Rat Terrier Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Rat Terrier, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Rat Terrier is a beloved small breed from United States, ranked #81 in AKC popularity. Rat Terriers are velcro dogs that want to be wherever you are, combining terrier tenacity with an unusual sensitivity and desire to please their people. Terriers are spirited, tenacious dogs originally bred to hunt vermin, and the Rat 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 Rat Terrier needs between 359 and 714 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Rat Terrier weighing 10 to 25 lb needs about 359 to 714 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 0.9-1.9 cups daily, roughly 95 to 201 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 1.4-2.9 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 3-12 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 Rat 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-18-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 third predisposition worth knowing is hip dysplasia: every excess pound is carried by the joint, so the body-condition score matters more here than in a breed without the predisposition, and a dog kept one rib-width leaner has measurably less pain over its life. A Rat Terrier that never develops any of these still benefits from the same habits, because the habits are simply good feeding practice made specific.
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 Rat 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 17 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.
Daily food for an adult Rat Terrier: 0.5–0.5 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $42–67/month. Puppies growing toward 10–25 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. Generally one of the healthier terrier breeds with fewer genetic issues, though patellar luxation remains a common orthopedic concern to screen for., treats count toward daily calorie intake.
Daily Calorie Needs for Rat Terrier
Adult
359-714
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
507
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
261-519
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 Rat Terriers
With an above-average energy level, the Rat Terrier benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 0.9-1.9 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.
Rat Terrier Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.5-1 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.5-1 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Rat Terrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 0.9-1.9 cups | 359-714 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.4-2.9 cans | 359-714 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 3-12 oz | 359-714 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 0.9-1.9 cups
- Calories
- 359-714 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.4-2.9 cans
- Calories
- 359-714 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 3-12 oz
- Calories
- 359-714 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Rat Terriers
The Rat 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 Rat Terriers, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia. 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
Heart-Supportive Nutrition
Rat Terriers have a genetic predisposition to Cardiac Issues, making heart-supportive nutrition especially important. Choose foods naturally rich in taurine (found in animal proteins, especially dark meat and organ meats) and L-carnitine. Keep sodium moderate, not salt-free, but avoid high-sodium treats and table scraps. The FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); while research is ongoing, discussing diet choices with your veterinarian is prudent for this breed. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in dogs, supporting healthy heart rhythm and reducing inflammation.
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Rat 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 Rat 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 Rat 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.
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 10-25 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, Rat Terriers included.
Rat 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 Rat Terriers, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Add a joint supplement with glucosamine (500-1000mg) and chondroitin. Consider foods with added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce inflammation.
Taurine & L-Carnitine
Choose foods rich in taurine and L-carnitine. Moderate sodium intake. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support cardiovascular health.
Rat Terrier Ideal Weight
Assessing your Rat Terrier's body condition (healthy range: 10–25 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 Rat Terriers face higher risks of Patellar Luxation, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Rat Terrier
10-25 lbs
5-11 kg
Female Rat Terrier
8-22 lbs
4-10 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Rat Terrier typically needs 359-714 calories per day, which translates to approximately 0.9-1.9 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 10-25 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Rat 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 Rat 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 Rat Terriers can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Rat 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 0.9-1.9 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Rat Terriers, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Rat Terrier, that means roughly 3-12 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 Rat Terrier weighs between 10-25 lbs (males: 10-25 lbs, females: 8-22 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 Rat Terrier exceeds 29 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Adult Rat Terriers weigh 10–25 lbs (males: 10–25 lbs; females: 8–22 lbs). Come in two sizes: miniature at 10 to 18 pounds and standard at 22 to 25 pounds, both standing proportionally at 10 to 18 inches 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.