Lakeland Terrier Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Lakeland Terrier, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Lakeland Terrier is a beloved small breed from England, ranked #126 in AKC popularity. Lakelands are bold, confident dogs with an almost reckless courage, willing to go to ground against foxes twice their size without a moment of hesitation. Terriers are spirited, tenacious dogs originally bred to hunt vermin, and the Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier needs between 534 and 534 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Lakeland Terrier weighing 17 to 17 lb needs about 534 to 534 kcal a day, around 534 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1.4 cups daily, roughly 148 to 148 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 2.1 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 5-8 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 Lakeland 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 12-to-15-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 hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid slows the metabolism, so a dog on the correct ration can still gain; if weight rises without more food, that is a reason to test rather than to cut the ration further. That is a reason to weigh the ration rather than estimate it, not a reason to buy a different food.
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 Lakeland 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 17 lb against 14 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.
An adult Lakeland Terrier's daily food intake is typically 0.5–0.3 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Compact and athletic at 17 pounds for males and slightly less for females, standing approximately 14.5 inches tall with a square, well-balanced build.. At 17–17 lbs with energy level 4/5, Eye health screening for lens luxation and orthopedic evaluation for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are the most important health priorities for the breed..
Daily Calorie Needs for Lakeland Terrier
Adult
534-534
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
496
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
389-389
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 Lakeland Terriers
With an above-average energy level, the Lakeland Terrier benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 1.4-1.4 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.
Lakeland Terrier Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.7-0.7 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.7-0.7 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Lakeland Terrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.4-1.4 cups | 534-534 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 2.1-2.1 cans | 534-534 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 5-8 oz | 534-534 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.4-1.4 cups
- Calories
- 534-534 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 2.1-2.1 cans
- Calories
- 534-534 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 5-8 oz
- Calories
- 534-534 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Lakeland Terriers
The Lakeland Terrier requires significant daily exercise, typically 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity. On high-activity days (hiking, running, dog sports), increase their food by 10-20% to compensate for the extra calorie burn. On rest days, stick to the baseline portion. Never feed a large meal within 30 minutes of intense exercise; instead, offer a small snack 2 hours before activity and the main meal 1 hour after.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Lakeland Terriers, which are predisposed to Lens 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 Lakeland 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
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Lakeland Terriers, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Lakeland Terrier with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 17-17 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.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Lakeland Terriers are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Lakeland Terrier is gaining weight despite measured feeding, ask your vet for a thyroid panel before simply cutting food.
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, Lakeland Terriers included.
Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terriers, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Lakeland Terrier Ideal Weight
To determine if your Lakeland Terrier is at a healthy weight (17–17 lbs target): Rib test: You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, with a thin layer of fat covering them. Waist check: Viewed from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. Tuck-up: From the side, the abdomen should tuck up behind the rib cage. Their dense, hard, wiry outer coat with soft undercoat coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential.
Male Lakeland Terrier
17-17 lbs
8-8 kg
Female Lakeland Terrier
14-14 lbs
6-6 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Lakeland Terrier typically needs 534-534 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1.4-1.4 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 17-17 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terriers can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Lakeland 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 1.4-1.4 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Lakeland Terriers, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Lakeland Terrier, that means roughly 5-8 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 Lakeland Terrier weighs between 17-17 lbs (males: 17-17 lbs, females: 14-14 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 Lakeland Terrier exceeds 20 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Lakeland Terriers weigh 17–17 lbs (males: 17–17 lbs; females: 14–14 lbs). Compact and athletic at 17 pounds for males and slightly less for females, standing approximately 14.5 inches tall with a square, well-balanced build.. 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.