and crashes. Choose a high-fiber, complex-carbohydrate diet that releases glucose slowly, and avoid high-sugar treats entirely. If your Australian Terrier is diagnosed with diabetes, work closely with your vet on a prescription diet that coordinates with insulin therapy.
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Australian Terriers, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Australian Terrier with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Australian Terrier shows these signs, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. While thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is the primary treatment, dietary support matters: ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet, maintain strict portion control to prevent weight gain, and consider a weight-management formula if your dog is on thyroid medication but still struggling with weight.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Australian Terriers eat small quantities, free-feeding makes it impossible to track actual intake and can lead to gradual weight gain. Measure portions and offer meals at consistent times, removing uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Australian Terrier that runs for 2 hours burns significantly more than one that had a lazy day. Track activity and adjust portions accordingly — up to 20% more on high-activity days, 10% less on rest days.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 15-20 lb dog, a single ounce of cheese is equivalent to a person eating an entire hamburger. Table scraps quickly add up to a significant portion of a small breed's daily calories. Stick to dog-appropriate treats sized for small mouths.
Switching foods abruptly without a transition period
Any diet change — brand, flavor, or formula — should happen gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Abrupt switches cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, gas) in most dogs, Australian Terriers included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Australian Terrier's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 263 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Australian Terrier-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Tip 6
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Australian Terriers, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Low Glycemic Diet
Choose high-fiber, complex-carbohydrate foods. Feed consistent portions at regular times. Avoid high-sugar treats.
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Australian Terrier Ideal Weight
Is your Australian Terrier at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 15–20 lbs (males 15–20, females 12–17). Check these three signs: Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat. Waistline: A clear narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above.
Male Australian Terrier
15-20 lbs
7-9 kg
Female Australian Terrier
12-17 lbs
5-8 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.