Australian Terrier Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
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.
An adult Australian Terrier weighing 15 to 20 lb needs about 487 to 604 kcal a day, around 546 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1.3-1.6 cups daily, roughly 137 to 169 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 1.9-2.4 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 5-10 oz of food, about 2-3% of body weight. Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by cup, since kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, count treats inside that total rather than on top of it, and keep them under ten per cent of the calories. A Australian Terrier that gains or loses weight on these amounts needs a vet's opinion, not simply a different scoop: these figures are a starting point for a healthy dog, and they assume the 11-to-15-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
Two of the conditions this breed is screened for change how it should be fed, and the less common one matters more here because it is the one a general feeding guide never mentions. With allergies, food is a less common cause than the environment, but when it is the cause the only reliable test is an elimination diet run for eight weeks on a single novel protein, with no treats and no flavoured medication. With patellar luxation, a lean dog luxates less often, and the difference between a dog at the top and the bottom of its weight range is visible in how often the knee gives way. Neither is a reason to choose a different food off the shelf; both are reasons to weigh the ration rather than estimate it.
A short coat makes body condition visible, which is the one advantage that matters at feeding time: the waist and the ribs can be seen and felt without parting fur, so the weekly check takes seconds and needs no scale. For a Australian Terrier, that is the check worth making weekly.
Males and females of this breed differ enough in size that one ration does not fit both: around 18 lb against 15 lb on average, a gap of 21 per cent. Feeding both from the same scoop overfeeds one and underfeeds the other, and the figures on this page should be read against the dog in front of you rather than against the breed average.
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
An adult Australian Terrier typically needs 487-604 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1.3-1.6 cups of dry kibble daily, split into two meals. However, this is a starting point, your specific dog's needs depend on their exact weight within the 15-20 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Australian Terriers should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of small breeds prefer three smaller meals, which can help with digestion and energy levels throughout the day. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion, blood sugar, and make house training easier.
Look for a food that lists real meat (not meal or by-products) as the first ingredient, contains 22-30% protein, and is formulated for small breeds. Small breed formulas offer calorie-dense kibble in smaller pieces suited to your dog's jaw. Weigh the food rather than measuring it by cup: kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, so the same cup can hold 80 or 120 grams.
Given the Australian Terrier's predisposition to joint issues, consider: glucosamine HCl (250-500mg/day), chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA). Green-lipped mussel extract is also showing promise in studies. Many premium dog foods already include glucosamine, check your current food's label before adding supplements. Start joint support early (1-2 years old) for prevention rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Always consult your vet before starting a supplement regimen.
While Australian Terriers can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Australian Terrier's small jaw and teeth to chew, reducing choking risk and improving digestion. Small-breed formulas are also more calorie-dense per cup, which matters when your dog only eats 1.3-1.6 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Australian Terriers, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Australian Terrier, that means roughly 5-10 oz per day. The diet should include muscle meat (70%), raw meaty bones (10%), organ meat (10%), and vegetables/fruits (10%). However, raw diets carry risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Consult a veterinary nutritionist before switching.
A healthy adult Australian Terrier weighs between 15-20 lbs (males: 15-20 lbs, females: 12-17 lbs). Use the body condition score (BCS) method: you should be able to feel ribs with light pressure but not see them, observe a visible waist when viewed from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. If your Australian Terrier exceeds 23 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Australian Terriers weigh 15–20 lbs (males: 15–20 lbs; 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.. The figures on this page assume a neutered adult at a healthy weight with moderate activity; an intact, working or growing dog needs more, and a dog on restricted exercise needs less.
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.