Bedlington Terrier Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Bedlington Terrier, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originating in England, the Bedlington Terrier is a small-sized terrier breed that currently holds the #106 spot in AKC registrations. Their lamb-like appearance with a distinctive pear-shaped head, arched back, and curly coat is unique among all dog breeds and often surprises people. Terriers are spirited, tenacious dogs originally bred to hunt vermin, and the Bedlington 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 Bedlington Terrier needs between 486 and 610 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Bedlington Terrier weighing 17 to 23 lb needs about 486 to 610 kcal a day, around 549 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, 5-11 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 Bedlington 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-16-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
The condition this breed is most often screened for changes how it should be fed. 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. That is a reason to weigh the ration rather than estimate it, not a reason to buy a different food.
A curly coat traps shed hair instead of dropping it, which hides the volume of moulting but not its cost: the protein demand is the same as any dense coat, and skin problems show later because they are hidden longer. For a Bedlington 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 20 lb against 17 lb on average, a gap of 18 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.
Plan on 0.5–0.5 cups of premium dry food daily for your adult Bedlington Terrier, divided into morning and evening meals. Given this terrier breed's predisposition to Copper Toxicosis, discuss dietary approaches that may help manage this risk with your vet. Graceful and athletic at 17 to 23 pounds and 15 to 17.5 inches tall, they are lighter and more sighthound-like in build than most terriers..
Daily Calorie Needs for Bedlington Terrier
Adult
486-610
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
560
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
389-488
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 Bedlington Terriers
The Bedlington Terrier has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 1.3-1.6 cups of quality kibble daily, divided into two meals. A standard adult maintenance formula with balanced macronutrients works well. Monitor weight monthly, as moderate-energy breeds can gradually gain weight if portions aren't adjusted for actual activity.
Bedlington 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 Bedlington Terrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.3-1.6 cups | 486-610 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.9-2.4 cans | 486-610 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 5-11 oz | 486-610 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.3-1.6 cups
- Calories
- 486-610 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.9-2.4 cans
- Calories
- 486-610 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 5-11 oz
- Calories
- 486-610 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Bedlington Terriers
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Bedlington Terrier fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Bedlington 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 Bedlington Terriers, which are predisposed to Retinal Dysplasia and 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 Bedlington 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
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Bedlington 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.
Skipping joint supplements until problems appear
For breeds predisposed to joint issues, preventive supplementation with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect cartilage before damage occurs. Starting these supplements early, even at 1-2 years old, is more effective than waiting for symptoms.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 17-23 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, Bedlington Terriers included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Bedlington Terrier's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 300 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Bedlington Terrier-Specific Feeding Tips
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Tip 4
Tip 5
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Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Bedlington Terriers, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Antioxidants
Include foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein). Blueberries and carrots make excellent treats.
Phosphorus Control
Monitor phosphorus levels in food. Ensure adequate hydration. A veterinary renal diet may be recommended if kidney issues develop.
Bedlington Terrier Ideal Weight
Assessing your Bedlington Terrier's body condition (healthy range: 17–23 lbs): Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage, you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer. Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips. Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib. Overweight Bedlington Terriers face higher risks of Copper Toxicosis, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Bedlington Terrier
17-23 lbs
8-10 kg
Female Bedlington Terrier
14-20 lbs
6-9 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Bedlington Terrier typically needs 486-610 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 17-23 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Bedlington 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 Bedlington 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 Bedlington Terriers can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Bedlington 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 Bedlington Terriers, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Bedlington Terrier, that means roughly 5-11 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 Bedlington Terrier weighs between 17-23 lbs (males: 17-23 lbs, females: 14-20 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 Bedlington Terrier exceeds 26 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Bedlington Terriers weigh 17–23 lbs (males: 17–23 lbs; females: 14–20 lbs). Graceful and athletic at 17 to 23 pounds and 15 to 17.5 inches tall, they are lighter and more sighthound-like in build than most terriers.. 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.